RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE: LOCAL RESERVATION IN JOBS, ARTICLE 14,16,19.

THE CONTEXT: The Punjab & Haryana High Court has struck down the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 stating that it is violative of the Part-III of the constitution.

LOCAL RESERVATIONS ATTEMPT IN STATES:

• Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 requires firms with 10 or more employees to reserve 75% of all jobsoffering a salary of less than Rs. 30,000 a month for eligible candidates of State domicile.
• Job reservation Bills or laws for domiciles have also been announced in other States including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
• The job quota Bill passed in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 2019, also reservingthree-fourths of private jobs for locals.

WHY  THE COURT HAS DECLARED THE LAW AS “UNCONSTITUTIONAL”?

• The term fraternity connoting a sense of common brotherhood is to embrace all Indians. In this respect, a blind eye could not be turned to other citizens of the country irrespective of the State they belong to.
• The court stated that the legislation is violative of right to equality under Article 14. The Court referred to Navtej Singh Johar and others vs. Union of India, where it states ‘miniscule minority have a right to participate as a citizen and an equal right of enjoyment of living regardless of what majority may believe’.
• The Court said that freedom given under Article 19 of the Constitution could not be taken away. The Court particularly referred to the freedoms guaranteed by Article 19(1)(d) and 19(1)(g).

1. The Act is imposing unreasonable restrictions regarding the right to move freely throughout the territory of India or to reside and settle in any part or the territory of India.
2. As per Article 19(6), the right of the State is to impose restrictions regarding professional or technical qualifications and not domicile requirements. It can, thus, be said that the Act as such cannot be said to be reasonable in any manner and it was directing the employers to violate the constitution provisions, the Court concluded.

• Article 35 of the Constitution bars state from legislating on requirement of domicile in employment under Article 16(3). The same further provides that there has to be equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
• The power under Article 16(3) gives power only to the Parliament for making any law prescribing in regard to the class or classes of employment or appointment to an office under the Government or any local or other authority.
• The bench said that the concept of constitutional morality has been openly violated by introducing a secondary status to a set of citizens not belonging to the State of Haryana and curtailing their fundamental rights to earn their livelihood.

ISSUES WITH LOCAL RESERVATION:

Violation of fundamental rights of Constitution: The Act was a violative of fundamental rights as Article 14, Article 16 and Article 19.

Treated as secondary citizen: 75% reservation for the locals was discriminatory as it discriminates against the individuals on account of the fact that they do not belong to a certain State. It has a negative discrimination against other citizens of the country as treating them as secondary citizens.

Fuels Sons-of-the-Soil Theory: The ‘Son of the soil’ theory puts forward the idea of reservation based on regionalism. Reservation law based on domicile law will fuel such theories across States and in the long run destabilise the foundations of Indian democracy i.e., ‘Unity in diversity’.

Affects industrialisation: Raising the son of the soil issue and preventing free movement of manpower resources in the State from other regions can have an adverse effect on the existing industries in the State.  It could trigger an exodus of large domestic and multinational investors across sectors such as auto, IT that rely on highly skilled manpower.

THE WAY FORWARD

Implementation of reservation: The reservation policy could be implemented in a way that does not hamper the free movement of manpower resources in the Country. The reservation policy could be revisited periodically to assess its impact on the economy and industries in the state.

Protect fundamental rights: It is important to ensure that any policy decision taken is in compliance with the Constitution of India and does not violate the fundamental rights of citizens.

Skill impartation: To ensure job creation state governments should provide youths with skill training and proper education as key focus areas, enabling the masses to compete in the free market.

Engagement with industries: Government should involve industry’s engagement in the State because reservation affects productivity and industry competitiveness. The State governments can come up with certain incentives to companies which are investing a certain amount of money for training the local youths.

THE CONLCUSION: Enactment of local reservation in state is a violation of fundamental right of the citizens. Thus, High Court concluded that Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 is ” unconstitutional and violative of Part III of the Constitution of India. In this respect, state governments should enable the reservation system in such a way that it serves its original purpose of making India a more just society.
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (2018)
2. “The reservation of seats for women in the institution of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political process”. Comment. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. What are the challenges associated with the reservations for locals in the private sector? Suggest measures to generate enough job opportunities in the Indian economy.
2. Local reservation in private sector fuels the concept of sons of soils theory”. Critically examine the statement and give your views.

