Current Affairs June 2024 -

Current Affairs June 2024

TRUMP BECOMES FIRST EX-U.S. PRESIDENT TO BE CONVICTED OF FELONY

Syllabus : GS2/Governance, Comparison of Indian Constitution with others

Why in news : New York jury found him guilty of illegally influencing the 2016 election through hush money. In this context, let us compare the eligibility conditions for the office of President in case of USA and India.

What are eligibility conditions for President of US?

Candidates for president of the United States must meet basic requirements. The U.S. Constitution states that the president must:

Be a natural-born citizen of the United States
Be at least 35 years old.
Have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.

Anyone who meets these requirements can declare their candidacy for president. Once a candidate raises or spends more than $5,000 for their campaign, they must register with the Federal Election Commission. That includes naming a principal campaign committee to raise and spend campaign funds.

Can a convicted person run for president in USA: There is no bar based on a candidate’s criminal record. In some American states, felons are not allowed to run for state or local offices, but this does not apply to federal offices, including that of President.
Reelection for US president: The terms for reelection are regulated by the twenty-second amendment.
- Twenty-Second Amendment
  - Section 1: No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by the Congress and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.

What are the eligibility conditions for the President of India?

A person to be eligible for election as President should fulfill the following qualifications:
- He/she should be a citizen of India.
- He/she should have completed 35 years of age.
- He/ she should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
- He/she should not hold any office of profit under the Union government or any state government or any local authority or any other public authority. A sitting President or Vice-President of the Union, the Governor of any state and a minister of the Union or any state is not deemed to hold any office of profit and hence qualified as a presidential candidate.
Further, the nomination of a candidate for election to the office of President must be subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders. Every candidate must make a security deposit of Rs. 15,000 in the Reserve Bank of India. The security deposit is liable to be forfeited in case the candidate fails to secure one-sixth of the votes polled.
Can a convicted person become President of India:
- The Constitution of India and Parliament has laid various grounds for disqualification for being elected as a member of Parliament such as holding office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, given up citizenship, and disqualified under any law under the Parliament.
- The Parliament has laid down following additional disqualifications under Representation of People’s Act 1951.
  - He/she must not have been found guilty of certain electoral offences or corrupt practices in the elections.
  - He/she must not have been convicted for any offence resulting in imprisonment for two or more years. But the detention of a person under a preventive detention law is not a disqualification.
  - He/she must not have failed to lodge an account of his/her election expenses within the time.
  - He/ she must not have any interest in government contracts, works, or services.
  - He/she must not be a director or managing agent nor hold an office of profit in a corporation in which the government has at least 25 per cent share.
  - He/she must not have been dismissed from government service for corruption or disloyalty to the State.
  - He/she must not have been convicted for promoting enmity between different groups or for the offence of bribery.
  - He/she must not have been punished for preaching and practicing social crimes such as untouchability, dowry, and sati.

Thus, if the person is found guilty and is convicted for any offenses resulting in imprisonment for two or more years, he/she shall be rendered disqualified to be and Member of parliament and ipso facto the office of President.

Reelection: Article 57 of Constitution of India deals with eligibility for reelection, it states that a person who holds, or has held, office as president shall, subject to the other provisions of the constitution of India be eligible for reelection to the office. Thus, a person may be elected for any number of terms

TOBACCO EPIDEMIC IN INDIA

Syllabus : GS2/Health

Why in news : The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, organized an event on 31 May to observe World No Tobacco Day 2024.

What is the Tobacco menace in India?

According to an estimate in 2016-2017 after China, India has the world’s highest number of tobacco consumers, nearly 26 crore.
A study of WHO finds that India loses 1% of its GDP to diseases and early deaths from tobacco use.
Additionally, the health of more than 60 lakh people employed in the tobacco industry is also placed at risk because of the absorption of tobacco through the skin, which can cause various diseases.

Health burden: A 2021 study estimated that the country incurred a loss exceeding ₹1.7 lakh crore as a result of tobacco’s effects on the health of its consumers in the fiscal year 2017-2018.
Environment degradation: It is a highly erosive crop that rapidly depletes soil nutrients. This requires more fertilizers to be used which further worsens soil quality.
Economic burden: Tobacco-related illnesses lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and premature deaths in the workforce, impacting economic output.
- Cleaning up tobacco waste has been estimated to cost close to ₹6,367 crore a year.
Environment degradation: It is a highly erosive crop that rapidly depletes soil nutrients. This requires more fertilizers to be used which further worsens soil quality.
Economic burden: Tobacco-related illnesses lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and premature deaths in the workforce, impacting economic output.
- Cleaning up tobacco waste has been estimated to cost close to ₹6,367 crore a year.

What are the challenges to control this menace?

Inadequate Penalties: The fines for violating COTPA regulations have not been updated since 2003, with a maximum fine of only ₹5,000 for first-time packaging violations.
Non-compliance with Packaging Guidelines:Smokeless tobacco products often do not adhere to COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) packaging guidelines.
Ambiguity in COTPA on Indirect Ads: While direct advertisements are banned, the law is unclear on indirect advertisements, allowing surrogate ads (e.g., using elaichi to promote tobacco brands).
Ineffectiveness of NTCP: In 2018 a study found no significant difference in bidi or cigarette consumption between districts covered by the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) and those not covered.
Evasion Tactics: Tobacco companies evade taxes by purchasing in lower tax jurisdictions and engaging in illegal activities like smuggling, illicit manufacturing, and counterfeiting.
Affordability of Tobacco: Low tobacco taxes, which have not kept pace with income rises, have made tobacco products more affordable over the years.
Government and Industry Ties: Engagement of government officials with the tobacco industry and the Central government’s 7.8% stake in ITC Ltd., India’s largest tobacco company, exemplify conflicts of interest

What are the government measures?

Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC): India is one of the 168 signatories of the FCTC, launched by WHO in 2005. It aims to reduce tobacco usage worldwide by helping countries develop demand and supply reduction strategies.
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act (COTPA) 2003 has 33 sections governing the production, advertisement, distribution, and consumption of tobacco.
The National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP): India launched NTCP in 2007. It is designed to improve the implementation of COTPA and FCTC, improve awareness about the harms of tobacco use, and help people quit it.
Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill, 2019: It prohibits production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of e-cigarettes.
Tobacco taxation, a globally accepted method to effectively control tobacco use, is also applied in India.

INDIA-JAPAN JOINT WORKING GROUP ON COUNTER

Why in news : The 6th Meeting of the India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was held in New Delhi

About:

1.Both sides exchanged views on the terrorist threats in their respective regions, including State-sponsored cross-border terrorism in the Asian region.

The two sides assessed counter terrorism challenges, including the use of new and emerging technologies by terrorists, misuse of the internet for terrorist purposes, radicalisation and terror financing.
- Countering terror financing, organized crime and narco-terror networks were also discussed in the meeting.
Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening counter-terrorism cooperationthrough exchanging information, capacity building, training programs & exercises, and cooperation at the multilateral fora, such as the United Nations, Financial Action Task Force, and QUAD.

What is terrorism?

Terrorism encompasses a range of complex threats: organized terrorism in conflict zones, foreign terrorist fighters, radicalized ‘lone wolves’, and attacks using chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive materials.

It typically involves the deliberate targeting of civilians and it aims to create a sense of terror.
It’s a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, often rooted in socio-political grievances, extremism, or radical ideologies.

What are the overall challenges in tackling terrorism?

Use of Evolving Techniques: Terrorist groups continuously evolve their tactics, techniques, and procedures to evade detection and carry out attacks.
- There has been notable increase in use of drones for cross-border trafficking of arms and drugs as well as launching terror attacks.
Transnational Nature: Terrorism often transcends national borders, making it difficult for individual nations to address the threat effectively.
Root Causes: Addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, inequality, political grievances, and extremist ideologies, requires long-term strategies that go beyond traditional security measures.
Civil Liberties and Human Rights Concerns:Balancing security measures with the protection of civil liberties and human rights presents a significant challenge.
- Measures such as surveillance, detention without trial, and restrictions on freedom of speech raise ethical concerns.
Cyberterrorism: The internet provides a platform for terrorist propaganda, recruitment, and coordination.
- Addressing online radicalization and countering terrorist narratives in cyberspace requires collaboration between governments, tech companies, and civil society organizations.
Financing and Resources: Tracking and disrupting terrorist financing networks can be challenging due to the use of informal channels, money laundering techniques, and legitimate financial institutions.
Lone Actors: The rise of homegrown terrorists and lone actors presents a challenge for counterterrorism efforts.
- These individuals may not have direct connections to established terrorist groups, making them harder to detect and prevent.

What is India’s policy on tackling Terrorism?

Amendment in UAPA :The Central Government amended the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in August 2019 to include the provision of designating an individual as terrorist. Prior to this amendment, only organizations could be designated as terrorist organization.
Policy of Zero-Tolerance Against Terrorism: India calls for zero-tolerance against terrorism and focuses on developing a common strategy to curb it.
National Investigation Agency: It is India’s counter-terrorist task force and is empowered to deal with terror-related crimes across states without special permission from the states.
- It was established after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System: It improves the capability of Border Security Force (BSF) in detecting and controlling the cross border crimes like illegal infiltration, smuggling of contraband goods, human trafficking and cross border terrorism, etc.
India’s action plan at UNSC: In 2021, at the 20th anniversary of the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1373, India presented an eight-point action plan to deal with the scourge of terrorism.

FOR PRELIMS

NELSON MANDELA AWARD FOR HEALTH PROMOTION FOR 2024

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) has been awarded the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024

About the award

The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion, established by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019
It recognizes individuals, institutions and/or governmental or non-governmental organizations that have demonstrated remarkable contributions to health promotion.

– India has made major strides in the field of mental health in recent times. Mental Health Units are supported in almost all districts of the country today through the National Health Mission.– India’s national tele mental health helpline, Tele MANAS, which was launched on 10th Oct 2022 also recently achieved the landmark of having handled 10 lakh calls.

AHILYABAI HOLKAR

Recently, the birth anniversary of revolutionary queen Ahilyabai Ahilyabai Holkar was observed.

About Ahilyabai Holkar (1725 – 1795)

Early Life: Born in 1725 to a Dhangar/Gadariya family in present Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
After the demise of her husband Khande Rao Holkar in the Battle of Kumbher in 1754 and later on the demise of her father-in-law and son, Ahilyabai herself undertook the affairs of the Holkar Dynasty in Malwa.
The word Punyashlok is used behind her name.
- Punyashlok is the ruler who frees the people from all kinds of deprivations.

Administration

During her reign of till 1795, she ensured stability and peace in Malwa at a time when the whole of Central India was facing a power struggle.
Ahilyabai’s reign was characterised by great governance, which fostered social harmony.
Recognizing her limitations as a woman and a widow, she appointed Tukoji Holkar, a trusted soldier, as the commander of her army, and defended the Malwa state against intruders and personally led armies into battle.

Malwa Region– Malwa is a historical region of west-central India which at present includes districts of western Madhya Pradesh and parts of south-eastern Rajasthan.– Geologically, the Malwa Plateau generally refers to the volcanic upland north of the Vindhya Range.

Development of Indore and Maheshwar

Under Ahilyabai’s reign, Indore transformed into a prosperous trading town.
She established her own capital at Maheshwar (in Madhya Pradesh), situated on the banks of the Narmada River.
- Under Holkar, the city of Maheshwar became a literary, musical, artistic and industrial centre.
- She helped establish a textile industry there, which is now home to the famous Maheshwari sarees.

Architectural Contributions

Ahilyabai was a patron of Hindu temples and dharamshalas, and built hundreds of temples across her region.
Her devotion led to the restoration of jyotirlingas (sacred Shiva shrines) across India, leaving a lasting impact on the architectural expression of Hinduism.
- She refurbished and reconsecrated several sacred pilgrimage sites, including Kashi (Varanasi), Gaya, and Somnath.
To protect these temples from attacks and iconoclasm, she devised a clever strategy: installing idols in secret shrines beneath the temple structures, adding an extra layer of security.

June 2, June 3, 2024

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE SPOTS EARLIEST KNOWN GALAXY

Syllabus : GS3/Science and Technology

Why in news : NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered the earliest-known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-0.

About JADES-GS-z1-O galaxy:

The galaxy existed about 290 million years after the Big Bang event (that initiated the universe roughly 13.8 billion years ago). This period spanning the universe’s first few hundred million years is called cosmic dawn.
- The period in the first few hundred million years after the big bang where the first galaxies were born.
- These galaxies provide vital insight into the ways in which the gas, stars, and black holes were changing when the universe was very young.
Early galaxies were formed in an environment that was denser and gas-rich than today. In addition, the chemical composition of the gas was very different, much closer to the pristine composition inherited from the Big Bang (hydrogen, helium and traces of lithium).
The international team of astronomers used JWST to observe galaxies as part of the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) program.
JADES-GS-z14-0 galaxy measures about 1,700-light years across.
A light year is the distance light travels in a year, which is 9.5 trillion km.
- The galaxy has a mass equivalent to 500 million stars the size of our Sun and is rapidly forming new stars, about 20 every year. (It is dwarfed by some present-day galaxies such as the Milky Way is about 100,000 light years across, with the mass equivalent to about 10 billion sun-sized stars).
The team also disclosed the discovery of the second oldest-known galaxy, from about 303 million years post-Big Bang.
This galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-1, is smaller, with a mass equal to about 100 million sun-sized stars, measuring roughly 1,000 light years across and forming about two new stars per year.

CHINA LANDS ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON

Syllabus : GS3/Science and Technology

Why in news : China’s Chang’e-6 lunar lander successfully landed in the South Pole-Aitken Basin(the far side of the moon), where it will begin to collect samples from the lunar surface.

About Chang’e-6 Mission:

The Chang’e-6 is a 53-day-long mission. After reaching the Moon’s orbit, the mission’s orbiter will circle the natural satellite while its lander will descend into the 2,500-kilometre-wide South Pole-Aitken basin on the lunar surface.
After collecting samples through scooping and drilling, the lander will launch an ascent vehicle, which will transfer the samples to the orbiter’s service module. This module will then return to the Earth.
Note: China is the only country to achieve a soft-landing on the far side of the Moon. In 2019, its Chang’e-4 mission landed on the region and explored the Moon’s Von Karman crater with the help of a rover.

Facts about the Moon:

The Moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. This side is known as the near side, while the opposite side is called the far side or the “dark” side (although it does receive sunlight).
- The Moon takes roughly the same amount of time to complete one full orbit around the Earth as the Earth takes to complete one full rotation on its axis.
- As a result, one side of the Moon always faces the Earth, while the other side (far side) faces away from Earth. Thus, we can see only one side of the Moon.

Near side and Far side of the Moon have strikingly different appearances:

Near side:

The near side is characterized by large, dark basaltic plains called maria (dark spots), which are believed to have formed from ancient volcanic eruptions. These maria cover about 31% of the near side and are less common on the far side.
The near side also has fewer impact craters compared to the far side.

Far side:

The far side is more heavily cratered and lacks the extensive maria (dark spots) found on the near side.
The far side has a thicker crust and is more mountainous, with the highest elevations on the Moon. It has a thicker crust by almost 20 km.
One of the most prominent features on the far side is the South Pole-Aitken basin, which is the largest known impact crater in the Solar System.

Why is the Far side of the Moon important for us?

South Pole-Aitken Basin is the oldest known impact crater in the solar system. The impact that created the basin is thought to have dug up material from the lunar mantle. If that material can be retrieved, scientists can learn more about the history of the interior of the Moon. Chang’e-6’s sample return could also shed more light on the early evolution of the moon and the inner solar system.
The far side is completely free from radio interference from Earth. This makes it an ideal location for setting up giant radio telescopes that could detect ultra-low radio waves that emanate from the early universe and which would provide crucial information about the formation of the first galaxies.
The far side might hold resources like water ice trapped in permanently shadowed craters.These resources could be vital for future lunar settlements or exploration efforts.

Sites of successful Moon landings

Near side of the Moon

MILLET PRODUCTION STAGNATES IN INDIA

Syllabus : GS3/Agriculture

Why in news : According to the Reserve Bank of India’s annual report for 2023-24, India grapples with stagnation in both acreage and production of millets

What are millets?

Millets are a group of small grained cereal food crops popularly known as Nutri-cereals.
Varieties: Multiple varieties of millets are produced such as Pearl Millets, Sorghum, Finger Millet, Foxtail, Kodo, Barnyard, Proso, Little Millet and Pseudo Millets like Buckwheat and Amaranths.

What conditions are needed for millets cultivation?

Climate: The Millets are grown in tropical as well as subtropical up to an altitude of 2,100 m.
- A mean temperature range of 26-29°c during the growth is best for proper development and good crop yield.
Soil: Millet has wide adaptability to different soil from very poor to very fertile and can tolerate a certain degree of alkalinity.
- The best soils are alluvial, loamy and sandy soil with good drainage.

What are the benefits of millets?

Eco-friendly crops: Millets can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and are resilient to changes in climate.
Highly nutritious: Millets contain 7-12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75% carbohydrates and 15-20% dietary fiber.
Health Benefits: Millets are gluten free and non- allergenic. Millet consumption decreases triglycerides and C- reactive protein, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease.
Reduce import dependence: They are an ideal solution for countries to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported cereal grains.

What are the reasons for stagnation in millet growth?

Low productivity: India’s productivity of millets was 1.4 tonnes per hectare, whereas China’s productivity was 3 tonnes/ha, followed by Ethiopia’s at 2.5 tonnes, and Russia’s 1.5 tonnes.
Low Consumer Demand and Awareness: Despite their nutritional benefits, there is limited consumer demand which reduces market incentives for farmers to produce millets.
Socio-Economic Factors: In many regions, millet farming is associated with low-income groups. This socio-economic stigma discourages farmers from growing millets.
Support Schemes Bias: Government subsidies and support schemes are biased towards major cereals like rice and wheat. Millets receive comparatively less attention and financial support, making them less attractive to farmers.
Environmental Factors: Millets are often grown in semi-arid regions that are vulnerable to erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, etc which severely affect millet production.
Inadequate Research and Development: There has been relatively less investment in R&D for millet compared to other staple crops like rice and wheat. This has resulted in fewer high-yield and disease-resistant varieties of millet being available to farmers

What are the steps taken to promote millet production?

International Year of Millets: India spearheaded the UN General Assembly Resolution for declaring the year 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’.
Agri-Infrastructure Fund: Government is popularizing Agri-Infrastructure Fund Scheme to invite farmers/FPOs/Entrepreneurs to avail the benefit of interest subvention on loans up to 2 crores for setting up primary processing units in millets.
Higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP): To encourage farmers to take up millet cultivation,higher MSP to Jowar, Bajra and Ragi Has been announced.
Production Linked Incentive Scheme: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has approved the PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millet-based products for implementation during 2022-23 to 2026-27.

FOR PRELIMS

SENKAKU ISLANDS:

Chinese Coast Guard vessels have maintained an unprecedented presence in the waters surrounding the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea for a record 158 consecutive days.

About

The Senkaku Islands have long been a contentious issue in Japan-China relations, with both nations asserting historical claims over the uninhabited rocky chain.
It is located just 205 miles from China’s east coast and 1,200 miles southwest of Tokyo.
Tensions escalated in 2012 when Beijing perceived Tokyo’s purchase of some of the islands from a private Japanese owner as a direct threat to its sovereignty claims, prompting China to regularly dispatch its Coast Guard and other government vessels to the surrounding waters to bolster its territorial assertions.

VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES (VLP)

Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), have developed a novel way of generating non-infectious Nipah virus-like particles (VLPs) in the laboratory.

About

Scientists generated “HiBiT-tagged” Nipah virus-like particles (NiV-VLPs)using plasmid-based expression systems, encoding the NiV structural proteins G, F, and M.
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are molecules that closely resemble viruses, but are non-infectious because they contain no viral genetic material.
The genome of the NiV encodes six major proteins: glycoprotein (G), fusion protein (F), matrix (M), nucleocapsid (N), long polymerase (L) and phosphoprotein (P).

Nipah virus

The zoonotic virus Nipah is a highly pathogenic paramyxovirus, with a fatality rate of up to 80% in affected humans.
Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of Nipah virus.
It can be transmitted to humans from animals (such as bats or pigs), or contaminated foods and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human

OPEC+ EXTENDS OIL OUTPUT CUTS INTO 2025

Recently, OPEC+ extended voluntary oil production cuts until the end of 2025.

About Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Plus

It refers to a group of 23 oil-producing countries that includes:
- 13 members of OPEC: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Venezuela; and
- 10 other oil-producing countries: Russia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, South Sudan and Sudan.
Saudi Arabia is the largest oil producer among OPEC members.
Russia, which produces more oil than even Saudi Arabia, plays a crucial role, along with OPEC, in influencing global crude oil prices.

India and OPEC Plus

India is the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer.
India imports over 85% of its crude oil consumption, making it highly dependent on global oil markets.
The reduction in oil production by OPEC Plus — equal to 2% of global supply — has implications for India’s energy security and economic recovery.

OPEC
– It has been a key player in global oil markets since its formation in 1960.– It aims to coordinate oil production targets to stabilise prices and ensure supply for consumers.– In 2016, OPEC+ emerged as an alliance between OPEC member nationsand ten other oil-producing countries to protect their interests amid the rise of the U.S. shale industry.

JUNE 4, 2024

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Syllabus : GS2/Governance

Why in news : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended all states to have anti-human trafficking nodal officer.

What is it about?

The Commission noted that the selling of women on stamp papers is a “prevailing practice” in the male-dominated Kanjar community and the immoral practice of trafficking the girls is rampant in certain communities residing in various parts of Rajasthan.

What are NHRC’s recommendations?

All states must have an anti-human trafficking nodal officer, who shall coordinate with the government by taking effective steps and measures through the District Anti-Human Trafficking Units (DAHTU) and state government concerned.
This officer should not be below the rank of a secretary to a state government or an inspector general of police.
He should be effectively monitoring such incidents with the help of representatives from the departments of women and child welfare, health and family welfare, labour and employment, reputed local NGOs and experts in the field of human trafficking and legal counsellors in the district.

What is the status of trafficking in India?

India is a source as well as a destination country for human trafficking. The main source countries are Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar from where women and girls are trafficked in the lure of a better life, jobs and good living conditions on this side.
A majority of those trafficked are minor girls or young women who after their arrival in India are sold and forced into commercial sex work.
According to NCRB data, as many as 6213 victims of human trafficking were rescued in 2021, and of them, 3912 were female. Maximum number of victims were rescued from Odisha ( 1290 ), followed by Maharashtra ( 890), Telangana (796), and Delhi ( 509).

What are the causes and challenges associated?

Poverty, hunger, and lack of work are the main reasons for this.
The caste and community-based discrimination and unfair treatment in rural areas are also at the root of this problem.
Externalities such as the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflict, and climate change catalyse precarity for children.
India doesn’t have a composite anti-trafficking law that addresses prevention, protection, rehabilitation and compensation of survivors.
There are, however, separate regulations that address different crimes related to trafficking.
The government did not report investigating, prosecuting, or convicting government officials for alleged involvement in trafficking crimes.
Efforts to audit government-run or -funded shelters remained inadequate, and shortcomings in protection services for victims, especially children, remained unaddressed.”

Laws governing anti-trafficking crimes
– The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA) is targeted at stopping immoral trafficking and sex work. It went through two amendments, in 1978 and 1986. – The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, prohibits and penalises the act of child marriage. – The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, prevents children from partaking in certain employments and regulates the conditions of work for children in other fields. – The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, prohibits systems of labour where people, including children, work under conditions of servitude to pay off debt, and also provides a framework for rehabilitating released labourers. – The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, which governs laws relating to children alleged and found to be in conflict with law.– The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, makes commercial dealing in human organs a punishable offence.– Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 seeks to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of children.– India set up Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in 2007. a. AHTUs are tasked with “addressing the existing gaps in the law enforcement response,” “ensuring a victim-centric approach which ensures the ‘best interest of the victim/ survivor’ and prevents ‘secondary victimization/ re-victimisation of the victim,” and developing databases on traffickers.– The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, revised Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with buying and selling of any person as a slave, to include the concept of human trafficking.

The conviction rate will remain low unless India has a comprehensive legislation that provides for a strong investigation mechanism clarifying the roles and responsibilities of investigating agencies such as AHTUs and the NIA (National Investigation Agency).

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2023

Syllabus : GS3/Environment

Why in news : The 2023 amendments to India’s Biological Diversity Act of 2002 has caused a debate concerning biodiversity protection and India’s responsibilities as a signatory to the Kunming-Montreal framework.

What is the background?

In 2022, at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, countries all over the world adopted the Kunming-Montreal framework to enhance biodiversity protection and conservation.
The countries adopted calls to protect 30% of all ecosystems by 2030, to protect biodiversity and genetic diversity and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits of traditional knowledge with the local and indigenous communities that steward this knowledge.

Which amendments are under scrutiny?

Under the original 2002 Act, approvals from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) were required before applying for intellectual property rights (IPR) related to biological resources.
- The 2023 amendments have eased this requirement, no longer mandating approval from the National Biodiversity Authority for IPR, but only requiring them to be registered with the authority before granting approvals – raising concerns about possible resource overexploitation.
The exemption of codified traditional knowledge from the benefit-sharing mechanism and stringent regulatory oversight has also raised further concerns.
- These changes undermine the principle of fair and equitable benefit-sharing, which is central to both the original Act and Nagoya Protocol.
By allowing AYUSH practitioners and related industries to access biological resources without prior approval, the amendments open the door to commercial exploitation without adequate compensation to local communities that hold traditional knowledge.
Decriminalization of offenses: Previously, violations could result in imprisonment and fines, however the amendments now replace imprisonment with civil penalties.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002–The Act was introduced to achieve the objectives of United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992. – It provides a framework for access to biological resources and sharing the benefits arising out of such access and use. It is in line with the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.– The act envisaged a three-tier structure to regulate the access to biological resources: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and The Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).– The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)a. It is a Statutory Body established in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002).b. It advises the Central Government on matters relating to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of biological resources.c. It also advises the State Governments in the selection of areas of biodiversity importance to be notified as heritage sites and measures for the management of such heritage sites.d. It considers requests by granting approval or otherwise for undertaking any activity referred to in Sections 3,4 and 6 of the Act.– The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)a. They are established under Section 22 of the Act and focus on advising the State Governments, subject to any guidelines issued by the Central Government, on matters relating to the conservation of biodiversity.b. The SBBs also regulate, by granting of approvals or otherwise upon requests for commercial utilization or bio-survey and bio-utilization of any biological resource by the Indians.– The Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) a. As per the Act, the local bodies constitute the BMC within their area of jurisdiction for the purpose of promoting conservation, sustainable use and documentation of biological diversity.

CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH AFRICA

Syllabus : GS2/Comparison of Indian Constitution with Others

Why in news : South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) faced a search for allies to help it form a new government on Saturday after it lost its three-decade-old absolute majority in a watershed election.

Comparison between the two Constitutions:

Aspect	Indian Constitution	South African Constitution
Government	Structure: Bicameral Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)	Structure: Bicameral Parliament (National Assembly and National Council of Provinces)
	Executive: President (ceremonial) and Prime Minister (executive)	– Executive: President (both head of state and government)
	Legislative Process: Complex, with significant involvement of both houses and various committees	– Legislative Process: Involves both houses, with emphasis on representation and cooperation
Federation	Division of Powers: Enumerated in the Union, State, and Concurrent lists (Seventh Schedule)	– Division of Powers: Powers shared across national, provincial, and local governments
	State Autonomy: States have significant legislative and executive autonomy	– Provincial Autonomy: Provinces have limited autonomy, with strong central oversight
Rights	Fundamental Rights: Include equality, freedom, right against exploitation, cultural and educational rights, etc.	Bill of Rights: Comprehensive, covering civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights
	Directive Principles: Non-justiciable guidelines for state policy aimed at social and economic democracy	– Justiciability: Socio-economic rights are enforceable by the judiciary
Judiciary	Supreme Court: Apex court with wide appellate jurisdiction and authority over constitutional matters	– Constitutional Court: Apex court for constitutional issues, with a strong role in protecting the Bill of Rights
	Appointment of Judges: Collegium system involving senior judiciary members	– Appointment of Judges: Judicial Service Commission,ensuring a transparent and inclusive process
	Judicial Review: Robust power to review laws and executive actions for constitutionality	– Judicial Review: Equally robust, with the Constitutional Court having the final say on constitutional matters

FOR PRELIMS

KOYA TRIBE

The Koya tribe recently faced a cultural crisis that threatened over the sacred Mahua flower in Godavari valley of Andhra Pradesh.

About Koya Tribe

Geographical Distribution: The Koyas primarily inhabit the Malkangiri district in south Odisha. They are also found in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Identity and Name: The Koyas refer to themselves as ‘Koya’ or ‘Koitor’, which translates to ‘people’.
- In the adjacent Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, the Koyas are known as Dorla and Madia.
Traditionally, the Koyas are pastoralists and shifting cultivators. They own large herds of cows and bullocks.
According to their traditional system, Chom (or wealth) means cattle, because a Koya without cattle has no status in the society.
Cultural Richness: Koyas boast a rich cultural heritage that includes colorful dance, music, folklore, art, and craft.
- Their traditional society has been shaped by centuries of existence and interaction with neighboring communities.

PraVaHa

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software named Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-thermo-dynamic Analysis (PraVaHa).

About

It can simulate external and internal flows on launch vehicles, winged and non winged re-entry vehicles.
Any aerospace vehicle while moving through the Earth’s atmosphere during launch or re-entry is subjected to severe aerodynamic and aerothermal loads in terms of external pressure and heat flux.
PraVaHa has been used extensively in the Gaganyaan program for aerodynamic analysis of human-rated launch vehicles, viz, HLVM3, Crew Escape System (CES), and CM.
Currently, the PraVaHa code is operational to simulate airflow for Perfect Gas & Real Gas conditions.

HYDROXYUREA TO TREAT SICKLE CELL DISEASE

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations for the “joint development and commercialisation” of low dose or paediatric oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in India.

About Sickle Cell Disease

It is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders.
- Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen. Healthy red blood cells are round, and they move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
In someone who has SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a sickle.
India has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in South Asia, and over 20 million sickle cell affected individuals reside in the country.
Treatment : Hydroxyurea, a myelosuppressive agent, is an effective drug for treating patients of sickle cell disease, and thalassemia.
- In India, according to the National Health Mission’s guidelines, healthcare providers initiate hydroxyurea therapy to only symptomatic sickle cell disease patients among children both because of the lack of availability of paediatric doses as well as the fear of toxicity.
Mission : The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Program, introduced in the Union Budget 2023, focuses on addressing the significant health challenges posed by sickle cell disease.
- The program is executed in a mission mode as part of the National Health Mission (NHM), aims to eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by the year 2047, showing a long-term commitment to eradicating the disease.

June 5, 2024

CENTRAL DOGMA AND GENE EXPRESSION

Why in news : Bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae can use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to create new genes when infected with bacteriophages (viruses that attack bacteria).

What is Central dogma of molecular biology?

Central dogma of molecular biology explains how genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins.
Gene expression is the process our cells use to convert instructions in DNA into proteins. This happens in two-stages called transcription (occurs in the nucleus, in eukaryotic organisms) and translation (occurs in cytoplasm).
- Transcription: mRNA copies the sequence of a gene from DNA, and then leaves the nucleus and travels to cytoplasm.
- Translation: Using the template encoded by mRNA, translation is carried out by ribosomes, i.e., the information in the mRNA is used to synthesize proteins (building blocks of life).
In prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria), which lack a nucleus, transcription and translation occur in the same cellular compartment, the cytoplasm.
In eukaryotic organisms, transcription occurs in the nucleus, while translation occurs in the cytoplasm.

What is Transcription and Translation?

Transcription is the process of copying DNA into RNA. It is the first step in gene expression, which is the process by which genes are used to make proteins.
Transcription occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. During transcription, the DNA is copied into a complementary RNA molecule. This RNA molecule, called messenger RNA (mRNA), then leaves the nucleus and travels to the cytoplasm, where it is used to synthesise proteins by translation.
Translation is the process of using mRNA to make a protein. It is the second step in gene expression. Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Translation is carried out by ribosomes, which use the information in the mRNA to synthesise a chain of amino acids. The chain of amino acids is then folded into a protein.

What Reverse Transcription?

Reverse transcription is a process in which RNA is used as a template to synthesise a complementary DNA (cDNA) molecule. This process is carried out by an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The name “reverse transcription” reflects the fact that it is the reverse of the usual flow of genetic information, which is from DNA to RNA (transcription).
Transcription occurs in the nucleus of the cell, while reverse transcription can occur in the cytoplasm of the cell.

GLOBAL PUBLIX DEBT HITS $97 TRILLION IN 2023

Why in news : A report titled ”A world of debt: A growing burden to global prosperity”, highlights the unprecedented surge in global public debt, which reached a historic peak of $97 trillion in 2023.

What are the key findings of the report?

The number of African countries with debt-to-GDP ratios above 60% has increased from 6 to 27 between 2013 and 2023.
In 2023, developing nations paid $847 billion in net interest, a 26% increase from 2021.
The report revealed that 3.3 billion individuals reside in nations where interest payments exceed spending on education and health combined.
In 2023, public debt in developing countries hit $29 trillion, or about 30% of the total worldwide, an increase from a 16% share in 2010.
Since 2010, the portion of external public debt owed to private creditors has risen across all regions, accounting for 61% of developing countries’ total external public debt in 2022.
The “cascading crises” and the sluggish and uneven performance of the global economy underpinned the rapid increase in global public debt, which is rising at twice the rate in developing countries than in richer ones.

What is the public debt of India?

India’s public debt-to-GDP ratio has barely increased from 81% in 2005-06 to 84% in 2021-22, and is back to 81% in 2022-23.
As per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act 2003, the general government debt was supposed to be brought down to 60% of GDP by 2024-25.
The IMF states that India’s general government debt, including the Centre and States, could be 100% of GDP under adverse circumstances by fiscal 2028.
It has projected the ratio at 82.4% for 2024-25.
Public Debt Management Cell: It was set in 2015 as an interim arrangement before setting up an independent and statutory debt management agency namely the Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA).

What are the concerns regarding rising debts?

Impact on climate action: Developing countries need to increase climate investments from their current level of 2.1% of GDP to 6.9% by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement targets. However, they are currently spending more on interest payments than on climate investments.
Increase the cost of resolving debt crises: The increasing complexity of the creditor base makes debt restructuring more difficult as it requires negotiating with a broader range of creditors with diverging interests and legal frameworks.
Inequalities in the international financial architecture: Borrowing from private sources on commercial terms is more expensive than concessional financing from multilateral and bilateral sources.
Countries with high debt reduce expenditure in public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. This can exacerbate poverty and inequality.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)It is the UN’s leading institution dealing with trade and development.It is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. Its objective is to assist developing countries, especially the least developed countries, and countries with economies in transition, to integrate beneficially into the global economy.It also seeks to help the international community promote a global partnership for development, increase coherence in global economic policy making, and assure development gains for all from trade.It provides economic and trade analysis, facilitates consensus-building, and offers technical assistance to help developing countries use trade, investment, finance, and technology for inclusive and sustainable development.Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland.UNCTAD membership consists of 195 states.Its activities are advisory by nature.Structure:The highest policy-making body of UNCTAD is the Conference, which meets once every four years to set policy guidelines and formulate a program of work.The Trade and Development Board, UNCTAD’s executive body, is responsible for the operations of the organization when the Conference is not in session.The UNCTAD Secretariat, whose members form part of the UN Secretariat, performs policy analysis, monitors and implements the decisions of UNCTAD’s intergovernmental bodies, and provides for technical cooperation and exchanges of information.Reports published by UNCTAD:Trade and Development ReportWorld Investment ReportThe Least Developed Countries Report

WORLD’s LARGEST GRAIN STORAGE PLAN

Why in news : The Ministry of Cooperation approved the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in 2023 to address the shortage of food grain storage capacity in India.

What are its features?

Infrastructure facilities: It envisages creation of various agricultural infrastructure at Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) level, including warehouses, custom hiring center, processing units, Fair Price Shops, etc
Convergence of Existing Schemes: The plan leverages a whole-of-Government approach by integrating existing schemes.these are
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
- Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI)
- Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
- Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME)
Financial Support and Subsidies: PACS can avail subsidies and interest subvention benefits for constructing godowns and other agri infrastructure.
- NABARD refinances PACS at highly subsidized rates (around 1%) after incorporating the benefits of the 3% interest subvention under the AIF scheme for projects up to Rs. 2 Crore.

What about the implementation?

The Pilot project has been implemented by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) with the support of NABARD, Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) in coordination with States/ UTs concerned.
Further, the pilot is being extended in 500 additional PACS with the support of State Governments, NCCF, National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), etc.
The Ministry of Cooperation has constituted an IMC to ensure effective implementation. The IMC can modify guidelines and methodologies as needed.

What are its benefits?

Food Security: By increasing the storage capacity for grains, the plan ensures a more stable supply of food, reducing the risk of shortages and contributing to national food security.
Reduction in Wastage: Proper storage facilities help minimize the wastage of food grains due to spoilage, pests, and other factors, preserving valuable resources.
Fair Pricing for Farmers: It will also prevent distress sale of crops by farmers and enable them to realise better prices for their crops.
Financial Inclusion: Farmers can get finance against their stored crops for the next crop cycle, maintaining cash flow and investing in the next planting season.
Empowerment of PACS: The plan enables PACS to provide storage facilities, Fair Price Shops, and Custom Hiring Centers.
- It strengthens the rural economy and benefits millions of farmers associated with cooperatives
Global Recognition: India’s efforts toward efficient grain storage will earn international acclaim.

