THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court of India will soon decide on the constitutionality of sub-classification within the SCs and STs for public employment reservations. This decision will have far-reaching implications for affirmative action and the reservation system in India. It is important to consider historical context, legal precedents, and constitutional provisions that govern reservations and equality in India.

THE ISSUES:

• Sub-Classification in SC/ST Reservations: The core issue is whether state governments can create sub-classifications within the SC and ST reservations to address intra-group variances in backwardness and discrimination. This question arises from the observation that not all castes within the SC and ST categories are equally backward.
• 1975 Punjab Circular: In 1975, the Government of Punjab issued a circular reserving 50% of the SC quota for Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs. This attempted to address intra-group disparities, but it was struck down following the Supreme Court’s judgment in V. Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh, which held that state governments could not alter the Presidential list of SCs as per Article 341 of the Constitution.
• V. Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh (2004): A five-judge bench ruled that the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2000, which created sub-categories within the SC list, was unconstitutional as it violated Article 341. This judgment emphasized that only Parliament has the authority to modify the list of SCs.
• Indra Sawhney vs Union of India: This case allowed for sub-classifications within the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for government services, suggesting a precedent for recognizing varying levels of backwardness within broad reservation categories.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 341 allows the President to specify SCs in various states, which can only be altered by Parliament. Articles 14 to 16 emphasize the Constitution’s commitment to equality, allowing reservations to achieve substantive equality by addressing historical discrimination against certain groups.
• Theoretical and Legal Implications: The Supreme Court’s upcoming judgment in Davinder Singh is expected to address the constitutional validity of sub-classification within SC/ST reservations, potentially reconciling the need for targeted affirmative action with the constitutional framework. This decision could have profound implications for the future of reservation policies in India, especially in how they address intra-group disparities and work towards achieving substantive equality.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Clarification and Expansion by the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court, through its judgment in State of Punjab vs. Davinder Singh, could provide a clear, expanded interpretation of Articles 14-16 and Article 341, allowing for a nuanced understanding that accommodates sub-classifications within SCs and STs, provided they aim to achieve the true essence of equality and social justice.
• Constitutional Amendment: If the legal framework as it currently stands is too rigid to allow for necessary sub-classifications, a constitutional amendment could be proposed to permit such measures explicitly. This would require a broad consensus among lawmakers and must be approached sensitively to the wider implications for the reservation system.
• Comprehensive Data Collection and Studies: The government and independent constitutional bodies should undertake extensive research and data collection to assess the varying levels of backwardness within SCs, STs, and OBCs. These studies would provide an empirical basis for sub-classifications, ensuring that reservations are allocated more effectively and equitably.
• Policy Formulation Based on Empirical Evidence: Governments at the state and central levels should formulate policies based on empirical evidence collected through studies. These policies must close the gap between different sub-groups within the SC and ST categories, ensuring that affirmative action reaches those most in need.
• Regular Review and Dynamic Adjustments: The reservation policies should not be static. Regular reviews and dynamic adjustments, based on changing socio-economic realities and the success of affirmative action programs, could help make these policies more effective. This approach would require a robust mechanism for monitoring and evaluation.
• Strengthening Educational and Economic Support Programs: Beyond reservations in public employment and education, strengthening support programs to improve the educational and economic status of the most backward within SCs and STs can be a complementary approach to ensure overall upliftment.

THE CONCLUSION:

To create a more equitable society, the infrastructure of opportunity, particularly in education and employment, needs to be reformed. This includes fixing government schools, attracting new financing for skills development, and cutting regulatory cholesterol for employers to encourage job creation. The impact of reservation policies on societal development should be analyzed, focusing on promoting Antyodaya (welfare of the weak) and Sarvodaya (development of all), as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1) Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSCJ) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (2018)

 Q.2) Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by their nature, are discriminatory in approach. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (2023)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1)Analyze the debate surrounding the sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the context of affirmative action and reservation policies in India.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/intra-group-caste-variances-equality-and-the-courts-gaze/article67943938.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The inaugural launch of the Kairos solid-fuel rocket by Japanese start-up Space One ended in disaster as the rocket exploded just seconds after liftoff.

