ETHICS, PARLIAMENTARY CONDUCT AND THE INDIAN MP

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee has initiated investigation on a Member of Parliament (MPs). It has been alleged that MP had received money for putting questions up in Parliament. The Speaker, in turn, referred the complaint to the Ethics Committee for examination and a report.

LOK SABHA’S ETHICS COMMITTEE

  • The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha is a relatively new committee which was set up in 2000, with a mandate to examine every complaint that related to the unethical conduct of MPs referred to it and to recommend action. It was also tasked with formulating a code of conduct for MPs.
  • However, the committee has not defined the term ‘unethical conduct’ anywhere. It is left entirely to the committee to examine a particular act of conduct and decide whether it is unethical or not.
  • It consists of not more than fifteen members and nominated by the Speaker. They shall hold office for a term not exceeding one year.

Functions

  • To oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the Members
  • To examine the cases referred to it with reference to ethical and other misconduct of the Members
  • Any person or member may make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member to the committee
  • In the case of the Ethics Committee, only an MP can be examined for misconduct

HISTORY OF ETHICS COMMITTEES

  • The idea of ethics panels for the two Houses was first mooted in 1996 by Presiding Officers’ Conference.
  • Then Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman K R Narayanan constituted the Ethics Committee of the Upper House in 1997. It is to oversee the moral and ethical conduct of members and examine cases of misconduct referred to it. The Rules applicable to the Committee of Privileges also apply to the ethics panel.
  • In the case of Lok Sabha, a study group of the House Committee of Privileges, after visiting Australia, the UK, and the US in 1997 to look into practices pertaining to the conduct and ethics of legislators, recommended the constitution of an Ethics Committee, but it could not be taken up by Lok Sabha.
  • The Committee of Privileges finally recommended the constitution of an Ethics Committee during the 13th Lok Sabha.
  • The late Speaker, G M C Balayogi, constituted an ad hoc Ethics Committee in 2000, which became a permanent part of the House only in 2015.

PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS

  • Any person can complain against a Member through another Lok Sabha MP, along with evidence of the alleged misconduct, and an affidavit stating that the complaint is not “false, frivolous, or vexatious”. If the Member himself complains, the affidavit is not needed.
  • The Speaker can refer to the Committee any complaint against an MP. The Committee makes a prima facie inquiry before deciding to examine a complaint. It makes its recommendations after evaluating the complaint.
  • The Committee presents its report to the Speaker, who asks the House if the report should be taken up for consideration. There is also a provision for a half-hour discussion on the report.

PROCESS OF EXPULSION OF MPs

  • If an MP takes money for putting questions up in Parliament, they will be guilty of breach of privilege and contempt of the House. Such complaints are invariably referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigation.
  • This committee, after a proper investigation, submits its findings in a report along with the recommendation for action against the MP in question.
  • If a case involving illegal gratification for conducting parliamentary work is proven, the MP may even be expelled from the House.
  • There have been such instances in the Lok Sabha where MPs were expelled from the House on this ground. For example, in 2005, a sting operation by a private channel showed 10 Members of the Lok Sabha accepting money for putting questions up in Parliament. Then, a special committee was appointed which found them guilty of conduct and recommended their expulsion, which was accepted by the House. All the MPs were expelled.
  • Generally, complaints of MPs accepting money for parliamentary work are referred to the privileges committee or special committees appointed by the House for that purpose.
  • However, the recent case has been referred to the Ethics Committee, although the allegation is about illegal gratification for doing parliamentary work.

OVERLAP WITH PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE:

  • The work of the Ethics Committee and thePrivileges Committee often overlap. An allegation of corruption against an MP can be sent to either body, but usually more serious accusations go to the Privileges Committee.
  • The mandate of the Privileges Committee is to safeguard the “freedom, authority, and dignity of Parliament”.
  • These privileges are enjoyed by individual Members as well as the House as a whole.
  • An MP can be examined forBreach of Privilege; a non-MP too can be accused of breach of privilege for actions that attack the authority and dignity of the House.
  • However, the Ethics Committee can take up only cases of misconduct that involve MPs.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN NEXT?

  • If the recent case came out as illegal gratification, then the case becomes a case of breach of privilege and cannot be dealt with by the ethics committee.
  • Since a public servant accepting a bribe is a criminal offence, it is normally investigated by the criminal investigative agencies of the government.
  • Parliamentary committees do not deal with criminal investigation. They decide on the basis of evidence whether the conduct of the MP is a breach of privilege or contempt of the House and punish them accordingly.

THE WAY FORWARD

  • Proper regulation of the MPs: MPs work and ethics should be properly regulated for efficient functioning of the Parliament. Here, a dedicated units can be set up in the parliament to monitor the observance of the Code of Ethics. The unit should also be empowered to receive public complaints regarding violation of the Code of Conduct.
  • Proper reporting: There is a need for proper reporting of the work of each member of the Parliament. In this case, an annual report with regard to the observance of these Codes should be submitted to the appropriate legislature with specific cases of violations.
  • Increasing the role of ethics committee: There is a need of increasing the role of ethics committee to ensure proper conduct of members of parliament. Also, clarity in defining ‘unethical conduct’ could enhance transparency.

THE CONCLUSION:

Lok Sabha Ethics Committee plays a critical role in upholding the ethical standards of India’s parliamentary members. Members of Parliament must adhere to the ethical code of conduct to ensure transparency and accountability within the Lok Sabha. This will create a responsible parliamentary system, ultimately benefiting the democratic process and the nation as a whole.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (2021)

Q.2 Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (2018)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 How can the ethics committee of the parliament can serve as a guardian of parliamentary ethics, ensuring that members adhere to the highest moral standards while fulfilling their legislative responsibilities? Explain.

Q.2 The Ethics Committee’s work, while often overshadowed by privilege committee, is integral to maintaining the integrity of the Lok Sabha. Comment.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/ethics-parliamentary-conduct-and-the-indian-mp/article67481699.ece



Day-527 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | GEOGRAPHY

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  1. Question 1 of 5
    1. Question
    2 points

    1. Consider the following pairs:
    Rivers – Sea/Ocean they drain into
    1. Amazon – Atlantic Ocean
    2. Nile – Red Sea
    3. Danube – Black Sea
    4. Orange – Indian Ocean
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    Correct

    Answer: B
    Explanation:
    Pair 1 is matched correctly: Amazon River falls into the Atlantic Ocean.
    Amazon River: It is the biggest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms of the volume of its flow and the area of its basin.
    The total length of the river is at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km), which makes it slightly shorter than the Nile River.

    Pair 2 is matched incorrectly: Nile River falls into Mediterranean Sea.
    Nile River
    ● Nile River is the longest river in the world, called the father of African rivers.
    ● It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.
    ● It has a length of about 4,132 miles (6,650 kilometres) and drains an area estimated at 1,293,000 square miles (3,349,000 square kilometres).
    ● Its basin includes parts of Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and the cultivated part of Egypt.
    ● Its most distant source is the Kagera River in Burundi.

    Pair 3 is matched correctly: Danube River falls into Black Sea.
    Danube River:
    ● It is the second longest in Europe after the Volga.
    ● It rises in the Black Forest mountains of western Germany and flows for some 1,770 miles (2,850 km) to its mouth on the Black Sea.
    ● Along its course it passes through 10 countries:
    ● Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine.

    Pair 4 is matched incorrectly: Orange River falls into the Atlantic Ocean.
    Orange River:
    ● Orange River, river in southern Africa, one of the longest rivers on the continent and one of the longest south of the Tropic of Capricorn.
    ● After rising in the Lesotho Highlands, less than 125 miles (200 kilometres) from the Indian Ocean, the river flows to the Atlantic Ocean in a generally westerly direction for some 1,300 miles.
    ● The Orange traverses the veld region of South Africa, after which it defines the southern limit of the Kalahari and bisects the southern Namib before draining into the Atlantic at Alexander Bay.
    ● Along its course the river forms the eastern boundary of the South African province of Free State, as well as the boundary between Namibia and South Africa.

    Incorrect

    Answer: B
    Explanation:
    Pair 1 is matched correctly: Amazon River falls into the Atlantic Ocean.
    Amazon River: It is the biggest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms of the volume of its flow and the area of its basin.
    The total length of the river is at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km), which makes it slightly shorter than the Nile River.

    Pair 2 is matched incorrectly: Nile River falls into Mediterranean Sea.
    Nile River
    ● Nile River is the longest river in the world, called the father of African rivers.
    ● It rises south of the Equator and flows northward through northeastern Africa to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.
    ● It has a length of about 4,132 miles (6,650 kilometres) and drains an area estimated at 1,293,000 square miles (3,349,000 square kilometres).
    ● Its basin includes parts of Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and the cultivated part of Egypt.
    ● Its most distant source is the Kagera River in Burundi.

    Pair 3 is matched correctly: Danube River falls into Black Sea.
    Danube River:
    ● It is the second longest in Europe after the Volga.
    ● It rises in the Black Forest mountains of western Germany and flows for some 1,770 miles (2,850 km) to its mouth on the Black Sea.
    ● Along its course it passes through 10 countries:
    ● Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine.

    Pair 4 is matched incorrectly: Orange River falls into the Atlantic Ocean.
    Orange River:
    ● Orange River, river in southern Africa, one of the longest rivers on the continent and one of the longest south of the Tropic of Capricorn.
    ● After rising in the Lesotho Highlands, less than 125 miles (200 kilometres) from the Indian Ocean, the river flows to the Atlantic Ocean in a generally westerly direction for some 1,300 miles.
    ● The Orange traverses the veld region of South Africa, after which it defines the southern limit of the Kalahari and bisects the southern Namib before draining into the Atlantic at Alexander Bay.
    ● Along its course the river forms the eastern boundary of the South African province of Free State, as well as the boundary between Namibia and South Africa.