What are the challenges?

Infrastructure Development: Building decentralized storage infrastructure at the local level requires significant investment and coordination.
- Constructing godowns, custom hiring centers, and processing units across various regions poses logistical challenges.
Implementation Complexity: Converging ongoing schemes from three ministries involves intricate planning and execution
Regional Variability: India’s diverse geography and varying agricultural practices mean that storage requirements differ across states and union territories.
- Adapting the plan to meet regional needs while maintaining uniformity is a challenge.
Financial Sustainability: the plan aims to strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), ensuring their long-term financial viability remains a challenge.

CENTER TO FUND STARTUPS FOR DEVELOPING TECHNICAL TEXTILES

Why in news : The Union textiles ministry is planning to give grants of up to ₹50 lakh each to 150 startups that are engaged in making technical textiles

What are technical textiles?

Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products used primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics.
They are manufactured using natural as well as man-made fibers such as Nomex, Kevlar, Spandex, Twaron that exhibit enhanced functional properties such as higher tenacity, excellent insulation, improved thermal resistance etc.
Application: Healthcare, construction, automobile, aerospace, sports, defense, agriculture etc.

What about Indian Textiles Industry?

The Indian technical textiles market is the 5th largest in the world and stood at $21.95 billion in 2021-22, with production amounting to $19.49 billion and imports $2.46 billion.
Technical textile accounts for approximately 13% of India’s total textile and apparel market and contributes to India’s GDP at 0.7%.
India’s exports of technical textile products increased to US$ 2.85 billion in 2021-22, while imports were US$ 2.46 billion in 2021-22.

What are the challenges faced by Technical textile industry?

Lack of Research & Development: The industry is dominated by Small and Medium Enterprises, which lack the financial resources to invest in advanced technology and R&D.
Lack of Awareness: Benefits of technical textiles are still unknown to the larger masses of the country. This is the result of lack of marketing and basic knowledge about these products.
Development of Skilled Workforce: Technical textiles comprises multiple processes to manufacture different products which require different and high levels of skill sets from workers which is currently absent in the domestic industry

Steps taken by governmentNational Technical Textile Mission (NTTM): It was launched in 2020 with the aim to position India as a global leader in technical textiles by promoting research, innovation, and the use of technical textiles in various sectors. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles was introduced to encourage domestic manufacturing of technical textiles. New Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) Codes: In addition to the 207 recognised technical textiles items in 2019, 30+ additional HSN Codes dedicated to technical textiles products:PM MITRA Parks scheme: The project focuses on the development of integrated large-scale and modern industrial infrastructure on the entire textile value chain.Standards in technical textiles: Development of more than 500 BIS standards for technical textiles. Mandatory usage of technical textiles: 119 technical textiles products have been identified for mandatory usage across ten Central ministries/departments to derive the benefits of technical textiles in various fields of applications.

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GLOBAL SOIL PARTNERSHIP (GSP)

The Global Soil Partnership (GSP), urged for immediate action to enhance soil health, in its 12th Plenary Assembly Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

About

The Global Soil Partnership (GSP) was established in 2012 to promote sustainable soil management.
It brings together international, regional and national organizations that are working in the area of soil protection and sustainable management.
GSP aims to implement the provisions of the 1982 World Soil Charter, and maintain the health of at least 50 percent of the world’s soils by 2030.
The achievements of the partnership, include:
- The establishment of an Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils and related international networks for different soil matters;
- The proposal for and annual celebration of UN World Soil Day (5 December) and the International Year of Soils 2015;
- Production of the Status of the World’s Soil Resources 2015 report.

CENTRAL EXCISE BILL, 2024

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), has invited suggestions on the draft ‘Central Excise Bill, 2024’ from stakeholders.

About

The Bill aims to enact a comprehensive modern central excise law with an emphasis on promoting ease of doing business and repealing old and redundant provisions.
Once enacted, the Bill shall replace the Central Excise Act, 1944.
The Bill comprises twelve chapters, 114 sections and two schedules.

NETHERLANDS : INDIA’s THIRD-LARGEST EXPORT DESTINATION

The Netherlands has emerged as India’s third- largest export destinationafter the U.S. and UAE during 2023-24, even as the country’s merchandise shipments dipped by more than 3%

Key Points

The main commodities which registered healthy exports growth in the Netherlands include petroleum products ($14.29 billion), electrical goods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals in the last fiscal.
India’s trade surplus with the Netherlands rose to $17.4 billion in FY24 from $13 billion in FY23.

Netherlands

Netherlands, country located in northwestern Europe
The Netherlands is bounded by the North Sea to the north and west, Germany to the east, and Belgium to the south
major rivers flow through the Netherlands: the Rhine, the Meuse , and the Scheldt.
The IJsselmeer is a lake on the coast of the Netherlands
The seat of the international court of justice is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands).
International Criminal Court (ICC) : Headquarters: The Hague, the Netherlands

June 6, 2024

DEMAND FOR SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS

Why in news : The talks over special category status for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have once again gained momentum after Lok Sabha elections.

What is Special Category Status?

It is a classification granted by the Centre to assist the development of States that face geographical or socio-economic disadvantages.
It was introduced in 1969 on the recommendation of the fifth Finance Commission (FC).
It was aimed at providing certain states with additional support to overcome geographical and infrastructural handicaps.
Factors are considered before granting SCS includes
- Hilly and difficult terrain
- Low population density and/or sizeable share of tribal population
- Strategic location along international borders
- Economic and infrastructural backwardness and
- Non-viable nature of state finances.
States Covered : In 1969, three States — Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland — were granted the SCS.
- Subsequently, eight more States including Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand were given the SCS by the erstwhile National Development Council.

What are the benefits attached?

The SCS States used to receive grants based on the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula, which earmarked nearly 30% of the total central assistance for States to the SCS States.

However, after the abolition of the Planning Commission and the recommendations of the 14th and 15th FC, this assistance to SCS States has been subsumed in an increased devolution of the divisible pool funds for all States (increased to 41% in the 15th FC from 32%).
Additionally, in the SCS States, the Centre-State funding of centrally sponsored schemes is divided in the ratio of 90:10, far more favorable than the 60:40 or 80:20 splits for the general category States.
Other benefits : SCS states enjoy special industrial incentives such as Income-tax exemptions, custom duty waivers, reduced excise duty, corporate tax exemption for a certain period, concessions and exemptions relating to GST, and lower state and central taxes.

What are the Controversies and Clamour for SCS?

In the intricate tapestry of India’s federal structure, the concept of Special Category Status (SCS) has been a subject of much debate and discussion
The demand for SCS has been particularly vocal in states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.
Post-bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh’s quest for SCS has been intertwined with its efforts to overcome the loss of revenue and to foster development in the absence of a metropolis like Hyderabad.
Bihar’s demand hinges on its quest to address endemic poverty and spur industrial growth

What is the way forward?

India strides towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, the debate around SCS underscores the need for a nuanced approach to development.
The lessons learned from the SCS experience could inform future strategies aimed at reducing disparities and promoting a more harmonious development pattern across the nation.
It is imperative that the spirit of cooperative federalism guides the dialogue on SCS, ensuring that all regions of India can share in the fruits of economic progress.

ONDC RECORDS 8.9 MILLION TRANSACTIONS

Why in news : The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has recorded an all-time high of 8.9 million transactions across retail and ride-hailing segments in May 2024.

What is it about?

ONDC now has 5,35,000 sellers across over 1,200 cities, with 84% being small sellers.
These small sellers contribute 56 percent of the total orders, aligning with the ONDC’s goal of benefiting small businesses.

What is ONDC?

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is an initiative aiming at promoting open networks for all aspects of exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks.
ONDC is to be based on open-sourced methodology, using open specifications and open network protocols independent of any specific platform.
It is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

What is the need of the ONDC?

India’s e-commerce landscape: India has the 3rd-largest online shoppers base only behind China and the USA. Yet e-retail penetration in India is only 4.3% as compared to 25% in China and 26% in South Korea.
Platform-centric challenges: A single entity has full control over managing all operations in the e-commerce value chain.
- Sellers face challenges including high margin costs and a need to maintain presence at various platforms.
- Buyers and sellers can only transact only if they are part of the same platform.
- The rise of monopolies creates barriers to the entry for the population scale adoption of e-commerce.

What are the features of ONDC?

Independent Transactions: ONDC allows consumers and merchants to conduct transactions for goods and services without being limited to a specific platform or application.
Enhancing Efficiency: ONDC aims to improve efficiency by implementing a dynamic pricing model, digitized inventory management, and optimizing delivery costs. This helps reduce the overall cost of doing business for all participants on the platform.
Hyper-Local Search Engine: ONDC introduces a hyper-local search engine that uses GPS proximity data as the default setting. This allows buyers to independently choose sellers and logistics partners to fulfill their orders.
The platform will also be compliant with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and designed for compliance with the emerging Personal Data Protection Bill.

FARMERS VOLUNTARILY GIVING UP THEIR PM-KISAN BENEFITS

Why in news : According to data available with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Farmers across the country have voluntarily given up the benefits of the annual Rs 6,000 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Scheme from June 2023 to May 2024.

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN) Scheme :

It is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from the Central Government.
It aims to provide income support to landholding farmers by easing their liquidity needs and facilitating timely access to agricultural inputs across the country.

What is the eligibility and beneficiaries?

All landholding farmer families are eligible, subject to certain exclusion criteria.
The definition of family for the scheme includes the husband, wife, and minor children.
State governments and UT administrations identify eligible farmer families based on scheme guidelines.
eKYC is mandatory for PM-Kisan registered farmers. OTP based eKYC is available on PM-Kisan Portal or nearest CSC centers may be contacted for Biometric based eKYC.

What is the financial assistance given?

Under PM-Kisan, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year. The amount is provided in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each.
The funds are directly transferred to the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Of the 9.09 crore farmers who received the 16th instalment of PM-Kisan, a maximum of 2.03 crore were in Uttar Pradesh, and the state was followed by Maharashtra (89.66 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (79.93 lakh), Bihar (75.79 lakh) and Rajasthan (62.66 lakh).

Can farmers voluntarily surrender?

Farmers can voluntarily exit the scheme using the PM-Kisan mobile app or website.
Reasons for surrender include absentee landlords, ineligible descendants, or changes in land ownership status.
Surrender (State Breakup): Maximum in Bihar (29,176); followed by Uttar Pradesh (26,593) and Rajasthan (10,343).

350th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRAND CORONATION OF CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI

Why in news : An exhibition titled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Celebration of the 350th Anniversary of the Great Coronation is being presented at National Gallery of Modern Art, (NGMA).

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj :

He was the founder of Maratha empire and is known for his bravery as well as for his good governance.
Over the course of his life, Shivaji engaged in both alliances and hostilities with the Mughal Empire, the Sultanate of Golkonda, the Sultanate of Bijapur and the European colonial powers.
Shivaji’s administration was characterized by a centralized system with the king as the head, assisted by the Ashtapradhan council.
He reformed the revenue system, abolishing the Jagirdari system in favor of the Ryotwari system, and implemented measures to monitor land rights.

About Raigad Fort :

Located about 25 km from Mahad in the Raigad district, Raigad is a hill fort that was earlier known as Rairi.
Shivaji Maharaj had captured the fort from Chandrarao More in 1656 of Javli who came under the dominion of the Adilshahi Sultanate.
The fort not only helped Shivaji challenge the supremacy of the Adilshahi dynasty but also opened up the routes towards Konkan for the extension of his power.

Shivaji renamed the Fort as Raigad in 1662. Two years later, the fort became the Maratha warrior’s seat of government.
His coronation took place here in 1674 when he assumed the title of Chhatrapati.
It was at this fort that Shivaji, who is the most revered icon in Maharashtra today, passed away in 1680.

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NOTA

Recently, the ‘None of the Above (NOTA)’ has created a new record in Indore, Madhya Pradesh in the Lok Sabha election results.

About the None of the Above (NOTA)

It allows voters to express their dissatisfaction with the available candidates during elections.
It enables the voter to officially register a vote of rejection for all candidateswho are contesting an election.
- If a voter chooses to press NOTA on the EVM, it indicates that the voter has not chosen to vote for any party.
The voter must be eligible to register a vote of rejection if they feel that the contesting candidates do not deserve to be voted for.
The Right to vote granted to all citizens must allow the vote of disapproval.

Legal Recognition

In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that the NOTA option should be provided in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- It allows voters to exercise their right not to vote while maintaining secrecy.
Rule 41(1) of the Conduct of Election Rules 1961 recognises the right not to vote, both under the Representation of the People Act (RPA) and the Rules.

PRESTON CURVE

Preston curve postulate recently seen in the news.

About Preston curve

It was first proposed by American sociologist Samuel H. Preston in his 1975 paper “The changing relation between mortality and level of economic development”.
It refers to a certain empirical relationship that is witnessed between life expectancy and per capita income in a country.

The curve shows that people in wealthier countries generally have longer life spans compared to those in poorer countries.
- This is likely because people in wealthier countries have better access to healthcare, are better educated, live in cleaner surroundings, enjoy better nutrition etc.
When a poor country experiences economic growth, there’s an initial significant increase in life expectancy as people’s per capita income rises, allowing them to afford more than just subsistence calories and better healthcare.
- The positive relationship between per capita income and life expectancy begins to flatten out after a certain point.

HAWKING RADIATION

Hawking radiation has never been directly observed, but a research group suggests that it may be observable by existing telescopes.

About Hawking Radiation

The theory proposed by Stephen Hawking in 1974 describes a phenomenon where black holes emit radiation due to quantum effects near their event horizons.
In the Universe, pairs of particles constantly appear and disappear. When this happens near a black hole’s event horizon, one particle might get trapped inside while the other escapes.
The particles that escape the black hole’s gravitational pull are called Hawking radiation.

June 7, 2024

MISSION KARMYOGI

Why in news : India is on the path towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. In its journey, India aspires to become a manufacturing hub in the global supply chain, critical exporter of value-added services and mass supplier of human skills to an ageing developed world. In its pursuit, various reforms have been carried out by the government in past 10 years, let us understand the reforms carried out through Mission Karmyogi.

What is the Mission Karmyogi?

Mission Karmayogi (National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building) was brought in 2021 to transform India’s three million civil servants into citizen centric, future-ready and result-oriented karmayogis.
As part of Mission Karmayogi, the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) was constituted to provide policy guidance and tools to enhance the capabilities of all levels of India’s vast civil services.

What are the goals of Mission Karmyogi?

What are the outcomes of improved governance?

Criteria	Past experience	Reformed governance
Infrastructure development	Delayed completion of mega infrastructure like rail freight corridors and national highways was the norm.Delayed inter-ministerial permissions threw many infrastructure projects into a quagmire.	Integrated all legal and geographic layers such as forests, wildlife sanctuaries, roads and railway lines, as well as planning and execution of mega infrastructure projects. “Whole of government”approach where ministries are required to work in a de-siloed manner to achieve national priorities by harmonizing sector-specific perspectives.Capacity Building Commission providing digital training courses to equip civil servants with skills to apply PM Gati Shakti for project planning and coordination across departments.
Governance	Traditional governance devoid of evidence-based policy	Online learning module on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data analysisuploaded on the online learning portal, iGOT Karmayogi Bharat.Over 3,88,000 government personnel from across ministries have successfully been certified in learning modules on emerging technologies.
Attitudinal issues	Traditional attitudes of colonial bureaucracy	Research-based self-reflection course to promote “sewa bhaav”.The CBC has partnered with the Ministry of Home Affairs to train police personnel to promote public security and ease of living.
Tax system	Loopholes in tax collection, corruption as a challenge.	Faceless and painless tax collection system that rewards the honest taxpayer.Creation of online module on systemic solutions to repeated taxpayer grievances. Over 14,000 direct tax personnel have completed the online learning module.
Municipality reforms	Traditional municipal governance, issues of funds, functions and functionaries.	Municipal corporations being brought on iGOT platform and trained in municipal governance, finances, road and sewerage engineering, solid waste management.
Training	One time training course at foundation level, and mid-career training after that.	Cultivating a culture of life-long learning.Section officers completed 15 lakh online learning modules on data analytics, Government e Marketplace modules and software tools like advanced excel.

INDIAN TOY INDUSTRY INTO THE UAE MARKET

Why in news : The Toy Association of India (TAI) has brought a delegation to the UAE, consisting of members including manufacturers, importers, exporters, retailers, and toy testing lab designers.

About the Indian Toy Industry?

According to the Ministry of State for Commerce and Industry, India’s exports of toys have surged by 60%, climbing from $203.46 Mn in 2018-19 to $325.72 Mn in the fiscal year 2022-23.
The import of toys has witnessed a decline of 57%, dropping from $371.69 Mn in 2018-19 to $158.70 Mn in 2022-23.
The Indian toy industry is among the fastest-growing globally, projected to reach $3 Bn by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12% between 2022-28.
The toy manufacturers in India are mostly located in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and clusters across central Indian states.

What are the potentials for Toy Industry?

Availability of Raw Material: India is the world’s 2nd largest producer of polyester and related fibers, accounting for 8% global share for plush toys; availability of plastics, paper boards, and textiles at competitive prices
Competitive Labor Costs: India stands out as an advantageous destination due to its comparatively lower labor costs amongst other competing geographies.
The import duty on toys was increased from 60% to 70% in Budget 2023.
- 100% FDI is allowed under the Automatic Route.

What are the associated challenges?

Limited Brand Awareness: Indian toy brands have low visibility both domestically and internationally. Limited marketing and brand-building efforts hinder their ability to compete with well-known global brands.
Fragmented Industry Structure: The industry is highly fragmented with a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which limit their ability to achieve economies of scale and invest in research and development (R&D).
Global Competitors: Asia’s successful industrializing nations promote toy exports for job creation, starting with Japan about a century ago, China since the 1980s, and currently Vietnam following in their footsteps.
Regulation and Adhering to Standards: Many of them have struggled to keep up with the regulatory changes and adhere to BIS standards.
High Cost: Small manufacturers are unable to upgrade to machinery production as taxes levy on the equipment is high.

Government initiativesVocal for Local: The Government of India provides comprehensive support through the National Action Plan for Toys (NAPT) by bringing together 20+ Ministries/ Departments.The import duty on toys was increased from 60% to 70% in Budget 2023. Large Cluster Ecosystem: The Government of India has established 60+ toy clusters to encourage domestic and global toy manufacturers to set up operations in India.There is a 400 acre cluster set up by Aequs in Koppal, Karnataka and a 100 acre facility being developed in Uttar Pradesh.Quality Control Order (QCO) on Toys: It was issued in 2020 under the BIS act to ensure toys manufactured or imported into the country were in-line with global quality standards. Customized State Incentives: Multiple states have announced incentives for toy manufacturers subsiding nearly 30% of the cost of manufacturing.

REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THE LOK SABHA

Why in news : A total of 74 women have won the recent Lok Sabha elections, a slight dip from 78 elected in 2019.

About Women in the 18th Lok Sabha :

India has elected 74 women Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Lok Sabha in 2024, four fewer than in 2019, but 52 more than in India’s first elections in 1952.
These 74 women constitute just 13.63% of the elected strength of the Lower House, which is much less than the 33% that will be reserved for womenafter the next delimitation exercise.

Comparison with Previous Years:

Over the years, the Lok Sabha’s gender composition has shown a general trend towards increasing women’s representation. However, progress has been slow and not linear.

In 1952, women made up just 4.41% of the strength of the Lower House, and it increased to more than 6% in the election held a decade later, but again dipped to below 4% in 1971.
Since then, there has been a slow, but steady rise in women’s representation (with a few exceptions), which crossed the 10% mark in 2009, and peaked in 2019 at 14.36%.
After the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, that number rose to just 12.15%. There are no seats set aside for female or male candidates in the Indian parliament.

What are the reasons for low participation of Women?

Low literacy: One of the biggest obstacles to empowering women politically is illiteracy. In general, female candidates are less educated and experienced than male candidates.
- In India, women have a literacy rate of 65% compared to men’s 82%.
Lack of political will: The fact that the bill reserving one-third of the seats for women was repeatedly defeated shows that the lawmakers lack political will.
- All parties’ platforms still include the measure, but it has never been put into action.
Masking of the identity: 206 women individually participated in the 2019 elections, but only one of them took home the victory.
- It demonstrates the role that political parties and a person’s upbringing played in determining their political success. Her true identity is concealed by the party and family.
Patriarchy: Despite having the majority, women do not actually experience their authority because male spouses or other family members often have a say in their decisions. The formation of Sarpanchpati in Panchayati is a clear example of this.
Gender Disparities: Women still face obstacles in the form of gender biases and disparities in education, resource ownership, and attitudes.
Lack of confidence and finance: They were the other main obstacles that kept women from pursuing careers in politics.
Sexual division of labour: A system in which the ladies of the household either handle all domestic labour themselves or organise it through domestic assistants.
- It implies that women devote far more time to caring for the home and children than do males.
Slander and abuse: This is one of the primary barriers that prevent women from running in elections that they encounter during campaigning.
- Lack of safety is the additional factor stated.

What is the significance of Women Participation?

Representation: Women lawmakers ensure that the interests and issues of women are represented in policy-making.
Diversity: They bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to more comprehensive and inclusive policies.
Empowerment: Their presence in law-making bodies can empower other women and girls by providing them with role models.
Equality: It is a matter of gender equality. Women make up half of the population and should therefore have an equal say in the laws that govern society.

Efforts to reduce the gapIn India, the National Commission for Women has been actively working towards enhancing women’s participation in all spheres, including law-making.They have organised consultations on the rights of women under property law and conducted impact assessments of the 73rd and 74th Amendments (1992) in the Indian Constitution, which pertain to the role of women representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has conducted an analytical study on the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and its implementation in India.It is expected to be of great value to lawmakers, policymakers, executives, civil society, academicians, and students of gender studies, human rights, and related disciplines.Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023): This recent amendment, also known as the Women’s Reservation Bill, proposes to reserve one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) and state legislative assemblies. While pending presidential assent, it marks a significant step towards greater female representation in national politics.National Policy for Women Empowerment: The goal of this Policy is to bring about the advancement, development, and empowerment of women.The Policy aimed to be widely disseminated so as to encourage active participation of all stakeholders for achieving its goals.

SELF-DECLARATION CERTIFICATE

Why in news : The Supreme Court has issued a directive that all advertisers/ Advertising Agencies must submit a ‘Self-Declaration Certificate’ before publishing or broadcasting any advertisement.

About:

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced a new feature on the Broadcast Seva Portal for TV and Radio Advertisements and on Press Council of India’s portal for Print and Digital/Internet Advertisements.
The self-declaration certificate is to certify that the advertisement:
- does not contain misleading claims, and
- complies with all relevant regulatory guidelines.
Advertisers must provide proof of uploading the Self-Declaration Certificateto the relevant broadcaster, printer, publisher, or electronic media platform for their records.
No advertisement will be permitted to run on television, print media, or the internet without a valid Self-Declaration Certificate and will become Mandatory For All New Advertisements From 18th June, 2024.
It is a step towards ensuring transparency, consumer protection, and responsible advertising practices.

What is the significance of the step?

Ensure transparency and accountability: The step seeks to prevent the publication of misleading advertisements without holding manufacturers, promoters, and advertisers responsible. This promotes a fair and transparent marketplace where consumers are not deceived.
Ensure consumer protection: The step aims to safeguard consumer rights by preventing unfair trade practices and false advertisements that harm public interest. This ensures that consumers make informed decisions based on accurate information.
Ensure better implementation of Legislations and Rules: The step is likely to improve the enforcement of existing laws and regulations, such as the Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements of Misleading Advertisements Regulations, thereby strengthening the legal framework against false advertising.

FOR PRELIMS

NATHA PRATHA

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over a practice known as ‘Nata Pratha’.

What is Nata Pratha?

It is a social evil comparable to modern forms of prostitution.
Under ‘Nata Pratha’ practice, girls in some communities are sold by their own families either on a stamp paper or otherwise in the name of marriage, having no legal sanctity, in rural areas of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
This practice undermines the well-being, rights, and potential of minors & could lead to gender-based violence and discrimination.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

It is a statutory body, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
It is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, defined by the act as Rights Relating to Life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the constitution or embodied in the international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.

JOINT TASK FORCE ON INVESTMENT (JTFI) BETWEEN INDIA AND QATAR

First Joint Task Force on Investment (JTFI) held between India and Qatar.

About

The meeting outlays the robust economic relationship between India and Qatar rooted in a shared vision for inclusive development.
India’s bilateral trade with Qatar in 2022-23 was US$ 18.77 billion.
India’s export to Qatar during 2022-23 was US$ 1.96 billion and India’s import from Qatar was US$ 16.8 billion.
India is among the top three largest export destinations for Qatar (China and Japan being the other two) and is also among the top three sources of Qatar’s imports, along with China and US.
Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India accounting for over 48% of India’s global LNG imports.
Qatar is also India’s largest supplier of LPG accounting for 29% of India’s total LPG imports.Therefore, the balance of trade continues to be heavily in Qatar’s favour.

NEW RAMSAR SITES : NAGI AND NAKTI WETLANDS

Recently, the Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries of Bihar, have been recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

About the Nagi and Nakti Wetlands

These man-made wetlands are located in the Jamui district of Bihar, nestled in the Jhajha forest range.
These are designated as bird sanctuaries in 1984 for their importance as wintering habitats for several migratory species.
Over 20,000 birds congregate here during the winter months, including one of the largest congregations of red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) on the Indo-Gangetic plain.

The Nagi Bird Sanctuary hosts one of the largest congregations of bar-headed geese (Anser Indicus) on the Indo-Gangetic plain.
The wetlands and their fringes provide habitat for over 75 bird species, 33 fish, and 12 aquatic plants, and support globally threatened species, including the endangered Indian elephant (Elephas Maximus Indicus) and a vulnerable native catfish (Wallago Attu).

June 8, 2024

TONGA VOLCANO

Why in news : The eruption of the underwater volcano Hunga Ha’apai off Tonga in 2022. The volcano has had weather altering impact across the globe

About Hunga Tonga—Hunga Ha’apai:

It is underwater volcano eruption (Submarine volcano)
It is part of the highly active Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone
It is associated with the volcanic arc, which extends from New Zealand north-northeast to Fiji.
It is formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Indo-Australian Plate.

What is the unusual eruption?

Unlike typical volcanic eruptions, Hunga Tonga, an underwater volcano, emitted minimal smoke but significant water vapor (100-150 million tonnes).
Water vapor ascended into the stratosphere, a dry layer 15-40 km above the surface, which usually lacks clouds and rain.

Stratospheric Effects

Water vapor in the stratosphere contributes to ozone layer depletion and acts as a potent greenhouse gas. (Water vapor in stratosphere leads to release of active OH which in turn reacts with ozone to form oxygen and monatomic oxygen)

Modeling Future Climate

Two simulations were compared: one with the eruption’s water vapor injection and one without eruption of water vapor.

Findings

August-December 2023 witnessed a large ozone hole partially attributed to Hunga Tonga.
Predicted the ozone hole’s enlargement two years in advance; subsequent years unlikely to be impacted.
Positive Southern Annular Mode in summer 2024 led to unexpected wetter conditions in Australia contrary to El Niño expectations.
Global mean temperature impact negligible (0.015°C).

What are the long term regional impacts?

Northern Australia to experience colder, wetter winters until approximately 2029.
North America anticipates warmer winters, while Scandinavia expects colder ones.
Volcanic eruption influences atmospheric wave dynamics, impacting weather patterns.

Study presents one perspective; acknowledges limitations and welcomes further research.

CHILD FOOD POVERTY : NUTRITION DEPRIVATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD REPORT

Why in news : UNICEF has released a report Titled “ Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood”.

What is the report about?

It analyzes the impacts and causes of dietary deprivation among the world’s youngest people in nearly 100 countries, and across income groups.
The report focuses on low- and middle-income countries, where most children living in child food poverty reside, and on the implications of child food poverty for undernutrition and poor development.
It examines the status, trends, inequities and drivers of child food poverty in early childhood.

What are the key findings?

Globally, one in four children are living in severe child food poverty in early childhood, amounting to 181 million children under 5 years of age.
Millions of parents and families are struggling to provide nutritious and diverse foods that young children need to reach their full potential.
The global food and nutrition crisis and localized conflicts and climatic shocks are intensifying severe child food poverty, especially in fragile countries.
Global efforts are slow in ending Child Food Poverty (CFP).
Severe child food poverty affects all regions of the world, but not equally: South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are home to more than two-thirds (68 per cent) of the 181 million children living in severe child food poverty.

What is the Status of Child Food Poverty in India?

Severe Food Poverty: India is among the 20 countries that account for 65% of the total number of children living in severe child food poverty between 2018-2022, according to a UNICEF report.
Inequities: While India has reduced the gap in severe CFP between poorer and wealthier households in the last decade, disparities still exist based on socioeconomic status, caste, gender, and geographical location.
Micronutrient Deficiencies: A significant number of children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, particularly anemia (iron deficiency), which affects cognitive development and learning abilities.
Zero-Food Children: A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health in 2023 found that 19.3% of Indian children under 5 years old experienced zero-food days, meaning they had not consumed any food in a 24-hour period. This figure is the highest among the 92 low- and middle-income countries surveyed.

What is the impact of malnutrition?

Health Impacts: CFP is the leading cause of malnutrition in children, which can manifest as stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), and underweight (low weight for age).
- CFP increases the risk of childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and measles, and can lead to premature death.
Impaired Cognitive Development: Malnutrition during the critical early years of development can have irreversible effects on brain development, leading to reduced cognitive abilities.
Reduced Productivity: Malnourished children grow up to be less productive adults with reduced physical and mental capacity, limiting their earning potential and economic contribution to society.
Increased Healthcare Costs: CFP leads to higher healthcare expenditure for families and the government due to the increased need for medical treatment and hospitalization.
Social Exclusion and Stigma: Children suffering from CFP and their families may face social exclusion and discrimination, leading to further marginalization.
Loss of Human Capital: CFP deprives the nation of its most valuable asset – its human capital.
Increased Burden on Healthcare System: The increased healthcare needs of malnourished children put a strain on the healthcare system, diverting resources from other essential services.

How are the challenges in handling CF in India?

Economic Inequality: The high percentage of the population unable to afford a healthy diet is a root cause of child food poverty.
Inadequate Dietary Intake: The shift towards processed foods, often lacking essential nutrients, exacerbates the issue.
Poor Sanitation: The lack of access to proper sanitation facilities increases the risk of infections and diseases, which can further worsen malnutrition and hinder nutrient absorption.
Lack of Health Infrastructure: The low density of doctors and nurses, especially in rural areas, limits access to healthcare services. This means children suffering from malnutrition may not receive timely diagnosis or treatment.

What are the recommendations?

To address child malnutrition governments and partners must invest in actions to improve children’s access to diverse and nutritious diets and end severe child food poverty.
UNICEF calls on national governments, development and humanitarian partners, donors, civil society and media, academic and research organizations to:
1. Transform food systems by ensuring food environments make nutritious, diverse and healthy foods the most accessible, affordable and desirable option for feeding young children, and the food and beverage industry complies with policies to protect children from unhealthy foods and beverages.
2. Leverage health systems to deliver essential nutrition services, including counselling and support on child feeding, to prevent and treat child malnutrition, prioritizing the most vulnerable children.
3. Activate social protection systems to address income poverty in ways that are responsive to the food and nutrition needs of the most vulnerable children and their families, including social transfers to protect children at highest risk of child food poverty.
4. Strengthen data systems to assess the prevalence and severity of child food poverty; detect increases in child food poverty early, including in fragile and humanitarian contexts; and track national and global progress in reducing severe child food poverty.

Initiatives taken by India
– Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): This comprehensive program provides a package of services, including supplementary nutrition, growth monitoring, immunization, health check-ups, and pre-school education to children under six years of age and pregnant and lactating mothers.– Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS): This scheme aims to improve the nutritional status of school-age children by providing them with a free, nutritious lunch in government and government-aided schools.– Mission Poshan 2.0: This focuses on improving maternal nutrition and child feeding norms, integrating multiple schemes.– National Food Security Act (NFSA): The NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to a significant portion of the population, including children, through the Public Distribution System (PDS).– Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provide partial compensation for the wage loss in the form of cash incentives so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery of the first living child.– Food Fortification: The government is promoting the fortification of staple foods like rice, wheat flour, and edible oil with essential micronutrients to address micronutrient deficiencies among children.

INDIA-US CONVERGENCE

Why in news : The assassination attempt on a Sikh separatist in the United States (US) has become a bone of contention between India and the US.

Convergence of India and US Relations:

Since India’s independence, ties with the United States have weathered the Cold War era distrust and estrangement over India’s nuclear program.
- Relations have warmed in recent years and cooperation has strengthened across a range of economic and political areas.
Bilateral Trade: The bilateral trade between the two countries has risen by72 percent between 2017-18 and 2022-23.
- The US accounted for 18 percent of the gross FDI inflows into India during 2021-22, ranking second behind Singapore.
Defense and Security: India and the US have signed a troika of “foundational pacts” for deep military cooperation, beginning with theLogistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, followed by the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)after the first 2+2 dialogue in 2018, and then the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.
- In 2016, the United States elevated India to a major defense partner.
Space: Artemis Accords signed by India established a common vision for the future of space exploration for the benefit of all humankind.
Multilateral Cooperation: India and the United States cooperate closely in multilateral organizations and forums, including the United Nations, G20,, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
- Together with Australia and Japan, the United States and India convene as the Quad, a diplomatic network, to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Nuclear Cooperation: Civil Nuclear Deal was signed in 2005, under the agreement, India agreed to separate its civil and military nuclear facilities and place all its civil resources under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.
- In exchange, the United States agrees to work toward full civil nuclear cooperation with India.
New initiatives: Several new initiatives have been announced like GE-HAL deal to manufacture jet engines in India and the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), to bring revolution between the relations of the two nations.

Divergence in relations:

Conflicting positions: India’s muted criticism of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 expectedly led to some frustration in the West, raising questions over India’s credibility as a security partner.
Limited Utility: India’s utility to the US in an Indo-Pacific conflict, such as a Chinese invasion or naval blockade of Taiwan, is likely limited.
- In the event of US military involvement in Taiwan’s defense, India would likely avoid entanglement in such a US-China conflict.
The US seeks greater alignment from its allies against Russia. While countries like South Korea and Australia have sent military aid to Ukraine, India is viewed by the US and the West as opportunistically buying more oil from Russia amid the war.
Defence Relations with Russia: The US is concerned about India’s acquisition of arms like the S-400 air defense system, as it strengthens Russian power, hinders interoperability and secure communications between US and Indian forces, and prevents sharing of sensitive weapons technologies.

What are the concerns for India?

Dependency on China: US aid in the Russia-Ukraine war strengthens Ukraine’s defense and counter offensives, forcing Russia to rely more on China for support. This diminishes Russian autonomy and potentially its ability to honor defense agreements with India in an India-China conflict.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has shifted the focus of the US away from China, and has, therefore, contributed to considerably eroding the strategic convergence between India and the US.
Further, the war in the Middle East has diverted US attention away and Indo-Pacific in general and India, in particular, have suffered neglect.

The India-US ties have come a long way in the last 25 years, and it holds significant importance in shaping the global order of the 21st century. However, looking at it today, the relationship seems hitting a ceiling as the strategic glue in the foundation is coming apart.

The strategic convergence of India and the US is because of the common threat posed by China. The more the US focuses on Russia or any other adversary and India focuses on Pakistan, the more their strategic convergence weakens.

PRELIMS

QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKING 2025

Recently QS World University Ranking 2025, was released ranking Higher education institutions across the world.

Ranking of Indian Universities

In the QS World University Ranking 2025, seven out of the top 10 ranks in India have been achieved by IITs (IIT Bombay, Delhi, Kharagpur, Madras, Kanpur, Kharagpur, and Guwahati).
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has climbed from 149 in 2024 to 118 in the 2025 rankings.
The University of Delhi (DU), rose 79 ranks from 407th in 2024 to 328th in 2025, securing the seventh spot among Indian universities.

Ranking of Top Global Institutions

Massachusetts Institute of Technology remains the best institute globally for the 13th year in a row.
The second spot has been claimed by the UK’s Imperial College London, which improved from sixth place last year.
Harvard University and the University of Oxford are jointly ranked third.

LIVING WILL AND PASSIVE EUTHANASIA

Justice M S Sonak, who serves on the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court became the first person in Goa to register a “living will”.

Living Will

A living will is a written document that specifies the actions to be taken if the person is unable to make their own medical decisions in the future.
The Supreme Court had in 2018 legalised passive euthanasia, contingent upon the person having a “living will”.

Passive Euthanasia

Passive euthanasia entails the deliberate decision to withhold or withdraw medical interventions, like life support, with the aim of permitting a person’s natural death.
- Conversely, active euthanasia involves a direct action, such as administering a lethal substance, to end a person’s life.
Passive euthanasia is legalised to recognise the living wills of terminally-ill patients who could go into a permanent vegetative state and issued guidelines regulating the procedure.
Goa is the first state that has formalised, to some extent, the implementation of directives issued by the Supreme Court.

Significance

Patients, even in the eventuality of terminal illness with no hope of recovery or irreversible coma, are often kept on life support just to delay death — perhaps under social or family pressure. These expensive treatments push many families into a huge debt trap

MILGROMIAN DYNAMICS (MOND) THEORY

It has been observed that Milgromian dynamics(MOND)Theory fails to explain small bodies in the distant outer Solar System.

