THE CONTEXT: Recently, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a high-power committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India must pick the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). The following article attempts to analyse this judgment and its implications from the UPSC exam perspective.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JUDGEMENT

• The Supreme Court (SC) recently ruled that the Constituent Assembly (CA) had intended for elections to be conducted by an independent commission, as evidenced by their debates on the appointment of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• The addition of the phrase “subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf by Parliament” indicates that the CA also anticipated parliamentary norms governing the appointment process.
• Although the Court typically does not interfere with legislative powers, the Constitution’s context and the legislature’s inaction created a need for intervention.
• Regarding the removal process for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), the Court determined that the CEC holds a unique position and cannot be subject to the same removal process as the ECs, as article 324 becomes inoperative without the CEC.
• The Court left it up to the government to decide whether to fund the EC, establish a permanent secretariat, and charge related expenditures to the Consolidated Fund of India.

GOI’S STAND

• The government contended that without a law from Parliament, the President holds the constitutional authority and requested that the Court should exhibit judicial restraint.
• The Supreme Court’s decision on the appointment of the Election Commission of India raises concerns about the separation of powers because the Constitution gives Parliament the authority to make laws on the matter.

SC’S REPLY

• The Court acknowledged that its ruling is subject to any future laws enacted by Parliament, which could potentially overturn it.
• An alternate perspective is that since there is currently no law governing the issue, the Court must intervene to fill the resulting constitutional vacuum.

WHAT LED THE SUPREME COURT TO DIRECT REFORMS IN ECI’S APPOINTMENTS?

• The decision by the Supreme court comes amid allegations that election commission seemed to function with prejudice for the ruling party at the Centre, considering they were the one who brought the commissioner to power.
• The public interest petitions sought a law governing the appointment of the CEC and ECs. A first PIL was filed in 2015, and the Supreme Court agreed to hear a second PIL on the issue filed in 2018 by Delhi BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyaya.
• In 2015, a public interest litigation was filed by Anoop Baranwal challenging the constitutional validity of the practice of the Centre appointing members of the Election Commission.
• In October 2018, a two-judge bench of the SC referred the case to a larger bench since it would require a close examination of Article 324 of the Constitution, which deals with the mandate of the Chief Election Commissioner.
• In September 2022, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph began hearing the case and almost a month later, the verdict was reserved.
• While hearing the plea in November, 2022, the apex court had noted that the appointment of Arun Goel as EC had been carried out with “lightning speed”, with the procedure taking less than 24 hours on November 18, 2022, from start to finish.

BASIS OF JUDICIAL INTERVENTION

• Absence of law: The crux of the challenge is that since Parliament makes no law on this issue.
• Urge for judicial intervention: The Court must step in to fill the constitutional vacuum, urges the PIL.
• Question of executive non-interference: This examination also leads to the larger question of separation of powers and if the judiciary is overstepping its role in filling this gap in the law.

STRUCTURE OF ECI

• The Election Commission of India consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
• The CEC is the head of the Commission and has a higher status than the ECs. All decisions of the Commission are taken by a majority vote, with the CEC having the casting vote in case of a tie.
• According to Article 324, the Election Commission shall consist of the CEC and such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the President may from time-to-time fix.

Babasaheb Ambedkar had in 1949 said, “the whole election machinery should be in the hands of a Central Election Commission, which alone would be entitled to issue directives to returning officers, polling officers and others”.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENTS AND REMOVALS IN ECI

APPOINTMENT

• Article 324(2): The appointment of the CEC and other Election Commissioners shall be made by the President, subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf by Parliament.
• The Law Minister suggests a pool of suitable candidates to the Prime Minister for consideration.
• The President makes the appointment on the advice of the PM.

TENURE

• The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
• They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
• All Election Commissioners have equal say in the decision making of the Commission.

REMOVAL

• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from his office in the same manner and on same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
• In other words, he can be removed by the President on the basis of a resolution passed to that effect by both the Houses of Parliament with special majority, either on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity.
• Thus, he does not hold his office till the pleasure of the President, though he is appointed by him.
• Any other election commissioner or a regional commissioner cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the chief election commissioner.

SERVICE CONDITIONS OF CECS PRESENTLY

• Currently, the service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) are governed by the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
• As per this act, the CEC is entitled to a salary equal to that of a Supreme Court judge, along with other allowances and benefits. The CEC also has a government-provided residence and office.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT AND AGAINST OF SUPREME COURT RULING

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF SC’S RULING

• Promoting transparency in appointments: The Supreme Court (SC) of India ordered reforms in the appointments of the Election Commission of India (ECI) because it found that the current process lacked transparency and was prone to political influence.

o   There was no independent mechanism for the selection and appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), as the government held a dominant role in the process.

• Upholding Constitutional principles: This lack of independence and transparency in the appointment process was deemed to be a violation of the principles of democracy and the Constitution of India.
• Eliminating Arbitrary appointments: Furthermore, there were no fixed criteria or qualifications for the appointment of CECs and ECs. This led to arbitrary appointments on many occasions which overlooked merit and credibility.
• Question of non-partisanship:ECI failed on many occasions to use its powers effectively, because ECs are the appointees of the government of the day and not through an independent process of collegium.

         o   The SC’s decision will end the single party influence, essential to a democracy, where voting is the be-all and say-all of a functioning governance.

• Affirmative step: Various entities from the opposition and civil societies are affirmative for the decision claiming that insulating EC from Government influence & dependence will secure the integrity of the electoral process.
• Clear rules of removal and tenure: Also, the lack of a clear and defined process for the removal of CECs and ECs was found to be a significant flaw in the system. The Supreme Court has now said that the process of removing an EC should be the same as that for the CEC.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST SC’S RULING

• Violation of Separation of Powers: The ruling has been criticized for violating the principle of separation of powers, which stipulates that each branch of government should operate independently without encroaching on the jurisdiction of others.

         o   The government has argued that the appointment of Election Commissioners falls within the purview of the legislature and that the judiciary should not interfere with this domain.

• Judicial Overreach: Critics have argued that the Supreme Court has overstepped its authority by prescribing a new appointment process for Election Commissioners.

        o   The Constitution gives the power to appoint Election Commissioners to the President of India, who acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. Any changes to this process should be made by the legislature and not the judiciary.

• Potential for Political Interference: Critics have argued that the new appointment process prescribed by the Supreme Court could lead to increased political interference.

         o   They argue that the proposed collegium system for selecting Election Commissioners, consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice of India, could be subject to political influence and bias.

IMPORTANCE OF ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI) IN INDIAN DEMOCRACY

The Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a critical role in India’s democratic system. It is responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections, both at the national and state levels. The importance of the ECI for India can be understood in the following ways:

• Ensuring Free and Fair Elections: The ECI’s primary role is to conduct free and fair elections in the country. It is responsible for preparing and updating the electoral roll, supervising the conduct of elections, and ensuring that electoral laws and regulations are followed.
• Preserving the Integrity of the Electoral Process: The ECI plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the electoral process in India. It ensures that all eligible citizens are given the opportunity to vote, that their votes are counted accurately, and that the results are declared in a transparent and impartial manner.
• Protecting Democratic Values: The ECI is responsible for protecting the democratic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It ensures that the right to vote is protected, and that the election process is free from coercion, corruption, or other illegal practices.
• Upholding the Sovereignty of the Indian Constitution: The ECI upholds the sovereignty of the Indian Constitution by ensuring that the election process is conducted in a manner consistent with the constitutional principles of democracy, equality, and justice.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Overcoming several issues through a transparent ECI: SC’s ruling has potential to carve out a more independent and transparent ECI. Such an independent and credible ECI should seriously address the several ills seen to be plaguing India’s electoral system, such as:

         o   allegations of selective culling of the electoral rolls;

      o   EVM voting often not complying with basic and essential requirements of ‘Democracy Principles’ i.e., each voter able to verify that her vote is cast-as-intended, recorded-as-cast and counted-as-recorded;

        o   vulgar use of money power; corrupting and criminalizing the elections; buying and selling of votes;

       o   brazen misuse of the media; partisan functioning of election officials; and non-enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Only these measures can provide a level playing field, usher in integrity and restore confidence in the umpire, which is the essence of free and fair elections.