SOURCE: https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/punjab-and-haryana-high-court/punjab-haryana-high-court-struck-down-75-reservation-for-haryana-domicile-in-private-sector-unconstitutional-242457#:~:text=The%20Court%20said%20that%20freedom,Constitution%20could%20not%20be%20curtailed

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: As per the State of the Cryosphere 2023 report, nearly all tropical glaciers, most mid-latitude glaciers and polar regions will disappear even if the world manages to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius, above the preindustrial era.

EXPLANATION:

• The State of the Cryosphere 2023 Report was released by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), an organization that brings together scientists from around the world to study the cryosphere and its impacts on climate change.
• The report delves into the profound impact of rising global temperatures on the Earth’s cryosphere.
• It emphasizes the critical need to limit global warming to 1.5°C to safeguard this essential frozen component of the planet.

STATE OF THE CRYOSPHERE:

• Impact of Temperature Rise:
  • The report underscores that even with a 2°C temperature increase above preindustrial levels; the cryosphere faces dire consequences.
  • Most tropical and mid-latitude glaciers, along with polar regions, will vanish, causing severe ice loss.
• Regional Effects:
  • The Himalayas are predicted to lose half of their current ice under a 2°C scenario.
  • Various regions like the northern Andes, East Africa, and Indonesia are already witnessing rapid glacier disappearance due to the current 1.2°C temperature rise.

IMPORTANCE OF LIMITING WARMING TO 1.5°C:

• Criticality of 1.5°C Limit:
  • The report highlights that 1.5°C is not just a preferable target but the only viable option to mitigate catastrophic consequences for the cryosphere.
  • It urges leaders to discard the 2°C threshold, emphasizing the urgency of adopting the 1.5°C target.
• Cryosphere as Ground Zero:
  • The cryosphere, encompassing frozen water in various forms, is depicted as ground zero for climate change.
  • Its vulnerability to temperature changes serves as a barometer for the severity of global warming’s impact.

OBSERVATIONS AND CLIMATE INCIDENTS:

• Climate Disasters:
  • The year 2023 witnessed various climate-related disasters, such as the Sikkim flash flood triggered by a glacial lake outburst and significant losses in Swiss glaciers.
• Alarming Indicators:
  • The report highlights alarming indicators, including record-low sea ice around Antarctica, unusually high-water temperatures in the Arctic and North Atlantic, and atmospheric CO2 levels surpassing those of the past three million years.

CONSEQUENCES OF TEMPERATURE RISE:

• Sea-Level Rise and Ice Loss:
  • A temperature increases of 2°C, it spells catastrophic sea-level rise from ice sheet melting in Greenland and parts of Antarctica, potentially leading to extensive and rapid irreversible effects.
• Permafrost Thawing:
  • Both 2°C and 1.5°C scenarios signify significant permafrost thawing, releasing substantial CO2 and methane emissions that could amplify global warming.

CALL TO ACTION AND COP28:

• Urgent Course Correction:
  • The report urges a significant shift in climate action, highlighting COP28 as a pivotal moment for global leaders to prioritize the 1.5°C target and avert long-term environmental catastrophes.
• Potential Consequences:
  • Failure to act decisively risks displacing millions due to rising sea levels, disrupting freshwater resources, harming polar ecosystems, and committing future generations to offset irreversible permafrost emissions.

CONCLUSION:

• The report’s comprehensive analysis emphasizes the urgency of addressing global warming to protect the cryosphere.
• It stresses the significance of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, outlining the profound repercussions of exceeding this threshold on glaciers, polar regions, and permafrost.
• The report serves as a critical call to action for global leaders to prioritize ambitious climate policies at COP28 and beyond to prevent catastrophic consequences for humanity and the environment.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/world-needs-to-limit-global-warming-to-1-5-c-to-protect-cryosphere-2-c-too-high-report-92845

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Fractals can offer a new way to see the quantum realm. In this article, we will see in detail how fractals contribute to new ways of working in the quantum realm.

FRACTAL DIMENSIONS AND QUANTUM SYSTEMS:

• Introduction to Fractal Dimensions:
  • Fractal dimensions are non-integer dimensions that offer a unique way to study quantum systems.
  • They are a response to the inherent uncertainty present in these systems.
• Dimensionality’s Significance:
  • The behaviour of quantum systems differs concerning their dimensions.
  • For instance, electrons in 1D and 2D systems exhibit distinctive characteristics.