  2. Question 2 of 5
    2. Question
    2 points

    2. Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Generally, tropical cyclones are not observed in the South Atlantic Ocean.
    Statement-II: Sea surface water temperatures in the tropical southern Atlantic Ocean are cooler than those in the tropical north Atlantic Ocean.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    Correct

    Answer: A
    Explanation:
    Tropical cyclones are violent storms that originate over oceans in tropical areas and move over to the coastal areas bringing about large scale destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall and storm surges.
    The conditions favourable for the formation and intensification of tropical storms are: (i) Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C; (ii) Presence of the Coriolis force; (iii) Small variations in the vertical wind speed; (iv) A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation; (v) Upper divergence above the sea level system.
    Tropical cyclones are unusual in South Atlantic Ocean because:
    ● Strong wind shear in the Troposphere, which disrupts the formation of these cyclones, as well as a lack of weather disturbances favourable for development in the South Atlantic Ocean (such as the tropical waves common in the southern North Atlantic) make any strong tropical system extremely rare.
    ● The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), another potential breeding ground, drops one to two degrees south of the equator, not far enough from the equator for the spin of the Coriolis force to aid development.
    ● Water temperatures in the tropics of the southern Atlantic are cooler than those in the tropical north Atlantic.

    Incorrect

    Answer: A
    Explanation:
    Tropical cyclones are violent storms that originate over oceans in tropical areas and move over to the coastal areas bringing about large scale destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall and storm surges.
    The conditions favourable for the formation and intensification of tropical storms are: (i) Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C; (ii) Presence of the Coriolis force; (iii) Small variations in the vertical wind speed; (iv) A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation; (v) Upper divergence above the sea level system.
    Tropical cyclones are unusual in South Atlantic Ocean because:
    ● Strong wind shear in the Troposphere, which disrupts the formation of these cyclones, as well as a lack of weather disturbances favourable for development in the South Atlantic Ocean (such as the tropical waves common in the southern North Atlantic) make any strong tropical system extremely rare.
    ● The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), another potential breeding ground, drops one to two degrees south of the equator, not far enough from the equator for the spin of the Coriolis force to aid development.
    ● Water temperatures in the tropics of the southern Atlantic are cooler than those in the tropical north Atlantic.

  3. Question 3 of 5
    3. Question
    2 points

    3. With respect to the “Chenab” river, consider the following statements:
    1. It originates near the Bara Lacha Pass in the Zaskar Range.
    2. It is the second largest tributary of the Indus river.
    3. The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Chandra and the Bhaga.
    How many of the above statements are incorrect?

    Correct

    Answer: A
    Explanation:
    Statement 1 is correct: Chenab is a major river that flows in India and Pakistan, and is one of the 5 major rivers of the Punjab region.
    It originates from near the Bara Lacha Pass in the Lahul-Spiti part of the Zaskar Range.
    Statement 2 is incorrect: It is the largest tributary of river Indus.
    Statement 3 is correct:
    The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Chandra and the Bhaga, at Tandi, 8 km southwest of Keylong, in the Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

    Incorrect

    Answer: A
    Explanation:
    Statement 1 is correct: Chenab is a major river that flows in India and Pakistan, and is one of the 5 major rivers of the Punjab region.
    It originates from near the Bara Lacha Pass in the Lahul-Spiti part of the Zaskar Range.
    Statement 2 is incorrect: It is the largest tributary of river Indus.
    Statement 3 is correct:
    The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Chandra and the Bhaga, at Tandi, 8 km southwest of Keylong, in the Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

  4. Question 4 of 5
    4. Question
    2 points

    4. Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Shallow focus earthquakes are observed along the Circum-Pacific zone.
    Statement-II: Pacific plate being the heavier plate subducts under surrounding continental plates.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    Correct

    Answer: D
    Explanation:
    ● Statement I is incorrect: Deep focus earthquakes are observed along the Circum-Pacific zone as there are converging plate movements/boundaries.
    ● Statement II is correct: Pacific plate being the heavier plate (as it is oceanic plate) subducts under surrounding continental plates such as North American plate, South American plate and Eurasian plate.
    Note: Shallow focus earthquakes are observed along divergent plate boundaries. E.g. Mid-oceanic regions.

    Incorrect

    Answer: D
    Explanation:
    ● Statement I is incorrect: Deep focus earthquakes are observed along the Circum-Pacific zone as there are converging plate movements/boundaries.
    ● Statement II is correct: Pacific plate being the heavier plate (as it is oceanic plate) subducts under surrounding continental plates such as North American plate, South American plate and Eurasian plate.
    Note: Shallow focus earthquakes are observed along divergent plate boundaries. E.g. Mid-oceanic regions.

  5. Question 5 of 5
    5. Question
    2 points

    5. Consider the following statements:
    1. The Bass Strait connects the Caribbean Sea with the Gulf of Mexico.
    2. The Yucatan Channel separates the island state of Tasmania from the Australian mainland.
    3. The Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    Correct

    Answer: A
    Explanation:
    Statement 1 is incorrect:
    The Bass Strait is a strait separating the island state of Tasmania from the Australian mainland. The strait provides the most direct waterway between the Great Australian Bight and the Tasman Sea and is also the only maritime route into the economically prominent Port Phillip Bay.

    Statement 2 is incorrect:
    The Yucatán Channel separates Cuba from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and links the Caribbean Sea with the Gulf of Mexico.

    Statement 3 is correct:
    ● The Bab-el-Mandeb also known as the Gate of Grief is a strait between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula, Djibouti, and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa.
    ● It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

    Incorrect

    Answer: A
    Explanation:
    Statement 1 is incorrect:
    The Bass Strait is a strait separating the island state of Tasmania from the Australian mainland. The strait provides the most direct waterway between the Great Australian Bight and the Tasman Sea and is also the only maritime route into the economically prominent Port Phillip Bay.

    Statement 2 is incorrect:
    The Yucatán Channel separates Cuba from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and links the Caribbean Sea with the Gulf of Mexico.

    Statement 3 is correct:
    ● The Bab-el-Mandeb also known as the Gate of Grief is a strait between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula, Djibouti, and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa.
    ● It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

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Ethics Through Current Development (01-11-2023)

  1. Elevate life, not just your lifestyle READ MORE
  2. Myths are metaphors READ MORE
  3. Work-Life Balance: Happiness will be a casualty of 70-hour work week READ MORE


Today’s Important Articles for Geography (01-11-2023)

  1. What a ‘normal’ monsoon hides READ MORE
  2. Monsoon and Climate Change Threat in the Indian Ocean Region READ MORE


Today’s Important Articles for Sociology (01-11-2023)

  1. Parenthood and surrogacy: Ethical and societal issues READ MORE
  2. How credible is the Global Hunger Report? READ MORE  


Today’s Important Articles for Pub Ad (01-11-2023)

  1. Staff shortage, financial dependency plague local governance READ MORE
  2. Ethics, parliamentary conduct and the Indian MP READ MORE
  3. On the defection issue and the Supreme Court’s deadline for the Maharashtra Speaker READ MORE
  4. India can take the lead in advancing global AI governance READ MORE
  5. Rescue RTI READ MORE
  6. The A-G’s contention that poll bonds are not for public purview is anathema to democracy READ MORE
  7. The Three Criminal Law Bills: Using Criminal Law to Establish Permanent Extra-Constitutional Emergency Powers READ MORE


WSDP Bulletin (01-11-2023)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

  1. Combined Index of Eight Core Industries increases by 8.1% (provisional) in September 2023 over September 2022 READ MORE
  2. Tamil Nadu government moves Supreme Court against Governor over delay in clearing bills READ MORE
  3. Modi, Hasina to jointly inaugurate Akhaura-Agartala rail link on November 1  READ MORE
  4. A Gaganyaan for the seas: inside India’s ‘Deep Ocean Mission’ READ MORE
  5. Govt’s fiscal deficit rises to 39.3% of annual target in first half of FY24 READ MORE
  6. India to choose between Bangladesh and Nepal candidates for WHO regional chief READ MORE
  7. Recalling Pegasus, the last time phones of Oppn leaders were allegedly targeted by spyware READ MORE
  8. Wildlife trafficking, organised crime linked: Nonprofit’s report sheds new light READ MORE
  9. Brazzaville Summit of the Three Basins ends with a declaration READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

  1. Parenthood and surrogacy: Ethical and societal issues READ MORE
  2. What a ‘normal’ monsoon hides READ MORE
  3. Monsoon and Climate Change Threat in the Indian Ocean Region READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

  1. Staff shortage, financial dependency plague local governance READ MORE
  2. Ethics, parliamentary conduct and the Indian MP READ MORE
  3. On the defection issue and the Supreme Court’s deadline for the Maharashtra Speaker READ MORE
  4. India can take the lead in advancing global AI governance READ MORE
  5. Rescue RTI READ MORE
  6. The A-G’s contention that poll bonds are not for public purview is anathema to democracy READ MORE
  7. The Three Criminal Law Bills: Using Criminal Law to Establish Permanent Extra-Constitutional Emergency Powers READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

  1. How credible is the Global Hunger Report? READ MORE  

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

  1. The stance of the Maldives President-elect on India READ MORE
  2. London Summit and how to make AI responsible READ MORE
  3. India to France: Solar solutions for the planet READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  1. Prioritise job creation READ MORE
  2. Behind the global economic uncertainty READ MORE
  3. For India’s low female labour force rate, what lessons does Claudia Goldin’s work hold? READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