About Milgromian dynamics (MOND)Theory

It is proposed by Israeli physicist Mordehai Milgrom in 1982
It suggests a modification to Newtonian dynamics to explain certain astrophysical phenomena without the need for dark matter.
The main postulate of MOND is that gravity starts behaving differently to what Newton expected when it becomes very weak, as at the edges of galaxies.
It is quite successful at predicting galaxy rotation without any dark matter, and it has a few other successes.
Limitations: MOND only changes the behaviour of gravity at low accelerations, not at a specific distance from an object.
- Newtonian gravity is strongly preferred over MOND on length scales below about a light year.
- Mond also fails on scales larger than galaxies: it cannot explain the motions within galaxy clusters.
- It cannot provide enough gravity either, at least in the central regions of galaxy clusters

June 9, 10 2024

NOTA (NONE OF THE ABOVE)

Why in news : The None Of The Above (NOTA) option is in news recently because Indore constituency registered the highest number of NOTA votes in the recently held General Elections.

What is NOTA?

NOTA is a voting option that allows voters to formally express their rejection of all the running candidates, Selecting NOTA as a voting option signifies that the voter has not selected any party or candidate to support.
NOTA vote is a neutral vote that is eventually discounted towards the final total, it is distinct from a negative vote which has no arithmetic value.
The NOTA option was introduced for the first time in the General Elections of 2014.
Presently, NOTA has no legal consequence attached to it. Even if the highest number of votes in a seat are polled for NOTA, the contestant with second highest number of votes wins.

What is the background of NOTA?

UDHR: The Right to secrecy is an integral part of voting and free elections under Article 21(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 25(b) of the ICCPR.
Section 79(d) in The Representation of the People Act, 1951: It states that “Electoral right” means the right of a person to stand or not to stand as, or to withdraw or not to withdraw from being, a candidate, or to vote or refrain from voting at an election.
Law commission of India: Law Commission in its 170^th Report in 1999 had explored the concept of negative voting along with a 50%+1 voting system, but practical challenges led to no final outcome in this regard.
Election Commission of India : ECI supported NOTA in 2001 and 2004 as a response to concerns about voter secrecy due to EVMs. They proposed adding “NOTA” as an option to address the secrecy issues.

What landmark cases are associated with NOTA?

Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India: SC held that the right to vote and the right not to vote are statutorily recognized, Court also held that secrecy had to be maintained regardless of whether voters decide to cast or not cast their votes.
Ballot Box system: Citizens who chose not to cast a ballot when using ballot papers did so by filling in blank ballot papers, which protected both their right to vote and the election’s confidentiality. However, because of how they operate, the EVMs did not provide the voters this option. The Election Commission of India petitioned the Supreme Court in 2009 to allow voters to select “NOTA,” but the Government opposed the notion.
People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (2013): In 2004, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties filed a PIL. The Supreme Court mandated the provision of a “None of the Above” (NOTA) button on EVMs to allow voters to express dissatisfaction with contesting candidates while maintaining secrecy.
SC also held that maintaining vote confidentiality is vital for“free and fair elections”.
It is in concurrence with the Fundamental Right to freedom of Speech and Expression Under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.

This decision enhanced democracy by empowering voters and promoting fair elections. ECI was directed to implement this provision, alongside conducting awareness programs.

What arguments are in favour of NOTA?

Expression of Discontent:

Voter Autonomy: NOTA allows voters to express their dissatisfaction with the candidates without abstaining from the voting process entirely.
Signal to Political Parties: that the electorate is unhappy with the choices presented, encouraging better candidate selection.

Democratic Values:

Right to Reject: NOTA embodies the democratic principle of choice, ensuring that voters can actively reject all candidates if they feel none are suitable.
Increases Voter Turnout: By providing an option for those dissatisfied with the candidates, NOTA can encourage more people to participate in elections.
Morally sound candidate:Discourage the parties from fielding tainted candidates and nominate a morally sound candidate.

Political Accountability:

Encourages Better Governance: Knowing that voters have a formal way to reject candidates can push political parties to nominate more qualified and honest candidates.
Deters Malpractice: The potential for a high number of NOTA votes can discourage unethical practices like vote-buying and pandering.

Ethical Voting:

Avoids Compromised Choices: Voters do not have to choose the lesser of two evils and can maintain their ethical standards by selecting NOTA.

What arguments are against NOTA?

Ineffectiveness in Changing Outcomes:

No Real Impact: In many electoral systems, NOTA votes do not affect the outcome of the election. Even if NOTA receives the highest number of votes, the candidate with the most votes after NOTA still wins, that’s why it is termed as “toothless tiger”.
Symbolic Gesture: Critics argue that NOTA is merely symbolic and does not lead to any substantial political change or reform.

Potential for Misuse:

Protest Votes: Voters might use NOTA as a form of protest without fully considering the implications, potentially undermining serious candidates, and the democratic process.
Strategic Voting Issues: In highly polarized elections, NOTA can split the vote, potentially affecting the results in unintended ways.

Lack of Constructive Alternatives:

No Follow-up Mechanism:Simply rejecting all candidates does not provide a clear path for what happens next
Does Not Address Root Causes: NOTA does not solve the underlying problems of poor candidate selection, corruption, or lack of viable choices; it only highlights these issues.

Potential to Undermine the Electoral Process:

Voter Disengagement:Frequent high NOTA votes can lead to a perception of perpetual dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the democratic process.
Election Delays and Costs: If NOTA were to trigger re-elections, it could lead to delays in governance and increased electoral costs, straining public resources.

HIGH SEAS BIODIVERSITY TREATY

Why in news : The director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), urged countries worldwide “to strive for a fully functional High Seas Biodiversity Treaty” on World Oceans Day 2024 (8th June).

About the treaty:

“In June 2023, the United Nations agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction or BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, was formally adopted by governments.
It offers an updated framework to The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea that came into force in 1994.
It establishes a funding mechanism and sets up institutional arrangements, including a Conference of the Parties and various subsidiary bodies.
Members : According to the Alliance, 90 countries have signed the treaty, including India’s neighbours Nepal and Bangladesh.
- India has neither signed nor ratified the treaty.
- However, only seven countries — Belize, Chile, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Palau and the Seychelles — have ratified the treaty.
This treaty focuses on four main areas:
- Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits;
- Measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas;
- Environmental impact assessments; and
- Capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.

What are the challenges and concern?

Implementation: Turning the treaty’s provisions into effective action on the ground will be a major challenge. The treaty is the result of more than 20 years of protracted negotiations. The details of all the major contentious provisions, including environmental impact assessments, sharing of benefits from genetic resources, and mobilisation of funds for conservation activities, are still to be worked out.
Compliance: Ensuring that all countries adhere to the treaty’s rules and regulations will be crucial.
Financing: Securing adequate financial resources for capacity building and technology transfer is a key concern for developing countries.
Many issues remain unaddressed, including the mechanisms for policing the protected areas, the fate of the projects that are assessed to be heavily polluting, and the resolution of disputes.

Why the High Seas Treaty is Important for India?Marine Biodiversity: India has a long coastline and relies on marine resources for food security and livelihoods. The treaty helps protect the biodiversity of the high seas, which is connected to India’s own marine ecosystems.Blue Economy: The treaty can facilitate India’s participation in the emerging blue economy, which includes activities like deep-sea mining and bioprospecting.Global Leadership: India can play a significant role in shaping the implementation of the treaty and promoting sustainable ocean governance.

CCI PROPOSED REGULATIONS FOR BIG TECH ENTITIES

Why in news : The Competition Commission of India (CCI), has proposed new regulationsto monitor the settlements, and commitments of industry giants.

About:

In 2023, the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 was passed by the Government, incorporating certain new provisions — such as settlement and commitment, and leniency, among others.
- This created a need for amendment/repeal/overhauling of the various regulations framed by the CCI as well as for introduction of certain new ones.
The CCI has invited stakeholders to submit their comments on the draft amendments within 30 days beginning June 6, 2024.

What are the proposed regulations?

The primary objective of this amendment is to simplify and expediteprocedural requirements, thereby facilitating a more efficient process.
Additionally, it seeks to guarantee that every party involved has a fair and equal chance to participate and have their interests adequately represented and considered.
CCI plans to closely monitor implementation of settlement and commitment offered by companies such as Big Tech entities in antitrust cases by engaging monitoring agencies to oversee such implementation.
- Monitoring agencies may include an accounting firm, management consultancy, any other professional organisation or chartered accountants, and company secretaries or cost accountants.
- They would be required to submit reports to the CCI from time to time.
While the procedural changes are quite ordinary, the proposed amendment enhances the authority of the CCI.

Competition Commission of India
– It is a statutory body of the Government of India responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002, it was duly constituted in 2009.a. The Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position by enterprises and regulates combinations, which causes an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India.b. The Commission consists of one Chairperson and six Members who shall be appointed by the Central Government.– The commission is a quasi-judicial body which gives opinions to statutory authorities and also deals with Antitrust cases.

PRELIMS

HEAT DOME

Recently, the US based weather agency said heatwaves in general are becoming more frequent because of the heat dome and climate change.

About Heat Dome

It is a weather phenomenon that occurs when a persistent region of high pressure traps heat over an area.
The high-pressure system acts like a lid, preventing warm air from rising and causing the air below to warm up.

Formation

Heat domes can arise in still and dry summer conditions, when a mass of warm air builds up, and the high pressure from the Earth’s atmosphere pushes the warm air down.
The air is then compressed, and as its net heat is now in a smaller volume, it increases in temperature.
As the warm air attempts to rise, the high pressure above it acts as a dome, forcing the air down and causing it to get hotter and hotter, resulting in increased pressure below the dome.

Correlation with Jet Streams

Typically, heat domes are tied to the behaviour of the jet stream, a band of fast winds high in the atmosphere that generally runs west to east.
Normally, the jet stream has a wavelike pattern, meandering north and then south and then north again.
When these meanders in the jet stream become bigger, they move slower and can become stationary. That’s when heat domes can occur.

Impact

Heat domes can severely impact human health, increasing the risk of heat illnesses and deaths as people cannot cool down properly.
It can last anywhere from days to weeks.

OATH TAKING CEREMONY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath for the 3rd term in the Prime Ministerial office.

About

The oath-taking ceremony is the formal event that signifies a person assuming control of a post, and is associated with several government offices in India, such as that of the President, Cabinet Ministers and judges.
The person set to occupy the office swears to be loyal to the Constitution and to discharge their duties faithfully.
For CMs and ministers at the state level, the Governor administers the oath.
- For the Prime Minister and the Union Cabinet, the President discharges the function.
- The oath of office to the President is administered by the Chief Justice of India.
The words of the oath of allegiance for each post are given in the Constitution of India.
- The President’s oath of office is in Article 60 of the Constitution.
- The Third Schedule of the Constitution details the oaths for other offices. Holders of these offices also take an oath of secrecy.
Article 164 makes it clear that the text of the oath has to be read out exactly as it is.
- But if a person wanders from the text, it is the responsibility of the person administering the oath to interrupt and ask the person being sworn in to read it out correctly.

INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY BOARD OF INDIA :

Starting July 1, 2024, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is implementing revised guidelines for appointing insolvency professionals (IPs) as resolution professionals.

About

These changes are designed to simplify the appointment process by creating a designated panel of eligible IPs, requiring specific qualifications, and mandating prior experience with Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code cases.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

It is a statutory body established in 2016 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC). It has a Chairperson and 10 members from various government departments (Finance, Law, RBI, etc.).
It plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating the insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings in India. The IBBI aims to create a robust ecosystem for efficient insolvency resolution and bankruptcy management.
The IBBI regulates insolvency professionals (IPs), insolvency professional agencies (IPAs), insolvency professional entities (IPEs), and information utilities (IUs) involved in insolvency and bankruptcy processes.

NATIONAL HEALTH CLAIM EXCHANGE

The Health Ministry along with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) are launching the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX).

About

It is aimed at allowing patients to access quality healthcare swiftly and with reduced out-of-pocket expenditure.
The NHCX will serve as a gateway for exchanging claims-related information among various stakeholders in the healthcare and health insurance ecosystem.
- The integration with NHCX is expected to enable seamless interoperability of health claims processing, enhancing efficiency and transparency in the insurance industry, benefiting policyholders and patients.
The NHCX will significantly alleviate the administrative burden on hospitals, which currently contend with multiple portals for various insurers.
IRDAI: It is an autonomous and statutory body which is responsible for managing and regulating insurance and re-insurance industry in India.
- Irdai is a 10-member body- a chairman, five full-time members and four part-time members.
- It was constituted under an Act of Parliament in 1999 and the agency’s headquarters is in Hyderabad.

June 11 2024

INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS

Why in news : Satnami community in Chhattisgarh violently protested against the desecration of a Jaitkhamb (a structure of sacred importance). The protesters were not satisfied with the way police handled the case

What is Satnami Sect?

The earliest Satnamis were a sect of mendicants founded by Birbhan (in Narnaul in eastern Punjab) in 1657. Birbhan’s guru was Udhodas, the pupil of Saint Ravidas and therefore, the sect is believed to be an offshoot of the Ravidassia sect.
Historically, Satnamis are also known as ‘Bairagis’.
In 1672 they defied the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and were crushed by his army.

What are the two categories of Bhakti tradition?

Saguna (with attributes): Focused on the worship of specific deities such as Shiva, Vishnu and his avatars (incarnations) and forms of the goddess or Devi, all often conceptualized in anthropomorphic forms.
Nirguna (without attributes): Nirguna bhakti on the other hand was worship of an abstract form of God.

The sect was revived under the leadership of Jagjivandas (near Lucknow).
- He projected an image of God as ‘Nirguna’(God does not exist in a particular form or have particular properties).
- He promoted worship through a regimen of self-discipline.
- However, the elimination of caste, a central part of the Satnami creed, was not part of his message.
In 1820 in the Chhattisgarh region, Ghasidas, added significant elements to the sect and founded his own offshoot-Satnami sect. He advocated for social equality.
- His Satnam Panth succeeded in providing a religious and social identity for large numbers of lower castes people and defied the derogatory treatment by upper-caste Hindus.
- The community under the leadership of Ghasidas also defied exclusion from Hindu temple worship.

Satnami Revolt: The Satnamis revolted during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Reasons:Many Hindus resented Aurangzeb’s strict Islamic policies, which included revival of Islamic Jizya tax (poll tax on non-Muslim subjects), banning music and art, and destroying Hindu temples.Course of the revolt: Began in 1672 when a Mughal soldier killed a Satnami.Other Satnamis took revenge on the Mughal soldiers, and in turn the Mughal soldiers repressed the Satnamis.In turn, 5,000 Satnamis took up arms against the Mughals. The Satnamis plundered many villages and seized the town of Narnaul. They even set up their own administration. Next, they marched towards Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). The uprising gained the enthusiasm of Hindus in Agra and Ajmer also.It was only when Aurangzeb himself took personal command and sent 10,000 troops with artillery that the Satnamis were suppressed.

HYDROGEN LINE

Why in news : The hydrogen line stands as a pivotal tool in contemporary astronomy, serving various purposes from studying distant stars to questing for extraterrestrial intelligence, should it exist.

What is a hydrogen line?

“The hydrogen line is a special type of light that hydrogen atoms emit.
It happens when an electron, a tiny particle that orbits the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, jumps from a higher energy level to a lower one.
This jump releases energy in the form of light, specifically with a wavelength of about 21 centimetres. This wavelength is what scientists call the hydrogen line

What is the significance of Hydrogen LineHydrogen is everywhere in the universe. It’s the simplest and abundant element, making up about 75% of the universe’s elemental mass.

So, studying the hydrogen line allows us to understand a lot about the composition and distribution of matter in the universe.

By observing the hydrogen line’s emission from different regions of space, astronomers can create maps showing where hydrogen gas is located.
Secrets about the early Universe: The hydrogen line also holds secrets about the early universe. Shortly after the Big Bang, the universe was filled with hydrogen gas.
- By studying the hydrogen line from distant parts of the universe, astronomers can learn about its conditions and evolution billions of years ago

June 11 2024

SATNAMI COMMUNITY

What is Satnami Sect?

The earliest Satnamis were a sect of mendicants founded by Birbhan (in Narnaul in eastern Punjab) in 1657. Birbhan’s guru was Udhodas, the pupil of Saint Ravidas and therefore, the sect is believed to be an offshoot of the Ravidassia sect.
Historically, Satnamis are also known as ‘Bairagis’.
In 1672 they defied the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and were crushed by his army.

What are the two categories of Bhakti tradition?

Saguna (with attributes): Focused on the worship of specific deities such as Shiva, Vishnu and his avatars (incarnations) and forms of the goddess or Devi, all often conceptualized in anthropomorphic forms.
Nirguna (without attributes): Nirguna bhakti on the other hand was worship of an abstract form of God.

The sect was revived under the leadership of Jagjivandas (near Lucknow).
- He projected an image of God as ‘Nirguna’(God does not exist in a particular form or have particular properties).
- He promoted worship through a regimen of self-discipline.
- However, the elimination of caste, a central part of the Satnami creed, was not part of his message.
In 1820 in the Chhattisgarh region, Ghasidas, added significant elements to the sect and founded his own offshoot-Satnami sect. He advocated for social equality.
- His Satnam Panth succeeded in providing a religious and social identity for large numbers of lower castes people and defied the derogatory treatment by upper-caste Hindus.
- The community under the leadership of Ghasidas also defied exclusion from Hindu temple worship.

HYDROGEN LINE

What is a hydrogen line?

“The hydrogen line is a special type of light that hydrogen atoms emit.
It happens when an electron, a tiny particle that orbits the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, jumps from a higher energy level to a lower one.
This jump releases energy in the form of light, specifically with a wavelength of about 21 centimetres. This wavelength is what scientists call the hydrogen line

What is the significance of Hydrogen Line

Hydrogen is everywhere in the universe. It’s the simplest and abundant element, making up about 75% of the universe’s elemental mass.

So, studying the hydrogen line allows us to understand a lot about the composition and distribution of matter in the universe.

By observing the hydrogen line’s emission from different regions of space, astronomers can create maps showing where hydrogen gas is located.
Secrets about the early Universe: The hydrogen line also holds secrets about the early universe. Shortly after the Big Bang, the universe was filled with hydrogen gas.
- By studying the hydrogen line from distant parts of the universe, astronomers can learn about its conditions and evolution billions of years ago

How do we interpret the Hydrogen Lines?

Radio telescope data enables mapping of hydrogen distribution, revealing locations of hydrogen clouds crucial for understanding galaxy and galaxy cluster formation and evolution.
Observing hydrogen line emission from different galaxy parts enables studying internal structures and dynamics, like rotation curves, offering insights into mass distribution within galaxies.
Observing hydrogen lines from distant galaxies unveils early universe conditions, aiding in understanding cosmic evolution’s initial stages.

What next?

New Discoveries: Scientists are continually developing new technologies and techniques to improve the sensitivity and resolution of radio telescopes.
- This enables them to detect fainter signals and uncover new insights into the universe’s hydrogen content.
Exploring Dark Matter: The hydrogen line observations could also contribute to understanding dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up about 27% of the universe’s total mass-energy content.
- By studying the hydrogen distribution in relation to the gravitational effects observed in galaxies, scientists hope to shed light on the nature of dark matter.

INDIAN OCEAN

Why in news : The Indian Ocean, the smallest of the three major oceans, has been gaining significant attention recently due to its rapid warming because of increasing greenhouse gasses and global warming.

Background:

Geographical Location: India is a vast country lying entirely in the Northern hemisphere.

The southernmost point of India is ‘Indira Point’ which got submerged under the sea water in 2004 during the Tsunami.

The Indian landmass has a central location between East and West Asia.
The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, thus helping India to establish close contact with West Asia, Africa and Europe from the western coast and with Southeast and East Asia from the eastern coast.
The northern boundary of the Indian Ocean Is closed off by the Asian landmass, with small connections to the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
It’s bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west, and Australia to the east.
To the southeast and southwest of the mainland lie the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Lakshadweep islands in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea respectively.
Major islands in the Indian Ocean are Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Comoros, Grande Terre (primary and largest island of New Caledonia), Reunion, Zanzibar, and Socotra etc.

What is the significance of Indian Ocean?

Strategic Position: The trans Indian Ocean routes, which connect the countries of Europe in the West and the countries of East Asia, provide a strategic central location to India.
- It is India’s eminent position in the Indian Ocean, which justifies the naming of an Ocean after it.
Maritime Safety and Security: The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) is a nodal center of excellence for promoting collaborative Maritime Safety and Security towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean Region.
Major Trade Routes: Four critically important access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb (Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia).
Monsoon Winds and Rain: The Indian Ocean is famous for its dramatic monsoon winds and the bountiful rain it brings on the Indian subcontinent.
Fisheries and Tourism: The warm ocean supports fisheries, big and small, and fish such as anchovies, mackerel, sardines, and tuna.
- Dolphins are a tourist attraction; some whales have also been sighted in the Arabian Sea.

What are the concerns related to Indian Ocean?

Rapid Warming: The Indian Ocean has been getting a lot of attention recently for its rapid warming and the outsized influence it continues to have on its peers.
Climate Change: The Indian Ocean is critical today to understand the earth’s overall ocean response to increasing greenhouse gases and global warming.
Cyclones: The North Indian Ocean doesn’t generate as many cyclones as the Pacific or the Atlantic Oceans, but the numbers and their rapid intensification have been growing ominously.

CO-OP SOCIETIES NOT BOUND BY RTI ACT

Why in news : The Madras High Court has held that the cooperative societies in the state are not bound by the Right to Information (RTI) to provide information to the citizens on their functions as they are not falling under public authority.

Background:

The Madras High Court has set aside an order passed by Tamil Nadu Information Commission (TNIC) directing a cooperative society to disclose details regarding the loans extended by it.
The court ruled that Cooperative societies registered under the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Societies Act of 1983 in the State would not fall under the definition of the term ‘public authority’ as it had been defined under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act of 2005.

What are Cooperative Societies?

It is a voluntary association of individuals having common needs who join hands for the achievement of common economic,social and cultural interest.
India’s cooperative movement originated in the agriculture and related sectors as a means for farmers to pool their resources to prevent exploitation by money lenders.
India’s cooperative movement was formalised at the end of the 19th century, inspired by the German model of agricultural credit banks
Cooperatives in India range from those providing credit to those producing, procuring, or marketing products like fertilisers, milk, sugar, and fish.

What are the Constitutional provisions?

Cooperative Societies’ is a State Subject.
The 97th constitutional amendment, Part IXB (The Co-Operative Societies) was inserted into the Constitution.
- The right to form cooperative societies was included as Right to Freedom under article 19 (1), Part-3 of the Constitution.
In addition to this, Article 43-B (Promotion of Cooperation societies) was also inserted as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy under Part 4 of the Constitution of India.
- Article 43B says that “states shall endeavour to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of cooperative societies”.

What are the issues with Cooperative Societies?

Government and legislative control of cooperatives increased over the years, there were increasing reports of mismanagement and corruption
State governments, “in the name of public interest,” directly intervene in the working of cooperatives .
Cooperative societies have struggled to be successful and financially viable and the cooperative movement remains unevenly spread in the country.
Many cooperative societies do not hold elections regularly, while some are superseded frequently.

What is the Right to Information (RTI) Act?About:The Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information.The basic object of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government, contain corruption, and make our democracy work for the people in a real sense.Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019:It provided that the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States) shall hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government. Before this amendment, their term was fixed for 5 years.It provided that the salary, allowances and other service conditions of the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States) shall be such as prescribed by the Central Government.Before this amendment, the salary, allowances and other service conditions of the Chief Information Commissioner were similar to those of the Chief Election Commissioner and that of an Information Commissioner were similar to those of an Election Commissioner (State Election Commissioners in case of States).It removed the provisions regarding deductions in salary of the Chief Information Commissioner, an Information Commissioner, the State Chief Information Commissioner and a State Information Commissioner due to pension or any other retirement benefits received by them for their previous government service.The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 was criticized on grounds of diluting the law and giving more powers to the central govt.

PRELIMS

EAST ASIA SUMMIT

A Senior Officials’ Meeting was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

About East Asia Summit

The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a leaders-led forum established in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Aim: It serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern in the East Asian region. The EAS aims to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity in East Asia.
Membership: 18 members, comprising the 10 ASEAN member states along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
Priority areas of cooperation: Environment and energy, education, finance, global health issues and pandemic diseases, natural disaster management, and ASEAN connectivity.

SUBANSIRI RIVER

The Department of Fisheries (Arunachal Pradesh) and NHPC Ltd. have formally agreed to implement a fisheries management plan at the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLP) in Assam through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

About

Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP): It is an under-construction gravity dam on the Subansiri River.
The Subansiri River, also known as the Gold River, is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River that flows through Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam in India.
It flows through the eastern Himalayas, entering India through the Miri hills in Arunachal Pradesh.
Its major tributaries include Laro, Nye, Yume, Tsari, and Kamla.
The river is known for its gold deposits, hence the name “Gold River.”

PRZEWALSKI’s HORSES

Recently, Przewalski horses, a wild horse species, returned to Kazakh steppes — the native habitat of this endangered species.

About the Przewalski’s Horses (aka Takhi)

These are a unique equine breed that has never been domesticated.
They are the last truly wild horses native to the steppes of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China.
These horses are named after the Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky.

Conservation Efforts

In the 1990s, ecologists began reintroducing Przewalski’s horses to their native habitats.
Today, more than 500 Przewalski’s horses are free-ranging in Mongolia, with additional populations in China and Kazakhstan.
Their successful reintroduction led to the IUCN changing the status of Przewalski’s horses from ‘Extinct in the Wild’ to ‘Endangered’ in 2011.

June 12 2024

WORLD ACCREDITATION DAY

Syllabus: GS2/Government Policies and Intervention

Why in news : Recently, the Quality Council of India (QCI) celebrated ‘World Accreditation Day’ across more than 20 cities in the country.

What Accreditation?

It is the third party attestation related to a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) conveying the formal demonstration of its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks.
- CAB is a body which includes Testing including medical Laboratory, Calibration Laboratory, Proficiency Testing Provider, Certified Reference Material Producer.
It assists the institutions to understand their strengths and weaknesses through an informed review process, thus facilitating identification of internal areas of planning and resource allocation.
It enhances customer confidence in accepting testing / calibration reports issued by accredited laboratories.
In India, accreditation is important as it helps determine if an institution meets or exceeds minimum standards of quality.

What are the benefits of Accreditation ?

Facilitating Global Trade and Access to Global Market: Multilateral arrangements help in providing confidence and in development of robust frameworks on which to further develop and enhance Government-to-Government (G2G) bilateral and multilateral international trade agreements.
Regulators and Government Organisations: Since accreditation assures technical competence, Regulators can rely on accreditation and prescribe Third-party NABCB accredited conformity assessment.
- Accreditation often helps to improve harmonization within national regulatory and legislative structures across the country.
- Harmonization of processes to bridge standards and conformity assessment. It helps in continual improvements.
Competitive Edge: NABCB accreditation demonstrates credible evidence of conformance with national and international standards and regulations which supports the accredited organisation to differentiate business from its competitors.
Risk Management and Higher level of Quality Assurance: Conformity assessment bodies are assessed according to international standards having requirements for carrying out Risk Analysis.
- It ensures the delivery of quality services by accredited bodies.
Confidence and Trust: Government, Industry and Consumers recognize the credibility & reliability in use of NABCB accredited conformity assessment services as it provides level of trust, assurance to the product/processes.
Other benefits include Enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction; Robust Quality Management System; Better operational control; Cost Reduction; and Prevent loss due to defects etc

Who does the sector-wise Accreditation in India?

IT Sector: The Information Technology Act, 2000 defines the role and responsibilities of certifying authorities, which issue Digital Signature Certificates.
- It ensures that these certifying authorities operate under strict standards and guidelines, thereby ensuring the security and authenticity of digital signatures and electronic records.
Archival Management: The National Archives of India, as the custodian of archival records, operates under strict standards and guidelines to ensure the preservation and accessibility of these valuable resources for future generations.
Legal Framework: The India Code, maintained by the Ministry of Law and Justice, is an accredited repository of all central and state Acts, rules, regulations, notifications, orders, circulars, and statutes.
Education: India, with its diverse and vast educational system, is actively shaping the future through accreditation.
- A target of 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2037 is set, along with enhancing the quality of education which is of paramount importance to the nation.
- The Indian higher education system is transforming rapidly through the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP 2020).

Quality Council of India (QCI)
– It was established, in 1997, as a National body for Accreditation on recommendations of the Expert Mission of the EU.– It was set up through a PPP model, non-profit, independent, autonomous organisation with the support of Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by:a. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM);b. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII);c. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

What are the challenges related to Accreditation in India??

Standardisation and Implementation of Guidelines: One of the major challenges is the lack of standardisation across different sectors.
- The standards and guidelines for certifying authorities, which issue Digital Signature Certificates (in the IT sector, as per the Information Technology Act, 2000), may vary, leading to inconsistencies.
Resource Management: For example, the National Archives of India, which is the custodian of the records of enduring value of the Government of India, has a vast corpus of records.
- Managing these records, ensuring their preservation, and making them accessible for future generations is a significant challenge.
Low Participation: Many institutions are reluctant to participate in the accreditation process. This low level of willingness continues to be a cause of concern.
Complex Process: The process for collection of information by accreditation agencies is long and cumbersome. There are concerns about the subjectivity in the processes, and inconsistencies between assessments by different agencies.
Multiplicity of Agencies: Currently, multiple agencies within the Union Government of India have been mandated for periodic approvals, assessment, accreditation, and ranking of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Quality of Education: Achieving higher levels of quality is dependent upon processes such as teaching-learning, research & innovation, enhancing employability skills, equity and societal integration, academic ambiance, commitment to sustainability rather than mere infrastructure and inputs.

BRICS GROUPING AND ITSS EXPANION

Why in news : The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations met in the Russian Federation. Russia took over the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2024.

What is it about?

The meeting was the first ministerial meeting following BRICS expansion in 2023 when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joined Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as full-fledged BRICS members.
The BRICS ministers held a plethora of discussions, including an important one on the enhanced use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions between the BRICS countries.
The leaders of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) countries met for the first time in St. Petersburg, Russia, on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in July 2006.
The BRICS group was renamed as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) after South Africa was accepted as a full member at the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York in September 2010.
BRICS is an important grouping bringing together the major emerging economies from the world.

What are the main pillars of BRICS?

Political and Security: Enhancing cooperation on global and regional security matters and reforming the multilateral system to make it more relevant for the 21st century.
- Counter-terrorism and its financing remain crucial elements within this domain
Economic and Financial: Promoting economic growth and development for mutual prosperity through intra-BRICS cooperation in trade, agriculture, infrastructure, SMEs, energy, finance, and banking.
- This cooperation aims to promote collaborative approaches for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Enriching intra-BRICS contacts through cultural, academic, youth, sports, and business exchanges.
- Regular interactions among parliamentarians and young scientists are part of this effort to build stronger intra-BRICS relationships

What are the challenges for BRICS?

The BRICS countries still fall short in showing a coherence of purpose, and are still mired by inner contradictions.
Continued conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region .
Climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and regional conflicts
The journey towards a common currency within BRICS faces challenges due to economic disparities, monetary policy complexities, and divergent national priorities.
China’s economic dominance might spark concerns regarding fair benefit distribution and currency influence

PREMATURE DEATHS RELATED TO PM2.5

Why in news : A new study (published in Journal Environment International) has found that the fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) led to 135 million premature deaths worldwide between 1980 and 2020.

Particulate Matter:

It is a term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air that comes in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals.
Some particles, known as primary particles, are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires.
Others form in complicated reactions in the atmosphere of chemicals such as sulphur dioxides and nitrogen oxides that are emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles.

What are the different types of Particulate Matter?

Particles that are 10 micrometres in diameter or smaller because those are the particles that generally pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs.
- The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems.
PM10: inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometres and smaller.
PM2.5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometres and smaller.
When inhaled, Particulate Matters can cause a wide range of respiratory disorders. Continuous exposure to these can cause asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and any type of bronchitis.
Particulate matter can penetrate deep inside the lungs and damage it.
Any bacteria or virus can now attack the lungs and this could even lead to serious life-threatening infections.
Particulate Matter can also cause chest tightening, watery eyes, sneezing, and running nose.

Breakdown of Premature Deaths?

From 1980 to 2020, a third of premature deaths were associated with stroke (33.3%), another third with ischemic heart disease (32.7%) and the remaining deaths were due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections and lung cancer.

According to the WHO, almost 3.7 million premature deaths annually are attributed to outdoor air pollution.About 80% of those deaths are due to heart disease and stroke, while another 20% are from respiratory illnesses and cancers related to exposure to PM2.5.

Geographical Disparity in Air Pollution-Related Deaths

Asia is the most affected region, with an estimated 98.1 million premature deaths attributed to PM2.5 pollution between 1980 and 2020.
China and India led with 49 million and 26.1 million deaths, respectively.
- Other South Asian nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Japan also suffered significant losses due to PM2.5 exposure.

What is the status in India?

India, with 18% of the world’s population, has a disproportionately high 26% of the global premature deaths and disease burden due to air pollution.
More than 23 lakh people died prematurely due to pollution in India in 2019.
Of them, 73% of deaths occurred due to air pollution, the largest number of such deaths globally.
In Delhi, the national capital, the number of deaths attributable to PM2.5 was 106 out of 1,00,000 people in 2019, above the global median 58 per 1,00,000 people.

Related Efforts By IndiaNational Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019 with targets to achieve 20% to 30% reduction in concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 by the year 2024, keeping 2017 as the base year for comparison of concentration.Decarbonisation Efforts: A report suggests that decarbonising faster can save India 200,000 deaths from particulate matters.The report analysed health impacts stemming from exposure to particulate matter under various policy pathways to meet Paris Agreement 2015 targets.Green Infrastructure: Cities are reimagining cityscapes with verdant green corridors and tree-lined boulevards, weaving greenery seamlessly into the urban fabric.Planting certain species can create a natural air-purifying barrier, absorbing harmful substances such as hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds.Vehicle Scrappage Policy: It aims to replace old vehicles with modern and new vehicles on Indian roads, and is expected to reduce pollution, create job opportunities and boost demand for new vehicles.Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme: It aims to reduce pollution caused by diesel and petrol-operated vehicles and to promote electric and hybrid vehicles in India.The FAME phase II scheme has been extended for two years to drive greater adoption of the scheme.

PRELIMS

LIPULEKH PASS

Indian traders are demanding the resumption of border trade with China through Lipulekh pass which was closed during Covid-19 pandemic.

About Lipulekh Pass

Lipulekh Pass is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, near the tri junction of India, China, and Nepal.
The pass serves as a route for pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. It is also one of the important points connecting India and Tibet, along with other passes like Nathu La and Shipki La.
Nepal claims that the pass lies within its territory, while India argues that it is part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
In 2020, India inaugurated a road connecting Dharchula in Uttarakhand to Lipulekh Pass.

XYLITOL

Recent study mentioned that the popular artificial sweetener Xylitol is linked to higher cardiovascular issues including heart attack and stroke.
- In 2023, the study found similar results for another low-calorie sweetener called erythritol.

About Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants, including many fruits and vegetables. It has a sweet taste and is often used as a sugar substitute.
Xylitol is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. The artificial sweetener commonly used in toothpaste and sugar-free chewing gum.
It can be found naturally or artificially produced.

VETERINARY COUNCIL OF INDIA

Recently, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying declared the names of elected members to the Veterinary Council of India.

About the Veterinary Council of India

It is a statutory body established under the Indian Veterinary Council Act 1984, and was first constituted through a Gazette notification in 1989.
It is a pivotal institution in the field of veterinary science and animal husbandry in India, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health and welfare of animals.
The Members of the Council were nominated as per the provisions of Section 3 of the Act.
It receives 100% grants-in-aid from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary role of the VCI is to regulate veterinary practice and maintain the register of veterinarians.
It is responsible for upholding the standard of veterinary education in India, i.e. Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) Degree course.
It prescribes minimum standards of veterinary education required for granting recognized veterinary qualifications by veterinary institutions.

GANDHI SAGAR SANCTUARY

The Madhya Pradesh government has completed preparations for its ambitious cheetah reintroduction project at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is slated to be the second home for cheetahs in India after Kuno National Park

About Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary

Gandhisagar sanctuary is located on western border of Malwa plateaus along the banks of the mighty Chambal river.
Total area of Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is 368.62 sq. km
It spreads into two districts Mandsaur and Neemuch
Its Northern boundary is the Interstate boundary of M.P. and Rajasthan.
It is known for some rare wildlife species like Wild Dogs (Dholes), Chinkara, Leopard, Otter, Mugger crocodile.

June 13 2024

GLOBAL GENDER GAP INDEX : WEF

Syllabus: GS2/Issues Related to Women; International Organisation

Why in news : Recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) published the 18th edition of the Global Gender Gap Report (2024).

About the Global Gender Gap Index (2024):

It annually benchmarks the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions, i.e. Economic Participation and Opportunity; Educational Attainment; Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

What are the findings of the report?

