(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Maharashtra Assembly unanimously clears 10% Maratha quota; CM Shinde says it will survive test of law READ MORE

2. US vetoes Security Council vote on Gaza cease-fire, pushes alternative READ MORE

3. India, Sri Lanka take trade pact talks ahead READ MORE

4. Inflation expectations may stabilise, edge down going ahead: RBI bulletin READ MORE

5. Rules that edge out women from employment for getting married are ‘coarse’, unconstitutional: Supreme Court READ MORE

6. Global study quantifies rise in blood clots, heart inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination READ MORE

7. Raisina Dialogue begins today: Everything you need to know about the conference READ MORE

8. What is Article 142, invoked by Supreme Court to overturn Chandigarh mayoral poll results? READ MORE

9. The brightest object in the universe is a black hole that eats a star a day READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. A 100-year-old story of British brutality & Sikh sacrifice READ MORE

2. Caste census lessons for new government in Bihar READ MORE

3. Are Dalits homogenous or heterogenous? READ MORE

4. Calm assessment: On the extent of ‘deemed forest’ READ MORE

5. Heed SC’s directive on saving forests READ MORE

6. Definition of forest: SC underscores concerns over land diversion READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Having panchayats as self-governing institutions READ MORE

2. Judicial clarity on free speech READ MORE

3. SC examines divorced Muslim women’s right to maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC READ MORE

4. TN resolution voices South India’s concerns READ MORE

5. SC bonds ruling a reminder how weak India’s key institutions are READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Why are Indians falling ill so frequently? READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Tolerance, coexistence taking root in UAE READ MORE

2. How effective is the UN in conflict mitigation READ MORE

3. India is on the right track in Nepal READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. MSP is the minimum support farmers need to stay in business READ MORE

2. Small farmers’ interests overlooked READ MORE

3. Rate Cut Dilemma READ MORE

4. Green Revolution, 2.0 READ MORE

5. Towards Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): Strategies, obstacles, and visions for a sustainable future READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Warming up to climate change: How does climate change impact extreme weather events? READ MORE

2. Air pollution needs decentralised, micro solutions READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Dark Net Woes READ MORE

2. Keep it wholesome: On shaping a national cervical cancer control programme READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Tech Wars or Old Battlefields: Lessons from the Recent Conflicts READ MORE

2. The future of counterterrorism: Evolving online tools and tactics READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Religion, a precise science of creating clarity READ MORE

2. Well done, Milords: SC did the right thing in overturning Chandigarh mayor’s elections. Poll process integrity defines democracy READ MORE

3. Work and wisdom READ MORE

4. Seeking truth in the world of deception READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Gram sabhas have a significant role in fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable development at the grass-roots level by leveraging local resources for revenue generation. Examine.

2. Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation; they must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong, inclusive growth. Comment in the light of recent developments.

3. Discuss why the UN is facing myriad obstacles in its quest for global harmony. How structural drawbacks to the intertwined interests of its members are affecting its effectiveness in conflict mitigation?

4. The Green Revolution transformed India from a ship-to-mouth existence to self-reliance, but it also sowed the seeds of its own destruction, leading to a grave farming crisis in the country. Examine.

5. Delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the present population will not only lead to inequitable representation in parliament but it will violate the 84^th Constitutional amendment. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Broad-mindedness is related to tolerance; open-mindedness is the sibling of peace.
• There is a need to educate elected representatives and the public on the significance and the need for panchayats to be able to survive on its own resources.
• Gram sabhas have a significant role in fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable development at the grass-roots level by leveraging local resources for revenue generation.
• There is a need to educate elected representatives and the public on the significance of raising revenue to develop panchayats as self-governing institutions.
• Small farmers lack the means to be part of MSP-driven procurement system. Despite the focus of the farmers’ talks on pulses, this needs to be addressed.
• Withdrawing from regional trading agreements and insulating the farm sector may render it vulnerable to price volatility, with direct implications for domestic food price inflation.
• Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation. They must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong inclusive growth.
• Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation; they must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong, inclusive growth.
• From structural drawbacks to the intertwined interests of its members, the UN faces myriad obstacles in its quest for global harmony.
• The Green Revolution transformed India from a ship-to-mouth existence to self-reliance. But the Green Revolution was not an unmixed blessing. Over the decades which followed, it sowed the seeds of its own destruction, leading to a grave farming crisis in the country.
• In the complex tapestry of global economic dynamics, India finds itself at a crossroads as the murmurs of a delayed rate cut gain momentum.
• Delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the present population will lead to inequitable representation in parliament.
• As terrorists and violent extremists adapt their online tactics in the era of AI, counterterrorism efforts should also evolve, employing new tools and approaches.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture holds promise in building a robust agri-food system amidst the intensifying effects of climate change, however, there is a pressing need to enhance current initiatives.

