UPSC QUIZ 20.01.2024

Explanation:

• Prime Minister of India attended the 58th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• It was a three-day being held in hybrid mode with DGPs (Director general of police), IGPs (Inspector-General of Police) and Chiefs of Central Police Organisations.
• A wide range of policing and internal security issues including Cyber Crime, Technology in Policing, Counter Terrorism challenges, Left Wing Extremism, and Prison Reforms were discussed at the conference.
• Another key agenda of the conference is deliberations on the road map for implementation of the new Criminal Laws.

Key Highlights of the PM's Address

Paradigm Shift in Criminal Justice

• The PM emphasized the significant shift brought about by the enactment of new criminal laws, advocating for a justice system focused on citizen dignity, rights, and justice first, moving away from punitive measures to data-driven approaches.
• He highlighted the importance of sensitizing women and girls about their rights under the new laws, urging the police to ensure their safety and freedom to work fearlessly anytime, anywhere.

Explanation:

• Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Centre to reconsider the appointment of a person from Haryana as a constable in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), given his acquittal in 2019 case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012.
• Order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the person’s appointment on grounds of moral turpitude.

Moral Turpitude

• The term "moral turpitude," as noted by the Supreme Court in the case of P. Mohanasundaram vs. the President, 2013, lacks a specific definition.
• It encompasses actions contrary to justice, honesty, modesty, or good morals, suggesting a depraved and wicked character or disposition of the individual accused of such conduct.

Explanation:

• MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application has been launched by Rao Inderjit Singh.
• Rao Inderjit Singh is the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• The MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application is for revised fund flow procedure under MPLAD Scheme.
• The mobile app would offer convenience and accessibility to MPS.
• With this app, MPs will be able to propose, track and monitor projects at their fingertips.
• It enhances decision-making processes and enables swift responses to emerging needs or issues.
• It will streamline the communication between MPs and relevant authorities.
• It will promote transparency as it will provide MPs with instant updates on the status and progress of their proposed projects.
• The mobile application has the features for budget management.
• These features will ensure that MPs can monitor expenditures.

Explanation:

• China’s population declined for a 2nd successive year in 2023.
• According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s total number of people declined by 2.75 million to 1.409 billion in 2023.
• This decline was faster than the decline in 2022.
• China’s birth rate has been falling down at a high speed for decades.
• This is a result of the one-child policy implemented from 1980 to 2015.
• This is also a result of China’s rapid urbanisation during that period.
• Large populations came out of China's rural farms into cities. In cities, having children is more expensive.
• Further, unemployment reached to record high levels and wages for white-collar workers declined.
• China’s growth prospects are decreasing because of fewer workers and consumers.
• At the same time, increasing costs of retirement benefits and elderly care are putting pressure on indebted local governments.
• In 2023, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation as per estimates by the UN.

Explanation:

• Project for Artificial Reefs launched by the Union Minister in Vizhinjam to Boost Fish Population.
• The project of depositing artificial reefs launched by Union Fisheries Minister Shri Parashotham Rupala in the seabed at Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram through videoconferencing.
• This project is a joint initiative of the Central and State Governments.
• It aims to increase the income of fishermen by enhancing the fish population in the area.
• Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the project is being implemented with a total outlay of 13.02 crore.
• Out of this, Rs 7.812 crore is the share of the central government and Rs 5.208 crore is the share of the state government.
• With technical assistance from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation implements the project.
• In the first phase, 6,300 artificial reefs will be laid in 42 fishing villages from Pozhiyur to Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district.
• These reefs create an artificial habitat on the sea floor, creating favorable conditions for the reproduction of fish and their permanent existence.