QUANTUM SYSTEMS IN NON-INTEGER DIMENSIONS:

• Fractal Geometry in Quantum Studies:
  • Physicists explore quantum systems in dimensions like 1.55 or 1.58, between one and two dimensions, using fractal geometry.
• Fractality and Its Significance:
  • Fractals, exhibiting self-similarity at different scales, are employed to study quantum systems in these non-integer dimensions.

MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC FRACTALS:

• Macroscopic Fractals:
  • They’re visible in various natural phenomena like fingerprints, trees, shells, river networks, clouds, tumours, etc.
• Microscopic Fractals in Quantum Realm:
  • Studies reveal fractal behaviour in the magnetic properties of materials like neodymium nickel oxide and in graphene’s electron density patterns.

APPLICATIONS OF FRACTALITY:

• Fractals in Physics:
  • Initially applied to describe Brownian motion, fractals uncover new orders in systems, enabling insights into familiar shapes in unfamiliar dimensions.
• Practical Applications:
  • Fractality aids in data compression, antenna design, studying celestial bodies, chromatography, ion-exchange processes, and cellular biology.

IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS:

• Unveiling Complexity:
  • Fractals offer insights into complex structures and processes in various realms, providing new perspectives on natural phenomena.
• Interdisciplinary Significance:
  • Their interaction with different processes widens their implications, facilitating a deeper understanding of the quantum realm and other natural systems.

WAY FORWARD:

• Fractal dimensions provide a comprehensive view and serve as a tool for understanding the intricacies of quantum systems.
• It explains the significance of non-integer dimensions in quantum studies, highlighting the unique behaviour exhibited by particles in these dimensions.
• Furthermore, it bridges the gap between macroscopic and microscopic fractals, elucidating their presence in both observable natural patterns and quantum phenomena.
• The practical applications of fractality across multiple disciplines underscore their interdisciplinary importance, ranging from data compression to celestial body study.
• In essence, the piece captures the role of fractals in unravelling the mysteries of quantum physics and their broader relevance across various scientific fields, reflecting the intricate relationship between fundamental theories and practical applications in scientific exploration.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/fractal-dimensions-quantum-physics-explained/article67535596.ece

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: According to a recent report from the Central Water Commission (CWC), water levels in southern states’ reservoirs are low compared to last year and compared to other regions of the country in 2023.

CURRENT WATER RESERVE STATUS:

• Reservoir Levels:
  • A concerning decline in water reserves across southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu has been highlighted.
  • The collective storage capacity of 53.334 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM) has seen a sharp drop in recent months.
• Decrease in Reservoir Stocks:
  • Over the past two months, water reserves have declined from 48% to 44% of the total storage capacity.
  • This is notably lower compared to last year when the reserves were at 87% of the total storage capacity.

REASONS FOR LOW WATER STOCKS:

• Erratic Monsoon Patterns:
  • The 2023 southwest monsoon exhibited significant irregularities in rainfall patterns.
  • The south peninsular region experienced severe rainfall deficits during June, July, August, and September, cumulatively resulting in an 8% deficit compared to the normal average.
• Drier October:
  • October remained exceptionally dry in southern India, recording the sixth driest month in 123 years.
  • This month (November) typically witnesses significant rainfall due to the retreating southwest monsoon and the onset of the northeast monsoon.
  • Cyclone Hamoon’s development in the Bay of Bengal disrupted rainfall patterns, contributing to a 60% cumulative rainfall deficit.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT AND FUTURE CONCERNS:

• Agricultural Impact:
  • The low water reserves pose an immediate threat to irrigated farming, especially water-intensive crops like paddy.
  • States like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu heavily rely on water for agriculture, and the shortage could significantly impact crop yield.
• Drinking Water Scarcity:
  • The declining reserves may lead to a scarcity of drinking water in the coming months, affecting both rural and urban populations.
• Potential Drought Declaration:
  • Karnataka has started identifying drought-hit areas, hinting at the possibility that other states might soon follow suit.
  • The situation might exacerbate the agricultural crisis, especially with new governments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana facing the challenge of managing water shortages.

AREAS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION:

• Irrigated Farming:
  • Urgent attention is needed to address the impending crisis in irrigated farming, primarily focusing on water-intensive crops like paddy.
• Drinking Water Supply:
  • Ensuring adequate drinking water availability is crucial, necessitating proactive measures to manage water resources efficiently.
• Government Response:
  • Newly formed state governments face a challenge in managing the agricultural crisis caused by water shortages and will require effective strategies to mitigate the impact.