ESSAY TOPIC

• We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.

50-WORD TALK

• The demands of agitating farmers encapsulate broader systemic inequities within India’s farming landscape. While addressing these demands is crucial, sustainable solutions must prioritise the empowerment of small and marginal farmers. Assured support for pulses must be accompanied by marketing and financial reforms.

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.

THE CONTEXT: Recent visit of India’s Prime Minister is his seventh visit to UAE since 2014, indicates the government’s desire to bring out the best of the India-UAE relationship in the Gulf region.

MORE ON THE NEWS

• President of UAE has also expressed his appreciation to PM for accepting the invitation to speak at the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai.
• Prime Minister has inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple, the BAPS temple which is built on a 27-acre site in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.
• India and the UAE have signed agreements to collaborate in areas such as energy, infrastructure, investments, and archive management.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PACT

• Bilateral Investment Treaty will strengthen a broad-based investment partnership. It will not only protect existing investments but also promote further capital flows between the two economies.
• Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) aims to enhance regional connectivity.
• Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on Digital Infrastructure Projects will establish a comprehensive cooperation framework. This includes investment cooperation in the digital infrastructure sector and the exchange of technical knowledge and skills. Government and regulatory authorities will form partnerships under this MoU, focusing on high power computing, digital innovation, and data management platforms.
• Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Electricity Interconnection and Trade will focus on green hydrogen, energy storage, and cooperation on energy security and trade.
• Cooperation Protocol between the National Library and Archives of the UAE and the National Archives of India will establish expansive bilateral cooperation in the field of restoration and preservation of archival material. This protocol will also bolster cooperation in archives management via the exchange of expertise, historical information, research, and studies.
• Agreement on interlinking of the instant payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) will enable seamless cross-border transactions.
• Agreement on inter-linking domestic debit/credit cards – RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) is a significant step in fostering financial sector cooperation, which will boost the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE.
• The MoU on the Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) aims to foster engagement between the two countries to support the Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.
• The new initiative Bharat Mart at Jebel Ali, which will further promote bilateral trade and serve as a platform for enhancing the utilization of CEPA by leveraging the strategic location of Jebel Ali port. Bharat Mart would support micro, small and medium sector enterprises from India by providing them an effective platform to reach out to international buyers and promote their products across Middle East, Africa, and Eurasia.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RELATIONSHIP:

• UAE is India’s pre-eminent partner in the region in terms of both the strength and the breadth of our partnership. It really extends to every aspect of human endeavour, whether it is food security, energy security, counterterrorism or multilateral cooperation.
• Economy: The UAE is now India’s third largest trading partner, India’s second largest export destination, and fourth largest source of
• Diaspora: A central reason for the UAE being India’s closest partner in West Asia is strong diaspora of Indian community, which has been the most significant contributor to the UAE’s economy since the country was formed in 1971. The diaspora also contributes about 18% of India’s global remittances.
• New developments: There are emerging strategic bond across newer sectors fintech, clean energy and climate action, food security, digital payments, investments, defence and cyber security and education.
• Mutual values of cooperation: There is a mutual value of tolerance and pluralism, and “shared heritage of humanity” which serves as the most significant bonds between the two countries. India-UAE ties are also built on a bedrock of history and cultural engagement that includes centuries-old maritime trade.