EXPLANATION:

• This setback represents a significant blow to Japan’s aspirations of establishing itself in the commercial space transportation market and highlights the challenges faced by private companies venturing into space exploration.

Failed Launch and Immediate Aftermath

• The Kairos rocket, launched from Space Port Kii in Wakayama Prefecture, suffered a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff, resulting in an explosion captured by livestreams of the event.
• The rocket’s destruction left a plume of smoke and ignited a fire in a nearby forest, which firefighters subsequently extinguished.
• Space One indicated that the rocket likely self-destructed after detecting an abnormality, prompting further investigation into the cause of the malfunction by company officials.

Mission Payload and Implications

• The satellite onboard the Kairos rocket belonged to the Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center, a branch of Japan’s spy agencies, and was intended as an alternative to existing government satellites in the event of downtime.
• While launch failures are not uncommon in the aerospace industry, the unsuccessful mission represents a setback for Japan’s ambitions of leveraging private enterprises for space exploration and satellite deployment.

Commercial Space Market Dynamics

• The commercial space transportation market, valued at approximately $6 billion in 2023, holds significant potential for growth in the coming years.
• Space One, founded in 2018 with backing from Japanese investors, including Canon Electronics, aimed to capitalize on this lucrative market by providing commercial space transportation services utilizing small rockets.

Market Reaction and Financial Impact

• The stock price of Canon Electronics experienced a sharp decline following news of the rocket explosion, signaling investor concerns over the company’s involvement in the failed launch.
• While the stock partially recovered from its losses, it remained down by 7.5 percent at the close of trading.
• The incident underscores the financial risks associated with investments in the burgeoning space industry, where success often hinges on the outcome of high-stakes missions.

Global Landscape of Private Space Ventures

• Space One’s misfortune reflects broader trends in the global space industry, characterized by the emergence of numerous start-ups competing in the commercial space race.
• These companies aim to capitalize on advances in technology and a shift towards private enterprise-driven space exploration, which offers opportunities for commercialization and innovation.

Japan’s Space Program and Future Prospects

• Despite setbacks, Japan maintains a robust space program with a history of successful missions, including recent achievements such as lunar exploration.
• The country’s space agency continues to pursue the development of new satellite-launching rockets, as demonstrated by the successful launch of the replacement H3 rocket last month.
• However, the failure of Space One’s inaugural flight underscores the challenges inherent in transitioning from government-led to private-sector-driven space initiatives.

Some Japanese space programme:

• Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM):
  • SLIM was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in September 2023 aboard the H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima spaceport.
  • It aims to demonstrate precision landing within 100 metres through new technologies.
  • It also carried two mini robotic rovers developed by Sony and Tomy for reconnaissance.
  • The mission aims to revitalise Japan’s space program which suffered setbacks like the failure of the flagship H3 rocket in March 2023.
• Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX)
  • It is a collaborative venture between Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • The mission is scheduled to launch in 2025.
  • LUPEX will use a rover and lander to study the possibility of establishing a base on the Moon, the availability of water ice, and surface exploration technologies.
  • JAXA and ISRO are developing the rover and lander, respectively.
  • The rover will carry not only the instruments of ISRO and JAXA but also those of the US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

SOURCE: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/world/asia/japan-rocket-space-one-kairos.html

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the scientific community towards incorporating indigenous identifiers and local languages in the naming of newly discovered species.

EXPLANATION:

• This departure from traditional Latin-based nomenclature aims to foster connections with local communities, promote cultural significance, and enhance conservation efforts.
• Several examples from diverse regions of India highlight this evolving trend in taxonomy.
• Scientists have led the way in moving away from Latin-based names for new species.
• Instead, they have chosen to name species after their specific locations or characteristics, utilizing indigenous languages.
• This practice not only acknowledges the local context but also instills a sense of pride and ownership among local communities.