Global Results: The global gender gap score in 2024 for all 146 countries included in this edition stands at 68.5% closed.
- It means that on average, across the world, there is still a 31.5% gender gap that needs to be closed.
- Compared against the constant sample of 143 countries included in last year’s edition, the global gender gap has been closed by a further +0.1 percentage point, from 68.5% to 68.6%.
Time to Parity: Based on current data, it will take 134 years to reach full parity, which is roughly five generations beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target.
- The lack of meaningful, widespread change since the last edition effectively slows down the rate of progress to attain parity.
Top Performers: While no country has achieved full gender parity, 97% of the economies included in this edition have closed more than 60% of their gap.
- It is a significant improvement compared to 85% in 2006.
- Iceland (1st, 93.5%), alongwith the Finland (2nd, 87.5%), Norway (3rd, 87.5%), Sweden (5th , 81.6%), Germany (7th, 81%), Ireland (9th, 80.2%) and Spain (10th, 79.7%) has been leading the index for a decade and a half.
  - Finland continues to be the only economy to have closed over 90% of its gender gap.
Globally, Sudan was ranked last on the index of 146 countries, while Pakistan slipped three places to 145th.
Gender parity in labour-force participation has shown some improvement. According to data from 101 economies tracked since 2006, the participation rate has rebounded from 63.5% in 2023 to 65.7% in 2024.

What is India’s status?

India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, closed 64.1% of its gender gap in 2024. However, India has slipped two places to 129th place (127th last year), mainly because of small declines in ‘Educational Attainment’ and ‘Political Empowerment,’ parameters, while ‘Economic Participation’ and ‘Opportunity’ scores slightly improved.
India showed the best gender parity in terms of enrolment in secondary education.
In the Political Empowerment sub-index, India scored within the top-10 on the head-of-state indicator, but its scores for women’s representation at the federal level, in Ministerial positions (6.9%) and in Parliament (17.2%), remain relatively low.

ECO-SENSITIVE ZONES IN WESTERN GHATS

Syllabus: GS3/Environment and Ecology

Why in news : Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, three of the six states where the Centre has proposed eco-sensitive areas (ESA) to protect the Western Ghats, have sought a reduction in the extent of these ESAs to allow development works.

About Eco-Sensitive Zones:

The National Environment Policy (2006) defined the Eco-Sensitive Zones “as areas/zones with identified environmental resources having incomparable values which require special attention for their conservation” because of its landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, historical and natural values.
ESAs are notified and regulated by the MoEFCC under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are regions located within 10 km of protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

What are the key findings of the report?

Kasturirangan Committee RecommendationsIn August 2012, the MoEF constituted a high-level working group (HLWG) under the chairmanship of K. KasturiranganIt was tasked with suggesting an all-round and holistic approach for sustainable and equitable development while focusing on the conservation of ecological systems in Western Ghats, a biological hotspot.Accordingly, the Kasturirangan report in 2013 identified an area of 59,940 sq. km of natural landscape of Western Ghats, spread across six states — Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra— as ecologically sensitive.It recommended prohibition or regulation of development projects and activities in the ESA which would have maximum interventionist and destructive impact on ecosystems.

Ecologically sensitive regions help in conserving fragile ecosystems which would sustain livelihoods. It is for people and the approach helps the community through the sustenance of water, better pollination, high yield of crops, and minimal human animal conflicts.
There is also a need to consider the states’ demands and stick to the principles of ecological protection and follow a uniform approach.
- The expert committee will submit its report to the Environment Ministry by September despite a June-end deadline.

OPTICAL ATOMIC CLOCK

Why in news : Researchers have developed an miniaturised Optical Atomic Clock which can be placed in a ship. This Optical Atomic Clock is considered to be more accurate as compared to Caesium based Atomic clocks.

What is Atomic Clock?

Optical atomic clocks are a cutting-edge technology in precise timekeeping, offering superior accuracy compared to traditional atomic clocks.
They utilize optical frequencies (visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light) for time measurement, leading to higher precision.

What is the principle of Operation?

Atomic Transitions: Operate on the same principle as traditional atomic clocks, but with transitions stimulated by lasers.
- Resonance Frequency: In the optical range, leading to more precise and stable measurements.
Lasers: Coherent light sources used to stimulate atomic transitions with high precision.
- Coherent Light: Emitted light waves have the same frequency and stable wavelength relationships.
Higher Frequency: Optical clocks operate at much higher frequencies than microwave-based atomic clocks, enabling finer time resolution.

What are the common atoms used?

Strontium (Sr): Preferred for its stable optical transitions and narrow linewidths.
Ytterbium (Yb): Also used for its similar properties to strontium.
Iodine (I2): Used in the new portable optical atomic clock for its robustness and relatively high accuracy.
Caesium (Cs-133): Traditional atomic clocks often use caesium for its stability and natural occurrence.

What are the advantages of Optical Atomic Clocks?

Accuracy: Optical atomic clocks can lose or gain only one second over 300 billion years, compared to traditional atomic clocks’ 1.4 million years.
Stability: Higher operating frequencies and narrower linewidths lead to exceptional long-term stability.
Precision: Ability to measure smaller time increments more accurately.

Development and Application of a New Portable Optical Atomic Clock:

New Portable Design: Recent study published in Nature introduces a portable optical atomic clock that uses molecular iodine as the frequency standard.
Miniaturization: The clock’s components were miniaturized to fit within a standardized rack (35 liters, 26 kg, 85 W power consumption).
- Spectrometer: Volume reduced to 2.5 liters.
- Laser System: Constructed using optical fibers, reducing volume to 1 liter.
- Frequency Comb: Occupies 0.5 liters.
Autonomous Operation: Equipped with a software control system for autonomous initialization and monitoring.
Testing and Performance: Conducted initial tests at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), operating autonomously for 34 days.
- Accuracy: Outperformed NIST’s hydrogen maser ST05 in short-term accuracy and had 10x lower long-term drift compared to rubidium atomic clocks.
Field Tests: Deployed on a ship at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, maintaining stability despite environmental fluctuations (motion, temperature, humidity).

PRELIMS

NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS

According to a global assessment of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions, India is the world’s second largest source of it that heats up the atmosphere far more than carbon dioxide.

About Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, its emissions have grown by 40% between 1980 and 2020.
India was responsible for nearly 11% of the global man-made Nitrous Oxide emissions in 2020, just after China (16.7%).
- The major source of these emissions comes from fertiliser usage, particularly nitrogen-based fertilisers, and animal manure in agriculture.
On the other hand, the US (5.7%), Brazil (5.3%) and Russia (4.6%) were the top five emitters, along with China and India.
- However, the per capita emissions (Kg Nitrous Oxide/Person) in India have the lowest (0.8) in comparison to countries like China (1.3), US (1.7), Brazil (2.5) and Russia (3.3).
The increase in greenhouse gases has already raised the Earth’s average surface temperature by 1.15°C compared to the 1850-1900 average.
- Anthropogenic Nitrous Oxide emissions contribute to about 0.1 degrees of this warming

PAROS TREATY

Recently, the BRICS Ministers reiterated their support for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) and it’s weaponisation.

About the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) Treaty

It is a proposed international agreementaimed at preventing the deployment of weapons in space and ensuring the peaceful use of outer space.
It addresses concerns about the potential militarisation and weaponization of space, which could lead to an arms race and destabilise global security.

Current Status

The proposed PAROS treaty is currently being discussed in the Conference on Disarmament.
In 2008, Russia and China presented a draft treaty to the Conference on Disarmament aimed at preventing the placement of weapons in outer space and banning the use of anti-satellite weapons.

India’s Stance

India supports substantive consideration of the prevention of an arms race in outer space and remains committed to a legally-binding instrument on PAROS which is universally acceptable, verifiable, and multilaterally negotiated in the Conference on Disarmament.
It believes that Outer Space should not become an arena of conflict, but a new and expanding frontier of cooperative activity.

FATTY LIVER DISEASE

It is the build-up of excess fat in the liver cells, and is a common liver complaint in various countries.
It is normal for the liver to contain some fat, but if fat accounts for more than 10 per cent of the liver’s weight, then it is a fatty liver and serious complications may be developed.
Fatty liver may cause no damage, but sometimes the excess fat leads to inflammation of the liver.
- This condition, called steatohepatitis, does cause liver damage.
Sometimes, inflammation from a fatty liver is linked to alcohol abuse.
- This is known as alcoholic steatohepatitis.
- Otherwise, the condition is called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH.

May 14 2024

COALITION GOVERNMENT

Syllabus: GS2/Constitution & Polity of India

Why in news : After 10 years in power, the ruling BJP was not able to gain a majority in the Lok Sabha but is set to form a government with the help of coalition partners under National Democratic Alliance.

About Coalition Politics?

When several political parties join hands to form a government and exercise political power based on a common agreed programme/agenda, we describe the system as coalition politics or coalition government.
Coalitions usually Occur in modern parliaments when no single political party can muster a majority of votes. ‘Two or more parties, who have enough elected members, between them to form a majority, may then be able to agree on a common manifesto that does not require too many drastic compromises with their individual policies, and can proceed to form a government.
Coalition denotes a co-operative arrangement under which distinct political parties, or at all events members of such parties, unite to form a government or ministry.

What are the features of coalition politics?

The features or implications of coalition politics or coalition government are summarized by J.C. Johari in the following ways:

A coalition is formed when many splinter groups in a House agree to join hands on a common platform by sinking their broad differences and form a majority.
Coalitions are formed for the sake of some reward, material, or psychic motive. A coalition implies the existence of at least two partners.
The underlying principle of a coalition system stands on the simple fact of temporary conjunction of specific interest.
Coalition politics is not a static but a dynamic affair as coalition players and groups dissolve and form new ones.
The keynote of coalition politics is compromise, and rigid dogma has no place in it.
A coalition government works based on a minimum programme, which may not be ideal for each partner of the coalition.
Pragmatism and not ideology is the mark of coalition politics. In making political adjustments, principles may have to be set aside.
The purpose of coalition adjustment is to seize power.

What are the two types of coalition?

Pre-Poll Coalition: A pre-poll alliance is a political arrangement where two or more political parties agree to cooperate and support each other before an election. This alliance is typically formed with the aim of improving their chances of winning by consolidating votes, avoiding vote splitting, and presenting a united front against common opponents.– The pre-poll coalition is considerably advantageous because it provides a common platform to the parties to woo the electorate based on a joint manifesto.

Post Poll Coalition: A post-poll alliance is a political arrangement where two or more political parties agree to cooperate and form a coalition after the election results have been announced. This type of alliance is typically formed when no single party secures an outright majority, necessitating collaboration to achieve the numbers required to govern.-The post-election union is intended to enable constituents to share political power and run the government.

What is the status of Coalition Politics in India?

Phase 1: 1947-67

Indian politics in the period between 1947 to 1967 was coalitional in nature. Political scientists like Rajni Kothari, Morris Jones and Myron Weiner developed a theoretical model for this level in the late sixties through the idea of a one-party dominant system or Congress system.
Rajni Kothari has also highlighted the consensual politics based on pluralism, accommodation and bargaining followed by Congress party.

Phase 2: 1967-77 Coalition at state level

Coalition by non-congress opposition parties, and formation of government in 9 states.
Morris Jones calls that coalition led to the emergence of a ‘market polity’ leading to a ‘pretty regular and continuous defectors market’.
Divergent ideologies helped in winning elections by providing a mass base, but also led to crisis in governance.

Phase 3: 1977-79

Defeat of the Congress in 1977 parliamentary as well as assembly elections (in six States).
The introduction of populist, bureaucratic and authoritarian mode of politics in the party had led to the emergency imposed by the Congress government. Which became the reason for the debacle of congress.

Phase 4: Decline of coalition Politics (1980-89)

The failure of coalition experiment (failure of Janata coalition government to complete its full term) gave an opportunity to Congress-recovering from a split in 1978 under the leadership of Indira Gandhi to capture power in the 1980 elections.
Congress received a massive victory in 1984 general elections also. Thus, for a decade the coalition politics came to an end at the center. It however continued at the state level.

Phase 5: 1989-99

Further decline of coalition politics, immature coalitions leading to hung assemblies and minority government at the Centre and rise of bipolar regional politics at state assemblies.

Phase 6: 1999-2014

Mature coalitions that are stable.

Phase 7: 2014-24

Returning to the single party dominant system, the coalition exists, but since BJP had a majority on floor, it was not dependent on coalition partners to fulfill its manifesto commitments, and not committed to a common minimum programme.

UNESCO’s MEMORY OF THE WORLD ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL REGISTER

Syllabus: GS1/Art&Culture

Why in news : The inclusion of the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register marks a significant milestone for India.

What is the background?

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a pivotal role in achieving a landmark moment during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP).
The meeting of MOWCAP was held in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), which brought together 38 representatives from member states along with 40 observers and nominees.
IGNCA advocated for three Indian nominations, resulting in their inclusion in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’.
This achievement highlights IGNCA’s steadfast commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
Notably, this is IGNCA’s inaugural submission to the Regional Register since its establishment in 2008.

The Illustrated Manuscripts of Ramacharitamanasa, commonly known as ‘Ramcharitmanas’, was created by Goswami Tulsidasa in the 16th century in the Awadhi language. This monumental work is regarded as one of the foremost achievements in Hindu literature, drawing its inspiration from the epic Ramayana authored by the sage Valmiki.

The 15th Century Manuscript of the Panchatantra, authored by Pandit Vishnu Sharma, is a collection of animal fables presented in both poetry and prose. Dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE, this ancient compilation originally written in Sanskrit aims to impart practical life lessons, known as Niti, through the interactions of anthropomorphized animals.

The Sahṛdayaloka-Locana manuscript, an important text in Indian poetics, dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries AD.Authored by Acharya Anandvardhan, it comprises extensive discussions on poetics, dramaturgy, and theatrical insights in Sanskrit literature.

What is UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) Programme?

The Memory of the World (MOW) programme, initiated by UNESCO in 1992, serves as a global strategy to preserve and promote access to rare and endangered documentary heritage.
Its mission, articulated to prevent “collective amnesia,”underscores the importance of safeguarding archive holdings and library collections worldwide.
The programme recognizes documentary heritage of international, regional, and national significance, maintaining registers and awarding logos to identified collections.
It advocates for preservation and equitable access, raising awareness among governments, the public, and businesses about the need for conservation and fundraising.
Inscription on the MOW register validates the cultural and historical value of documented heritage, enhancing visibility and accessibility for research, education, entertainment, and long-term preservation efforts.
The Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Committee (MOWCAP), established in 1998, specifically celebrates achievements across 43 countries in genealogy, literature, science, and more.
The MOWCAP Regional Register includes 65 items that reflect the diverse cultural richness and historical significance of the Asia-Pacific region.

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Syllabus: GS1/Modern Indian History

Why in news : The Prime Minister engaged in meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

What is the significance of Vivekananda rock?

Located near Kanyakumari’s Vanathurai beach, at the southernmost tip of mainland India where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal converge, Vivekananda Rock holds profound historical and spiritual importance.
In 1892, according to the disciples of Swami Vivekananda, it was at this place, he ultimately achieved enlightenment.

About Swami Vivekananda (1862-1902):

Swami Vivekananda (original name was Narendranath Datta), emerged as a prominent advocate of Ramakrishna’s teachings, adapting them to contemporary Indian society and becoming a significant figure in the propagation of neo-Hinduism.
His ideology drew from the spiritual experiences of Ramakrishna, the teachings of the Upanishads and the Gita, as well as the examples set by Buddha and Jesus, all forming the foundation of his message on human values.
Central to Vivekananda’s philosophy was Vedanta, which he viewed as a rational and superior approach to spirituality.
His mission aimed to bridge the gap between spiritual pursuits and practical life, advocating for a holistic approach to human existence encompassing both paramartha (spiritual service) and vyavahara (daily conduct).
Vivekananda stressed the unity of God and humanity, advocating for the integration of Hinduism and Islam in India for the nation’s well-being.
He emphasized the importance of combining knowledge with action, criticizing the neglect of social issues by religious institutions and urging Hindus to engage actively in social reform.
At the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Vivekananda highlighted the need for a balanced synthesis of Eastern spiritualism and Western materialism to foster global happiness and progress.
In 1897 to inspire pride in Indian culture and foster social reform, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission, which has since become a global organization dedicated to humanitarian relief, education, and social service, guided by the principle that service to humanity is akin to worship.
The Ramakrishna Mission, though deeply religious, does not seek to convert; instead, it embraces universal spiritual values and respects diverse religious practices.
In 1898, Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Math in Belur (Karnataka). It was open to all regardless of caste or creed, symbolizing his vision of an inclusive spiritual community committed to service and enlightenment.
In 1887, Narendra compiled a Bengali song anthology named Sangeet Kalpataru with Vaishnav Charan Basak.
He also composed ‘Khandana Bhava Bandhana’, a prayer song dedicated to Ramakrishna, in 1898.

ISSUES OF INDIAN MIGRANT WORKERS IN GULF COUNTRIES

Syllabus: GS2/Indian Diaspora

Why in news : About 49 Indian migrant workers died in a fire in a six-storey building in Kuwait where they lived. This accident has again brought attention to the deplorable living conditions and lack of safety of Indian migrant workers in destination countries.

About:

Kerala Migration Survey 2023 estimates that 2.2 million people from the state have migrated with 80% of them residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

What are the benefits of migrant workers?

Migrant workers are a large source of foreign remittances contributing more than $100 bn to the Indian economy every year.
Migrants’ workers experience social mobility and the contributions they send allow their families to live a life of dignity.
Migrant workers allow India to harness its demographic dividend and lead to address the issue of unemployment of large youth population in India.
Migration allows India workers to get higher wages as compared to what they get when they can garner in India leading to higher productivity.
The advanced skills that migrant workers learn while working abroad also come to India when they come back leading to increased productivity in India as well.
International allows India to emerge as the important source of human capital for the world, particularly for countries undergoing rapid ageing. This will increase India’s strategic, soft and hard power at the world level.

What are the reasons for Vulnerability of Migrant Workers in Gulf Countries?

Lack of data on migrants – both at their origin and destination countries especially for those employed in the low-skill, low-paying job profiles leading to grave invisibilisation of the migrants.
Majority of the migrant workers work in the unorganized sector such as construction sites and factories often facing dangerous working conditions.
Migrants in Gulf countries do not have option of permanent residency, they are not given adequately protected and have few rights leading to exploitation of migrant workers in these countries
Live in dingy living spaces and cramped dormitories
Lack of any social security for the migrant community.
Migrant workers employed in low end jobs lack savings, have limited resources and lack any social connections of family and friends accentuating their vulnerability.
Often there are complaints of employers in foreign countries capturing the passports of migrant workers.
Lack of regulation of agencies involved in the supply chain of migration of workers to gulf countries.
Enacting the revamped Emigration Act, 1983 on the lines of draft Emigration Bill, 2021 to modernize the foreign migration ecosystem of India.

PRELIMS

LONGITUDE PRIZE ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR)

Recently, PA-100 AST System (a high-tech, transformative, rapid, point-of-care test for Urinary Tract Infections) has won the Longitude Prize on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

About the PA-100 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) System

It is an automated analyser that combines phase contrast microscopy and nanofluidics to make available antibiograms, for the first time, at the point of care.
It relies on nanofluidics to perform rapid AST, and uses the most advanced phenotypic diagnostic performance possible.
Cell growth is monitored in real time using contrast phase microscopy.
- Resistant bacteria keep a higher growth rate during incubation, while susceptible ones grow slowly or lyse.
It provides targeted antibiotic treatment in less than one hour, reducing the risk of AMR.

TRUENAT PLATFORM

Recently, the Truenat platform has been hailed for its role in combating TBat the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, a decision-making body of WHO.

About the Truenat Platform

It was developed by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics, is a ground-breaking innovation in the field of molecular diagnostics.
Truenat is a real-time quantitative micro-PCR system.
It is a portable, battery-operated machine that can be deployed at labs, health centres, and even in the field that can test for over 40 diseases, including Covid-19, HCV, HBV, HIV, HPV, dengue, malaria, influenza, herpes, typhoid, and TB.

Game-Changer in TB Diagnostics

The platform provides a rapid molecular test for the diagnosis of pulmonary, extrapulmonary, and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. The Global Fund,which collaborates with the WHO to build stronger health systems across the globe, appreciated India’s commitment to eliminating TB by creating mass awareness, and intensive monitoring programmes using digital technologies.

GST COUNCIL

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is likely to consider a review of 28% tax on online gaming.

GST Council

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279A of the Indian Constitution through the 101st Amendment Act of 2016.
The Union Finance Minister is the Chairperson of the GST Council.
The GST Council makes recommendations to the Union and the States on key GST-related issues, including:
- Taxes, cesses, and surcharges to be subsumed under GST
- Goods and services to be subject to or exempt from GST
- Model GST laws, principles of levy, and apportionment of IGST
- Tax rates, thresholds, special provisions, and any other matter relating to GST
Dispute resolution: The Council also serves as a platform to resolve disputes between the Centre and the States or among the States themselves on GST-related matters.
The Centre has one-third of the total voting power, while the States collectively have two-thirds.
A recent Supreme Court ruling has clarified that the recommendations of the GST Council are not binding on either Parliament or state legislatures.

MERCY PETITION

President Droupadi has turned down the mercy petition of a terrorist who was sentenced to death in the December 2000 Red Fort attack.

About Mercy Petition

Article 72: Grants the President of India the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense.
- In all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial.
- In all cases where the punishment or sentence is for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends.
- In all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death.
Article 161: Provides similar powers to the Governor of a state.
- There is no time limit given in these two Articles for Mercy Plea.
- These Articles have no binding effect on the President and the Governors of the states to accept all the Mercy Petitions.

June 15 2024

50th G7 SUMMIT

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Why in news : Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy.

What is the agenda of G7?

Ukraine war: With a view to supporting Ukraine’s current and future needs in the face of a prolonged defense against Russia, the G7 will launch Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine, in order to make available approximately $50 billion in additional funding to Ukraine by the end of the year.
Stopping the war in Gaza: The G7 will also focus on the Middle East, particularly the Gaza conflict. The US President has proposed a plan for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Migration: Italy wants Europe to help reduce illegal migration from Africa. Under the Mattei plan, significant investments in African infrastructure, development, and energy have been planned.
Climate change: The G7 aims for a 40-42 percent emission reduction by 2030, but current policies suggest only a 19-33 percent reduction is likely. It will explore new strategies to meet climate goals.
The G7 nations have committed to promote concrete infrastructure initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment) initiatives.
Importance of the Indo-Pacific for G7: The Indo-Pacific is of strategic significance, particularly for Japan, the only G7 member located in the region.

What is the G7 Summit?

The G7 originated from a 1973 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors.
This meeting was convened in response to major economic challenges of at time –an oil crisis, rising inflation and collapse of the Bretton Woods system.

The first Summit of Heads of State and Government was held in 1975 in Rambouillet, France.
Members: France, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada, and the European Union.
The formation of G7 served two purposes;
- First, to address economic, political and security differences and manage crises among the members.
- Second, to reinforce the dominance of the Western democratic and liberal economic model in the global order.
The G-7 does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters. The decisions taken by leaders during annual summits are non-binding.

Canada joined the group in 1976, and the European Union began attending in 1977.The G-7 was known as the ‘G-8’ for several years after the original seven were joined by Russia in 1997.The Group returned to being called G-7 after Russia was expelled as a member in 2014 following the latter’s annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine.

With a GDP of $3.94 trillion, India boasts an economy larger than four G7 members.
India plays a crucial role in the Indo-Pacific region countering Chinese dominance.

DIGITAL AGRI MISSION

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture

Why in news : The Union government will announce a Rs 2,800 crore Digital Agriculture Mission.

What is the mission about?

Digital Agriculture Mission will pave the way for creation of a nationwide farmers registry, crop sown registry, and georeferencing of village maps.
A budgetary allocation of Rs 28,00 crore has been made for the mission and it will be rolled out over the next two years (till 2025-26).
The launch of the mission was initially planned in 2021-22 but due to Covid-19 outbreak, it could not be rolled out nationally.

What are the components of the mission?

One of the components of the mission is to create a farmers’ registry, in which every farmer will be given a unique ID
The mission also envisages a crop sown registry.
- This will have a record of crops sown by a farmer on his land.
- It will help better planning and estimation of crop production.

What are the challenges of the mission?

There is a lack of a centralized repository for agricultural data, posing challenges for startups and organizations developing AI solutions.
AI solutions require sensors, mechanization for precision farming and connectivity none of which are viable for a majority of Indian farmers.
Finally, concerns of farmer data privacy and safeguards over who can access personal data need to be addressed in the solution architecture.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES The Union government has also launched AI programmes assisting agriculture and Kisan e-Mitra, anAI-powered chatbot that assists people regarding the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. The National Pest SurveillanceSystem uses AI to detect crop issues, enabling timely intervention for healthier crops. Agricultural mechanisation – During the period from 2014-15 to December, 2023 an amount of Rs 6405.55 crore has been allocated for agricultural mechanisation. From within the funds of Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM),So far an amount of Rs 141.41 crores have been released towards Kisan drone promotionNational e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA): NeGPA aims to achieve rapid development in India through use of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) for timely access to agriculture related information for the farmers.The launch of the digital platform e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) in 2016 has facilitated the integration of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) mandis and has provided multi-faceted benefits to farmers, farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), buyers, and traders

Digital agriculture has excellent potential in India to resolve many of the existing problems that farmers face to realise value and provide strong competition in national and global markets.
Its success will depend on policy and legal enablers along with significant public private partnerships.
Realising the AI potential requires the establishment of an AI-ready ecosystem equipped with ethical frameworks, robust data-sharing mechanisms, an effective risk management protocols
Given the direction that the union and various state governments have taken in recent times along with the booming growth of agri-startups in the country, India is on the right path to transforming its agricultural sector and providing accelerated value to all farmers.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE RESEARCH IN INDIA

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Why in news : Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Hyderabad as a WHO Collaborating Centre for ‘Fundamental and Literary Research in Traditional Medicine’.

About Traditional Medicine:

India has a rich heritage of traditional medicine that includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy.
Practices
- Ayurveda and Yoga are practised widely across the country.
- The Siddha system is followed predominantly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- The Sowa-Rigpa system is practised mainly in Leh-Ladakh and Himalayan regions such as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Lahaul & Spiti.
These systems have been integrated into the national healthcare systemwith institutionalised education and research councils.
WHO describes traditional medicine as the total sum of the “knowledge, skills and practises indigenous and different cultures have used over time to maintain health and prevent, diagnose and treat physical and mental illness.

What are efforts are taken by WHO?

It has established the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Indiato harness their potential through modern science and technology.
WHO Collaborating Centre: In India, there are approximately 58 WHO Collaborating Centres spanning various disciplines of biomedicine and allied sciences.
- The National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabadranks as the third WHO Collaborating Centre in the domain of Traditional Medicine, following the Institute for Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi.

What efforts are taken by India?

India has established a separate Ministry of AYUSH(Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) to promote holistic health and well-being.
- It oversees the growth and development of traditional Indian medicines and Homoeopathy with the objective of making accessible, safe, effective, and quality medicines available to the public.
Digital Initiatives and Portals
- AMAR Portal: Catalogues Ayush manuscripts, with digitised content available.
- SAHI Portal: Displays medico-historical artefacts.
- e-Books of Ayush: Digital versions of classical textbooks.
- NAMASTE Portal: Morbidity statistics from hospitals.
- Ayush Research Portal: Indexes published Ayush research articles.
Collections and Publications
- Manuscripts and Library: Over 500 physical manuscripts, rare books from the 15th century AD.
- Journal: Publishes the Journal of Indian Medical Heritage.

INFORMAL SECTOR

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Why in news : According to findings of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), India’s large informal non-agricultural sector has recovered gradually that was badly hit by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About India’s Informal Sector:

It plays a crucial role in driving economic activity, providing livelihoods to millions, and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.
A high proportion of socially and economically underprivileged sections of society are concentrated in informal economic activities, which is characterised by its flexibility, adaptability, and ability to absorb a large portion of the workforce.
- India with almost 85% informal labour is generating more than half of the country’s GDP.
From small-scale manufacturing to services such as domestic work and construction, the sector contributes substantially to national income and serves as a safety net for many households.
The informal sector encompasses a vast majority of non-agricultural jobs in India

What are the challenges faced by informal sector?

Lacking Contract and Social Security Benefits: NSSO data reveals that nearly three-quarters of these jobs are informal, with 80% of employees lacking a written contract and 72% without social security benefits.
- One of the primary issues is the lack of formal recognition and support, leading to limited access to credit, social security benefits, and healthcare.
Informal workers often endure precarious working conditions and are vulnerable to economic shocks, which can adversely affect their livelihoods and overall well-being.
Tax Evasion: Because the informal economy’s firms are not directly regulated, they typically dodge one or more taxes by concealing revenue and expenses from the legal system.
- It is a problem for the government because a large portion of the economy is not taxed.
Lack of formal Data for Policy Making: There are no official statistics available that reflect the true state of the economy, making it difficult for the government to formulate policies affecting the informal sector in particular and the economy as a whole.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES Recognizing the importance of the informal sector, successive governments have introduced various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting its growth and integration into the formal economy.Programs such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and Skill India Mission seek to enhance the skills and productivity of informal workers, thereby improving their earning potential and socio-economic status.Additionally, financial inclusion schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana have facilitated greater access to banking services for individuals operating in the informal sector, and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) provided relief to vulnerable sections, offering a safety net during the crisis.Strengthening infrastructure, facilitating technology adoption, and simplifying regulatory frameworks are also crucial for enabling sustainable growth and integration into the formal economy.

PRELIMS

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has sent a proposal to the government to amend Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in the Companies Act (2013) to include donations made by companies through Social Stock Exchanges (SSEs)

About the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Current CSR rules mandate companies to spend at least 2% of their average net profit over the last three years on any social welfare activitieslisted in the Companies Act, 2013.
- All organisations listed on SSEs operate in the same domains of social welfare mentioned in the Companies Act, 2013.
Currently, companies can donate to non-profit organisations outside of SSEs under their CSR activities.
- They cannot, however, fund non-profit organisations through SSEs to fulfil their CSR mandate.
For the above, an amendment in Schedule VII of the Companies Act (2013)is required.
- Schedule VII of the Act lists the activities that companies undertake for CSR.

CSIR – ASPIRE Scheme

300 women Scientists to get research grants for 3 years under CSIR- ASPIRE scheme.

About

As per the CSIR-ASPIRE (A Special Call for Research Grants for Women Scientists) programme women scientists can apply to carry out R&D in life sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, engineering sciences, and interdisciplinary sciences.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR)

CSIR is a R&D organization known for its cutting edge R&D knowledge base in diverse S&T areas.
It was established as an autonomous body in 1942 and Headquartered in New Delhi.
CSIR has a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centers, 1 Innovation Complexes, and three units with a pan-India presence.
The CSIR laboratories specialize in topics ranging from the genome to geology, food to fuel, minerals to materials, and so on.

PANTANAL WETLAND

The Pantanal wetlands in Brazil are experiencing an alarming increase in wildfires due to exceptionally dry weather patterns.

About Pantanal Wetland

The Pantanal, situated in the heart of South America, is the world’s largest tropical wetland.
It primarily lies within Brazil but extends into Bolivia and Paraguay. It is a unique and complex ecosystem, characterized by its seasonal flooding cycles.
It is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, indicating its global importance for biodiversity and conservation. It also encompasses two Ramsar sites, recognizing its significance as a wetland habitat.

June 17 2024

UNION COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Syllabus: GS2/Constitution & Polity of India

Why in news : The Union Council of Ministers (COM) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in on June 9, 2024. The present COM consists of the Prime Minister, 30 Cabinet Ministers, 5 Ministers of State (MoS) with independent charge and 36 MoS.

Who constitutes the Council of Ministers?

India is a parliamentary democracy with the President as its nominal head.
Article 74 of the Constitution provides that there shall be a COM headed by the Prime Minister (PM) to aid and advise the President.
The real executive powers lie with the COM. A Minister should be a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha and if not, should become one within six months of his/her appointment.
A similar setup prevails in States with a COM headed by the Chief Minister (CM).
The COM consists of a Cabinet minister, MoS with independent charge, MoS and a Deputy Minister. The Constitution does not classify the members of the COM into different ranks.
All this has been done informally, following British practice. Cabinet Ministers are higher in rank and handle large portfolios while MoS assist the Cabinet Ministers and work under them. MoS with independent charge directly reports to the Prime Minister for their respective ministries.

How has the usual Council of Ministers been?

The first COM at the time of independence had only 15 Ministersheaded by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. After the first general elections in 1952, Nehru inducted around 30 Ministers into his COM.
Over the years, the size of the COM had gradually increased to around 50-60. Interestingly, it is the United Front governments led by Deve Gowda (June 1996) and I.K. Gujral (April 1997) that were sworn in with just 21 and 34 Ministers respectively. In 1999, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister, his COM had 74
Ministers. However, the size of COM was becoming unwieldy in some of the larger States.
- For instance, in 2002 when Mayawati was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, she had 79 Ministers.

What is the constitutional limit?

The National Commission to review the working of the Constitution under the Chairmanship of Justice Venkatachaliah set up in February 2000, had suggested a ceiling of 10% of the total strength of Lok Sabha/Legislative Assembly for the number of Ministers at the Centre/State level.
Finally, through the 91st Constitutional Amendment in 2003, the total number of Ministers including PM/CM in the COM was limited to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha/State Legislative Assembly.
There is no minimum requirement at the Central level whereas even the smaller States should have a minimum of 12 Ministers. For Union Territories of NCT of Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), the maximum limit is 10% of the total strength of its Assembly.

What was the issue with the limit?

The office of Parliamentary Secretary (PS) also has its origin in the British system.
In India, the post of PS was first created in 1951. They have not been a regular feature in the Central governments thereafter and the last PS at the Centre was appointed in 1990.
However, various States have continued with their appointment to circumvent the limit on COM placed by the 91st Amendment.
High Courts of Punjab & Haryana, Rajasthan, Bombay, Calcutta, Telangana, Karnataka etc. have quashed or questioned the appointment of PS in the States under their jurisdiction for indirectly violating the maximum limit on COM.
The Supreme Court in July 2017 had also declared a law passed by Assam in 2004 for the appointment of PS as unconstitutional. The most recent instance is the order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in January 2024 that restrained six PS appointed in the State from functioning as Ministers or availing facilities provided to Ministers.
Appointing MLAs to the position of Ministers under the guise of PS to circumvent constitutional limits should be strictly prohibited and discontinued.

CLIMATE BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM)

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Why in news : Officials from India are discussing with EU to meet the requirements as the Climate Border Adjustment Mechanism is being operationalised by the EU from January 1, 2026.

About CBAM?

CBAM is a regulation introduced by the European Union (EU) to put a ‘fair’ price on carbon emitted during the production of items identified as carbon-intensive from non-EU countries.
This will be in the form of higher import levies which will be applicable from 1st January 2026.
Items covered under the CBAM include cement, iron & steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen.
EU importers of these goods will have to report on the volume of their imports and greenhouse gas emissions embedded during their production but without paying any financial adjustment at this stage.
CBAM aims to fight carbon leakage which aims to equalize the price of carbon between domestic products and imports. This will ensure that EU’s climate policies are not undermined by production relocating to the countries with less ambitious green standards or by replacement of EU products by more carbon-intensive imports.

What is the Transition Period of CBAM?

In the transitional phase of the implementation of the CBAM, from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025, affected companies are subject to a reporting obligation without financial obligations.
During this period, importers must determine and document direct and indirect emissions that occur in the course of the production process of the imported goods.
In addition, affected EU importers are obliged to prepare a quarterly CBAM report that provides information on the imported quantity of CBAM goods, the direct and indirect embedded emissions contained therein (reporting on indirect embedded emissions is initially only for cement, electric power, and fertiliser), as well as any carbon taxes effectively paid in the country of production.

USING FIREWALL TO BLOCK INTERNET ACCESS

Syllabus: GS3/Information & Communication Technology

Why in news : Pakistani media outlets reported that the country is planning to implement a Chinese-style firewall to block users from accessing social media platforms. Even those using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to access the Internet are likely to be hit by this firewall.

What is Firewall?

A digital firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of predefined security rules.
- The security tools can stop online traffic from reaching certain sites. They can prevent malicious actors from targeting individual users’ computer systems or home networks, and even thwart cyber threats on specific websites.
- Large firewalls (like the Great Firewall of China) can be used to prevent people from accessing large sections of the Internet i.e, websites, social media sites or information gathering platforms.
Firewalls can be implemented as hardware devices, software running on a computer, or as a cloud-based service.

How does a digital firewall work?

Packet Inspection: The firewall examines each data packet (a unit of data transmitted over a network) that passes through it. It looks at the header information of the packet, which includes the source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and protocol type (e.g., TCP, UDP).
Access Control Lists (ACLs): The firewall compares the packet information against a set of predefined rules known as an Access Control List. These rules specify which traffic is allowed to pass through the firewall and which traffic should be blocked.
Filtering Decisions: Based on the ACL rules, the firewall makes a decision on whether to allow the packet to pass through or to block it.

Why is it used?

Firewall presents a viable alternative to authoritarian nation states who wish to replace a larger free Internet with a controlled intranet.
- When used by nation-states, a firewall restricts activists, journalists, dissidents, and regime critics from obtaining information critical of the government.
- Internet shutdowns and social media blocks also prevent governments or military authorities from being held accountable during periods of civil unrest and violence.
However, setting up and maintaining a firewall is expensive. The firewalls require constant monitoring to thwart bad actors and fix security vulnerabilities.