ISSUES:

• Trade Barriers Impacting Indian Exports: Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) like Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), notably mandatory Halal certification, have impeded Indian exports, particularly in sectors such as poultry, meat, and processed foods. These barriers have led to a significant decline in processed food exports to the UAE by almost 30% in recent years.
• Chinese Economic Influence: China’s “Cheque Book Diplomacy,”characterized by offering low-interest loans, has overshadowed Indian economic endeavours in the UAE and the broader Middle East.
• Certain frictional points: While India’s technological prowess and the UAE’s positioning as a trade and industry hub bring complementarities, the changes in their polity and societies bring possible friction points.
• Concern over secularism: UAE as a theocratic monarchy seeks to democratise its governance and have a more pluralistic system, such as the decision on the temple in Abu Dhabi has expressed concern over the rise of majoritarian and sectarian forces in India.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Streamline trade flows: India and the UAE should work together to address non-tariff barriers that impede Indian exports, particularly in sectors such as processed foods. Both countries can engage in dialogues to streamline regulations and facilitate smoother trade flows.
• Increasing investment: India can boost its economic presence in the UAE by increasing investments in key sectors and exploring opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships. Fostering a conducive business environment and promoting entrepreneurship can attract more Indian businesses to the UAE.
• Counter Chinese influence: India and the UAE can collaborate to counter Chinese economic influence in the region by promoting transparency, sustainability, and fair business practices.
• Addressing concern of migrants: Both countries should work towards improving the rights and welfare of migrant workers in the UAE, including reforming the Kafala system. It can be done by ensuring fair wages, decent living conditions, and protecting workers’ rights.

THE CONCLUSION:

India and the United Arab Emirates share good bilateral relations and India’s recent proactive diplomacy in West Asia has seen the emergence of the UAE as a significant partner. Even though the relations between India and the UAE are acquiring new heights, there are a few challenges and bottlenecks that need to be addressed if the true potential of the bilateral relationship is to be achieved.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyse India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. How has India-UAE relationship progressed since its inception and highlight the significance and associated frictions of the relationship. Suggest the measures to boost the relationship further, discuss in the context of newer developments in the relationship.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/ties-across-the-sea-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-india-uae-close-relationship/article67860741.ece

THE CONTEXT: As the draft of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has been finalised. There is a strong likelihood that India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) would soon enter into a free trade deal.

WHAT IS EUROPEAN FREE TRADE ASSOCIATION (EFTA)?

• The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
• It was set up in 1960 by the Stockholm Convention for the promotion of free trade and economic integration between its members.
• The main tasks of the association are threefold:
• Maintaining and developing the EFTA Convention which regulates economic relations between the four EFTA states.
• Managing the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement), which brings together the Member States of the European Union and three of the EFTA States – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – in a single market, also referred to as the “Internal Market”.
• Developing EFTA’s worldwide network of free trade agreements.

What is India- EFTA trade agreement?

• It is a broad-ranging agreement that is being negotiated between India and the four countries since 2008 to increase investment by these countries in India and reduce tariffs, on a range of exports from these countries.
• Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is the name of free trade negotiations between India and EFTA Countries.
• Over the past two decades, the total trade between the EFTA States and India has been growing steadily. In 2022, the combined EFTA-India merchandise trade surpassed USD 6.1 billion.
• The primary imports to the EFTA States consisted of organic chemicals (27.5%), while machinery (17.5%) and pharmaceutical products (11.4%), excluding gold, constituted the main exports to India.

