Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

 

Economy

1.WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources & Traditional Knowledge 

• Landmark Treaty:

  • 1st WIPO treaty in a decade (27th total).
  • 1st to address Indigenous Peoples’ rights on genetic resources & traditional knowledge.

• Negotiations:

  • Proposed by Colombia (1999).
  • Officially began in 2021.
  • Finalized at a diplomatic conference (May 13-24, 2024) in Geneva.

• Key Provisions:

  • Mandatory disclosure for patent applicants:
    • Country of origin for genetic resources used in inventions.
    • Indigenous Peoples/local communities who provided traditional knowledge.
• Entry into Force: Requires ratification by 15 countries.

• Significance:

  • Promotes a more inclusive IP system for diverse countries and communities.
  • Protects traditional knowledge from exploitation.
  • Particularly relevant for India with its rich biodiversity (7-8% of world’s) and traditional knowledge.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-indian-armed-forces-will-shift-to-integrated-theatre-commands-9348371/

 

Environment

2.Mrugavani National Park (Hyderabad, Telangana)

• Reduced in size by 80 hectares (reason unspecified).
• 3.6 sq km area (1211 acres).
• Diverse flora (600+ species) including teak, bamboo & sandalwood.

• Fauna:

  • Mammals – Cheetal, Sambar deer, wild boar, jungle cat & spotted deer (350)
  • Reptiles – Snakes (rat snakes, vipers, cobras), monitor lizards
  • Birds – Peacocks, warblers, partridges, flower peckers & more

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/eighty-hectares-of-mrugavani-national-park-disappear-into-thin-air/article68207852.ece

 

Agriculture 

3.DD Kisan Gets a Tech Upgrade with AI Anchors

• AI Anchors – Krish & Bhoomi

  • Speak in 50+ languages (Indian & foreign)
  • Deliver agricultural news 24/7
  • Inform farmers nationwide on:
    • Agricultural research (local & global)
    • Market trends
    • Weather updates
    • Government schemes

• DD Kisan – Only Govt. Channel for Farmers

  • Established: May 26, 2015
  • Objective: Empower farmers with information on:
    • Weather changes
    • Market fluctuations (global & local)
    • Successful farming practices
  • Promotes holistic rural development through education
  • Focuses on balanced farming (agriculture, animal husbandry, plantation)

 

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dd-kisan-deploys-two-ai-anchors-ai-krish-ai-bhoomi/article68218458.ece

 

Economy

4.Smart Electricity Meters

Why in News?

Recent protests in Gujarat against pre-paid smart meters due to overcharging claims.

Smart Meters:

• Advanced digital replacements for traditional analog electricity meters.
• Offer real-time data, bi-directional communication, and additional features.

Key Features:

• Real-time Data: Consumers can monitor usage and adjust consumption patterns.
• Remote Reading: Eliminates manual meter reading visits by utility companies.
• Bi-directional Communication: Tracks energy consumption every 30 minutes and sends updates to consumers and distribution companies.
• Prepaid Option: Enables consumers to pay for electricity in advance, promoting financial planning and reducing arrears.
• Reduced Theft/Losses: Helps detect theft and technical losses, improving revenue collection for utilities.
  • Equipped with firmware to alert utilities of emergencies (overheating, power failure).

Current Status in India (as of Feb 2023):

• 5.5 million smart meters deployed by Power Distribution Companies (DisComs).
• Ambitious goal: Replace 250 million conventional meters with pre-paid smart meters by 2025-26 under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

Benefits:

• Energy Conservation: Consumers can monitor usage and make adjustments.
• Billing Accuracy: Real-time data reduces billing errors.
• Load Management: Utilities can optimize power distribution based on real-time data.
• Consumer Empowerment: More informed consumers with greater control.

Challenges:

• Affordability and potential overpricing.
• Infrastructure gaps for effective implementation.
• Lack of consumer awareness about benefits and usage.
• Data privacy and security concerns.

Source  : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/gujarat-unhappy-smart-meters-9349912/

 

Environment

5.German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

• One of the most common insects worldwide.
• Prefers warm, moist areas with access to food and water (kitchens, bathrooms).
• Active at night, hiding in dark places during the day.
• Evolved from the Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai) around 2,100 years ago (recent study).
• Originated in human settlements of India and Myanmar.
• Health Risks: carries bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Can trigger allergies and spread diseases like diarrhea, hepatitis A, and salmonella.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/german-cockroach-conquered-world-9351660/

 

Polity

6.Alternative voting methods in India’s electoral framework

• Postal Ballots
• Facilitation Centres
• Postal Voting Centres (PVCs)
• Home Voting

Postal Ballots:

• Eligibility:
  • Special Voters (President, Vice President, Governors, Cabinet Ministers, spouses)
  • Service Voters (Armed forces, paramilitary, state police, government employees abroad, spouses)
  • Voters on Election Duty (observers, polling officers, agents, police, public servants)
  • Electors Under Preventive Detention
  • Absentee Voters (Senior citizens 85+, persons with disabilities, COVID-19 affected, essential services)
• Process:
  • Apply within specified timeframe
  • Service voters and preventive detention voters receive automatically
  • Voting before poll date, outside polling station, without EVMs
  • Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) for service voters

Facilitation Centres:

• • For voters on election duty to vote using postal ballots
  • Located at training venues and designated offices
  • Voting process videotaped for security
  • Votes cast into steel trunk, postal ballots stored in labelled cotton bags

Postal Voting Centres (PVCs):

• • For absentee voters in essential services (AVES)
  • Operate on fixed schedules before election (3 days, 9 AM – 5 PM)
  • Candidates can send observers

Home Voting:

• Eligibility: Senior citizens 85+, persons with disabilities, COVID-19 affected
• Process:
  • Booth Level Officers (BLOs) deliver and collect Form 12D
  • Teams visit homes (2 poll officers, police, micro-observer, videographer)
  • Notifications via SMS, post, or BLO
  • Completed a day before polls, candidates/agents observe

• Voting in a Different Polling Centre:

• • Election Duty Certificate (EDC) for duty within constituency (vote via EVM)
  • Postal ballot if deployed in another constituency

• Proxy Voting:

• • Eligibility: Service voters in armed and paramilitary forces
  • Appoint local resident as proxy, proxy’s left middle finger marked

• Assisted Voting:

• • Eligibility: Electors unable to vote due to blindness or disabilities
  • Presiding Officer allows companion over 18 to assist, companion’s right index finger marked

• Conclusion: Ensures every eligible voter can participate democratically

 

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/special-categories-voters-9351088/