Current Affairs 30-OCT-2023 (The Hindu)

War

(B-D => Pg-6)

Practice Question – Mains GS – II

Q. War and associated violence are posing a consistent threat to the survival of humanity. In this light, analyze the various impacts of war on humanity. Suggest some steps to safeguard humanity in the event of war.

Introduction

• Causes of War
• Territorial dispute - Israel vs Hamas.
• Ideological differences - Vietnam war & Korean War.
• Resource scarcity - Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
• Ethnicity - Rwanda Civil war.
• Nationalism - Post Yugoslav collapse wars.
• Colonial Legacy - Indo-China War 1962.
• Geopolitical power struggle – Russia -Ukraine war.

Impacts of War

Humanitarian Impacts

• Loss of life
• Russia-Ukraine war 14000 deaths (UN)
• Displacement
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - 14 Syrians displaced due to civil war.
• Health crises
• International Committee of the Red Cross - Cholera in Yemen.
• Human rights abuse
• Holocaust.

Socio-economic Impacts

• Destruction of infrastructure
• UN Department of Operational Support - USD 100 billion in destruction.
• Disruption of education.
• Economic instability
• Syria’s GDP declined by 60-70%.
• Disruption of social fabric
• Armenian genocide by (Ottomans)

Political Impacts

• Collapse of governments - political instability.
• Change in power dynamics.
• Growth of extremist ideologies.

Environmental Impacts

• Destruction of ecosystems.
• Disruption of agriculture due to scorched earth policy.
• Environmental contamination due to chemical weapons, landmines and other hazardous materials.

Psychological and Mental Health Impacts

• Soldiers and civilians experience Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Increased levels of anxiety and depression.
• Can desensitize individuals to human suffering.

Suggestions to Protect Humanity in the Event of War

Steps that can be taken during pre-war times

• Economic integration of nations.
• Arms control and disarmament.
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation by international organization.
• Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy.

Steps that can be taken during war time

• Humanitarian Aid and Assistance.
• Human rights of civilians, refugees, and prisoners of war to be respected.
• Economic sanctions on aggressor.
• Ceasefire must be established using international cooperation.
• Rebuilding affected countries.

Conclusion

“In spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace” - MLK Jr.

Dialogue – bring long-lasting solution.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

(D-B => Pg-12)

PFRDA

• Established under the PFRDA Act, 2014.
• Aim - to regulate, promote and ensure the growth of National Pension System (NPS).
• Functions under the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.
• Headquarters - New Delhi.

Objective

• To promote old age income security.
• To protect the interests of subscribers to pension fund schemes.

Composition

• A Chairperson.
• Maximum six members.
• At least three Whole-Time Members.
• Appointment - Central Government.

Functions

• Regulation of National Pension System and other pension schemes.
• Development and regulation of pension funds.
• Protection of the interests of pension fund subscribers.
• Registration and regulation of intermediaries.

Additional Functions

• Formulation of norms for the management of the corpus of pension funds.
• Establishment of grievance redressal mechanisms for subscribers.
• Settlement of disputes among intermediaries and also between intermediaries and subscribers.
• Provision of training for intermediaries and education for subscribers and the general public.

Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Which regulatory body in India is responsible for overseeing and regulating pension funds, including the National Pension System?

(a) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority

(b) Reserve Bank of India

(c) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority

(d) Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment