TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Post Office Bill, 2023, aiming to revoke the longstanding Indian Post Office Act, a legislation in place for 125 years. This new bill is intended to consolidate, amend, and modernize the laws concerning post offices across India.

EXPLANATION:

PROVISIONS OF THE POST OFFICE BILL 2023 AND POST OFFICE ACT 1898

 WHY THERE IS A NEED TO REPEAL THE ACT?

• The Indian Post Office Act, 1898 was enacted in 1898 with a view to govern the functioning of the Post Office in India which was primarily related to mail services provided through the Post Office.
• With time the services available through the Post Office have diversified beyond mails and the Post Office network has become a vehicle for delivery of a variety of citizen centric services. Further with India Post Payments Bank the postal department has entered banking too.
• All this necessitated the repeal of the said Act and enactment of new law in its place.

SOURCE: https://www.business-standard.com/amp/india-news/rs-passes-post-office-bill-to-amend-125-year-old-indian-post-office-act-123120400816_1.html

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released its annual report on crime in India for the year 2022 recently.

EXPLANATION:

• The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) annually releases a comprehensive report on crime statistics across India, offering a broad view of reported crimes and trends.
• This report, while a valuable resource, demands a nuanced interpretation due to potential inaccuracies and limitations in its data.

Overview of the 2022 NCRB Report:

• The 2022 report encompasses data on various crime categories, including crimes against women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), cybercrimes, and more.
• A total of 58,24,946 cognizable crimes were reported in 2022, with a decline of 4.5% compared to the previous year.
• The crime rate per lakh population decreased from 445.9 in 2021 to 422.2 in 2022, serving as a better indicator considering population growth.
• Crimes against women increased by 4%, with the highest percentages under IPC sections for ‘Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives,’ ‘Kidnapping & Abduction of Women,’ and ‘Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty.’
• Cybercrime reporting surged by 24.4%, predominantly involving fraud, extortion, and sexual exploitation.
• Suicides saw a 4.2% increase in reported cases, with causes primarily attributed to family problems, illness, and marriage-related issues.

Data Compilation Process:

• The NCRB functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and serves as a repository for crime data and fingerprint records.
• Data for the annual Crime in India reports are sourced from police forces across 36 states and Union Territories and 53 cities with populations exceeding 10 lakhs.
• The data undergoes multiple validation stages at local, district, state, and NCRB

Interpreting State-wise Trends:

• The report highlights states with high charge sheeting rates under IPC crimes, such as Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal.
• However, high rates do not necessarily denote higher crime prevalence; they signify cases where charges were framed against accused individuals.

Limitations and Interpretational Challenges:

• The report records registered crimes, not actual crime incidence, acknowledging limitations in data accuracy.
• Increased reporting in certain categories might signify heightened awareness rather than a surge in actual crimes.
• The ‘Principal Offence Rule’ may lead to undercounting, where severe offenses overshadow lesser crimes within a single FIR.
• Local-level inefficiencies or biases can affect data accuracy. For instance, reasons cited for suicides might not capture underlying causes accurately, impacting the analysis.
• Socio-economic factors influencing crimes are not captured, leading to incomplete contextualization of crime trends.
• Certain groups may hesitate to report crimes due to fear or lack of trust, affecting the representativeness of the data.
• A shortage of police personnel or unfilled vacancies might hinder accurate data collection at the grassroots level.

Conclusion:

• While the NCRB report offers valuable insights into crime statistics, it requires careful analysis due to inherent limitations.
• The acknowledgment of data constraints, undercounting issues, and sociopolitical factors influencing reporting underscores the need for a cautious and contextual interpretation of the findings.
• Collaborative efforts to address data gaps and enhance reporting mechanisms are essential for more accurate representations of crime trends in India.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ncrb-2022-report-crime-india-limitations-9054144/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Nomads and Denotified tribes in India are an invisible and marginalized section of society, facing numerous challenges due to historical and contemporary factors.

EXPLANATION:

Background: Historical Context of Nomadic and Denotified Tribes

• During British colonial rule, nomadic tribes were unjustly labelled as ‘born criminals,’ marginalizing them within society.
• Traditional roles of these communities in providing services and contributing to India’s cultural heritage disrupted by societal perceptions and legislative acts.

Invisibility and Visibility: A Perspective

• Invisibility defined as a complex and relative phenomenon linked to terms like ‘neglected,’ ‘marginalized,’ and ‘hidden.’
• Perspectives shaping visibility – civil society, intellectual class, policymakers, and marginalized groups neglected on social, epistemic, and policy levels.

Nomadic and Denotified Communities: Historical Impact and Marginalization

• Pre-Colonial Contributions: Traditionally, these communities contributed services in transportation, entertainment, healthcare, and livelihood support.
• Colonial Legislation Impact: Criminal Tribes Act (1871) stigmatized nearly 200 communities as ‘born criminals.’
• Economic Reasons Behind Stigmatization: Ayyangar Committee (1950) highlighted economic motives behind branding certain groups as ‘born criminals.’
• Effects of Colonial Legislation: Acts such as Criminal Tribes Act (1871-1947), Forest Act (1865, 1878, 1927), and Salt Act (1835) marginalized nomadic communities.
• Disruption in Livelihoods: Legislation impacting access to natural resources like water, forest, and land led to livelihood challenges.

Socio-economic Invisibility

• Nomads and denotified tribes are on the periphery of all forms of modern development.
• They lack basic documents to receive state assistance, basic amenities such as drinking water, toilet and bathroom facilities, electricity, modern education, and healthcare services.
• They are commonly found living in makeshift and tent settlements on the outskirts of villages and towns.
• Following Independence, some nomadic and denotified communities were included in the constitutional categories of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Castes (OBCs).
• However, the socio-economic profile of these communities shows that they lag behind the general population in terms of education, employment, and other development indicators.
  • More than half is illiterate among nomadic and denotified groups in Haryana compared to the state average.
  • Higher illiteracy rates and lower work participation in urban settings among these communities.

Conclusion

• Need for Attention and Support:
  • Emphasis on addressing lack of basic amenities and assets for marginalized groups, especially in urban areas.
  • Urgent requirement for focused policies to uplift the historically and presently marginalized segments of society.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/governance/nomads-and-denotified-tribes-are-the-invisible-people-of-india-93113

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court quashed the reappointment notification of Gopinath Ravindran as the vice-chancellor of Kannur University.

EXPLANATION:

• The ruling delineates the distinct roles of the governor, functioning as the chancellor of state-run universities, emphasizing their pivotal authority in university matters.

Case Background and Significance:

• The appeal challenged the Kerala High Court’s decision that upheld the reappointment of Gopinath Ravindran as vice-chancellor of Kannur University.
• The verdict assumes significance amid disputes between state governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and their respective governors.
• The dispute is regarding the amendments in state university laws, intending to lessen the governor’s involvement in appointing vice-chancellors.

Chancellor’s Role as Not Merely Titular:

• The Supreme Court highlighted the chancellor’s pivotal role, emphasizing that the governor’s position in state-run universities is not merely titular.
• It observed that the chancellor’s opinion holds paramount significance in university affairs and is the ultimate judge in all aspects, not merely a symbolic figurehead.

Critical Observations and Rationale:

• Violation of Statutory Powers:
  • The Supreme Court concluded that the reappointment, despite being legally permissible, was influenced by external considerations, specifically the state government’s unwarranted intervention.
• Governor’s Role and Distinct Authority:
  • The ruling emphasized the chancellor’s role as separate from the state government.
  • It indicated that the governor, in the capacity of the chancellor, acts independently and is not bound by the advice of the council of ministers.
• Legal Considerations and Interpretation:
  • The Court highlighted that the governor’s duties as the chancellor in university matters are distinct from their obligations as the state governor, warranting separate interpretations and actions.

Questions of Law and Court’s Stand:

• The Court deliberated on four legal questions pertaining to the reappointment, differing from the High Court’s stance on certain aspects.
• It agreed that reappointment, though legally acceptable, had been unduly influenced and that the governor’s statutory powers were relinquished, affecting the appointment process adversely.

Clarification on Chancellor’s Authority:

• The apex court clarified that the governor, acting as the ex-officio chancellor of the university, operates independently in university-related decisions, irrespective of political advice or external pressures.
• It highlighted that the legislative distinction between the chancellor and the state government demands a separate interpretation and execution of duties by the governor.

Conclusion:

• The Supreme Court’s verdict delineates the distinct role of the chancellor, asserting the governor’s authority in university matters as independent and non-advisory.
• The ruling underscores the chancellor’s significance in ensuring fair and unbiased decisions within state-run universities, independent of external political influence.

SOURCE: https://theprint.in/judiciary/as-chancellor-governor-not-merely-titular-head-sc-quashes-kannur-university-v-cs-reappointment/1866172/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Central government has exempted the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) from the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE:

• Role of CERT-In:
  • CERT-In is the national nodal agency under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
  • It is responsible for responding to computer security incidents, handling cybersecurity emergencies, and issuing guidelines to prevent cyber threats.
  • Its exemption from the RTI Act means that the public may no longer have direct access to seek information through the RTI route from CERT-In.

IMPLICATIONS OF EXEMPTION:

• Reduced Transparency:
  • The exemption effectively reduces the transparency and accountability of CERT-In operations as it removes the obligation to disclose information under the RTI Act.
  • Citizens and stakeholders may face challenges in accessing information related to cybersecurity incidents, response measures, and guidelines issued by CERT-In.
• National Security and Confidentiality:
  • The exemption might be justified concerning national security and confidentiality concerns.
  • CERT-In deals with sensitive information related to cybersecurity threats and responses, which might warrant confidentiality.
• Impact on Governance:
  • The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information from government organizations to ensure transparency and hold authorities accountable.
  • Exempting CERT-In might raise concerns about governance transparency in the cybersecurity domain.

AMENDMENT TO RTI ACT:

• Personnel Ministry’s Notification:
  • The Personnel Ministry has amended Section 24 of the RTI Act, adding CERT-In to the list of organizations exempted from RTI provisions.
  • CERT-In joins the existing list of 26 intelligence and security organizations already exempted from providing information under the RTI Act, except in matters related to corruption and human rights violations.
• Transparency Exceptions:
  • While transparency is crucial, certain sensitive agencies are exempted from RTI provisions to protect national security and confidentiality.
  • However, the exemption does not cover allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

PUBLIC CONCERNS AND REACTIONS:

• Access to Information:
  • The exemption raises concerns among the public, activists, and stakeholders about limited access to information crucial for understanding cybersecurity threats and response strategies.
• Balance between Security and Transparency:
  • Debates revolve around finding a balance between ensuring national security and maintaining transparency and accountability in government operations, particularly in critical domains like cybersecurity.
• Need for Clarity:
  • There might be a need for clear guidelines or mechanisms to ensure accountability, even with the exemption, to address concerns about transparency without compromising national security interests.

SOURCE: https://theprint.in/india/centre-exempts-cert-in-from-ambit-of-rti-act/1858355/

1. EUCLID SPACE TELESCOPE

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, European astronomers released the first images from the newly launched Euclid space telescope which is designed to unlock the secrets of dark matter and dark energy.

EXPLANATION:

• Images released include irregular galaxies and a spiral formation resembling the Milky Way, shedding light on celestial formations and background galaxies.

EUCLID SPACE TELESCOPE MISSION OVERVIEW

• Purpose:
  • The Euclid telescope is a joint effort by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
  • It is designed to explore the hidden aspects of the universe, specifically dark matter and dark energy, which are estimated to constitute about 95% of the cosmos.

• Initial Images:
  • The released images are said to be the sharpest of their kind, showcasing the telescope’s capability to observe billions of galaxies located up to 10 billion light-years away.

• Target Areas:
• • The captured images spanned various regions of the nearby universe, including the Perseus cluster, which contains around 1,000 galaxies, and over 100,000 galaxies spread across the background.

DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY

• Dark Matter’s Influence:
  • Scientists believe that structures like the Perseus cluster could only have formed if dark matter exists.
  • This unseen matter’s gravitational pull is considered responsible for organizing galaxies and impacting their rotational speeds.

• Dark Energy Enigma:
• • Dark energy, a hypothetical force, was postulated in the 1990s based on observations of supernovas.
  • It’s thought to be driving the acceleration of the universe’s expansion, a groundbreaking discovery that contrasts with earlier beliefs.

EUCLID’S MISSION GOALS

• Mapping the Universe:
  • Euclid aims to construct a 3D map covering a significant portion of the sky.
  • By detecting subtle variations attributable to dark matter and dark energy, the mission intends to enhance understanding of galaxy formation and distribution within the cosmic web.

• Exploring the Dark Sector:
• • By probing deeper into the dark sector of the universe, the mission hopes to uncover insights that current ground and space missions have been unable to achieve.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND CHALLENGES

• Teething Problems:
  • Euclid faced initial technical issues, including stray light and guidance problems, which the team has been addressing.

• Mission Duration:
• • The six-year mission, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aims to collect data for an extended period, although there’s hope for an additional six months’ worth of operational life due to extra propellant.

SIGNIFICANCE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

• Scientific Implications:
  • Understanding dark matter and dark energy could revolutionize our comprehension of cosmic structures and the universe’s evolution.

• Dependency on Launches:
• • The mission faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions, shifting from a planned launch on a Russian Soyuz rocket to the SpaceX Falcon 9 due to strained relations.

CONCLUSION

• Euclid’s Potential:
  • The successful initial imaging by the Euclid telescope marks a significant step in exploring the unknown realms of the universe, shedding light on the enigmatic aspects of dark matter and dark energy.
• It emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the Euclid mission in unraveling the mysteries of the vast, unseen universe and how its findings could reshape our understanding of cosmic evolution.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/star-filled-euclid-images-spur-mission-to-probe-dark-universe/article67516002.ece

2. PM-KISAN BHAI

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: A new scheme called PM-Kisan Bhai will soon be launched by the Government of India.

OBJECTIVES OF PM-KISAN BHAI SCHEME:

• Empowering Farmers:
  • The scheme intends to empower farmers, particularly small and marginal ones.
  • It aims to ease the facilities for the farmers who face difficulties storing their produce post-harvest due to capacity constraints and dependence on traders for selling crops at prevailing market prices.

• Breaking Trader Monopoly:
• • It seeks to break the monopoly of traders who often dictate prices, especially during the harvesting season, compelling farmers to sell their crops quickly, often at lower rates.

FEATURES AND COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME:

• Pilot Launch:
  • The scheme will likely commence on a pilot basis in specific states—Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is estimated to cost around ₹170 crore over three years, including the current fiscal year.

• Incentives and Components:
• • The scheme comprises two main components—Warehousing Rental Subsidy (WRS) and Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI).
    • Warehousing Rental Subsidy (WRS):
      • Farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will receive a storage incentive of ₹4 per quintal per month, capped at a maximum period of three months.
      • This subsidy aims to encourage storing crops in scientifically built warehouses.
    • Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI):
      • It proposes a 3% additional interest subvention under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
      • It allows the farmers to pledge their produce and obtain loans at subsidized rates for three months.

POTENTIAL IMPACT AND CHALLENGES:

• Farmers’ Autonomy:
  • The scheme intends to provide farmers with the autonomy to store their produce and sell it strategically, rather than being compelled to liquidate during the harvesting season.

• Trade via e-NAM:
  • The initiative encourages trade through online platforms like e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), facilitating access to a broader buyer base across the country.

• Dependence on Buyers:
• • However, there’s a cautionary note regarding the scheme’s effectiveness, as its success depends on buyer response.
  • Buyers’ engagement via online platforms will be crucial; if not adequately involved, farmers might still rely on traditional market yards (mandis).

EXPERT OPINION:

• An agriculture expert highlights concerns about the scheme potentially transferring power to stockists by limiting incentives after three months, impacting farmers’ control over pricing during festival seasons.
• A commodity market analyst emphasizes the scheme’s dependency on buyers’ response.
• The success of the scheme in enabling farmers as decision-makers hinges on buyers’ interest in purchasing through online portals.

CONCLUSION:

• The PM-Kisan Bhai scheme endeavors to offer support to small and marginal farmers by providing incentives for storing produce and facilitating better selling opportunities.
• However, its effectiveness and impact will heavily rely on buyer engagement through online platforms, along with addressing potential challenges in the agricultural supply chain.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/aimed-at-breaking-traders-monopoly-centre-to-launch-pm-kisan-bhai-scheme/article67525079.ece

3. GLOBAL TB REPORT 2023

TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE, GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: According to the recently released Global TB Report 2023 by the World Health Organisation, India accounts for 27 per cent of the total TB cases in the world.

TB CASES AND MORTALITY IN INDIA:

• Incidence Rate:
  • India continues to bear a significant burden of TB globally, accounting for 27% of total TB cases worldwide.

• Positive Trends:
  • India witnessed an increase in reported TB cases, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2022, reaching 24.2 lakh cases.
  • Treatment coverage also increased to 80%, showcasing improved access to care.

• Mortality Drop:
• • A significant reduction in TB-related deaths in India was noted in the 2023 report.
  • The shift in mortality calculation methodology, using India’s Sample Registration System dataset, led to a decline in TB mortality from 4.94 lakhs in 2021 to 3.31 lakhs in 2022.
  • This resulted in India’s contribution to global TB mortality dropping from 36% to 26%.

DATA REVISIONS AND RECOGNITION:

• Revised Data:
  • The Union Health Ministry provided newer evidence, including in-country mathematical modeling and data from the government’s Ni-Kshay portal, leading to a change in mortality estimates.
  • The WHO accepted and appreciated these efforts, acknowledging the revised estimates in the 2023 report.

• Improved Reporting:
• • India’s efforts in reporting TB cases were recognized, with the country being the only one among its peers to conduct a National TB prevalence survey, which provided key inputs to estimate TB incidence in India.

TB TREATMENT COVERAGE AND INITIATIVES:

• Treatment Coverage:
  • India witnessed a 19% increase in TB treatment coverage, reaching more than 80%.
  • This accomplishment positioned India among only four countries out of the 30 high-burden countries globally that achieved over 80% treatment coverage.

• Initiatives:
• • The Indian government implemented various initiatives toward TB elimination, including active case finding, molecular testing, screening services at health and wellness centers, engagement of the private sector, and additional nutritional support for TB patients through programs like Nikshay Mitra.

TB ELIMINATION TARGETS AND CHALLENGES:

• India’s Targets:
  • India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, setting ambitious goals in the National Strategic Plan 2017-2025, aiming for no more than 44 new TB cases per lakh population.
  • However, the reported incidence stands at 199 cases per lakh population in 2023.

• Mortality Target:
• • India aims to reduce TB-related mortality to 3 deaths per lakh population by 2025.
  • Although the current figure remains higher at 23 per lakh population, even after the revised estimates.

CHALLENGES AHEAD:

• Meeting Targets:
  • Achieving India’s ambitious targets for TB elimination by 2025 appears challenging, given the current incidence rates and mortality figures compared to the set benchmarks.
• While India has made significant strides in reporting, treatment coverage, and data accuracy regarding TB, achieving the elimination targets by 2025 remains a formidable challenge.
• The revisions in mortality estimates reflect efforts toward refining data accuracy, but the country still faces a substantial burden of TB cases and related mortality.
• Continuing and enhancing current initiatives will be crucial in combating this public health issue.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/indias-tb-mortality-report-2023-explained-9023266/

4. EARTHQUAKE IN ICELAND

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Iceland experienced a swarm of earthquakes, a sequence of around 800 earthquakes within 14 hours on the Reykjanes peninsula. This was followed by a total of over 24,000 recorded earthquakes since late October, with the most powerful quake registering a magnitude of 5.2.

SEISMIC ACTIVITY AND VOLCANIC ERUPTION LIKELIHOOD:

• Recent Earthquakes:
  • A series of earthquakes, including a swarm of 800 quakes within 14 hours, hit Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, followed by about 1,400 quakes within 24 hours.
  • This was followed by a total of over 24,000 recorded earthquakes since late October, with the most powerful quake registering a magnitude of 5.2.

• Volcanic Precursors:
  • Such seismic activities concern precursors to potential volcanic eruptions, especially when they involve a swarm of earthquakes without a clear main shock.