  1. Stocktaking climate finance — a case of circles in red ink READ MORE
  2. Who Is Accountable for the Disease and Death India’s Deadly Air Pollution Triggers? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  1. US steps up to rein in Big Tech READ MORE
  2. New research has clues about why Covid vaccine led to blood clots in some people READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

  1. Massive ‘data breach’: India needs to step up security measures READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

  1. Railways must upgrade its signalling and telecommunications network READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

  1. Elevate life, not just your lifestyle READ MORE
  2. Myths are metaphors READ MORE
  3. Work-Life Balance: Happiness will be a casualty of 70-hour work week READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

  1. Surrogacy encompasses a wide range of perspectives, including ethical, legal, emotional, and cultural considerations. Discuss.
  2. An increase in the country’s wealth will not improve the number of working women, but more paid work opportunities will. Comment on the statement in light of India’s low female labour force rate.
  3. Transparency is a must for the survival of democracy, and practice like non-disclosing source of electoral bond funding is anathema to democracy. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.
  • The politicisation of armed forces would erode its core competence of being a professional defence force and reduce it to a crass unit obeying political masters.
  • The societal impact of surrogacy is very complex and needs to be addressed seriously. It encompasses a wide range of perspectives, including ethical, legal, emotional, and cultural considerations.
  • While there are arguments in favour of privacy in certain contexts, political funding is not one of them. The argument often made in favour of non-disclosure is the protection of free speech and preventing donor harassment.
  • Developed and developing economies are facing a shortage of quality workers in a variety of sectors including nursing, electrical, plumbing and agriculture and India is an engine for global economic growth through manpower exports.
  • Keeping the inflation rate low and stable is the job of the RBI. But the RBI is overwhelmed by the fiscal overhang caused by the spendthrift tendency of government.
  • India must build a safety net that not only supports those in need but also strengthens economic resilience. This is particularly critical at a time when the world is reeling in uncertainty, and India’s insulation from global trends is gradually wearing thin.
  • An increase in the country’s wealth will not improve the number of working women but more paid work opportunities will.
  • The Indian Ocean, the world’s third largest, is warming at a faster rate than the other oceans, due to increased anthropogenic activities.
  • While law and the courts cannot change society by themselves, congruent judgments can at least provide a scaffolding for the thinking to begin.
  • The developed world needs to mirror the moves seen in 2009-10 to save the global financial system — by displaying strong political will and urgency, once again, to safeguard the atmosphere.
  • On solar energy just like on other global issues, the focus of the Indo-French strategic partnership is on scaling up solutions.

50-WORD TALK

  • The fresh allegations of snooping on Opposition leaders after Apple’s “state-sponsored” notifications raise another stink. Such incidents hurt the health of a democracy and the government has done the right thing by quickly promising a detailed probe. It is now important to answer all questions, however uncomfortable they may be.
  • Modi government has done a 180-degree turn on the contentious 360-degree appraisal system for civil servants due for empanelment. DoPT has informed CAT’s Nainital Bench that it isn’t operational anymore. Going back and forth on institutionalised mechanisms is disruptive, arbitrary. These evaluation processes need to be less opaque and unpredictable.
  • The arbitration award of Rs 766 cr for Tata for being driven out of Singur is a lesson on the price of populism. It was a prestigious job-generating project for Bengal and an opportunity for Indian Communists to reinvent themselves. It was history-in-the-making—stopped in its tracks by myopic intellectual Left.

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.


LOST VOICE: ON INDIA’S ABSTENTION ON THE GAZA VOTE AT THE UN

THE CONTEXT:  India has explained its decision to abstain at last week’s vote at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict as its way of protesting the omission of any “explicit condemnation” of the heinous October 7 terror attack by Hamas militants on Israel.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

  • India abstained on a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly calling for a humanitarian truce, choosing not to back the international community’s demand that there be an immediate halt to the violence.
  • Israel has launched a massive counter-offensive against Hamas after unprecedented attacks by the militant group on October 7 killed more than 1,400 people.
  • 193 members of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), which met in a resumed 10th Emergency Special Session, voted on the draft resolution submitted by Jordan and co-sponsored by more than 40 nations including Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia and South Africa.
  • The resolution garnered 120 affirmative votes, while only 14 countries, including Israel, the United States, Hungary and five Pacific island states, voted against. India was among the 45 countries that chose to abstain in the vote at an emergency session of the UNGA in New York.

ABOUT UNGA:

It was established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations. It Comprised of all 193 Members of the United Nations. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)  is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN.

The functions and powers of the UNGA:

  • Elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United Nations councils and organs and, on the recommendation of the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General.
  • Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining international peace and security, including disarmament.
  • Discuss any question relating to international peace and security and, except where a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council, make recommendations on it.
  • Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political cooperation, codification of international law, the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, etc.
  • Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair friendly relations among countries.
  • Consider reports from the Security Council and other United Nations organs.

INDIA’S STAND:

  • India said that the resolution did not mention Hamas and that the UN needs to send a clear message against terror.
  • India is concerned about the security situation and  called for all parties to exercise
  • India referred to the need for an “early solution” to the humanitarian and security situation.
  • India has always supported a negotiated Two-State solution to the Israel-Palestine issue leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side-by-side in peace with Israel.

HISTORY:

  • Emergence of Hamas (1987): In 1987, amidst the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising). Hamas was founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. This political and military organisation emerged as a counterforce to the secular Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), seeking to establish as Islamic state.
  • Impact of Intifadas and peace Efforts: The two Palestinian uprisings, known as’ intifadas (1987-1993 and 2000-2005), profoundly influenced Israeli-Palestinian relations. The second intifada effectively ended the peace process initiated in the 1990, leading to the renewed era of conflict.

THE MAJOR POINTS OF CONFLICT:

  • Two-state solution: An agreement that would create a state for the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip alongside Israel. Israel has said that a Palestinian state must be demilitarized so as not to threaten its security.
  • Settlements:Most countries deem Jewish settlements built on land Israel occupied in 1967 as illegal. Continued settlement expansion is among the most contentious issues between Israel, the Palestinians and international community.
  • Jerusalem: Palestinians want East Jerusalem, which includes the walled Old City’s sites sacred to Muslims, Jews and Christians alike, to be the capital of their state. Israel says Jerusalem should remain its “indivisible and eternal” capital.
  • Refugees: Today about 5.6 million Palestinian refugees – mainly descendants of those who fled in 1948 – live in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. About half of registered refugees remain stateless.

THE WAY FORWARD:

  • The two-state solution calls for establishing an independent state for Palestinians alongside. that of Israel.
  • The issue of equal rights for both Palestinians and Israelis can no longer be ignored. We need a new paradigm that emphasizes a rights-based approach, regardless of solution.
  • India could have explored other options to register reservations regarding the UNGA resolution than abstention like France which used the “Explanation of Vote (EoV)” method.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s abstention in the recent UN General Assembly vote reflects its balanced and nuanced approach to international conflicts. While it has drawn criticism from some quarters, it underscores India’s commitment to principles of diplomacy and its focus on a negotiated resolution to complex global issues.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION:

Q) “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled ” Discuss. (2018)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q) “The government lost an opportunity to make India’s voice heard in the growing geopolitical conflict”. Discuss in the context of India’s abstention from the recent UNGA resolution related to Israel -Palestine conflict.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/lost-voice-on-indias-abstention-on-the-gaza-vote-at-the-un/article67477119.ece



INDIANS ARE CHOKING ON POLLUTION. HOW CAN IT BE STOPPED?

THE CONTEXT: A recent report of the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), published by Michael Greenstone from the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago (EPIC), estimated that Indians were losing 5.3 years of life expectancy on average due to the health effects of air pollution.

MORE ON THE NEWS: SITUATION OF AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA

  • In 2022, a list put out by IQAir, a Swiss air quality information platform, 39 out of the 50 most polluted cities were Indian.
  • Delhi almost features at the top or near the top of the world’s most polluted cities in almost every air quality index along with Wuhan and Lahore.

SOME FINDINGS OF AIR LIFE QUALITY INDEX

  • India ranked second among the countries worst hit by air pollution with Bangladesh topping the list. Nepal ranked third followed by Pakistan and Mongolia.
  • Particulate pollution has increased 9.7 percent from 2013 to 2021 in South Asia. In India, PM2.5 levels rose 9.5 percent; in Pakistan 8.8 percent; and in Bangladesh, levels rose by 12.4 percent over this same time interval.
  • Pollution in India has increased from 56.2 µg/m3 in 2020 to 58.7 µg/m3 in 2021. This is more than 10 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m3.

AIR QUALITY LIFE INDEX (AQLI)

  • AQLI measures the impact of particulate pollution on life expectancy.  It is released by Energy Policy Institute at University of Chicago (EPIC).
  • It aims to quantify the causal relationship between long-term human exposure to air pollution and life expectancy.

NATIONAL AIR QUALITY INDEX?

  • It is developed in 2014 by the CPCB in consultation with IIT-Kanpur and an expert group comprising medical and air-quality professionals.
  • The measurement of air quality is based on eight pollutants, namely: Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).
  • AQI has six categories of air quality. These are: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor and Severe.

SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION

  • Sources of both ambient (outdoor) and household (indoor) air pollution are well recognised.
  • The sources of emissions vary across different regions of India and between urban and rural areas.
  • Household air pollution comes from the use of biomass fuels and open fire-cooking stoves.
  • Diesel fuel emissions, and road and construction dust are important contributors year-round, with stubble burning as a seasonal culprit.
  • Particulate matter comes from
    1. Line sources (vehicles)
    2. Point sources (power plants, factories)
    3. Area sources (garbage dump sites, sewage treatment plants)
    4. Natural sources (forest fires, volcanic eruptions).

CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION

  • Geographical causes: Geographically, the landlocked Indo-Gangetic plain has the highest levels of pollution as it lacks the dispersal that sea breeze brings to coastal areas.
  • Slow wind flow in winter: The problem is exacerbated during the harsh winter that much of this region experiences, as cold air does not flow easily to disperse pollutants.
  • Stubble and waste burning: Due to burning of agricultural crop residue during this period and burning of garbage by the urban poor in winters leads to very high AQI levels.

IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION

  • Impact on life expectancy: There is impact on life expectancy with early deaths due to pollution. For example, the estimate for Delhi was worse, with life lost estimated to be 11.9 years. Prolonged exposure to air pollution even at AQI levels declared as “satisfactory” will have adverse health effects.
  • Impact on health: Apart from the impact on early death, there are severe impacts on health:
    • Benzene and formaldehyde from wildfire emissions can lead to cancer. .
    • Fine particulate pollution refers to particles less than 2.5 microns being suspended in the air. There is growing concern about “ultra-fine particles” that are smaller than 0.1 microns in diameter and can bypass entrapment in the lungs to enter the bloodstream.
    • PM 2.5 can easily enter the circulatory system of humans through the nose and throat. It can cause chronic diseases such as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.PM 2.5 has close link between exposure to fine particles and premature death from heart and lung disease.
    • There is an association between mothers’ exposure to fine particles and birth defects. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, low birth weight babies and birth defects.
    • Children chronically exposed to air pollution have repeated respiratory infections, susceptibility to asthmatic attacks, lower learning ability and impaired physical growth.
    • Long-term exposure to air pollution can raise blood pressure (hypertension), lead to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease, cause cancers. It can raise the risk of diabetes, dementia and cataracts besides the well-recognised risks of chronic lung disease and asthma.

THE WAY FORWARD:

  • Align to WHO Standards: India needs to change its approach and bring out effective policies in order to improve air quality and reduce pollutants to levels considered acceptable by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Presently, 22 states meet the national standards of AQI, while 15 do not. None meet the pristine WHO standards.
  • Rise above personal protection: Personal protection measures have only a limited impact. Severe health consequences of air pollution cannot be mitigated by personal protection measures alone. Clean, public transport and rapid transition away from fossil fuels are much needed.
  • Technological initiative: There is a need to bring technology to tackle pollution by adopting innovative solutions for in-situ treatment of pollution. For example, the Delhi government is also experimenting with a new organic way of decomposing stubble with Indian Agriculture Research Institute’s “Pusa decomposer”.
  • Proactive public policy: There is a need to bring efficient public policy for effective enforcement by vigilant monitoring. Also, reliable and regular data flows are needed to frame effective policies to keep our air clean.

THE CONCLUSION:

Air quality has become a serious health issue in the current situation. Hence, awareness and planning are much needed for protecting the environment and human health from the pollution. In this regard, there is a need for concerted and coordinated efforts with active involvement of all the stakeholders.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (2020)

Q.2 Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (2021)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Recently, the report of the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) was published which indicated high pollution level in India. In this respect, highlight the causes of air pollution in Indo-Gangetic plain and its impacts on human health. What measures need to be taken to address the problem of air pollution in India?

Note: Refer to mains focus article for more information: https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/10/27/why-mumbai-is-witnessing-more-poor-air-quality-days/

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/indians-are-choking-on-pollution-how-can-it-be-stopped-9006506/



Day-526 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | HISTORY OF ANCIENT INDIA

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  1. Question 1 of 5
    1. Question
    2 points

    1. With reference to the history of early medieval India, the term tirumandira-olai refers to:

    Correct

    Answer: C
    Explanation:
    The above given term is related to the administrative history of the Chola empire of Early Medieval India. It refers to high ranking functionaries associated with the court of the Chola kings. Other important functionaries included- adhikari, vayil ketpar, etc.
    Additional Information:
    ● The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The Cholas had three major administrative divisions called the Central Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. Tanjore was the capital of the Cholas.
    ● The Chola Empire was divided into nine provinces. They were also called mandalams. Each mandalam was divided into a number of Kottams or Valanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration of the Cholas.

    Incorrect

    Answer: C
    Explanation:
    The above given term is related to the administrative history of the Chola empire of Early Medieval India. It refers to high ranking functionaries associated with the court of the Chola kings. Other important functionaries included- adhikari, vayil ketpar, etc.
    Additional Information:
    ● The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai and South Arcot districts formed the part of the Chola Mandalam. The Cholas had three major administrative divisions called the Central Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. Tanjore was the capital of the Cholas.
    ● The Chola Empire was divided into nine provinces. They were also called mandalams. Each mandalam was divided into a number of Kottams or Valanadus. Each kottam was sub divided into nadu. Each nadu was further divided into (Urs) villages which form part of the last unit of the administration. Uttaramerur inscriptions speak about the administration of the Cholas.

  2. Question 2 of 5
    2. Question
    2 points

    2. Consider the following statements about the brahmadeyas villages:
    1. It introduced the brahmanas as the intermediary for the purpose of revenue collection.
    2. All brahmadeyas villages were exempted from the payment of taxes to the states.
    3. It also meant that the peasants were freed from the obligation of paying the taxes.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Correct

    Answer: A
    Explanation:
    Brahmadeyas were a category of villages which were given for brahmana settlement, which were tax- free i.e., it was not that revenue was not collected from the peasants, but the State has given away its right to revenue collection to the brahmanas.
    ● Statement 1 is incorrect: Earlier the officials were the intermediaries who were responsible for the collection of revenue, but now brahmadeyas villages had brahmanas as revenue collectors. Also, as the state has given away its right to collect taxes, now there is only the brahmanas and peasants. The brahmanas are not intermediaries, but the sole beneficiaries of taxes.
    ● Statement 2 is correct: Brahmadeyas or agrahara villages were granted to brahmanas which were tax-free villages.
    ● Statement 3 is incorrect: Under the brahmadeyas villages peasants were still obliged to pay taxes, not to the state, but to the donees.

    Incorrect

    Answer: A
    Explanation:
    Brahmadeyas were a category of villages which were given for brahmana settlement, which were tax- free i.e., it was not that revenue was not collected from the peasants, but the State has given away its right to revenue collection to the brahmanas.
    ● Statement 1 is incorrect: Earlier the officials were the intermediaries who were responsible for the collection of revenue, but now brahmadeyas villages had brahmanas as revenue collectors. Also, as the state has given away its right to collect taxes, now there is only the brahmanas and peasants. The brahmanas are not intermediaries, but the sole beneficiaries of taxes.
    ● Statement 2 is correct: Brahmadeyas or agrahara villages were granted to brahmanas which were tax-free villages.
    ● Statement 3 is incorrect: Under the brahmadeyas villages peasants were still obliged to pay taxes, not to the state, but to the donees.

  3. Question 3 of 5
    3. Question
    2 points

    3. Consider the following pairs:
    Authors – Texts
    1. Akalanka – Anekantajayapataka
    2. Haribhadra – Aptamimam-salamkrita
    3. Vidyananda – Tattvartharajavarttika
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

    Correct

    Answer: D
    Explanation:
    All the given authors are Jaina philosophers and texts.
    The correctly matched pairs are:
    ● Akalanka- Tattvartharajavarttika
    ● Haribhadra- Anekantajayapataka
    ● Vidyananda- Aptamimam-salamkrita
    Additional Information:
    ● The sacred books of the Jainas are collectively known as the Siddhanta or Agama. The language of the earliest texts is an eastern dialect of Prakrit known as Ardha-Magadhi.
    ● The Jaina monastic order came to be divided into the Shvetambara and Digambara schools, perhaps in about the 3rd century ce. The Shvetambara canon includes the 12 Angas, 12 Uvamgas (Upangas), 10 Painnas (Prakirnas), 6 Cheya Suttas (Cheda Sutras), 4 Mula Suttas (Mula Sutras), and a number of individual texts such as the Nandi Sutta (Nandi Sutra) and Anugodara (Anuyogadvara).
    ● According to Shvetambara tradition, the Angas were compiled at a council held at Pataliputra. The compilation of the entire canon is supposed to have taken place in the 5th or 6th century at a council held in Valabhi in Gujarat, presided over by Devarddhi Kshamashramana.

    Incorrect

    Answer: D
    Explanation:
    All the given authors are Jaina philosophers and texts.
    The correctly matched pairs are:
    ● Akalanka- Tattvartharajavarttika
    ● Haribhadra- Anekantajayapataka
    ● Vidyananda- Aptamimam-salamkrita
    Additional Information:
    ● The sacred books of the Jainas are collectively known as the Siddhanta or Agama. The language of the earliest texts is an eastern dialect of Prakrit known as Ardha-Magadhi.
    ● The Jaina monastic order came to be divided into the Shvetambara and Digambara schools, perhaps in about the 3rd century ce. The Shvetambara canon includes the 12 Angas, 12 Uvamgas (Upangas), 10 Painnas (Prakirnas), 6 Cheya Suttas (Cheda Sutras), 4 Mula Suttas (Mula Sutras), and a number of individual texts such as the Nandi Sutta (Nandi Sutra) and Anugodara (Anuyogadvara).
    ● According to Shvetambara tradition, the Angas were compiled at a council held at Pataliputra. The compilation of the entire canon is supposed to have taken place in the 5th or 6th century at a council held in Valabhi in Gujarat, presided over by Devarddhi Kshamashramana.