Right to Internet in India:

In the Anuradha Bhasin v/s Union of India 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that the right to freedom of speech and expression and the freedom to practice any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business over the internet are protected under Article 19 (1) (a) and Article 19 (1) (g)of the Indian Constitution, respectively.
This essentially means that the court recognised internet access as a fundamental right, integral to a democratic society for its proper functioning.

PRELIMS

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

Virupaksha Temple is an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Group of Monuments at Hampi.
Dedicated to Sri Virupaksha (Lord Shiva) the temple was originally constructed by Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain under Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Hampi, situated along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, served as the capital of this empire.
Pampadevi, associated with the Tungabhadra River is also worshipped.
The temple’s history dates back to the 7th century CE, with inscriptions referring to Shiva found from the 9th and 10th centuries.
Initially a modest shrine, it expanded under Vijayanagar rule.
While additions during the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods are evident, most of the existing structures are attributed to the Vijayanagara era.
Despite the city’s destruction in 1565 (by the Bahmani Sultanate) the religious significance of the Virupaksha-Pampa sect remained, maintaining continuous worship at the temple.

30 YEAR OF UN LAND CONVENTION

17 June 2024 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Bonn-based United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

About United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

It was adopted in 1994 and It is the first and only internationally legally binding framework set up to address the problem of desertification.
It is based on the principles of participation, partnership and decentralization – the backbone of Good Governance.
Members : There are 197 Parties to the Convention, including 196 country Parties and the European Union.
Focused areas : It addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found.
- Parties to the Convention meet in Conferences of the Parties (COPs) every two years, as well as in technical meetings throughout the year, to advance the aims and ambitions of the Convention and achieve progress in its implementation.
Status of India : India became a signatory to UNCCD on 14th October 1994 and ratified it on 17th December 1996.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry in the Government of India for the UNCCD, and Desertification Cell is the nodal point within the Ministry to co-ordinate all issues pertaining to the Convention.

GREATER ADJUTANT STORK

The greater adjutant stork also known as ‘Garuda’, one of the most endangered bird species, is facing severe threats due to rapid urbanization in Assam.
- The Greater Adjutant Stork is also known as the “Hargila” in Assam, India.
- They are known for their ability to soar high in the sky for long periods.

About

Scientific Name: Leptoptilos dubius

Genus: Part of the stork family, Ciconiidae, which includes about 20 species of large, long-necked birds.

Habitat: Historically found across southern Asia and mainland Southeast Asia.

Now mainly confined to small regions, primarily in Assam, India.
There are three known breeding sites: one in Cambodia and two in India (Assam and Bihar).
In Assam, they inhabit the Brahmaputra valley, especially in Guwahati, Morigaon, and Nagaon districts.
In Bihar, a smaller population is found around Bhagalpur.

Protection Status:

IUCN Red List: Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule IV

Diet:

Primarily carnivorous.
Feeds on fish, frogs, snakes, other reptiles, eels, birds, offal, and carrion.
Exhibits scavenging behavior similar to vultures.

Significance:

Regarded as the mount of Vishnu, a major deity in Hinduism. Revered by some as “Garuda Maharaj” (Lord Garuda) or “Guru Garuda” (Great Teacher Garuda).
Assists farmers by killing rats and other farm pests.

Conservation:

Several conservation organizations are working to protect the Greater Adjutant Stork, including the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Assam Forest Department.
Efforts include habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and community education initiatives.

June 19 2024

BAYESIAN C

Syllabus: GS2/Constitution & Polity of India

Why in news : Constitutional values and principles are in news because of the recently sworn in Council of Ministers.

What is Constitutional Morality?

Constitutional Morality’ refers to the guiding values enshrined in the Constitution that must be protected to uphold the integrity and vision of Constitution.
Constitutional morality entails the adherence to constitutional norms within a democratic system. It goes beyond the literal interpretation to encompass a commitment to values such as sovereignty, social justice, and equality in constitutional adjudication.

What is the significance of Constitutional Morality?

It instills a sense of civic responsibility among citizens and prevent the usurpation of power by oligarchs and despots through coercion.
It ensures the balance between freedom and restraint. Citizens submit to constitutional authorities and, at the same time, have the freedom to criticize those in power.
Provides guidance in decision-making in cases where the constitution is silent or grants discretionary power.
Ensures that the principle of non-discrimination works as a key component of contemporary polity.

Important cases with respect to constitutional morality:In Namit Sharma v Union of India (2013), SC highlighted that ‘Constitutional morality’ requires transparent functioning of institutions which was intrinsic to rule of law.In Navtej Johar v Union of India (2018), it emphasized Constitutional morality as the soul of the Constitution embracing within itself virtues like justice, equality and human dignity.In K S Puttaswamy vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court confirmed the constitutional validity of Aadhaar with certain restrictions, underscoring the role of courts in checking executive abuse of power.Union of India vs. Government of the NCT of Delhi, it was ruled that high-ranking officials must adhere to constitutional morality and uphold the ideals outlined in the Constitution to prevent the arbitrary use of authority.

Where is the Constitutional Morality reflected?

Preamble: Outlines the principles that underpin our democracy, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Fundamental Rights: It safeguards individuals’ rights against the arbitrary use of state power. Notably, the Supreme Court allows for the enforcement of these rights under Article 32.
Directive Principles: They provide guidelines for the state to pursue the goals set by the constitution’s framers, drawing from Gandhian, socialist, and liberal intellectual philosophies.
Fundamental Duties: Alongside their rights, citizens also have responsibilities to the nation.
Checks and Balances: It includes judicial review of legislative and executive actions, legislative oversight of the executive, etc.

What are the challenges faced by Constitutional Morality?

Alleged misuse of police or investigating agencies to put pressure on opposition.
Use of absolute power affecting the notion of constitutional morality in a parliamentary democracy.
Balancing religious rights with the principles of non-discrimination against women in cases like Sabrimala.
Challenge of cultivating the value of constitutionalism and human dignity in the minds of people.
Vilification of minorities at the time of elections, compromising secularism which is basic structure of constitution.
Appointments of senior officials like NSA, Principal Secretary to PMO without the consent of Appointment Committee of the Cabinet.

INITIATIVE ON CRITICAL AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Why in news : National Security Advisors of India and U.S. discuss iCET, defense ties, and regional security, focusing on emerging technologies and partnerships.They chaired the second meeting of the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

What is the iCET?

It was announced by India and USA on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Tokyo in 2022 and was launched by the NSAs in 2023.
It comprises key technology sectors such as space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy.
Subsequently, new areas were included: biotechnology, critical minerals and rare earths processing technologies, digital connectivity and digital public infrastructure and advanced materials.
Key takeaways include:
- setting up a research agency partnership to drive collaboration in areas like AI;
- developing a new defense industrial cooperation roadmap to accelerate technological cooperation for joint development and production;
- developing common standards in AI;
- developing a roadmap to accelerate defences technological cooperation and ‘innovation bridge’ to connect defense startups;
- supporting the development of a semiconductor ecosystem;
- strengthening cooperation on human spaceflight;
- advancing cooperation on development in 5G and 6G;
- and adopting OpenRAN network technology in India.

What is the progress made so far?

The two countries have already put in place the Quantum Coordination Mechanism, launched a public-private dialogue (PDD) on telecommunication to drive collaboration in OpenRAN, 5G and 6G.
Both countries signed an MoU on establishing a semiconductor supply chain that paved the way for creating a semiconductor sub-committee to review recommendations from an industry-led task force launched in connection with the iCET.
A new initiative to advance cutting-edge technology cooperation, known as the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) was launched.
India and the U.S. have also concluded a roadmap for ‘Defence Industrial Cooperation’ to guide the policy direction for the next few years.
The two countries have also established a Strategic Trade Dialogue to remove regulatory “barriers” and review existing export control norms to take forward strategic technology and trade collaborations envisaged under iCET.

What is the significance of iCET?

Depth to the relationship: iCET could lend a new strategic depth and breadth to the expanding engagement between India and the United States.
Against the rising and assertive China: Lending urgency to the iCET is the growing convergence of Indian and US interests in managing the security, economic, and technological challenges presented by a rising and assertive China.
Reducing dependence on Russia: India is also looking to reduce its over-dependence on Russian weapons and military technology and to produce more weapons at home in partnership with western countries.

TRAIN ACCIDENTS IN INDIA

Syllabus: GS3/Infrastructure

Why in news : Several train accidents have occurred in India over the last decade for multiple reasons, ranging from mechanical failures to human negligence.

About:

Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world, spanning over 67,000 kilometers and connecting every corner of the country.
- It serves as the lifeline of transportation for millions.
There has been an average of 44 consequential train accidents every year in the five-year period ending 2022-23 (FY23).

Train Accidents:

It is an occurrence in the course of working of Railway which does or may affect the safety of the Railway, its engine, rolling stock, permanent way and works, fixed installations, passengers or servant or which affect the safety of others or which does or may cause delay to train or loss to the Railway
Despite advancements in technology and infrastructure, these incidents continue to impact passengers, infrastructure, and the overall economy.

What are the type of Train Accidents?

Derailments : where a train goes off the tracks, are the most common.
- These can be caused by a variety of factors including track defects, equipment failure, human error, or even sabotage.
Collisions: It occurs when two or more trains collide on the same track, often due to signal failures or errors in communication between railway personnel.
Level crossing accidents : It involves collisions between trains and vehicles or pedestrians at rail crossings, highlighting the need for better safety mechanisms at these points.

India’s Worst Train Disasters2024: Kanchanjunga Express train accident occurred near Rangapani station in the Katihar Railway Division, ahead of New Jalpaiguri Junction2023: Coromandel Express hit a goods train in Balasore after hitting Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, resulting in a tragic triple train crash. Over 300 people were killed, and well over 1,000 were injured.2016: At least 146 people died when an Indore-Patna Express train derailed in Uttar Pradesh on 20 November, causing carriages to crash into each other.2010: On 28 May, a train derailed and crashed into a freight train about 83 miles west of Kolkata in Bengal, killing 146 and injuring over 200. 2002: The luxury Rajdhani Express from Calcutta to New Delhi plunged into the swollen Dhabi river, killing at least 120 people.1999: On 2 August, 285 people were killed and 312 injured in a collision between two trains in Gaisal, West Bengal.1998: At least 210 people were killed when the Sealdah Express collided with a derailed train in Punjab.1995: More than 300 died and 344 were injured on 20 August in a collision between two trains at Firozabad, near Agra.1981: More than 800 people were killed in India’s deadliest rail accident on 6 June when a train derailed in Bihar and plunged into the river below.1954: On 28 September, a train travelling between Madras and New Delhi derailed after the collapse of a bridge, leaving at least 137 people dead and 100 injured.

Safety initiatives:

The Indian Railways has been proactive in implementing safety measures to mitigate the risk of accidents.
- This includes regular track inspections, the introduction of modern signaling systems, and the adoption of technology-driven solutions like train collision avoidance systems (TCAS).
The Supreme Court directed the Indian government to outline preventive measures, including the ‘Kavach’ train protection system, following a catastrophic three-train collision in Odisha’s Balasore district that claimed nearly 300 lives.
- It urged immediate action and sought a detailed plan to bolster railway safety, emphasizing the need for expert evaluation, system enhancements, and the ‘Kavach’ system’s swift implementation to avert future accidents.

Suggestions:

Continued investment in upgrading tracks, signaling systems, and rolling stock is crucial.
- Modernizing aging infrastructure can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Strengthening safety protocols through better training of railway staff, stricter adherence to operating procedures, and leveraging technology for real-time monitoring and response.
Increasing public awareness about railway safety, including rules at level crossings and onboard safety measures, can prevent accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles.
Improved coordination between different stakeholders—government agencies, railway authorities, and the public—ensures accountability and timely response to safety issues
Encouraging research into innovative safety technologies and practices tailored to Indian conditions can lead to breakthroughs in accident prevention.
As India continues to develop the demand for safe and reliable rail transport ,It is imperative that safety measures evolve to protect passengers and ensure the continued viability of the railway system.

PRELIMS

ALAKNANDA RIVER

Fourteen people were killed after a traveler plunged into Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district.

Alaknanda River

It rises at the confluence and foot of the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers in Uttarakhand.
- It is one of the two headstreams of the river Ganga.
At Vishnuprayag it meets Dhauliganga, a left bank tributary, and travels west to the town of Joshimath.
At Nandprayag it meets Nandakini River, a left bank tributary, meets with the Alaknanda River.
At Karanprayag, the Pindar River, a left bank tributary, meets with the Alaknanda River.
At Rudraprayag, it meets with the Mandakini River, a right bank tributary.
At Devprayag the Alaknanda River converges with the Bhagirathi River and travels onward as the Ganges River.

BIOLUMINESCENT MUSHROOMS

Recently, scientists discovered the Filoboletus Manipularis, a rare bioluminescent mushroom emitting a bright green glow at night in Western Ghats region in Kerala.

About the Filoboletus Manipularis

It is part of the Mycenaceae Family Fungi and stands out for its unique ability to produce light.
It exhibits this trait most prominently in its stipe (stem) and pileus (cap),which emit a greenish light that can be observed during the night.

The high humidity and low light conditions in the forests of Western Ghat create an ideal environment for many bioluminescent species.
In general, mushrooms constitute secondary saprophytic fungi of the forest ecosystem that play a very important role in the decomposition of plant litter.

Biochemical Process in Filoboletus Manipularis

Bioluminescence in fungi is believed to attract insects that aid in spore dispersal, thus playing a crucial role in the life cycle of these fungi.
The glow produced by the chemical reaction involving luciferin (a pigment)and luciferase (an enzyme), with oxygen playing a critical role.
- It is a trait shared with other bioluminescent organisms like fireflies and certain marine creatures.

KERALA MIGRATION SURVEY

The Kerala Migration Survey (KMS) 2023 report was unveiled at the Lok Kerala Sabha.

About

Prepared by the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMD) and Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation, the report reveals the findings of the sixth KMS, conducted every five years since 1998.
The survey looked at 20,000 households from all 14 districts of Kerala, selected via a stratified multistage random sampling method.

Key Findings

Number of emigrants from Kerala is slightly more than recorded in 2018. But the number of emigrants returning home has also gone up.
Preference for destinations beyond the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) has grown from 10.8% in 2018 to 19.5% in 2023.
Women are another category of emigrants who have seen a rise in their numbers and proportion, up from 15.8% in 2018 to 19.1% in 2023.
Muslims, who make up 26% of Kerala’s population (according to the 2011 census), make up 41.9% of the state’s emigrants.
Total remittances to Kerala saw a significant increase of 154.9% since 2018.

June 19 2024

BAYESIAN CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK (BCNN)

Syllabus: GS1/Geography

Why in news : Recently, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)has developed the Bayesian Convolutional Neural Network (BCNN) to predict the emergence of El Nino and La Nina conditions up to 15 months in advance.

What is the Bayesian Convolution Neural Network (BCNN)?

It is cutting-edge technology that harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep learning, and machine learning (ML) to enhance predictions related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases.
The BCNN model is particularly adept at predicting El Nino or La Nina events due to its ability to account for the slow oceanic variations and their atmospheric coupling.
It calculates the Nino3.4 Index Value, a critical metric used in ENSO phase prediction, with improved precision which is obtained by averaging the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the central equatorial Pacific, extending from 5°N to 5°S, and 170°W to 120°W.
It offers a promising future for more reliable and timely weather predictions, which are vital for agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management.
It is a combination of the dynamic model with AI that helps it forecast the emergence of El Niño and La Niña conditions with a 15-month lead time — unlike other models which can give a prediction up to six to nine months in advance.

INCOIS
– It was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is a unit of the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO).– It is mandated to provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations and constant improvements through systematic and focussed research.
Weather Models
– There are largely two kinds of weather models used for forecasting, ie: – Statistical Model: It generates forecasts based on various information sets received from different countries and regions– Dynamic Model: It involves a 3D mathematical simulation of the atmosphere done using High Performance Computers (HPC).a. It is much more accurate than the statistical model.

QUAD : DIPLOMACY AND COOPERATION

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Why in news : The Quad (formerly known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) has emerged as a strategic group conducting security, diplomatic, and public goods cooperation among its members and within the Indo-Pacific region over the past two decades.

What is QUAD?

It comprises India, Japan, Australia, and the United States, has emerged as a significant diplomatic platform aimed at ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, along with upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and promoting democratic values in the region.
Quad countries are home to a combined 1.9 billion people (24% of the world’s population) and represent 35% of the world’s GDP and 18% of global trade.

Genesis and Evolution:

Quad was conceived in the early 2000s with the vision of leveraging the converging interests of its member nations.
It was in response to the growing need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific, particularly those posed by natural disasters and regional security threats.

What are the objectives of QUAD?

The following are the major objectives of QUAD:

maritime security
combating the Covid-19 crisis especially vis-à-vis vaccine diplomacy
addressing the risks of climate change
creating an ecosystem for investment in the region and
boosting technological innovation

Also, the core objective of the Quad is to secure a rules-based global order, freedom of navigation and a liberal trading system
Consistently, it is seen as a strategic grouping to reduce Chinese domination
Further, Quad members have also indicated a willingness to expand the partnership through a so-called Quad Plus That would include South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam amongst others

What is the significance of QUAD for India?

Quad serves as a platform for India to consult with other major powers on regional security and economic issues, aligning with its foreign policy objectives.
As a regional power, India counters China’s dominance in the Indian Ocean and seeks security in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s participation in the Quad reflects its commitment to regional stability and its role as a significant global player.

What are the challenges faced?

Emergence of AUKUS: Recently, the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) Indo-Pacific grouping was announced, raising questions about whether the Quad might become ‘Quad-lite’.
- AUKUS focuses on global social issues like climate change, COVID-19 vaccines, and supply chain resilience, while the Quad deals with stronger strategic aspects.
Free and Open Indo-Pacific: The Quad emphasises a ‘free, open rules-based order’ rooted in international law to counter threats in the Indo-Pacific. Tensions with China and unilateral actions in the South China Sea drive this focus.
Connectivity and Infrastructure: The Quad aims to provide transparent infrastructure funding and joint connectivity projects to countries in the region, preventing them from being ‘debt-trapped’ by other initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Critical Technologies and Supply Chains: The Quad has a working group on critical and emerging technologies, aiming to cooperate on international standards and innovation. Resilient supply chains are a priority.

PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPs)

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Why in news : As per a new study, Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) has declined in humans and the environment since 2004 due to tight regulation globally, along with 11 other Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

About:

POPs were found in every one of more than 900 collected samples in air, water, human milk, soil, beef, milk, milk powder, butter, mutton, pork, chicken, eggs, fish and shellfish, oil, and other items.
The levels of 12 POPs including DDT have declined globally.
- The report attributes the decline to regulatory actions implemented since 2004 to control the levels of such chemicals.
Other POPs continue to be present everywhere.
- For instance, dieldrin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have been regulated for long, were detected at elevated levels in the air across the African continent, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

What are POPs?

They are organic chemical substances, that is, they are carbon-based.
They resist environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes.

Their key characteristics are:

Persistence: POPs are resistant to breakdown in the environment. Some can persist for years or even decades without degrading.
Bioaccumulation: POPs tend to accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms through the food chain.
- This means that organisms higher up in the food chain, including humans, can accumulate higher concentrations of POPs.
Long-range transport: POPs can travel long distances from their source of emission.
- They can be transported globally through processes such as atmospheric deposition and ocean currents.
Toxicity: Many POPs are toxic to both humans and wildlife.
- They can cause a range of adverse health effects, including cancer, reproductive disorders, immune system disruption, and neurological effects.
Examples of POPs include certain pesticides (e.g., DDT), industrial chemicals (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs), and unintentional by-products of industrial processes (e.g., dioxins and furans).
Sources of pollution from POPs include the improper use and/or disposal of agrochemicals and industrial chemicals, elevated temperatures and combustion processes, and unwanted by-products of industrial processes or combustion.

Regulation of POPsStockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): It aims to reduce releases of POPs chemicals on a global basis. The convention entered into force in 2004. Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade: It aims to promote shared responsibilities in relation to importation of hazardous chemicals and contribute safe use. The Convention entered into force in 2004. The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal: It aims to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, management, transboundary movements and disposal of hazardous and other wastes. It came into force in 1992.Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollutants (LRTAP), Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): The aim of the Convention is that Parties shall endeavor to limit and, as far as possible, gradually reduce and prevent air pollution including long-range transboundary air pollution.The aim of the protocol on POPs is to control, reduce, or eliminate discharges, emissions, and losses of persistent organic pollutants. The protocol entered into force in 2003.

SIPRI ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Why in news : SIPRI yearbook 2024 has been published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

About:

It provides an overview of developments in international security, weapons and technology, military expenditure, arms production and the arms trade, and armed conflicts and conflict management, along with efforts to control conventional, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

What are the major findings of the report?

Nuclear Arsenal: In 2024, nine states—the United States, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, the North Korea and Israel—together possessed approximately 12121 nuclear weapons, of which 9585 were considered to be potentially operationally available.
Decline in Nuclear Warheads: The number of nuclear warheads in the world continues to decline.
- However, this is only due to the USA and Russia dismantling retired warheads.
Operational Warheads: Global reductions of operational warheads appear to have stalled, and their numbers are rising again.
- The USA and Russia, which together possess almost 90 percent of all nuclear weapons, have extensive programmes under way to replace and modernize their nuclear warheads.
China is in the middle of a significant modernization and expansion of its nuclear arsenal.
- China has tripled the number with 500 warheads, some of which are believed to be on high operational alert for the first time.
- Some projections suggest that China could potentially deploy at least as many intercontinental ballistic missiles as either Russia or the USA in near future.
India and Pakistan also appear to be increasing the size of their nuclear weapon inventories, and the UK plans to increase its stockpile.
North Korea’s military nuclear programme remains central to its national security strategy and it may have assembled up to 50 nuclear weapons and could produce more.
Israel continues to maintain its long-standing policy of nuclear ambiguity, leaving significant uncertainty about the number of its nuclear weapons.

What is the Indian scene wrt to Nuclear Forces?

India’s nuclear arsenal reached 172 warheads this year, slightly surpassing Pakistan which has 170.
India is strengthening the undersea leg of its nuclear triad as well as developing long-range missiles.
India’s third SSBN [a nuclear-powered submarine carrying ballistic missiles armed with nuclear weapons] was launched in 2021, and a fourth is under-construction for possible launch in 2024.

About SIPRI
– SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. It is based in Stockholm.
– It was established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public.
– Funding: It was established on the basis of a decision by the Swedish Parliament and receives a substantial part of its funding in the form of an annual grant from the Swedish Government. a. The Institute also seeks financial support from other organizations in order to carry out its research.

What are the treaties related to Nuclear Disarmament?

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): Signed in 1968 and entered into force in 1970, the NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.
- It divides the world into nuclear-weapon states (NWS), recognized as possessing nuclear weapons at the time of the treaty’s signing, and non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS), which agree not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
- The treaty also requires NWS to pursue disarmament negotiations in good faith.
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): Adopted by the United Nations in 2017 and opened for signature in 2018, the TPNW aims to prohibit the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use, and threat of use of nuclear weapons.
- It represents a significant step towards nuclear disarmament, although it has not been signed by nuclear-armed states.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Opened for signature in 1996, the CTBT aims to ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes.
- While the treaty has been signed by 185 countries and ratified by 170, it has not entered into force as nuclear-armed states must ratify it to become operational.
Outer Space Treaty: This multilateral agreement entered into force in 1967 and bans the siting of weapons of mass destruction in space.
- All nine states believed to have nuclear weapons are parties to this treaty.

PRELIMS

POST OFFICE ACT 2023

The Post Office Act 2023 comes into force w.e.f. 18th June, 2024. Post Office Bill (2023) was introduced to repeal the Indian Post Office Act, 1898 and to consolidate and amend the law relating to the Post Offices in India.

Objectives

Simplified Framework: The Act simplifies the legislative framework for postal services, doing away with provisions such as the exclusive privilege of collecting, processing, and delivering letters.
Ease of Doing Business: By removing unnecessary restrictions, the Act enhances the ease of doing business.
Ease of Living: It ensures that citizens can access essential services seamlessly.

Key Features

No Penal Provisions: Unlike its predecessor, the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, the new Act does not prescribe any penal provisions.
Addressing Standards: The Act provides a framework for prescribing standards for addressing items, address identifiers, and usage of postcodes.

PRO-TEM SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA

Senior Congress leader K Suresh, as the seniormost member of the Lok Sabha, is expected to be appointed as pro-tem Speaker when the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha begins.

About

In the new Lok Sabha, the Speaker of the House is decided by a simple majority.
Until her selection, the pro-tem Speaker is chosen to administer some important duties. ‘Pro-tem’ essentially means ‘for the time being’ or ‘temporarily’.
The Constitution does not mention the post. However, the official ‘Handbook on the Working of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs’ speaks about the ‘Appointment and Swearing in of Speaker pro tem’.
Administering oaths to the new MPs is the pro-tem Speaker’s primary duty.
The seniormost members (in terms of number of years of membership of the House) are generally chosen for the purpose, though there have been exceptions.
As soon as the new government is formed, the Legislative I Section of the Government of India prepares a list of the seniormost Lok Sabha members.
- It is then submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or the Prime Minister for identifying an MP as Speaker pro-tem.

MIYAWAKI METHOD

NHAI will undertake a unique initiative to plant Miyawaki plantation on land parcels adjacent to National Highways at various locations.

About Miyawaki method

Miyawaki plantations, also known as Miyawaki method, is a unique Japanese approach to ecological restoration and afforestation development.
It was pioneered in the 1970s by Japanese botanist and expert in plant ecology Mr. Akira Miyawaki. This technique of plantation involves planting native trees, shrubs and groundcover plants within every square metre.
Benefits: It aims to create dense, native, and biodiverse forests in a short period of time.
- With this method, trees grow ten times faster and the plantations act as a sound and dust barrier.
- It helps in better micro-climatic conditions such as improvement in air & soil quality.
- It will also help in biodiversity conservation, rapid growth of green cover, efficient carbon absorption, soil restoration and in habitat creation for local flora and fauna.
- These forests retain ground water and help to recharge the groundwater table.

June 20 2024

CATALYTIC BOOST FOR CHEAPER BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

Syllabus: GS3/Energy Sector

Why in news : A global team, including scientists from Assam, Odisha, China, and the UK, has developed a superhydrophobic catalyst to significantly reduce biodiesel production costs

What is Biodiesel?

Oils from oilseeds are basically straight chain hydrocarbons but long ones.
This is the only difference between biodiesel and diesel.
If we take vegetable oil and break its long hydrocarbon straight chain into 1/3rd, 1/3rd, 1/3rd you get biodiesel.
Biodiesel can directly replace diesel in diesel-IC engines.
The resultant product, i.e, biodiesel is called ester.
That’s why the process of breaking long straight chain hydrocarbons into short chains is called transesterification.
Breaking can be done by following ways:
- Heat it: Pyrolysis
- Apply pressure: Cracking
- Replace double bonds with hydrogen: Hydrogenation

What is the feedstock for Biodiesel Production?

Any oil seed can be used to extract oil. However, a better option is to use non-edible oil seeds.
There are more than 200 varieties of oil seeds that can be used to produce biodiesel.
Some common examples include rice bran, sal, neem, mahua, karanja, castor, linseed, jatropha, honge, rubber seed etc.

What are the advantages of Biodiesel?

Fuel	Energy density] (in MJ/ kg)
Ethanol	24-25
Petrol	43-44
Biodiesel	40-41
Diesel	45.5

High energy density
Low energy input
Nitrogen-fixation
No Sulphur
No aromatics

WHY SHOULD INDIA DEVELOP BIODIESEL?India uses 5 times more diesel than petrol, so an alternative for diesel is more important than that for petrol.Desulphurisation of diesel is cost intensive.Rural development: growing oilseed-based crops for biodiesel will augment farmer’s income.Converting degraded landImproves soil fertility as most oilseed-crops are leguminous crops which helps in nitrogen fixation.

What are the key features of the superhydrophobic catalyst?

Innovation and Robustness:
- The superhydrophobic catalyst is designed to withstand the water by-product in biodiesel production, maintaining high effectiveness and allowing multiple reuses. This innovation is crucial for enhancing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the biodiesel production process.
Economic Impact:
- Current biodiesel costs around $1.2 per litre. The new catalyst can potentially lower this cost to approximately 37 cents per litre, making biodiesel a more viable alternative to conventional diesel, which costs around ₹87 per litre in India.
Environmental and Economic Benefits:
- The catalyst, derived from biomass such as cellulose, is ecologically benign and abundant. This approach not only reduces production costs but also promotes the use of sustainable energy sources, contributing to a greener future.
Broader Implications:
- The successful implementation of this catalyst could lead to wider adoption of biodiesel, thus supporting India’s energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Government Policies and SupportNational Policy on Biofuels (2018):The Government of India has been promoting biofuel production through various initiatives. The National Policy on Biofuels (2018) supports biofuel production in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs), allowing import of feedstock for export-oriented biofuel production without restrictions.Amendments and Targets:Recent amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels include advancing the target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol to 2025-26 from 2030, and allowing more feedstocks for biofuel production. This aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and aims to foster indigenous technological developments, boosting employment and reducing petroleum imports.Regulatory Framework:The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued guidelines for the sale of biodiesel for blending with high-speed diesel, ensuring quality and quantity standards are maintained. This regulatory framework is crucial for the integrity and reliability of the biodiesel market.Strategic ImportanceAdoption of such technologies aligns with India’s strategic goals under the National Policy on Biofuels, aiming to achieve energy independence by 2047 as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative.This development also supports global environmental goals by promoting cleaner, renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing climate change.

NATIONAL FORENSIC INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT SCHEME (NFIES)

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Why in news : Union Cabinet has approved the central sector scheme – National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme with a total outlay of Rs 2254.43 crores for improving the criminal justice system in India.

What is NFIES?

The scheme will be operated by the Union Home Ministry.
The scheme will be a central sector scheme (100% financed by Central Government) with a total outlay of Rs 2254.3 crores.
The scheme will run from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
Components under the scheme:
- Establishment of campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in India.
- Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in India.
- Enhancement of existing infrastructure of Delhi Campus of NFSU.

What is the rationale behind NFIES?

New Criminal laws mandates forensic investigation for offenses involving punishment of 7 years or more, which is expected to create a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories.
Thus, the scheme will create the required infrastructure to address this increased demand for forensic science professionals and laboratories.
Currently, there is a significant shortage of trained forensic science laboratories in India. The scheme is expected to increase the number of trained forensic professionals in India.
Establishment of additional off-campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and new Central Forensic Science Laboratories would address shortage of trained manpower.
Aims to establish an effective and efficient criminal justice system, based on scientific and timely forensic examination of evidence.
Creation of high quality, trained forensic professionals in the timely and scientific examination of evidence for an efficient criminal justice process, leveraging advancements in technology & evolving manifestations and methods of crime.

What are the implications of NFIES?

Securing an increased conviction rate of more than 90%.
Alleviate case load and pendency.
Prevent miscarriage of justice and correct identification of perpetrators.
Enhanced public trust in the criminal justice system
Restrains the police from employing inhuman techniques like third degree and torture.
Formulating standardized procedures and protocols for evidence collection
Helps to create integrated databases and international cooperation.

HINDU-KUSH HIMALAYAS

Syllabus: GS3/Environment and Ecology

Why in news : The Ganga river basin — India’s largest — reached a record low snow persistence in 2024, the Hindu Kush Himalaya snow update of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has reported.

What is snow persistence?

Snow persistence is the fraction of time, the snow is on the ground. When this snow melts, it provides water to people and ecosystems.
In the river basins of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), snowmelt is the biggest source of water in the streams. Overall, it contributes 23% of the runoff to the region’s 12 major river basins every year.
Snow persisting on the ground is important for the Ganga river basin because its melt contributes to 10.3% of Ganga’s water as compared to only 3.1% from glacier melts.
In the Brahmaputra and the Indus basins, snowmelt brings 13.2% and around 40% of the water, respectively, versus 1.8% and 5% from glaciers.

What are the findings of the report?

a. 2024 HKH snow update analyzed data from 2003 to 2024. It found significant fluctuations in snow persistence between November and April every year, when snow accumulates above ground.
b. Snow persistence in the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, and theIndus river basins has dropped significantly in 2024. The Ganga river basin noted its lowest snow persistence in 22 years, 17% below the long-term historical average. Snow persistence in the Brahmaputra basin was 14.6% below normal in 2024.
c. Outside India, the basin of the Amu Darya river– which flows through Central Asia-recorded its lowest snow persistence in 2024, which is 28.2% below normal. The Helmand river, an important source of drinking water for Iran and Afghanistan, was almost 32% below normal in 2024.

About Hindu Kush mountainsIn the river basins of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), snowmelt is the biggest source of water in the streams. Overall, it contributes 23% of the runoff to the region’s 12 major river basins every year. The HKH mountains extend around 3,500 km over eight countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan. These mountains are also called the “water towers of Asia” because they are the origins of 10 crucial river systems on the continent — Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow river, and Tarim.

Why is the snow persistence so low?

The primary reason for the lower persistence in 2024 was weak western disturbances.
Climate change and global warming is thought to exacerbate prolonged and intense La Niña–El Niño conditions. These phases of a recurring climate pattern across the tropical Pacific Ocean significantly influence global weather patterns, including western disturbances.

What does the report suggest?

Reforestation with native tree species can help the ground retain more snow.
Better weather forecasting and early warning systems can also help local communities prepare for impending water stress.
Improving water infrastructure and developing policies for protecting areas receiving snowfall are important.
Communities involvement in local, national level decision-making and promoting regional cooperation are vital
There is a need to reduce emissions, which would mitigate increasing sea-surface and ground temperatures, both of which lower the persistence of snow.

KAVACH SYSTEM

Syllabus: GS3/Science&Tech

Why in news : The recent railway accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal has highlighted the need for installation of the KAVACH system to prevent such tragedies.

What is it KAVACH?

KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection System (ATPS) by the Research Design and Standards Organisation in collaboration with Indian industry.
It is a state-of-the-art electronic system with Safety Integrity Level-4 standards with the probability of an error being one in 10,000 years.

What are the features of KAVACH?

It gives information to the loco pilots on the permissible speeds to be maintained and prevents the collision between two locomotives equipped with functional KAVACH systems.
It activates the train’s braking system automatically if the driver fails to control the train as per speed restrictions.
- If a red signal is jumped (which marks danger) and two trains come face to face on the same line, the technology automatically takes over and applies sudden brakes.
- Additionally, the hooter activates by itself when approaching a level crossing which serves as a big boon to loco-pilots during fog conditions when visibility is low.
The system also relays SoS messages during emergency situations. An added feature is the centralized live monitoring of train movements through the Network Monitor System.

How does KAVACH work on Railway Systems?

Traffic Collision Avoidance System(TCAS) helps in two-way communication between the station master and loco-pilot to convey any emergency message, using GPS and RFID technology.
- GPS Integration:
  - KAVACH relies on GPS to continuously track the location and speed of trains. The onboard unit in each train receives GPS signals, which are used to determine the train’s precise position, direction, and speed.
  - This real-time location data is then communicated to the central control system and other trackside equipment.
- RFID Implementation:
  - A set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification(RFID) devices are installed in locomotives, in the signalling system as well as the tracks.
  - As the train passes over these RFID tags, the onboard RFID reader in the train detects the tag and communicates the information to the onboard unit.
  - They connect using ultra-high radio frequencies to control the brakes of trains and also alert drivers, all based on the logic programmed into them.
  - Hence, it allows KAVACH to accurately identify the train’s location and trigger the appropriate safety actions, such as automatic braking, if necessary.

Integrated Functionality?

The combination of GPS and RFID technologies in KAVACH provides a comprehensive system for train tracking, collision avoidance, and overall railway safety.
The GPS data gives a broad, continuous overview of the train’s position and movement, while the RFID tags offer precise location references at specific points along the track.

June 21,22 2024

METHANOL POISONING

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Why in news : At least 47 people have died and nearly 100 others are battling for their lives after consuming a methanol-spiked alcohol in Tamil Nadu.

What is the alcohol in liquor?

Liquor is differentiated by its alcohol content – from the 5% or so of beer to the 12% or so of wine to the 40% or so of distilled spirits (all by volume).
In the beverages consumed for recreational purposes, the alcohol used is ethanol.

Ethanol:

Ethanol: Ethanol (C2H5OH), in low doses, is a psychoactive drug that reduces the level of neurotransmission in the body leading to its typical intoxicating effects.
- The World Health Organisation has found that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.
- Long-term use leads to dependence, heightens the risk of some cancers and heart disease, and may eventually cause death.
Inside the body, it is metabolised in the liver and the stomach by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes to acetaldehyde. Then, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes transform the acetaldehyde into acetate. The adverse effects of alcohol consumption, from the hangover to cancer, are due to acetaldehyde.

What is spurious liquor?

Spurious liquor is characterized by the liquid mixture containing methanol as well. Such liquors are typically homemade to which methanol is added to strengthen the intoxicating effects (in colloquial parlance, its kick) and/or to increase its bulk volume.
The Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations 2018 stipulate the maximum permissible quantity of methanol in different liquors. These values span a wide range, including “absent” in coconut fenny, 50 grams per 100 liters of country liquor, and 300 grams per 100 liters of pot-distilled spirits.

METHANOL The methanol molecule (CH3OH) consists of one carbon atom bonded with three hydrogen atoms and one hydroxyl group.Methanol is a toxic industrial chemical mentioned in the Schedule I of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules 1989. The most common way to produce methanol is to combine carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of copper and zinc oxides as catalysts at 50-100 atm of pressure and 250° C.

