Prelim Bits 26-07-2023 | UPSC Daily Current Affairs

No Confidence Motion

The opposition parties decided to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, with a particular focus on the situation in the northeastern state.

• A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary process that allows the opposition to challenge the government’s majority and ability to govern.
• If the motion is passed, the government of the day must resign.
• Initiate – Any member of the Lok Sabha can move a no-confidence motion.

• However, the motion must be supported by at least 50 members of the House.
• Moved – A no-confidence motion must be in writing and must be signed by the member moving it.

• The motion must be submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on any day on which the House is sitting.
• Next step – The speaker of the Lok Sabha will decide whether to admit the motion for discussion and debate.

• If the motion is admitted, the Speaker will then decide on the date and time for the discussion.
• The speaker may grant time for the discussion of the motion (under sub-rule (2) and (3)) of rule 198 of Lok Sabha Rules.
• Debate – It will be debated in the Lok Sabha.

• It will be moved by the member who submitted it and the government will then respond to the motion.
• The opposition parties will then have the opportunity to speak on the motion.
• Vote – After the debate, the Lok Sabha will vote on the no-confidence motion.

• The motion will be passed if it is supported by a majority of the members of the House.
• Government win – The notion is defeated and the government remains in power.

References

1. The Print – No-Confidence Motion
2. Times of India – What is no-confidence motion?

US rejoins UNESCO

The United States as formally rejoined the UN’s scientific, educational and cultural organisation after a 5 year absence.

US & UNESCO

• The US return to the Paris based UNESCO was mainly on concerns that China has filled a leadership gap.
• Reagan – The US previously pulled out of the UNESCO under the Reagan administration in 1984 because it viewed the agency as corrupt and used for Soviet interests.
• It rejoined in 2003 during George W.Bush’s presidency.
• Trump – The Trump administration in 2017 announced that the US would withdraw from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias.
• The US and Israel stopped financing UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.
• Biden – The Biden administration had reapplied to rejoin the 193 members organisation that plays a major role in setting international standards for artificial intelligence and technology education.
• The US is now the 194^th member of the UNESCO.

UNESCO

• UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
• It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.
• Knowledge – UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives.
• SDG Goals – UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

References

1. Times of India – US formally rejoins UNESCO after 5 year absence
2. UNESCO – Flag raising ceremony celebrating the US’s return to UNESCO

Silvopasture Systems

In light of the global deterioration of natural resources and forests, silvopasture systems offer a relevant solution to deforestation trends.

• The system – Silvopasture is an ancient and proven practice that harmoniously integrates trees, forage and livestock on the same land.
• Deforestation – Silvopasture can play a vital role in reversing the negative trend of deforestation for pasture land.
• Carbon Sinks – The trees on silvopasture lands act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering significantly five-10 times more carbon then pastures without trees.

Silvopasture practices currently cover a vast expanse of 550 million hectares worldwide.

Benefits

• Climate conditions – Silvopasture systems also regulate local climatic conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes, providing a favorable living environment for livestock.
• Nutrition cycle – The extensive root systems of trees within silvopasture plots contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil stability and quality, while effectively combating erosion.
• Soil infiltration rates – Soil infiltration rates in silvopasture systems surpass those of open pastures, enhancing water storage potential.

References

1. Down To Earth – Harness silvopasture systems for local climate resilience
2. USDA – Silvopasture

White Label ATMs (WLAs)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has apprised that in order to drive ATM penetration in the country with a greater focus on Tier III to VI centres.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

• Banking services – It is a computerised machine that provides customers of banks the facility of accessing their accounts for dispensing cash.
• It also aids in carrying out other financial & non-financial transactions without the need to visit the bank branch.

WLAs

• Non-Banks – They are ATMs set up, owned and operated by non-banks are called WLAs.
• Non-bank ATM operators are authorised under the Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The WLAs provide banking services to the customers of banks in India, based on the cards (debit/credit/prepaid) issued by banks.

Nonbank financial institutions are those that include insurance firms, venture capitalists, currency exchanges, some microloan organizations, and pawn shops.

• Services provided – In addition to dispensing cash, WLAs may offer many other services / facilities which inter-alia include:
  1. Account Information
  2. Cash Deposit
  3. Regular Bill Payment
  4. Mini / Short Statement Generation
  5. PIN Change
  6. Request for Cheque Book
• For a customer, using a WLA is just like using an ATM of any bank.
• Rationale – To allow non-bank entities to set up WLAs has been to increase the geographical spread of ATMs for increased / enhanced customer service, especially in semi-urban / rural areas.

References

1. PIB – White Label ATMs (WLAs) to drive ATM penetration in India
2. RBI – White Label ATMs (WLAs)

Janjaitya Darpan

Marking the completion of one year of taking charge, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated various projects at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.

Janjatiya Darpan

• The President inaugurated a gallery titled ‘Janjatiya Darpan’ in the Marble Hall Museum of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• This gallery is an initiative to represent the common and connecting cultural traits of various Janjati communities in Bharat.

Tribals are known as Scheduled Tribes and Janjati in the Constitution.

• Janjati heroes – Gallery consists of different themes such as unsung tribal freedom fighters, traditional natural resource management practices such as Halma, Dokra art, Gunjala Gondi script, and Warli.
• In addition, the contemporary photographs of various Janjatis of Bharat by Satish Lal Andhekar were also displayed at the gallery.
• Koya Pagide – The gallery has some of the very rare and unique artefacts such as scroll (Koya Pagide) depicting the life history and genealogy of Koya Janjati community from Bhadrachalam.
• Gunjala Gondi Script – The Gunjala Gondi Script along with its detailed history is put on display at the gallery.

Navachara

• An Artificial Intelligence enabled gallery developed by Rashtrapati Bhavan in collaboration with Intel India.
• This gallery exhibits immersive innovations and indigenous AI solutions created by students and AI coaches.
• It is equipped with six interactive exhibits that provide insights into the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan and ignite a sense of inspiration for democratizing AI skills.

Sutra-kala Darpan

• It is a Textile Collection which shows the remarkable collection of antique textiles of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Rashtrapati Bhavan is a repository of distinct textile traditions, ranging from zardozi and gold-embroidered velvets in its carpets, bed and table coverings, to fine muslin and silk drapes.

References

1. The Hindu – Artefacts from Hyderabad find pride of place at Rashtrapati Bhavan
2. PIB – President Murmu Completes One Year in Office