• Learning from best practices:

        o   In the United States, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent agency that oversees federal elections.

       o   In Australia, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an independent statutory authority that conducts federal elections and referendums.

       o   In both the US and Australia, the appointment of election commissioners is a political process, however, both countries have systems in place to ensure that the appointment process is non-partisan and that Commissioners serve fixed terms to maintain independence and impartiality.

• Preserving separation of powers: Both the Judiciary and Legislature must come on the same page to bring reforms in the appointment process as per the Constitutional procedures so as to uphold the legitimacy and acceptance of such reforms.

THE CONCLUSION: The ballot is more potent than the most powerful gun. Democracy facilitates a peaceful revolution at the hands of the common man if elections are held in a free and fair manner. The ECI’s role in ensuring free and fair elections, preserving the integrity of the electoral process, protecting democratic values, and upholding the sovereignty of the Indian Constitution makes it an essential institution for India’s democratic system. Thus, only a truly independent ECI can fulfill the Constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections.

Questions:

• “A person weak-kneed before the powerful cannot be appointed as Election Commissioner.” In the light of the statement, discuss the importance of having a transparent and independent appointment system for Election Commissioners in India.
• In a substantive democracy, the power to vote is “more potent than the most powerful gun”. People depend on an honest Election Commissioner, blessed with extraordinary powers, to guard the purity of the electoral process. Examine the statement in the light of recent Supreme court judgment which introduced a collegium for appointments to the Election Commissioners in India.

HEALTH ISSUES

1. RADHUNI OR WILD CELERY (TRACHYSPERMUM ROXBURGHIANUM)

TAGS: GS-II- HEALTH ISSUES- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: Recent studies show that radhuni seeds can relax the gut and airways and improve digestion.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Radhuni or wild celery (Trachyspermum roxburghianum):-

• Radhuni is a popular spice in Bengali cuisine used abundantly in West Bengal.
• Its scientific name is Trachyspermum roxburghianum.
• It is not a plant seed but rather dried fruits.
• It is called ajmod in Hindi, asamtavomam in Tamil and ayamodakam in Malayalam.
• It belongs to the family of cumin and fennel fruits, known as
• Distribution: South Asia, South East Asia, and Indonesia.
• In some nations, these are employed as herbal medicines.
• It is usually consumed as part of panch phoron, a blend of five tempering spices traditionally used in Eastern Indian cuisine.

Health benefits of Radhuni masala:-

• This spice is supposed to aid in our bodies’ detoxification.
• Menstrual cramp reduction is another benefit.
• It is also traditionally used to treat coughs and colds, asthma, digestive issues, etc.
• It also aids in the management of inflammation and pain.

Use of radhuni masala:-

• In Bengal, radhuni is a widely used
• It is employed to temper dal.
• The lentil dish masoor dal with radhuni phoron , Shukto in bengal is prepared using radhuni masala.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2. LIGO-INDIA PROJECT

TAGS: GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the government has given the final go-ahead to India’s Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO, project.

THE EXPLANATION:

LIGO India, project:-

• LIGO is an international network of laboratories.
• It aims to detect the ripples in spacetime produced by the movement of large celestial objects.
• LIGO-India is a collaborative project between a consortium of Indian research institutions and the LIGO Laboratory in the USA, along with its international partners.
• It will be located in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra.
• It was built by the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Science and Technology with an MoU with the S. National Science Foundation
• Objective: To detect and study gravitational waves.
• LIGOs are designed to measure changes in distance that are several orders of magnitude smaller than the length of the proton.
• Significance: This project will see India join the global effort to detect and study gravitational waves, which were first theorized in Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
• Gravitational waves are extremely weak and difficult to detect.
• They were first directly detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015.
• LIGO-India is set to become the country’s largest scientific facility after the government gave the final green light for its construction.
• LIGO-India is intrinsically a multidisciplinary mega-science project that requires expertise from a variety of fields (e.g., laser, vacuum, optics, computer, etc., and of course Physics) and provides cutting-edge research opportunities.

3. INDIA’S FIRST 3D-PRINTED POST OFFICE

TAGS: GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: As per recent announcements, Bengaluru will soon have India’s first post office constructed using 3D printing technology.

THE EXPLANATION:

About India’s first 3D-printed post office:-

• India’s first 3D-printed post office would be located in Cambridge Layout in Ulsoor, Bangalore.
• The project is being implemented by Larsen & Toubro, which has experience in constructing 3D-printed buildings.
• It is a 1,100 sq ft building which is expected to cost 30-40 per cent less than conventional buildings because of the technological intervention.

About 3D printing:-

• 3D printing is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
• It is achieved using additive processes.
• In an additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created.
• Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross section of the object.
• 3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.

4. NATIONAL MISSION IN INTERDISCIPLINARY CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS (NM-ICPS)

TAGS: GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: In recent deliberations the experts emphasized on ways to strengthen the National Mission in Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).

THE EXPLANATION:

About National Mission in Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS):-

• National Mission in Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) is a comprehensive mission which would address technology development, application development, human resource development, skill enhancement, entrepreneurship and start-up development in Cyber-Physical Systems and associated technologies.
• It aims at establishment of 15 numbers of Technology Innovation Hubs, six numbers of Application Innovation Hubs and four numbers of Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRP).
• These Hubs & TTRPs will connect to Academics, Industry, Central Ministries and State Government in developing solutions at reputed academic, R&D and other organizations across the country in a hub and spoke model.
• They mainly focus on four areas:
• Technology Development,
• HRD & Skill Development,
• Innovation,
• Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Ecosystem Development and International Collaborations.

Cyber-physical systems:-

• They integrate sensing, computation, control and networking into physical objects and infrastructure, connecting them to the Internet and to each other.
• Potential applications:-
• Driverless cars that communicate securely with each other on smart roads
• Sensors in the home to detect changing health conditions
• Improving agricultural practices
• Enabling scientists to address issues arising out of climate change,etc.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. EXERCISE KAVACH

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Indian Armed Force’s only tri-service command, Andaman and Nicobar Command recently concluded Exercise KAVACH, a large-scale joint military exercise. The exercise, with the participation of assets from all three services and the Indian Coast Guard.

About the KAVACH Exercise:

• The joint-military exercise aimed at finetuning joint war-fighting capabilities and standard operating procedures besides enhancing interoperability and operational synergy.
• During the exercise, soldiers performed multiple activities such as amphibious landing, air landing operations, heliborne operations, and swift insertion of special forces commandos.
• The exercise also focused on joint activities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. And also aimed to validate India’s ability to safeguard its island territories and perform joint operations with synergy during real war scenarios.
• The exercise is crucial for India, considering the current global situation and the country’s neighbours on the northern and western borders.

[WpProQuiz 459]

THE CONTEXT: Jordan recently hosted a meeting between top Israeli and Palestinian officials in a bid to halt a surge in deadly violence in the occupied West Bank that has stoked fears of a wider escalation. The planned talks come days after Israeli forces carried out a raid in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus that killed 11 Palestinians. Such incidents certainly have the potential to put the Middle-East peace process in jeopardy. The following article attempts to explain the evolution of the Israel-Palestine issue and its geopolitical implications within and beyond the Middle East region.

EVOLUTION OF THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE

ZIONISM

• Zion is the name of the hill on which the Temple of Jerusalem was located.
• Zionism is the term used to describe the Jewish political movement of the late 19th century.
• Their objective is to unite the Jewish diaspora all over the world and settle them in Palestine.
• They started taking donations from wealthy Jews, helped the Holocaust survivors to migrate to Palestine and surrounding regions.
• This movement led to the establishment of Israel in 1948

DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE WORLD WARS

• After First World War, the Palestine region was under British Administration.
• The official policy of the British was to prevent Jews from settling in the Palestine region because it was leading to riots between Jews and native Arabs.
• But during the course of World War II, the US army discovered Nazi extermination camps. This created deep sympathy for Jewish people in the USA. The Senators and Congressmen of the USA, started lobbying for the Zionist cause.
• Therefore U.S. President Truman requested British Government to immediately admit 1 lakh Jewish Holocaust survivors into Palestine, and unrestricted Jewish immigration in Palestine in future.
• The neighbouring Arab nations did not favour this inward migration in Palestine.