• Geological Context:
• • Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, makes it prone to seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANIC ACTIVITY:

• Magma Movement and Earthquakes:
  • The movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface exerts pressure on surrounding rocks, leading to earthquake swarms.
  • As magma approaches the surface, the likelihood of an eruption increases, correlating with increased seismic activities.

POTENTIAL ERUPTION SITE AND TIMELINES:

• Fagradalsfjall Volcano:
  • This area, about 40 km southwest of Reykjavík, has been active recently (in 2021, 2022, and 2023) and is the focus of current seismic activity.
  • The Icelandic Met Office noted significant magma movement in an area extending from Sundhnjúkagígum towards Grindavík, posing a serious volcanic hazard.

• Imminent Eruption:
• • The magma, at its shallowest depth just north of Grindavík, is approximately 800 meters below the Earth’s surface.
  • The IMO suggested a potential eruption could occur in a matter of days, with Grindavík, a nearby town, being evacuated as a precaution.

ACTIVE VOLCANO COUNT IN ICELAND:

• Iceland’s Active Volcanoes:
  • The country hosts 33 active volcanoes that have erupted more than 180 times in the past millennium.
  • Active volcanoes are those that have erupted within the Holocene or have the potential to erupt in the future.

• Notable Volcanoes:
  • Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, Grímsvötn, Hóluhraun, and Litli-Hrútur (part of the Fagradalsfjall system) are among Iceland’s famous active volcanoes.

• Historical Context:
• • Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 eruption caused a massive ash cloud that disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks, resulting in substantial economic damage.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/earthquake-swarm-iceland-volcanic-eruption-9023297/

5. TOWARDS ELIMINATING PLASTIC POLLUTION BY 2040: A POLICY SCENARIO ANALYSIS

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: As per a new interim report released by the intergovernmental organisation “Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)”- 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked into the environment globally in 2022.

EXPLANATION:

• The report was released on November 11, 2023, two days before the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC3).
• Theme of the report was “Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040: A Policy Scenario Analysis”.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

• Plastic Leakage Statistics:
  • The report reveals that in 2022, a staggering 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked into the environment globally.
  • It highlights the concerning environmental impact caused by plastic waste, especially in aquatic environments.

• Policy Scenario Analysis:
  • The report outlines various policy scenarios to tackle plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive actions across the entire lifecycle of plastics.
  • It discusses the potential benefits of these actions and the costs associated with delayed or limited measures.

• Baseline Scenario:
  • If no significant action is taken to curb plastic production and leakage, the report predicts a 50% increase in plastic leakage by 2040.
  • It will result into about 30 MT of plastic entering the environment, with adverse consequences for the environment, climate, and health.

• Impact of Policy Actions:
  • The report suggests that ambitious, coordinated policy actions could significantly reduce plastic waste generation by a quarter below baseline levels by 2040, virtually eliminating mismanaged waste and reducing plastic leakage.

• Cost of Action vs. Inaction:
  • It highlights that while ambitious policy action might cost 0.5% of global GDP in 2040.
  • The costs of inaction would have longer-term societal and environmental repercussions.
  • It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to limit transition costs.

• Challenges and Investment Needs:
  • The report acknowledges technical and economic barriers to eliminating plastic leakage by 2040.
  • It emphasizes the need for significant investments (over $1 trillion) in waste management systems for non-OECD countries.

• International Cooperation:
  • The report recognizes the uneven distribution of costs and investment needs.
  • It also stresses the importance of international cooperation to address plastic pollution effectively.

• Call for Evidence-Based Decision-making:
  • OECD’s Environment Director highlighted the need for further evidence to inform decision-making, especially concerning the negotiations for an international, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.

• Policy Scenarios:
• • The report presents a comprehensive policy scenario package that, if implemented, could nearly eliminate plastic pollution by 2040, necessitating increased investments and international cooperation.

CONCLUSION:

• The detailed analysis of the report emphasizes the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and the dire consequences of inaction.
• It underscores the necessity for concerted efforts, international collaboration, increased investments, and ambitious policy actions across the lifecycle of plastics.
• It focuses on mitigation of the growing threat of plastic pollution to the environment, economies, and human well-being.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):

• It is an international organisation of 38 countries committed to democracy and the market economy.
• OECD members are typically democratic countries that support free-market economies.
• The OECD was established on Dec. 14, 1960, by 18 European nations, plus the United States and Canada.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• The stated goal of OECD is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.
• The OECD publishes economic reports, statistical databases, analyses, and forecasts on the outlook for economic growth worldwide.
• The organization also seeksto eliminate bribery and other financial crime worldwide.
• The OECD maintains a so-called “black list” of nations that are considered uncooperative tax havens.
• India is one of the many non-member economies with which the OECD has working relationships in addition to its member countries.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/globally-21-million-tonnes-of-plastics-leaked-into-environment-last-year-oecd-92759

THE CONTEXT: The recent Supreme Court hearing on the constitutionality of electoral bonds has focused attention on the funding of political parties. There are issues related to opacity and anonymity in political funding affecting the democratic framework of the country.

MORE ON THE NEWS

• A study by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), which called the 2019 Lok Sabha elections the “most expensive election ever, anywhere’’. It estimated the money spent for the election at around Rs 55-60,000 crore, out of which around 45% were spent by the BJP.
• In the 2014 national elections, too, money played a key role. Candidates who ran for elections reported a median wealth of Rs 23.8 lakh, approximately 27 times the nominal per capita income of India in that year.

POLITICAL FUNDING AND ITS STATUTORY PROVISIONS

• Political Funding implies the methods that political parties use to raise funds to finance their campaign and routine activities.
• A political party needs money to pitch itself, its objectives, its intended actions to get votes for itself.
• Section 29Bof the Representation of the People Act (RPA) entitles parties to accept voluntary contributions by any person or company, except a Government Company.
• Section 29Cof the RPA mandates political parties to declare donations that exceed 20,000 rupees. Such a declaration is made by making a report and submitting the same to the EC. Failure to do so on time disentitles a party from tax relief under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

CHALLENGES RELATED TO POLITICAL FUNDING

• No limit on donation and expenditure: In India, there are no donation limit and an individual or an organisation can donate as much as they want to a political party. Moreover, the Finance Act, 2017 also removed any official contribution limits on companies. Similarly, there is no legal expenditure limit on expenditure by political parties. A party can spend as much as it wants for its national or state-level campaign as long as it does not spend that money towards the election of any specific candidate.
• No disclosure requirements: Parties are not required to disclose the sum or the source of any single donation that is below Rs 20,000. Here, parties generally break large donations from a single donor into multiple small donations, and this practice exempts them from any disclosure requirement.
• Issue in electoral bonds: Electoral bonds enable large donors to hide their donations if they use official banking channels. The bonds enable political parties and large donors to strike deals without any public scrutiny. Also, the ability of the party in power to access the information about donors of other parties through law enforcement agencies undermines the scheme of electoral bonds.
• Corruption: There are many corrupt political practices that influence elections in the current system. Private entities and businesses use money to ensure less stringent regulation and to finance elections which eventually leads to favourable policies.

HOW CAN PARTY FUNDING BE REGULATED?

• Financing framework according to nation: A campaign finance framework should respond to different political systems. For instance, the US elections revolve around individual candidates’ campaign machinery. On the other hand, in India, parties are central to electoral politics. Therefore, the primary focus of the campaign finance framework in India needs to be parties, not individual candidates.
• Regulation of donations: There need to be donation limits on political funding. Donation limits are aimed at ensuring that a party is not captured by a few large donors, whether individuals, corporations, or civil society organisations. For instance, the US federal law imposes different contribution limits on different types of donors.
• Expenditure limits: Expenditure limits safeguard politics from a financial arms race as it relieves parties from the pressure of competing for money. In the UK, for instance, a political party is not allowed to spend more than £30,000(approximately 30 Lakh rupees) per seat contested by that party.
• Public financing: Broadly, there are two ways of implementing public funding:

1. The most commonly used method around the world is to set predetermined criteria. For instance, in Germany, parties receive public funds on the basis of their importance within the political system.

2. Another way in public funding is that of ‘democracy vouchers’, which is in place for local elections in Seattle, US. Under this system, the government distributes a certain number of vouchers worth of certain amounts to eligible voters. The voters can use these vouchers to donate to the candidate of their choice.

• Disclosure requirements: One of the most prominent features of the regulation of private money in politics is disclosure requirements. Disclosure is a less intrusive form of regulation as it does not prevent parties or donors from receiving or making donations. However, disclosures discourage voters due to the fear of public scrutiny which deter donors from donating money.
• Balancing transparency and anonymity: There is a need to strike an appropriate balance between the two legitimate concerns i.e transparency and anonymity. Many jurisdictions strike this balance by allowing anonymity for small donors, while requiring disclosures of large donations. For instance, in the UK, a political party needs to report the donations received from a single source amounting to a total of more than £7,500 (roughly Rs. 7,50,000) in a calendar year.

THE CONCLUSION:

There seems to be a vicious cycle of corruption in political financing affecting transparency and quality of our democratic politics. It is crucial to identify the loopholes in the current mechanism of political funding to make it more transparent as per international standards.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. (2016)

Q.2 To enhance the quality of democracy in India, the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (2017)

 MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Highlight the issues in the current system of political funding system in India. Suggest measures to ensure transparency in political funding.

Q.2 Though electoral bonds as a method of funding was introduced to cleanse the system of political funding and make it more transparent but concerns have been raised for its opacity and anonymity. Analyse.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/expert-explains-political-funding-india-electoral-bonds-9020575/#:~:text=A%20party%20can%20spend%20as,are%20made%20through%20electoral%20bonds.

1. EL-NINO

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY  

THE CONTEXT: According to the latest El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the ongoing El Nino event in the equatorial Pacific Ocean may continue into April 2024 and peak between November and January.

WHAT CAN BE ITS POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON GLOBAL WEATHER PATTERNS?

• Global Temperature Impact:
  • The El Nino event may contribute to a further rise in global average temperatures.
  • The world has already experienced warmer than normal temperatures in 2023, and it is on track to become the warmest year since pre-industrial times.
  • The El Nino’s impact on global temperatures typically plays out in the year following its development, in this case, in 2024.

• Extreme Weather Events:
  • El Nino is associated with disrupting major weather systems and causing extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts.
  • The potential continuation of El Nino may lead to more extreme weather events globally.

• Impact on India:
  • For India, the El Nino may result in a warmer-than-normal winter season in most regions and a stormier-than-normal pre-monsoon season for northwest India.
  • El Nino can disrupt the Indian summer monsoon, and its effects on India’s weather are closely monitored.

• Record-Breaking Temperatures:
  • The global average annual temperature may temporarily breach the 1.5°C mark set in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
  • Record-breaking temperatures have already been observed in July, August, September, and October of the current year.

• Regional Rainfall Patterns:
• • El Nino’s peak may bring above-normal rainfall to specific regions, including the Greater Horn of Africa, Parana/La Plata basin in South America, Southeast North America, and parts of central and eastern Asia.
  • Some regions, such as northern South America, Australia, Indonesia, Borneo, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, may experience below-normal rainfall.

SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE:

• The El Nino developed quickly during July-August 2023 and reached moderate levels by September.
• Based on historical patterns and long-range predictions, it is anticipated to gradually diminish during the forthcoming boreal spring.
• Climate scientists emphasize the role of increasing concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases from human activities in contributing to rising temperatures.

• Monsoon Outlook:
  • There is an uncertainty about the next year’s monsoon, depending on whether the El Nino transitions to a La Nina and its strength.
  • A La Nina event in the Pacific could lead to normal to excess monsoon rainfall.

El Nino:

• El Nino was first recognized by Peruvian fishermen off the coast of Peru as the appearance of unusually warm water.
  • The Spanish immigrants called it El Nino, meaning “the little boy” in Spanish.
• The El Nino is the warmer-than-normal phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, during which there are generally warmer temperatures and less rainfall than normal in many regions of the world, including India.
• During an El Nino event, the Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) in the equatorial Pacific Ocean off the northern coast of South America became at least 0.5 degrees Celsius warmer than the long-term average.
  • In the case of a strong El Nino event as occurred in 2015-2016, anomalies can reach as high as 3°C, which is a record.
• The El Nino event is not a regular cycle, they are not predictable and occur irregularly at two- to seven-year intervals.
  • Climatologists determined that El Nino occurs simultaneously with the Southern Oscillation.
  • The Southern Oscillation is a change in air pressure over the tropical Pacific Ocean.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/el-nino-may-remain-till-april-2024-may-push-temperatures-even-higher-wmo-92730

2. 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin is visiting India for the 2+2 Ministerial dialogue.

EXPLANATION:

• The visit is for the 2+2 Ministerial dialogue, involving the U.S. Secretary of Defence, U.S. Secretary of State, India’s Defence Minister, and Minister of External Affairs.
• The discussions are expected to cover various issues, with a particular focus on the recent attacks in Israel by Hamas and tensions in West Asia.
• Secretary Austin had previously visited India in June 2023 and held talks with Defence Minister.
• The current visit follows up on earlier discussions and demonstrates ongoing engagement between the two countries.

AGENDA OF THE DIALOGUE:

• The dialogue is expected to cover strategic, defence, and technology issues, reflecting the depth of the India-U.S. partnership.
• Two major defence deals are in progress:
  • the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones and
  • the manufacture of General Electric F-414 jet engines in India for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft-MK2.
• The deals are anticipated to be concluded early next year.
• The dialogue will include discussions on contemporary regional issues and shared priorities for cooperation in multilateral platforms, including the Quad framework.

REVIEW OF COOPERATION:

• The 2+2 dialogue provides an opportunity for a high-level review of progress in defence and security cooperation, technology collaborations, and people-to-people ties.
• It aligns with the futuristic roadmap for the India-U.S. partnership discussed by Prime Minister of India and President of U.S. in their previous meetings.
• India has invited President Joe Biden as the chief guest for the Republic Day parade on January 26, and a decision on the invitation is awaited.

What is the 2+2 Dialogue?

• 2+2 Ministerial is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two countries.
• It is a format of dialogue where the defence/foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.
• India has 2+2 dialogues with four key strategic partners: the US, Australia, Japan, and Russia.
• Besides Russia, the other three countries are also India’s partners in the Quad.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-for-22-ministerial-dialogue/article67516828.ece/amp/

3. APPOINTMENT TO THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: With the recent appointments to the Supreme Court of India, the SC  attained its sanctioned capacity of 34 judges.

EXPLANATION:

• Delhi High Court Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Augustine George Masih, and Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta have been appointed as Supreme Court judges.
• The appointments were made promptly, with the three judges sworn in within three days of the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation.
• With the addition of the three new judges, the Supreme Court has reached its sanctioned capacity of 34 judges.
• This development coincides with Chief Justice Chandrachud completing a year as the Chief Justice of India.

PENDENCY OF CASES:

• The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) dashboard indicates that the pendency of cases in the Supreme Court is approaching 80,000.
• The Collegium, in its November 6 recommendation, expressed concerns about the perennial pendency.
• The collegium also emphasized the need to address the backlog by ensuring full working judge strength.
• The Collegium noted that the increasing pendency of cases has significantly increased the workload of judges.
• The resolution emphasized the necessity of maintaining full working judge strength to tackle the backlog effectively.
• Retirement and Future Judicial Strength:
  • The Supreme Court will function with 34 judges until Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, the number two judge, retires on December 25, 2023.
  • Justice Kaul’s has been vocal about the government’s “delaying tactics and pick-and-choose policy” while making judicial appointments.

• Collegium’s Considerations for Appointments:
  • The appointments of the new judges reflect the Collegium’s consideration of both merit and seniority.
  • Each appointee’s parent High Court and their seniority ranking in the all-India High Court judges list were factors in the decision.

• Speedy Appointment and Judicial Proceedings:
• • The speedy appointment of the three judges followed closely after Justice Kaul’s reminder to the Attorney General about the Collegium’s recommendation.
  • Justice Kaul’s bench is repeatedly hearing a case related to government delays in the judicial appointment process.

COLLEGIUM SYSTEM:

• The Collegium system is a system for the appointment and transfer of judges in the Supreme Court and High Court.
• It is not rooted in the Constitution. Instead, it has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court.
• Under the system, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), along with four senior-most Supreme Court judges, recommends the appointment and transfer of judges.
• A High Court Collegium, meanwhile, is led by the incumbent Chief Justice and the two seniormost judges of that court.
• The government can also raise objections and seek clarifications regarding the Collegium’s choices, but if the Collegium reiterates the same names, the government is bound to appoint them to the post.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS FOR JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS:

• Article 124: Supreme Court judges should be appointed by the President after consultation with such judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court as the President may deem necessary. The CJI is to be consulted in all appointments except his or her own.
• Article 217: High Court judges should be appointed by the President after consultation with the CJI and the Governor of the state. The Chief Justice of the High Court concerned too should be consulted.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/3-judges-appointed-to-sc-top-court-to-now-function-with-full-strength-of-34/article67516412.ece/amp/

4. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (CBI)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Union government asserted before the Supreme Court that the CBI is an independent agency, not a limb of the Centre.

BACKGROUND:

• The Union government presented its argument in response to a suit filed by the State of West Bengal against the Centre.
• West Bengal alleged that the CBI was investigating and registering FIRs in the state without obtaining prior consent from the state government.

INDEPENDENCE OF CBI:

• The Union government, represented by Solicitor General, emphasized that the CBI is an independent agency.
• It clarified that the CBI is not under the control of the Centre.
• It operates as a statutory body under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act.

ARTICLE 131 SUIT:

• The Union government argued that the original suit filed by West Bengal under Article 131 of the Constitution, which deals with disputes between the Union and states, was not maintainable.
• It asserted that the Centre has no influence over the CBI’s decisions in investigative matters and that the suit should be dismissed.

CBI’s Autonomy:

• The Solicitor General stated that the CBI acts on its own terms, and the Centre does not control its decisions in the registration, investigation, and prosecution of cases.
• It was mentioned that even the Central Vigilance Commission, which has superintendence over the CBI, does not exert influence over the agency’s investigations.

Jurisdiction of CBI:

• A Senior advocate representing West Bengal, argued that the case was not about the Centre’s influence over the CBI but focused on the jurisdiction of the CBI to investigate cases in a state that has withdrawn consent.
• He called out the Centre’s contention that only a central agency could investigate offenses outlined in a Union law a “preposterous proposition.”

Withdrawal of Consent:

• West Bengal contended that the CBI’s power to investigate offenses in other states under Section 5 of the DSPE Act requires express consent from the state under Section 6.
• The state highlighted its withdrawal of consent through a specific notification issued in 2018.
• West Bengal argued that the state is not challenging the FIRs but questioning how the CBI could ignore the state’s specific notification withdrawing consent.

Post-Poll Violence Cases:

• The CBI has filed multiple FIRs related to post-poll violence in West Bengal.
• The Union government mentioned in an affidavit that these cases also involve offenses of corruption against Central government employees.
• The legal arguments have been presented by both the Union government and the State of West Bengal regarding the autonomy and jurisdiction of the CBI in the context of the ongoing legal dispute.

CBI:

• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India.
• It provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.
• It functions under the superintendence of the Dept. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India – which falls under the prime minister’s office.
• However, for investigations of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, its superintendence vests with the Central Vigilance Commission.
• It is also the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
• Its conviction rate is as high as 65 to 70% and it is comparable to the best investigation agencies in the world.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cbi-is-not-a-limb-of-centre-union-government-tells-supreme-court/article67518110.ece/amp/

5. FIVE-HUNDRED APERTURE SPHERICAL TELESCOPE (FAST)

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, astronomers from China and Australia have discovered five new pulsars using the Five-hundred Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST).

FIVE-HUNDRED APERTURE SPHERICAL TELESCOPE (FAST)

• It is a radio telescope in China’s Guizhou Province.
• It is the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, with a receiving area equivalent to 30 football fields.
• It measures 500 meters in diameter.