CONCLUSION:

• The depletion of water reserves in southern India poses severe challenges to agriculture, drinking water supply, and the overall economy of the region.
• Immediate action, including water conservation measures, efficient agricultural practices, and governmental intervention, is essential to mitigate the impact of the water shortage and prevent further crises in the region.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/water-reserves-south-india-depleting-2023-9030349/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed a law passed by the Haryana government in 2020 that provided 75 per cent reservation in private jobs to residents of the state.

EXPLANATION:

• The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling quashing the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 has far-reaching implications and raises several significant points.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

• Unconstitutionality and Violation of Fundamental Rights:
• The court ruled the Act as unconstitutional and violative of Part III of the Indian Constitution, which encompasses fundamental rights.
• This Act was seen as discriminatory against individuals who are not residents of a specific state and impinged upon their rights.
• State Intervention in Private Sector:
• The judgment highlighted the overreach of the state government into the private sector by attempting to mandate the hiring of local candidates.
• It was perceived as an intrusion into the freedom of private employers to recruit based on their requirements.
• Freedom to Conduct Business:
  • The court emphasized Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to carry out business and trade.
  • The Act was seen as an impediment to this freedom for private employers, impacting their ability to hire based on merit and suitability for the job.

ETHICAL AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Equality and Common Citizenship:
  • The Act was criticized for creating divisions among people based on their state of origin, which contradicts the idea of common citizenship enshrined in the Constitution.
  • It was argued that such laws create disparities among citizens and go against the principle of equality.
• Skill Diversity and Employment Needs:
  • The court illustrated how skill diversity exists across regions, and mandating local hiring could hinder businesses from accessing a diverse skill set essential for their operations.
  • It emphasized that a skilled workforce might be sourced from different parts of the country, and restricting hiring based on domicile is counterproductive.
• Challenges of Unemployment:
  • While the Haryana government argued that the Act aimed to address local youth unemployment, the court observed that such measures cannot infringe upon the rights of others.
  • It questioned the feasibility of such discriminatory practices in addressing unemployment concerns.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE AND FUTURE STEPS:

• Legal Recourse:
  • The government expressed intentions to approach the Supreme Court for an appeal (Special Leave Petition – SLP) against the High Court’s decision.
  • This signifies a potential continuation of the legal battle over the policy’s validity.
• Reviewing Options:
  • The government spokesperson mentioned assessing the detailed court order before deciding on the next course of action.
  • This indicates a need to reconsider strategies regarding employment policies in light of the court’s decision.

CONCLUSION:

• The High Court’s decision to quash the Haryana law reflects a significant ruling on constitutional and fundamental rights issues.
• It underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between addressing local unemployment concerns and ensuring equality and freedom in employment opportunities.
• This ruling may influence future state policies concerning employment quotas and rights of private businesses in recruitment practices across India.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/hc-quashes-haryana-govts-75-percent-quota-in-private-sector-jobs-9031094/

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the government has decided to cut the windfall profit tax on crude oil produced in the country and on exports of diesel in line with softening international oil prices.

EXPLANATION:

• The windfall profit tax, in the form of Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED), on domestically produced crude oil has been decreased to ₹6,300 per tonne from ₹9,800 per tonne.
• SAED on the export of diesel has been reduced to ₹1 per litre from ₹2 per litre.
• However, the tax on the export of jet fuel (ATF) and petrol remains at zero.
• The government regularly revises these taxes based on international crude oil price fluctuations. The recent reduction follows a drop in global oil prices.

Impact of International Oil Prices:

• The adjustment in taxes is directly influenced by changes in international oil prices.
• A decline in global crude oil rates from previous months prompted the government to revise the taxes downward.
• The tax rates have been subject to multiple revisions since their introduction in July of the previous year.
• These changes respond to shifts in international oil prices and product margins.

Windfall Tax Criteria:

• The windfall tax is triggered when the global benchmark surpasses $75 per barrel for crude oil and when product cracks or margins exceed $20 per barrel for diesel, ATF, and petrol.

Product Cracks/Margins Explanation:

• Product cracks/margins denote the difference between the cost of crude oil (raw material) and the value of the finished petroleum products.

Tax Exemptions and Restorations:

• There have been instances where taxes were temporarily suspended due to price fluctuations but were later reinstated when market conditions changed.