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE WORLD WAR II, 1945

• The Jews that survived the holocaust and extermination camps, had no home of their own- everything was destroyed in the war. The Zionists helped them immigrate and settle in Palestine.
• But the Palestinian Arabs decided that no more Jews should arrive and that Palestine should achieve independence as an Arab state. (In 1946 there were 12 lakh Arabs and 7 lakh Jews in Palestine). There was rioting and violence everywhere, from both sides.
• The area was still under British administration. But during this time, Britain lacked the money, political will and military force to maintain hard control over its colonies.
• In Feb 1947, Britishers were busy negotiating the independence of India. They were also eager to decrease costly military presence in Palestine.
• So British Government decided to hand over the Palestine question to United Nations.

UN RESOLUTION ON PALESTINE

• In late 1947, The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution: This Palestine region be partitioned into an Arab State and a Jewish state, and Jerusalem will become an international centre.
• Arab nations opposed this resolution.
• The Zionists welcomed the partition proposal because it recognized a Jewish state and because it allotted more than half of (west-of-Jordan) Palestine to them.
• Soon after the UN resolution, rioting and civil war broke out in Palestine, between the native Arab and Jews.

BIRTH OF ISRAEL, 1948

• As the civil war, rioting, murder, loot, plunder, assassinations spread, on 14th May 1948, the Last British high commissioner left Palestine.
• Immediately, the Zionist leaders declared Israel a free Nation. Within a few hours, USA also recognized Israel as a nation.
• In the upcoming days, the Arab nations: Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt sent their armies but were defeated by Israeli forces. (This is known as First Israel-Arab War)
• UN General Assembly had favored the partition of Palestine region into an Arab State and a Jewish state.
• While Jewish State (Israel) came into existence, but there was no Palestine Arab State because Palestinian Arabs were not organized, unlike Zionists, they lacked the money and gun power of their own. They relied on the armies sent by Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, to fight for their cause.

THE PERSISTENT QUESTION OF JERUSALEM CITY

• After The First Israel-Arab war, the Jerusalem city and surrounding were divided between Israel (West) and Jordan (East).
• West Bank is the region on the west side of the Jordan River. From 1950 to 1967 it was ruled by Jordan.
• But Israel captured it in 1967’s war (also known as 6 Days war, or Third Israel-Arab war).
• Under the UN resolution, the Gaza strip will be given to Arab State.
• After Israel became an independent nation (1948), the Arabs from Tel-Aviv and other parts of Israel/Palestine region, had started migrating to this Gaza strip, to save themselves from riots and looting. These are called Palestinian (Arab) refugees.
• During the first Israel-Arab war, the Egyptian army had captured Gaza strip. But In 1967’s war, Israel re-captured Gaza Strip.
• But The Egyptian government did not consider Gaza Strip as a part of Egypt and did not allow those refugees to become Egyptian citizens or to migrate to Egypt or to other Arab countries.
• On the other side, Israel did not allow these refugees to return to their former homes. So, these refugees are stuck from both the sides, live in poverty and food aid from United Nations.
• Ever since, there is rioting and violent street clashes between Gaza’s Palestinians (refugees/Hamas) and occupying Israeli troops.

YASSER ARAFAT AND PLO, 1964

• So far, the Palestinian Arabs were relying on outside support (Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon), but later realized they had to get themselves organized to fight for their own cause. Thus came Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Yasser Arafat became the leader of PLO.
• PLO launched a guerrilla war against Israel during the 1960s to 1980s from its camps in Jordan.
• But later on, PLO got into power-struggle with Jordanian King, and were expelled from there. So, PLO shifted their base to Lebanon.
• 1982, Israel launched a military attack on Lebanon to destroy the PLO camps.
• Ultimately Yasser Arafat concluded that military fight with Israel without any substantial developments.
• Finally, PLO decided to accept the earlier UN resolution (recall: UN wanted Palestine region to be divided between a Jewish State and an Arab State).

HAMAS, 1987

• They’re political-militant organization stationed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They run their own schools, charities, clinics, and schools in these areas.
• They get money and weapons from tunnels through the Egypt-Gaza border. They want to destroy Israel and create an Islamic state in Palestine.
• The Difference between Hamas and PLO is that both started as militant movements for Palestinian Arabs but PLO has (almost) ceased violence while Hamas continues to remain armed and dangerous.

OSLO ACCORDS, 1993

• After many rounds of talks, Israeli Government and Yasser Arafat’s PLO entered into a peace agreement, according to which
• Israel and PLO will formally recognize each other’s right to exist.
• A new Palestine authority (PA) will be formed, it’ll have elected Arab representatives.
• Israel will gradually hand over the administration of the Gaza strip and West Bank, to the Palestine Authority (PA).
• But Hamas was opposed to Oslo accords.

PALESTINE AUTHORITY (PA)

• It was formed under the Oslo Accord.
• Elections were held, Yasser Arafat’s Fatah party won majority seats and he became the first President of Palestine Authority (PA).
• Israel withdrew its military from Gaza strip, and handed over the civil functions (police, municipality etc) to this Palestine Authority in 1994.
• After Yasser Arafat, the Hamas Party defeated his Fatah Party in 2006’s election for Palestine Authority. Hamas and Fatah eventually formed a coalition government, but there was violence and power struggle between these two camps.
• Ultimately, Hamas got control of the Gaza Strip, while Fatah took control of the West Bank.

GAZA BLOCKADE, 2007

• In 2007, Gaza strip was under Hamas rule. The acts of terrorism continued.
• Israel declared them as a hostile entity and approved sanctions against Gaza strip- including electricity cuts, heavily restricted imports, and border closures. Hamas retaliated by launching rockets at Israeli cities.
• So, Israel started a military invasion on the Gaza, mainly to destroy those tunnels through which Hamas gets rockets and other weapons.
• In this clash, more than 1,000 were killed. Finally, Israel and Hamas declared a unilateral cease-fire.
• Since then, Gaza strip is in control of Hamas but Israel has blocked the whole area with a huge wall.

PRESENT SCENARIO

• Tensions are often high between Israel and Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank.
• Gaza is ruled by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has fought Israel many times. Israel and Egypt tightly control Gaza’s borders to stop weapons getting to Hamas
• Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank say they are suffering because of Israeli actions and restrictions. Israel says it is only acting to protect itself from Palestinian violence.

THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

The Middle East region, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, has been a major issue in international politics for several decades. Over the years, various peace efforts and agreements have been made to establish peace between the two nations. Here are some of the key peace efforts and agreements that have taken place:

• Oslo Accords (1993): The Oslo Accords were a set of agreements signed between Israel and Palestine in 1993, with the aim of establishing peace between the two nations. The accords recognized Israel’s right to exist and established a Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, the Oslo Accords did not lead to a final resolution of the conflict and have been criticized for failing to address key issues such as the status of Jerusalem, the borders of a future Palestinian state, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
• Camp David Accords (1978): The Camp David Accords were signed between Israel and Egypt in 1978, with the United States acting as a mediator. The accords led to the establishment of peace between Israel and Egypt and the return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. However, the Camp David Accords did not address the Palestinian issue and have been criticized for excluding the Palestinians from the negotiations.
• Madrid Conference (1991): The Madrid Conference was an international conference held in Madrid, Spain, in 1991, aimed at resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. The conference brought together Israel and its Arab neighbors, including Palestine, to discuss peace. Although the conference did not result in a formal agreement, it laid the foundation for the subsequent Oslo Accords.
• Arab Peace Initiative (2002): The Arab Peace Initiative was a proposal put forward by the Arab League in 2002, offering Israel full diplomatic recognition and normalization of relations with all Arab states in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Although Israel initially rejected the proposal, it has since been acknowledged as a key component of any future peace settlement.
• Annapolis Conference (2007): The Annapolis Conference was a conference held in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2007, aimed at advancing the peace process between Israel and Palestine. The conference resulted in the establishment of a negotiating framework, with the goal of reaching a final peace settlement by the end of 2008. However, the negotiations ultimately stalled and did not lead to a final agreement.
• Abraham Accords (2020): The Abraham Accords were a series of agreements signed between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan, in 2020. The agreements established diplomatic relations and cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and security. While the Abraham Accords did not directly address the Palestinian issue, they were seen as a significant step towards regional peace and stability.

