UPSC EXAM QUIZ 06.12.2024

Explanation:

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has introduced the 'Railway (Amendment) Bill, 2024' in the Lok Sabha. The main objective of this bill is to integrate the Railway Act of 1989 and the Indian Railway Board Act of 1905, so that reforms can be made in the railway sector and a better administrative structure can be established.

Key provisions of Railway (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Simplifying the legal framework

• The Railway Act of 1989 and the Indian Railway Board Act of 1905 will be integrated.
• The need for two separate laws will be eliminated.
• Establishment of Independent Regulator: Proposal to establish an Independent Regulator for better operation of Railways.
• More powers to regional units: Zonal offices of Railways will be given more autonomy and powers.
• Improvement in Organizational Structure: Measures to make it more efficient while maintaining the current railway organizational structure.

Explanation:

• Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways introduced The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, which aims to promote coastal trade and promote the participation of Indian flagged vessels owned and operated by Indian citizens, to meet national security and commercial requirements.

Key Features of Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024

• The Bill aims to prohibit unlicensed coastal trade by foreign vessels.
• It allows participation of inland waterway vessels under certain conditions.
• The Director-General will issue licences based on crew membership and the build of the vessel.
• It aims to create employment opportunities for Indian maritime workers and strengthen the domestic shipbuilding sector.

Explanation:

• India's fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1. This decline is influenced by various factors such as lifestyle, health problems, and economic pressures.

India's declining fertility rate: Key points

• Declining fertility rate: India's fertility rate is projected to decline from 2 in 1950 to 2 children per woman by 2024.
• Below replacement level: The current fertility rate is below the replacement level of 1, which is likely to lead to population decline in the future.
• In line with global trends: This shift is in line with the decline in global fertility rates, but it presents both new challenges and opportunities for India.
• Causes: Lifestyle changes, health problems, and economic pressures are the major reasons for this decline.
• Impacts: Population decline may have long-term impacts on social and economic structure.
• Opportunities and Challenges: Declining fertility rate may reduce pressure on resources, but may also lead to problems such as lack of support in the labour force and old age.

Explanation:

• Jasleen Kaur won Turner Prize for ‘Alter-Altar’ Exhibition.
• Jasleen Kaur is a Scottish artist. Her exhibition Alter-Altar features a unique installation of a Ford Escort car decorated with a giant doily.
• Kaur beat three other finalists, Philippines-born Pio Abad, Manchester-born Claudette Johnson, and English artist Delaine Le Bas.
• Turner Prize is a major UK contemporary art award. It was established in 1984.
• It is given annually to a British artist for exceptional exhibitions or projects.
• Artists like Anish Kapoor, Damien Hirst, and Steve McQueen are previous winners of this prize.
• Previous year, Jesse Darling won for sculptures reflecting societal breakdown.

Explanation:

• CII organized 9th International Conference on Waste to Worth.
• The conference's main goal was to address waste issues by utilising technology, creativity, and international collaborations.
• The second edition of the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF) was released during the conference.
• CII created NCEF to help industries create sustainable business strategies.
• The 2nd National Circular Economy Framework was unveiled by Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav and Masood Mallick, Chairman of CII's National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies.
• A road map for converting cities into sustainable cities is provided by the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF).
• In order to promote innovation, this framework supports lifecycle assessments and the use of circular principles.The successful implementation of these projects is expected to increase energy access, create employment and provide reliable and quality power supply in these Indo-Pacific countries.