Dynamic Tax Adjustments:

• The government’s approach to these windfall profit taxes demonstrates a dynamic response to volatile global oil markets.
• Tax revisions are frequent and directly tied to the benchmark oil prices and product margins, showcasing a measure to balance domestic interests against global market fluctuations.

Industry and Economic Impact:

• Reductions in windfall taxes on crude oil and diesel exports aim to alleviate the financial burden on domestic producers and exporters in the petroleum industry.
• By reducing taxes during periods of lower international oil prices, the government aims to support the industry’s competitiveness and maintain economic stability.

Policy Flexibility:

• The government’s fortnightly reviews and adjustments showcase an agile policy framework that responds promptly to changing market conditions.
• This flexibility allows for quick adaptations to protect domestic interests and maintain revenue streams.

Market Sensitivity:

• The taxation system’s sensitivity to global oil price benchmarks indicates the government’s intent to strike a balance between maximizing revenue and preventing undue pressure on consumers and industries reliant on petroleum products.

Key Players:

• Major players like Reliance Industries Ltd and Nayara Energy offers insight into the significance of these companies in India’s fuel export market and their potential influence on the nation’s economy.

Potential Challenges:

• Despite these adjustments, continued fluctuations in global oil prices could pose ongoing challenges for policymakers, requiring them to continuously monitor and adjust tax rates to maintain equilibrium.

Conclusion:

• The government’s decision to reduce windfall profit taxes on crude oil and diesel exports reflects a proactive approach to manage the impact of international oil price fluctuations on the domestic economy.
• This agile tax policy seeks to strike a balance between supporting the industry and safeguarding consumer interests while ensuring a competitive environment for key players in the petroleum sector.
• The detailed fortnightly reviews and adjustments illustrate the government’s responsiveness to the dynamic nature of global oil markets.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/windfall-profit-tax-on-crude-oil-diesel-exports-cut/article67539574.ece

1. The ethics of war: Proportionality and nationalism READ MORE
2. Do we really have any free will? READ MORE
3. The original sin in conflicts READ MORE

1. Why water reserves in southern India are fast depleting in 2023 READ MORE
2. What Determines Groundwater Exploitation in India? READ MORE 

1. What can a domestic violence survivor do when the justice system lets her down? READ MORE
2. A predator & conspiracy of silence READ MORE  

1. Regulating content READ MORE
2. EC should be above partisanship, suspicion READ MORE
3. Governors sitting on Bills is a dangerous scribbling of the ‘grammar of anarchy’ READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. HC quashes Haryana law for 75% quota in pvt sector jobs READ MORE
2. Indian market for technical textiles targeted to touch $40 billion by 2030:Saxena READ MORE
3. What is the BDS movement, led by Palestinian groups against Israel? READ MORE
4. Windfall profit tax on crude oil, diesel exports cut READ MORE
5. How fractals offer a new way to see the quantum realm | Explained READ MORE
6. Extreme weather events may be driving replacement of native species with exotic ones READ MORE
7. In India, 191 billion potential labour hours were lost due to heat exposure in 2022: Lancet READ MORE
8. World needs to limit global warming to 1.5°C to protect cryosphere, 2°C too high: Report READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. What can a domestic violence survivor do when the justice system lets her down? READ MORE
2. A predator & conspiracy of silence READ MORE  
3. Why water reserves in southern India are fast depleting in 2023 READ MORE
4. What Determines Groundwater Exploitation in India? READ MORE 

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Regulating content READ MORE
2. EC should be above partisanship, suspicion READ MORE
3. Governors sitting on Bills is a dangerous scribbling of the ‘grammar of anarchy’ READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Skills intelligence and workforce optimisation READ MORE