The conflict between Israel and Palestine remains unresolved despite the various peace efforts and agreements. For instance, recently Israeli armed forces have penetrated Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Haram esh-Sharif in Jerusalem. Hamas retaliated by firing rockets on Israel. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Gaza Strip. The key issues of the status of Jerusalem, the borders of a future Palestinian state, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees continue to be contentious and unresolved.

THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS IN JEOPARDY

• The revival of Israel-Palestine conflicts does undermine the various peace efforts for establishing peace in the Middle East region. Each time violence erupts between Israel and Palestine, it erodes the trust and goodwill that may have been built up during previous peace efforts and agreements. It also increases the level of animosity between the two sides, making it more difficult to reach a lasting peace settlement.
• The recent violence in May 2021, for example, saw a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and Palestine, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage. This violence undermined the relative calm that had existed since the 2014 Gaza conflict and created new obstacles to peace. It also led to the postponement of several planned peace talks and other diplomatic efforts.
• Furthermore, the continued occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the lack of progress in negotiations over key issues such as Jerusalem, borders, and refugees, all contribute to the erosion of peace efforts. These factors, combined with the lack of political will and leadership on both sides, make it increasingly challenging to reach a final peace settlement.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE CONFLICT

• The Israel-Palestine conflict has had significant implications for the region and the world. The conflict has caused immense human suffering, with both Israelis and Palestinians experiencing violence, displacement, and loss.
• It has also contributed to instability in the region, as well as international tensions and geopolitical rivalries. The conflict has created a sense of bitterness and mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians, making the prospect of a peaceful resolution seem increasingly remote.
• Additionally, the conflict has led to the growth of extremist groups and terrorist activities, with both Israelis and Palestinians resorting to violence as a means of achieving their goals.
• The conflict has also had implications for international relations, with various countries taking sides and seeking to exert influence over the region.

INDIA’S STAND ON THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE

India supports a united, independent, viable, sovereign state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secured and recognized borders side by side at peace with Israel.

1936

Congress working committee sent greetings to Palestine and on 27th September first observed Palestine day.

1939

Session of INC adopted a resolution on Palestine and looked forward to the emergence of an Independent democratic state in Palestine in which Jews rights would be protected. India was the member of UN special committee on Palestine.

1974

India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestine people.

1980

GOI announced in Parliament India’s decision to accord full diplomatic recognition to the PLO office in New Delhi. It was after this that Yasser Arafat paid a three-day visit to India, during which he described India as an ‘eternal friend’.

1988

India recognized Palestine as a state. Indian Government has constructed the Palestine embassy building in New Delhi, as a gift of the people and GOI to the Palestine people.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Negotiation and Dialogue: The most viable solution to the conflict is through peaceful negotiation and dialogue. Both sides need to come to the table with an open mind, ready to compromise and find a solution that benefits everyone. A neutral mediator, such as the United Nations, could facilitate the negotiation process.
• Two-State Solution: The two-state solution has been widely accepted as the most practical and realistic solution to the conflict. This would involve the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, with defined borders and recognition of both states by each other.
• End Violence and Terrorism: Both sides need to end all forms of violence and terrorism, which only further escalate the conflict and lead to more suffering for Palestinians and Israelis. International support and pressure could be applied to both sides to ensure that they abide by their commitments to peace and security.
• Address the Root Causes: The conflict is rooted in a number of complex historical, political, and religious factors. Addressing the underlying causes, such as land ownership, refugee resettlement, and religious and cultural differences, is essential to resolving the conflict.
• International Community Involvement: The international community, including neighboring Arab countries, must play a more active role in resolving the conflict. This could involve diplomatic and economic pressure on both sides to come to a negotiated settlement.
• Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction: The conflict has caused significant damage to infrastructure and resulted in the displacement of millions of people. Providing humanitarian aid and supporting the reconstruction of the Palestinian territories would help alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict.

THE CONCLUSION: The revival of conflicts between Israel and Palestine undermines the various peace efforts and agreements for establishing peace in the Middle East region. To achieve lasting peace, there needs to be a renewed commitment to dialogue, negotiation, and compromise, as well as the implementation of agreed-upon measures to improve the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. Resolving the Israel-Palestine issue will require a concerted effort from both sides, with the international community’s support. A negotiated settlement based on the two-state solution, an end to violence and terrorism, addressing the root causes of the conflict, and providing humanitarian aid and reconstruction support are all crucial steps towards lasting peace in the region.

Questions:

• India’s policy on the Israel-Palestine issue has gone from being unequivocally pro-Palestine for the first four decades to a tense balancing act with its growing friendly ties with Israel in contemporary times. Do you agree? Explain your viewpoints with suitable arguments.
• Even after numerous efforts, the Israel-Palestine conflict stands still against the possibility of an outcome-oriented Middle East Peace Process. Examine.

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. NATURAL JUSTICE AND PRINCIPALS OF PROPORTIONALITY

TAGS: GS-II- POLITY AND CONSTITUTION

THE CONTEXT: A recent ruling of the Supreme Court brought out the issues of Natural Justice and Proportionality to the surface.

THE EXPLANATION:

Natural justice is also known as universal justice, substantial justice, or fair play in action.

 It is an essential concept of divine law, which is based on the law of equity.

Principles of Natural Justice:-

The main principles of natural justice are based on these two legal maxims:

• Nemo judex in causa sua – It means no one shall be a judge in his own case.
• Audi alteram partem – It means both parties/sides must be heard. No man should be condemned unheard.

Prerequisites of Natural Justice:-

• Absence of bias, interest, or prejudice: the judge should be neutral, impartial, and free from bias is the first and foremost prerequisite of natural justice.

Types of Bias:

• Pecuniary bias – It concerns a financial interest in the subject matter.
• Personal bias – A judge may be a relative, friend, or associate of a party.
• Official bias – When a judge has a general interest in the subject matter.

Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India, 1978

• It is well established in the case that even when there is no specific law or provision in a statute or rules made for showing cause against the action made, which affects the right of any individual, the duty to give a reasonable opportunity to be heard will be implied from nature.
• The principles of natural justice are not only binding on all courts but also on judicial bodies and quasi-judicial authorities.

Exceptions to the Principle of Natural Justice:-

• Where a statute or act expressly excludes or a particular provision of it excludes the applicability of the rule.
• Where the action is legislative in nature.
• Where the doctrine of necessity applies.
  • Doctrine of necessity applies: If a decision is to be made urgently on shorter notice, then the rule may be excluded.
• Where facts are admitted or undisputed, then there is no need to call the party again for readmitting the admitted facts. The court can proceed further with admissions made.
• Where an enquiry is confidential, then there can be ignorance of the principles of natural justice.
• Where preventive action is to be taken.
  • For example section 144 CrPC, where immediate action is required, and no reasonable or due time can be given to the other party.
• Where urgent action is necessary for a government policy decision.

Principals of Proportionality:-

• The principle requires that the decision or action must be proportionate to the objective it seeks to achieve.
• It means employed to achieve the objective must be no more than necessary to achieve it, and the harm caused by the decision or action must not be excessive in relation to the benefit gained.
• The validity of the claim of involvement of national security considerations must be assessed on the test of whether there is material to conclude that the non-disclosure of information is in the interest of national security.
• Courts can assess the validity of public interest immunity claims based on the “structured proportionality standard”.

SOCIAL ISSUES

2. WHAT IS HIKIKOMORI?

TAGS: GS-II- SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: A new phenomenon of Isolation known as ‘Hikikomori’ or ‘Shut-ins’ is rapidly spreading in Japan – leading to nearly 1.5 million Japanese people of working age living as social recluses, revealed by a government survey. According to the survey, around a fifth of the isolation cases have been cited to the Covid-19 pandemic.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Hikikomori:

• The term Hikikomori was coined in Japan in the 1990s to describe young adults who had withdrawn from society and remained isolated in their homes for extended periods.
• It is not recognized as a clinical diagnosis but is rather a social phenomenon that affects people of all ages.