Scientific Goals:

• Detect neutral hydrogen at the edge of the universe; reconstruct the images of the early universe;
• Discover pulsars, establish a pulsar timing array, and participate in pulsar navigation and gravitational wave detection in the future;
• Join the International Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry Network to obtain hyperfine structures of celestial bodies;
• Perform high resolution radio spectral survey and detect weak space signals;
• Participate in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence;
• FAST uses a data system developed at ICRAR (International Center for Radio Astronomy) in Perth, Australia, and at ESO (European Southern Observatory) to manage the huge amounts of data it generates.

Pulsars:

• Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that blast out pulses of radiation at regular intervals ranging from seconds to milliseconds.
• Pulsars have strong magnetic fields that funnel particles along their magnetic poles, accelerating them to relativistic speeds, which produce two powerful beams of light, one from each pole.
• Because the poles of the magnetic field aren’t aligned with the axis of spin of the pulsar, the beams of particles and the light they produce are swept around as the pulsar rotates.
• The periodicity of pulsars is caused by these beams of light crossing the line of sight on Earth, with the pulsar appearing to ‘switch off’ at points when the light is facing away from us.
• The time between these pulses is the ‘period’ of the pulsar.

Neutron Star:

• When a massive star explodes as a supernova at the end of its life, its core can collapse into a tiny and superdense object with not much more than our sun’s mass.
• These small, incredibly dense cores of exploded stars are neutron stars.

SOURCE: https://phys.org/news/2023-11-pulsars-fast.html#:~:text=Using%20the%20Five%2Dhundred%20Aperture,on%20the%20preprint%20server%20arXiv.

1. CONCERNS RELATED TO THE GUIDELINES FOR GENETICALLY ENGINEERED INSECTS

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: In April 2023, the Department of Biotechnology issued the ‘Guidelines for Genetically Engineered Insects’.

EXPLANATION:

• India’s bioeconomy contributes 2.6% to the GDP.
• In April 2023, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) released its ‘Bioeconomy Report 2022’ report, envisioning this contribution to be closer to 5% by 2030.
• This ambitious leap of $220 billion in eight years will require aggressive investment and policy support.
• But neither funding for the DBT nor its recent policies reflect any serious intention to uplift this sector.
• These guidelines are meant to provide procedural roadmaps for creating genetically engineered (GE) insects, but there are several key concerns.

UNCERTAINTY OF PURPOSE:

• The guidelines do not clearly specify the purposes for which GE insects may be approved in India.
• While they mention potential applications such as vector management in human and livestock health, crop pest management, environmental conservation, and healthcare protein production.
• But they lack a clear vision for how these insects can contribute to India’s broader bioeconomy goals.
• This lack of clarity hinders the alignment of biotechnology policies with the ambitious targets set in the “Bioeconomy Report 2022.”
• For instance, GE honeybees could be engineered to produce higher-quality or larger quantities of honey, potentially reducing imports and facilitating exports.
• Similarly, GE silkworms could be used to produce finer and cheaper silk, affecting prices and boosting sales.
• However, the guidelines and government policies do not provide a roadmap for how GE insects can directly benefit the bioeconomy or under what circumstances the government might approve their release.

UNCERTAINTY FOR RESEARCHERS:

• The guidelines are applicable only to research, not confined trials or deployment.
• Once GE insects are developed and tested in the laboratory, researchers can conduct trials with them.
• But this requires approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of the Union Environment Ministry.
• However, there is no clarity on whether the Environment Ministry will approve the deployment of GE insects or the criteria they would use to consider such proposals.
• This uncertainty creates a disincentive for researchers and investors to engage in research on GE insects.
• Furthermore, the guidelines define GE insects based on their risk group rather than the end product.
• This means that even insects modified for non-consumption purposes, such as silk or lac production, are subject to the same stringent checks.
• This lack of differentiation could impede research and development efforts for various insect-related industries.

UNCERTAINTY OF AMBIT:

• The guidelines provide standard operating procedures for GE mosquitoes, crop pests, and beneficial insects but do not clearly define what is meant by “beneficial” in the context of GE insects.
• This lack of clarity about which insects and modifications are considered “beneficial” can hinder funding and research efforts, particularly in a country with limited public and private funding.
• Additionally, the guidelines do not adequately account for more dangerous possibilities of genetic engineering, such as unintentionally generating malicious products.
• In the past, there have been concerns about the potential misuse of genetic engineering technology, which may pose risks to both human health and the environment.

CONCLUSION:

• The guidelines for genetically engineered insects in India are criticized for their lack of clarity regarding the purpose, deployment, and definition of “beneficial” insects.
• This uncertainty can deter researchers and investors from engaging in research on GE insects and hinder the development of a robust bioeconomy in India.
• To align with the goals outlined in the “Bioeconomy Report 2022,” it is suggested that these guidelines need revision and further clarification to promote innovation and industrial action in the biotechnology sector.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/genetically-engineered-insects-dbt-guidelines-problems-uncertainty/article67014161.ece

2. PRODUCTION GAP REPORT

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently a report titled the “Production Gap Report,” has been produced by several environmental organizations, including the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, E3G, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

EXPLANATION:

• The report highlights a significant disparity between government commitments to combat climate change, particularly through the reduction of fossil fuel emissions, and their actual plans and projections for fossil fuel production.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

• Climate Commitments vs. Fossil Fuel Production:
  • There has been a global consensus among 151 governments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050-2070 as part of the Paris Agreement.
  • Despite the global consensus the report finds that these governments plan to produce significantly more fossil fuels than would be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C.
  • In essence, they are on track to produce twice as much fossil fuel in 2030 than would be compatible with the 1.5°C target and 69% more than the 2°C target.

• Widening Fossil Fuel Production Gap:
  • The report indicates that even though governments have pledged to peak global coal, oil, and gas demand this decade, their forecasts, if implemented without new policies, would lead to increased global coal production until 2030 and continued growth in global oil and gas production until at least 2050.
  • This creates an ever-widening gap between projected fossil fuel production and the emission reduction targets set by the Paris Agreement.

• Promotion of Fossil Gas as a Transition Fuel:
• • The report also highlights that many governments are promoting fossil gas as a transition fuel to a more sustainable energy future.
  • However, it raises concerns that there are no apparent plans to transition away from fossil gas in the future.
  • The report emphasizes that in order to achieve the 1.5°C goal set by the Paris Agreement, there is a pressing need to start reducing global coal, oil, and gas production.
  • Simultaneously scaling up clean energy, reducing methane emissions, and implementing other climate mitigation actions should be given appropriate attention.

UPCOMING CLIMATE CONFERENCE IN DUBAI:

• In the end of November, representatives from at least 190 countries are expected to gather in Dubai for the annual Conference of Parties (COP).
• The COP meetings are a crucial forum for discussing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions, accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, and provide support to vulnerable nations coping with the impacts of global warming.

CONCLUSION:

• The report underscores a significant inconsistency between the global climate commitments made under the Paris Agreement and governments’ actual plans and projections for fossil fuel production.
• This misalignment raises concerns about the ability to limit global warming to the agreed-upon targets.
• It also highlights the urgent need for governments to take more decisive actions to reduce fossil fuel production and transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources to combat climate change effectively.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/world-will-overshoot-2030-coal-limit-to-tame-warming-by-twice-over/article67513521.ece

3. ORGANIC FARMING MISSION

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Kerala Government has created an Organic Farming Mission to encourage the adoption of sustainable organic and climate-smart farming practices in the State.

ORGANIC FARMING MISSION:

• The primary objective of the Organic Farming Mission is to expand organic farming in Kerala.
• The mission sets a target of cultivating 5,000 hectares of land using organic farming practices within the next five years, with an annual target of 1,000 hectares.
• This demonstrates the government’s commitment to increasing the adoption of organic agriculture.
• The Kerala Agriculture Minister officially announced the formation of the mission.
• The government had issued formal orders related to the mission in October 2023 demonstrating political will and commitment to promoting organic farming.
• Mandates and Practices:
  • The mission mandates that at least 10% of the area in farms run by the State Agriculture Department be dedicated to organic farming practices.
  • This ensures that a significant portion of government-managed agricultural land will be used for organic farming.
  • Additionally, the mission aims to encourage farmers to continue organic farming for at least five years.

• Certification and Marketing:
  • The mission recognizes the importance of certification, branding, and marketing of organic agricultural products.
  • It plans to implement an organic farming protocol that aligns with national and international standards, indicating a commitment to ensuring the quality and marketability of organic products.

• Value Addition:
  • The mission highlights the importance of value addition for organic products.
  • This could involve processing, packaging, and marketing strategies to enhance the value of organic produce.
  • Value addition can lead to increased income for farmers and greater consumer acceptance.

• Access to Resources:
  • To support farmers, the mission aims to ensure that they have access to high-quality seeds and production equipment/materials.
  • This will be facilitated through various organizations and collectives, ensuring that farmers have the necessary resources to practice organic farming effectively.

• Local Initiatives and Governance:
  • The mission mentions the formation of organic farming schemes in every Assembly constituency in Kerala, which will involve collaboration with local collectives and farmer producer organizations.
  • This approach reflects a bottom-up, community-based approach to implementing organic farming initiatives.

• Management Structure:
• • The mission is set to be overseen by a governing council chaired by the Agriculture Minister, and an executive committee comprising members from government departments and farm sector institutions.
  • This structured governance ensures effective management and coordination of mission activities.

PREVIOUS INITIATIVES:

• The Kerala Government had previously announced the Organic Farming Policy in 2010.
• The Left Democratic Front (LDF) had also promised to institutionalize mechanisms for promoting organic farming in its election manifesto.
• There has been the continuation of efforts to promote sustainable farming practices in the state.
• The creation of the Poshaka Samriddhi Mission in September 2023, which focuses on increasing millet and vegetable production.
• Multiple aspects of sustainable and diversified agriculture have been simultaneously addressed by the government.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-government-forms-organic-farming-mission-to-boost-climate-smart-agriculture/article67512619.ece/amp/

4. PUSA 2090 AND STUBBLE BURNING

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE

THE CONTEXT: Stubble burning in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan remains an issue. A new rice variety named Pusa 2090 has been developed as a promising solution to the issue of stubble burning in North India.

EXPLANATION:

• The primary cause of stubble burning is the cultivation of long-duration paddy varieties like Pusa-44 and the Supreme Court has given the directives to stop this practice.
• A new rice variety has been developed called Pusa-2090 by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and it has the potential to replace Pusa-44.

PUSA-44 VARIETY:

• Pusa-44, bred by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), is known for its high yield, producing 35-36 quintals per acre.
• However, it has a long maturation period of 155-160 days, leaving little time for farmers to prepare the fields for the next wheat crop.
• As a result, farmers resort to burning the remaining stubble after harvest.

PUSA-2090 – AN ALTERNATIVE:

• IARI has developed Pusa-2090, which is presented as an improved version of Pusa-44.
• This new variety is characterized by both high yield and a shorter maturation period of 120-125 days, making it more suitable for crop rotation.
• It’s a crossbreed of Pusa-44 and CB-501, an early-maturing Japonica rice line.
• Benefits of Pusa-2090:
  • Pusa-2090 is claimed to yield as much as Pusa-44 while maturing earlier.
  • It has been tested and officially identified for cultivation in Delhi and Odisha.
  • Farmers have shown interest in adopting this variety due to its potential to reduce the need for stubble burning.

• Crop Area and Stubble Burning:
  • Pusa-44 occupies a significant share of the crop area in Punjab, with 5.48 lakh hectares under cultivation in the current kharif season.
  • Stubble burning is a major concern in Punjab, and Pusa-44’s long maturation period contributes to this problem.

• Comparative Analysis:
  • Pusa-44 has been compared with another variety, PR-126, bred by the Punjab Agricultural University.
  • While PR-126 matures faster (125 days), it yields slightly less than Pusa-44.
  • It is emphasized that Pusa-2090 combines the best of both worlds, offering high yields and a shorter maturation period.

• Potential Adoption and Impact:
• • Farmers in Punjab have already started test-planting Pusa-2090, with initial results reported as very promising.
  • The potential adoption of Pusa-2090 could significantly reduce stubble burning in the region and contribute to improved air quality.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/possible-answer-to-farm-fires-new-rice-variety-can-replace-pusa-44-9019491/

5. ELECTORAL BONDS (EB) AND ELECTORAL TRUSTS (ET)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Electoral Bonds are under challenge before the Supreme Court because they have become the primary route of political funding since they were launched in 2018.

EXPLANATION:

• After a three-day hearing, the Supreme Court on November 3 reserved its judgment on the challenge to the central government’s Electoral Bonds Scheme.

ELECTORAL TRUSTS:

• Electoral Trusts (ET) were introduced in 2013 by the UPA government.
• Unlike EBs, ETs have a higher degree of transparency, requiring trusts to report contributions and donations to the Election Commission of India.
• Under the ET scheme, any company registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956, can establish an electoral trust.
• Contributors to ETs include Indian citizens, Indian companies, firms, Hindu Undivided Families, or associations of persons living in India.
• Trusts are required to donate 95% of contributions to registered political parties under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Contributors’ PAN or passport numbers are necessary for transparency.

ELECTORAL BONDS:

• Electoral Bonds (EB) were introduced in 2018 and have become the primary route of political funding.
• These bonds focus on ensuring donor anonymity.
• EBs are exempt from disclosure requirements, offering anonymity to donors.
• Parties inform the Election Commission of India (ECI) of the aggregate donations received through EBs but do not provide details of individual donors.
• The lack of transparency in EB donations is argued to protect donor privacy.

TRANSPARENCY IN FUNDING:

• The key difference between the two schemes is transparency.
• ETs provide details about contributors and beneficiaries, making it clear who funds which party.
• EBs, on the other hand, are not transparent regarding donors’ identities.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS:

• Data over nine financial years (2013-14 to 2021-22) show that political funding through both schemes increased after the introduction of EBs.
• The total amount donated through ETs over this period was Rs 2,269 crore, with significant growth over the years.
• In contrast, donations through EBs outstripped ET contributions, totaling Rs 9,208 crore between 2017-18 and 2021-22.
• The BJP received 72% of the total donations through ETs, a higher share than it received through EBs (57%).
• The Congress received 10% of EB funding and 9.7% of ET donations.
• The Trinamool Congress was the third-largest recipient of EBs (8.3%) but received only 0.11% of ET funds.
• The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) received about 1% of ET donations and reported its entire income in 2021-22 as coming from EBs.

OVERALL IMPACT:

• EBs have become the dominant source of political funding, with significant contributions compared to ETs.
• The lack of transparency in EBs has raised concerns, while ETs offer more insight into donor-party relationships.
• While EBs emphasize donor anonymity, ETs require greater disclosure, enabling the public to understand the relationships between contributors and political parties.
• A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) earlier this year found that more than 55% of the funding for political parties came through electoral bonds.
• In fact, for some parties, these bonds have become the only source of contributions — the BJD declared to the ECI that its entire income from “grants, donations and contributions” in 2021-22 came from EBs.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/electoral-bonds-electoral-trusts-9018591/  

1. CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Chief Information Commissioner & two new Information Commissioners have been appointed in Central Information Commission.

EXPLANATION:

• Mr Heeralal Samariya has been appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner in the Central Information Commission.
• A swearing-in ceremony was organized in the Central Information Commission to officially administer the oath of office to the new Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners.
• This ceremony marks the formal assumption of their duties.

ISSUES:

• The appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner has become a contentious issue, with allegations of lack of transparency, pre-determined decisions, and a disregard for democratic norms.
• The current situation deepens the trust deficit between the Opposition and the Centre, which can impact the functioning of democratic institutions and the transparency and accountability of the government.

>Lack of Consultation:

• Opposition member in the selection committee is not being consulted or informed about the selection of the CIC, as required by the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• This has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic norms and traditions.
• The MP stressed the importance of involving the Opposition in the selection process to maintain democratic traditions and norms.
• He urged the President to take measures to ensure that the Opposition’s role is not diluted in such crucial appointments.
• The names of the selected candidates were announced and sworn into office shortly after the meeting. This raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the selection process.

>Vacancies:

• The Supreme Court has expressed its dissatisfaction with the failure of states and the Union government to fill the vacancies in Information Commissions across the country.
  • Maharashtra SIC is without a Chief and functioning with only 4 commissioners even though more than 1,15,000 appeals/complaints are pending.
  • Jharkhand SIC has been completely defuncted since May 2020 and no appeals/complaints are being registered or disposed for the last three years.
  • Tripura SIC has been defuncted for more than 2 years since July 2021.
  • Telangana SIC has been defuncted since February 2023 even though more than 10,000 appeals/complaints are pending.
  • There are many examples like this that has been presented regarding the vacancies.

JUDGEMENT BY THE SUPREME COURT:

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

CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION (CIC):

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

POWER AND FUNCTIONS OF CIC:

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

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975142#:~:text=Shri%20Heeralal%20Samariya%20has%20been,office%20to%20Information%20Commissioners%20SmtV

2. CNEMASPIS RASHIDI

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the researchers have discovered a previously undocumented species of gecko, making it the 94th known species of gecko.

EXPLANATION:

• The discovery was made by a team of researchers led by senior scientist of the Wildlife Protection and Research Society, Maharashtra.
• It was a collaborative effort involving scientists from various organizations, including the Bombay Natural History Society, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Help Earth, and InSearch Environmental Solutions.
• The research paper on this new species was published in the Asian Journal of Conservation Biology.

CNEMASPIS RASHIDI:

• The newly documented gecko species has been named Cnemaspis rashidi in honour of Prof. Rashid Sayyed, Amit Sayyed’s father.
• This particular gecko is referred to as Rashid’s dwarf gecko due to its small size, measuring approximately two inches from snout to vent.
• The new gecko species was discovered in the Western Ghats near Rajapalayam, at an altitude of 1,245 meters at Kottamalai estate.
  • The Western Ghats are known for their rich biodiversity.
• This new gecko species is distinctive due to its beautiful colour pattern of yellow, white, and black on its back.
• It also features deep brown eyes, giving it an almost ethereal quality.
• These characteristics set it apart from other gecko species.
• Conservation Significance:
  • The gecko is described as being endemic to the Western Ghats, which means it is found exclusively in this region.
  • Researchers pointed out that the discovery of this new gecko species adds another reason to conserve the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
  • It emphasized the need for preserving the unique and often vulnerable species found in this region.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/new-species-of-gecko-found-in-western-ghats-near-rajapalayam/article67500822.ece

3. LAMPREY SPECIES

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Chinese palaeontologists have discovered two new lamprey species from fossils that date back approximately 160 million years.

EXPLANATION:

• The fossils of these lamprey species were found in a fossil bed in North China.
• The larger species is named Yanliaomyzon occisor, with “occisor” meaning “killer” in Latin, while the smaller species is named Yanliaomyzon ingensdentes, which refers to “large teeth” in Latin.
• The fossils were well-preserved, enabling scientists to study their biting structures and oral discs.

LAMPREY SPECIES

• Lampreys are jawless fish known for their parasitic feeding behaviour, but these newly discovered species exhibited a different, more aggressive feeding behaviour by scooping out flesh from their prey.
• Lampreys are eel-like jawless fish that are typically associated with being parasitic, using their unique mouths and sharp teeth to attach to other organisms and feed on their blood.
• What makes these new lamprey species remarkable is their behaviour.
• Instead of solely feeding on blood, these ancient lampreys were flesh eaters.
• They were capable of scooping out flesh from their prey and had a powerful bite that could even break their prey’s skeletons.
• This discovery challenges the conventional view of lampreys as “water vampires.”

EVOLUTIONARY SIGNIFICANCE:

• These recently discovered lamprey species lived during the Jurassic period alongside dinosaurs.
• They are considered a missing link between the earliest lampreys and the 31 surviving lamprey species known today.
• The earliest lamprey fossils date back to around 360 million years ago, during the Paleozoic era.
• These ancient lampreys were considerably smaller and had underdeveloped feeding structures, suggesting that they did not feed on blood or flesh.
• Additionally, they did not undergo metamorphosis, which is a notable contrast with modern lampreys.

