MLC Daily Current Affairs – 21 August 2024

Today in History (August 21^st, 1972)

On August 21, 1972, the Wildlife Protection Act was passed. This act was later implemented on 9th September 1972. Laws related to wildlife have been a part of our history, long before the Wildlife Protection Act was passed.

TEST YOURSELF

A) A Committee report on the Malayalam film industry was released five years after submission to the Kerala government. This committee was headed by ___

1. Rajesh Pradhan
2. K. Hema
3. Manohar Kumar
4. None of the above

Answer: 2)
Rationale: The K. Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry was released five years after submission to the Kerala government. The 235-page report details severe issues faced by women in the industry, including:
o Sexual exploitation
o Illegal bans
o Discrimination
o Drug and alcohol abuse
o Wage disparity
o Inhuman working conditions

B) Who headed the Second Administrative Reforms Commission?

1. Justice Mishra
2. Justice Venkatchalaiya
3. M. Veerappa Moily
4. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

Answer: 3)
Rationale: The second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by M. Veerappa Moily in 2005, recommended lateral entry for specialists to fill roles not easily covered by traditional civil services.

C)The second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by M. Veerappa Moily in____________

1. 2008
2. 1996
3. 1989
4. 2005

Answer: 4)

D) The Indian Prime Minister is going to visit a country of Europe, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years. This country is _____________

1. Spain
2. Sweden
3. France
4. Poland

Answer: 4)
Rationale: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Poland (August 21-22) and Ukraine (August 23), marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years and to Ukraine in over 30 years.

E) Ukraine’s President is ________

1. Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
2. Vladimir Jelenskyy
3. Vladimir Zolonsky
4. Vladimir Gelensky

Answer: 1)
Rationale: Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy (born 25 January 1978) is a Ukrainian politician and former entertainer who is serving as the sixth and current president of Ukraine since 2019, including during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine ongoing since 2022.

Summary of Today’s News

Union government has cancelled the process of lateral recruitment

• Action Taken: The Union government has cancelled the process of lateral recruitment for middle and senior-level officials.
• Reason: The cancellation followed backlash due to the absence of reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in the recruitment process.
• Background: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had recently invited applications for specialist roles, including from the private sector, but this has been retracted.
• Political Response: Protests came from the Opposition and the Lok Janshakti Party, which is part of the National Democratic Alliance, criticizing the lack of quotas.
• Government’s Stance: Union Minister of State (Personnel) Jitendra Singh noted that such recruitment aligns with previous recommendations but must now comply with social justice considerations under PM Narendra Modi’s administration.

National Task Force to ensure security of doctors.

• Supreme Court Action: A National Task Force (NTF) has been established to develop safety measures for medical professionals following a suo motu case about a doctor’s rape and murder in Kolkata.
• Task Force Responsibilities: The NTF will suggest security improvements, including:

1. Enhanced safety on hospital premises.
2. Infrastructure upgrades like separate restrooms.
3. Technological measures, such as CCTV cameras and restricted access to critical areas.
4. Provision of night transport, counseling services, and crisis workshops.
5. Implementation of quarterly safety audits and increased police presence.

• Court’s Rationale: The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized the need for immediate safety laws for medical professionals due to systemic failures highlighted by the crime.
• Data Collection: The Centre has been tasked with gathering data from States and Union Territories on hospital security and infrastructure, including compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

India and Malaysia meetings in New Delhi

• Partnership Upgrade: India and Malaysia have elevated their bilateral relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during talks between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anwar Ibrahim.
• Previous Partnerships: The relationship was initially established as a Strategic Partnership in 2010, upgraded to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” in 2015.
• New Agreements: Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the meeting.
• BRICS Membership: India will support Malaysia’s request to join the BRICS grouping.
• Strategic Importance: Modi highlighted Malaysia as a key partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions, emphasizing commitment to freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute resolution.
• Malaysia’s Perspective: Ibrahim praised India’s diplomatic approach and suggested that Malaysia could learn from India’s handling of global conflicts and its role in stabilizing the Indian Ocean region.