What are the applications of Methanol?

Production of chemicals: Methanol is a basic building block for the production of many chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetic acid, MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) and other aromatic hydrocarbons.
Fuel: Methanol is a clean-burning fuel that can be blended with petrol or used in pure form in specially designed engines.
Solvent: Methanol is a good solvent and is used in various industrial and commercial applications, such as in the production of paints, coatings, inks, and cleaning agents.
Antifreeze: Methanol is used as an antifreeze because it has a low freezing point. It is often mixed with water to create a coolant for engines.

How does spurious liquor kill?

The deadliness of spurious liquor arises from methanol.
The human body contains infinitesimal quantities of methanol (4.5 ppm in the breath of healthy individuals) as a result of eating some fruits.
But even for an adult, more than 0.1 ml of pure methanol per kilogram of body-weight can be devastating.
Once ingested, methanol is metabolized in the liver by ADH enzymes to form formaldehyde (H-CHO). Then, ALDH enzymes convert formaldehyde to formic acid(HCOOH).
The accumulation of formic acid over time leads to a baneful condition called metabolic acidosis. Acidosis can lead to acidemia: when the blood’s pH drops below its normal value of 7.35, becoming increasingly acidic.
Formic acid also interferes with an enzyme called cytochrome oxidase, which in turn disrupts cells’ ability to use oxygen and leads to the build-up of lactic acid, contributing to acidosis.
Further, consuming methanol also leads to “methanol-induced optic neuropathy”- a serious condition that may result in long-term or irreversible visual impairment or even blindness due to damage and loss of function of the optic nerve and retina.
Eventually, Methanol-poisoning can cause swelling in the brain, haemorrhage, and death.

How to treat Methanol poisoning?

One is to administer ethanol (of a pharmaceutical grade, by healthcare workers). Ethanol competes very well with methanol for the ADH enzymes, which metabolise ethanol around 10x faster. As a result, the methanol is kept from being metabolised to formaldehyde.
administer an antidote called fomepizole, which has a similar mechanism: it slows the action of the ADH enzymes, causing the body to produce formaldehyde at a rate that the body can quickly excrete, preventing the deadlier effects from kicking in.
Other options include:
- Undertaking a dialysis to remove methanol and formic acid salts from the blood, and mitigating damage to the kidneys and the retina.
- Administering folinic acid which encourages the formic acid to break up into carbon dioxide and water.

RBI CANCELS LICENSE OF THE CITY COOPERATIVE BANK

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Why in news : The Reserve Bank of India canceled the license of the City Co-operative Bank, Maharashtra for lacking adequate capital and earning prospects.

About:

On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 5 lakh only from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) subject to the provisions of DICGC Act, 1961.

What are Cooperative Banks?

Cooperative Banks refer to those financial institutions under the Banking System in India that operate on the principles of cooperation and mutual benefit for their members.
They belong to their members who are both the owners and customers of the bank.
They operate on the principle of “one person, one vote” in decision-making. Along with lending, these banks also accept deposits.

Regulation of Cooperative Banks in India

These banks in India, broadly, come under the dual control of:

Reserve Bank of India: Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, and the Banking Laws (Application to Co-operative Societies) Act, 1965, the RBI is responsible for regulating banking aspects of these banks, such as capital adequacy, risk control, and lending norms.

Registrar of Co-operative Societies (RCS) of respective State or Central Government: They are responsible for regulation of management-related aspects of these banks, such as incorporation, registration, management, audit, supersession of board of directors, and liquidation.

Structure of Cooperative Banks in India

These banks, under the Banking System in India, are primarily categorized into – Rural Cooperative Banks (RCBS), and Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBS).

Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)

They operate in urban and semi-urban areas and mainly lend to small borrowers and businesses.
Based on their regulation regime, they are categorized into two types – Scheduled Banks and Non-Scheduled Banks.

Rural Cooperative Banks (RCBs)

They focus on serving the financial needs of people in rural areas.
Depending on the type of lending, they are divided into 2 sub-categories – Short-Term Structures, and Long-Term Structures.
Short-Term Structures are divided into State Cooperative Banks, District Cooperative Central Banks (DCCBs) and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
Long-Term Structures are divided into State Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development Banks (SCARDBs) and Primary Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs).

97th Constitutional Amendment Act 2011– It established the right to form cooperative societies as a fundamental right (Article 19).– It included a new Directive Principle of State Policy on the Promotion of Cooperative Societies (Article 43-B).– It added a new Part IX-B to the Constitution titled “The Co-operative Societies” (Articles 243-ZH to 243-ZT).– It authorizes the Parliament to establish relevant laws in the case of multi-state cooperative societies (MSCS) and state legislatures in the case of other cooperative societies.

ENVIRONMENT CONCERNS IN GREAT NICOBAR PROJECT

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Why in news : The Congress party has described the proposed Rs 72,000-crore infrastructure upgrade at the Great Nicobar project to the island’s indigenous inhabitants and fragile ecosystem.

What is the Great Nicobar Project?

The Project involves developing an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), an international airport, township development, and a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant on the island.
The ICTT is expected to allow Great Nicobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transshipment.
A proposed “greenfield city” will tap into both the maritime and tourism potential of the island.
The site for the proposed ICTT and power plant is Galathea Bay on the southeastern corner of Great Nicobar Island, where there is no human habitation.

What is the strategic importance of the island?

The Malacca Strait, the main waterway that connects the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, is very close to the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Hence this can help India counter China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy.

Sabang in Indonesia is 90 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point (on Great Nicobar island), and Coco Island in Myanmar is 18 nautical miles from the northernmost tip of the Andamans.
The islands share four of India’s international maritime zone delimitations with Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.
They also give India substantial ocean space under the United Nations Conference on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) in terms of exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

What are the environmental concerns of the project?

Ecological Threats: The destruction of forests and habitats poses a serious threat to the island’s biodiversity, including various endemic and endangered species.
Rights Violation: The project allegedly violates the rights of the Shompen, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of hunter-gatherers. The disruption of their traditional lands and lifestyle raises human rights concerns.
Inadequate Consultation: Critics argue that the local administration has not sufficiently consulted the Tribal Council of Great and Little Nicobar Islands, as required by law.
Threat to Marine Species: The construction and associated activities will destroy coral reefs, and would also have a cascading effect on the local marine ecosystem.
Volatile Zone: The proposed port is situated in a seismically active zone that experienced a significant geological event during the 2004 tsunami, leading to concerns about the safety and long-term stability of the infrastructure in such a location.

STATE OF GLOBAL AIR REPORT 2024

Syllabus: GS3/Environmental Pollution

Why in news : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal rain in the upcoming monsoon season in India, with “favourable” La Nina conditions expected to set in by August-September.

What is it about?

More than 90 percent of these global air pollution deaths – 7.8 million people – are attributed to PM2.5 air pollution, including from ambient PM2.5 and household air pollution.
China and India account for more than half of the global burden at 2.3 and 2.1 million deaths respectively.
Air pollution was the second leading risk factor for death among children under 5 in 2021, after malnutrition.
The report states that 489,000 deaths globally were attributable to ozone exposure in 2021.
99% of the world’s population lives in places with unhealthy levels of PM2.5 pollution.
Air pollution is considered to be one of the biggest killers globally, second only to high blood pressure.

What is the scenario in India?

India and China account for 55% of the global burden deaths due to air pollution.
Indians are also exposed to high levels of ozone. Short-term exposure to ozone has been linked to exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory symptoms while long term exposure is linked to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease — a condition where the lungs remain inflamed obstructing the airflow.

STEPS TAKEN BY GOVT TO COMBAT AIR POLLUTION
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, NCAP is a comprehensive initiative with the goal of reducing air pollution in identified cities and regions across India.The program focuses on improving air quality monitoring, implementing stricter emission standards, and promoting public awareness.Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Standards: The government implemented BS-VI emission standards for vehicles nationwide in 2020.These standards aim to reduce vehicular emissions by mandating the use of cleaner fuel and more advanced emission control technologies.Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): The PMUY scheme aims to provide clean cooking fuel to households by promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to traditional biomass-based cooking methods. FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) Scheme: The FAME scheme promotes the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce air pollution caused by vehicular emissions.Incentives are provided to both manufacturers and consumers to encourage the use of electric vehicles.Green Initiatives for Sustainable Habitat (GRIHA): GRIHA is an initiative to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the construction and operation of buildings.It encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and materials to reduce pollution.Waste Management Programs: Proper waste management is crucial to prevent the burning of waste, which contributes to air pollution.Various waste management initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aim to address solid waste issues and promote cleaner disposal methods.Commission for Air Quality Management: The Commission has been set up for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index.

PRELIMS

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

The International Day of Yoga, 2024 is being celebrated with the theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’.

About

The National celebration of 10th International Day of Yoga 2024 was organized at Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.
On the occasion, the Ministry of AYUSH launched a ‘Common Yoga Protocol Book in Braille’ Script to support the visually impaired to learn and Practice Yoga with convenience.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is organizing a unique initiative ‘Yoga for Space’ to mark the International Day of Yoga 2024.

Timeline

On India’s insistence, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 21st June as the International Day of Yoga (IDY) in a resolution adopted in December 2014 during the 69 th session.
The first International Yoga Day was celebrated in New Delhi in 2015.
The date of 21 June was chosen as it is the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.

GREENFIELD PORT VADHAVAN

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the development of an all-weather, greenfield,deep draft Major Port at Vadhavan in Palghar District of Maharashtra.

About the Greenfield Port Vadhavan

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): The port will be constructed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), an SPV formed by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), with a shareholding of 74% and 26%, respectively.

Strategic Significance

IMEEEC Integration: The Vadhavan port will be an integral part of the India-Middle East-Economic-Corridor (IMEEEC), enhancing connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
- It aligns with the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti Program, promoting economic activity and employment opportunities.
Global Competitiveness: The port’s world-class facilities will attract mainline mega vessels from international shipping lines.
- Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), it will utilise modern technologies for efficient operations.
Trade Flow Enhancement: Capacities created will facilitate EXIM trade flow through the IMEEEC and the International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC).

June 24 2024

OATH OF MPs in NEWLY ELECTED LOK SABHA

Syllabus: GS2/Constitution

Why in news : As the newly elected 18th Lok Sabha convenes, Protem Speaker will preside over the House as the other members of the House take oath or affirmation as prescribed in the third schedule of the Constitution.

About the position of Speaker Pro-tem :

According to the Article 95 (1) of the Constitution, if both the office of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are vacant, the duties of the office of Speaker shall be performed by such members of the House of People as the President may appoint for the purpose.
Since in a newly elected Parliament, the first duty is to enable the newly elected MPs to take an oath or affirmation only after which MPs can starting voting or taking part in the proceedings of the House.
Protem speaker takes an oath in front for the President. Protem Speaker enables MPs to take an oath as member of the Lok Sabha. Protem Speaker acts as the representative of the President for facilitating such oath.

What is the term of an MP?

According to the Section 73 of Representative of Peoples Act, 1971, For a newly elected Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly of a State, the term of the MPs starts after the notification of election results by the Election Commission.
From this day, MPs are eligible to certain rights such as salaries and allowances. The Anti-defection law also comes into force which means with MPs change their party membership, whips can be issued by the Speaker of the House.
However, till the time until an oath is taken by the members, he or she cannot vote, speak or take part in the proceedings of the House.

What is the Constitutional position of Oath or affirmation of MPs?

Article 99 (Oath or Affirmation by members): According to Article 99 of the Constitution, every member of either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) shall before taking his seat, make and subscribe before the President or some person appointed in that behalf by him, an oath or affirmation, as given in the Third Schedule of Constitution.
- Thus, all MPs before taking a seat in the House must take an oath as prescribed in the Third Schedule of the Constitution.
Article 104 (Penalty for sitting and voting before making oath or affirmation under Article 99): Constitution prescribes a penalty of five hundred rupees to be recovered as a debt to the Union, if a person sits or votes as a member of either House of Parliament before he has complied with requirements under Article 99.
Form of oath or affirmation to be made by a member of Parliament —

‘I, A/B, having been elected (or nominated) a member of the Council of States (or House of People) do swear in the name of God (or solemnly affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and that I will faithfully discharge the duty upon which I am about to enter’.

Before taking the oath or affirmation, MPs must submit their election certificate to the Lok Sabha secretariat for verification. After the verification, MPs can subscribe to the oath or affirmation in English or any of the 22 languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. MPs must use their name as mentioned in the Election Certificate and adhere to the text of the oath or affirmation.
Exception to the above rule: An individual can become a minister without being elected to Parliament. The Constitution prescribes a period of 6 months for a MP to secure a seat in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. During this time, the Minister can participate but not vote in House proceedings.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT 2023

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Why in news : The Telecommunications Act 2023, will be implemented partially from June 2024.

What is about?

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 aims to amend and consolidate the law relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of spectrum.
It also seeks to repeal existing legislative frameworks like Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraph Act, 1933 owing to huge technical advancements in the telecom sector and technologies.

What are the salient features of act?

Authorisation will be required from the central government to:
- establish and operate telecommunications networks,
- provide telecommunications services, or
- possess radio equipment.
Assignment of spectrum: Spectrum will be assigned by auction, except for specified uses, where it will be allocated on an administrative basis.
Powers of interception and search: Messages between two or more persons may be intercepted, monitored, or blocked on certain grounds.
- Such actions must be necessary or expedient in the interest of public safety or public emergency.
Right of way: Facility providers may seek a right of way over public or private property to establish telecom infrastructure.
- Right of way must be provided on a non-discriminatory and nonexclusive basis to the extent possible.
Appointments to TRAI: The Act amends the TRAI Act to also allow individuals with
- at least 30 years of professional experience to serve as the chairperson, and
- at least 25 years of professional experience to serve as members.
Digital Bharat Nidhi: The Universal Service Obligation Fund has been established under the 1885 Act to provide for telecom services in underserved areas.
Protection of users: The Act provides measures for protection of users from unsolicited commercial communication and creates a grievance redressal mechanism.
Digital by design: The Act provides that the implementation shall be digital by design bringing online dispute resolution and other framework.
Offenses and penalties: Providing telecom services without authorisation are punishable with imprisonment up to three years, a fine up to two crore rupees, or both.
- Breaching terms and conditions of authorisation is punishable with a civil penalty up to five crore rupees.

What are the challenges?

The ability to decrypt encrypted messages, the lack of clear guidelines on data retention, and the potential for misuse of biometric identification pose threats to civil liberties.
It gives the government unfettered power that can infringe on citizen privacy with little or no accountability for governing officers.
The Act does not specify procedural safeguards with respect to powers to search premises and vehicles.
The Act vests several regulatory functions with the central government.
- This is distinct from sectors such as power and finance, where these functions have been delegated to the regulators.

SIGHT PROGRAMME OF THE NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION (NGHM)

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Why in news : Government enhanced allocation for the Fertilizer Sector under SIGHT Programme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

About NGHM:

The Union Cabinet has approved the NGHM in january in 2023 and The initial outlay for the Mission is Rs.19,744 crore, including an outlay of Rs.17,490 crore for the SIGHT programme, Rs.1,466 crore for pilot projects, Rs.400 crore for R&D, and Rs. 388 crore towards other Mission components.

The Mission will result in the following likely outcomes by 2030:

Development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country
Over Rs. Eight lakh crore in total investments
Creation of over Six lakh jobs
Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore
Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions

What are the latest developments under the mission?

Under the Mission, MNRE had issued the Scheme Guidelines for implementation of SIGHT Programme – Component II: Incentive for Procurement of Green Ammonia Production (under Mode2A) of the NGHM in January 2024.
- Mode 2A caters to the requirements of the fertilizer sector.
- As per the said Guidelines, the capacity available for bidding under Tranche I of Mode 2A was 5,50,000 tonnes per annum of Green Ammonia.
This is a significant step towards demand creation of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives in the country.

What is the significance of Green Hydrogen?

It will contribute to India’s goal to become Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) through clean energy and serve as an inspiration for the global Clean Energy Transition.
It will lead to significant decarbonization of the economy, reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports, and enable India to assume technology and market leadership in Green Hydrogen.

PRELIMS

DR. SYAMA PRASAD MOOKERJEE

The Prime Minister paid tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his martyrdom day.

About

He was a great patriot, educationist, parliamentarian, statesman, humanitarian and above all, a campaigner for national unity and integrity.
In 1934, Syama Prasad became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, which gave him the opportunity to put his aims and ideals regarding education of his people in practice.
He was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (The Bharatiya Janata Party -BJP is the successor of BJS).
He had supported the Congress in 1946 elections because he was assured by Sardar Patel that the Congress would never accept partition.
He became the finance minister of the Province of Bengal and was subsequently elected the national president of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, the Mahabodhi Society and the Royal Asiatic Society and he was also a member of the Constituent Assembly.

PUSHPAK

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully demonstrated the landing of the Pushpak reusable launch vehicle (RLV LEX-03) for the third time.

About

The third demonstration was to test the vehicle in more challenging conditions—when there is a higher degree of deviation from the intended orbit while the launch vehicle comes down and when there are more severe wind conditions.
Pushpak reused the winged body and flight systems from the second experiment without any modifications.
The vehicle uses multiple sensors such as inertial sensor, radar altimeter, pseudolite system (a ground-based positioning system), as well as the NaVIC satellite-based positioning system.
Significance: To bring down launch costs and to remain competitive, the reusable launch vehicle is designed to take satellites up to space and return and land on a runway like an aeroplane.
- Demonstration validated one of the critical technologies needed for the reusable launch vehicle—an advanced algorithm for correcting longitudinal and lateral plane errors.

MICRORNAs FOR DETECTING BREAST CANCER

The CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) scientists have identified a potentially cost-effective and non-invasive method to detect various kinds of breast cancer from just a drop of blood.

About

microRNAs (miRNAs): Most of the cellular processes in a body are regulated by miRNAs molecules which are 23-25 base small non-coding RNA molecules.
- The researchers have analysed microRNA signatures in human cancer samples and identified miRNAs that are associated with invasive breast cancer.
- 107 qualified to be potential biomarkers for the stratification of different types, grades and stages of invasive ductal carcinoma.
Biomarkers: Cancer cells shed DNA/RNA into the circulation called ‘Circulating Nucleic Acids (CNAs) and are detectable in plasma or other body fluids of cancer patients to identify the earlier stages of cancer development.
- Based on this principle, the identified biomarkers could be made into a liquid biopsy system where cancer could be detected from one drop of blood.
Significance: The study has paved the way for the application of miRNAs as biomarkers and would open up new vistas in developing a refined, cost-effective, and non-invasive method in breast cancer diagnosis.
- The discovery of biomarkers has become essential for early detection, classification, and monitoring of cancer.

May 27 2024

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REGULATIONS FOR INSURERS (2024)

Syllabus: GS2/Government & Intervention

Why in news : Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has introduced new corporate governance rules to prevent conflicts of interest in key management roles and to ensure that no individual holds multiple significant positions.

What is Corporate Governance?

It refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is guided and controlled.
It aims to ensure that the company operates in a fair and responsible manner, safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
It is a critical aspect that ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within companies.
It defines the relationship between the Board of Directors, senior management, and shareholders.
- It is a system of financial and other controls within a corporate entity.
Robust corporate governance is essential for sustainable growth, investor confidence, and long-term success.

What are the Regulations?

These regulations aim to enhance governance structures within insurance companies to safeguard the interests of stakeholders, including policyholders.
IRDAI’s Role: The IRDAI outlines governance responsibilities of the Board in managing insurance functions through various regulations.
- These comprehensive guidelines supplement provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, Insurance Act, 1938, and other relevant laws.

What are the key provisions?

The regulations focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in the insurance sector.
Objective: The regulations aim to provide a robust governance structure for insurers by focusing on the responsibilities and functions of the board and management, ensuring sound and prudent principles and practices while meeting stakeholder expectations, especially policyholders.
Applicability: These guidelines are applicable to all insurers, including Foreign Reinsurance Branches and Insurance Intermediaries regulated by the IRDAI. They came into force on April 1, 2024 and will be reviewed every three years.
Governance Structure: The regulations cover various aspects of corporate governance, including:
- Appointment of directors, key management persons, and statutory auditors.
- Powers and roles of the board of directors: To promote checks and balances, it is good practice for the chair of the board to be a non-executive board member and not serve as chair of any board committee.
- Other governance aspects such as disclosure, reporting to IRDAI, and environmental, social, and governance considerations.
Four Fundamental Keystones
- Fairness: Ensuring fair treatment of all stakeholders.
- Transparency: Providing clear and accurate information to stakeholders.
- Accountability: Holding management accountable for their actions.
- Responsibility: Fulfilling obligations toward shareholders and society.
Conflict of Interest: The regulations prohibit conflicts of interest in key management positions. Holding both business and control functions by a single key management person or holding multiple control positions by one individual is forbidden.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
– It was constituted in 1999 as an autonomous body after the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee report to regulate and develop the insurance industry.– It was incorporated as a Statutory Body in 2000, after passing of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.– It has the power to frame regulations under Section 114A of the Insurance Act, 1938.– It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Objective
– To protect the interests of the policyholder and regulate the insurance industry.– It has framed regulations ranging from registration of companies for carrying on insurance business to protection of policyholders’ interests.

What are the associated challenges?

Selection Procedure and Term of Board Members: Ensuring that qualified and independent directors are appointed is crucial.
- The tenure of board members impacts governance. Striking a balance between continuity and fresh perspectives is essential.
Performance Evaluation of Directors: Regular evaluation of directors’ performance is essential..
- Evaluating directors based on their contributions, independence, and adherence to governance principles is critical.
Independence of Directors: Ensuring that independent directors maintain their autonomy and act in the best interest of the company is challenging.
Transparency and Data Protection: Transparency in financial reporting, disclosures, and decision-making processes is essential.
Business Structure and Internal Conflicts: Companies with complex structures (such as conglomerates) face challenges in managing internal conflicts and ensuring alignment across subsidiaries.
Founder/Promoter’s Role: Balancing the influence of founders or promoters with the need for independent decision-making is a challenge.
Regulatory Oversight and Multiplicity of Regulators: Harmonising regulations across different sectors and ensuring consistent enforcement is a challenge.
Linkage of Good Governance to Good Performance: Demonstrating the positive impact of good governance on business performance remains a challenge.

The Corporate Governance for Insurers Regulations, 2024 emphasises transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour within insurance companies, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders.

These regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and trustworthiness of the insurance industry in India.

INDIA’s TRADE DEFICIT WITH TOP PARTNERS

Why in news : India faced a trade deficit with nine out of its top ten trading partners in the fiscal year 2023-24, according to official data. While the deficit widened with some countries, it narrowed with others, influencing India’s overall trade balance.

What are the key points?

Deficit Trends: India’s trade deficit increased with China, Russia, Korea, and Hong Kong in 2023-24 compared to the previous fiscal year.
- However, the deficit narrowed with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Indonesia, and Iraq during the same period.
Trade Partners: China emerged as India’s largest trading partner with $118.4 billion in two-way commerce, surpassing the US. Bilateral trade with the US stood at $118.28 billion in 2023-24
Free Trade Agreements: India has free trade agreements with Singapore, the UAE, Korea, and Indonesia, contributing to its trade dynamics.
Surplus and Deficit: India maintained a trade surplus of $36.74 billion with the US in 2023-24, along with surpluses with the UK, Belgium, Italy, France, and Bangladesh.
However, the overall trade deficit for India decreased to $238.3 billion compared to the previous fiscal.
Negative impacts of trade deficit: Currency depreciation, increased borrowing from foreign lenders, and decreased foreign investment.

TRADE DEFICITA trade deficit occurs when a country’s imports exceed its exports. A trade deficit is also referred to as a negative balance of trade (BOT). Trade Balance formula is as follows.Trade Balance = Total Value of Exports – Total Value of ImportsIf the trade balance is negative — i.e. the country is in a trade deficitTrade Deficit Calculation: Trade deficit encompasses all international trade transactions, including goods and services, on both capital and current accounts.Capital account transactions involve asset transfers like infrastructure, trademark or mining rights sales.Current account transactions include primary income (e.g., dividends, interest, remittances) and secondary income (e.g., private remittances, pension payments, government aid).Balance of Payments: It is a systematic record of all economic transactions between the residents of a country and the rest of the world.

What steps can India take for reducing trade deficit?

Government has taken several steps to reduce import reliance so as to curb the trade deficit.
- These include creating/enhancing of domestic capacity,
  - incentivizing domestic manufacturing through Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes,
  - phased manufacturing plans,
  - timely use of trade remedy options,
  - adoption of mandatory technical standards,
  - enforcement of FTA Rules of Origin (RoO) and
  - development of import monitoring system
Government launched the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 which aims at process re-engineering and automation to facilitate ease of doing business for exporters

A deficit is not always bad, if a country is importing raw materials or intermediary products to boost manufacturing and exports.However, it puts pressure on the domestic currency.

Cutting the trade deficit requires boosting exports, reducing unnecessary imports, developing domestic industries, and managing currency and debt levels effectively.

IMPORT OF PULSES

Why in news : In April 2024, the annual retail inflation for pulses was 16.84% and the imports hit a seven-year high.

What is the status of production in India?

India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world.
Pulses account for around 20% of the area under food grains and contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country.
Though pulses are grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, Rabi pulsescontribute more than 60 percent of the total production.
Gram is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 percent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 percent and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong at around 8-10 percent each.
The regions with high productivity are Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal delta region, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal and eastern Karnataka and some parts of Maharashtra.

Why is there a surge in the import of pulses?

India’s pulses imports were valued at $3.75 billion in 2023-24 (April-March), the highest since the record $3.90 billion and $4.24 billion of 2015-16 and 2016-17.
In quantity terms, import of major pulses totaled 4.54 mt in 2023-24, up from 2.37 mt and 2.52 mt in the preceding two fiscals, although lower than the all-time-highs of 5.58 mt, 6.36 mt and 5.41 mt in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively.
Domestic production: There is a decline in domestic pulses production from 27.30 million tonnes (mt) in 2021-22 and 26.06 mt in 2022-23 to 23.44 mt in 2023-24, as per the Agriculture Ministry’s estimates.

Why is there low production in India?

Low Productivity: Pulses have traditionally been a neglected crop because of the instability of its yields.
Climate Variability: Pulses are often grown in rainfed areas where they are highly susceptible to climate variability, like erratic rainfall, droughts etc. which lead to yield fluctuations and lower production.
- The El Niño-induced patchy monsoon and winter rain, is causing a decline in domestic pulses production in 2023-24
Residual Crop: Pulses in India are considered a residual crop and grown under rain-fed conditions in marginal/less fertile lands, with very little focus on pest and nutrient management.
Preference for Cash Crops: Farmers may prefer cultivating cash crops such as rice, wheat, and sugarcane over pulses due to assured procurement, higher market prices, and perceived lower production risks.
Post Harvest Losses: There are post-harvest losses during storage, due to excessive moisture and attack by stored grain pests especially the pulse beetle
With the advent of the Green Revolution, which promoted rice and wheat, pulses were pushed to the marginal lands. This resulted in decline in productivity and land degradation.
Penetration and adoption of high yielding varieties (HYV) seeds are also low.

PRELIMS

CANNE FILM FESTIVAL

The Cannes Film Festival, held and saw several Indian artists win major prizes and receive critical acclaim for their works.

Director Payal Kapadia’s debut feature film, All We Imagine As Light, won the coveted Grand Prix prize.

About The Festival de Cannes

Festival de Cannes or Cannes Film Festival is an international film festival that opens a platform for the display of global cinema .
It is an international film festival for filmmakers, screenwriters, photographers, actors and musicians from all over the world.
It is one of the world’s most widely publicized events and certainly the most important film festival in terms of worldwide impact.
This year, India made its presence felt at the festival through four movie screenings, accompanied by Indian celebrities, social media influencers, and even entrepreneurs representing the country.
Objectives : It aims to encourage the development of cinematographic art in all its forms, and create and foster a spirit of collaboration between all film-producing countries.

SMART ELECTRICITY METRES

Recently, Residents of Gujarat have protested against ‘pre-paid smart electricity metres‘ claiming that they had been ‘overcharged’.

Smart Metres

These are advanced digital devices that replace traditional analog metres for measuring electricity consumption.
Unlike conventional metres, smart metres offer real-time data collection, bi-directional communication, and enhanced features.

Key Features

Real-Time Data: Smart metres provide accurate, real-time information about electricity consumption.
- Consumers can monitor their usage patterns and adjust accordingly.
Remote Reading: Utility companies can read smart metres remotely, eliminating the need for manual metre reading visits.
Bi-directional Communication: Smart metres track energy consumption every 30 minutes and send updates to both the consumer’s smartphone and the distribution company.
Prepaid Options: Smart metres enable prepaid billing, allowing consumers to pay for electricity in advance.
- It promotes better financial planning and reduces arrears.
Reduced Theft and Losses: Smart metres help detect theft and technical losses more efficiently, leading to improved revenue collection for utilities.
- They are equipped with firmware to alert the discom in case of an emergency such as overheating, power failure, etc.

ASTRONOMICAL TRANSIENTS

Recently the Indian-American astronomer Shrinivas Kulkarni was awarded the Shaw Prize for Astronomy in 2024 for his work on the physics of astronomical transients.

What are Astronomical Transients?

In astronomy, a ‘transient’ is any celestial object whose brightness changes in short spans of time.
There are many kinds of astronomical transients, all of them united by phenomena that are violent in some measure.
Astronomers study transients to understand where their violence comes from and what that can tell us about non-transient events.

Examples of Astronomical Transients

Supernovae: A supernova is what happens when a star has reached the end of its life and explodes in a brilliant burst of light.
Active galactic nucleus (AGN): The centers of massive galaxies host supermassive black holes. Sometimes, these black holes actively feast on matter in their orbit.
- Interactions between the black holes and the matter in this process cause the latter to acquire energy and glow with a changing brightness.
Fast radio burst (FRB): It was discovered in 2007 and can emit more than 10-times as much energy as the Sun in a few milliseconds.

May 28 2024

OVERVIEW IF EUROPE’s AI CONVENTION

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Why in news : The Council of Europe (COE) has taken a big step by adopting the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, also known as the ‘AI convention’, on May 17, 2024.

What is it about?

As of now, there are many tools, guidelines, and governance principles at national levels, but none of them are binding or acceptable at a global level. In this background, the Council of Europe has adopted a framework convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law.

What is the Council of Europe?

The Council of Europe is Europe’s leading human rights organization. Since its foundation in 1949, the organization has created a common legal space, centered on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), across its 46 member states. This represents a death penalty-free zone for more than 700 million people.

What is the need for Rules on Artificial Intelligence?

AI Act ensures that humans can trust what AI has to offer. While most AI systems pose limited to no risk and contribute to solving many societal challenges, certain AI systems create risks that must be addressed to avoid undesirable outcomes like decision bias or unfair advantage to a community.

The proposed act will:
- Address risks specifically created by AI applications.
- Prohibit AI practices that pose unacceptable risks.
- Determine a list of high-risk applications.
- Set clear requirements for AI systems for high-risk applications.
- Define specific obligations for deployers and providers of high-risk AI applications.
- Require a conformity assessment before a given AI system is put into service or placed on the market.
- Put enforcement in place after a given AI system is placed into the market.
- Establish a governance structure at European and national level.

What are the key features of Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law (AI Convention):

The Convention aims to create a balanced framework that encourages technological advancement while safeguarding fundamental freedoms and democratic values.
Article 1: Aims to ensure that activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Article 3: Covers the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems that have the potential to interfere with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law as follows:
- a. Each Party shall apply this Convention to the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems undertaken by public authorities or private actors acting on their behalf.
- b. Each Party shall address risks and impacts arising from activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems by private actors… in a manner conforming with the object and purpose of this Convention.”
Military application of AI is notcovered under the convention because of lack of consensus.
Article 4: Provides for ‘General Obligations’ in the convention pertaining to the protection of human rights and the integrity of democratic processes.
Article 5: Provisions for the fundamental principles of governance such as respect for the rule of law (Article 5).
To ensure its effective implementation, the convention establishes a follow-up mechanism in the form of a Conference of the Parties.
Convention requires that each party establishes an independent oversight mechanism to oversee compliance with the convention,and raise awareness, stimulate an informed public debate, and carry out multi stakeholder consultations on how AI technology should be used.

What is the risk categorisation?

RISK CATEGORISATION	FEATURES
Minimal Risk	Low risk: Most AI systems are expected to be low risk, such as content recommendation systems or spam filtersetc
Limited Risk	Limited risk: Refers to the risks associated with lack of transparency in AI usage. The AI Act introduces specific transparency obligations to ensure that humans are informed when necessary, fostering trust
High Risk	High risk: AI systems that negatively affect safety or fundamental rights will be considered high risk they face requirements like using high-quality data and providing clear information to the users and will be divided into two categories
Unacceptable risk	Unacceptable risk: Unacceptable risk AI systems are systems considered a threat to people and will be banned. They include:Cognitive behavioral manipulationof people or specific vulnerable groups: for example, voice-activated toys that encourage dangerous behavior in children.Social scoring:classifying people based on behavior, socio-economic status, or personal characteristics.Biometric identification and categorization of peopleReal-time and remote biometric identification systems, such as facial recognition

EU DEFORESTATION LAW

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Why in news : At a recent meeting in Geneva, India and several other WTO members expressed concerns about the EU’s new Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), which is set to restrict exports of certain items to the EU starting from December 30, 2024. They collectively requested a postponement of the regulation.

What is EU’s new Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR)?

The Regulation is part of a broader plan of actions to tackle deforestation and forest degradation first outlined in the 2019 Commission Communication on Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests.
This commitment was later confirmed by the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Farm to Fork Strategy.
‘Deforestation-free’ means they must not result from recent (post December 31, 2020) deforestation, forest degradation, or breaches of local environmental and social laws.
The main driver of these processes is the expansion of agricultural land that is linked to the production of commodities like cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and some of their derived products, such as leather, chocolate, tyres, or furniture.
Under the Regulation, any operator or trader who places these commodities on the EU market, or exports from it, must be able to prove that the products do not originate from recently deforested land or have contributed to forest degradation.

What are the objectives of the new rules?

avoid that the listed products Europeans buy, use and consume contribute to deforestation and forest degradation in the EU and globally.
reduce carbon emissions caused by EU consumption and production of the relevant commodities by at least 32 million metric tonnes a year.
address all deforestation driven by agricultural expansion to produce the commodities in the scope of the regulation, as well as forest degradation

INDIA AND EUDR:India is particularly concerned as the EUDR could significantly impact its exports to the EU, estimated at $1.3 billion. The regulation targets seven commodities and their derivatives, potentially affecting a wide range of Indian exports such as meat products, leather, chocolate, coffee, palm oil derivatives, rubber products, soybeans, wood products, and more.Concern over BenchmarkingCritics, including Indonesia and India, raised concerns about the EUDR’s ‘benchmarking system’ for categorizing regions as high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk for deforestation.Confusion surrounded the categorization process, prompting questions about its rationale and conditions from India.Other countries criticized the one-size-fits-all approach and the lack of effective compliance support systems.Limited time for compliance and high costs, particularly burdensome for small producers, were highlighted as significant issues.The EU affirmed its determination to proceed with implementation, emphasizing reliance on scientific data and internationally recognized sources for categorizing countries.India emphasized the need to protect low-income farmers from the high compliance costs of the regulation.

DAKHNI LANGUAGE

Syllabus: GS1/Art and Culture, Indian Languages and Literature.

Why in news :The campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad, was marked by exchange of comments and comebacks in the Dakhni language.

What is Dakhni Language?

Dakhni shares the Persian-Arabic script with Urdu.
Dakhni people and speakers are spread across the Deccan region and speak variants of the language in Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
The language is seen as the Hyderabadi, but what Hyderabadis speak is only a variant of Dakhni.
It is a predecessor of Modern Hindustani.
Since the medieval period, it has been a language of the common man.
This was the reason why the Sufis such as those belonging to Chishti order, who arrived in the Deccan chose to use Dakhni as a literary medium.

What is its brief history?

It has its origins in the dialect spoken around Delhi then known as Dehlavi. In the early 14th century, this dialect was introduced in the Deccan region through the military exploits of Alauddin Khilji.
In 1327, Muhammad bin Tughluq shifted his Sultanate’s capital from Delhi to Daulatabad(Maharashtra), causing a mass migration of governors, soldiers and common people who brought the dialect with them.
When Bahmani Sultanate was formed in 1347, the dialect had acquired the name Dakhni, from the name of the region itself (Deccani) and had become a lingua franca for people of the region.
- The Bahmani sultans promoted Persian, and did not give much patronage to Dakhni.
- However, during their rule, local Dakhni literary culture outside the court developed.
- The Sufis were important promoters. as they used it in their preachings since regional languages were more accessible (than Persian) to the general population.
- During this period, the earliest available manuscript of the language, ‘Masnavi Kadam Rao Padam Rao’ by Fakhruddin Nizami was produced.
In the early 16th century, the Bahmani Sultanate was divided into the Deccan Sultanates.
- These were also Persianate in culture, but also patronised regional languages.
- They are largely responsible for the development of the Dakhni literary tradition and culture, centred at Golconda and Bijapur.
- The rulers themselves participated in these cultural developments. Ibrahim Adil Shah II of the Bijapur Sultanate produced Kitab-e-Navras (Book of the Nine Rasas), a work of musical poetry written entirely in Dakhni.
- However, the Sultanates did not use Dakhni for official purposes or as a court language, they preferred Persian as well as regional languages like Marathi, Kannada, and Telugu.
The Mughal conquest of the Deccan by Aurangzeb in the 17th century connected the southern regions of the subcontinent to the north.
- The Deccani poetry, as literary patronage in the region decreased.
- The literary centres of the Deccan had been replaced by the capital of the Mughals, so poets migrated to Delhi for better opportunities.
- A notable example is that of Wali Deccani (1667–1707), who adapted his Deccani sensibilities to the northern style.
- However, the historical form of Deccani sparked the development of Urdu literature during the late-Mughal period.