SOURCE: https://www.wionews.com/science/flesh-eater-lamprey-species-discovered-in-china-from-160-million-year-old-fossil-655355

4. BREACHING OF THE DATA

TAG: GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY

THE CONTEXT: An American cybersecurity company, Resecurity, reported that the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of 815 million Indian citizens, including sensitive information like Aadhaar numbers and passport details, was being offered for sale on the dark web.

DATA BREACH AND DARK WEB SALE:

• • An American cybersecurity company, Resecurity, revealed that the personal data of 815 million Indian citizens was available for sale on the dark web.
  • This data included sensitive details such as Aadhaar numbers and passport information.
  • Threat actors were offering this data for $80,000, indicating a significant demand for the personal information of Indian citizens.

• Nature of Personally Identifiable Information (PII):
  • Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is data that can be used to identify an individual.
  • It can be either directly or in conjunction with other data.
  • In this case, the breached data contained Aadhaar numbers, a 12-digit identification number issued by UIDAI, and passport details.

• Sources of the Breach:
  • The threat actors did not disclose how they obtained the data.
  • One of them claimed the data originated from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
  • While another mentioned access to an unnamed “India internal law enforcement agency.”
  • However, the legitimacy of these claims remains uncertain.

• Government Response:
  • The government of India is taking steps to investigate the data breach.
  • The Computer Emergency Response Team is involved in this effort.
  • The government is also working on enhancing its data management systems.
  • The extent of the alleged breach has not been specified yet.

• Security of PII Data:
  • The security of PII data, particularly Aadhaar information, has been a point of concern.
  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) claims that all Aadhaar data is safe and secure in its Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) and has never been breached.
  • However, there have been past reports of data breaches, raising doubts about the security of such information.

• Cyber Threats and Identity Theft:
  • Various threats have been arising from the leaked information.
  • It notes that India has witnessed a rise in disruptive cyberattacks, making PII data particularly attractive to threat actors.
  • The exposure of personal data significantly increases the risk of digital identity theft.
  • It can be exploited for various cybercrimes, including online banking theft and tax fraud.

• User Safeguards:
• • Try to ascertain if their data was part of the breach.
  • Be cautious of emails from unknown sources, as this information can be used in phishing campaigns.
  • Change user IDs and passwords to prevent the misuse of stolen data.
  • Implement two-factor authentication to enhance the security of online accounts.
  • Report any suspicious online account activities to relevant authorities.

CONCLUSION:

• This data breach highlights the critical importance of securing sensitive personal information in the digital age.
• It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by governments and organizations in safeguarding PII data.
• There is an urgent need for individuals to be proactive in protecting their data and online identities.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/how-the-personal-data-of-815-million-indians-got-breached-explained/article67505760.ece

5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE SUPREME COURT JUDGES

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court collegium has recommended the names of three High Court chief justices for appointment as judges of the Supreme Court of India.

EXPLANATION:

• The names recommended are:
  • Delhi High Court Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma
  • Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Augustine George Masih
  • Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta
• The Supreme Court currently has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges but is functioning with only 31 judges, indicating three existing vacancies.
• The Supreme Court is grappling with a substantial backlog of cases. The workload of judges has increased significantly due to this backlog.
• The collegium has recommended by emphasizing the mounting pendency of cases in the Supreme Court and the increased workload of judges.
• This situation necessitates having a full working judge-strength with no vacancies.
• The collegium’s decision-making process involves deliberation and discussion on the names of chief justices and senior puisne judges of the high courts who are eligible for elevation to the Supreme Court.
• The judgments authored by those being considered for elevation were circulated among the collegium members in advance for a thorough discussion and assessment of their judicial acumen.

COLLEGIUM SYSTEM:

• The Collegium system is a system for the appointment and transfer of judges in the Supreme Court and High Court.
• It is not rooted in the Constitution. Instead, it has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court.
• Under the system, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), along with four senior-most Supreme Court judges, recommends the appointment and transfer of judges.
• A High Court Collegium, meanwhile, is led by the incumbent Chief Justice and the two seniormost judges of that court.
• The government can also raise objections and seek clarifications regarding the Collegium’s choices, but if the Collegium reiterates the same names, the government is bound to appoint them to the post.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS FOR JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS:

• Article 124: Supreme Court judges should be appointed by the President after consultation with such judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court as the President may deem necessary. The CJI is to be consulted in all appointments except his or her own.
• Article 217: High Court judges should be appointed by the President after consultation with the CJI and the Governor of the state. The Chief Justice of the High Court concerned too should be consulted.

SOURCE: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/collegium-clears-three-new-judges-for-supreme-court-justices-satish-chandra-sharma-augustine-masih-sandeep-mehta/amp-11699281487130.html

1. WOLBACHIA BACTERIUM

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Scientists from the World Mosquito Program conducted research in which they introduced Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes into an Indonesian city.

EXPLANATION:

• This intervention resulted in a 77% reduction in dengue cases and an 86% reduction in hospitalizations among residents in areas with these infected mosquitoes.
• It is a promising development in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue, by using a bacterium called Wolbachia.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RESEARCH:

• Efficiency of Mosquitoes as Disease Transmitters:
  • Mosquitoes are highly efficient disease transmitters, responsible for causing over one million deaths annually due to diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

• Role of Wolbachia:
  • Wolbachia is a type of bacteria that, when introduced into mosquito populations, has shown to significantly reduce the transmission of various viruses.
  • It prevents these viruses from replicating in the mosquito’s body, thereby reducing their ability to transmit the diseases to humans.

• Method of Wolbachia Transfer:
  • The researchers worked on developing a method to introduce Wolbachia into the mosquito population that transmits these diseases.
  • Once introduced, the infected mosquitoes bred with wild mosquitoes, passing on Wolbachia naturally and maintaining its presence.

• Impact on Disease Transmission:
  • The introduction of Wolbachia into mosquito populations seems to be highly effective in reducing the transmission of diseases, with the potential for even greater impact than the measured reductions.

• Community Engagement:
• • The success of this intervention also involved engaging with and addressing the concerns of the local community.
  • Communities were generally supportive of the initiative due to the fear of dengue and its impact on public health.

LIMITATIONS AND COMPLEMENTARY APPROACHES:

• While Wolbachia shows promise, it may not be the sole solution to completely eliminate diseases like dengue.
• Combining multiple tools and concerted efforts will likely be necessary to make significant progress in reducing the burden of these diseases.
• Mosquito-borne diseases affect millions of people each year.
• The need for the scaling up of initiatives like the one using Wolbachia to benefit more communities. This will likely take many years due to the scope of the problem.

WOLBACHIA BACTERIUM:

• Wolbachia is a genus of intracellular bacteria that infects mainly arthropod species, including a high proportion of insects, and also some nematodes.
• It is one of the most common parasitic microbes and is possibly the most common reproductive parasite in the biosphere.

Wolbachia has a variety of effects on its hosts, including:

• Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI):
  • This is the most common effect of Wolbachia infection.
  • CI is a reproductive incompatibility that occurs when an infected male mates with an uninfected female, or when two males infected with different strains of Wolbachia mate with the same female.
  • CI can lead to embryonic death, female sterility, or male sterility.

• Feminization:
  • Wolbachia can feminize its hosts, meaning that it can cause males to develop into females. This has been observed in a number of insect species, including mosquitoes and butterflies.

• Increased resistance to pathogens:
• • Wolbachia can increase its hosts’ resistance to a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This has been observed in a number of insect species, including mosquitoes and fruit flies.

SOURCE: https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader?utm_source=Hindu&utm_medium=Menu&utm_campaign=Header

2. PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANNA YOJANA (PMGKAY)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Prime Minister has announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for an additional five years.

EXPLANATION:

• The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was introduced in 2020 as a pandemic relief measure.
• It provided 5 kg of free food grains per beneficiary per month in addition to the 5 kg of subsidised food grain they were entitled to under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
• In December 2022, as PMGKAY came to an end after multiple extensions, the Union Cabinet decided to make NFSA rations free for one year.
• It will now be extended further for five years.

PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANNA YOJANA (PM-GKAY):

• This scheme is part of Atmanirbhar Bharat to supply free food grains to migrants and poor.
• The program is operated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. But the nodal ministry is Ministry of Finance
• Phase-I and Phase-II of this scheme was operational from April to June, 2020 and July to November, 2020 respectively.
• Phase-III of the scheme was operational from May to June, 2021.
• Phase-IV of the scheme during July-November, 2021 and Phase V from December 2021 till March, 2022.
• The PMGKAY scheme for Phase VI was during April-September, 2022 with an estimated additional food subsidy of Rs. Rs. 80,000 Crore.

BENEFITS:

• More than 81.35 crore people will be provided 5 kg free wheat/rice per person / month along with 1 kg free whole chana to each family per month.
• Wheat has been allocated to 6 States/UTs, – Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi and Gujarat and rice has been provided to the remaining States/UTs.
• This is over and above the regular monthly entitlements under National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
• The primary aim of PMGKAY is to provide essential food grains to economically disadvantaged individuals.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/chhattisgarh-assembly/pm-modi-attacks-chhattisgarh-cm-cong-over-betting-app-row-says-they-didnt-even-spare-name-of-mahadev/article67497413.ece/amp/

3. HELICOBACTER PYLORI

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Researchers from the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED) in Kolkata have developed a two-step PCR-based assay that allows for the rapid detection of H. pylori infection and the identification of clarithromycin-resistant and drug-sensitive strains.

EXPLANATION:

• It is a significant development in the field of diagnosing and addressing drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.
• This method significantly reduces the time required for diagnosis and drug-sensitivity testing.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RESEARCH:

• H. pylori:
  • pylori is a bacterium that can cause asymptomatic infections but is also linked to peptic ulcer disorders and stomach cancer.
  • In India, a significant portion of the population is affected by H. pylori infections, making effective diagnosis and treatment crucial.

• Drug Resistance Issue:
  • One of the challenges in treating H. pylori infections is the increasing trend of clarithromycin-resistant bacteria.
  • The use of clarithromycin for treatment is common, but resistance to this antibiotic is a major cause of treatment failure.

• Genomic Study:
  • The research team turned to genome sequencing to identify the root cause of clarithromycin resistance.
  • It was found to be a specific point mutation in the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of the bacteria.

• Molecular-Based Technique:
  • The researchers developed a molecular-based assay that amplifies and detects the presence of the point mutation associated with drug resistance.
  • This technique is capable of distinguishing between resistant and sensitive strains.

• Binding Affinity:
  • Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the drug-resistant strains had weaker binding affinity to clarithromycin compared to drug-sensitive strains.
  • This weaker binding results in the drug being less effective in killing the bacteria, confirming the role of the point mutation in resistance.

• PCR-Based Assay:
  • The developed assay involves a two-step PCR process, with the initial step amplifying the 617 base-pair segments containing the point mutation.
  • In the second step, allele-specific primer sets are used to differentiate between resistant and sensitive strains based on the presence of the point mutation.

• Validation and Sensitivity:
• • The two-step PCR method was validated against conventional drug sensitivity testing and sequencing analysis, demonstrating 100% sensitivity and specificity.

HELICOBACTER PYLORI:

• It is a common type of bacteria that grows in the digestive tract and tends to attack the stomach lining.
• It is adapted to live in the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach.
• This infection usually happens during childhood.
• Its infections are usually harmless, but they’re responsible for most ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
• This bacterium can change the environment around it and reduce the acidity, so it can survive more easily.
• The spiral shape of H. pylori allows it to penetrate the stomach lining, where it’s protected by mucus and the body’s immune cells can’t reach it.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/niced-quick-detection-of-drug-resistant-h-pylori-now-possible/article67493768.ece/amp/

4. ZIKA GENOME

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: In this article we will have a deep insight into the Zika genome, mutations, its evolution, genetic epidemiology, and molecular underpinnings of transmission.

EXPLANATION:

• The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has been associated with outbreaks and health concerns.
• It’s known for its role in the 2015-2018 outbreak in the America, which saw an increase in microcephaly cases in newborns.
• The outbreak was characterised by an alarming increase in the number of microcephaly cases in newborns, prompting the World Health Organisation to declare it a public health emergency of international concern in early 2016.
• From Africa, the Zika virus has spread to Asia, Pacific islands, to the America, and beyond.
• The disease has of late been in the headlines with multiple outbreaks in the last few years in multiple Indian states, including, more recently, Kerala and Karnataka.
• The dengue virus and the Zika virus, together infect up to around 400 million people every year.

GENOMIC INSIGHTS:

• The Zika virus has an RNA genome with a high potential for mutations.
• Genomic studies have revealed that it has two lineages, African and Asian.
• Researchers have used genetic surveillance and sequencing to track the virus’s evolution and genetic epidemiology, which can aid in understanding and responding to outbreaks.
• Diagnosis and antibody cross-reactivity:
• Diagnosis of Zika virus infection relies on genetic testing.
  • Because antibody-based tests can be complicated due to cross-reactivity with antibodies from other related viruses like dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile.

ZIKA AND MICROCEPHALY:

• One of the major concerns related to Zika virus infection is the association with microcephaly in newborns.
• Researchers have been investigating the genetic factors responsible for this complication, including a mutation in one of the precursor membrane proteins (prM) of the virus.
• However, the relationship between Zika and microcephaly is complex.
• Factors like viral load and preexisting antibodies against dengue also play a role.
• Microcephaly:
  • Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected.
  • During pregnancy, a baby’s head grows because the baby’s brain grows. Microcephaly can occur because a baby’s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth, which results in a smaller head size.

ZIKA-DENGUE INTERACTIONS:

• Research has shown that Zika virus infection can increase the risk of severe dengue, and the presence of antibodies from prior Zika or dengue infections can enhance the severity of dengue.
• This finding has public health significance, especially since both Zika and dengue viruses are circulating globally.
• A study indicated that Zika and dengue infections can influence the growth of specific microbes on the skin, which produce volatile molecules attracting mosquitoes.
• This interplay between viruses, microbes, and mosquitoes can have implications for transmission and control.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GENOMIC TECHNOLOGIES:

• As climate change contributes to the spread of vector-borne diseases and environmental conditions that favour them, genomic technologies and molecular pathogenesis insights become critical for understanding and combating these viruses in an evolving world.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2023-11-06/th_chennai/articleGBUBVP99J-4780805.ece

5. AI REGULATION

TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE, GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Vice President Kamala Harris outlined the US plan for AI regulation, emphasizing the importance of protecting the public from potential harm and ensuring responsible AI development.

EXPLANATION:

• The US aims to establish itself as a global leader in AI, leveraging its dominance in AI innovation.
• The United States is taking a prominent role in shaping AI policy by emphasizing the importance of AI safety and responsible development.
• US Executive Order on AI:
  • The US government issued an executive order on AI, proposing new guardrails on advanced AI technologies.
  • The order focuses on AI safety and oversight, requiring AI companies to conduct safety tests, known as “red teaming,” before introducing new AI capabilities to consumers.
  • This approach aims to ensure that AI products do not pose threats to users.

• US AI Safety Institute:
  • The United States plans to launch an AI safety institute to evaluate risks associated with AI models.
  • This initiative could align with the UK’s efforts to establish a United Kingdom Safety Institute, suggesting potential collaboration between the two countries.

• EU AI Legislation:
  • The European Union has proposed the AI Act, which categorizes AI based on use cases and risk levels.
  • This regulatory approach emphasizes different requirements for AI systems, depending on their invasiveness and potential risks.
  • However, the EU has not yet reached an agreement on several aspects of the AI legislation.

• UK Light-Touch Approach:
  • The UK is adopting a “light-touch” approach to AI regulation, with a focus on fostering innovation in the field.
  • This approach aims to balance regulation with the promotion of AI development and adoption.

• Diverse AI Regulatory Responses:
• • Different jurisdictions are taking diverse approaches to AI regulation, reflecting their priorities and objectives.
  • While the EU seeks to create comprehensive AI legislation, the US is emphasizing safety and oversight, and the UK is aiming for a flexible and innovation-friendly approach.

CONCERNS DRIVING AI REGULATION:

• The concerns driving AI regulation include privacy issues, system bias, and violations of intellectual property rights.
• Policymakers are responding to these concerns by crafting regulations tailored to their regions’ needs and priorities.
• Global Impact of AI Regulation:
  • It underscores the importance of global action in regulating AI, as AI developed in one country can impact people worldwide.
  • This emphasizes the need for international cooperation and shared regulatory frameworks.

• Industry Engagement:
  • The US government has engaged extensively with leading AI companies to develop responsible AI practices.
  • This collaboration aims to establish a minimum baseline for responsible AI use and development.

• AI’s Existential Threat:
• • Many circumstances highlight the existential threats posed by AI, such as algorithmic discrimination, data privacy violations, deep fakes, and the potential harm caused by AI systems.
  • These challenges underscore the need for robust AI regulation.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/on-ai-regulation-the-us-steals-a-march-over-europe-amid-the-uks-showpiece-summit-9015032/

1. SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION AGAINST KERALA’S GOVERNOR

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Kerala Government has filed a special leave petition before the Supreme Court of India against Kerala’s Governor.

EXPLANATION:

• The government is seeking a declaration from the Supreme Court that the Governor has failed to exercise his constitutional powers and duties.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS?

• Pending Bills Dispute:
  • The central issue at hand is the delay in the Governor’s disposal of bills passed by the State Legislature.
  • The Kerala Government argues that the Governor has acted in a manifestly arbitrary manner by keeping these bills pending for an extended period.

• Constitutional Powers and Duties:
  • The Kerala Government claims that the Governor’s inaction subverted the Constitution and threatened democratic principles.
  • It alleges that the Governor failed to exercise his constitutional powers and duties, as outlined in Article 200 of the Indian Constitution, which specifies the Governor’s role in granting assent to bills.
  • The Kerala Government accuses the Governor of gross disregard and violation of constitutional provisions and argues that such actions are not in line with the Governor’s duties.

• Number of Pending Bills:
  • Out of the eight bills passed by the Legislature, three had been pending with the Governor for more than two years, and three others for more than one year.
  • This extended delay in dealing with legislative matters is a significant point of contention.

• Previous Disposal of a Bill:
  • The Kerala Private Forest (Vesting and Assignment) Bill, 2023, was presented to the Governor on April 6, 2023, and was disposed of by him on September 18.
  • It suggests that the Governor’s non-disposal of earlier bills may have been a conscious act.

• Parties to the Petition:
• • The secretary to the Governor and the Union of India have also been made parties to the petition, indicating that the legal action is directed not only at the Governor but also at others involved in the matter.

Special Leave Petitions in Indian Judicial System:

• This is special power bestowed upon the Supreme Court of India which is the Apex Court of the country to grant leave to appeal against any judgment in case any substantial constitutional question of law is involved or gross injustice has been done.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE GOVERNOR

• Article 153 says that there shall be a Governor for each State. One person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
• A Governor is appointed by the President and is a nominee of the Central Government.
  • It is stated that the Governor has a dual role.
  • He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his Council of Ministers (CoM).
• He functions as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government.
• Articles 157 and 158 specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. A governor must:
  • Be a citizen of India.
  • Be at least 35 years of age.
  • Not be a member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
  • Not hold any office of profit.
• Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, etc. (Article 161).
• There is a CoM with the CM at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except some conditions for discretion. (Article 163).
• The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers (Article 164).
• Governor assents, withholds assent, or reserves the bill for the consideration of the President passed by the Legislative Assembly (Article 200).
• Governors may promulgate the Ordinances under certain circumstances (Article 213).
• Governor’s role:
  • The Governor holds a constitutional position and is expected to perform specific functions, including granting assent to bills passed by the state legislature and ensuring the proper functioning of state administration.
  • The Governor’s actions are perceived as a hindrance to these responsibilities.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-government-moves-supreme-court-against-governor-arif-mohammed-khan-over-pending-bills/article67488446.ece/amp/

2. EU’S PROPOSED CARBON TAX ON IMPORTS THROUGH CBAM

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The European Union’s proposed Carbon Tax on imports is an ‘ill-conceived’ move that would become the “death knell” for its manufacturing sector.

EXPLANATION:

• The European Union is planning to implement a carbon tax on imports through the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
• This mechanism is designed to address carbon leakage, ensuring that imported goods meet similar environmental standards as those produced within the EU.