ISSUES:

• IPR rights: There is a bone of contention relating to intellectual property rights and has persisted as an issue since 2008.
• Constant tussle between inventors and generic drug companies: There is a constant tussle between the inventors and the generic-drug companies over the issue of affordability. The nature of the pharma industry costs much to discover a useful effective drug and relatively little to make generic copies of it.
• Issue of data exclusivity: Data exclusivity is an embargo clause that puts a minimum of six-year embargo on clinical trial data generated during the testing and development of a drug. Data exclusivity also applies to drugs not patented in India. This ensures adequate Intellectual Property Rights protection for the original drug manufacturers and incentivising innovation and R&D. However, it hampers the development of cheap generic drugs in the developing countries, particularly India and decreases the accessibility and affordability of latest drugs, hampering healthcare outcomes.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Invest in research: India’s rise in the drug manufacturing chain in the last few decades means that it must invest in an ecosystem that can conduct ethical drug trials and make new molecules and therapeutics from scratch. The government must invest in fundamental research to be able to develop reliable drugs. It can be done by providing grants or incentives to pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development of generic versions of essential medicines.
• Address the monopoly of the west: There is a need to change the perception and situation that drug development do not remain confined to the west. For example, during covid 19 pandemic a lot of development of several novel technology approaches to developing vaccines was seen in India.
• Utilising anti-counterfeiting technologies for counterfeit drugs: It can be done through imaging technologies, variable data printing of unique numbers or barcodes with speciality inks, including invisible inks, and with RFID.
• Strong regulatory framework:There is a need to strengthen regulations that ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of generic medicines. It can be done by creating a clear approval process for generic drugs to enter the market.

THE CONCLUSION:

India has firmly rejected the demand from four European nations in the EFTA bloc for the inclusion of a ‘data exclusivity’ provision in proposed free trade agreements, citing its commitment to protecting the interests of the domestic generic drugs industry. As negotiations with EFTA progress, India remains focused on promoting fair and equitable trade relations while upholding its principles of protecting domestic industries.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q. In the present geo-political scenario, the EU and India appear to be natural partners and they need to leverage existing opportunities. Discuss. (2021)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. India’s firm stance against the inclusion of data exclusivity provisions in FTAs reflects its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its generic drug industry. Comment.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/brave-new-world-on-the-india-european-free-trade-association-agreement-and-ipr/article67853988.ece

THE CONTEXT: India has applied new diplomatic tactics based on intelligence, meetings, consultations, and naval diplomacy. Such approaches are evidence of India’s movement from seclusion toward integration into the global security dialogue. Of importance, too especially, is India’s movement towards fruitful intelligence cooperation and modernizing its intelligence agencies.

ISSUES:

• Intelligence Diplomacy: Intelligence diplomacy is the policy priority, so India shares the data with the allied countries’ governments and security agencies. This suggests that India is moving from isolationist to mutually intelligent relationships.
• Conference Diplomacy: India’s participation in the conference diplomacy in the form of the Raisina Dialogue, which is an event supported by the Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of External Affairs, creates an avenue for the country to influence the global strategic discourse and build the transnational networks.
• Naval Diplomacy: The Milan Naval Exercise in the Bay of Bengal manifests India’s naval diplomacy, a primary military diplomacy tool India uses to promote regional cooperation and security and highlight India’s strategic relevance in the Indo-Pacific.
• Expansion of International Engagements: The paper focuses on the fast boost in global communities involved in international affairs, which provides the grounds for the emergence of think tanks and media outlets discussing foreign and security policies.
• Modernization of Intelligence Agencies: India’s intelligence diplomacy is also an integral part of a broader effort at the modernization of intelligence agencies, which date back to the turn of the 19th century, like the Intelligence Bureau.
• Global and Regional Security Challenges: Employing Indian diplomatic skills, including naval and intelligence diplomacy, answers the many new risks to world peace, which are deepened military crises, economic stress, and the return of great power rivalry.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Enhance Multilateral Intelligence Sharing: India should continue enhancing intelligence cooperation with partners with similar outlooks, such as the “Five Eyes” agreement, to improve collective security and, therefore, be able to respond better and more coordinated to threats.
• Adopt Agile Global Expansion Strategies: India must take a light footprint approach in its external relations and concentrate on local partnerships with stakeholders while using human resources well to gain benefits.
• Prepare for Complex Threats: India should face variegated security challenges, such as cyber threats and terrorism, by upgrading its defence capability and resilience.
• Leverage Conferences for Conflict Prevention: India should use conference diplomacy as a potential method for conflict prevention & resolution, bringing everyone to the table and making them talk in a neutral setting.
• Enhance Maritime Infrastructure: Investing in maritime infrastructure and capabilities will strengthen India’s naval diplomacy and bring a more robust Indian presence and influence in strategically significant water bodies.
• Invest in Training and Development: The intelligence service’s employees’ skills and capabilities should be constantly developed through continuous training and the latest technology.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s strategic engagement in intelligence sharing, international conferences, and naval exercises demonstrates its commitment to addressing global and regional security challenges. India’s way forward involves enhancing multilateral intelligence sharing, leveraging conference diplomacy for conflict resolution, and expanding naval diplomacy efforts to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific region.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 The sea is an essential Component of the Cosmos’ Discuss, considering the above statement, the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (2023)