Examples of Indigenous Naming

• Kumbara Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus kumbara):
  • Named after the Kannada term for potter, this frog species was discovered in Karnataka’s ancient swamp forest of Kathalekan.
  • The name reflects the frog’s unique breeding behavior and highlights the importance of local culture in scientific taxonomy.
• Karaavali Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis karaavali):
  • Discovered in the coastal plains of Kumta, Karnataka, this frog species was named in honor of the Karaavali coastal region.
  • By incorporating regional names, scientists pay homage to local environments and ecosystems.
• Meghamalai Silverline (Cigaritis meghamalaiensis):
  • Named after the picturesque Meghamalai hills in the Western Ghats, this butterfly species exemplifies the use of indigenous names to celebrate local biodiversity.
  • The Tamil word “Meghamalai” signifies the sub-tropical evergreen forests found in the region.
• Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu:
  • This frog species near Bengaluru was named in Sanskrit, meaning “the one that comes out of the earth during rains.”
  • The choice of a Sanskrit name reflects the cultural richness of the region and underscores the species’ ecological significance.

Cultural Significance and Conservation

• By incorporating indigenous names and cultural significance into taxonomy, scientists aim to raise awareness about local biodiversity and conservation challenges.
• Naming species after specific regions, tribes, or cultural motifs not only honors local traditions but also encourages community engagement in conservation efforts.

Community Connection and Conservation Education

• The practice of indigenous naming has proven to be effective in engaging local communities, especially school children, in conservation initiatives.
• By highlighting the presence of unique species in their backyard and emphasizing the threats they face, scientists foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship among the younger generation.

SOURCE: https://scroll.in/article/1064885/scientists-leap-beyond-latin-add-indian-identifiers-while-naming-new-species

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recent studies have uncovered the presence of microplastics in human placenta, raising concerns about potential health risks for both mothers and foetuses.

EXPLANATION:

• We will delve into the findings of these studies, the implications of microplastic exposure during pregnancy, and the urgent need for further research to understand the full extent of the risks involved.
• Studies conducted by various institutions, including the University of New Mexico Health Sciences and research teams in China and Italy, have consistently detected microplastics in human placenta samples.
• These findings underscore the widespread contamination of placental tissues with nano- and microplastics (NMP), with polyethylene being the most prevalent polymer identified.
• The presence of microplastics in placenta samples suggests a potential route of exposure for developing foetuses, highlighting the need for comprehensive investigation into the implications of such contamination.

Potential Risks to Foetal Health

• The placenta serves as a vital barrier between the mother and the foetus, providing essential nutrients while shielding the developing foetus from harmful substances.
• However, the presence of microplastics in placental tissues raises concerns about their potential impact on foetal health.
• Studies have suggested that microplastics may enter the foetus’ body from the placenta, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.
• These risks include particle toxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and an elevated risk of neoplasia (abnormal cell growth).
• Additionally, microplastics have the potential to release adsorbed contaminants and pathogens, further complicating the health implications of exposure.

Need for Further Research

• While initial studies have shed light on the presence of microplastics in human placenta, our understanding of their health effects remains limited.
• Factors such as exposure concentration, particle characteristics, adsorbed contaminants, and individual susceptibility all play significant roles in determining the potential risks associated with microplastic exposure.
• Further research is urgently needed to expand our knowledge in this field and inform effective risk mitigation strategies.

Implications for Newborn Health

• The detection of microplastics in placenta samples also raises concerns about newborn health, particularly considering their vulnerable immune systems.
• If microplastics persist in the foetus’ body without proper elimination, they may pose long-term health risks for newborns.
• The increasing prevalence of microplastics in the environment further underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect maternal and foetal health.

Microplastics:

• Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from both commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics.
• As a pollutant, microplastics can be harmful to the environment and animal health.
• There are two categories of microplastics: primary and secondary.
  • Primary microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as cosmetics, as well as microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles, such as fishing nets.
  • Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles. This breakdown is caused by exposure to environmental factors, mainly the sun’s radiation and ocean waves.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/health/microplastics-have-been-found-in-human-placenta-is-it-a-ticking-bomb–94957

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Department of Pharmaceuticals has introduced the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024, aimed at regulating interactions between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals.