  4. Question 4 of 5
    4. Question
    2 points

    4. Consider the following ports:
    1. Barbaricum
    2. Barygaza
    3. Arikamedu
    4. Muziris
    How many of the above-mentioned ancient ports are located on the western coast?

    Correct

    Answer: C
    Explanation:
    During the post- Mauryan period, the links by road and river between the main cities and trading towns were an essential element in the general infrastructure facilitating the volume of trade as a whole.
    All the major routes led to the five main international ports of that period, namely Barbaricum in the Indus delta, Barygaza on the Gujarat coast, Muziris on the Kerala coast, Arikamedu on the Coromandel coast and Tamralipti in the Ganges delta. These ports handled the bulk of the sea trade of India with Arabia, the Levant, the Roman Empire and South East Asia.

    Land and sea routes of ancient Indian international trade

    Incorrect

    Answer: C
    Explanation:
    During the post- Mauryan period, the links by road and river between the main cities and trading towns were an essential element in the general infrastructure facilitating the volume of trade as a whole.
    All the major routes led to the five main international ports of that period, namely Barbaricum in the Indus delta, Barygaza on the Gujarat coast, Muziris on the Kerala coast, Arikamedu on the Coromandel coast and Tamralipti in the Ganges delta. These ports handled the bulk of the sea trade of India with Arabia, the Levant, the Roman Empire and South East Asia.

    Land and sea routes of ancient Indian international trade

  5. Question 5 of 5
    5. Question
    2 points

    5. Which of the following statements about the ‘Satapatra series’ is/are correct?
    1. It was authored by Vishnukrishna Chiplunkar, one of the reformers of western India.
    2. In this series, he tried to project Shivaji as a Shudra king.
    3. Along with advocating social reforms and indigenous enterprise, it welcomed British rule.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Correct

    Answer: C
    Explanation:
    Statement 1 is incorrect: The Satapatra series (1848- 50) was written by ‘Lokahitavadi’ Gopal Hari Deshmukh.
    Statement 2 is incorrect: Projecting Shivaji as a Shudra king, was done by Jotiba Phule in one of the ballad composed in 1869.
    Statement 3 is correct: Satapatra series (1848- 50) called for social reforms, advocated indigenous enterprise, but broadly welcomed British rule.
    Additional Information:
    ● Gopal Hari Deshmukh wrote a number of open letters in the Marathi weekly newspaper Prabhakar, which was published from Raigad (Maharashtra) under the pen name Lokhitawadi during 1848-49.
    ● The letters of Lokhitawadi reflect his progressive and far-sighted outlook. He was a pioneer political thinker, who through his letters demanded Indian representation in the British parliament as a means to reforming the flawed and oppressive British regime. He even went so far as to say that if the British did not abstain from imposing their will on the people of India, they would be compelled to leave altogether.
    ● Deshmukh was also one of the pioneers of the Swadeshi philosophy and understood the need to revitalize Indian industries to fight against poverty and unemployment. Deshmukh’s political and economic ideas circulated throughout Maharashtra through his letters and played a critical role in provoking political thinking and discourse in the region.
    ● Through Prabhakar, the letters of Gopal Hari Deshmukh caught the attention of the youth of Maharashtra and his ideas laid the foundation for the future struggle for Indian freedom.

    Incorrect

    Answer: C
    Explanation:
    Statement 1 is incorrect: The Satapatra series (1848- 50) was written by ‘Lokahitavadi’ Gopal Hari Deshmukh.
    Statement 2 is incorrect: Projecting Shivaji as a Shudra king, was done by Jotiba Phule in one of the ballad composed in 1869.
    Statement 3 is correct: Satapatra series (1848- 50) called for social reforms, advocated indigenous enterprise, but broadly welcomed British rule.
    Additional Information:
    ● Gopal Hari Deshmukh wrote a number of open letters in the Marathi weekly newspaper Prabhakar, which was published from Raigad (Maharashtra) under the pen name Lokhitawadi during 1848-49.
    ● The letters of Lokhitawadi reflect his progressive and far-sighted outlook. He was a pioneer political thinker, who through his letters demanded Indian representation in the British parliament as a means to reforming the flawed and oppressive British regime. He even went so far as to say that if the British did not abstain from imposing their will on the people of India, they would be compelled to leave altogether.
    ● Deshmukh was also one of the pioneers of the Swadeshi philosophy and understood the need to revitalize Indian industries to fight against poverty and unemployment. Deshmukh’s political and economic ideas circulated throughout Maharashtra through his letters and played a critical role in provoking political thinking and discourse in the region.
    ● Through Prabhakar, the letters of Gopal Hari Deshmukh caught the attention of the youth of Maharashtra and his ideas laid the foundation for the future struggle for Indian freedom.

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TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (31st OCTOBER 2023)

1. CLOUD SEEDING

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, IITM Pune demonstrated that cloud seeding can produce rainfall.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY:

  • IITM Pune conducted a cloud seeding experiment in Solapur city, which typically receives low rainfall due to its location on the leeward side of the Western Ghats.
  • The experiment resulted in an 18% relative enhancement in rainfall, equivalent to approximately 8.67mm more rainfall over a two-hour period.
  • The experiment, called Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX phase-4), used hygroscopic seeding in convective clouds and involved two aircraft for cloud parameter study and seeding.
  • A total of 276 convective clouds were selected, with 150 seeded and 122 left unseeded.
  • Seeded clouds produced more rainfall than unseeded ones, indicating the effectiveness of cloud seeding under suitable conditions.
  • Calcium chloride flares were used for cloud seeding, targeting the base of warm convective clouds during their growing stage.
  • Cloud seeding alone cannot mitigate droughts but can increase rainfall by 18%, partially addressing water requirements.
  • The approximate cost of producing water through cloud seeding was 18 paisa per liter, which could decrease by over 50% if indigenous seeding aircraft were used.
  • The study aims to provide protocols and technical guidance for cloud seeding in India, including the identification of target locations, suitable clouds for seeding, and effective strategies to enhance rainfall.
  • Not all cumulus clouds produce rainfall when seeded, and the actual increase in rainfall was 18% over a 100 sq.km area.

WHAT IS CLOUD SEEDING?

  • Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds.
  • It does so by dispersing substances into the air that serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei, which alter the microphysical processes within the cloud.
  • Its effectiveness is debated; some studies have suggested that it is “difficult to show clearly that cloud seeding has a very large effect.”
  • The usual objective is to increase precipitation (rain or snow), either for its own sake or to prevent precipitation from occurring in days afterward.

TYPES OF CLOUD SEEDING:

  • Static seeding:
    • This involves introducing condensation nuclei into clouds that are already producing precipitation.
    • The condensation nuclei help water droplets to grow larger, which increases the likelihood of precipitation falling.
  • Dynamic seeding:
    • This involves introducing ice nuclei into supercooled clouds.
    • Supercooled clouds are clouds that contain water droplets that are below freezing temperature but have not yet frozen.
    • The ice nuclei provide a surface for the water droplets to freeze on, which initiates the precipitation process.

METHODS OF EXECUTION:

  • Cloud seeding can be done from the ground or from the air.
  • Ground-based cloud seeding typically involves using generators to release silver iodide particles into the air.
  • Air-based cloud seeding typically involves using aircraft to drop flares or generators into clouds.
  • Cloud seeding is used in a variety of countries around the world, including the United States, China, Russia, and Australia.
  • It is used for a variety of purposes, including:
    • Increasing precipitation in areas that are experiencing drought
    • Reducing the risk of hail damage
    • Suppressing fog
    • Increasing snowpack in mountain areas

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/iitm-pune-demonstrates-cloud-seeding-can-produce-rainfall/article67466334.ece

2. COP28 PRESIDENCY

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: A new report from the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) Presidency, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the Global Renewables Alliance was launched on the sidelines of a pre-COP event in Abu Dhabi.

EXPLANATION:

  • It emphasized the need to triple renewable energy capacity for power generation and double energy efficiency by 2030 to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

  • Emissions Reduction Goals:
    • The report stresses that in the next seven years, 22 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases must be cut to keep the 1.5°C target within reach.
    • It emphasized the necessity of phasing down fossil fuels responsibly.
  • Renewable Energy Expansion:
    • The report calls for a significant increase in renewable energy capacity.
    • By 2030, installed renewable power generation capacity should grow more than threefold from 3,382 GW in 2022 to 11,174 GW.
  • Solar and Wind Growth:
    • The report highlights the need for substantial increases in solar photovoltaic capacity to over 5,400 GW from 1,055 GW in 2022.
    • Increase in wind installations to exceed 3,500 GW (3,040 GW onshore and 500 GW offshore) from 899 GW in 2022.
  • Hydropower Expansion:
    • Global installed hydropower capacity (excluding pumped hydro) must grow by nearly 17% from the 2022 level, reaching 1,465 GW by 2030.
  • Variable Renewable Energy:
    • To meet the 2030 target, the share of variable renewable energy (solar PV and wind power) needs to increase from 10% of total electricity generated in 2021 to 46% by 2030.
  • Energy Efficiency:
    • The report also underscores the need to double the global annual rate of energy intensity improvement by 2030 compared to current levels.
    • It focused on technical energy efficiency improvements and smart electrification strategies.
  • Carbon Emission Reduction:
    • While Nationally Determined Contributions and low greenhouse gas emission development strategies may be implemented, they are projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by only 6% in 2030 compared to 2022 levels.
  • Grid Modernization and Investment:
    • Grid modernization and expansion, as well as investment in renewable power generation, are crucial.
    • Annual average investment in renewable power generation must increase from $486 billion in 2022 to $1,300 billion by 2030.
  • Global Financial Support:
    • The report suggests reforming the global financial architecture to support the energy transition in the Global South.
    • It also suggests to increase funding from multilateral development banks and a redirection of public capital from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
  • Infrastructure and Cooperation:
    • The report calls for cross-sector infrastructure planning, increased cross-border cooperation, and the development of regional power grids to meet energy efficiency and emissions reduction goals.