Q.2 What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational, technical, and procedural initiatives to improve maritime security. (2022)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Examine the role of ‘intelligence diplomacy’ in India’s foreign policy and its significance in the context of global and regional security challenges. Discuss how India’s engagement in ‘conference diplomacy’ and ‘naval diplomacy’ complements its intelligence diplomacy efforts.”

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/intelligence-diplomacy-india-global-security-maritime-raisina-dialogue-9169519/

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TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: A groundbreaking study led by Gokce Ustunisik and her team at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reveals the potential of certain bacteria to accelerate the mineralization of carbon dioxide (CO2) under extreme conditions.

EXPLANATION:

• The application of these microbes could revolutionize the storage of CO2 in deep underground sites, offering a more rapid and durable solution to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Isolation of Geobacillus Bacteria:

• The researchers isolated Geobacillus bacteria species from a compost pile in Washington state known for their resilience to high temperatures and pressures.
• Geobacillus bacteria were chosen for their ability to thrive under extreme conditions, making them suitable candidates for underground CO2 storage.

Laboratory Tests and Findings:

• Laboratory tests compared the rate of CO2 mineralization with and without the presence of these microbes under conditions resembling those found deep underground.
• The absence of microbes resulted in negligible CO2 mineralization, a process that typically takes years under natural geological conditions.
• With the Geobacillus bacteria, mineral crystals formed within a remarkable 10 days at 80°C (176°F) and pressures 500 times that of sea level.

Role of Carbonic Anhydrase Enzyme:

• The key to the rapid mineralization rate is attributed to an enzyme produced by the bacteria, known as carbonic anhydrase.
• This enzyme efficiently reduces the acidity of the CO2 solution, facilitating the formation of carbonate minerals from released magnesium and calcium in the rock.

Potential Storage Sites:

• The accelerated mineralization process opens up possibilities for using depleted oil and gas reservoirs as deep underground storage sites for CO2.
• The speed at which CO2 can be converted into mineral crystals under extreme conditions enhances the feasibility and efficiency of long-term storage.

Challenges and Future Steps:

• The researchers have not disclosed the exact species of bacteria due to pending patent issues.
• Further testing will involve Bacillus bacteria from a former mine shaft in South Dakota and genetically modified strains to identify the most effective microbes.
• The next phase includes evaluating the performance of these microbes in an actual storage well.

Concerns and Criticisms:

• Outside researchers emphasize the need for addressing concerns about the resilience, food source, turnover rates, and adaptability of these organisms to various alkaline environments.
• The introduction of nutrients along with the microbes to sustain them raises practical challenges.
• The potential spread of introduced or genetically modified microbes in subsurface environments poses ecological and regulatory concerns.

Conclusion:

• The study signifies a significant step towards developing a novel approach to carbon sequestration by leveraging bacteria to expedite CO2 mineralization under extreme conditions. While challenges and uncertainties persist, the promise of accelerating the process to a mere 10 days could have substantial implications for mitigating climate change by securely storing CO2 in underground reservoirs.

SOURCE: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416727-bacteria-could-help-turn-co2-to-rock-under-extreme-conditions/?_ptid=%7Bkpdx%7DAAAA118tASrzgwoKcmJhNGYxWmNwZRIQbHN1N2F4ZnBjeXdhNjh2aBoMRVhHSjk1VU5XWDAyIiUxODIzMGw4MDlzLTAwMDAzM2U1dmNjajZvcWN0bmlmNmlzdXEwKhpzaG93VGVtcGxhdGVYVkMxNVhCQlFEVUoyNDABOgxPVENPMkM2VzY0SEZCDU9UVlpPN0dSVFNONU1SEnYthADwL3p1MzJ2bnB1cVokMjQwNToyMDE6NDAwYTo4Yzo0ZGEwOmQ1NzQ6N2M0NDozZDA1YgNkd2NooJbXrgZwKngE

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The leaders of Ladakh’s civil society groups have decided to call off an indefinite hunger strike following a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently.

EXPLANATION:

• This decision comes after the Centre agreed to engage in discussions on their demands, which primarily include Statehood for Ladakh, tribal status through inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission for the region.
• On February 3, Ladakh witnessed a complete shutdown as thousands gathered in Leh to voice concerns about protecting cultural identity, preserving the environment, ensuring job reservations for locals, and advocating for separate parliamentary seats for Leh and Kargil.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had invited civil society leaders for the second round of a high-powered committee dialogue, scheduled on Monday, with the committee headed by Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai.

Key Demands and Committee Formation:

• Ladakh’s demands included Statehood, tribal status under the Sixth Schedule, and the establishment of a Public Service Commission.
• The high-powered committee, comprising members of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), announced the formation of a joint sub-committee.
• This sub-committee will include representatives from both LAB and KDA and is tasked with advancing the dialogue.

MHA’s Initial Response:

• During the meeting, MHA officials reportedly hesitated to commit to discussing Statehood and constitutional safeguards.
• Instead, they proposed enhancing the financial powers of hill councils in Leh and Kargil.
• The civil society leaders insisted on time-bound assurance for addressing their demands.

Postponement of Hunger Strike:

• A sub-committee member confirmed that the MHA has agreed to discuss the demand for Statehood and other issues in the upcoming meeting on February 24.
• The decision to call off the hunger strike is temporary, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue and find a resolution.

Historical Context:

• After the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly.
• The MHA formed a high-powered committee last year to address the grievances and demands of the people of Ladakh.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ladakh-leaders-call-off-hunger-strike-as-mha-agrees-to-discuss-statehood-constitutional-safeguards/article67864124.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court, in an interim order on February 19, 2024, addressed concerns raised in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the constitutionality of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The apex court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized adherence to the landmark TN Godavarman Thirumalpad v. Union of India judgement of 1996 in defining ‘forest.’
• The interim order aimed to maintain the principles outlined in the Godavarman judgement until the completion of the process of identifying ‘forest’ lands recorded in government records.

Controversy Surrounding the Amendment:

• The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, amended by the Union government, faced constitutional scrutiny in the PIL.
• The contentious Section 1A, introduced by the amendment, narrowed the expansive definition of ‘forest’ provided in the Godavarman judgement.
• According to the amendment, land must either be notified as a forest or specifically recorded as a forest in government records to qualify, deviating from the Godavarman judgement, which interpreted ‘forest’ based on its dictionary meaning.

Interim Order and Godavarman Judgement:

• The Supreme Court’s interim order directed states and Union territories to adhere to the Godavarman judgement’s definition of ‘forest’ until the completion of the land identification process.
• The court acknowledged concerns raised by petitioners about potential diversion of lands deemed as ‘forests’ under the Godavarman judgement for non-forest use during this interim period.
• The order underscored the importance of Rule 16 of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023, requiring state and UT administrations to prepare records on forest land within a year from the notification of the 2023 amendment.

Financial Implications and Exclusion of Forest Lands:

• Petitioners highlighted that the amended definition could exclude approximately 1.99 lakh square km of forest land from protection.
• The court emphasized the importance of compliance with the Godavarman judgement’s interpretation of ‘forest’ during the ongoing land identification process, urging states and UTs to ensure the conservation of areas falling within the ambit of the Godavarman definition.

Role of Expert Committees and Reporting:

• The Supreme Court instructed the Union government to issue circulars to all states and UTs, communicating the order and directing compliance.
• Furthermore, it mandated the submission of a comprehensive record of land registered as ‘forest’ by expert committees formed by states and UTs under the guidelines of the Godavarman judgement within two weeks.
• All states and UTs were required to submit expert committee reports by March 31, 2024, with digitized records available on official websites by April 15, 2024.

Expansion of Protection and Direction on Zoos and Safaris:

• While acknowledging the role of expert committees formed under the 2023 Rules, the court allowed them to expand the ambit of forest lands worthy of protection.
• Additionally, the court issued directions regarding proposals for establishing zoos and safaris, stipulating that such proposals in forest areas, excluding protected areas, require prior approval from the Supreme Court to ensure environmental safeguards.

Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023:

• The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 amends the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to make it applicable to certain types of land.
• These include land notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or in government records after the 1980 Act came into effect. The Act will not be applicable for land converted to non-forest use before December 12, 1996.
• It also exempts certain types of land from the purview of the Act.
• These include land within 100 km of India’s border needed for national security projects, small roadside amenities, and public roads leading to a habitation.
• The state government requires prior approval of the central government to assign any forest land to a private entity.
• The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 extends this to all entities, and allows the assignment to be made on terms and conditions specified by the central government.
• The Act specifies some activities that can be carried out in forests, such as establishing check posts, fencing, and bridges. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 also allows running zoos, safaris and eco-tourism facilities.

Conclusion:

• The Supreme Court’s interim order seeks to strike a balance between the legal amendments introduced by the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, and the established principles of forest conservation enshrined in the Godavarman judgement. As the legal battle unfolds, the court’s directives aim to prevent potential environmental consequences during the transitional period and ensure the preservation of forested lands according to the precedents set by the Godavarman judgement.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/forest-conservation-amendment-act-2023-states-uts-must-act-as-per-definition-in-tn-godavarman-judgement-says-sc-94543

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: In January 2024, a comprehensive study conducted by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Finnish research organization, unveiled concerning findings regarding air quality in Indian cities.

EXPLANATION:

• While only 32 cities out of 131 covered by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) had clean air, Delhi emerged as the most polluted.
• The report, published on February 14, 2024, sheds light on the alarming levels of air pollution and the challenges faced by the nation in combating this pervasive issue.

NCAP and Air Quality Standards:

• The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been initiated by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change in 2019.
• It aimed at reducing particulate matter (PM) pollution in 131 non-attainment cities across 24 states and Union territories.
• It also aims to attain a decrease in PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter ranging from 10 to 2.5 micrometers) and PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller) concentrations by 20% to 30% by the year 2024, with 2017 serving as the reference year for concentration comparison.
• It is a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to address the air pollution problem in India comprehensively.
• However, the recent study highlighted that in January 2024, 98 cities exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) daily guideline for PM2.5 levels.
• Only 32 cities met India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), emphasizing the severity of the air quality crisis.

Pervasive Pollution Levels:

• Among the 66 cities failing to meet NAAQS, 15 recorded PM2.5 levels more than double the prescribed standard of 60 microgrammes per cubic meter.
• Delhi, the national capital, stood out with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 206 µg/m³, surpassing the daily NAAQS.
• Following closely, Bhagalpur in Bihar shared the dubious distinction, with other cities like Saharsa, Byrnihat, Greater Noida, Hanumangarh, Noida, Baddi, Sri Ganganagar, and Faridabad completing the list of the top 10 most polluted cities.

Geographical Distribution of Pollution:

• The analysis revealed that among the 10 most polluted cities, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi each had representation.
• On the other hand, Chamarajanagar, Vijayapura, Kalaburgi, and Bagalkot in Karnataka, Aizawl in Mizoram, and Silchar and Sivasagar in Assam were recognized among the 10 cleanest cities in January 2024.