CONCERNS RAISED:

• India’s Commerce and Industry Minister criticized the EU’s CBAM, calling it “ill-conceived” and warning that it could be detrimental to Europe’s manufacturing sector.
• He argued that carbon pricing cannot be the same in India and Europe due to different economic and environmental circumstances.

IMPACT ON EUROPEAN MANUFACTURING:

• It is asserted that the CBAM could have a negative impact on European manufacturing, particularly in sectors like autos, where steel and aluminium are essential components.
• EU should consider different carbon pricing values for less developed and developing countries to create a more equitable system.
• The CBAM might lead European producers to move their production to India, as it becomes costlier to manufacture in Europe.

INDIA’S RESPONSE:

• It is believed that India may counter the CBAM by imposing its own carbon tax.
• This would help level the playing field and ensure that carbon pricing aligns with India’s specific needs.
• The Indian government is in ongoing discussions with its European counterparts regarding the CBAM.
• The government is negotiating with the EU to address concerns about the fairness of carbon pricing and its impact on Indian exports.

SUPPORTING GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION:

• If India collects its own carbon tax and uses it for its green energy transition, this would indirectly help exporters reduce their carbon footprint.
• It potentially will negate the need for additional CBAM taxes at the European border.

CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM):

• It is a policy instrument that aims to level the playing field between EU and non-EU producers of carbon-intensive goods.
• It does this by imposing a carbon charge on imports of certain goods from countries that do not have a carbon price comparable to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
• The charge is calculated based on the embedded carbon content of the imported goods, and is intended to equalize the cost of carbon emissions between EU and non-EU producers.

WHY CBAM?

• CBAM is an EU regulation and part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.
• The goal of this package is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 55% by 2030.
• Currently, the EU operates a system where producers within the EU have to purchase emission allowances for the CO2 emissions of their products (EU Emissions Trading System, EU ETS).
• The CBAM price adjustment ensures that these producers no longer face a competitive disadvantage when importing from third countries with lower climate standards.
• It is currently in a transitional phase, with full implementation expected in 2026. The following goods are currently covered by the CBAM:
  • Iron and steel
  • Cement
  • Aluminium
  • Fertilisers
  • Electricity
  • Hydrogen

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/cbam-will-kill-eu-manufacturing-india-will-have-its-own-carbon-taxes-goyal/article67490421.ece/amp/

3. LAND BRIDGE ACROSS THE KRA ISTHMUS

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The revival of a centuries-old idea in Thailand, the creation of a “land bridge” or economic corridor across the Kra Isthmus, could potentially reduce the need for ships to take the longer route through the Strait of Malacca.

EXPLANATION:

THE KRA ISTHMUS AND ITS GEOGRAPHIC SIGNIFICANCE:

• • Thailand’s Kra Isthmus is a narrow strip of land between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
  • It forces ships traveling between the Indian Ocean Region and East Asia to sail south through the Strait of Malacca, which adds approximately 1,200 kilometers to their journey.

• HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE:
  • The idea of reducing the distance between these two bodies of water by cutting through the Kra Isthmus dates back to Thai monarch Narai the Great in 1677.
  • Various attempts and studies have been made throughout history to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, primarily for economic and strategic reasons.

• CURRENT PROPOSAL:
  • Thailand’s Prime Minister is proposing a “land bridge” instead of a canal, which would involve road and rail networks connecting deep-sea ports on both coasts of the isthmus.
  • This project aims to provide an alternative route that is
    • shorter,
    • saves transportation costs,
    • reduces the risk of piracy, and
    • alleviates pressure on the congested Strait of Malacca.

• ECONOMIC BENEFITS:
  • The proposed land bridge could reduce transport time significantly, potentially creating economic benefits for Thailand, which has seen slow economic growth and increasing household debt.
  • It could create jobs and boost economic growth in the southern provinces, enhancing Thailand’s position in Southeast Asia.

• GEOPOLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• • China’s interest in the project is driven by potential trade cost savings, improved control over waterways, and enhanced naval and surveillance capabilities.
  • However, deepening ties with China may affect Thailand’s relations with other nations.

CHALLENGES AND FINANCING:

• The project faces financial challenges, with an estimated cost of around $27.44 billion.
• The Thai government is looking to China for investments, although this could have implications for Thailand’s relationships with other countries, including the United States, Japan, and India.
• The viability and environmental impact of such a project have also been subjects of debate.

CONCLUSION:

• Thailand’s renewed interest in creating a land bridge across the Kra Isthmus, could have significant economic and geopolitical implications.
• While the project could offer benefits in terms of reduced shipping distances and economic growth.
• It also faces challenges related to financing, environmental impact, and its potential impact on international relations.
• The revival of this idea reflects the ongoing debate about the future of global trade routes and the strategic interests of various countries.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/land-bridge-thailand-kra-isthmus-9009594/lite/

4. LEGAL IDENTITY OF MIGRANTS

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: According to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately one billion people worldwide lack legal identity.

EXPLANATION:

• It is a significant global issue related to legal identity and the challenges faced by approximately one billion people who lack legal identification.
• They do not possess official documentation that identifies them as legal residents or citizens of a particular country creating a legal identity gap.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE LEGAL IDENTITY GAP:

• • The lack of legal identity has serious implications for individuals.
  • It limits their ability to access various essential services, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.
  • It also restricts their mobility and can lead to longer, more dangerous, and irregular migration routes.

• Challenges in Readmission:
• • Readmission processes for migrants often face obstacles.
  • These challenges can be addressed by strengthening a state’s legal identity capacity, providing consular support, and improving collaboration among government agencies.

INITIATIVES TO TACKLE THESE ISSUES:

• UN Conference:
  • The IOM organized a Legal Identity and Rights-Based Return Management Conference at the UN City in Copenhagen, Denmark, to address the issue.
  • The conference aimed to facilitate dialogue between countries of origin and destination for people without legal identities.

• International Cooperation:
  • The conference emphasized the importance of cooperation between countries of origin and countries of destination to exchange best practices, digitize legal identity systems, and promote a rights-based approach to return management.
  • Strengthening coordination mechanisms and collaboration among relevant government agencies was also highlighted.

• Whole of Government Approach:
  • Jens Godtfredsen, Ambassador for Migration, Return, and Readmission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark stressed the need for a “whole of government approach” to tackle the global identity gap.
  • This approach involves government agencies working together to find concrete solutions to migration challenges.

• IOM’s Global Programme:
  • The initiative was organized within the framework of the IOM’s Global Programme Enhancing Readmission and Legal Identity Capacities (RELICA), launched in 2022.
  • This program aims to enhance legal identity systems and facilitate return management.

• Regional and International Cooperation:
• • Representatives from various countries, including Somalia, Lebanon, Iraq etc highlighted the importance of regional and international cooperation in addressing the legal identity gap.
  • This cooperation can help countries digitize their identity systems and enhance rights-based return management.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/no-legal-identity-for-a-billion-people-globally-says-un-body-92607

5. STAGE-III OF THE GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP)

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (AQI ranging between 401-450), with immediate effect in the entire NCR.

EXPLANATION:

• Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has been implemented, particularly Delhi, due to a severe deterioration in air quality with an AQI exceeding 401.
• The action plan includes eight key measures to address the issue.

KEY MEASURES:

• Mechanized Road Sweeping:
  • Intensifying the frequency of mechanized or vacuum-based sweeping of roads to reduce dust and particulate matter on road surfaces.

• Water Sprinkling:
  • Ensuring daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants on roads and high-traffic areas before peak traffic hours to control dust pollution.

• Enhanced Public Transport:
  • Increasing the availability of public transport services and possibly introducing differential rates to encourage off-peak travel, thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on the road.

• Construction and Demolition Activities:
  • Enforcing strict bans on most construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR, with specific exemptions for essential projects like railways, metro, airports, defense-related activities, hospitals, public infrastructure, sanitation projects, and ancillary activities.

• Stone Crushers Shutdown:
  • Temporarily closing down the operations of stone crushers to reduce air pollution caused by dust and particulate matter.

• Mining Activities Shutdown:
  • Halting all mining and associated activities in the NCR to control dust and pollutant emissions.

• Restrictions on BS III and BS IV Vehicles:
  • Imposing strict restrictions on the operation of Bharat Stage (BS) III petrol and BS IV diesel Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) in specific districts within the NCR, aiming to curb vehicular emissions.

• Online Education:
• • State governments in the NCR are given the option to discontinue physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conduct classes online to reduce outdoor activities and exposure to poor air quality.

REASONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF STAGE-III OF GRAP:

• These measures are implemented to mitigate the severe air quality issues in the NCR, particularly in Delhi.
• The trigger for invoking Stage-III of GRAP is when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 401, indicating a severe pollution level.
• The combination of unfavorable meteorological conditions, an increase in farm fires, and wind patterns pushing pollutants towards Delhi has contributed to the spike in air pollution.
• The call for citizen cooperation and suggestions for using cleaner commuting options, working from home when possible, and avoiding coal and wood for heating purposes are part of a broader effort to engage the public in the fight against air pollution.
• The aim is to address the immediate crisis by reducing the sources of air pollution, restricting ^certain activities, and promoting cleaner alternatives, with a focus on mitigating the adverse health effects of poor air quality in the NCR.

GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP):

• In pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi, a Graded Response Action Plan has been prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely, Moderate & Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
• A new category of “Severe+ or Emergency” has been added.
• The Plan was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change in 2017.
• It institutionalised measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates.
• The plan is incremental in nature – therefore, when the air quality moves from ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’, the measures listed under both sections have to be followed.
• It prevents PM10 and PM2.5 levels from going beyond the ‘moderate’ national AQI category.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1974270

1. ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION AGREEMENT (ETCA)

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: India and Sri Lanka held the 12th round of negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 30th October 2023 to 1st November 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The two countries had 11 rounds of bilateral talks from 2016 to 2018. Thereafter the negotiations were paused.
• During this round, both the sides took stock of the progress made till the 11th round.
• They engaged in discussions on various chapters including Trade in Goods, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Trade in Services, Custom Procedure & Trade Facilitation, Rules of Origin etc.
• Both sides identified the areas of convergence and areas where they need to find creative solutions.
• Issues such as the quota on apparel and pepper and the procurement of pharmaceuticals were also discussed and both sides decided to continue the discussion and explore new options for resolution of the matter.
• On the proposed ETCA, both sides agreed on the need to build on progress made in past, while revisiting their positions wherever possible to reflect new developments.
• The conclusion of the negotiations is expected to open new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation for both countries.
• The India-Sri Lanka ETCA will be a pivotal move to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.
• Both sides acknowledged the huge potential in India and Sri Lanka trade partnership and the possibilities for enhanced economic relations in areas of mutual interest.

ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION AGREEMENT (ETCA):

• In 1998, the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement was established.
• Subsequently, efforts were made to negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to liberalize trade in services and investment, starting in the mid-2000s.
• The CEPA negotiations faced significant opposition within Sri Lanka, particularly from the business community, and they dragged on for nearly a decade.
• In light of the challenges with CEPA, India is now advocating for a new trade pact known as the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA).
• ETCA is being negotiated as an extension of the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Sri Lanka.
• The key focus of the ETCA is to establish an agreement on trade in services and technological exchange, an objective that was not fully realized under CEPA.
• ETCA aims to enhance cooperation in technical areas, scientific expertise, and research among institutions.
• It seeks to raise the standards of goods and services to enable them to compete in the global market, as well as to improve opportunities for manpower training and human resource development.
• Investments under ETCA would be directed towards sectors such as oil farms in Trincomalee, renewable energy, infrastructure, and other new areas of business.
• India views ETCA as a means to participate in Sri Lanka’s post-war economic development by making Indian investments in specific sectors.
• The Sri Lankan government intends to leverage ETCA to become part of the Indian supply chain and benefit from India’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to boost India’s manufacturing sector.
• ETCA will enable Indian manufacturers to establish factories in Sri Lanka and export their products to countries with which Sri Lanka has existing or planned Free Trade Agreements.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1973859

2. AMENDMENTS IN THE GUIDELINES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF STATE DGP

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently amended its guidelines for the appointment of State Director General of Police (DGP).

EXPLANATION:

• The key changes include:
  • Setting a minimum service requirement of at least six months left before retirement for consideration,
  • Reducing the minimum service years requirement from 30 to 25 years, and
  • Limiting the number of shortlisted officers to three, except in “exceptional circumstances.

 AMENDMENTS AND THEIR ADVANTAGES:

PREVENTING FAVORITISM:

• The primary aim of these guideline amendments is to prevent States from appointing “favorite officers” who are on the verge of retirement in an attempt to extend their tenure.
• This is done to ensure that appointments are based on merit and not political considerations.

BYPASSING UPSC PROCESS:

• Several States have been appointing acting DGPs or officers with “full additional charge” rather than regular DGPs.
• This allows them to bypass the UPSC’s selection process.
• This has led to controversies and legal challenges in some cases, such as in Punjab.

IMPACT ON POLICE REFORMS:

• The issue of appointing DGPs is related to broader police reforms in the country.
• The Supreme Court’s 2006 verdict in the police reforms case led to the formulation of guidelines for DGP appointments by the UPSC.
• The recent guideline amendments seek to address loopholes and ensure that these reforms are effectively implemented.

CENTRAL DEPUTATION:

• Another significant change is that IPS officers on central deputation will not be considered for a State DGP’s post if the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informs the State government that it cannot release the officers.
• This is a step to clarify and enforce the process.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• The revised guidelines also specify the required experience areas for an IPS officer to lead a State police department, which includes various aspects of policing and central deputation in key agencies.

STATES’ CONCERNS:

• Some States have expressed concerns about the lack of adequate officers available for central deputation.
• States have resisted the Union government’s attempts to depute officers to the Center without State consent.

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION:

• The appointment of State DGPs involves a committee headed by the UPSC Chairman and includes other high-ranking officials.
• This ensures a structured and unbiased approach to the selection process.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/state-dgp-appointees-must-have-at-least-six-months-to-retire-those-on-deputation-need-central-consent-amended-upsc-guidelines/article67485609.ece/amp/

3. NexCAR19

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Mumbai-based Immunoadoptive Cell Therapy Private Limited (ImmunoACT) announced the approval of India’s first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy Called NexCAR19 by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

EXPLANATION:

• ImmunoACT is an IIT Bombay-incubated company founded in 2018 and works on converting research into pharmaceutical products.
• CAR-T cell therapy cost around $400,000 or over Rs 3.3 crore and patients could avail of it in the United States.
• With this development, the therapy will be accessible at 20 Indian government and private hospitals treating cancer across major cities at around Rs 30-35 lakh per patient,

NexCAR19:

• It is an indigenously developed CD19-targeted CAR-T cell therapy.
  • CD-19 is biomarker for B lymphocytes and can be utilised as a target for leukaemia immunotherapies.
• It will be used for treating relapsed-refractory B-cell lymphoma and leukaemia.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• For CAR-T-cell therapy, a type of cancer immunotherapy treatment, blood is first drawn from the patient.
• Then, immune cells called T-cells are genetically modified in a laboratory and are injected back into the patient to enable the cells to locate and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
• Investigations were led by Dr Hasmukh Jain and Dr Gaurav Narula and their teams at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.
• It is a major breakthrough as the therapy is not available in India outside of clinical trials.
• The multi-centre Phase I and II clinical trials were conducted with 60 patients with r / r B-cell lymphomas and leukemia.
• The clinical data indicated a 70 per cent overall response rate.

• Availability:
  • The therapy is in the process of being introduced in various hospitals in India, including Tata Hospital, Nanavati, Fortis, and Jaslok, among others.
  • The availability of CAR-T therapy is expected in a matter of weeks to a few months, depending on government approvals.

• Cost:
  • Initially, the cost of CAR-T therapy in India is estimated to be in the range of Rs 30-40 lakh.
  • However, the aim is to reduce the cost to Rs 10-20 lakh as technology matures and manufacturing processes improve.
  • The cost of the therapy remains a concern for accessibility.

• Insurance Coverage:
• • Typically, when a therapy is approved by regulatory agencies like CDSCO or DCGI, it should be covered by national insurance schemes and private insurance companies.
  • However, the extent of coverage and accessibility to insurance may vary, and discussions with insurers and the government are planned to clarify this further.

SIDE EFFECTS:

• CAR T-cell therapy is generally accompanied by some side effects.
• One of them, according to the American Cancer Society, is cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
• It is when CAR T-cells multiply, they can release large amounts of chemicals called cytokines into the blood, which can ramp up the immune system.
• In comparison to other CAR T-cell therapies, the safety profile of CRS and the absence of neurotoxicity indicates a significant improvement.
• NexCAR19 has shown an excellent balance of efficacy and low toxicity, which is a significant advantage in clinical management (post-infusion) of the patients in our resource-constrained settings.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/indias-own-car-t-cell-therapy-what-is-it-when-will-it-be-available-and-at-what-cost-9009776/

4. UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK (UCCN)

TAG: GS 2: ART AND CULTURE

THE CONTEXT: Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and Kozhikode in Kerala are among the 55 new cities which have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

EXPLANATION:

• On World Cities Day, UNESCO announced the addition of 55 new cities to the Creative Cities Network. These cities join the existing network of creative cities across the globe.
• Gwalior is recognized in the ‘Music’ category, while Kozhikode has been designated in the ‘Literature’ category. This recognition highlights their contributions to the fields of music and literature.
• UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) acknowledged these cities for their commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of their development strategies.
• These cities also demonstrate innovative practices in human-centered urban planning.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ADDITION OF GWALIOR AND KOZHIKODE:

• Seven Creative Fields:
  • The UCCN comprises cities from seven creative fields, which include Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
  • The addition of Gwalior and Kozhikode expands the network’s diversity.

• Urban Resilience and Development:
  • UNESCO Director-General emphasized that cities in the Creative Cities Network are at the forefront of enhancing access to culture.
  • UCCN Cities will leverage the power of creativity for urban resilience and development.

• Upcoming Policy Paper:
  • UNESCO is set to release a policy paper titled “The added value of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network at local, national, and international level,”.
  • It will showcase the role cities play in achieving the 2030 Agenda.
  • The paper will demonstrate how UNESCO supports UCCN members through dialogue, peer-to-peer learning, and collaboration.

• Annual Conference:
• • The newly designated Creative Cities are invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference to be held in Braga, Portugal.
  • The theme for the conference is “Bringing Youth to the table for the next decade.”

UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK (UCCN):

• It was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
• The cities which currently make up this network work together towards a common objective:
  • placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.
• By joining the Network, cities commit to sharing their best practices and developing partnerships involving the public and private sectors as well as civil society in order to:
  • strengthen the creation, production, distribution and dissemination of cultural activities, goods and services;
  • develop hubs of creativity and innovation and broaden opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector;
  • improve access to and participation in cultural life, in particular for marginalized or vulnerable groups and individuals;
  • fully integrate culture and creativity into sustainable development plans.

INDIAN CITIES ON UCCN:

• Srinagar – Crafts and Folk Arts (2021)
• Mumbai – Film (2019).
• Hyderabad – Gastronomy (2019).
• Chennai- Creative city of Music (2017).
• Jaipur- Crafts and Folk Arts (2015).
• Varanasi- Creative city of Music (2015).

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gwalior-kozhikode-unesco-creative-cities-network-9009592/

5. COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: A meeting of the Rajya Sabha’s privileges committee scheduled to take place in November to review the pending cases of breach of privilege against lawmakers.

EXPLANATION:

• The primary focus of this meeting is to review the pending cases of breach of privilege against lawmakers, particularly those involving the suspension of certain Members of Parliament (MPs) such as Raghav Chadha, Sanjay Singh, and Derek O’Brien.
• Background on Suspensions:
  • Raghav Chadha, a 34-year-old AAP MP, was suspended during the monsoon session of Parliament over an alleged breach of privilege.
  • This suspension was related to his inclusion of five Rajya Sabha MPs’ names in a select committee without their consent.
  • Sanjay Singh was suspended for repeatedly violating the directives of the chair.
  • Derek O’Brien faces at least three pending privilege notices.