PRELIMS

HAMPI’s VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

A section of the pillars holding up the pavilion at Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapsed recently following heavy rains.

About the Virupaksha Temple of Hampi

It is a historic Hindu temple located in Hampi, Karnataka, India.
It holds immense religious and cultural significance and is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical Significance

It dates back to the 7th century CE. Some historians suggest that it existed even before the Vijayanagara Empire established its capital in Hampi.
During the 14th to 16th centuries, under the Vijayanagara rulers, the temple underwent extensive expansion and flourished as a vital centre for religious and cultural activities.
- The Vijayanagara empire was founded by Harihara I of the Sangama dynasty, it expanded from a strategic position on the banks of the Tungabhadra river to become one of the most powerful kingdoms of its time.

Architectural Marvels

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336 to 1646), known for its grand architecture, built Dravidian-style temples and palaces in Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple.
Notable features include towering gopurams (gateways), pillared halls, and shrines dedicated to various deities.
The Vitthala Temple within the complex stands out for its exquisite ornate structure, representing the pinnacle of Vijayanagara temple architecture.
- It features a grand bazaar street, a stepped tank, and beautifully carved mandapas.

Religious Significance

The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
It is associated with the local goddess Pampadevi, linked to the Tungabhadra River.
Worship at the Virupaksha Temple has persisted over centuries, even after the city’s destruction in 1565.

PERIYAR RIVER

A report by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies reveals high levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, and unidentified toxins in a Periyar river tributary in Ernakula.

About

The Periyar, 244 km in length is the longest river of Kerala and drains an area of 5,398 sq km.
It originates in the Western Ghats at Periyar Lake in the Idukki district and flows through the central part of Kerala before emptying into the Arabian Sea near the city of Kochi.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located along the banks of the river, is one of the prominent wildlife reserves in Kerala, known for its rich biodiversity.
Some of the major tributaries of the Periyar River include: Muthirapuzha River, Cheruthoni River, Edamalayar River, Perinjankutti River, and Mullayar River.

COST INFLATION INDEX

The Central Board of Direct Taxes, CBDT has notified the Cost Inflation Index

(CII ) for the financial year 2024- 25 for calculating long-term capital gains.

About

The Cost Inflation Index is used by taxpayers to compute gains arising out of sale of capital assets after adjusting inflation.
The CII for financial year 2024-25, relevant to assessment year 2025-26, stood at 363.
Normally, an asset is required to be retained for more than 36 months (24 months for immovable property and unlisted shares, 12 months for listed securities) to qualify as ’long-term capital gains’.
Since prices of goods increase over time resulting in a fall in the purchasing power, the CII is used to arrive at the inflation adjusted purchasing price of assets so as to compute taxable long-term capital gains (LTCG).

May 29 2024

WHO LAUNCHED NEW INVESTMENT ROUND

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Why in news : WHO launched a new ‘Investment Round’ to raise USD 7 billion in funds that can be deployed more quickly and flexibly during the start of the 77th World Health Assembly at Geneva.

What is it about?

The Investment Round stems from recommendations by the WHO Working Group on Sustainable Financing and was approved at the 154th Meeting of the WHO Executive Board in January 2024.
Brazil agreed to host high-level events to support the Investment Round and encourage other countries to join.
Qatar announced a contribution of USD 4 million in fully flexible funds to the Investment Round, and an intention to contribute further.
France, Germany, and Norway announced to serve as co-hosts for the Investment Round.
The fund will secure funding for WHO’s strategy, the 14th General Programme of Work.
The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO and is attended by delegations from all WHO member states.

About WHO?

World Health Organization (WHO), is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) established in 1948.
WHO is the first global health organization established in 1948, replacing many regional and national health bodies.
Its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Member Countries: All Member countries of the United Nations may become members of WHO by accepting its Constitution.

Other countries may be admitted as members when their application has been approved by a simple majority vote of the World Health Assembly. 194 Members of WHO are grouped according to 6 regions.

It has the authority of directing and coordinating matters related to international health.
World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of WHO, attended by delegations from all member states.
The Executive Board of WHO implements the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly.
The US is currently the biggest financial contributor to the WHO, and has been its active member for many decades.

Aim: It aims to enhance international cooperation for improved public health conditions. Each year WHO celebrates its date of establishment, April 7, 1948, as World Health Day.

Functions: Its specific tasks include epidemic control, quarantine measures, and drug standardization. WHO promotes the attainment of “the highest possible level of health” by all people.

World Health Assembly: The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.

The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.

Reports Published:

World Health Report
Global Nutrition Report
World Vision Report
Ambient Air Pollution Report
World Report on Hearing

LANDSLIDE VULNERABILITY IN INDIA

Syllabus: GS1/Geography

Why in news : Heavy rain caused by the cyclone Remal triggered landslides in several places in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, and Nagaland.

What is Landslide?

Landslides are a geological phenomenon that involves the sudden and rapid movement of a mass of rock, soil, or debris down a slope under the influence of gravity.
Landslides, usually, occur in areas having characteristics like Steep terrain such as hilly or mountainous areas, Presence of joints and fissures or areas where surface runoff is directed or land is heavily saturated with water.

What is the vulnerability of landslide in India?

According to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) about 0.42 million square km of India’s landmass, or about 13% of its area, spread over 15 states and four Union Territories, is prone to landslides.
About 0.18 million square km, or 42% of this vulnerable area is in the Northeastern region, where the terrain is mostly hilly.
- This area is also prone to earthquakes, which too, are a major trigger for landslides.

What are the causes of landslides?

Natural Causes:
- Heavy Rainfall: Heavy rainfall is one of the most common triggers of landslides. It increases pore water pressure as well as the weight of soil by making it saturated.
- Erosion: Clay and vegetation present within the soil or rock act as cohesive elements and help bind particles together. By removing these cohesive elements, erosion makes an area more prone to landslides.
- Earthquakes: Intense ground shaking due to earthquakes causes instability in rocks and soils, thus triggering landslides.
- Volcanic Eruptions: Ash and debris deposited by volcanic eruptions overload slopes while the accompanied seismic activity causes instability.
Anthropogenic Causes
- Deforestation: By holding soils as well as obstructing the flow of falling debris, vegetation cover plays an important role in preventing landslides in any area. Deforestation takes away this preventive cover and increases vulnerability to landslides.
- Encroachment in Vulnerable Terrains: Of late, humans have been encroaching in landslide-prone areas such as hilly terrains. This has led to increased construction activities in these areas and increased chances of landslides.
- Uncontrolled Excavation: Unauthorized or poorly planned excavation activities, such as mining, quarrying, etc destabilize slopes and increase the chances of landslides.
- Climate Change: Climate change caused by various anthropogenic activities has led to abrupt alterations in precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

What are the measures taken by India?

The Disaster Management Act, of 2005 provides a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the management of various disasters including landslides.
The National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019) covers all aspects of landslide disaster risk reduction and management, such as hazard mapping, monitoring, and early warning systems.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued Guidelines on Landslide Hazard Management (2009) that outline the steps that should be taken to reduce the risk of landslides.
The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) has been providing capacity building and other support to various national and state-level disaster management authorities.
Early Warning system: Efforts have been made towards better prediction of weather. E.g. Ensemble Prediction System. This will help predict disasters like landslides.

QUANTUM DIAMOND MICROCHIP IMAGER

Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology

Why in news :IIT Bombay, TCS Develop India’s First Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager

What is it about?

IIT Bombay and TCS, India’s biggest IT services company, are working together to make the country’s first quantum diamond computer imager.
This technology was just announced and it looks like it will completely change how semiconductor chips are inspected.

What is Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager?

A quantum diamond computer imager works in a way that is similar to how MRIs work in hospitals.
It makes image magnetic fields possible so that semiconductor chips can be mapped without damaging or removing them.
As semiconductor technology gets smaller, this ability is becoming more and more important as traditional sensing methods fight to keep up.
This Indian-made imager uses quantum diamond microscopy along with software that is better at AI and machine learning.
This puts India at the centre of the quantum revolution. It is expected that the microchip imager will make it easier to inspect semiconductor chips more accurately, lower the number of failed chips, and make electronic gadgets use less energy.

What are its applications and impact?

Semiconductor chips are used in many fields, such as clean energy, communications, computing, healthcare, defence systems, and transportation. Over the next two years, TCS and IIT Bombay will work together to make these gadgets safer, more reliable, and better at using energy.

PRELIMS

MICROCEPHALY

Researchers from China confirmed the pivotal role of a gene called SASS6 in microcephaly pathogenesis.

About

Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head is much smaller than normal.
Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain, poor motor function, poor speech, and abnormal facial features, and are intellectually disabled.
The roots of the condition lie in the peak phase of brain development in the embryo — when the cells that eventually become neurons fail to divide normally.

Papau New Guinea

The Government of India has granted $1 million as immediate assistance for Papua New Guinea, which has been hit by a devastating flood and landslide that has so far killed 2,000 people.

India had earlier supported Papua New Guinea in 2018 when the country was rocked by an earthquake and subsequently in 2019 and 2023 when volcanic eruptions hit the country.

India and Papua New Guinea

Diplomatic relations between India and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) were established when the latter got independence from Australia in 1975.
PNG appointed its first defence adviser to India for taking forward defence cooperation
PNG has been cooperative in issues taken up by India at various international fora including UN, Commonwealth, etc

May 30 2024

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Why in news : Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on May 28th, highlights the critical importance of proper menstrual hygiene management. The health, happiness, and empowerment of women and girls all suffer as a result of improper management of menstrual hygiene.

What is it menstruation?

Menstruation is the process in which the uterus sheds blood and tissue through the vagina. This is a natural and healthy process for girls and women of reproductive age. In Western communities, this is often called “the period.” It typically lasts 2 to 5 days, but this varies by individual.
Menstruation is a natural and normal process experienced by females, yet societal taboos, cultural beliefs, and limited access to resources often lead to inadequate practices.

According to 5^th NHFS (2019-2021): Women aged 15-24 years who use a hygienic method of protection during their menstrual cycle is 78%. Among these women, 64% use sanitary napkins, 50% use cloth, and 15% use locally prepared napkins. Only 73% of rural women while 90% of urban women use a hygienic method of menstrual protection respectively.However, a few States continue to have lower than average access to use of a hygienic method of menstrual protection by women and girls.

What are the consequences of Poor Menstrual Hygiene?

Health: Poor menstrual health can lead to infections, irritation, dermatitis, alteration in pH balance, and increased risk of cervical cancer. It can also affect mental health by causing stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem due to stigma and shame.
Education: Poor menstrual health can affect school attendance, performance, and retention of girls and transgender students due to lack of facilities, products, information, and support. It can also create barriers to participation in sports and extracurricular activities.
Marriage: Poor menstrual health can affect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, girl students drop out of school, are pushed into child marriage, and are more like to experience domestic violence, infections, reproductive illnesses, malnourishment, and poor mental health. 
Work: Poor menstrual health can affect the productivity, income, and career opportunities of women and transgender workers due to absenteeism, discomfort, discrimination, and harassment. It can also limit their access to decent work and social protection.

What are the barriers for Menstrual Hygiene?

Period Poverty : Lack of awareness about menstrual hygiene and related issues is a significant barrier in India.
- A survey conducted by the NGO Child Rights and You (CRY) revealed that access to sanitary pads was limited to many girls, with 44.5% of girls admitting to using homemade absorbents or cloth.
- The report also found that around 11.3% of the girls did not know the correct cause of menstruation and said that it was a curse from God or caused by disease.
Stigma and Shame: Menstruating women often face discrimination, restrictions, and isolation, leading to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
- As much as 61.4% of girls have accepted that a sense of embarrassment existed in society with regard to periods.
Lack of Access to Affordable Sanitary Products:Many women, especially those from low-income backgrounds, struggle to afford sanitary pads or tampons. This can result in the use of unhygienic alternatives like cloth, rags, or even ash, which can increase the risk of infections and other health issues.
Inadequate Sanitation Facilities:Insufficient infrastructure in schools, public places, and households can make it difficult for women and girls to manage their periods safely and with dignity.
- Women in informal work (e.g., construction work, domestic work etc.) often have no access to washrooms, clean water for bathing, and to cost-effective hygiene products and their safe disposal.
Limited Healthcare Services: Rural areas often face a shortage of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, who are specifically trained in addressing menstrual health issues.
Cultural and Religious Practices: Certain cultural and religious beliefs and practices can impede menstrual hygiene.
- In Maharashtra, a study found that the practice of segregating menstruating girls and women to ‘kurmaghars’, or “period huts”, with no sanitation and other basic facilities poses a significant barrier to conducive sexual and reproductive health outcomes among females.
Lack of Policy Measures: The 2022 Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products Bill, specified three days of paid leave for women and transwomen during their periods, and additional benefits for students is yet to become act. Only two states, Kerala and Bihar, currently have menstrual leave policies for women.

What needs to be done?

An Inclusive Approach: It must also cater to the menstrual needs of the differently abled, trans-male/female, and people with other gender identities who menstruate.
Improve the quality of Sanitary Products: Despite being cheap and affordable, officials have also noted quality issues in sanitary napkins distributed under various government schemes.
Promote better Alternatives: Menstrual cups are a cheap, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative to sanitary napkins, but they are still treated with scepticism.
Telemedicine and teleconsultation services: Utilizing telemedicine platforms can provide remote access to healthcare professionals specialized in menstrual health.
Community-based peer education programs: Engaging local communities through innovative peer education programs can help break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation.
Robust Waste Disposal: Safe disposal of sanitary napkins and the associated difficulties and misconceptions.
- IoT Technology can be employed to develop smart toilets equipped with sensors for detecting menstrual waste and automatically initiating proper disposal mechanisms.
Constructing Smart Toilets: These toilets can provide real-time feedback on hygiene practices, monitor supply levels of menstrual products, and send alerts for maintenance and restocking.
Raise Awareness: Awareness must be raised among women through Initiatives like the use of mobile applications, interactive websites, and voice-based information systems to provide easily accessible and culturally appropriate information on menstrual health and hygiene.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies can create immersive and interactive learning experiences for menstrual health education.
Policy Measures: Policies like Reduction of tax, setting standards for sanitary products and creation of female friendly infrastructure should be implemented.

RUDRAM-ll

Syllabus: GS3/Defence Technology

Why in news : Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the indigenously-developed RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet off Odisha coast.

About RudraM-ll:

RudraM-II is a solid-propelled air-to-surface anti-radiation supersonic missile indigenously developed by DRDO.

What are the key features?

The missile has a peak speed of Mach 5.5 (5.5 times the speed of sound).
It is capable of carrying a payload of up to 200 kg i.e., explosives.
This missile can be launched from a height of 3 to 15 km and has a range of 300-350 kilometres.
The internal guidance system of the missile allows it to direct itself toward the target after the launch.

This missile is capable of destroying aircraft hangars, bunkers and airstrips. It is designed to target enemy ground radars (surveillance, tracking) and communication stations in Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) missions.
RudraM-II is the latest version of Mark-1 which was tested four years ago.
- RudraM-1 version was test-fired from Sukhoi in 2020 off the east coast of Odisha.
- Mark-1 version has a range of 100-150 km and can reach speeds of Mach 2 (two times the speed of sound). It has a launch altitude range of 1 km to 15 km.
India currently operates the Russian Kh-31, an anti-radiation missile. The RudraM missiles will replace the Kh-31s.

Anti-Radiation Missile:Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) is a type of air-to-surface missile that is designed to home in on and destroy enemy radar systems and communication stations.Targeting: ARMs use onboard sensors to detect and track the electromagnetic emissions from enemy radar systems. They can then home in on these emissions to destroy the radar installation. Propulsion: ARMs typically use solid-fuel rocket propulsion to provide the speed and range needed to reach distant targets. Guidance: Most modern ARMs use passive radar homing to guide themselves to the target. This means they do not emit any of their own radar signals, making them harder to detect and jam.Warhead: The warhead on an ARM is designed to disable or destroy the targeted radar system, often through a combination of blast and fragmentation effects.

URBAN HEAT ISLAND

Syllabus: GS1/Physical Geography

Why in news :Carbon Brief analysis revealed nearly 40% of the Earth hit its highest-ever daily temperature between 2013 to 2023.

What is Urban Heat Island?

An urban heat island refers to a phenomenon where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.

Global Cases of rising temperature:

The United Kingdom crossed 40 degrees Celsius for the first time ever in July 2022.
A small town in China’s northwest recorded 52-degree Celsius last year, the highest ever for that country.
In 2021, Sicily in Italy recorded 48.8 degree Celsius, the highest for Europe ever.
Recent temperatures in New Delhi, notably a reported 52.9°C, raise concerns, pending verification. Doubts arise due to inconsistencies with other stations, with Safdarjung recording 46.8°C, an 80-year high.

Why does this happen?

The sun’s heat and light reach the city and the adjoining rural areas in the same way.
The difference in temperature between urban and less-developed rural areas has to do with how well the surfaces in each environment absorb and hold heat.
If you travel to a rural area, you’ll probably find that most of the region is covered with plants grasses, trees, and farmland.
Plants take up water from the ground through their roots and store the water in their stems and leaves. The water eventually travels to small holes on the underside of leaves.
There, the liquid water turns into water vapor and is released into the air. This process is called transpiration. It acts as nature’s air conditioner.

What are the Mitigation Strategies?

Green Infrastructure: Increasing vegetation cover through parks, green roofs, and tree planting helps mitigate UHI effects by providing shade and enhancing evaporative cooling.
Urban Planning: Designing urban spaces to prioritize pedestrian-friendly environments, incorporating green spaces, and promoting sustainable building practices can reduce UHI intensity.
Cool Roofing and Materials: Using reflective roofing materials and heat-absorbing coatings on pavements can lower surface temperatures and mitigate heat absorption.
Heat Island Reduction Programs: Implementing policies and initiatives focused on reducing urban heat island effects, such as urban forestry programs and building codes promoting energy-efficient designs.

PRELIMS

VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL

Recently, the Prime Minister of India announced his visit and meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

About the Vivekananda Rock Memorial

It is a sacred monument located off the coast of Kanyakumari, India’s southernmost tip.
It commemorates the visit of the great spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda to this very spot in December 1892.
According to ancient tradition, the rock on which the memorial stands was blessed by the touch of the feet of the Goddess Kanyakumari.
Swami Vivekananda himself attained enlightenment on this very rock.

Architectural Marvel

Vivekananda Mandapam: It includes a meditation area (Dhyana Mandapam), an assembly hall (Sabha Mandapam), and a statue section (Pralima Mandapam).
- A life-sized bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda graces the premises.
Shripada Mandapam: It houses the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Graham), surrounded by inner and outer prakarams.
- The design ensures that Swamiji’s statue gazes directly toward the sacred Shripadam.

SIDS4 CONFERENCE

Recently, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has launched an $8 million funding initiative for disaster resilient infrastructure in small island developing states during the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda.

About the Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

These comprise 37 UN Member nations and 20 Associate Members of regional commissions, uniquely and unfortunately positioned at the forefront of multiple global crises, notably climate change.
These remote economies, prone to natural disasters were formally recognised as a special case both for their environment and development at the UN Conference on Environment and Development  held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
Occupying less than 0.5% of the world’s surface, these nations are spread across three key regions:
- The Caribbean;
- The Pacific and the Atlantic;
- Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

May 31 2024

VOLCANISM ON VENUS

Syllabus: GS1/Natural Phenomena

Why in news : Recently, researchers detected evidence of volcanic eruption on Venus’ surface using data from NASA’s Magellan mission provided by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

What is it?

The Magellan Mission of NASA, launched in 1989, provided crucial insights into Venus’ geology. The spacecraft used Synthetic Aperture Radar to map 98% of Venus’ surface between 1990 and 1992 that revealed features that hinted at a tumultuous volcanic past.

Planet Venus
– Earth’s Twin: Venus is Earth’s closest planetary neighbour which is similar in structure but slightly smaller than Earth.a. It is the second planet from the sun.– Thick & Toxic Atmosphere: Venus has an atmosphere 50 times denser than Earth.a. It is wrapped in a thick, toxic atmosphere filled with carbon dioxide that traps in heat.– Inhabitable: Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system. The temperature of Venus is too high (about 471°C), and its atmosphere is highly acidic.– Other Features: It has no moons and no rings.a. Venus’ solid surface is a volcanic landscape covered with extensive plains featuring high volcanic mountains and vast ridges.b. It spins from east to west, the opposite direction from all other planets in our solar system but the same as Uranus.

Venusian Volcanic Activity:

A 2023 study revealed that a volcanic vent on Maat Mons in a region called Atla Regio expanded and changed shape during the Magellan mission.
Maat Mons: In 2023, Magellan’s Radar images captured changes near the volcano Maat Mons.
- These changes indicated a recent eruption, providing direct geological evidence of volcanic activity on Venus.
- The outflow of molten rock filled the vent’s crater and spilled down its slopes.
Sif Mons: A volcano approximately 200 miles (300 km) wide located in the Eistla Regio region. It exhibited signs of eruption during the early 1990s.
- Radar images show a lava flow covering about 12 square miles (30 square km) of rock.
- It changed the perception that Venus is a dormant world.
Niobe Planitia: A large volcanic plain where approximately 17 square miles (45 square kilometres) of rock were produced by lava flow.

What are its implications?

Venus’ Evolution: The discovery of recent volcanism suggests that Venus may be more volcanically active than previously thought.
- Understanding its volcanic history helps explain why Venus took a different evolutionary path than Earth.
Climate Alterations: Massive volcanic outpourings in Venus’ ancient past likely altered its climate.
- Venus boasts scorching surface temperatures and a thick atmosphere that may have originated from intense volcanic activity.

EARLY ONSET OF MONSOON

Syllabus: GS1/Indian Geography

Why in news : Early Onset of monsoon : Monsoon set to arrive in Kerala today

What is Onset of Monsoon?

The monsoon season in India typically lasts from June to September, although its timing and intensity can vary across different regions.

Pre-monsoon period (March to May): During this time, temperatures rise across the country due to the increasing solar radiation.
Arrival of the southwest monsoon (end of May to mid-June): The southwest monsoon is responsible for the majority of the rainfall in India. It begins with the onset of the monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean are drawn towards the low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent, creating a monsoon trough.
- Factors affecting onset of monsoon:
  - Intense heating of the Indian landmass and formation of intense low pressure.
  - Shifting of ITCZ over Gangetic plain.
  - Withdrawal of sub-tropical westerly Jetstream.
  - Deflection of SE trades after crossing the equator towards Indian west coast.
Advancement of the monsoon (June to July): The monsoon winds gradually advance across the country, starting from the southernmost state of Kerala and progressing northwards. This northward progression is known as the “monsoon onset line” and is closely monitored by meteorological department.
Onset over different regions: The western coast and northeastern states receive the monsoon rains first, followed by the central and northern parts of the country. The Himalayan Region experiences the monsoon last.

What is the impact of Climate Change on Monsoon?

According to IMD, there has been overall decrease in monsoonal rainfall of about 6%-10% since 1951. However, changes in monsoon remains within 10% of the long period average (LPA).
Intermittent rainfall has increased with increase in dry as well as wet spells.
Onset of monsoon and its withdrawal has also been delayed. For e.g. based on data from 1901-1940, the date of withdrawal was 1 September which was revised to 17^th Sept in 2020. Despite this, monsoon 2023 was delayed by around 20 days.
It has impacted the regional spread also. Indo-Gangetic plains + Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal -> reduced. Saurashtra and Kutch, southeastern Rajasthan, northern Tamil Nadu, -> Increased
Rainfall extremes have risen by 3 times.

URBAN HEAT ISLAND

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Why in news :The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the framework for recognising self-regulatory organizations in the financial technology sector (SRO-FT).

What is SRO?

An SRO is a non-governmental organization that acts as a bridge between industry players and the regulator. It also sets standards for the conduct of entities operating in the country.
Key responsibilities of SROs include establishing and enforcing regulatory standards, promoting ethical conduct, resolving disputes, and fostering transparency and accountability among members

What is the status India’s Fintech Sector?

India is the 3rd largest fintech ecosystem globally. The Fintech sector in India has witnessed funding accounting to 14% share of Global Funding.
The Indian FinTech industry’s market size was $50 Bn in 2021 and is estimated at ~$150 Bn by 2025.
India accounted for 46% of all real-time transactions worldwide in 2022.

Why is the Fintech Sector significant?

Innovation and Efficiency: Fintech companies leverage technology to introduce innovative financial products and services. These innovations enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations in the financial sector.
Financial Inclusion: Fintech has significantly improved financial inclusion by providing access to financial services for unbanked and underbanked populations.
Economic Growth: The fintech sector contributes to economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and creating new jobs.
Global Connectivity: Fintech facilitates global financial connectivity, enabling seamless cross-border transactions and remittances. This connectivity supports international trade, investment, and economic integration.

What are the guidelines issued by RBI?

Independent entity: SROs in the fintech sector should be independent entities, free from external influence, and committed to upholding regulatory standards.
The SROs need to be representative bodies, drawing upon the collective expertise and experience of their members to develop pragmatic and widely accepted standards.
Membership: SROs should have diversified shareholding, with no single entity holding more than 10% of its paid-up share capital.
- Additionally, fintech companies domiciled outside India may also be eligible for membership.
Applicants will be required to have a minimum net worth of Rs 2 crore within a year of being recognised as an SRO-FT. The entity should be a not-for-profit company.
Oversight and enforcement: SROs are encouraged to establish structured frameworks for monitoring fintech activities and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Surveillance: There is a requirement for SROs to address instances of ‘user harm,’ such as fraud, misselling, and unauthorized transactions.

Surveillance mechanisms should be deployed to detect exceptions, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality and collecting only essential information.
Grievance redress: SRO-FTs will be required to establish a dispute resolution framework for its members.

PRELIMS

EarthCARE MISSION

Recently the EarthCARE Mission was launched to measure the influence of clouds on the climate.

About

EarthCARE (Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer) mission will advance the understanding of the role that clouds and aerosols play in reflecting incident solar radiation back into space and trapping infrared radiation emitted from Earth’s surface.
It is a joint venture between ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

EarthCARE Instruments

The Atmospheric Lidar (ATLID) provides vertical profiles of aerosols and thin clouds. It operates at a wavelength of 355 nm.
The Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) provides vertical profile measurements of clouds and observes vertical velocities of cloud particles through Doppler measurements. It operates at 94GHz.
The Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI) hosted by EarthCARE provides across-track information on clouds and aerosols with channels in the visible, near infrared, shortwave and thermal infrared.
The Broad-Band Radiometer (BBR) provides measurements of top-of-the-atmosphere radiances and fluxes.

EXERCISE RED FLAG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has joined a 16-day multi-nation mega military exercise in Alaska.

About Exercise Red Flag

Exercise Red Flag is a premier international aerial combat training event hosted by the United States Air Force.
It is held several times a year and brings together air forces from around the world to engage in advanced aerial combat training.
India’s participation in Exercise Red Flag signifies the strengthening of the US-India strategic partnership. The exercise allows both nations to share expertise, test tactics, and enhance interoperability.

Other Joint Exercises conducted by the Air Force

Israel: Blue Flag
Oman: Eastern Bridge
Russia: Indra
Thailand: SIAM BHARAT
UAE: DESERT EAGLE
UK: INDRADHANUSH
USA: RED FLAG
Multinational Air Exercise: Ex Samvedna with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

A girl from Andhra Pradesh was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease.

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and ulcers.
Types of IBD:
- Ulcerative Colitis: Limited to the inner lining (mucosa) of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
- Crohn’s Disease: Can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
Treatment:
- There is no cure for IBD, but treatments aim to manage symptoms.
- Steroids and Biologics are used to control inflammation and suppress the immune system.
- Maintaining remission with milder immunosuppressants.

Rising Cases in India

Rising cases in India are attributed to lifestyle changes, including the adoption of a Westernized diet

June 25 2024

HIMALAYAN REGION IMPORTANCE

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Why in news : In State of Telangana and Others vs Mohd. Abdul Qasim (Died) Per Lrs, the Court had said that the need of the hour is to adopt an ecocentric view of the environment, where nature is at the core.

What is the importance of the Himalayan Region?

Himalayas are a Biodiversity hotspot region and is also a huge pool of biotic resources.
Major rivers of the region have their origin from these mountains
Many of the world’s crops originated in mountains, a crucial resource that should be conserved for sustaining modern agriculture.
Natural wealth in the region, including geological assets, forms an important part of the Himalayan ecosystem.
All this has contributed to a whole range of diversity in indigenous human habitations, cultures and knowledge systems. The region is largely inhabited by indigenous societies.

What is the present model of destruction?

Hydroelectric power stations on the rivers and streams in the IHR are been constructed, without any care for the rights of these rivers and streams.
Reckless widening of existing hill roads to four lanes in the name of development destabilizing the rocks and encroaching into the wildlife territories.
A post-disaster need assessment report by the NDMA in Himachal Pradesh identified, unsurprisingly, rampant construction in violation of norms, regulations (and even court orders in many cases) right on river beds and food plains, on the steep slopes, in seismic zones, in landslide-prone areas and the loss of green cover as the reasons for the disaster.

IMPORTANT COURT JUDGEMENTS IN THIS REGARD:
In State of Telangana and Others vs Mohd. Abdul Qasim (Died) Per Lrs, the Court had said that the need of the hour is to adopt an ecocentric view of the environment, where nature is at the core. The Court said, “Man being an enlightened species, is expected to act as a trustee of the Earth.Ashok Kumar Raghav vs Union of India and Ors., the Supreme Court asked the central government and the petitioner to suggest a way forward so as to enable the Court to pass directions on the carrying capacity of the Himalayan States and towns.In the case of the Great Indian Bustard, the Court has recognised the right of the people of this country to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change. Unfortunately the Court’s verdict in the Great Indian Bustard case is being interpreted in a very narrow sense — as if the Court has given a clean chit to all renewable energy projects over and above the concerns for biodiversity or any other right that might get compromised.

How can the development be disaster resilient?

As a lower-middle-income country with a large young population, India’s rapid development is inevitable. However, the link between disasters and unregulated development is increasingly evident.
Disaster management must be integrated into development planning for prevention and resilience. Unchecked development often leads to unnatural disasters from natural hazards.
Development plans, policies, and laws contribute to these issues, necessitating coordinated planning that includes disaster and climate resilience considerations.
Development and disaster resilience must go hand in hand, with science, policy, and action aligned in an integrated approach involving all stakeholders.
Given Supreme Court judgments and the right to be free from climate change impacts, a sustainable development model in line with the Indian Himalayan Region’s (IHR) carrying capacity is now a fundamental right.

KERALAM

Why in news : The Kerala Legislative Assembly, in a unanimous decision, passed a resolution proposing a Constitutional amendment to change the name of the State from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’.

What is it about?

The resolution called for invoking Article 3 of the Indian Constitution to effectuate this change in the First Schedule.
Despite ‘Keralam’ being the Malayalamname of the State, it continues to be officially recorded as ‘Kerala’.
- The resolution aims to align the official name with the Malayalam pronunciation.

What is the background of the name Keralam?

Origin of the name: The earliest epigraphic record that mentions Kerala is emperor Asoka’s Rock Edict II of 257 BC.
- The inscription refers to the local ruler as Keralaputra ( “son of Kerala”), and also “son of Chera” referring to the Chera dynasty.
At present the First Schedule of the Constitution also specifies the name of the State as ‘Kerala.’

How was the state of Kerala formed?

The people speaking Malayalam had been ruled by various kings and princely states in the region.
- In the 1920s, the Aikya (unified) Kerala movement gathered momentum and a demand for a separate state for Malayalam-speaking people came up.
- It aimed at the integration of Malabar, Kochi and Travancore into one territory.

After independence, merger and integration of princely states was a major step towards the formation of the state of Kerala.
- On 1 July, 1949, the two states of Travancore and Kochi were integrated, heralding the birth of the Travancore-Cochin State.
When it was decided to reorganize states on a linguistic basis, the State Reorganisation Commission of the Union Government recommended creation of the state of Kerala.
Later the State Reorganisation Commission ( Fazl Ali Commission) recommended reorganizing states on a linguistic basis and creation of the state of Kerala.
The state of Kerala came into being onNovember 1, 1956. In Malayalam, the state was referred to as Keralam, while in English it was Kerala.

ARTICLE 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION Article 3 authorizes the Parliament to: a. form a new state by separation of territory from any state or by uniting two or more states or parts of states or by uniting any territory to a part of any state; b. increase the area of any state; c. diminish the area of any state; d. alter the boundaries of any state; and e. alter the name of any state. – However, Article 3 lays down two conditions in this regard:a. a bill contemplating the above changes can be introduced in the Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President; b. and before recommending the bill, the President has to refer the same to the state legislature concerned for expressing its views within a specified period. – The President (or Parliament) is not boundby the views of the state legislature and may either accept or reject them.– Moreover, the Indian Constitution (Article 4) itself declares that laws made for alteration of names of existing states (under Articles 3) are not to be considered as amendments of the Constitution under Article 368. a. Such laws can be passed by a simple majority and by the ordinary legislative process.

INDIA AND BANGLADESH

Why in news : The Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena is on a state visit to India

About?

The two sides signed key pacts including, increasing rail connectivity, boosting trade and having a ‘green partnership’.
India and Bangladesh pledged to start negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA); decided to launch a medical e-visa facility for Bangladesh citizens; agreed to send a technical team to discuss Teesta river water-sharing

India-Bangladesh Relations:

Independence and Liberation War: India played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, supporting the Bengali nationalist movement against Pakistani rule.
- This historic event laid the foundation for strong bilateral ties.
Land Boundary Agreement (LBA): In 2015, both countries resolved long-standing border issues by exchanging enclaves and simplifying their international border, which had remained unresolved since partition in 1947.
Connectivity: Five pre-1965 rail links have been rehabilitated between India and Bangladesh.
- There are currently three railway trains operating between the two countries – Maitri Express ; Bandhan Express ; and Mitali Express.
- The inauguration of Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link is a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity of northeastern India with Bangladesh.
Economic Relations: Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
- India is Bangladesh’s largest export destination in Asia, with approx USD 2 billion of Bangladeshi exports to India in FY 2022-23.
- In FY 2022-23, the total bilateral trade has been reported as USD 15.9 billion.
Trade Agreements: The two countries are members of various regional trade agreements such as the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), the SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) and the Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) which govern the tariff regimes for trade.
Regional Cooperation: Both countries are active members of regional organizations like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), promoting regional integration and cooperation.
Various Joint exercises take place between the two countries:
- Exercise Sampriti (Army) and
- Exercise Milan (Navy).
In the energy sector, Bangladesh imports nearly 2,000 megawatts of electricity from India.

What are the challenges that these two countries?

Border Issues: Although the Land Boundary Agreement in 2015 resolved many longstanding border disputes, there are still occasional issues related to border security and illegal crossings that strain relations.
Water Sharing: Disputes over the sharing of common rivers, such as the Teesta River, remain unresolved.
Rohingya issue: The Bangladesh government aims for the peaceful repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, but it’s talks with the military junta have been unsuccessful so far.
- Bangladesh seeks India’s cooperation to influence Myanmar, but the government, asserts that it will deport Rohingyas from its mainland.
Trade Imbalance: While trade between India and Bangladesh has grown significantly, there remains a trade imbalance where India exports more to Bangladesh than it imports.
- This led to economic tensions and protectionist measures.
Security Concerns: Issues related to border security, cross-border smuggling, and occasional incidents involving extremist groups pose security challenges for both countries, requiring continued cooperation and vigilance.
China Factor: India’s concern is the deepening relationship between Bangladesh and China, marked by the substantial Chinese investments in infrastructure in recent years.

PRELIMS

WORLD CRAFT CITY

Srinagar has become the fourth Indian city to be recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC).
- Previously Jaipur, Malappuram and Mysore have been recognised as World Craft Cities from India.

About

The WCC listed a number of craft products of Kashmir including Papier-Mache, Hand Knotted Carpets, Pashmina Shawls, Kani and Sozni work.
The achievement follows Srinagar’s recognition as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City for Crafts in 2021.

World Craft Council (WCC)

The World Crafts Council was founded at the 1st World Crafts Council General Assembly in New York in 1964.
The main objective of the World Crafts Council is to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life.
The Council aims to promote fellowship among craftspersons by offering them encouragement, help, and advice.

KOZHIKODE

Recently, Kozhikode in north Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage, was officially declared as India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’.

About the UNESCO Recognition

Earlier, in October 2023, Kozhikode secured a place in the ‘Literature’ category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). It acknowledges the city’s profound cultural and literary contributions.
Kozhikode joins the ranks of other global cities recognized by UNESCO for their commitment to culture and creativity.

