07.11.2024 Daily [Haryana] HPSC Current Affairs

This article explores the remarkable progress in basic living standards across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh over the past decade, focusing on the human impact of these improvements.

Key Points:

1. Reduced Deprivation: The deprivation index, a measure of socioeconomic disadvantage, has significantly decreased in all three states, indicating a notable improvement in the lives of people. This positive trend is attributed to government initiatives aimed at enhancing social infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
2. Impact on Women’s Labor Force: The study highlights the connection between access to water and women’s participation in the workforce. In Punjab, improved water access led to a rise in women’s involvement in agriculture, while in Himachal Pradesh, this correlation was not observed.
3. Sanitation and Health Outcomes: The analysis emphasizes the strong link between sanitation and drainage improvements and lower infant and maternal mortality rates. Punjab, with high access to toilets and water, boasts lower IMR and MMR compared to national averages.
4. Capital Expenditure and Social Progress: The study reveals a correlation between increased capital expenditure on physical infrastructure and a reduction in the deprivation index. Punjab and Haryana saw an increase in capital expenditure, while Himachal Pradesh experienced a decline.
5. Beyond Statistics: While the data paints a positive picture, it’s crucial to remember the human stories behind these numbers. The improved living conditions translate to healthier lives, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for the people of these states.
6. Challenges Remain: Despite the progress, challenges persist. The study highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure and social programs to ensure equitable development and address remaining disparities.
7. A Human-Centered Approach: The article emphasizes the importance of a humanistic approach to development, focusing on the well-being and empowerment of individuals. This perspective underscores the need to go beyond statistics and consider the real-life impact of these changes on people’s lives.

The Haryana government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is actively working towards improving the lives of its citizens, particularly in rural areas. Here are some key initiatives and promises:

1. Housing for the Landless:

• The government is set to provide 100-yard plots to 2 lakh eligible landless applicants in the first phase of the CM Rural Housing Scheme.
• This initiative aims to address the housing needs of those who lack residential land.
• The scheme received over 5 lakh applications, demonstrating its widespread appeal.

2. Financial Assistance for Women:

• The government has pledged to release Rs 2,100 to women, fulfilling an election promise.
• This financial assistance will be distributed in a large-scale event soon.

3. Infrastructure Development and Rural Empowerment:

• The government has allocated Rs 21 lakh each to nine villages in the Ladwa constituency.
• This funding will be used for development projects and to address the needs of the local communities.
• The CM has also assured the village panchayats that their demands will be met promptly.

4. Accelerated Development and Transparency:

• The government has adopted a “non-stop Haryana” approach, emphasizing swift implementation of development projects.
• Officials have been instructed to complete all development works within a stipulated timeframe, ensuring accountability.
• This initiative aims to bring about tangible improvements in infrastructure and public services.

5. Focus on Farmers’ Welfare:

• The government has ensured timely procurement of farmers’ crops, guaranteeing fair prices and protecting their interests.
• This stands in contrast to the Punjab government, which failed to procure crops despite the absence of elections.

6. Addressing Youth Unemployment:

• The CM criticized the Congress party for its alleged double standards on youth employment, accusing them of hindering job opportunities.
• The BJP government is committed to creating employment opportunities for the youth and empowering them.

The Haryana government’s focus on rural development, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure improvement reflects its commitment to improving the lives of its citizens. These initiatives are aimed at creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

Sagar Defence Engineering’s autonomous surface vessel, “Sagarmala Parikrama,” has successfully completed a 1,500-km journey from Mumbai to Thoothukudi without human intervention, marking a significant milestone in India’s autonomous maritime technology development. Supported by the Indian Navy, the voyage showcases India’s growing expertise in unmanned systems for national security. The project, backed by the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, highlights the country’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology. The success of the “Sagarmala Parikrama” paves the way for future deployment of autonomous vessels in critical sea lanes, coastal surveillance, and anti-piracy operations, enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational reach and capabilities.

The Indian government’s alleged notice to the Wikimedia Foundation regarding “bias and inaccuracies” on Wikipedia has sparked controversy. While the government claims to have sent a notice, the foundation denies receiving it. The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by Asian News International (ANI), which alleges a biased description of the agency on Wikipedia. The government’s complaint focuses on Wikipedia’s decentralized editorial process, where unpaid volunteers contribute and control content. This raises concerns about the government’s attempt to regulate a platform that operates on a community-driven model, potentially jeopardizing its independence and neutrality. Digital rights groups argue that the government should recognize Wikipedia’s unique structure and avoid imposing arbitrary rules on a platform that relies on user contributions and editorial autonomy.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the first Asian Buddhist Summit in New Delhi, emphasizing the role of Buddhism in fostering peace and countering sectarianism. Here are the main points from her address:

• Buddhism as an Antidote to Global Crises: In a world grappling with conflict and climate change, President Murmu highlighted the power of Buddhist teachings to combat narrow sectarianism and promote peace and non-violence.

• Compassion as a Guiding Principle: The President stressed that “karuna” or compassion lies at the heart of Buddha Dharma, offering a much-needed solution to the world’s current challenges.

• Promoting Peace Beyond Physical Non-Violence: Ms. Murmu called for a broader understanding of peace, encompassing not just the absence of physical violence but also freedom from greed and hatred, which she identified as the root causes of suffering.

• Preservation of Buddhist Teachings: The President lauded the Indian government’s efforts in preserving Buddhist teachings by granting classical language status to Pali and Prakrit, ensuring financial support for their revitalization.

• Strengthening Asian Bonds Through Buddhism: Ms. Murmu emphasized the importance of discussing the role of Buddha Dharma in strengthening Asia and bringing peace to the region and the world.

This summit aims to foster dialogue and collaboration amongst Buddhist nations, highlighting the enduring relevance of Buddhist principles in addressing contemporary global issues.

1. India-U.S. Relationship Set to Grow: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed confidence that India-U.S. relations, including collaboration within the Quad, will continue to strengthen regardless of the U.S. election outcome.
2. Support for Quad Stability: Highlighting the Quad’s strategic value, Jaishankar noted its revival under Trump’s previous term, underscoring its importance for India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan in maintaining regional security and cooperation.
3. India-Canada Diplomatic Strain: Jaishankar criticized recent violence by pro-Khalistan activists at an Indian consular camp in Canada, calling it “deeply concerning” and condemning the lack of adequate security.
4. Tensions Over Alleged Espionage: Canada’s allegations regarding India’s involvement in targeting Khalistani activists prompted strong rebuttals from Jaishankar, who dismissed the claims as baseless and called Canada’s surveillance of Indian diplomats “unacceptable.”
5. Violence at Indian Temples in Australia: Both Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed attacks on Indian temples in Canberra, with Wong condemning the incidents as a violation of faith community safety.
6. Commitment to Rule of Law: Australia affirmed its support for the rule of law, stressing peaceful protest rights and condemning violence, vandalism, and incitement as unacceptable actions that should be met with legal consequences.

This diplomatic dialogue underscores India’s determination to bolster its strategic alliances, even as it navigates complex issues of international security and sovereignty with Canada and Australia.

• Declaration of Victory Amid Pending Results: Donald Trump claimed victory in the U.S. presidential race despite only Fox News officially calling the race in his favor. Trump pledged to “heal” the nation in his speech, resonating with cheering supporters in Florida.
• High Voter Turnout and Crucial Wins: Trump secured key swing states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, putting him ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris, though final calls from major networks were still pending.
• Impact on U.S. and Global Politics: Trump’s potential return is expected to send shockwaves globally, particularly with his nationalist policies, affecting allies in Europe and Asia. Markets responded with a surge in the U.S. dollar and record highs for bitcoin.
• Republicans Regain Senate Control: In a significant shift, Republicans regained control of the Senate, flipping two seats and undermining the Democrats’ former narrow majority.
• Emotional Shift at Harris’s Campaign: The mood turned somber at Kamala Harris’s watch party as results rolled in, with supporters expressing disappointment and fear over the implications of a Trump comeback.
• Election Day Tensions: The election was marked by high tension, with bomb threats reported at polling stations in Georgia and Pennsylvania, though these threats were later deemed hoaxes by the FBI.
• Stark Policy Contrasts: Harris campaigned on protecting democratic values and opposing Trump’s immigration and abortion policies, while Trump promised stricter immigration enforcement and potential cuts to aid for Ukraine, framing his win as a mandate for change.

1. Firm Response to Misinformation: Indian MP Rajiv Shukla firmly responded to Pakistan’s continued allegations on Kashmir, calling Pakistan’s claims “lies and falsehoods” and noting their tendency to spread misinformation.
2. Defense of India’s Democratic Integrity: Shukla emphasized that as the world’s largest democracy, India operates with transparency and inclusivity. He highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir recently held free and fair elections, witnessing high voter turnouts.
3. Strong Voter Participation: The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, held across three phases in September and October 2024, saw impressive voter turnouts of 61.38%, 57.31%, and 69.9%, reflecting public trust in India’s democratic processes.
4. Call for Constructive Engagement: Shukla urged Pakistan to engage constructively at the UN rather than using the forum for divisive agendas, promoting peace instead of conflict.
5. Support for UN Communications: Shukla reassured India’s support for the UN’s Department of Global Communications, advocating for accurate information dissemination and a shared fight against misinformation.
6. Commitment to Global Peace: India pledged to work alongside the UN to combat misinformation, fostering a reliable global narrative for peace and development.

Through his speech, Shukla reaffirmed India’s stance on Kashmir, showcasing the nation’s commitment to democracy and countering false narratives at an international level.

1. Guiding Principles of Justice: President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that the judiciary should be guided by principles of equal justice and the need to discard outdated colonial practices.
2. Supreme Court’s Role: While releasing three publications of the Supreme Court, including Justice for Nation: Reflections on 75 Years of the Supreme Court of India, Ms. Murmu highlighted the court’s critical role as the “conscience-keeper” of Independent India.
3. Indian Ethos in Jurisprudence: The President praised the Supreme Court’s development of jurisprudence rooted in India’s cultural and social realities, reflecting the nation’s ethos.
4. Historical Injustices and Social Revolution: Recalling historical injustices like the Ilbert Bill controversy and the Rowlatt Act, Ms. Murmu mentioned how these experiences influenced the Constituent Assembly’s vision of an equitable judicial system.
5. Focus on Legal Aid and Undertrial Prisoners: She addressed the judiciary’s responsibility towards undertrial prisoners and the importance of legal aid clinics, noting the newly released report on the prison system and its focus on reducing undertrial numbers.
6. Legacy of 75 Years: The publication Justice for the Nation captures pivotal moments in the Supreme Court’s 75-year journey, celebrating its transformative role in upholding justice and equality.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to these ideals.