What is the factor behind Isolation?

• Several factors have contributed to the high prevalence of hikikomori in Japan. The country’s highly competitive and demanding education system is one of the key factors. Many young people in Japan face intense academic pressure to succeed in school and secure good jobs, leading to high levels of stress and anxiety.
• As per government survey, the most common reason respondents gave for their social withdrawal was “quitting jobs”. This was closely followed by the pandemic, which was cited as the main reason by 18 percent of recluses aged 15-39 and 20 percent of those aged 40-64.
• The traditional Japanese family structure has also played a role. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on filial piety or respect for one’s parents and elders. This has led to a culture in which children often feel a sense of obligation to care for their parents in old age, which can cause feelings of guilt and anxiety.
• Additionally, Japan’s work culture is notorious for being intense and all-consuming. Long working hours, high levels of stress, and limited opportunities for career advancement can cause burnout and contribute to the prevalence of hikikomori.

What are the Consequences of Hikikomori?

• The consequences of hikikomori can be severe, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Hikikomori can lead to social Isolation, a lack of employment opportunities, and financial hardship. It can also result in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders.
• The Japanese government has recognized the problem of hikikomori and has implemented several initiatives to address it. These initiatives include counselling services, support groups, and financial assistance for individuals and families affected by hikikomori.

HEALTH ISSUES

3. SQUIRRELPOX VIRUS IN WALES

TAGS: GS-II- HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: Red squirrels are one of Britain’s most iconic species, and yet, they are under threat from a virus that causes a fatal disease known as squirrelpox. The virus is thought to have originated in North America and was accidentally introduced to the UK by grey squirrels. It is a major threat to the red squirrel population in Wales, where numbers have declined dramatically in recent years.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Grey squirrels are the usual carriers of SQPV (Squirrelpox virus), and although they are immune to the disease, they can still spread the virus to red squirrels through physical contact or contaminated food sources.

Anecdotal Evidence of Resistance

• Despite the devastating effects of the virus, there is some good news. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some red squirrels have developed resistance to squirrelpox.
• In Cumbria, there have been reports of healthy red squirrels with antibodies to the virus, which indicates that they have survived an infection and built up immunity.

Impact of Squirrelpox on Red Squirrels

• Squirrelpox has a mortality rate of 100% for untreated infected squirrels in the wild, and infected squirrels typically die within four to five days.
• The virus causes cuts, blisters, and growths on the skin, which can be painful and debilitating for the squirrels. Once infected, red squirrels can take up to three weeks to die.

Efforts to Protect Red Squirrels

• There have been calls for the Welsh government to fund vaccine research to protect red squirrels from squirrelpox. A petition signed by nearly 11,000 people was submitted to the government, but so far, no action has been taken. Despite this, there are still efforts being made to protect red squirrels in Wales.

Restoring Red Squirrels in Ceredigion

• A project is underway to restore red squirrels in Ceredigion, where numbers remain small. The project involves trapping grey squirrels and replacing them with red squirrels in the hope that the red squirrel population will grow. However, this project is only one of many, and more work needs to be done to protect red squirrels in other parts of Wales.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

4. EXTENDED RANGE ANTI SUBMARINE ROCKET (ER-ASR)

TAGS: GS-III- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ER-ASR) was successfully test-fired for the first time.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket:-

• The ER-ASR was designed by the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) of the DRDO.
• It is designed to intercept submarines at specific depths.
• Its rocket system will be deployed in anti-submarine operations.
• It will be fired from an indigenised rocket launcher mounted onboard various Indian naval ships.
• ER-ASR can be fired in single or in salvo mode depending on the tactical mission requirements.
• The maiden successful test from the ship is a step towards enhancing the capability of the Indian Navy in anti-submarine warfare and towards achieving ‘AtmaNirbharta’ in defence.
• ER-ASR has been designed to replace the existing Russian-origin Rocket Guided Bombs (RGBs) which are already fitted in ships.
• While the RGB has a range of five kilometres, the ER-ASR can achieve a range of over eight kilometres.

PLACES IN NEWS

5. IZU-OGASAWARA TRENCH

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Izu–Ogasawara Trench is an oceanic trench located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is known for being one of the deepest points in the world’s oceans. Here, the deepest ever fish was filmed, breaking the previous record of filming a fish swimming in the Mariana Trench.

THE EXPLANATION:

Depth and Location

• The Izu–Ogasawara Trench is also known as the Izu–Bonin Trench. It is some 9,780 meters (32,087 feet) deep. This oceanic trench is an extension of the Japan Trench and is composed of two trenches: the Izu Trench, located in the north, and the Bonin Trench, located in the south, west of the Ogasawara Plateau.
• The Izu–Ogasawara Trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean, southeast of Japan. It runs parallel to the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest point in the world’s oceans at approximately 10,935 meters (35,876 feet) deep.

Marine Life in the Trench

• Despite the extreme depths of the Izu–Ogasawara Trench, unique marine life has been found in this region. In 2019, the Minderoo-UWA Deep Sea Research Centre led a two-month expedition to explore the trench’s depths. During the expedition, the deepest fish ever caught on camera was filmed swimming at a depth of 8,336 meters (27,373 feet) in the trench. This juvenile snail fish is one of only two fish that have been collected from a depth greater than 8,000 meters.
• The slightly warmer water in the Izu–Ogasawara Trench is believed to be responsible for the survival of fish at such extreme depths. Scientists have also discovered other unique marine life forms in the trench, including the Xenophyophore Occultammina, which was first discovered at a depth of 8,260 meters (27,100 feet).

Significance of the Trench

• The Izu–Bonin–Mariana Arc system, which includes the Izu and Bonin Islands, is created by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Philippine Sea Plate in the Izu–Ogasawara Trench. This process is responsible for creating the unique geological features and marine life in the region.
• The Izu–Ogasawara Trench is also significant for its research potential. Professor Jamieson, the founder of the Minderoo-UWA Deep Sea Research Centre, led the expedition to the trench in 2019 to study the effects of extreme ocean depths on marine life. The research conducted in this trench can help us understand more about the ocean’s depths and the unique ecosystems that exist in these extreme environments.

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. MHA RECOMMENDS CBI PROBE AGAINST OXFAM INDIA FOR FCRA VIOLATIONS

TAGS: GS-II & III- GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Union Home Ministry recommended an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged violation of FCRA provisions by Oxfam India, one of the largest NGOs working on food, shelter and education of vulnerable groups.

THE EXPLANATION:

• According to Government Officials, that the NGO was registered under the FCRA for undertaking “social” activities and its registration was valid till December 31, 2021.
• The official said that Oxfam continued to transfer foreign funds to various other entities even after the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020, which prohibits such transfers, came into force. “The amendment came in force on September 29, 2020. The Oxfam India transferred funds to other NGOs, violating provisions of the FCRA”.
• The recommendation for a CBI investigation comes after Income Tax authorities on September 7, 2022 searched the offices of Oxfam India and Centre for Policy Research (CPR), one of the leading public policy think tanks.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act:

• It is an act of Parliament enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010. It was to regulate foreign donations and to ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
• Coverage: It is applicable to all associations, groups, and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
• Registration: It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA. The registration is initially valid for five years. Further, it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.
• Registered NGOs can receive foreign contributions for five purposes — social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural. There are 22,591 FCRA registered NGOs.

Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Rules 2020:

• New rules require any organization that wants to register itself under the FCRA to have existed for at least three years. Further, it should have spent a minimum of Rs. 15 lakh on its core activities during the last three financial years for the benefit of society.
• Office bearers of the NGOs seeking registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act must submit a specific commitment letter from the donor. It should indicate the amount of foreign contribution and the purpose for which it is proposed to be given.
• Any NGO or person making an application for obtaining prior permission to receive foreign funds shall have an FCRA Account.

2. CENTRE NOTIFIES CHANGES TO IT RULES, 2021

TAGS: GS-II-GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT:The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) notified amendments to the contentious IT rules, 2021 inserting a clause that will need intermediaries — social media companies such as Twitter and Facebook — to ensure users do not post content about the Union government that has been “fact checked” by an approved body.