THE INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA):

  • It is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to renewable energy.
  • It is the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange, and it provides state-of-the-art data and analyses on technology, innovation, policy, finance, and investment.
  • IRENA was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
  • It has 168 member countries and the European Union.
  • India is the 77th Founding Member of IRENA.
  • IRENA’s mission is to promote the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar, and wind energy.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/renewable-energy/cop28-presidency-triple-renewable-energy-capacity-double-energy-efficiency-by-2030-to-limit-global-warming-92548

3. WORLD ENERGY OUTLOOK

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: As per the latest World Energy Outlook report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), Global emissions are on track to raise temperatures by around 2.4 degrees Celsius under existing policy settings.

EXPLANATION:

  • The report highlights the urgency of accelerating the transition to clean energy and the need for balanced investments in various sectors.
  • It also metions the impact of this transition on fossil fuels and the complex geopolitical and supply chain implications.
  • Additionally, it addresses specific energy challenges faced by India.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

  • Global Emission and Temperature Projections:
    • The report indicates that current policies and those under development could lead to a temperature increase of approximately 2.4°C.
    • This is concerning as it exceeds the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement.
    • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also noted a likely increase of 3.2°C by 2100 under existing policies.
  • Peak in Fossil Fuel Demand:
    • The most striking revelation is the prediction of a peak in fossil fuel demand by the end of the decade.
    • This includes coal, oil, and natural gas, with factors such as the rise of electric vehicles contributing to the shift.
  • Investment Requirements:
    • The report emphasizes the need for increased energy investments, with estimates ranging from $3.2 trillion to $4.7 trillion by 2030.
    • Most of these investments are currently favoring clean energy and infrastructure, with significant funds diverted from fossil fuels.
  • Balanced Mix of Investments:
    • The report recommends a balanced mix of investments that goes beyond solar, wind, and electric vehicles.
    • It highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure, grid expansion, low-emission fuels, and carbon capture technologies.
  • Clean Energy Investment Challenges:
    • Scaling up clean energy investments in emerging markets and developing economies outside of China is a challenge, with financial constraints and high project costs being obstacles.
    • The report suggests stronger domestic policies and global assistance to reduce investment risks.
  • Energy and Mineral Security Concerns:
    • As the energy sector transforms, there may be concerns regarding supply concentration and mineral shortages for clean energy technologies.
    • The IEA suggests increasing investment in mining and extractive processes but acknowledges the associated risks.
  • Geopolitical Implications:
    • The report highlights the importance of political and commercial ties in managing energy supply and demand.
    • It notes that the shift towards cleaner energy sources reduces reliance on fossil fuel-producing states and can destabilize economies that fail to diversify away from fossil fuels.

INDIA’S ENERGY OUTLOOK:

  • India’s energy landscape has undergone significant changes, with progress in power generation and clean cooking access.
  • However, rising energy demand, especially for cooling due to increasing air conditioner ownership, presents challenges.
  • India’s energy consumption is expected to lead to higher emissions, and there are concerns about the nation’s solar module manufacturing capacity.

INDIA’S ENERGY OUTLOOK

IEA’S PROPOSED ENERGY AMBITIONS:

  • As the world heads to COP28, the IEA proposes five key energy ambitions:
    • tripling renewable capacity,
    • doubling energy efficiency progress,
    • reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75%,
    • increasing clean energy investment in emerging economies, and
    • ensuring an orderly decline in fossil fuel use.

THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA)

  • It is an intergovernmental organization that works to ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy.
  • It was founded in 1974 to ensure the security of oil supplies.
  • It was created in response to the 1973-1974 oil crisis when an oil embargo by major producers pushed prices to historic levels and exposed the vulnerability of industrialised countries to dependency on oil imports.
  • It consists of 31 member countries and eleven association countries.
  • In March 2017, India joined the IEA as an Association country and deepened its ties with the Agency.
  • A candidate country to the IEA must be a member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The IEA’s work is focused on the following key areas:

  • Energy security:
    • The IEA works to help countries mitigate risks to their energy supplies and ensure that they have access to reliable and affordable energy.
  • Energy efficiency:
    • The IEA works to help countries reduce their energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.
  • Clean energy transition:
    • The IEA works to help countries transition to a clean energy future by supporting the deployment of renewable energy technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector.
  • International cooperation:
    • The IEA works to promote international cooperation on energy issues and to build consensus on energy policies.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate-change/iea-world-energy-outlook-2023-fossil-fuel-demand-to-peak-by-2030-urgent-investment-shift-needed-92538

4. AKHAURA-AGARTALA INTERNATIONAL RAIL LINK

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The successful completion of the first trial run of a goods train between Bangladesh and Tripura marks a significant development in the Indo-Bangla international railway project between Akhaura in Bangladesh and Agartala in India.

EXPLANATION:

  • Historical Significance:
    • Akhaura used to be the railway link for Agartala during the colonial era.
    • The revival of this rail link has historical significance and will enhance connectivity between the two regions.
  • International Cooperation:
    • This project represents the collaboration and cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
    • It will help in improving transportation and trade links.
    • It’s a tangible example of regional cooperation.
  • Economic Benefits:
    • The railway link will have economic implications, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.
    • Reducing travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka from 31 hours to 10 hours can significantly boost trade and connectivity.
  • Challenges Overcome:
    • The project faced delays due to land acquisition issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, but its successful trial run is a positive sign that these challenges are being addressed.
  • Border Connectivity:
    • The railway link is crucial for Tripura, which shares a long international border with Bangladesh.
    • This connection provides an alternative route for travel and trade, reducing dependence on Assam and West Bengal for road connectivity.
  • Potential for Passenger Trains:
    • While goods trains are expected to start soon, the introduction of passenger trains will require formalities to be observed by both Indian and Bangladeshi railway authorities.
  • Regional Integration:
    • Improved rail connectivity contributes to regional integration and fosters people-to-people contact.
    • It has the potential to enhance tourism and cultural exchanges.
  • Cost and Investment:
    • The project’s estimated cost is significant, but it represents a long-term investment in infrastructure that can have far-reaching economic and social benefits.
  • Overall, the successful trial run of the goods train is a positive step toward improving cross-border rail connectivity and fostering regional cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
  • It holds promise for trade, travel, and economic development in the region.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/akhaura-agartala-international-rail-link-trial-run-goods-train-bangladesh-tripura-9006052/

5. INFORMATION COMMISSIONS

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the failure of states and the Union government to fill the vacancies in Information Commissions across the country.

EXPLANATION:

  • The bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra was hearing a petition concerning the large number of vacancies in the information commissions set up under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The petitioners highlighted the commission-wise status of vacancies which is as follows:

  • Central Information Commission (CIC) is currently functioning without a Chief and has 7 vacancies with only 4 commissioners working. All the 4 commissioners are set to retire their by November 6, 2023 following which the CIC will become defunct.
  • Maharashtra SIC is without a Chief and functioning with only 4 commissioners even though more than 1,15,000 appeals/complaints are pending.
  • Jharkhand SIC has been completely defunct since May 2020 and no appeals/complaints are being registered or disposed for the last three years.
  • Tripura SIC has been defunct for more than 2 years since July 2021.
  • Telangana SIC has been defunct since February 2023 even though more than 10,000 appeals/complaints are pending.
  • There are many examples like this that has been presented by the petitioners.

JUDGEMENT BY THE SUPREME COURT:

  • The Supreme Court emphasized that the failure to fill these positions defeats the purpose of the RTI Act.
  • This Act is a crucial tool for citizens to access government information, and vacancies in the Information Commissions can lead to delays and hinder the right to information.
  • The Supreme Court directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to prepare a chart detailing the number of vacancies and pending appeals/complaints in all the commissions.
  • It also ordered the central and state governments to take immediate action to fill these vacancies.
  • It also highlighted issues such as commissions operating without a Chief, significant backlogs of appeals and complaints, and some commissions being entirely defunct for extended periods.
  • The matter is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court after three weeks, indicating that the Court is taking the issue seriously and expects prompt action.
  • The Supreme Court’s directive addressed the critical role of Information Commissions in upholding the right to information and the need for timely appointments to ensure their effective functioning.

PREVIOUS SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT:

  • A 2019 judgment by the Supreme Court in Anjali Bhardwaj and Ors v. Union of India:
    • It called for the timely filling of vacancies in the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs).
    • Despite this judgment, the vacancies had not been filled, resulting in a backlog of cases and delays.

CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION (CIC):

  • It was established by the Central Government in 2005, under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005). It is not a constitutional body.
  • The Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners.
  • They are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
  • The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • They are not eligible for reappointment (as per the amendments made in RTI Act, 2005 in 2019).

POWER AND FUNCTIONS OF CIC:

  • It is the duty of the Commission to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person regarding information requested under RTI, 2005.
  • The Commission can order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suo-moto power).
  • While inquiring, the Commission has the powers of a civil court in respect of summoning, requiring documents etc.

STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION:

  • It is constituted by the State Government.
  • It has one State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and not more than 10 State Information Commissioners (SIC).
  • SIC has to be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Appointments Committee headed by the Chief Minister.