EXPLANATION:

• The code encompasses various provisions concerning promotional activities, engagement in Continuing Medical Education (CME), and the promotion of drugs.

Restrictions on Promotional Activities

• The UCPMP prohibits pharmaceutical companies from offering sponsored gifts, monetary grants, or foreign trips to healthcare professionals or their families.
• Additionally, medical representatives are forbidden from employing inducements or subterfuge to secure interviews with healthcare professionals.
• The code emphasizes transparency and integrity in all interactions between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals.

Guidelines for Continuing Medical Education (CME)

• Engagement of pharmaceutical companies with healthcare professionals for CME should adhere to well-defined, transparent, and verifiable guidelines.
• The conduct of such events in foreign locations is prohibited under the uniform code.
• This ensures that educational activities remain free from undue influence and prioritize the dissemination of accurate and unbiased medical information.

Prohibition of Pecuniary Advantages

• The UCPMP explicitly prohibits the provision of cash, monetary grants, or pecuniary benefits to healthcare professionals or their family members by pharmaceutical companies or their representatives.
• This measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain the integrity of medical practice.

Regulation of Drug Promotion

• Promotion of drugs must align with the terms of their marketing approval and must not precede receipt of marketing approval from the competent authority.
• Claims regarding the safety and efficacy of drugs must be based on up-to-date evaluation of evidence.
• The use of terms such as “safe” and “new” is regulated to ensure accuracy and prevent misleading advertising.

Compliance and Oversight

• The UCPMP is to be circulated for strict compliance, with pharmaceutical associations tasked with establishing Ethics Committees for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices.
• Associations are also required to create dedicated UCPMP portals on their websites and provide detailed procedures for lodging complaints.
• This facilitates transparency, accountability, and enforcement of the code’s provisions.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/ucpmp-specifies-the-rules-for-the-use-of-the-words-safe-and-new-for-drugs/article67944189.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has recently captured stunning images of NGC 604, a star-forming region located in the nearby Triangulum galaxy.

EXPLANATION:

• Despite being millions of light-years away from Earth, NGC 604 offers a remarkable opportunity for astronomers to study massive young stars in their early stages of life.
• We will explore the significance of NGC 604, the characteristics of its stellar population, and the insights it provides into the process of star formation.

NGC 604:

• NGC 604 is a massive star-forming region within the Triangulum galaxy.
• It shares similarities with other star-forming regions, such as the famous Orion Nebula, but stands out due to its larger size and higher concentration of recently-formed stars.
• This region serves as a microcosm of distant “starburst” galaxies that experienced rapid rates of star formation.
• Despite being 2.73 million light-years away from Earth, NGC 604 is considered “close” in astronomical terms.
• This proximity, albeit vast from a human perspective, allows astronomers to observe the region with unprecedented detail.
• It highlights the vastness of the universe, where distances are measured in light-years, yet certain phenomena appear within reach for observational study.
• NGC 604 shelters approximately 200 of the hottest and most massive types of stars known as B-type and O-type stars.
• These stars are in the early stages of their lives, emitting intense radiation and stellar winds that sculpt the surrounding gas clouds.
• O-type stars, in particular, can exceed 100 times the mass of the Sun, making them rare and intriguing subjects for study.
• The high concentration of massive stars within NGC 604, combined with its relative proximity, presents astronomers with a unique opportunity to investigate these cosmic giants in their infancy.
• Such close proximity allows for detailed observations that would be challenging or impossible with more distant objects.
• Studying star-forming regions like NGC 604 provides valuable insights into the process of star formation and the environments in which it occurs.
• The images captured by the Webb Telescope reveal intricate structures, including tendrils and clumps of emissions depicted in bright red.
• These features are indicative of the complex interplay between stellar winds and ionizing radiation from young stars, which carve out voids or “holes” in the surrounding gas clouds.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/james-webb-space-telescope-massive-hot-stars-9210358/