• Supreme Court’s Recent Concerns:
  • The timing of this meeting is significant as it comes shortly after the Supreme Court expressed concerns about the indefinite suspension of an MP, especially one from the Opposition.
  • The court emphasized the importance of having diverse voices and representation in Parliament, indicating that excluding members of the Opposition is a serious concern for the constitutional court.

• Pending Cases:
• • The meeting is expected to address cases involving suspended AAP lawmakers as well as Trinamool Congress (TMC) parliamentarian Derek O’Brien.
  • These cases have been under consideration by the privileges committee.

COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES:

• This committee consists of 15 members in Lok Sabha (10 in case of Rajya Sabha) nominated by the Speaker (Chairman in case of Rajya Sabha).
• In the Rajya Sabha, the deputy chairperson heads the committee of privileges.

Powers and Functions:

• The committee examines every question involving a breach of privilege of the House or of the members or of any Committee thereof referred to it by the House or by the Speaker/Chairman.
• It also determines with reference to the facts of each case whether a breach of privilege is involved and makes suitable recommendations in its report.
• It also states the procedure to be followed by the House in giving effect to its recommendations.
• When a question of privilege is referred to the Committee by the House, the report of the Committee is presented to the House by the Chairman or, in his absence, by any member of the Committee.
• Where a question of privilege is referred to the Committee by the Speaker, the report of the Committee is presented to the Speaker who may pass final orders thereon or direct that it be laid on the Table of the House.
• The Speaker/Chairman may refer to the Committee any petition regarding the disqualification of a member on the ground of defection for making a preliminary inquiry and submitting a report to him.
• The procedure to be followed by the Committee in these cases is so far as may be the same as in applicable to questions of breach of privilege.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-panel-to-hold-meeting-take-up-pending-cases-of-privilege-breach-101698864510127.html

1. DEEP OCEAN MISSION (DOM)

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: India’s ambitious “Deep Ocean Mission” (DOM) is a program aimed at exploring and harnessing the depths of the ocean.

EXPLANATION:

• The mission has been approved by the Union Cabinet and has several pillars:
• Development of Technologies for Deep-Sea Mining:
  • It involves the creation of technologies for deep-sea mining and a crewed submersible capable of reaching a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean.
  • The submersible will be equipped with scientific sensors, tools, and a system for mining polymetallic nodules.

• Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services:
  • It focuses on understanding and projecting future climate changes through ocean observations and models.

• Technological Innovations for Deep-Sea Biodiversity:
  • The mission aims to develop technologies for exploring and conserving deep-sea biodiversity.

• Deep-Ocean Survey and Exploration:
  • The objective here is to identify potential sites of multi-metal hydrothermal sulfides mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges.

• Harnessing Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean:
  • This pillar aims to utilize the ocean as a source of energy and freshwater.

• Establishing an Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology:
• • It seeks to create a hub for ocean biology research and blue biotechnology development.

INSIGHTS INTO THE PROGRESS OF THE DOM:

• The development of technologies for deep-sea mining and a crewed submersible, named Matsya6000, is led by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
• Matsya6000 is designed to reach a depth of 6,000 meters and has been through the initial design phase.
• Testing and experimentation will be conducted at a depth of 500 meters within a year, with the goal of realizing its full 6,000-meter capability within two to three years.
• The Ministry is also working on an integrated system to mine polymetallic nodules.
• The decision to target a depth of 6,000 meters is strategic, as it allows India to cater to both its Exclusive Economic Zone and the central Indian Ocean where valuable resources like polymetallic nodules are found.

CHALLENGES OF DEEP-OCEAN EXPLORATION:

• Deep-ocean exploration presents unique challenges due to high pressure, soft and muddy ocean bed surfaces, and the need to extract materials.
• Operating under high pressure requires specialized equipment.
• Visibility and communication are also significant hurdles in the deep oceans.

MATSYA6000:

• Matsya6000 is India’s deep-ocean submersible designed for exploration.
• It accommodates three crew members and is constructed from durable materials to withstand high pressures.
• It has an array of scientific tools, cameras, lights, and communication systems.
• Matsya6000 combines features of remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous remote vehicles (AUVs) and is designed to operate untethered.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2023-11-01/th_chennai/articleGFJBV12S4-4729109.ece

2. FISCAL DEFICIT

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The fiscal deficit of the central government in the first half of the 2023-24 financial year has risen to the 39.3% of the annual budget.

EXPLANATION:

• Fiscal deficit of 2023-24 financial year is slightly higher than the 37.3% fiscal budget recorded in the same period in the previous year.
• In actual terms, the fiscal deficit at the end of September 2023 stood at ₹7.02 lakh crore. This indicates the budgetary gap between government spending and income during this period.
• The government had initially projected to reduce the fiscal deficit to 5.9% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the 2023-24 financial year.
• In the previous financial year (2022-23), the fiscal deficit was 6.4% of the GDP, slightly lower than the initial estimate of 6.71%.
• Tax revenue reached ₹11.60 lakh crore, which is 49.8% of the annual target.
• The central government’s total expenditure for the first half of the 2023-24 financial year was ₹21.19 lakh crore, which is 47.1% of the budget estimate for the year.
• This expenditure figure is marginally higher than the corresponding period in the previous year.

FISCAL DEFICIT:

• It is the gap between the government’s expenditure requirements and its receipts.
• This equals the money the government needs to borrow during the year.
• A surplus arises if receipts are more than expenditure.
• Fiscal Deficit = Total expenditure – (Revenue receipts + Non-debt creating capital receipts).
• It indicates the total borrowing requirements of the government from all sources.
• Gross fiscal deficit = Net borrowing at home + Borrowing from RBI + Borrowing from abroad
• The gross fiscal deficit is a key variable in judging the financial health of the public sector and the stability of the economy.
• The government’s ability to achieve the projected fiscal deficit target for the year will depend on various economic factors, including revenue collection and expenditure control in the coming months.
• Fiscal deficits are important indicators of a government’s financial health and its ability to manage its budget effectively.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/govts-fiscal-deficit-rises-to-393-of-annual-target-in-first-half-of-fy24/article67480542.ece/amp/

3. BRAZZAVILLE SUMMIT OF THE THREE BASINS

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Brazzaville Summit of the Three Basins took place in the Republic of Congo, bringing together delegates from countries in the Amazon, Congo, and Borneo-Mekong-Southeast Asia basins.

EXPLANATION:

• The summit concluded with a declaration by the Heads of State and Government of States.
• It focused on biodiversity, tropical forests, and climate change.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DECLARATION:

• The declaration emphasizes the importance of the three ecosystems of biodiversity and tropical forests, which provide essential ecosystem services for humankind and sustainable development in the regions they cover.
• It acknowledges the significance of protecting tropical forests, which occupy one-third of the world’s land surface.

The seven-point declaration urged nations to:

• Recognise the value of enhanced cooperation between the three basins.
• Recognise that sovereign management of biodiversity, forests and associated resources of the three basins is essential.
• Develop solutions together.
• Pool and capitalise on existing knowledge, experience, resources and achievements.
• Involve all states and national authorities, including indigenous peoples, youth, women, civil society, academia and the private sector.
• Encourage financial mobilisation and the development of traditional and innovative financing mechanisms.
• Establish a sustainable system of remuneration for the ecosystem services provided by the three basins.

Climate Change and Financial Commitments:

• The declaration also addresses climate change and calls for the creation of a fund to address loss and damage due to climate change.
• It urges developed countries to meet their commitments, including providing $200 billion per year by 2030 for biodiversity and $100 billion per year in climate finance to developing countries.
• These financial commitments are set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Disappointment with the Outcome:

• The civil society is disappointed, as the summit did not result in the formation of an Alliance of the three basins.
• Such an alliance would have served as a platform for joint initiatives and knowledge-sharing between the countries in these regions.

Importance of Protected Areas:

• The declaration acknowledges the significance of protected areas within these basins, which are home to a substantial portion of global biodiversity and forest cover.

Deforestation Concerns:

• A report by the Forest Declaration Assessment, indicates that 4.1 million hectares of tropical forest were lost to deforestation in 2022.
• It points out that the majority of global deforestation (96%) occurs in tropical regions, underscoring the ongoing challenges in forest conservation and sustainable management.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/brazzaville-summit-of-the-three-basins-ends-with-a-declaration-92565

4. MELTING OF THE WEST ANTARCTIC ICE SHEET

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a new study revealed that the melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet is now unavoidable.

MELTING OF THE WEST ANTARCTIC ICE SHEET:

• The melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet is inevitable due to warming waters around it.
• This melting is happening at an alarming rate and will continue, even if global carbon emissions are significantly reduced.
• The West Antarctic ice sheet’s complete loss could raise global mean sea levels by 5.3 meters (17.4 feet).
• The study considers various climate scenarios, including the best-case scenario of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
• However, even in this scenario, the West Antarctic ice sheet will continue to melt at an accelerated pace, with water warming three times faster than in the 20th century.

An illustration of most of Earth’s ice features, including the ice sheet.

CONSEQUENCES OF ICE SHEET MELTING:

• The melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet has serious implications for coastal regions around the world, including India.
• A sea-level rise of this magnitude could be devastating for millions of people living in vulnerable coastal cities.
• It can lead to increased risks of flooding, erosion, and displacement.

WHAT IS AN ICE SHEET?

• Ice sheets are the massive masses of glacial ice that cover more than 50,000 square kilometers of land.
• The two major ice sheets in the world today are the Greenland ice sheet and the Antarctica ice sheet.

    Antarctica ice mass variation since 2002

• Ice Sheet Impact on Sea Level:
  • When ice sheets lose mass, they contribute to a rise in global mean sea level.
  • Conversely, when they gain mass, they contribute to a fall in global mean sea level.
  • This provides context for understanding the significance of the West Antarctic ice sheet’s melting.

• How Ice Sheets Melt?
• • In the case of the West Antarctic ice sheet, warm ocean waters melt the ice shelves, which are the edges of the ice sheet floating on the ocean.
  • This can lead to the destabilization of land-based glaciers behind them, causing them to flow faster and discharge more ice into the ocean.

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION:

• Despite the bleak findings, the study emphasizes that the melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet is just one contributor to sea-level rise and one impact of climate change.
• We have reached the point where some impacts of climate change can no longer be avoided, and substantial ice loss in West Antarctica is probably one of them.
• There are many other impacts which we can still avoid or limit: like the loss of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, or the severity of heatwaves, droughts, and extreme rainfall.
• It underscores the importance of continued efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/ice-sheet-melt-west-antarctica-9006179/

5. WRIT PETITION AGAINST GOVERNOR

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Tamil Nadu government has moved a writ petition in the Supreme Court against Governor R.N. Ravi.

EXPLANATION:

• The petition alleges that the Governor’s actions, particularly the delay in clearing crucial bills and government orders, are creating a “constitutional deadlock”.
• Governor’s actions are disrupting the day-to-day governance of the state.
• The writ petition filed in the Supreme Court seeks to address the perceived delays and inactions by the Governor.
• The government requests the court to declare these actions as unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary, and malafide exercise of power.

CONSTITUTIONAL CONFLICT:

• The Tamil Nadu government sees a growing conflict between the elected government and the Governor, leading to an impasse.
• The government contends that the Governor’s inactions have created a situation where he is positioned as a political rival to the elected government.
• Specific Issues Raised:
  • These issues include the delay in granting approval for prosecutions and investigations into corruption cases involving public servants.
  • The delayed approval of bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
• The Tamil Nadu government is asking the Supreme Court to set a specific deadline or “outer time limit” within which the Governor should consider pending bills and government orders.

ALLEGATIONS OF POLITICALLY MOTIVATED CONDUCT:

• The petition accuses the Governor of engaging in “politically motivated conduct” by denying sanctions for investigations into corruption cases despite evidence.
• It cites instances where the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court have approved inquiries that the Governor allegedly obstructed.
• A delegation of elected representatives, led by the State Law Minister, met with the President to seek her intervention in directing the Governor to act in accordance with the Constitution.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE GOVERNOR

• Article 153 says that there shall be a Governor for each State. One person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
• A Governor is appointed by the President and is a nominee of the Central Government.
  • It is stated that the Governor has a dual role.
  • He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his Council of Ministers (CoM).
• He functions as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government.
• Articles 157 and 158 specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. A governor must:
  • Be a citizen of India.
  • Be at least 35 years of age.
  • Not be a member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
  • Not hold any office of profit.
• Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, etc. (Article 161).
• There is a CoM with the CM at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except some conditions for discretion. (Article 163).
• The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers (Article 164).
• Governor assents, withholds assent, or reserves the bill for the consideration of the President passed by the Legislative Assembly (Article 200).
• Governors may promulgate the Ordinances under certain circumstances (Article 213).
• Governor’s role:
  • The Governor holds a constitutional position and is expected to perform specific functions, including granting assent to bills passed by the state legislature and ensuring the proper functioning of state administration.
  • The Governor’s actions are perceived as a hindrance to these responsibilities.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-government-moves-supreme-court-against-governor-rn-ravi-over-delay-in-clearing-bills-101698730657484.html

1. CLOUD SEEDING

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

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

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY:

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

WHAT IS CLOUD SEEDING?

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

TYPES OF CLOUD SEEDING:

• Static seeding:
  • This involves introducing condensation nuclei into clouds that are already producing precipitation.
  • The condensation nuclei help water droplets to grow larger, which increases the likelihood of precipitation falling.

• Dynamic seeding:
• • This involves introducing ice nuclei into supercooled clouds.
  • Supercooled clouds are clouds that contain water droplets that are below freezing temperature but have not yet frozen.
  • The ice nuclei provide a surface for the water droplets to freeze on, which initiates the precipitation process.

METHODS OF EXECUTION:

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

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

2. COP28 PRESIDENCY

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

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

EXPLANATION:

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

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

• Emissions Reduction Goals:
  • The report stresses that in the next seven years, 22 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases must be cut to keep the 1.5°C target within reach.
  • It emphasized the necessity of phasing down fossil fuels responsibly.

• Renewable Energy Expansion:
  • The report calls for a significant increase in renewable energy capacity.
  • By 2030, installed renewable power generation capacity should grow more than threefold from 3,382 GW in 2022 to 11,174 GW.

• Solar and Wind Growth:
  • The report highlights the need for substantial increases in solar photovoltaic capacity to over 5,400 GW from 1,055 GW in 2022.
  • Increase in wind installations to exceed 3,500 GW (3,040 GW onshore and 500 GW offshore) from 899 GW in 2022.

• Hydropower Expansion:
  • Global installed hydropower capacity (excluding pumped hydro) must grow by nearly 17% from the 2022 level, reaching 1,465 GW by 2030.

• Variable Renewable Energy:
  • To meet the 2030 target, the share of variable renewable energy (solar PV and wind power) needs to increase from 10% of total electricity generated in 2021 to 46% by 2030.

• Energy Efficiency:
  • The report also underscores the need to double the global annual rate of energy intensity improvement by 2030 compared to current levels.
  • It focused on technical energy efficiency improvements and smart electrification strategies.

• Carbon Emission Reduction:
  • While Nationally Determined Contributions and low greenhouse gas emission development strategies may be implemented, they are projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by only 6% in 2030 compared to 2022 levels.

• Grid Modernization and Investment:
  • Grid modernization and expansion, as well as investment in renewable power generation, are crucial.
  • Annual average investment in renewable power generation must increase from $486 billion in 2022 to $1,300 billion by 2030.

• Global Financial Support:
  • The report suggests reforming the global financial architecture to support the energy transition in the Global South.
  • It also suggests to increase funding from multilateral development banks and a redirection of public capital from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

• Infrastructure and Cooperation:
• • The report calls for cross-sector infrastructure planning, increased cross-border cooperation, and the development of regional power grids to meet energy efficiency and emissions reduction goals.

THE INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA):

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

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

3. WORLD ENERGY OUTLOOK

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

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

EXPLANATION:

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

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

• Global Emission and Temperature Projections:
  • The report indicates that current policies and those under development could lead to a temperature increase of approximately 2.4°C.
  • This is concerning as it exceeds the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement.
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also noted a likely increase of 3.2°C by 2100 under existing policies.

• Peak in Fossil Fuel Demand:
  • The most striking revelation is the prediction of a peak in fossil fuel demand by the end of the decade.
  • This includes coal, oil, and natural gas, with factors such as the rise of electric vehicles contributing to the shift.

• Investment Requirements:
  • The report emphasizes the need for increased energy investments, with estimates ranging from $3.2 trillion to $4.7 trillion by 2030.
  • Most of these investments are currently favoring clean energy and infrastructure, with significant funds diverted from fossil fuels.

• Balanced Mix of Investments:
  • The report recommends a balanced mix of investments that goes beyond solar, wind, and electric vehicles.
  • It highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure, grid expansion, low-emission fuels, and carbon capture technologies.

• Clean Energy Investment Challenges:
  • Scaling up clean energy investments in emerging markets and developing economies outside of China is a challenge, with financial constraints and high project costs being obstacles.
  • The report suggests stronger domestic policies and global assistance to reduce investment risks.

• Energy and Mineral Security Concerns:
  • As the energy sector transforms, there may be concerns regarding supply concentration and mineral shortages for clean energy technologies.
  • The IEA suggests increasing investment in mining and extractive processes but acknowledges the associated risks.

• Geopolitical Implications:
• • The report highlights the importance of political and commercial ties in managing energy supply and demand.
  • It notes that the shift towards cleaner energy sources reduces reliance on fossil fuel-producing states and can destabilize economies that fail to diversify away from fossil fuels.

INDIA’S ENERGY OUTLOOK:

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

INDIA’S ENERGY OUTLOOK

IEA’S PROPOSED ENERGY AMBITIONS:

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

THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA)

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

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

• Energy security:
  • The IEA works to help countries mitigate risks to their energy supplies and ensure that they have access to reliable and affordable energy.

• Energy efficiency:
  • The IEA works to help countries reduce their energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.

• Clean energy transition:
  • The IEA works to help countries transition to a clean energy future by supporting the deployment of renewable energy technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector.

• International cooperation:
• • The IEA works to promote international cooperation on energy issues and to build consensus on energy policies.

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

4. AKHAURA-AGARTALA INTERNATIONAL RAIL LINK

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

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

EXPLANATION:

• Historical Significance:
  • Akhaura used to be the railway link for Agartala during the colonial era.
  • The revival of this rail link has historical significance and will enhance connectivity between the two regions.

• International Cooperation:
  • This project represents the collaboration and cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
  • It will help in improving transportation and trade links.
  • It’s a tangible example of regional cooperation.

• Economic Benefits:
  • The railway link will have economic implications, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.
  • Reducing travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka from 31 hours to 10 hours can significantly boost trade and connectivity.

• Challenges Overcome:
  • The project faced delays due to land acquisition issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, but its successful trial run is a positive sign that these challenges are being addressed.

• Border Connectivity:
  • The railway link is crucial for Tripura, which shares a long international border with Bangladesh.
  • This connection provides an alternative route for travel and trade, reducing dependence on Assam and West Bengal for road connectivity.

• Potential for Passenger Trains:
  • While goods trains are expected to start soon, the introduction of passenger trains will require formalities to be observed by both Indian and Bangladeshi railway authorities.

• Regional Integration:
  • Improved rail connectivity contributes to regional integration and fosters people-to-people contact.
  • It has the potential to enhance tourism and cultural exchanges.

• Cost and Investment:
• • The project’s estimated cost is significant, but it represents a long-term investment in infrastructure that can have far-reaching economic and social benefits.
• Overall, the successful trial run of the goods train is a positive step toward improving cross-border rail connectivity and fostering regional cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
• It holds promise for trade, travel, and economic development in the region.

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

5. INFORMATION COMMISSIONS

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

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

EXPLANATION:

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

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

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

JUDGEMENT BY THE SUPREME COURT:

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

PREVIOUS SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT:

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

CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION (CIC):

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

POWER AND FUNCTIONS OF CIC:

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

STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION:

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

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

1. INTENSIFIED MISSION INDRADHANUSH 5.0

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI 5.0), the flagship routine immunization campaign of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will conclude all 3 rounds on 14th October 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• IMI 5.0 ensures that routine immunization services reach the missed-out and dropped out children and pregnant women across the country.
• For the first time the campaign is being conducted across all the districts in the country and includes children up to 5 years of age (Previous campaigns included children up to 2 years of age).

INTENSIFIED MISSION INDRADHANUSH (IMI 5.0):

• Mission Indradhanush (MI) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 25th December 2014.
• It is a special catch-up campaign under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).
• It is conducted in the areas of low immunization coverage to vaccinate all the children and pregnant women left out or dropped out from Routine Immunization.

AIM:

• IMI 5.0 campaign aims to enhance immunization coverage for all vaccines provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) as per the National Immunization Schedule (NIS).
  • Under UIP, immunization is being provided free of cost against 12 vaccine preventable diseases: Nationally against 11 diseases.
  • Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Rotavirus diarrhea, Hepatitis B, Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Hemophilus Influenza type B and Pneumococcal Pneumonia and sub-nationally against 1 disease – Japanese Encephalitis (JE vaccine is provided only in endemic districts).

SPECIAL FOCUS:

• Special focus is on improvement of Measles and Rubella vaccination coverage with the aim of Measles & Rubella elimination by 2023.
• It also focusses on use of U-WIN digital platform for Routine Immunization in pilot mode across all districts in the country.

GROUND EXECUTION:

• IMI 5.0 is being conducted in three rounds i.e., 7 -12 August, 11-16 September, and 9-14 October 2023 i.e., 6 days in a month with the inclusion of a Routine Immunization Day.
• All States/UTs except Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Punjab would conclude all the three rounds of IMI 5.0 campaign by 14th October 2023.
• These four states could not start the IMI 5.0 campaign in August due to some inevitable circumstances.
• These states have concluded 1st round and are currently conducting the 2nd round.
• They plan to conduct the 3rd round of IMI 5.0 campaign in the month of November 2023.
• As on 30th September 2023, over 34,69,705 children and 6,55,480 pregnant women were administered vaccine doses during the first 2 rounds of IMI 5.0 campaign across the country.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/imi-50-reaches-children-up-to-five-years-for-the-first-time/article67411672.ece

2. AMA ODISHA, NABIN ODISHA SCHEME

TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE, GS 2: SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: Ahead of the simultaneous General and Assembly elections in Odisha due in April-May 2024, Chief Minister (October 10, 2023) rolled out a scheme, ‘Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ (our Odisha, new Odisha).

AMA ODISHA, NABIN ODISHA SCHEME:

• It is a flagship program of the Government of Odisha that was launched in October 2023.
• The Government have modified the earlier “Ama Gaon Ama Bikash” by giving it a new dimension in the form of “Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha”.
• The scheme has a budget of Rs 3,397 crore and will cover all 6,794-gram panchayats in Odisha.
• Each gram panchayat will receive Rs 50 lakh to implement projects under the scheme.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME:

• Promotion of Jagannath culture:
  • The scheme will support the development and renovation of Jagannath temples and other religious places in Odisha.
  • It will also promote Jagannath culture through festivals, arts, and other cultural activities.

• Strengthening of digital infrastructure:
  • The scheme will provide internet connectivity, science parks, and skill development centers to villages.
  • It will also help to establish works hubs in villages to provide employment opportunities to rural youth.

• Empowerment of women and youth:
  • The scheme will support the creation of self-help groups for women and skill development programs for youth.
  • It will also provide financial assistance to women and youth entrepreneurs.

• Improvement of rural infrastructure:
• • The scheme will support the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in villages.
  • It will also help to improve the quality of education and healthcare in rural areas.
• The Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme is a comprehensive program that aims to address the key challenges facing rural Odisha.
• The scheme is expected to create jobs, improve rural infrastructure, and promote sustainable development in the state.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE AMA ODISHA, NABIN ODISHA SCHEME:

• The Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme has the potential to have a significant impact on rural Odisha. The scheme could help to:
  • Create jobs and boost the rural economy.
  • Improve rural infrastructure and access to education and healthcare.
  • Promote sustainable development and preserve Jagannath culture.
  • Empower women and youth.

CONTROVERSY OVER THE SCHEME:

• The Opposition party has questioned use of the ‘conch’ symbol in government advertisements for the Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme.
• The conch is the electoral symbol of ruling political party.
• The opposition party has also questioned the timing of the scheme, coming months before the 2024 polls.
• It also alleged that the use of the conch symbol in government ads shows that the govt. is trying to “manipulate public opinion” and state the possibility challenge the use of the symbol in court.
• The ruling government was also accused of not following proper guidelines while implementing the scheme.
• Earlier, the Orissa High Court had issued a notice to the Odisha government in response to a petition challenging the implementation process of the Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/odisha-govts-rural-development-scheme-controversy-8980142/

3. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces since militant group Hamas’ assault have created a huge and rising death toll on both sides. The war falls under a complex international system of justice that has emerged since World War Two.

EXPLANATION:

• Internationally accepted rules of armed conflict emerged out of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which have been ratified by all UN member states and supplemented by rulings at international war crimes tribunals.
• Here’s how they apply to the ongoing Israel-Hamas violence.

WHAT LAWS GOVERN THE CONFLICT?

• Internationally accepted rules of armed conflict emerged out of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which have been ratified by all UN member states.
• A series of treaties governs the treatment of civilians, soldiers and prisoners of war in a system collectively known as the “Law of Armed Conflict” or “International Humanitarian Law”.
• It applies to government forces and organised armed groups, including Hamas militants.
• If alleged Palestinian perpetrators of atrocities in Israel and all alleged perpetrators of crimes on the occupied Palestinian territories are not brought to justice at home, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is the only international legal organ able to bring charges.
• The ICC’s founding Rome Statute gives it legal authority to investigate alleged crimes on the territory of its members or by their nationals, when domestic authorities are “unwilling or unable” to do so.
• Recently, the office of the prosecutor of the ICC confirmed that its mandate applies to potential crimes committed in the current conflict.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE ICC?

• The International Criminal Court (ICC), the world’s permanent war crimes tribunals, opened in The Hague in 2002.
• It has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in its 123 member states or committed by its nationals.
• Many of the world’s major powers are not members, including China, the United States, Russia, India and Egypt.
• The ICC recognises Palestine as a member state, while Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction and does not formally engage with it.
• The ICC has had an ongoing investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2021.
• It has not issued any arrest warrants.
• Prosecutors said in 2021 there was a reasonable basis to believe that violations had been committed on all sides, including by Israeli troops, Hamas militants and other armed Palestinian groups.

ACTS THAT CAN VIOLATE WAR CRIMES LAW:

• The possible war crimes are the deliberate targeting of civilians, indiscriminate rocket attacks, and the taking of civilians as hostages by Palestinian armed groups, as well as the Israeli counter-strikes in Gaza that killed hundreds of Palestinians.
• Deliberate killings of civilians, hostage-taking, and collective punishment are heinous crimes that have no justification.
• The taking of hostages, murder and torture are explicitly banned under the Geneva Conventions, while Israel’s response could also be subject to a war crimes investigation.
• Israeli Defence Minister drew criticism from UN officials and human rights groups by announcing a tightened blockade to prevent food and fuel from reaching the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/what-war-crimes-laws-apply-to-the-israel-palestinian-conflict-8980317/

4. GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX (GHI)

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE, GS 1: SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: India ranks 111 out of a total of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• India ranked 101 out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021.
• The Union government, though, contested India’s performance for the third year in a row, citing flawed methodology.
• Its progress against hunger nearly halted since 2015.
  • India made significant strides between 2000 and 2015, with its score improving from 38.4 in 2000 to 35.5 in 2008 and 29.2 in 2015, over the past eight years.
• Afghanistan, Haiti and 12 sub-Saharan countries perform worse than India on the GHI.
• India’s ranking is based on a Global Hunger Index score of 28.7 on a 100-point scale where 0 is the best score (no hunger) and 100 is the worst. This categorises India’s severity of hunger as “serious”.

HOW IS THE METHODOLOGY FLAWED?

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) questioned the GHI and called it a “flawed measure of hunger that doesn’t reflect India’s true position”.
• MoWCD said that data recorded on its Poshan Tracker portal showed child wasting prevalence of 7.2% among a total of 7.24 crore under-five-year-olds whose data was captured.
• Whereas the GHI used a value of 18.7% for child wasting.
• The latter, comes from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS) 2019-2021, which is reported in the global repository, Joint Malnutrition Estimates Joint Data Set Including Survey Estimates, set up to ensure harmonised child nutrition estimates.
• The GHI uses the same data sources for all countries to calculate the respective country scores.
• This ensures that all the rates used have been produced using comparable methodologies.
• Introducing exceptions to this process for any country or countries would compromise the comparability of the results and the ranking.
• The second objection the MoWCD reiterated this year was the alleged use of a telephone-based opinion poll to calculate undernourishment, one of the indicators used in GHI.
• The GHI has maintained that it doesn’t use the poll but relies on data from India’s Food Balance Sheet to calculate undernourishment.

GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX:

• The Global Hunger Index is a peer-reviewed annual report, jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
• It is designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels.
• The aim of the GHI is to trigger action to reduce hunger around the world.
• The GHI is an annual report and each set of GHI scores uses data from a 5-year period. The 2022 GHI scores are calculated using data from 2017 through 2021.
• GHI scores are based on the values of four component indicators:
  • Undernourishment
  • Child stunting
  • Child wasting
  • Child mortality

• Undernourishment:
  • The share of the population whose caloric intake is insufficient.
  • This makes up 1/3 of the GHI score.

• Child Stunting:
  • The share of children under the age of 5 who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
  • This makes up 1/6 of the GHI score.

• Child Wasting:
  • The share of children under the age of 5 who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
  • This makes up 1/6 of the GHI score.

• Child Mortality:
• • The share of children who die before their 5th birthday, reflecting in part the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.
  • This makes up 1/3 of the GHI score.
• The GHI score is calculated on a 100-point scale reflecting the severity of hunger – zero is the best score (implies no hunger) and 100 is the worst.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-ranks-111-out-of-a-total-of-125-countries-in-global-hunger-index/article67412042.ece/amp/

5. INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION (IIP)

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Industrial output rose in August 2023 as the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) increased by 10.3%, showed the official data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

EXPLANATION:

• According to the latest IIP data, the industrial growth in August 2023 is the highest in 14 months.
• The data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) showed that the manufacturing sector’s output increased by 9.3 per cent in August 2023.
• The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) are released on 12th of every month with a six week lag.
• It is compiled with data received from source agencies, which in turn receive the data from the producing factories/ establishments.
• The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 2011-12 stands at 145.1. The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity sectors for the month of August 2023 stand at 111.9, 143.5 and 220.5 respectively.

INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION (IIP):

• The All-India index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a composite indicator that measures the short-term changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial products during a given period with respect to that in a chosen base period.
• The IIP is a quantum index, the production of items being expressed in physical terms.
• It is compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation six weeks after the reference month ends.

REVISION OF IIP TO 2011-12 BASE YEAR:

• The Central Statistics Office (CSO) revised the base year of the all-India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in 2017.
• The base year revision captures structural changes in the economy and improves the quality and representativeness of the indices.
• The revised IIP (2011-12) not only reflect the changes in the industrial sector but also aligns it with the base year of other macroeconomic indicators like the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1967120

1. BAN ON THE CULTIVATION OF PUSA-44

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Punjab Chief Minister announced on October 4, 2023 that the state will ban the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety from next year onwards.

PUSA-44:

• PUSA-44 was developed in 1993 by the Delhi-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Punjab’s farmers started increasing the area under PUSA-44 by multiplying the seed, after getting a high yield from the crops.
• By the end of 2010, it had gained widespread popularity among farmers across the Punjab, covering approximately 70 to 80% of the area under paddy cultivation.
• However, the Agriculture Department and Punjab Agricultural University have never promoted it from the beginning and discouraged farmers due to declining groundwater levels.
• By 2018, the Punjab government reduced the area under PUSA-44 to 18 per cent of the total area under paddy, but it rebounded to 22 per cent last year.
• According to the Agriculture Department, in the previous year, 7.74 lakh hectares (19.12 lakh acres) of paddy were under Pusa-44, out of a total non-Basmati paddy area of 26.61 lakh hectares.

PUSA-44 YIELD AS COMPARED TO OTHER VARIETIES:

• PUSA-44 yields nearly 85 to 100 mann (34 to 40 quintals) per acre, while other varieties’ yield average is 28 to 30 quintals per acre.
• Many farmers are able to get a yield of 36 to 40 quintals per acre with PUSA-44 if the weather is favourable.
• Currently, the Minimum Support Prince (MSP) offered for paddy is Rs 2,205 per quintal, so if it yields farmers 7-10 quintals more than the other varieties, then it will add to their income by Rs 15,000 to 22,000 per acre.

Punjab wants to ban the cultivation of PUSA-44 paddy variety for the following reasons:

• It is a water-intensive crop.
  • PUSA-44 takes around 152 days to mature, which is about 35 to 40 days more than other varieties.
  • This requires 5-6 extra cycles of irrigation, which puts a strain on Punjab’s already depleting groundwater resources.
• It produces a lot of stubble.
  • PUSA-44 is a long-duration variety, which means that its straw is also longer and more difficult to manage.
  • This contributes to the problem of stubble burning in Punjab, which causes severe air pollution in the region during the winter months.
• It is susceptible to pests and diseases.
  • PUSA-44 is more susceptible to pests and diseases than other varieties, which requires farmers to use more pesticides.
  • This can increase the cost of cultivation and reduce the profitability of the crop.
• Despite its high yield, PUSA-44 is no longer considered a sustainable crop for Punjab.
  • The state government is encouraging farmers to switch to shorter-duration, less water-intensive varieties, such as PR-126.
  • These varieties produce less stubble and are less susceptible to pests and diseases.
• It contributes to climate change.
  • Stubble burning releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change.
  • By banning PUSA-44, the Punjab government is hoping to reduce stubble burning and its associated environmental impacts.
• It is harmful to human health.
  • Air pollution from stubble burning can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer.
  • By banning PUSA-44, the Punjab government is hoping to improve the health of its citizens.

WAY FORWARD:

• The Punjab government is facing some resistance from farmers who are reluctant to switch to other varieties.
• Farmers argue that PUSA-44 gives them a higher yield, which is essential for their livelihood.
• However, the government is providing incentives to farmers to switch to other varieties, such as higher subsidies and guaranteed procurement of their produce.
• The ban on PUSA-44 is a step in the right direction for Punjab.
• It will help to conserve water, reduce stubble burning, and improve the environment and human health.
• However, the government needs to ensure that farmers are adequately compensated for switching to other varieties.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/punjab-ban-pusa-44-paddy-explained-8969472/

2. MAHATMA GANDHI NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE ACT (MGNREGA)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE, GS:2 SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: According to government data, the demand for work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has surged to its highest in a decade in 2023-2024.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DATA:

• The programme is reeling under a severe budget crisis due to the lowest budget assigned during the current financial year.
• While nearly 54 million people demanded work in 2023-2024, only 48 million workers could access it.
• The scheme has over 150 million registered workers. However, almost 52 million workers lost their job cards in 2022-2023.
• Only 40 per cent of the registered workers are eligible for payments under the Aadhar-based payment system (ABPS) mandated by the government.
• The Centre, in its 2023-24 fiscal budget, allotted Rs 60,000 crore for the programme against the pre-budget estimates of Rs 89,400 crore.
• The allocation of 0.198 per cent of the gross domestic product is the lowest in the history of the programme which started in 2005.
• West Bengal, one of the major contributors to the scheme, has witnessed no payment of wages for the past 18 months.

The surge in demand for work under MGNREGS in 2023-2024 is likely due to a number of factors, including:

• The ongoing economic slowdown.
  • The Indian economy has been slowing down in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation.
  • This has led to job losses and reduced incomes in rural areas, which has pushed more people towards MGNREGS for work.
• The impact of climate change.
  • Climate change is having a significant impact on rural India, with more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.
  • These events can damage crops and livestock, and lead to food insecurity and loss of income.
  • This can also push people towards MGNREGS for work.
• The high cost of living.
  • The cost of living, especially the cost of food and fuel, has been rising steadily in recent years.
  • This has made it difficult for many rural households to make ends meet, and has increased their reliance on MGNREGS.
• The budget crisis facing MGNREGS is a major concern.
  • The government has allocated the lowest budget for MGNREGS in the current financial year since the scheme was launched in 2006.
  • This is likely to lead to a shortage of funds and make it difficult to meet the demand for work.

The following are some of the consequences of the budget crisis facing MGNREGS:

• Reduced employment opportunities.
  • The shortage of funds will likely lead to a reduction in the number of workdays available under MGNREGS.
  • This will make it difficult for rural households to earn a decent living.
• Increased distress and migration.
  • If rural households are unable to find work under MGNREGS, they may be forced to migrate to urban areas in search of work.
  • This can lead to social problems such as family separation and urban poverty.
• Impact on rural development.
  • MGNREGS has played a significant role in rural development in India.
  • It has helped to create infrastructure, such as roads, canals, and ponds, and has improved the quality of life in rural areas.
  • The budget crisis facing MGNREGS could jeopardize this progress.

MGNREGA:

• It is also known as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), is a legislation enacted on 25th August, 2005.
• It provides a legal guarantee for one hundred days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage.
• According to the act, the workers should receive work within 15 days of demanding work.
• The worker becomes eligible for unemployment allowance if the work is not given.
• After receiving and completing work, the worker must get wages within 15 days or compensation for each day of delayed payment.
• The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments.
• This act was introduced with an aim of improving the purchasing power of the rural people, primarily semi or unskilled work to people living below poverty line in rural India.
• It attempts to bridge the gap between the rich and poor in the country.
• According to the law roughly one-third of the stipulated work force must be women.
• The registered person can submit an application for work in writing (for at least fourteen days of continuous work) either to Panchayat or to Programme Officer.

WAY FORWARD:

• The government needs to take urgent steps to address the budget crisis facing MGNREGS.
• This could involve increasing the budget for the scheme or finding other sources of funding.
• Need to leverage technology to tackle corruption and reduce the issue of late payments through efficient management of resources.
• The government should also work to create more employment opportunities in rural areas, so that people are less reliant on MGNREGS.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/lack-of-budget-high-demand-slow-mgnregs-92144

3. NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The recent developments in the South Caucasus region (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan) have implications for India, in connectivity and ties with the region.

EXPLANATION:

• The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh is called one of the “frozen conflicts” of the world.
• This conflict erupted on September 19, 2023, when Azerbaijan launched an offensive and within 24 hours, declared victory over the separatist province of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Authorities of the province have said the ethnic Armenian enclave would dissolve on January 1, 2024.

THE CONFLICT OVER THE DECADES OF THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH:

• The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is a decades-long dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
• It is de facto controlled by the self-declared Republic of Artsakh.
• The region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
• The conflict has its roots in the early 20th century, when the region was part of the Russian Empire.
• After the Russian Revolution, Nagorno-Karabakh was disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• In 1921, the Soviet Union awarded the region to Azerbaijan, but granted it an autonomous status.
• In the late 1980s, tensions between Armenians and Azerbaijanis in Nagorno-Karabakh increased.
• In 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh declared its independence from Azerbaijan.
• This led to a full-scale war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which lasted from 1992 to 1994.
• The war resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more.
• A ceasefire was signed in 1994, but the conflict remained unresolved.
• The two sides have negotiated a number of peace agreements over the years, but none of them have been successful.
• In 2020, the conflict erupted again. The war lasted for six weeks and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people on both sides.
• The war ended with a ceasefire that resulted in Azerbaijan regaining control of most of the territory it had lost in the 1990s war.
• The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is a complex and difficult one.
• There is no easy solution. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have legitimate claims to the region, and neither side is willing to give up its claims.
• The conflict has had a devastating impact on the people of the region. Millions of people have been displaced, and the economy of the region has been severely damaged.
• The conflict has also destabilized the region and increased tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan’s neighbors, including Turkey and Russia.
• The international community has been unable to resolve the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
• The United Nations Security Council has passed four resolutions demanding that Armenia withdraw its forces from Nagorno-Karabakh, but Armenia has refused to comply.
• The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is a complex and difficult one, and it is likely to remain unresolved for the foreseeable future.