SOURCE: https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/rti-act-will-become-dead-letter-supreme-court-directs-states-union-to-fill-vacancies-in-information-commissions-241201



TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (30th OCTOBER 2023)

1. NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR)

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The ‘NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar’ (NISAR), an Earth observation satellite, is ready to facilitate the exploration of how shifts in Earth’s forest and wetland ecosystems impact the global carbon cycle and influence climate change.

EXPLANATION:

  • It will measure Earth’s changing ecosystems, dynamic surfaces, and ice masses, providing information about biomass, natural hazards, sea level rise, and groundwater.
  • NISAR will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces globally with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes.

 

ABOUT NISAR:

  • The NISAR Observatory will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota on the southeast coast of the Indian peninsula.
  • It will be launched on the GSLV expendable launch vehicle contributed by ISRO.
  • The target launch readiness date is January 2024.
  • NISAR is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory jointly developed by NASA and ISRO.
  • It is an SUV-size satellite weighing 2,800 kilograms.
  • It consists of both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite.
  • NISAR will be the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes in our planet’s surface.
  • NASA has provided the L-band radar, GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder to store data, and a payload data subsystem. ISRO has provided the S-band radar, the GSLV launch system, and spacecraft.
  • It also consists of a large 39-foot stationary antenna reflector made of a gold-plated wire mesh which will be used to focus “the radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
  • Key facts:
Altitude 747km
Inclination 98°
Origination NASA, ISRO
Instruments L-band (24-centimeter wavelength) Polarimetric Synthetic   Aperture Radar

S-band (9-centimeter wavelength) Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar

 

SOURCE: https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/nasa-isro-radar-satellite-to-offer-detailed-insights-into-forests-and-wetlands-know-all-about-nisar-403665-2023-10-28

2. KOYNA DAM

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: An earthquake of 2.9 magnitude on the Richter Scale was recorded on 28th October, 2023 around 9.6 kilometres from the Koyna dam in Satara district.

EXPLANATION:

  • The epicentre was seven kilometres deep near Goptewadi village, making it the nearest to the dam so far in recent months.
  • This earthquake is a reminder of the seismic hazard posed to the Koyna dam, which is one of the largest dams in India.
  • The dam has been affected by earthquakes in the past, including a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in 1967 that caused significant damage to the dam and the surrounding area.
  • The Koyna dam is equipped with earthquake measuring devices, which recorded the 2.9 magnitude earthquake on October 28.
  • These devices are used to monitor the dam’s structural integrity and to provide early warning of any potential damage.

KOYNA DAM:

  • Situated in the Satara district of Koyna Nagar, this rubble-concrete dam is one of the biggest in the state of Maharashtra.
  • It was built on the Koyna River.
  • One of the most important civil engineering projects in India after the country’s independence, the Koyna Hydroelectric Project was completed in 1963.
  • It serves primarily as a source of hydroelectricity with some irrigation in surrounding areas.
  • With a total installed capacity of 1,920 MW, it is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the country.
  • The dam’s catchment area blocks the Koyna River, creating the roughly 50 km-long Shivsagar Lake.
  • It is located in a seismically active region.
  • The Koyna Seismic Zone (KSZ) is a region of high seismic activity that is located around the Koyna dam. The KSZ has been the site of several earthquakes in the past, including the 6.5 magnitude earthquake in 1967.
  • Finally, the dam is essential for controlling flooding during the monsoon season.

WAY FORWARD:

  • The 2.9 magnitude earthquake on October 28 is a reminder of the importance of monitoring the Koyna dam for seismic activity.
  • Steps must be taken to mitigate the risk of earthquake damage.
  • The Koyna dam is a critical infrastructure asset, and its failure would have devastating consequences for the surrounding region.
  • The Koyna dam must be monitored closely for seismic activity.
  • The Koyna Earthquake Monitoring Center (KEMC) is a dedicated facility that monitors the dam and the surrounding area for earthquakes.
  • So, the KEMC can provide early warning of any potential damage to the dam from seismic activity.

SOURCE: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/tremors-felt-near-koyna-dam-in-satara/articleshow/104811312.cms

3. INSTALLATION OF DNA SYSTEMS IN POLICE STATIONS

TAG: GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY, GS 2: GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The installation of DNA systems in police stations is part of the broader effort to modernize and enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in India.

EXPLANATION:

  • The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act (CrPI), passed in April 2022, repealed the British-era Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920.
  • It introduced provisions for using modern techniques to capture and record appropriate body measurements, including DNA samples and facial recognition.

THE KEY ASPECTS RELATED TO DNA SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT:

  • Modernization and Improved Crime Solving:
    • The introduction of DNA systems allows law enforcement agencies to employ advanced forensic techniques for crime-solving.
    • DNA analysis can be crucial in identifying suspects, confirming or excluding individuals as potential perpetrators, and linking evidence to unsolved cases.
  • Repealing Outdated Legislation:
    • The CrPI Act replaced an archaic law from the colonial era, which was limited in scope and didn’t account for modern forensic technology.
    • The new Act seeks to align with contemporary crime investigation practices.
  • Centralized Database and Common Standards:
    • The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) plays a crucial role in maintaining a centralized database of measurements.
    • It ensures common standards for collecting, storing, and handling measurements.
    • This can streamline data sharing and access among authorized police and prison officials across the country.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS AND CHALLENGES?

  • Privacy and Data Protection:
    • The legislation has raised concerns about individual privacy and data protection, particularly with the inclusion of DNA samples and facial recognition technology.
    • Safeguards need to be in place to prevent misuse of this sensitive data.
  • Awareness and Implementation:
    • There appears to be a gap in awareness and implementation of the rules among police officers.
    • Ensuring that measurements are only recorded for specific cases and that records are destroyed when necessary as it is crucial to protect individual rights.
  • Destruction of Data:
    • The provision that individuals are responsible for requesting the destruction of their data after 75 years has raised concerns, especially for those who may not have easy access to the legal system.
  • Training and Infrastructure:
    • Proper training is required for handling DNA samples, and adequate storage infrastructure must be in place to ensure the integrity of the samples.
  • Scope and Application:
    • Clarity is needed regarding the scope of DNA sample collection.
    • Currently, it is compulsory in cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, but its application in other types of crimes is yet to be defined.
  • Connectivity Issues:
    • In some smaller states, limited connectivity and inadequate internet infrastructure may hinder the secure transfer of data and access to the centralized database.

SAFEGUARDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

  • To address these concerns, it is essential to implement robust safeguards, including strict access controls, encryption, and audit trails to prevent unauthorized access to the database.
  • Accountability mechanisms should be in place for data handling, storage, and disposal.

CONCLUSION:

  • The introduction of DNA systems in police stations is a significant step in modernizing law enforcement and improving crime-solving capabilities.
  • However, it is essential to balance these benefits with privacy protections, awareness and training for law enforcement personnel, and the establishment of safeguards to prevent misuse and maintain data integrity.
  • Additionally, addressing infrastructure and connectivity challenges is critical for the successful implementation of the system.

EXPLANATION:

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-will-police-stations-install-dna-systems-explained/article67470936.ece/amp/

4. THE GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Stephan Schlamminger, a prominent expert in gravity experiments, intentionally introduced an undisclosed error into his experiment to obscure his measurement of Newton’s gravitational constant. The code is not disclosed yet.

EXPLANATION:

  • It pertains to the gravitational constant (often denoted as ‘G’) and its significance in the realm of physics, particularly in the context of gravitational theories proposed by Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein.

GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT:

  • G is a fundamental physical constant that plays a pivotal role in both classical Newtonian mechanics and Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
  • It quantifies the strength of the gravitational force between two objects.

NEWTON’S THEORY:

  • In Newton’s theory, the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
  • G is the proportionality constant that makes this law precise.
  • This law was revolutionary in explaining how celestial bodies are attracted to each other due to gravity.

EINSTEIN’S THEORY:

  • In Einstein’s theory, G appears in the equations that describe the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy.
  • This theory supersedes Newton’s law of gravitation and provides a more accurate description of gravitation, especially in the vicinity of massive celestial objects like black holes or neutron stars.

HOW DOES THE VALUE OF G IS DETERMINED?

  • The value of G was first accurately determined by Henry Cavendish in 1797 through a famous experiment known as the Cavendish experiment.
  • However, despite its historical significance, the precise value of G is still not known with absolute certainty.
  • The value of G has been determined with an uncertainty of about 22 parts per million, which means there is still some degree of uncertainty associated with this fundamental constant.
  • Ongoing research in the field of experimental physics aims to further refine the measurement of G.
  • As it is crucial for understanding celestial mechanics, determining the mass of celestial bodies, and conducting experiments related to gravity.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PRECISE G VALUE?

  • A more accurate determination of G is essential for various applications in physics, astronomy, and cosmology.
  • It affects our understanding of the behaviour of celestial objects, the orbits of planets, and the study of astrophysical phenomena.
  • Furthermore, it is significant in the context of high-precision experiments, such as those seeking to detect gravitational waves, as well as in testing the predictions of general relativity.
  • It is a fundamental constant that underpins our understanding of gravity in both classical and modern physics.
  • Its accurate determination is crucial for advancing our knowledge of the universe, and ongoing research continues to refine its value to improve the precision of gravitational theories and their application in various scientific disciplines.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2023-10-30/th_chennai/articleGFGBUN3UT-4707782.ece

5. BAN ON THE EXPORT OF THE RICE

TAG: GS 3: AGRICULTURE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, India has banned the export of non-basmati white rice amid depleting public stock in the Central pool, elevated cereal prices, and looming threat of the uneven monsoon.

EXPLANATION:

  • India is the biggest exporter of rice in the world.
  • As per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), India accounted for about 40 per cent of the total rice exports (56 million tonnes) in the world during calendar year 2022.

