Current Affairs 12-DEC-2023 (The Hindu)

Pakadwa Vivah(Forced marriage)

(D => Pg-11)

Pakadwa Vivah

Forced marriage. The groom is abducted by the bride’s family and is forced to marry. The consent of neither the boy nor the girl is taken for marriage.

Distribution

• Begusarai
• Lakhisarai
• Munger
• Khagaria
• Nawada

Reasons for Pakadwa Vivah

• High dowry demand by the groom’s family (higher caste + better job - more dowry).
• Poverty in Bihar (Bihar’s per capita income - ₹54,383, National Average - ₹1,50,007).
• Parents of Bride not able to pay dowry.
• They abduct eligible bachelors and get them married at gunpoint.
• Lack of reporting for fear of violence and societal pressure.

Consequence

Traumatized for life and not able to lead a happy life.

Practice Question – Mains GS – I

Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian society? Comment. (150 words, 10 marks)

Financial Stability Board (FSB)

(D => Pg-10)

Financial Stability Board (FSB)

• It was established in 2009, replacing the Financial Stability Forum.
• Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland.
• It monitors the global financial system.

Objectives

• To ensure international financial stability.
• To increase the stability of international financial markets.

Functions

• Assessing vulnerabilities affecting the global financial system.
• Recommend actions to remove vulnerabilities.
• Promoting coordination and information exchange among authorities responsible for financial stability.
• Reviewing the working of the international standard-setting bodies.
• Collaborating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to conduct Early Warning Exercises.

Organizational Structure

• Plenary - decision-making body.
• Steering committee - takes forward operational work in between Plenary meetings, and the Standing Committees.
• Standing Committees:
• Standing Committee on Assessment of Vulnerabilities (SCAV).
• Standing Committee on Supervisory and Regulatory Cooperation (SRC).
• Standing Committee on Standards Implementation (SCSI).

Practice Question – Prelims

How many of the statements mentioned below about the Financial Stability Board (FSB) are correct?

1. It was established in 2009 at the G20 Pittsburgh Summit.

2. India is a member of FSB.

3. It is hosted and funded by the Bank for International Settlements.

4. Its decisions are legally binding on its members.

Select the correct code given below:

(a) Only One

(b) Only Two

(c) Only Three

(d) All Four

Oil Spill

(D => Pg-10)

Oil Spill

What is an Oil Spill?
An oil spill happens when crude oil, a type of fossil fuel, is accidentally released into the environment.

How is Crude Oil Used?

Crude oil is used as fuel for vehicles, to generate electricity, and to power large industries.

Impacts of Oil Spills:

• Harm to Sea Creatures: It can hurt marine animals and damage their homes.
• Impact on Local Economies: Beaches and fishing areas may close, affecting the local economy.
• Unsafe Seafood: Seafood from the affected area can become unsafe to eat.

Ways to Clean Up an Oil Spill:

1. Using Booms and Skimmers:
   • Booms: Large barriers to stop the spread of oil.
   • Skimmers: Machines that can remove oil from the water's surface.
2. Using Sorbents: Materials that soak up the oil.
3. In-situ Burning of Oil: Burning the oil on the water's surface, but this can release harmful fumes.
4. Using Dispersants: Chemicals to break down the oil into smaller droplets.
5. Bioremediation Methods: Using natural processes and organisms to break down the oil.
6. Manual Labor: People working to physically remove the oil.

Note: Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on the specific situation. Cleaning up oil spills is important to protect the environment and the communities that rely on it.

Practice Question – Mains GS – III

Discuss the impacts of oil spills on the environment. Enumerate the methods available for the remediation of oil spills. (150 words)