04.11.2024 Daily [Uttarakhand] UKPSC Current Affairs

Here’s how the new Lal Kuan-Bandra superfast train is making a positive impact:

• Enhanced Connectivity: The new train service provides a direct and convenient link between Nainital and Mumbai, connecting multiple cities and religious sites along the way.
• Boosting Tourism: The direct rail service is expected to significantly enhance tourism in the Kumaon region, making it easier for travelers to access the area’s natural beauty and spiritual destinations.
• Connecting Communities: The train service fosters a sense of connection between communities, facilitating travel for families, friends, and pilgrims.
• Modern Amenities: The train features AC and sleeper coaches equipped with modern LHB technology, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for passengers.
• Economic Growth: The new rail link is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region by facilitating trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.
• Government Commitment: The inauguration of the train highlights the government’s commitment to advancing Indian railways and expanding rail services to remote areas.
• Fulfillment of a Long-Standing Demand: The direct rail service from Lal Kuan to Mumbai fulfills a long-standing demand of the locals, bringing them closer to their loved ones and opportunities.

The new Lal Kuan-Bandra superfast train is more than just a mode of transportation; it represents a significant step towards progress, connectivity, and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Nainital and beyond.

This article explores the recent Uttarakhand High Court ruling on reservations for women in cooperative societies, highlighting the following key points:

• Lifting the Stay: The court lifted the interim stay on the 33% reservation for women in the roles of chairperson and members within cooperative societies.
• Continuing Elections: The court has instructed the state government, cooperative department, and cooperative election authority to proceed with the election process without interruption.
• Petitioner’s Concerns: Prakash Singh, the petitioner, argued that the government’s reservation policy was unsuitable for self-funded societies and that reserving the single chairperson position was impractical.
• Government’s Response: The court has directed the government to submit an affidavit addressing the matter, acknowledging the importance of balancing representation with the autonomy of cooperative societies.
• Further Challenges: The court is also considering a separate petition challenging amendments that restrict family representation and consecutive terms for directors in cooperatives.
• Upcoming Hearings: The next hearing on these petitions is scheduled for December 2nd, while elections for primary cooperative societies are set to conclude by November 21st.

This case highlights the complex interplay between government policy, societal representation, and the autonomy of self-governing organizations. The court’s decision to lift the stay on reservations while seeking further clarification from the government reflects a commitment to finding a balance that respects both the need for inclusive representation and the unique needs of cooperative societies.

Rapid Urbanisation and Climate Action Theme: Observed on October 31, World Cities Day 2024 highlights “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability,” focusing on the role of youth in climate resilience.

Global Urbanisation Pressures: With 57.5% of the global population in cities, urban areas face challenges including climate change, poverty, and inequality. These issues are particularly severe in rapidly urbanising regions of the Global South.

India’s Unique Urbanisation Path: India’s urbanisation, unlike the West, is driven by economic distress rather than industrialisation, leading to “poverty-driven urbanisation.” Reverse migration during COVID-19 further underscored gaps in infrastructure.

Challenges in Indian Cities: Key issues include outdated planning, limited governance capacity, climate vulnerability, and severe pollution. Over 40% of India’s urban population resides in slums, facing overcrowded and substandard living conditions.

Rising Inequality and Social Segregation: Urban wealth disparity is stark, with luxury developments contrasting sharply against the millions lacking basic housing. Social and religious segregation also marks Indian urban spaces.

Lack of Local Governance Control: Despite the 74th Amendment, urban governance remains weak, with minimal control over planning. Most city functions are outsourced, and cities receive only 0.5% of GDP in intergovernmental funds.

Urgent National Intervention Needed: As India observes World Cities Day, the pressing challenges of urbanisation highlight the need for comprehensive, people-centered national policies to promote sustainable urban development

1. Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties: India and Algeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, marking a new era in strategic partnership between the two nations. This MoU was signed by India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and Algeria’s Chief of Staff, Said Chanegriha.
2. Foundation for Long-Term Collaboration: The agreement establishes a framework for enduring military collaboration, fostering mutual understanding and addressing strategic interests across diverse sectors within defence.
3. Commemorative Visit and Historical Significance: General Chauhan’s visit coincided with Algeria’s 70th Revolution Anniversary, emphasizing shared values and historical ties that reinforce the India-Algeria relationship.
4. Promotion of Peace and Diplomacy: India, underscoring peaceful conflict resolution, reestablished its defence wing in Algeria, with Algeria reciprocating by reopening its defence wing in India.
5. Commitment to Global Partnership: India aims to be a “Vishwa Bandhu” (global partner) by supporting international stability, reflecting its commitment to global peace and strategic partnerships.
6. Focus on Defence Innovation: General Chauhan highlighted India’s evolving defence capabilities under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives, offering cooperation with Algeria’s forces in defence production and technological advancements.
7. Political Momentum for Deeper Cooperation: This visit followed the recent state visit by India’s President to Algeria, reflecting a strong political will on both sides to deepen diplomatic, military, and strategic collaboration.

• Hazardous Air Quality: Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, experienced unprecedented air pollution levels over the weekend, topping global pollution rankings.
• Emergency Measures: Authorities implemented emergency measures, including closing primary schools for a week, mandating work-from-home for 50% of office employees, and banning rickshaws to curb vehicular pollution.
• Health Advisory: Citizens were urged to stay indoors, minimize travel, and wear masks when outdoors. Hospitals were equipped with smog counters to monitor pollution levels.
• Construction Halted: Construction activities in certain areas were also halted to mitigate pollution. Factories and construction sites face potential closure for non-compliance with regulations.
• Blame on Transboundary Pollution: Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb attributed the severe smog to winds carrying pollution from neighboring India, calling for bilateral talks to address the issue.
• Seasonal Smog: Like Delhi, Lahore experiences worsened smog during cooler months due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground.

• Short-Lived Restart: A Japanese nuclear reactor at the Onagawa plant, restarted on October 29th after 13 years of shutdown, was shut down again on November 4th due to an equipment malfunction.
• Technical Glitch: The shutdown was caused by a problem with a device related to neutron data inside the reactor.
• Safety Concerns: Despite no radiation release, the operator, Tohoku Electric Power Co., decided to shut down the reactor to re-examine the equipment and address public safety concerns.
• Post-Fukushima Restart: The Onagawa plant, located 100 km north of the Fukushima Daiichi plant, survived the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. This reactor was among the few being restarted after the Fukushima disaster prompted safety checks and upgrades across Japan.
• Energy Security Goals: Japan is promoting nuclear energy to ensure a stable energy supply and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Public Anxiety: The recent earthquake in the Noto Peninsula in January 2024, which caused damage to nearby nuclear facilities, has heightened public anxiety about the safety of nuclear power plants.
• No Restart Date: Tohoku Electric has not yet announced a new date for restarting the Onagawa No. 2 reactor.