THE EXPLANATION:

• While the Government said the measure on fact-checking was meant to combat misinformation, experts raised concerns about the government assuming a role in doing this. Recently, the Supreme Court, as it struck down a ban on a media channel, said restrictions to free speech cannot be applied to criticism of government policy. “Criticism of governmental policy can by no stretch of imagination be brought within the fold of any of the grounds stipulated in Article 19(2)”.
• Section 79 of the IT Act gives social media companies legal immunity from liability of what their users post as long as they carry out the necessary due diligence outlined by the government.
• In an earlier version, the rules put the onus on intermediaries to ensure users do not “host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share any information” that “is identified as fake or false by the fact check unit at the Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or other agency authorised by the central government.”
• The latest version does not mention the PIB fact-check unit. “There is a possibility that the organisation will be the Press Information Bureau fact-check unit, so that it is notified under the government’s rules so that they can use the power of the IT rules”.
• PIB on several occasions has sought to rebut media reporting with its fact-check. When the first version of the rules were released, experts said it fell afoul of Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which deals with reasonable restrictions on free speech.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

3. SEA LAMPREY: A GREAT LAKES INVADER

TAGS:GS-III- ENVIRONMENT-SPECIES IN NEWS- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a parasitic Sea Lamprey, believed to have gone extinct, spotted on Netherlands beach, which is infamous for sucking and consuming the blood of its prey.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The sea lamprey—an ancient Atlantic fish that wreaked havoc on the Great Lakes—may be America’s first destructive invasive species.
• They are unique from many other fish species in that they do not have jaws or other bony structures. Instead, they possess a cartilaginous skeleton and a large oral disk filled with sharp, horn-shaped teeth that surround a toothed tongue.
• They have remained largely unchanged for more than 340 million years, since the Paleozoic Era, and survived through at least four major extinction events, as noted by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in 2021.
• Sea lampreys have had an enormous, negative impact on the Great Lakes fishery, inflicting considerable damage.

• Before the sea lamprey invasion, Canada and the United States harvested about 15 million pounds of lake trout in the upper Great Lakes each year. By the late 1940s, sea lamprey populations had exploded.
• During the time of highest sea lamprey abundance, up to 85% of fish that were not killed by sea lampreys were marked with sea lamprey attack wounds.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.

4. CHONDROSTEREUM PURPUREUM

AGS:GS-III- ENVIRONMENT-SPECIES IN NEWS- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: A recent case report published in Medical Mycology Case Reports revealed that a man in Kolkata, was infected with Chondrostereum purpureum, a plant fungus. This discovery has raised concerns about the potential risks of fungal infections in humans, especially in the context of global warming.

THE EXPLANATION:

The Case of Chondrostereum Purpureum Infection in a Man

• The infected man exhibited symptoms such as hoarse voice, cough, fatigue, and difficulties swallowing. These symptoms were caused by the fungus invading the man’s larynx, which made it difficult for him to speak and swallow.
• The doctors who treated the patient noted that this was a rare case and that there are only a few fungal species that cause infections in humans.

Chondrostereum Purpureum and Silver Leaf Disease in Plants

• Chondrostereum purpureum is a fungus that causes silver leaf disease in plants, especially in species of rose families. The fungus enters the plant through a wound and then colonizes the xylem tissue, leading to leaf discoloration and leaf death.
• The silver leaf disease can be detrimental to the growth and health of plants, and can also cause economic losses for farmers.

The Vulnerability of Humans to Fungal Infections

• Human beings having compromised immune system are most susceptible to fungal infection. Fungal infections can also occur in healthy individuals, but they are generally less severe.
• The recent case of Chondrostereum purpureum infection in a man highlights the potential risks of fungal infections in humans, especially in the context of rising atmospheric temperature.

Global Warming and Fungal Infections

• Global warming is expected to increase the prevalence of fungal diseases in humans. Most fungi thrive in a temperature range of 12°C to 30°C, and rising temperatures can change the distribution of heat-tolerant and susceptible species by favouring those that are more thermotolerant.
• This narrowing of the thermal difference between the human body and its surroundings increases the chance of the prevalence of fungal diseases.

MISCELLANEOUS

5. WORLD HEALTH DAY 2023

TAGS: MISCELLANEOUS- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: World Health Day is celebrated on the 7th of April every year to raise awareness about global health and work towards improving it. It is an opportunity to focus on a specific health issue that affects people worldwide.

THE EXPLANATION:

• This year, 7 April marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of WHO. In 1948, countries of the world came together to establish the United Nations specialized agency to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.

World Health Day 2023: Theme of the day

• The World Health Organisation also shared some ideas to mark this day. WHO said that people around the world could organize a World Health Day event for their communities.
• “Work with health champions and influencers to mobilize your community to demand your right to access quality health service without falling into financial hardship”.
• Collaborating with artists, musicians, influencers, social workers, celebrities and other influencing personalities around the world to spread the message behind “Health For All” was also an idea given by WHO to mark the day.
• Schools, colleges and other educational institutions can also organise activities to educate students about healthy practices that can be followed on a daily basis.

[WpProQuiz 458]

[WpProQuiz 457]

1. Investing right READ MORE
2. Four most important existential questions READ MORE

1. The takeaways from the UN World Water Conference READ MORE
2. How the Arctic has wielded influence on India’s monsoon for at least 1,000 years READ MORE
3. Deadly for oceans but perhaps vital for climate action: Why deep sea mining divides opinion READ MORE

1. Imagining a New Ethic of Sociality: The Non-Brahmin Educated Woman in 19th-Century Western India READ MORE
2. The dream of universal health care can be realized READ MORE

1. Open justice: On the Supreme Court verdict in the Media One case READ MORE
2. Why we need uniformity in court judgments on free speech READ MORE
3. State’s overreach: SC makes welcome intervention to quash telecast ban READ MORE
4. A case for India decriminalising defamation READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. IMF’s Georgieva sees global growth below 3% in 2023, robust recovery ‘elusive’ READ MORE  
2. ‘Natural Justice’ and ‘Proportionality’: Why Supreme Court ruled in Media One’s favour READ MORE
3. Pakistan responds to India’s notice on Indus Waters Treaty review READ MORE
4. Mining of Rare Earth Elements READ MORE
5. Two ways to read RBI’s latest monetary policy: protects growth or surrenders to inflation? READ MORE
6. Pause, not pivot, says RBI governor as repo rate stays unchanged at 6.5% READ MORE
7. FTP opens doors for some second hand goods imports READ MORE
8. Distribution of fortified rice through PDS on track: Centre READ MORE
9. tweaks gas pricing norms; CNG, PNG prices to come down READ MORE
10. Behind RBI’s repo rate pause: Slump in consumption, tepid private investment READ MORE
11. Our target for retail inflation is 4%, we will work towards it: RBI Governor READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Imagining a New Ethic of Sociality: The Non-Brahmin Educated Woman in 19th-Century Western India READ MORE
2. The takeaways from the UN World Water Conference READ MORE
3. How the Arctic has wielded influence on India’s monsoon for at least 1,000 years READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Open justice: On the Supreme Court verdict in the Media One case READ MORE
2. Why we need uniformity in court judgments on free speech READ MORE
3. State’s overreach: SC makes welcome intervention to quash telecast ban READ MORE
4. A case for India decriminalising defamation READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. The dream of universal health care can be realized READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Substance and subtext: On India-Bhutan ties READ MORE
2. Is the India-Bhutan relationship intact? READ MORE
3. In Middle East, how once improbable ties are setting a new tone READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Decoding RBI’s pause on repo rate hike READ MORE
2. A pragmatic move by RBI READ MORE
3. The poor are paying for inflation targeting READ MORE
4. Development must be made people-friendly READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Promise & politics of 6G: It is a fact that 35,000 Indian villages do not even have 2G network READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Deadly for oceans but perhaps vital for climate action: Why deep sea mining divides opinion READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Should India make tactical nukes to counter China? Delhi’s no-first-use rule has no room for it READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Investing right READ MORE
2. Four most important existential questions READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The current overemphasis on acquiring skills at the cost of compromising life fundamentals would be counterproductive in the long run and needs a relook. Discuss how work-life balance can be maintained?
2. To achieve its long-term goal of stable inflation and growth, RBI needs to look at different instruments to reduce the impact of supply shock-induced inflation volatility. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Consciousness is only possible through change; change is only possible through movement.
• As with the shrinkage of Russian space globally, the country that benefits most from this outcome is China, which is able to successfully portray itself as “the leader speaking on behalf of the Global South”.
• India may be face-to-face with China over its Himalayan borders, and it may even be a part of the Quad, a visibly anti-China alliance, but these only matter if the conflict comes to a head.
• Against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, China is playing its cards tactically to expand its own influence at the expense of Russia, its ‘closest ally’.
• Developed, rather than emerging markets, have been the source of financial and economic instability since the 2008 global financial crisis.
• The future of employment might lie, counter-intuitively, in agriculture if India can adopt higher-value, employment-intensive farming practices that will increase productivity, jobs, and wages.
• For success in world-beating manufacturing, India has to invest in firm-level R&D and innovation.
• Integration into joint formation structures is a very important issue professionally impacting the functioning of the armed forces to best meet national security challenges.
• In such a complex scenario, where geoeconomics and geopolitics intersect, Chekunkov’s visit signifies Kremlin’s prioritisation of India as a key partner for the development of Russian Far East, although China is manifestly keen to connect the Arctic to its Belt and Road Initiative.
• The current overemphasis on acquiring skills at the cost of compromising life fundamentals would be counterproductive in the long run and needs a relook.
• In the recent times, there have been many challenges in managing the wildlife. A fresh innovative approach is required to manage the life on the planet.
• The first principle of democracy is to have deference for the views and feelings of others. Without this, democracy cannot endure.
• To achieve its long-term goal of stable inflation and growth, RBI needs to look at different instruments to reduce the impact of supply shock-induced inflation volatility.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Consciousness is only possible through change; change is only possible through movement.