Environmental Conditions and Impact:

• The study highlighted those unfavorable atmospheric conditions, characterized by low wind speed and cooler temperatures in northern India, contributed to stable atmospheric conditions.
• This hindered the rapid dispersion of emissions, leading to the accumulation of pollutants near the earth’s surface and exacerbating ambient air pollution levels.
• While recognizing the influence of natural atmospheric conditions, the report emphasized that baseline emissions significantly contribute to hazardous air pollution levels in any region.

Financial Implications and Proposed Solutions:

• As the government grapples with the severity of air pollution, the report underscored the potential financial cost.
• It estimated that a complete boycott of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets by traders, as part of legal guarantees, could cost the government approximately Rs 6 lakh crore.
• However, the report suggested that this expenditure could be recovered within a year through the sale of agricultural produce in open markets, providing a potential economic incentive for addressing air quality concerns.

Conclusion:

• The findings of the CREA study present a stark reality of air quality in Indian cities, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive and effective measures to combat pollution. As the government grapples with the financial implications, it becomes imperative to strike a balance between economic considerations and the health and well-being of the population.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/only-32-indian-cities-had-clean-air-this-january-delhi-bhagalpur-most-polluted-94534

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Satyendra Nath Bose, a brilliant physicist born in Calcutta in 1894, made a profound impact on the field of physics exactly a century ago.

EXPLANATION:

• His contribution, often likened to a comet in its brilliance, emerged during a crucial period in the evolution of quantum theory in 1924.
• Despite a relatively sparse publication record, Bose’s work on quantum statistics, particularly the derivation of Planck’s law of black-body radiation, changed the course of physics.

Background and Early Collaborations:

• Bose’s early academic journey at Presidency College in Calcutta marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Meghnad Saha.
• Together, they navigated the transformative landscape of physics, grappling with the revolutionary ideas introduced by Einstein, Planck, and Bohr.
• Their collaboration extended to translating Einstein’s papers on general relativity into English, showcasing their early adaptability to emerging quantum concepts.

Challenges in Teaching and Research:

• As faculty members at Rajabazar Science College, Bose and Saha faced the challenge of teaching the intricacies of the new physics, compounded by the language barrier posed by the dominance of German publications.
• Undeterred, they delved into the depths of quantum theory, with Bose later joining Dhaka University as a lecturer.

Crucial Problem of Black-Body Radiation:

• The study of black-body radiation, encapsulated by Planck’s law, was a pivotal topic in 19th-century physics.
• Bose, struggling to satisfactorily explain Planck’s law to his students, embarked on a journey to derive it himself.
• Planck’s formula, while successful, violated known laws of physics, prompting Bose to explore a novel approach.

Bose’s Groundbreaking Derivation:

• Bose’s unique contribution lay in eliminating classical physics from the derivation of Planck’s law.
• Leveraging the results of Einstein and Compton, Bose demonstrated that the law was independent of the mechanism producing it.
• His groundbreaking insight established Planck’s law as a statistical property of quanta of radiation, introducing the concept of photons.

Pioneering Quantum Statistics:

• Bose’s work pioneered quantum statistics, revealing that the total number of photons was not conserved.
• This profound realization, implicit in his methods, laid the foundation for understanding the behavior of fundamental particles.
• Years later, Paul Dirac formalized Bose’s statistics into distinct categories—bosons and fermions—clarifying the rules governing these particles.

Legacy and Comparative Silence:

• Despite the monumental impact of Bose’s work, he remained relatively silent in terms of publications, describing himself as a comet that only appeared once.
• His legacy, however, endures through the foundational nature of his contribution to quantum theory, forever altering the trajectory of physics.
• Satyendra Nath Bose’s appearance on the physics scene in 1924 left an indelible mark, filling a critical gap in the emerging quantum theory.
• His work not only solved the enigma of black-body radiation but also laid the groundwork for quantum statistics, shaping the understanding of fundamental particles.
• Bose’s brilliance, though brief, continues to illuminate the path for future generations of physicists.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/satyendra-nath-bose-einstein-statistics-centenary/article67863141.ece