Kozhikode’s Literary Legacy

Kozhikode (aka Calicut during British rule) has a vibrant literary tradition. It served as a gateway to the coast for various civilizations, including Persians, Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans.
- The city is renowned for its role as an ancient trading hub and the place where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498.
Over 500 libraries, and 70 publishing houses, which bring out 400 to 500 books a year, operate in Kozhikode, fostering a love for literature and knowledge.
The city is committed to promoting its writers: the P.A. Lalitha Award, the S.K. Pottekkatt Literature Award and the Mathrubhumi Literary Award are all ceremonies that highlight local talent and encourage creative innovation.
- Legendary Malayalam writer M. T. Vasudevan Nair has strong ties to the city, contributing significantly to its literary landscape.

Celebrating ‘City of Literature’ Day

Starting next year, June 23 will be celebrated as the ‘City of Literature’ Day in Kozhikode.
On this day, special awards will be announced in six categories, honouring literary achievements.

HJune 26,27 2024

COALITION FOR DISASTER RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE (CDRI)

Syllabus: GS3/Disaster Management

Why in news : Rising Temperatures and Electricity Demand in Delhi

What is it?

In the past month, Delhi has experienced relentlessly high temperatures, causing electricity demand to repeatedly break records.
This surge in demand led to frequent power cuts in Delhi and neighboring areas. Central and eastern India faced similar or worse situations.
The combination of high temperatures and lack of electricity made life miserable and possibly contributed to several heat-related deaths.

What is CDRI?

It is a multi-stakeholder global partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector and academic and knowledge institutions.
It addresses the challenges of building resilience into infrastructure systems and development associated with it.
It was launched during the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019, at New York.
Objective:
- It aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.
- It seeks to rapidly expand the development and retrofit of resilient infrastructure to respond to the Sustainable Development Goals imperatives of expanding universal access to basic services, enabling prosperity and decent work.
- It functions as inclusive multi-stakeholder platform led and managed by national governments, where knowledge is generated and exchanged on different aspects of disaster resilience of infrastructure.
- It brings together a multitude of stakeholders to create a mechanism to assist countries to upgrade their capacities, systems, standards, regulations and practices with regard to infrastructure development in accordance with their risk context and economic needs.
Members: Since its launch, 39 Countries, 7 International Organizations and 2 private sector organizations have joined as members of CDRI.
- International Organisations are: Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank Group, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), European Union, European Investment Bank, The Private Sector alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE).
Secretariat: New Delhi, India

What are the mounting economic losses?

Although early warnings and quick responses have reduced human casualties in disasters, economic and other losses from extreme weather events and disasters are rising due to increased frequency and intensity.
Government data shows that between 2018 and 2023, states spent more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore on disaster aftermaths.
These expenditures do not account for long-term costs such as livelihood losses or reduced agricultural land fertility.
A 2022 World Bank report projected that heat-related productivity declines could result in the loss of 34 million jobs in India by 2030. Food wastage due to non-air-conditioned transport was already worth about $9 billion annually.

What is the CDRI’s role in building resilience?

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an international organization established on India’s initiative, conducted a study on Odisha’s electricity infrastructure.
It found the infrastructure extremely fragile, with significant portions susceptible to cyclonic winds. This situation is likely similar in other coastal states.
CDRI aims to make critical infrastructure resilient to natural disasters and is developing into a knowledge hub for implementing these transitions.
Over 30 countries are part of this coalition, working to strengthen their infrastructure. However, few Indian states have sought CDRI’s expertise.

INDIA-CHINA

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Why in news : It has been 4 years since Galwan valley clashes in which the Forces of China and India locked horns in the high altitudes of Himalayas.

What are the developments in India-China relations?

Managing the relationship with China is the most pressing challenge for the Modi government in its third term. About 50,000 to 60,000 troops are still deployed on each side of the border.
In a pre-election interview, PM Modi had remarked that stable and peaceful relations with China are important not just for the countries, but for the whole world.
- China responded positively to the overture and said that India-China ties are “more than border situation” and China wishes to maintain relations from “strategic heights and long-term perspectives.”
EAM S. Jaishankar remarked that the primarily revolved around “patrolling rights” and “patrolling abilities”.
- Limiting the dispute to “patrolling rights” and “patrolling abilities” can be seen as a nuancing of the Indian position, pivoting away from the earlier stance of “disengagement” and “de-escalation”.

What is the scene post-election?

Issue of Taiwan: Exchange of messages between the Prime Minister and Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-Te with respect to deepening cooperation trade, technology, peace, and stability in Indio-Pacific on the social media platform angered the Chinese as they saw it as provocation.
China saw it as deviation from One-China Policy.

Tibet: A seven-member bipartisan delegation of the United States Congress met the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, the former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remarked that while the Tibetan spiritual leader’s “legacy will live forever”, Xi will “be gone and nobody will give him credit for anything”.

China reacted sharply, and “urged” US to “adhere to its commitments of recognizing Xizang as part of China and not supporting “Xizang independence”.

Recently, US Congress has also passed “Resolve Tibet Act”.

Resolve Tibet Act authorizes the use of funds to counter Chinese disinformation about Tibet (including disinformation about the history of Tibet, the Tibetan people, and Tibetan institutions).

The Act also challenges the Chinese contention that Tibet has been a part of China since ancient times.

The Act underlines the right of the Tibetan people to self-determination and human rights.

What lies ahead?

Some analysts believe that while India has shown its intent on resolving the border situation through the interviews given by the PM and Jaishankar, it has also sent out a signal through Pelosi’s visit to the Dalai Lamaahead of a possible meeting between Modi and Xi in Astana that in any case, India will not negotiate on a weaker stance.
Whereas some other analysts believe that while New Delhi had initially wanted to resolve the border situation after the Lok Sabha election, it has now changed its mind after the NDA got a weaker mandate, the government might now be wary of criticism which reconciliation might draw.

India needs stable borders as they are key for the government to focus on its agenda for economic growth and job creation.
India can follow the template of ongoing engagement between Australia and China in which Australia is engaging with China at the highest level without compromising Australia’s core Interest.
Even though there is heightened awareness of security threat perception from China has led to the decoupling of Interests, the upcoming meet of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana (Kazakhstan) is likely to show someway ahead.

BRAHMOS MISSILE

Syllabus: GS3/Defense

Why in news :Philippines envoy has called Brahmos a game changer for Philippines.

What is BRAHMOS?

BrahMos is the fastest cruise missile in the world with a top speed of Mach 2.8 or almost three times the speed of sound.
It has been jointly developed by India and Russia.
It is a two-stage missile (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second stage) with a range of 290 km.
The multiplatform missile can be launched from land, air, and sea with pinpoint accuracy during day and night irrespective of weather conditions.

What are the features of BrahMos?

Universal for multiple platforms
Stealth technology and guidance system
“Fire and Forget” principle of operation.
Pinpoint accuracy with high lethal power
Quicker engagement time and non-interception by any known weapon system.

What is the significance?

Enhance the multi-directional maritime strike capability of the Indian Armed Forces.
Boost indigenous production of the critical weapon system and ammunition with the active participation of indigenous industries.
Generate employment of more than 90,000 man-days over a period of four years.

PRELIMS

INTERNATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC ORGANISATION (IHO)

Recently, the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrated ‘World Hydrography Day’ to raise awareness about hydrography.

About the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

It (founded in 1921) is an intergovernmental organisation that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment.
Its primary aim is to ensure that all the world’s seas, oceans, and navigable waters are accurately surveyed and charted.

Functions and Activities

Survey Best Practices: The IHO issues guidelines and best practices for hydrographic surveys, ensuring high-quality data collection.
- It coordinates the activities of national hydrographic offices worldwide, and deliver standards for hydrographic data and product specifications;
Nautical Charts: It sets standards for nautical charts, essential for safe navigation.
Hydrographic Information: The IHO maximises the use of hydrographic information, benefiting mariners, researchers, and environmentalists.
- It develops guidelines for data assurance, including cybersecurity and data quality assessment.
- It promotes ocean sustainability by reaching out to non-navigation users of hydrographic data.
Capacity Building: The organisation supports capacity building in member states, fostering expertise in hydrography.
- It motivates collaboration among international organisations, academia, and industry for standardised maritime data products.

India and IHO

The Indian Naval Hydrographic Office (INHD) plays a crucial role in hydrography and navigational safety, and functions under the Indian Navyas the nodal agency for Hydrographic surveys and nautical charting in India.
- India has been an active member of the IHO since 1955.

Role of INHD

INHD is a world-class Hydrographic Office with seven ocean-going survey ships and well-trained personnel.
It provides hydrographic products and services in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
INHD actively supports coastal states in the IOR through hydrographic surveys, capacity building, and nautical charting.
India fully supports the IHO’s work program, focusing on global chart standards, strategic planning, emerging technologies, and safety services.

FRONT RUNNING

A recent allegation against a mutual fund indulging in front running, indicating that this illegal practice remains a concern in the financial markets.

About front running

It is the illegal practice of using non-public information to trade in securities (buy or sell) or derivatives (options or futures) before a substantial order is placed. This gives the front-runner an unfair advantage as they can profit from the expected price movement caused by the large order.
In 2022, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) amended the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 to include provisions specifically aimed at curbing front running.

Why is Front Running Illegal?

It undermines investor confidence in the fairness and integrity of financial markets.
It creates an uneven playing field, favoring those with access to privileged information over regular investors.

WILD BOARS

Kerala faces a growing wild boar menace, with the animals destroying crops, attacking farmers, and causing road accidents.

Problem caused by Wild Boars

This poses a significant threat to the state’s food security and agricultural sector.
The man-animal conflict has claimed 990 lives and injured 7,500 people since 2016. The state government provides financial assistance.

About Wild Boars

Scientific Name : S. scrofa
It has by far the largest range of all pigs.
It is sometimes called the European wild boar.
The animals are swift, nocturnal, and omnivorous and are good swimmers.
They possess sharp tusks, and, although they are normally unaggressive, they can be dangerous.
Habitat and Distribution : It occupies a wide variety of temperate and tropical habitats, from semi-desert to tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, grasslands and reed jungles; often venturing onto agricultural land to forage. It is found in a variety of habitats.
- It is the largest of the wild pigs and is native to forests ranging from western and northern Europe and North Africa to India, the Andaman Islands, and China.
IUCN Status: Least Concern.

Way Ahead

Exploring additional measures like building moats, erecting power fences, and ensuring fodder and water availability deep inside forests to prevent wildlife from venturing near human habitats. Kerala has also declared human-wildlife conflict a state-specific disaster.

June 28 2024

SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

Why in news : The ruling BJP-led NDA nominee, Om Birla, was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha for a second consecutive term

About the Speaker :

The presiding officer of India’s Lower House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha Speaker, is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the House.
In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker discharges his/her functions.

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
Generally, a member belonging to the ruling party is elected as Speaker.

How is Speaker elected?

Criteria: The Constitution of India requires the Speaker should be a member of the House.

Although there are no specific qualifications prescribed for being elected the Speaker, an understanding of the Constitution and the laws of the country is considered a major asset for the holder of the Office of the Speaker.
Usually, a member belonging to the ruling party is elected Speaker. The process has evolved over the years where the ruling party nominates its candidate after informal consultations with leaders of other parties and groups in the House.
This convention ensures that once elected, the Speaker enjoys the respect of all sections of the House.

Voting: The Speaker (along with the Deputy Speaker) is elected from among the Lok Sabha members by a simple majority of members present and voting in the House.
- Once a decision on the candidate is taken, his/her name is normally proposed by the Prime Minister or the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
Term of Office of the Speaker: The Speaker holds Office from the date of his/her election till immediately before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha (for 5 years).
- The speaker once elected is eligible for re-election.
- Whenever the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Speaker does not vacate his office and continues till the newly-elected Lok Sabha meets.

What are the Roles and Powers of the Speaker?

Interpretation: He/She is the final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution of India, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha and the parliamentary precedents, within the House.

In matters regarding interpretation of these provisions, he/she often gives rulings which are respected by members and are binding in nature.

Joint Sitting of Both Houses: He/She presides over a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
- Such a sitting is summoned by the President to settle a deadlock between the two Houses on a bill.
Adjournment of Sitting: He/She can adjourn the House or suspend the meeting in absence one-tenth of the total strength of the House (called the quorum).
Casting Vote: The speaker does not vote in the first instance but in the case of a tie; when the House is divided equally on any question, the Speaker is entitled to vote.
- Such a vote is called a Casting Vote, and its purpose is to resolve a deadlock.
Money Bill: He/She decides whether a bill is a money bill or not and his/her decision on this question is final.
Disqualifying Members: It is the speaker who decides the questions of disqualification of a member of the Lok Sabha, arising on the ground of defection under the provisions of the Tenth Schedule.
- The 52nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution vests this power in the Speaker.
- In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that the decision of the Speaker in this regard is subject to judicial review.
Chairing the IPG: He/She acts as the ex-officio chairman of the Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) which is a link between the Parliament of India and the various parliaments of the world.
- He also acts as the ex-officio chairman of the conference of presiding officers of legislative bodies in the country.
Constitution of Committees: The Committees of the House are constituted by the speaker and function under the speaker’s overall direction.
- The Chairmen of all Parliamentary Committees are nominated by him/her.
- Committees like the Business Advisory Committee, the General Purposes Committee and the Rules Committee work directly under his Chairmanship.
Privileges of the House: The Speaker is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the House, its Committees and members.
- It depends solely on the Speaker to refer any question of privilege to the Committee of Privileges for examination, investigation and report.

How is the Speaker removed from his position?

Exceptions: Usually, the Speaker remains in office during the life of the Lok Sabha. However, under following conditions, the speaker, may have to vacate the office earlier:

If he ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
If he resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker
If he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Lok Sabha.
Notification: Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice.
- When a resolution for the removal of the Speaker is under consideration of the House, he/she may be present at the sitting but not preside

PANCHSHEEL

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Why in news : Recently, it is observed that China is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the ‘Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence’, which India called it as Panchsheel.

What are the Five Principles of peaceful Coexistence (PANCHSHEEL)?

These were first formally enunciated in the Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between the Tibet region of China and India signed in 1954.
India welcomed Panchsheel, recognizing its alignment with its foreign policy since independence.

What are its ancient roots?

It traces its origin to the Buddhist concept of Pañcaśīla, which describes the five moral vows of Buddhism: abstinence from murder, theft, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants.
Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, spoke of harmony amid differences, laying the groundwork for these principles.
Panchsheel’s modern form emerged in China, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary international relations.

What is its Relevance today?

Post-Chinese Revolution, the Common Programme adopted most core Panchsheel principles.
Panchsheel guided India-China relations and resonated in the North-South dialogue and other global groupings.
- Its relevance persists in our ever-changing world.
Collective Security in Asia: India and China came to the conclusion that it was not through military pacts and alliances but through the Five Principles (Panchsheel) that a system of collective security or collective peace could be established in Asia. They visualised Panchsheel agreements of this type between China and Burma, Burma and India, China and Indonesia, then Indonesia and India etc.
The Five Principles came to be accepted almost universally by countries and finally by the United Nations Organisation.
The United Nations (UN) accepted the Five Principles as a code of conduct in international relations. Later, Yugoslavia, Sweden and India, moved a resolution in the UN containing the Five Principles; it was adopted unanimously.
In a series of active and independent international moves, heads of both countries visited countries in Asia, Africa and Europe and signed with most of them agreements embodying the Five Principles.
The Asian-African conference held in Bandung accepted the Five Principles, expatiating them into the Ten Principles of Bandung.
Panchsheel became the presiding principle of the Asian-African movement for equality and freedom against the prevailing colonial and imperialist domination of the world.
The Conference of Non-aligned nations in Belgrade accepted them as the core principles behind the Non Aligned Movement (NAM).

THE WORLD DRUG REPORT 2024

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Why in news :United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released the report on World Drug Day (or International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking).

What are the key highlights of the report?

Rise in drug abuse: In the decade to 2022, the number of people using illicit drugs increased to 292 million.
Most abused drugs: Cannabis followed by opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy.
Most affected regions:Criminal activity and trafficking are common in remote regions with multiple borders and limited governance such as:
- Triple Frontier area (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay) and Golden Triangle (Laos Myanmar and Thailand).
Cannabis legalisation: Cannabis was legalised across Canada, Uruguay, and 27 jurisdictions in the US.
- THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is believed to be themain ingredient behind the psychoactive effect of the drug.
Environmental fallout: Illegal drug-related activities contribute to deforestation, toxic waste dumping, and chemical contamination.

What are the initiatives taken against Illegal Drug Abuse?

Global Initiatives:

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): The UNODC is at the forefront of the global fight against illicit drugs. The UNODC-led campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB): The INCB monitors the global drug situation and assesses countries’ compliance with international drug control treaties.
Paris Pact Initiative: This initiative focuses on combating the trafficking of Afghan opiates, which are a major source of illicit drugs globally.

Indian Initiatives:

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act):Comprehensive legislation provides the legal framework for drug control in India. It prohibits the production, possession, sale, and consumption of illicit drugs and prescribes penalties for violations.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): The NCB is the nodal agency responsible for drug law enforcement in India. It coordinates with various state and central agencies to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Launched in 2020, this campaign aims to create awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse and promote a drug-free India. It focuses on community outreach, education, and rehabilitation programs.
Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): Many states have established ANTFs to strengthen drug law enforcement at the state level.

UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
It is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime, in addition to being responsible for implementing the United Nations lead programme on terrorism. Established in 1997 and headquartered in Vienna.UNODC relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from governments, to carry out the majority of our work.The UNODC Strategy 2021-2025 is committed to promoting human rights, gender equality and disability inclusion, as well as protecting children and harnessing the transformative power of youth.

PRELIMS

SENGOL

Opposition has demanded that Sengol be removed from Parliament.

About

The Prime Minister ceremonially installed the Sengol near the Speaker’s chair in India’s new Parliament building last May.
A sengol — or chenkol — is a royal sceptre, signifying kingship, righteousness, justice, and authority.
Its origins lie in Tamil Nadu, and it served as a kingly emblem.
Among the Madurai Nayakas, for example, the sengol was placed before the goddess Meenakshi in the great temple on important occasions, and then transferred to the throne room, representing the king’s role as a divine agent.
As such, the sengol may be described, in its historical context, as a symbol of dharmic kingship.

LAKE NATRON

Millions of flamingos at Lake Natron in Tanzania face threats from climate change and human activities, which disrupt their habitat and food sources.

About Lake Natron

Lake Natron, a salt or alkaline lake located in northern Tanzania. It is situated in the East African Rift Valley.
It is a crucial breeding ground for lesser flamingos. It is a Ramsar Site of international significance.

MAINLAND SEROW

A significant discovery has been made in Assam’s Raimona National Park, where a mainland serow, an antelope-like mammal listed as vulnerable, was recorded at the lowest elevation ever documented for the species.

About

The mainland serow is native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and China.
It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is included in Appendix I of CITES, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this species.
This discovery raises interesting questions about the serow’s adaptability and potential range expansion.

June 28 2024

SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

Why in news : The ruling BJP-led NDA nominee, Om Birla, was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha for a second consecutive term

About the Speaker :

The presiding officer of India’s Lower House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha Speaker, is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the House.
In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker discharges his/her functions.

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution provides for the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
Generally, a member belonging to the ruling party is elected as Speaker.

How is Speaker elected?

Criteria: The Constitution of India requires the Speaker should be a member of the House.

Although there are no specific qualifications prescribed for being elected the Speaker, an understanding of the Constitution and the laws of the country is considered a major asset for the holder of the Office of the Speaker.
Usually, a member belonging to the ruling party is elected Speaker. The process has evolved over the years where the ruling party nominates its candidate after informal consultations with leaders of other parties and groups in the House.
This convention ensures that once elected, the Speaker enjoys the respect of all sections of the House.

Voting: The Speaker (along with the Deputy Speaker) is elected from among the Lok Sabha members by a simple majority of members present and voting in the House.
- Once a decision on the candidate is taken, his/her name is normally proposed by the Prime Minister or the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
Term of Office of the Speaker: The Speaker holds Office from the date of his/her election till immediately before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha (for 5 years).
- The speaker once elected is eligible for re-election.
- Whenever the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Speaker does not vacate his office and continues till the newly-elected Lok Sabha meets.

What are the Roles and Powers of the Speaker?

In matters regarding interpretation of these provisions, he/she often gives rulings which are respected by members and are binding in nature.

Joint Sitting of Both Houses: He/She presides over a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
- Such a sitting is summoned by the President to settle a deadlock between the two Houses on a bill.
Adjournment of Sitting: He/She can adjourn the House or suspend the meeting in absence one-tenth of the total strength of the House (called the quorum).
Casting Vote: The speaker does not vote in the first instance but in the case of a tie; when the House is divided equally on any question, the Speaker is entitled to vote.
- Such a vote is called a Casting Vote, and its purpose is to resolve a deadlock.
Money Bill: He/She decides whether a bill is a money bill or not and his/her decision on this question is final.
Disqualifying Members: It is the speaker who decides the questions of disqualification of a member of the Lok Sabha, arising on the ground of defection under the provisions of the Tenth Schedule.
- The 52nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution vests this power in the Speaker.
- In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that the decision of the Speaker in this regard is subject to judicial review.
Chairing the IPG: He/She acts as the ex-officio chairman of the Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG) which is a link between the Parliament of India and the various parliaments of the world.
- He also acts as the ex-officio chairman of the conference of presiding officers of legislative bodies in the country.
Constitution of Committees: The Committees of the House are constituted by the speaker and function under the speaker’s overall direction.
- The Chairmen of all Parliamentary Committees are nominated by him/her.
- Committees like the Business Advisory Committee, the General Purposes Committee and the Rules Committee work directly under his Chairmanship.
Privileges of the House: The Speaker is the guardian of the rights and privileges of the House, its Committees and members.
- It depends solely on the Speaker to refer any question of privilege to the Committee of Privileges for examination, investigation and report.

How is the Speaker removed from his position?

Exceptions: Usually, the Speaker remains in office during the life of the Lok Sabha. However, under following conditions, the speaker, may have to vacate the office earlier:

If he ceases to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
If he resigns by writing to the Deputy Speaker
If he is removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the members of the Lok Sabha.
Notification: Such a resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days’ advance notice.
- When a resolution for the removal of the Speaker is under consideration of the House, he/she may be present at the sitting but not preside

PANCHSHEEL

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Why in news : Recently, it is observed that China is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the ‘Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence’, which India called it as Panchsheel.

What are the Five Principles of peaceful Coexistence (PANCHSHEEL)?

These were first formally enunciated in the Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between the Tibet region of China and India signed in 1954.
India welcomed Panchsheel, recognizing its alignment with its foreign policy since independence.

What are its ancient roots?

It traces its origin to the Buddhist concept of Pañcaśīla, which describes the five moral vows of Buddhism: abstinence from murder, theft, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants.
Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, spoke of harmony amid differences, laying the groundwork for these principles.
Panchsheel’s modern form emerged in China, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary international relations.

What is its Relevance today?

Post-Chinese Revolution, the Common Programme adopted most core Panchsheel principles.
Panchsheel guided India-China relations and resonated in the North-South dialogue and other global groupings.
- Its relevance persists in our ever-changing world.
Collective Security in Asia: India and China came to the conclusion that it was not through military pacts and alliances but through the Five Principles (Panchsheel) that a system of collective security or collective peace could be established in Asia. They visualised Panchsheel agreements of this type between China and Burma, Burma and India, China and Indonesia, then Indonesia and India etc.
The Five Principles came to be accepted almost universally by countries and finally by the United Nations Organisation.
The United Nations (UN) accepted the Five Principles as a code of conduct in international relations. Later, Yugoslavia, Sweden and India, moved a resolution in the UN containing the Five Principles; it was adopted unanimously.
In a series of active and independent international moves, heads of both countries visited countries in Asia, Africa and Europe and signed with most of them agreements embodying the Five Principles.
The Asian-African conference held in Bandung accepted the Five Principles, expatiating them into the Ten Principles of Bandung.
Panchsheel became the presiding principle of the Asian-African movement for equality and freedom against the prevailing colonial and imperialist domination of the world.
The Conference of Non-aligned nations in Belgrade accepted them as the core principles behind the Non Aligned Movement (NAM).

THE WORLD DRUG REPORT 2024

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Why in news :United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released the report on World Drug Day (or International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking).

What are the key highlights of the report?

Rise in drug abuse: In the decade to 2022, the number of people using illicit drugs increased to 292 million.
Most abused drugs: Cannabis followed by opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy.
Most affected regions:Criminal activity and trafficking are common in remote regions with multiple borders and limited governance such as:
- Triple Frontier area (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay) and Golden Triangle (Laos Myanmar and Thailand).
Cannabis legalisation: Cannabis was legalised across Canada, Uruguay, and 27 jurisdictions in the US.
- THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is believed to be themain ingredient behind the psychoactive effect of the drug.
Environmental fallout: Illegal drug-related activities contribute to deforestation, toxic waste dumping, and chemical contamination.

What are the initiatives taken against Illegal Drug Abuse?

Global Initiatives:

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): The UNODC is at the forefront of the global fight against illicit drugs. The UNODC-led campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB): The INCB monitors the global drug situation and assesses countries’ compliance with international drug control treaties.
Paris Pact Initiative: This initiative focuses on combating the trafficking of Afghan opiates, which are a major source of illicit drugs globally.

Indian Initiatives:

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act):Comprehensive legislation provides the legal framework for drug control in India. It prohibits the production, possession, sale, and consumption of illicit drugs and prescribes penalties for violations.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): The NCB is the nodal agency responsible for drug law enforcement in India. It coordinates with various state and central agencies to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Launched in 2020, this campaign aims to create awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse and promote a drug-free India. It focuses on community outreach, education, and rehabilitation programs.
Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF): Many states have established ANTFs to strengthen drug law enforcement at the state level.

PRELIMS

SENGOL

Opposition has demanded that Sengol be removed from Parliament.

About

The Prime Minister ceremonially installed the Sengol near the Speaker’s chair in India’s new Parliament building last May.
A sengol — or chenkol — is a royal sceptre, signifying kingship, righteousness, justice, and authority.
Its origins lie in Tamil Nadu, and it served as a kingly emblem.
Among the Madurai Nayakas, for example, the sengol was placed before the goddess Meenakshi in the great temple on important occasions, and then transferred to the throne room, representing the king’s role as a divine agent.
As such, the sengol may be described, in its historical context, as a symbol of dharmic kingship.

LAKE NATRON

Millions of flamingos at Lake Natron in Tanzania face threats from climate change and human activities, which disrupt their habitat and food sources.

About Lake Natron

Lake Natron, a salt or alkaline lake located in northern Tanzania. It is situated in the East African Rift Valley.
It is a crucial breeding ground for lesser flamingos. It is a Ramsar Site of international significance.

MAINLAND SEROW

A significant discovery has been made in Assam’s Raimona National Park, where a mainland serow, an antelope-like mammal listed as vulnerable, was recorded at the lowest elevation ever documented for the species.

About

The mainland serow is native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and China.
It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is included in Appendix I of CITES, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this species.
This discovery raises interesting questions about the serow’s adaptability and potential range expansion.

July 1 2024

NATO

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

Why in news : NATO appointed Mark Rutte as its next secretary-general putting in charge of the world’s biggest security organisations at a critical time for European security as war rages in Ukraine.

About the NATO :

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance of European and North American nations.
Established in the aftermath of World War II, the organization implements the North Atlantic Treaty, signed in Washington, D.C., in 1949.
NATO is a collective security system: its independent member states agree to defend each other against attacks by third parties.
During the Cold War, NATO operated as a check on the threat posed by the Soviet Union.
The alliance remained in place after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, and has been involved in military operations in the Balkans, the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.
NATO’s main headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium, while NATO’s military headquarters are near Mons, Belgium.
Founding Members: These joined together on April 4, 1949, to form NATO. NATO initially included 12 North American and Western European nations.
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- France
- Iceland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Most recently, Sweden joined the alliance in 2024.
The secretary general of NATO:
- The Secretary General is the chief civil servant of the NATO.
- The officeholder is an international diplomat responsible for coordinating the workings of the alliance, leading NATO’s international staff, chairing the meetings of the North Atlantic Council and most major committees of the alliance.
- The secretary general however, does not have a military command role; political, military and strategic decisions ultimately rest with the member states.
- Term: Four years which can be extended repeatedly.

HISTORY OF EMERGENCY

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Why in news : The new session of the Lok Sabha (18^th) started with an intriguing development when the newly-elected Speaker initiated a motion to condemn the Emergency imposed in 1975.

What were the crisis in the pre-emergency period?

By the beginning of 1973 popularity of the Government led by Indira Gandhi began to decline.
Little dent was being made in rural or urban poverty or economic inequality, nor was there any lessening of caste and class oppression in the countryside.
The immediate provocation for the rising discontent was the marked deterioration in the economic situation. A combination of recession, growing unemployment, rampant inflation and scarcity of foodstuffs created a serious crisis.
The burden of feeding and sheltering nearly 10 million refugees from Bangladesh during 1971 had depleted the grain reserves and, combined with the cost of the Bangladesh war, had led to a large budgetary deficit. The war had also drained foreign exchange reserves.
Monsoon rains failed for two years in succession during 1972 and 1973, leading to a terrible drought in most parts of the country and a massive shortage of foodgrains, and fuelling their prices.
The year 1973 also witnessed the notorious oil shock when world prices of crude oil increased fourfold, leading to massive increase in the prices of petroleum products and fertilizers. This drained foreign reserves, further increased the budgetary deficit and deepened economic recession.
Economic recession, unemployment, price rise and scarcity of goods led to large-scale industrial unrest and a wave of strikes in different parts of the country during 1972 and 1973, culminating in an all-India railway strike in May 1974. The railway strike lasted twenty-two days but was broken in the end.
In May 1973, there was a mutiny in Uttar Pradesh by the Provincial Armed Constabulary , which clashed with the army sent to discipline it, leading to the death of over thirty-five constables and soldiers.
To tackle the deteriorating economic, political and law and order situation firm and clear leadership was needed, as exhibited during the Bangladesh crisis and in the handling of foreign affairs.

What was the scene during the emergency?

The then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed proclaimed Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution because of prevailing “internal disturbance”.
The proclamation suspended the federal provisions of the constitution and Fundamental Rights and civil liberties.
The government imposed strict censorship on the Press and stifled all protest and opposition to the government.
The main leaders of the Opposition were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), 1971. Among those arrested were Jay Prakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Congress dissidents such as Chandra Shekhar.
A series of decrees, laws and constitutional amendments reduced the powers of the judiciary to check the functioning of the executive.
The Defence of India Act and MISA were amended in 1975 to the detriment of the citizens’ liberties.
Another law, Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act passed in 1974, was also frequently used to target political opponents
In 1976, an effort was made to change the basic civil libertarian structure of the constitution through its 42nd Amendment.
Popular hopes were raised and in 1975, Twenty-Point Programme by Indira Gandhi was announced. Its aim was the socio- economic upliftment of the vast mass of the rural poor.
- The programme promised to liquidate the existing debt of landless labourers, small farmers and rural artisans and extend alternative credit to them, abolish bonded labour.
- It aimed to implement the existing agricultural land ceiling laws and distribute surplus land to the landless, provide house sites to landless labourers and weaker sections, revise upwards minimum wages of agricultural labour, provide special help to the handloom industry, prevent tax evasion and smuggling.
- Three million house sites were provided to the landless and the Dalits.
- About 1.1 million acres of surplus land was distributed to the landless; this was, however, less than 10 percent of the surplus land.
- The Bonded Labour System stands abolished throughout the country with the enactment of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976

ADJOURNMENT MOTION IN LOK SABHA

Syllabus: GS2/Parliament

Why in news :Opposition is planning adjournment motion in Lok Sabha over the issue of NEET exam issue.

What is an Adjournment?

A session of Parliament consists of many meetings. Each meeting of a day consists of two sittings, that is, a morning sitting from 11 am to 1 pm and post-lunch sitting from 2 pm to 6 pm.
A Sitting of Parliament can be terminated by adjournment or adjournment sine die or prorogation or dissolution (in the case of the Lok Sabha). An adjournment suspends the work in a sitting for a specified time, which may be hours, days or weeks.

What is an adjournment motion?

An adjournment motion is a procedural device used in the Lok Sabha. It is used to draw the attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance and, if admitted, it leads to an interruption of the normal business of the House.

What is the purpose of the motion?

The primary purpose of an adjournment motion is to censure the government for its actions or inactions on a specific issue. It allows members to bring urgent matters to the forefront and hold the government accountable by discussing its policies or any incidents that require immediate attention.
As it interrupts the ordinary functioning of a house, it is considered as an extraordinary device. As it involves an element of censure of government, Rajya Sabha is not permitted the use of this device.
The discussion on an adjournment motion should not last for less than two hours and thirty minutes.

What are the features and procedure of Adjournment Motion?

Initiation:
- An adjournment motion can be moved by any member of the Lok Sabha.
- It must be supported by at least 50 members to be admitted for discussion.
Conditions for Admission:
- The matter raised must be definite, urgent, and of public importance.
- It should relate to a recent issue.
- The motion should not cover trivial matters or those that do not require immediate discussion.
- It should not deal with matters that are sub judice (under judicial consideration) or are already under discussion in the House.
- It should not raise a question of privilege.
- It should not revive discussion on a matter that has been discussed in the same session.
- It should not raise any question that can be raised on a distinct motion.

Notice:
- A notice for an adjournment motion must be given to the Speaker before 10 a.m. on the day it is proposed to be raised.
- The notice should clearly state the matter to be discussed.
Decision by the Speaker:
- The Speaker has the discretion to admit or reject the motion.
- If admitted, the Speaker will decide the time and date for the discussion.
Discussion:
- Once admitted, the motion leads to an adjournment of the regular business of the House.
- The motion is debated, and members can discuss the issue in detail.
- The concerned minister responds to the points raised by the members.
Voting:
- After the debate, the House may vote on the motion.
- If the motion is passed, it is seen as a serious indictment of the government, indicating a lack of confidence in its handling of the issue.

What is the significance of the motion?

Accountability: It serves as a tool for the opposition and members to hold the government accountable for its actions.
Transparency: Promotes transparency in government functioning by bringing critical issues to public attention.
Parliamentary Control: Reinforces the control of Parliament over the executive by ensuring that urgent matters are promptly addressed.
However, The adjournment motion is rarely admitted due to stringent conditions and the discretion of the Speaker.
In the past, adjournment motions have been moved on various issues such as natural disasters, India-China border row, Pegasus issue etc.

PRELIMS

POWERING SUPERCAPACITORS FROM COCONUT HUSKS

Recently, researchers from Kerala have devised a method to produce activated carbon, suitable for supercapacitor fabrication, from coconut husks.

Quest for Ideal Supercapacitor Electrode Material

Supercapacitors, with significantly higher capacitance and energy storage capacity than conventional capacitors, play a crucial role in sustainable energy storage.
- A supercapacitor (aka ultracapacitor or electrochemical capacitor) is an electrochemical energy storage device, which can be used to store and deliver charge by reversible adsorption and desorption of ions at the interface between the electrode material and electrolyte.
However, finding an ideal supercapacitor electrode material has been a challenge. Researchers addressed it by leveraging coconut husk-derived activated carbon.

Key Findings

Prototype supercapacitors made from coconut husk-derived activated carbon are four times more efficient than existing supercapacitors.
The innovative microwave-assisted method is relatively inexpensive and yields activated carbon with an impressive surface area of 1,200 m²/g and highly porous structures.
The high-power output of these supercapacitors can power two LEDs for 20 minutes.

Microwave-Assisted Method

The researchers utilised an advanced microwave pyrolysis reactor to produce high-quality carbon within just five minutes.
It eliminates impurities like ash and generates zero waste.
The resulting activated carbon exhibits exceptional supercapacitor capability, making it an ideal material for various applications.

FINANCIAL SERVICES INSTITUTION BUREAU

Recently, the Financial Services Institution Bureau (FSIB) has selected Challa Sreenivasulu Setty as the next chairman of State Bank of India (SBI).

About the Financial Services Institution Bureau

It is an autonomous body of Government of India for developing and implementing appropriate methodologies for making recommendations for appointments, extension and termination of members of the Boards in the institutions specified in the Government of India gazette notification.
It was established to replace the Banks Board Bureau (BBB).
Its primary mandate is to recommend candidates for appointment as whole-time directors and non-executive chairpersons on the boards of financial services institutions.
Additionally, the FSIB aims to advise on personnel management matters within these institutions.
Vision: Search and Select apposite personages for Board of Public Sector Banks, Public Sector Financial Institutions and Public Sector Insurance Companies and recommend measures to improve Corporate Governance in these Institutions.
Mission: To Promote excellence in Corporate Governance in Public Sector Financial Institutions

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WASHING

There is a new and growing question – whether companies are making over-inflated claims about their use of AI.
- Tech companies and startups marketing themselves as using AI, but not doing so forms the basis of ‘AI washing’.

About

AI washing is a term derived from greenwashing, where companies exaggerate their environmental friendliness to appeal to customers.
Similarly, businesses that claim to have integrated AI into their products, when they’re actually using less sophisticated technology, can be accused of AI washing.
When it comes to AI washing, there are several types.
- Some companies claim to use AI when they’re actually using less-sophisticated computing, while others overstate the efficacy of their AI over existing techniques, or suggest that their AI solutions are fully operational when they are not.
Concerns: AI washing can have concerning impacts for businesses, from overpaying for technology and services to failing to meet operational objectives the AI was expected to help them achieve.
- For investors it can make it harder to identify genuinely innovative companies.

Current Affairs June 2024