 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The geopolitical fallout of the Israel-Hamas war READ MORE  
2. Building the floor: On the U.S.-China summit meeting, lessons for India READ MORE
3. Why peace in West Asia matters to India READ MORE
4. India-Bangladesh connectivity blessing for both READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. State of the economy — temper the euphoria READ MORE
2. Supply chain pact: Opportunity for India to maximise economic gains READ MORE
3. NPAs: Setting the record straight READ MORE
4. Inflation fall hiding slump? READ MORE
5. Unpacking Inequality READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Climate change: Are we close to collective action? READ MORE
2. Empowering women to be harbinger of climate change READ MORE
3. Act fast to clean air, or economy will take a hit READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Is AI the future of human relationships? READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Widening divide: Peace in Manipur cannot be restored by half-measures READ MORE
2. Do it via UIDAI: States shouldn’t create separate biometric databases. Multiple datasets increase security risk READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Nature can kill READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. The ethics of war: Proportionality and nationalism READ MORE
2. Do we really have any free will? READ MORE
3. The original sin in conflicts READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Public funding of elections will certainly bring transparency in the poll process. Critically examine.
2. State governments’ committed expenditure under OPS would shrink their commitment to the FRBM Act. Critically comment.
3. Increasing debt is not only creating fiscal imbalance but affects the ability of state governments to run welfare schemes and blocks the path for the development of the country. In the light of the statement anslyse why freebies schemes are a recipe for fiscal disaster.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.
• India’s position on Israel–Palestine conflict reflects its priority to work towards a political solution and durable peace in West Asia.
• The ‘skills-first’ model of talent acquisition and management is the key to thrive in the evolving landscape for tech-driven enterprises.
• The priority for now is the safety of the trapped workers, but broader implications underscore the importance of balancing development with environmental preservation.
• The delicate ecosystem of lower Himalayas requires a well-considered approach to ensure the wellbeing of both the locals and the region.
• With the constitutionality of electoral bonds being contested more strongly, the citizen must push for a more level-playing field in the next round of elections.
• The recourse to a money bill to amend the relevant laws subverted the legislative scheme envisaged in the Constitution.
• Training of rural women as entrepreneurs and imparting them with the knowledge to adapt to a changing environment is crucial for climate action.
• Empowering women, and placing them at the centre of clean energy transitions is not only improving people’s lives but also garnering increased attention as effective agents towards more inclusive systems.
• The concern for nature in Indian scriptures is not just a cultural or religious tenet but a profound philosophy that underscores the intrinsic connection between humans and the environment.
• The EC is a constitutional body charged with and empowered to conduct free and fair elections. If it appears to be partisan and loses credibility, India’s elections and democracy, too, will lose credibility.
• While the growth in exports augurs well for the economy, boosting domestic demand is imperative for continued economic growth of the country.
• There are many strong arguments for keeping air quality better, even from an economic growth perspective. The poor quality and related health conditions results in increased worker absenteeism and reduced workforce output, and thus adversely impacting economic growth.
• It does not bode well for federalism and democracy in India that the Supreme Court has to intervene in the routine procedure of governors clearing the Bills passed by state assemblies.
• The principle of equal sovereignty of the States as the basis of all international relations is inconsistent with the status quo, where the international tribunals should have the right to prosecute the defeated countries and their leadership for war crimes.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent.

50-WORD TALK

• RBI has finally decided to curb rapidly growing unsecured lending, and not a moment too soon. Societal damage inflicted by banks and NBFCs through unscrupulous recovery practices needs an immediate stop. Finance Minister has spoken in Parliament about this. RBI must introspect on why it took so long to act.
• Modi government is right in expressing concern about the rise of AI and deepfakes in public sphere. Regulation is needed to ensure this doesn’t poison social relations. But there needs to be abundant caution on how much control and authority citizens end up ceding to the government in this process.

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.

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT:  An under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district collapsed.

CAUSES:

• The failure (the section that has collapsed) is located around 200-300 metres from the mouth of the tunnel.
• It could have happened due to a loose patch (of rock), which wasn’t visible during the construction.
• The patch might have consisted of fractured or fragile rock.
• Another reason could be the seepage of water through a loose patch.
• Water erodes loose rock particles over time, creating a void on the top of the tunnel, which can’t be seen.

WHAT ARE THE WAYS IN WHICH TUNNELS ARE EXCAVATED IN ROCK?

• There are essentially two ways:
  • The drill and blast method (DBM)
  • Using tunnel-boring machines (TBMs)
• DBM involves drilling holes into the rock and loading them with explosives. When the explosives are detonated, the rock breaks apart.
• TBMs bore the rock from the front (using a rotating head) while supporting the excavating tunnel behind the machine by installing precast concrete segments.
• Building a tunnel with a TBM is more expensive than DBM, but much safer.
• Imported TBMs are used in India.

DOES THE METHOD OF EXCAVATION DEPEND ON THE TYPE OF TERRAIN?