50-WORD TALK

• Former US President Donald Trump’s claims that America is “going to hell” has charged up his base—but his demagoguery is deeply dangerous. Even if the hush-money case against Trump is fake, the place to win the argument is a courtroom. Elected politicians must respect the institutions on which democracies rest.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. Safeguarding media freedom READ MORE
2. Partisanship kills institutions: Once partisanship seeps into a system, it starts eating an institution from within; capitulation is rapid and guaranteed READ MORE
3. India’s police and judiciary lack caste and gender diversity READ MORE
4. Federal Propriety Demands the Union Home Minister Engage with State Chief Ministers READ MORE
5. Depoliticisation, Informality Key Reasons for Urban Voter Apathy READ MORE
6. Qualifications of Opposition Unity READ MORE

1. Sacred old heritage READ MORE
2. Environmental Ethics and Climate Change Denialism in Neo-liberal Times READ MORE

1. The takeaways from the UN World Water Conference READ MORE
2. How the Arctic has wielded influence on India’s monsoon for at least 1,000 years READ MORE
3. Deadly for oceans but perhaps vital for climate action: Why deep sea mining divides opinion READ MORE

1. Imagining a New Ethic of Sociality: The Non-Brahmin Educated Woman in 19th-Century Western India READ MORE
2. Equality and justice, for and beyond queer and trans community READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. IFC to stop funding new coal-powered electricity projects READ MORE  
2. Lumpy Skin Disease, increase in fodder cost: Centre foresees ‘stagnation’ in milk production READ MORE
3. Explained | What is the open-source seeds movement? READ MORE
4. Bank credit grows by 15% in FY23 as economic activity picks up READ MORE
5. How the forest conservation bill in Lok Sabha trades forests for trees READ MORE
6. MediaOne: What Supreme Court said on freedom, national security READ MORE
7. India elected to UN stats panel for 4-year term READ MORE
8. Researchers find three new species of bush cricket — two in Haryana, one in Meghalaya READ MORE
9. As Glaciers Retreat, New Streams for Salmon READ MORE
10. Kerala High Court orders translocation of Arikompan to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve READ MORE
11. What is behind the RBI’s unexpected repo rate pause? READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Imagining a New Ethic of Sociality: The Non-Brahmin Educated Woman in 19th-Century Western India READ MORE
2. The takeaways from the UN World Water Conference READ MORE
3. How the Arctic has wielded influence on India’s monsoon for at least 1,000 years READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Safeguarding media freedom READ MORE
2. Partisanship kills institutions: Once partisanship seeps into a system, it starts eating an institution from within; capitulation is rapid and guaranteed READ MORE
3. India’s police and judiciary lack caste and gender diversity READ MORE
4. Federal Propriety Demands the Union Home Minister Engage with State Chief Ministers READ MORE
5. Depoliticisation, Informality Key Reasons for Urban Voter Apathy READ MORE
6. Qualifications of Opposition Unity READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Equality and justice, for and beyond queer and trans community READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A long view of the South Asian drama READ MORE
2. Former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran writes: China is firmly in Russia’s corner — India needs to take note READ MORE
3. NATO expansion will end up shaping India’s policy READ MORE
4. India gaining ground as ASEAN partner READ MORE
5. The Dangers of India Succumbing to US Pressure for Joint Combat With Quad Nations READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The growth math: On India’s growth prospects: esurging oil prices, tight money may dent consumption, investment hopes READ MORE
2. Highway of growth: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway to boost growth, real estate in Delhi-NCR READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Promise & politics of 6G: It is a fact that 35,000 Indian villages do not even have 2G network READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Deadly for oceans but perhaps vital for climate action: Why deep sea mining divides opinion READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Should India make tactical nukes to counter China? Delhi’s no-first-use rule has no room for it READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Sacred old heritage READ MORE
2. Environmental Ethics and Climate Change Denialism in Neo-liberal Times READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The current overemphasis on acquiring skills at the cost of compromising life fundamentals would be counterproductive in the long run and needs a relook. Discuss how work-life balance can be maintained?
2. To achieve its long-term goal of stable inflation and growth, RBI needs to look at different instruments to reduce the impact of supply shock-induced inflation volatility. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
• As with the shrinkage of Russian space globally, the country that benefits most from this outcome is China, which is able to successfully portray itself as “the leader speaking on behalf of the Global South”.
• India may be face-to-face with China over its Himalayan borders, and it may even be a part of the Quad, a visibly anti-China alliance, but these only matter if the conflict comes to a head.
• Against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, China is playing its cards tactically to expand its own influence at the expense of Russia, its ‘closest ally’.
• Developed, rather than emerging markets, have been the source of financial and economic instability since the 2008 global financial crisis.
• The future of employment might lie, counter-intuitively, in agriculture if India can adopt higher-value, employment-intensive farming practices that will increase productivity, jobs, and wages.
• For success in world-beating manufacturing, India has to invest in firm-level R&D and innovation.
• Integration into joint formation structures is a very important issue professionally impacting the functioning of the armed forces to best meet national security challenges.
• In such a complex scenario, where geoeconomics and geopolitics intersect, Chekunkov’s visit signifies Kremlin’s prioritisation of India as a key partner for the development of Russian Far East, although China is manifestly keen to connect the Arctic to its Belt and Road Initiative.
• The current overemphasis on acquiring skills at the cost of compromising life fundamentals would be counterproductive in the long run and needs a relook.
• In the recent times, there have been many challenges in managing the wildlife. A fresh innovative approach is required to manage the life on the planet.
• The first principle of democracy is to have deference for the views and feelings of others. Without this, democracy cannot endure.
• To achieve its long-term goal of stable inflation and growth, RBI needs to look at different instruments to reduce the impact of supply shock-induced inflation volatility.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.

50-WORD TALK

• Former US President Donald Trump’s claims that America is “going to hell” has charged up his base—but his demagoguery is deeply dangerous. Even if the hush-money case against Trump is fake, the place to win the argument is a courtroom. Elected politicians must respect the institutions on which democracies rest.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. INDIA –SRILANKA ANNUAL BILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE (SLINEX-23)

TAGS: GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS-PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The 10th edition of IN-SLN bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-23 is scheduled at Colombo from 03 – 08 April 2023. The exercise is being conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase from 03-05 April 2023, followed by a Sea Phase from 06-08 April 2023. Indian Navy is being represented by INS Kiltan, an indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette and INS Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel.