EFFECT OF INDIA’S RESTRICTIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE?

  • Soon after India banned the export of non-basmati white rice, there was a sharp jump in the price of rice across markets.
  • In the following months, prices have come down, but are still higher than the pre-ban period.
  • As per the Rice Outlook of the Economic Research Service, US Department of Agriculture:
    • Over the past month, quotes for trading prices for most grades of regular (neither parboiled nor aromatic) whole-grain milled rice from Thailand decreased 5−6 percent, mostly due to a weaker baht.
    • Thailand’s price rose rapidly from late July through mid-August, primarily in response to India’s July export ban on regular-milled white rice.”

IMPACT ON THE DOMESTIC PRICES OF RICE:

  • There has been no respite from the increase in the prices of rice despite the export ban.
  • As per the data available on the Agriculture Ministry’s portal, the daily average wholesale price of rice was recorded at 18.42 per cent higher compared with the price (Rs 4,731.32 per quintal) when the government announced the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) in January 2023.
  • The retail prices are also higher than last year.
  • For instance, the daily average retail price of rice was recorded at Rs 42.80 per kg on October 24, which is 12.59 per cent higher than a year ago.
  • On July 20, the day India banned the export of non-basmati white rice, the all-India daily average retail price of rice was recorded 11.42 per cent higher than a year ago.

HOW DOES INDIA EXPORT RICE? WHAT IS BANNED AND WHAT IS NOT?

  • India’s rice exports are broadly categorised into basmati and non-basmati rice.
  • The non-basmati rice category includes 6 sub-categories— rice in husk of seed quality; other rice in husk; husked (brown) rice; rice parboiled; non-basmati white rice; and broken rice.
  • While the government has banned export of two sub-categories of broken rice and non-basmati white rice, there is no ban on the remaining four sub-categories.

BASMATI RICE:

  • Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, and Yemen were the top 5 destinations of Indian basmati during 2022-23.
  • In all, India exported basmati to 149 countries during the last financial year.
  • During the first five months (April-August) of the current financial year (2023-24), the basmati rice export has reached 20 lakh metric tonnes.

NON-BASMATI RICE:

  • The non-basmati rice includes varieties like Sona Masuri and Jeera rice.
  • In financial year 2022-23 (April-March), India exported 177.91 lakh metric tonnes of non-basmati rice.
  • The other three categories accounted for a lower quantity: other rice in husk; rice in husk of seed quality; and husked (brown) rice.

NON-BASMATI WHITE RICE:

  • Benin, Madagascar, Kenya, Cote D’ Ivoire, Mozambique, Togo and Nepal were among the top 10 buyers of India’s non-basmati white rice.
  • In all, India exported the non-basmati white rice to 142 countries during 2022-23. Most of these countries were poor, and were located in Africa.
  • When exports got banned exports, the quantity of grain shipped out marginally declined.
  • The number of countries importing Indian non-basmati white rice declined to 25.

BROKEN RICE:

  • Before India banned export of broken rice, every month 40 countries imported over 4 lakh tonnes of broken rice from India.
  • After New Delhi banned the export of broken rice, the number of countries declined to 21 in September, and to 6 in October.
  • In the financial year 2022-23, India’s broken export stood at 30.49 lakh metric tonnes, of which a maximum 12.80 lakh metric tonnes was exported to China, followed by Senegal (10.26 lakh metric tonnes), and Indonesia (1.94 lakh metric tonnes).

PAR-BOILED RICE:

  • There is no ban on export of this category of rice from India.
  • In the current financial year, Benin, Guinea, Togo, Somalia and Vietnam are the top five buyers of Indian par-boiled rice.

HUSKED (BROWN) RICE:

  • The husked (brown) rice is the type of rice from which only the husk has been removed, while the brown rice is unpolished rice.
  • Netherlands, UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, and Canada were top 5 buyers of this category of rice during the last financial year.
  • In the first five months of the current financial year, only 7,146 metric tonnes of husked (brown) rice have been exported.

RICE IN HUSK OF SEED QUALITY:

  • In the financial year 2022-23, a quantity of 19,681 metric tonnes of ‘rice in husk of seed quality’ was exported.
  • In the first five months of the current financial year, the export of this category of rice stood at 10,697 metric tonnes.

OTHER RICE IN HUSK:

  • India exported a quantity of 4.61 lakh metric tonnes of ‘Other Rice in Husk’ during 2022-23, of which almost 99 per cent went to Nepal.
  • In the current financial year, a quantity of 2.02 lakh metric tonnes of this category of rice during the first five months.
  • Of this, almost the entire quantity has been exported to Nepal.

RICE PROCUREMENT, REQUIREMENT:

  • Total production of rice during 2022-23 is estimated to be at a record 1357.55 lakh tonnes.
  • It is higher by 62.84 lakh tonnes than previous year’s Rice production of 1294.71 lakh tonnes and by 153.65 lakh tonnes than the last five years’ average production of 1203.90 lakh tonnes.
  • Procurement is on for the kharif marketing season (KMS) 2023-24.
  • A quantity of 56.04 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been procured from 8 states—Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
  • Under the National Food Security Act, 2013, the monthly requirement (allocation) of rice is about 32 lakh tonnes.
  • Taking into consideration other welfare schemes including ICDS, PM-Poshan, the monthly requirement is 35 lakh metric tonnes.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/india-bans-exports-of-some-rice-explained-9004685/lite/



TIME AND CHANGE: ON THE PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HOME AFFAIRS AND NEW CRIMINAL LAWS

THE CONTEXT: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs postponed its adoption of a draft report on three Bills seeking to replace the existing criminal laws, after pressure from the Opposition seeking more time to examine it.

MORE ON THE NEWS

  • The parliamentary committee has held only 12 meetings so far on the three Bills, which opposition members feel is inadequate for scrutiny of the Bills.
  • The Bill is facing dissenting notes, mainly pertaining to the text of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which will replace the Indian Penal Code and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which will come in the place of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • However, there appears to be unanimity on the third Bill, the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, that will replace the Indian Evidence Act.

WHY WERE THE BILLS INTRODUCED?

  • To undo colonial legacy: The existing criminal justice system was designed with the purpose of ruling the nation to serve British powers. The system of criminal justice delivery now has become less effective to serve its desired purpose, based on the current situation.
  • Ineffective criminal justice system: There is increasing pressure on the judiciary with huge pendency which obstructs delivery of justice. Another issue is of huge undertrials as according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)-Prison Statistics India, 67.2% of our total prison population comprises of under trial prisoners. These indicate the inefficiency of our criminal justice system.
  • To increase the confidence of the common public: The existing criminal justice system has become a tool for harassing common people. There is a need to overhaul the current criminal justice system to increase the confidence of the common public in the laws of the country.

ISSUES RAISED BY THE OPPOSITION

  • Inadequate consultation: Opposition members raised issue on the speed at which the committee reviewed the Bills without proper stakeholder consultation. There is no adequate consultation of lawyers activists, and members of the subordinate judiciary who would actually work the law and procedure laid down in the codes.
  • Copy of existing legislation: It is argued that considerable sections of the new laws are mere reproductions of the old Codes. In this case, the government could have sought to amend the laws instead of bringing in new legislation.
  • Hindi nomenclature: Another major criticism of the Bill is use of the Hindi nomenclature, which is said to be exclusionary for a large section of the country.
  • Short-term electoral gains: There are issues of deeper scrutiny to bring reform in the criminal justice system. Opposition is blaming the government for hurrying the Bill without proper scrutiny for short-term electoral gains. It is leading to mocking the process of “legislative scrutiny”.

THE WAY FORWARD

  • Need for wider stakeholder consultation: There should be a wider consultation among all the stakeholders, whether government, activists and all levels of judiciary. It should be done in order to serve the interest of people to deliver effective and quicker justice.
  • Need of more scrutiny: The Parliamentary standing committee should take more time to study the proposed criminal laws. The extended time should be seen as an opportunity for deeper scrutiny of the Bills to tackle all the issues raised to reform the Bills.
  • Need of Structural changes: There is a need for structural changes in the criminal justice system of India. There is a need for comprehensive changes in the criminal laws of the country to provide affordable and speedy justice to all and create a people-centric legal structure.
  • Step towards decolonisation of the Bills: The current Bills is seen as a step towards getting rid of colonial era laws. It is stated that while the aim of the old laws was to protect the British administration, the aim of the new laws is to protect the rights of people. It has potential to enter a new era of criminal justice system to defeat all the forces that prevent people’s rights being taken to them.

THE CONCLUSION:

The whole point of introducing these new criminal codes was to bring about a major overhaul of a body of law deemed to be too colonial in orientation. However, bringing the Bill in a haste without proper consultation is not the solution and there is a need of extensive consultations of all the stakeholders involved for its effective implementation.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (2014)

Q.2 Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (2015)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 The law of the land has to be in tune with the demands of the changing times and nature of complexities in offences. How the proposed Criminal law Bills tend to justify this statement by replacing colonial-era laws. Analyse.

Q.2 The existence of an orderly society depends on the efficient functioning of the Criminal Justice System. Analyze the concerns associated with existing criminal justice system in India. Suggest measures to address the concerns.

Note: Please refer to Mains focus article for more information: https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/10/03/criminal-law-bills-and-a-hollow-decolonisation/

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/time-and-change-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-parliamentary-standing-committee-on-home-affairs-and-new-criminal-laws/article67473537.ece#:~:text=Panel%20should%20be%20given%20more%20time%20to%20study%20new%20criminal%20laws&text=The%20Parliamentary%20Standing%20Committee%20on%20Home%20Affairs%20has%20postponed%20the,more%20time%20to%20study%20it.