• TBMs are ideal when the rock cover is up to 400 metres tall.
• A TBM can’t be used to drill through very tall mountains. Creating a void through a 1,000-2,000-metre-high mountain by using a TBM leads to rock burst.
• Underground tunnels for the Delhi Metro were dug using a TBM at shallow depth.
• DBM is usually used in places like Himalayas, including Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand.

IS THE HIMALAYAN REGION TOO FRAGILE TO TUNNEL THROUGH?

• Geological context: The Himalayas are still young (they were formed between 40 million and 50 million years ago) and they are still growing due to the collision between the Indian tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate.
• There are some patches where the rock is indeed too fragile for a tunnel. But at other places, the rock is very good.

KEY ASPECTS OF BUILDING A TUNNEL

• Investigation: The first and foremost thing is to thoroughly investigate the rock through which a tunnel is proposed to be made.
• It is done by sending seismic refraction waves through the rock to check which patches are fragile or solid.
• In India, engineers dig a borehole into the rock to extract a core sample and send it for petrographic analysis.
  • Petrographic analysis: Microscopic examination to determine the mineral content, grain size, texture and other features that have a bearing on the mechanical behaviour of the sample.
• Investigations help determine if the rock can take the load of the overburden when a tunnel is created.
• If the rock layer and its strength are good, it takes the entire load of the overburden by redistribution of the stresses, and it remains stable.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CONSTRUCT A STABLE TUNNEL?

• After excavation and providing support for the tunnel, we need to monitor the spot. It’s essential to check how the rock is behaving at various places.
• Monitoring is done by instruments such as stress meters and deformations meters.
• Then, the supports provided to the tunnel need to be tested for adequacy.
• Supports can be of various types:
  • Including shotcrete (sprayed concrete that works as a membrane to prevent parts of the rock from falling).
  • Rock bolt (a long anchor bolt for stabilising rock excavations).
  • Steel ribs or beams.
  • Tunnel pipe umbrella, built by using steel tubes that can hold really fragile rocks.
• It is also important that an independent specialist geologist visits the tunnel for examination and to check for probable failures.

SOURCE: What led to the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse (indianexpress.com)

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope to discover the second and fourth-most distant galaxies in a part of space known as Pandora’s cluster.

EXPLANATION:

• According to researchers, galaxies at this distance appear in images as red dots, these new galaxies appear larger and look like a “peanut and a fluffy ball”.
• The researchers estimate that the light detected by Webb telescope was emitted by the galaxies about 13.4 billion light-years
• The galaxies are currently 33 billion light-years away from us because of the expansion of the universe over time.
• The researchers also used computational models to reveal the properties of these early galaxies.

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE:

• The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest, most powerful space telescope ever built.
• The telescope will be able to capture images of some of the first galaxies ever formed.
• It will also be able to observe objects in our solar system from Mars outward, look inside dust clouds to see where new stars and planets are forming and examine the atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars.
• The Webb telescope’s cameras are sensitive to heat from the Sun. Webb has a sunshield to protect its instruments and mirrors.
• The James Webb Space Telescope sees the universe in light that is invisible to human eyes. This light is called infrared radiation. The James Webb Space Telescope will use its infrared cameras to see through dust in the universe.
• It took deep field images of Pandora’s cluster in 2022.

SOURCE: James Webb Space Telescope help find 2 of the most distant galaxies (indianexpress.com)

GS 3: BIODIVERSITY

THE CONTEXT: The latest zoological finds include nine new emperor moth species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

 EXPLANATION:

• It includes the Mishmi moon moth (Actias smetaceki) from Arunachal Pradesh and the Shan moon moth (Actias loeffleri) from northern Myanmar. Their name has been derived from a moon on each of its wings.
• The largest of the 11 moths recorded with a wingspan of 13.6 cm is Loepa himalayana found in Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet.
• Out of more than 1,300 known species of moths belonging to the Saturniidae family, including the emperor moths, some 100 are from India.
• A new frog recorded from Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh is Alcalus fontinalis thus named because of small streams or brooks where it was found in May 2022.
• According to the researchers, frogs of the Alcalus genus found in the Philippines and Thailand were hitherto unknown in India.
• Arunachal Pradesh also yielded the Alycaeus himalayae, a snail found in a small limestone cave in the East Siang district.
• The researchers said it is the only Aycaeus species inhabiting the Himalayas.
• Another new species of snail, Cycloryx pemaledai, was reported from Sikkim.

Source: New species of small life forms recorded from northeast – The Hindu