THE EXPLANATION:

• AIM: SLINEX aims at enhancing interoperability, improving mutual understanding and exchanging best practices while jointly undertaking multi-faceted maritime operations. Professional, cultural and sporting events, as also social exchanges are planned during the harbour phase to further bolster the bonds of friendship and camaraderie between both the navies.
• The Indian Navy has already held multiple bilateral and multilateral exercises with foreign navies this month. In March, Konkan 2023—the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy—was held off the Konkan coast in the Arabian Sea. The Navy also participated in the third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse last month in the Indian Ocean Region.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

2. WHAT IS PURCHASING MANAGERS’ INDEX (PMI)?

TAGS:GS-III-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

THE CONTEXT: India’s manufacturing sector activity continued to expand in March 2023, with the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) coming in at 56.4, up from February’s 55.3, according to data released.

About Purchasing Managers’ Index:

• The PMI or a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an indicator of business activity — both in the manufacturing and services sectors.
• It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the month before. And these surveys are conducted on a monthly basis.
• It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors, and then a composite index is constructed.
• The survey is compiled by IHS Markit for more than 40 economies worldwide.

• IHS Markit is a global leader in information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide.
• IHS Markit is part of S&P Global.

How is the PMI derived?

• The PMI is derived from a series of qualitative questions to a large number of companies in the concerned sector. For manufacturing PMI, the questionnaire is sent to manufacturing companies. The questions are factual in nature, and the survey is not meant for opinions, intentions, or expectations.
• The questions are related to 5 key variables. The variables with their weights in the index are — new orders (30%), output (25%), employment (20%), suppliers’ delivery times (15%) and stock of items purchased (10%).
• It is calculated as:

PMI = (P1 * 1) + (P2 * 0.5) + (P3 * 0)

Where:

• P1 = percentage of answers reporting an improvement
• P2 = percentage of answers reporting no change
• P3 = percentage of answers reporting a deterioration

• A PMI number greater than 50 indicates expansion in business activity. A number less than 50 shows a contraction. The rate of expansion is also judged by the difference from the mid-point (50) and also by the previous month’s data.

What are its implications for the economy?

• The PMI is usually released at the start of the month, much before most of the official data on industrial output, manufacturing, and GDP growth becomes available.
• Economists consider the manufacturing growth measured by the PMI as a good indicator of industrial output.
• The index also helps investors who are looking to invest in the stock markets as it helps in determining the economic health of the country. Central banks of many countries also use the index to make decisions on interest rates.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES IN NEWS

3. REVISION SERIES: PM-DEVINE

TAGS:GS-III- GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

THE CONTEXT: Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), was announced as a new Central Sector Scheme with an initial allocation of Rs 1500 crore in the Union Budget 2022-23.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The approval of the Cabinet was accorded for the PM-DevINE Scheme on 12 October, 2022. The scheme will have 100% Central funding, and has an outlay of Rs. 6,600 crore for the 4 year period from 2022-23 to 2025-26 (remaining years of the 15th Finance Commission period).
• The objectives of PM-DevINE are to: (i) Fund infrastructure convergently, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti; (ii) Support social development projects based on felt needs of the NER; (iii) Enable livelihood activities for youth and women; and (iv) Fill the development gaps in various sectors.
• PM-DevINE Scheme projects will lead to creation of infrastructure, social development projects, support industries and create livelihood activities for youth and women, thus leading to income and employment generation.

Significance of PM-DevINE Scheme to North Eastern Region:

• The PM-DevINE scheme is considered a boon for North East India. Mr. HimantaBiswaSarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, rightly stated that the PM-DevINE scheme is the first of its kind and that the government’s commitment towards the north-eastern states is being reflected in deeds and not simply in words. The scheme would provide the following benefits:
• Investments: The scheme includes funding for projects in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and livelihood. This would help improve the standard of living of people in the region.
• State-specific projects: Mizoram-based projects such as Aizawl bypass and bamboo link roads suggest that Mizoram would be the biggest beneficiary of this initiative, followed by Sikkim. The Aizawl bypass is expected to reduce traffic and congestion. Also, the construction of bamboo link roads for the transport of bamboo from forests would help bamboo growers in remote and inaccessible areas connect better with the outside world, and promote local and regional development.
• Healthcare: Under the scheme, services for the management of paediatric and adult haemotolymphoid cancers would be established. This would help improve cancer care in the region.
• Co-existence with other schemes: The scheme would complement the existing schemes in the region rather than substituting any of them. Thus, the north-eastern states will continue to enjoy the benefits provided by the existing schemes.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

4. GIR CALF AND BREED

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, India’s first cloned desi Gir female calf, Ganga was produced at NDRI.

THE EXPLANATION:

• This breed is otherwise known as Desan, Gujarati, Kathiawari, Sorthi, and Surati.
• It originated in the Gir forests of South Kathiawar in Gujarat.
• It derives its name from the Gir forest, which is the natural habitat of the breed.
• Gir cattle is a dairy cattle breed and is mainly raised for milk production in India.
• Under a project by National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal to work on cloning of indigenous cow breeds such as Gir and Sahiwal, India’s first cloned Gir female calf named ‘Ganga’.

Distribution:-

• The native tract of Gir cattle is the Gir hills and forests of Kathiawar.
• It includes the Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagadh and Rajkot districts of Gujarat.
• The breed is also known as Bhodali, Gujarati, Sorthi, Surti, Kathiawari and Desan.

Export:-

• Gir cattle are also very popular outside India.
• United States, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil have imported this breed.

Process:-

• To clone the Gir, oocytes are isolated from live animals using ultrasound-guided needles, and then, matured for 24 hours under control conditions.
• The somatic cells of elite cows are used as donor genomes, which are fused with OPU-derived enucleated oocytes.
• Following chemical activation and in-vitro culture, the developed blastocysts are transferred into recipient mothers to deliver the Gir calf.

VALUE ADDITION:

About National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI):-

• ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) is located in Karnal, Haryana.
• It is one of the premier Institutes in the dairy sector.
• It has played a crucial role in India’s development in milk production with its continuous research.
• The Institute has the distinction of being a Deemed University for implementing its academic programmes since 1989.
• The Institute provides high-quality education in the field of dairying, which has no parallel in Asia
• The Institute has been ranked first among all Agricultural Universities of India including 4 Deemed Universities consecutively three times in the years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.
• The Institute has also conferred the ‘Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institute award’ in 2014.
• It was awarded Agriculture Leadership Award 2013 for setting up a benchmark in dairy research by contributing to research efforts to augment milk productivity, value addition, quality and safety of milk and economic and marketing aspects related to dairying.
• Prior to this, the Institute also received Education Leadership Award in recognition of the talent and leadership among educational institutes across India.

5. GI TAG FOR LADAKH’S WOOD CARVING AND BASOHLI PAINTINGS FROM KATHUA

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: World famous Basohli Paintings from Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir (UT) and Ladakh Wood Carving of Ladakh (UT) recently received Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Basohli Painting’: the famous Pahari miniature style of painting known for its use of bright and bold colours and bold colours and peculiar facial forms, from Jammu’s Kathua district, has received the geographical indication (GI tag.)
• Ladakh’s Wood Carving: The craft is practiced in the Wanla and Cjoglamasar districts of Leh.Items ranging from folding tables called choktse, wooden pot called fehpur, tea mixing pot  called gurgur, larger tables, cupboards, ritual bowls, cup with lids to printing blocks are produced under thiscraft-form.
• The GI is an authorization given to a product originating from a specific geographic area having unique attributes. It is a form of Intellectual Property (IP) but unlike other Ips such as patents, copyrights, trademarks etc, is not owned by individuals but by community.
• A GI tag product carries the guarantee of authenticity associated with a specific region.  Some of popular GI products in India include Darjeeling tea, Banarasi saree, Kullu shawls, Mysore silk etc.
• There are 432 GIs granted by Government of India so far.

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