WHAT IS THE STANCE OF INDIA?

• India has a neutral stance on the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
• India has close ties with both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• Importantly, the region is central to its plans of connectivity through the south Caucasus region.
• India has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and it has supported the efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to mediate a settlement.
• India has also provided humanitarian assistance to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• India’s neutral stance on the conflict is in line with its foreign policy of non-alignment.
• However, India’s neutral stance on the conflict has been criticized by some who argue that India should support Armenia’s right to self-determination.
• Others argue that India should support Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
• India is in a difficult position on the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-history-indias-response-8970391/

4. CABLE TELEVISION NETWORKS (REGULATION) ACT, 1995

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The punishments specified under Section 16 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 were decriminalized through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provision) Act, 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has notified amendments in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.

WHAT DOES SECTION 16 DEAL WITH?

• Section 16 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 dealt with the punishment for contraventions under any of its provisions.
• This section had provision for imprisonment which might extend upto 2 years, in case of first instance and 5 years for every subsequent offence.
• Punishments specified under Section 16 were re-examined and were decriminalized through the Jan Viswas (Amendment of Provision) Act, 2023.
• With an aim to make the Act more business-friendly and to boost the investor confidence in the sector, Section 16 has been decriminalised.
• The imprisonment provisions have been now replaced with monetary penalty and other non-monetary measures like Advisory, Warning and Censure.
• These measures will be enforced through the “designated officer” defined in the rules notified.
• Moreover, Section 16 now introduces an appeal mechanism against the order made by designated officer.
• Sections 17 and 18 were omitted for being redundant.

CABLE TELEVISION NETWORKS (REGULATION) ACT, 1995:

• The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to regulate the operation of cable television networks in the country.
• The Act was passed in the wake of the rapid growth of cable television in India in the early 1990s.
• The Act has been amended several times since it was passed.
• The most recent amendment was in 2011.
• The 2011 amendment introduced a number of new provisions, including a requirement for cable television operators to provide set-top boxes to their subscribers and a requirement for cable television channels to be uplinked only from India.
• It has played an important role in regulating the cable television industry in India.
• The Act has helped to ensure that the industry is orderly and that consumers are protected from harmful content.

Here are some of the key features of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995:

• It requires all cable television operators to register with the government.
• It empowers the government to regulate the content that is broadcast on cable television networks.
• It establishes a Cable Television Authority of India to oversee the implementation of the Act.
• It requires cable television operators to provide set-top boxes to their subscribers.
• It requires cable television channels to be uplinked only from India.
• The Act has been criticized by some for being too restrictive. However, the government has defended the Act, arguing that it is necessary to protect consumers and to ensure that the cable television industry is orderly.

Some of the benefits of decriminalization of provisions under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 are:

• The amendments are likely to encourage compliance with the Act without resorting to harsh punishments and sensitive to minor or unintended contraventions.
• The amended provision allows for the use of a range of penalties, which provides flexibility in addressing different types of contraventions.
• The amendment in the rules defines a “designated officer” for imposing penalties.
• The amended provision explicitly addresses subsequent contraventions and in addition to the provision for higher penalties, includes the provisions for suspension or cancellation of registration.
• The inclusion of an appeal mechanism provides individuals or entities the opportunity to challenge penalties or decisions.
• This ensures a fair and transparent process and safeguards against potential abuse of power.
• The definition of common terms in cable industry like “platform services” and “local cable operator” have been defined in the rules for the first time to bring about uniformity in their usages.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1964677

5. DOMESTIC CARD SCHEME (DCS)

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

THE CONTEXT: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Al Etihad Payments (AEP) for Domestic Card Scheme (DCS) Implementation in UAE.

ABOUT THE AGREEMENT:

• As per the agreement, NIPL and AEP will work together to build, implement, and operationalize UAE’s national domestic card scheme.
  • NIPL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
  • AEP is an indirect subsidiary of the Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE).
• The DCS will aim to facilitate:
  • the growth of e-commerce;
  • digital transactions in the UAE;
  • bolster financial inclusion;
  • support the UAE’s digitization agenda;
  • increase alternate payment options;
  • reduce the cost of payments;
  • enhance the UAE’s competitiveness and
  • position as a global payments leader.
• The partnership aligns perfectly with NIPL’s mission to offer its knowledge and expertise to assist other countries in establishing their own cost-efficient, and secure payment systems.
• The DCS solution is based on the principles of:
  • Sovereignty;
  • speed to market;
  • innovation;
  • digitization, and
  • strategic independence.
• The DCS solution provided by NIPL consists of a RuPay stack and value-added services like fraud monitoring services and analytics.
  • RuPay is an indigenous, highly secure, and widely accepted card payment network in India.
  • RuPay cards have debit, credit, and prepaid propositions.
  • More than 750 Million RuPay cards are in circulation as of date.
  • RuPay cards make up more than 60% of total cards issued in India, with every second Indian having a RuPay card now.
  • These cards are issued through the entire banking spectrum, including public sector, private, and small banks.
• NIPL will also assist AEP in formulating the operating regulations for their domestic card scheme.

DOMESTIC CARD SCHEME (DCS):

• It is a payment card system that is operated and managed by a domestic entity.
• It is independent of international card networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

DCSs offer a number of benefits, including:

• Lower transaction fees:
  • DCSs typically charge lower transaction fees than international card networks.
  • This is because DCSs do not have to pay royalties to international card networks.
• Greater control over the payment system:
  • DCSs give domestic governments and central banks greater control over the payment system.
  • This can be important for managing the economy and financial stability.
• Increased innovation:
  • DCSs can foster innovation in the payments industry, as they are not bound by the rules and regulations of international card networks.

Here are some examples of DCSs around the world:

• RuPay (India)
• UnionPay (China)
• MIR (Russia)
• Elo (Brazil)
• Troy (Turkey)
• Interac (Canada)

BENEFITS OF THE DCSs:

• DCSs are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a number of advantages over international card networks.
• DCSs are also seen as a way to reduce reliance on foreign payment systems and to promote financial sovereignty.
• DCSs are typically used for domestic transactions, but they can also be used for international transactions.
• For example, RuPay cards can be used in over 100 countries around the world.
• DCSs are a growing trend in the payments industry, and they are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1964712

1. DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT (ED)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: In Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India Case 2023, the Supreme Court has held that the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) must furnish the reasons of arrest to the accused.

EXPLANATION:

• The judgement came on a plea by Pankaj Bansal and Basant Bansal, Directors of M3M real estate group.
• They challenged an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which declined to set aside their arrest by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• the Supreme Court ruled on 3^rd October 2023 that it is necessary a copy of the grounds of arrest to the arrested person as a matter of course and without exception.
• The arrest was held illegal by the bench, as arrest does not fulfil the mandate of Article 22 (1) of Constitution and Section 19 (1) of the PMLA.
• It underlined that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not expected to be vindictive in its conduct.

SUPREME COURT RULINGS:

• In recent years, the ED has been under increasing scrutiny from the Supreme Court.
• The court has issued a number of rulings that have limited the ED’s powers and strengthened the rights of the accused.

Vijay Madanlal Choudhary & Ors v. Union of India 2022:

• • The Supreme Court court dealt with confiscation proceedings under Section 8 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 [PMLA].
  • It limited the application of Section 8(4) of PMLA concerning interim possession by authorities before conclusion of the final trial to exceptional cases.
  • The Supreme Court in 2022 upheld the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) right to make arrests and seize assets, while rejecting multiple challenges to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
  • A bench led by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar said ED should put more information in the public domain.
  • It said the lack of judicial officers dealing with PMLA cases is a serious issue, asking the government to address the problem.
  • Confiscation of the property based on the provisional order as mentioned under Section 8(4) should be an exception and not a rule.

In Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India Case 2023:

• The Supreme Court has held that the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) must furnish the reasons of arrest to the accused.
• Mere non-cooperation of a witness in response to the summons issued under Section 50 of the (PMLA) Act of 2002 would not be enough to render him/her liable to be arrested under Section 19.

ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE (ED):

• ED is a Multi-Disciplinary Organisation under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• It is mandated with the task of enforcing the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
• The ED headquartered in New Delhi is headed by the Director of Enforcement.
• There are five Regional offices and other such zonal and subzonal offices in various parts of the country.
• It was formed in 1956 in the Department of Economic Affairs, to investigate cases of foreign exchange-related violations, a civil provision.
• But in 2002, after the introduction of the PMLA, it started taking up cases of financial fraud and money laundering, which were of criminal nature.
• Recently, its functioning has been under a cloud of suspicion as they are alleged to be used against the opposition leaders, the media and the critics of the Central Government.
• The state governments also allege that the agency violates the federal principles enshrined in the Constitution.

CRITICISM OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE:

• The PMLA has been misused for targeting dissident voices and thereby preventing free speech and expression.
• This has become a routine affair especially in the case of NGOs.
• For instance, all bank accounts of Amnesty International India were completely frozen by the Enforcement Directorate in September 2020 on the charge of the alleged violation of PMLA.
• The division of power under the Schedule 7 of the Constitution places the responsibility for police and public order in the State List.
• But the power of ED to investigate cases without states consent especially in ordinary crimes is against federal principles.
• The ED has been accused of selective application of the PMLA provisions and the major money laundering scams are either not investigated or not followed up by ED.
• For instance, The Rose Valley Chit Fund Scam in Odisha, the NARADA scam in West Bengal etc.
• Unlike the CrPC which provides for a proper procedure to commence an investigation, in the PMLA there is no procedure prescribed.
• This is a direct violation of Art 20(3) which protects individuals from self-incrimination.
• Section 120 B dealing with criminal conspiracy is part of PMLA. The section can be applied to any offence and requires only a mere allegation.

SOURCE: https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/why-ed-must-furnish-grounds-of-arrest-to-accused-in-writing-supreme-court-explains-239308

2. PM STREET VENDOR’S ATMANIRBHAR NIDHI (PM SVANidhi) SCHEME

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE, GS 1: SOCIETY

THE CONTEXT: Onboarding of 50 lakh beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi Scheme.

EXPLANATION:

• As per Govt. of India PM SVANidhi has not only made the lives of street vendors easier but has also given them an opportunity to live with dignity.

PM STREET VENDOR’S ATMANIRBHAR NIDHI (PM SVANidhi) SCHEME:

• The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on June 01, 2020.
• It aims to for provide affordable Working Capital loan to street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to Covid-19 lockdown.
• The duration of the scheme initially was until March 2022.
• It has been extended till December 2024.
• It has enhanced the focus on collateral free affordable loan corpus, increased adoption of digital transactions and holistic socio-economic development of the Street Vendors and their families.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the implementing agency of the scheme.

TARGET BENEFICIARIES:

• This scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh Street Vendors.
• A vendor, according to the scheme guidelines is any person engaged in vending of articles, goods, wares, food items or merchandise of daily use or offering services to the public in a street, footpath, pavement etc., from a temporary built-up structure or by moving from place to place.
• The goods supplied by them include vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat street food, tea, pakodas, breads, eggs, textile, apparel, artisan products, books/ stationary etc.
• The services include barber shops, cobblers, pan shops, laundry services etc.

SCHEME BENEFITS:

• Vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year.
• On timely/ early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy @ 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on quarterly basis.
• There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan.
• The scheme promotes digital transactions through cash back incentives up to an amount of Rs. 100 per month.
• The vendors can avail the facility of escalation of the credit limit on timely/ early repayment of loan.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1964005

3. NOBEL PRIZE 2023 IN CHEMISTRY

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

BACKGROUND:

• Physicists had long known that in theory size-dependent quantum effects could arise in nanoparticles.
• But at that time it was almost impossible to sculpt in nanodimensions.
• Few people believed that this knowledge would be put to practical use.
• In the early 1980s, Alexei Ekimov succeeded in creating size-dependent quantum effects in coloured glass.
• The colour came from nanoparticles of copper chloride and Ekimov demonstrated that the particle size affected the colour of the glass via quantum effects.
• A few years later, Louis Brus was the first scientist in the world to prove size-dependent quantum effects in particles floating freely in a fluid.
• In 1993, Moungi Bawendi revolutionised the chemical production of quantum dots, resulting in almost perfect particles.
• This high quality was necessary for them to be utilised in applications.

QUANTUM DOTS AND ITS APPLICATIONS:

• Quantum dots have unique properties and spread their light from television screens and LED lamps.
• They catalyse chemical reactions, and their clear light can illuminate tumour tissue for a surgeon.
• Quantum dots have primarily been utilised to create coloured light.
• It is believed that in the future quantum dots can contribute to flexible electronics, miniscule sensors, slimmer solar cells and perhaps encrypted quantum communication.
• Today quantum dots are an important part of nanotechnology’s toolbox. The 2023 Nobel Prize laureates in chemistry have all been pioneers in the exploration of the nanoworld.
• Quantum dots now illuminate computer monitors and television screens based on QLED technology.
• They also add nuance to the light of some LED lamps, and biochemists and doctors use them to map biological tissue.
• Quantum dots are thus bringing the greatest benefit to humankind.
• Researchers believe that in the future they could contribute to flexible electronics, tiny sensors, thinner solar cells and encrypted quantum communication – so we have just started exploring the potential of these tiny particles.

NOBEL PRIZES:

• Alfred Nobel was an inventor, entrepreneur, scientist and businessman who also wrote poetry and drama.
• His varied interests are reflected in the prize he established and which he lay the foundation for in 1895 when he wrote his last will, leaving much of his wealth to the establishment of the prize.
• Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been honoring men and women from around the world for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for work in peace.
• The prizes consist of a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award.
• In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank) established the Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize.
• The prize is based on a donation received by the Nobel Foundation in 1968 from Sveriges Riksbank on the occasion of the bank’s 300th anniversary.
• The first prize in economic sciences was awarded to Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen in 1969.
• The prize in economic sciences is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden, according to the same principles as for the Nobel Prizes that have been awarded since 1901.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/2023-nobel-prize-chemistry/article67377618.ece

4. GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The South Lhonak Lake burst, causing recent flash floods in north Sikkim.

EXPLANATION:

• Ten casualties have been confirmed, and many more are missing due to the Teesta River’s rising flood level and nonstop rain.
• The South Lhonak Lake had drawn criticism for its quick growth and vulnerability to GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods).

WHAT IS GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)?

• Glacial lakes, like South Lhonak Lake, form in front of, on, or beneath melting glaciers.
• As they grow, they become more dangerous, often dammed by unstable ice or sediment.
• If the dam breaks, massive volumes of water rush downstream, causing floods known as GLOF.
• GLOF can be triggered by earthquakes, heavy rains, ice avalanches, or landslides.

HOW DID SOUTH LHONAK LAKE BECOME SUSCEPTIBLE TO GLOF?

• Glacial lakes are common in steep, mountainous regions, making them vulnerable to landslides or ice avalanches that displace water.
• The impact of climate change leads to rapid glacier melting, resulting in the formation and expansion of glacial lakes.
• In Sikkim Himalayan, rising temperatures have caused glacier melt, leading to the proliferation of glacial lakes, including the South Lhonak Lake.
• There are over 300 glacial lakes in Sikkim Himalayan, with 10 identified as vulnerable to GLOF.
• South Lhonak Lake had shown significant growth over the past five decades.
• An earthquake in 1991 and another in 2011, along with future seismic events, were identified as potential triggers for GLOF.
• Government authorities had been monitoring the lake’s expansion and susceptibility to GLOF.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TAKEN BY THE SIKKIM GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE THE EXPANDING SOUTH LHONAK LAKE?

• In 2016, authorities, including the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and Sikkim’s Department of Science and Technology and Climate Change, initiated measures to address the expanding South Lhonak Lake.
• Innovator Sonam Wangchuk supervised the implementation of a technique involving the syphoning off of lake water.
• Three eight-inch wide and 130-140 meters long High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes were installed in the lake to remove water at a rate of 150 liters per second.

LHONAK LAKE:

• Lhonak Lake is a glacial lake situated in the pristine landscapes of North Sikkim, at a staggering altitude of approximately 17,000 feet above sea level.
• Its formation is attributed to the melting glaciers of the region, a process accelerated by rising global temperatures.
• South Lhonak Lake is a glacial-moraine-dammed lake, located in Sikkim’s far northwestern region.
• It is one of the fastest expanding lakes in the Sikkim Himalaya region, and one of the 14 potentially dangerous lakes susceptible to Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOFs).
• It plays a role in the hydrological cycle, releasing water downstream, ultimately benefiting the Teesta River basin.

WAY FORWARD: MITIGATION

• Regular lake monitoring is necessary to evaluate changes in water levels and the strength of natural dams in glacial lakes.
• Implementing early warning systems that can identify and alert areas downstream of potential GLOFs.
• Building protective infrastructure to control floodwaters, such as dams or diversion channels.
• Implementing zoning and land-use planning to prevent construction in high-risk locations.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/glacial-lake-outburst-flood-glof-sikkim-8968562/

5. DYNAMIC INJUNCTION

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Delhi HC has passed dynamic injunction against illegal ICC World Cup broadcasting.

EXPLANATION:

• A plea has been filed by Star India which stated that given the exclusive rights they had acquired from ICC, they enjoyed broadcast reproduction rights.
• But these rights are contemplated under Section 37 of the 1957 Copyright Act.
• Recently, the Delhi High Court restrained nine websites from illegally broadcasting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 matches.

WHAT IS SECTION 37 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT?

• Section 37 deals with a “special right” extended to every broadcasting organisation.
• Section 37 (2) proceeds to enlist what constitutes an infringement of this right.
• It states that “during the continuance of a broadcast reproduction right” any person who:
  • without the licence of the right’s owner engages in re-broadcasting the broadcast; or
  • causes the broadcast to be heard or seen by the public on payment of charges; or
  • makes any sound or visual recording of the broadcast; or
  • makes any reproduction of such sound or visual recording where the initial recording was done without licence or was licensed, for any purpose not envisaged by the licence; or
  • sells or hires to the public, or
  • offers for such sale or hire, any such sound recording or visual recording,

will be deemed to have infringed this right, subject to the provisions of Section 39.

• Section 39 provides exceptions when the reproduction of such content can be considered as ‘fair dealing; and not copyright infringement.

WHAT IS A DYNAMIC INJUNCTION?

• A dynamic injunction is passed to protect copyrighted works even before they are publicly released, distributed, or created.
  • An injunction is an official order given by a law court, usually to stop someone from doing something.
• It ensures that no irreparable loss is caused to its authors and owner.
• It restricts the imminent possibility of works being uploaded on rogue websites or their newer versions immediately after their creation or release, given the challenges posed by online piracy.
• In August, the court has observed that given the nature of the illegalities that rogue websites indulge in.
• It concluded that there is a need to pass injunctions which are also dynamic as once a film or series is released, it might be immediately uploaded on the rogue websites, causing severe and instant monetary loss to its creators.

What are the other cases where such injunctions have been passed?

• Star India Pvt. Ltd. said that since 2021, the Delhi HC had granted similar dynamic injunctions against several such rogue websites in Star India’s favour, which led to them ultimately being taken down.
• The Delhi HC in its 2019 ruling in “UTV vs. 1337x.to” introduced the concept of dynamic injunctions for the first time.
• Star India had come across almost all major sporting events being illegally communicated and disseminated on the internet, Star approached the court seeking an injunction restraining the defendant websites.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/delhi-hc-what-is-dynamic-injunction-8968692/

1. NOBEL PRIZE 2023 FOR PHYSICS

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Nobel Prize 2023 for Physics was awarded to the three scientists Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier for their experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses for the study of electron dynamics in matter.

EXPLANATION:

• The laureates have been awarded the Prize for experiments to produce ultra-short pulses of light, with which they can finally see directly into the super-fast world of electrons.
• “Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by electrons.

Why weren’t electrons ‘seen’ before?

• Electrons are the negatively charged particles of an atom. They zoom around the denser nucleus.
• Before being able to study them directly, scientists understood their properties through averages.
• The rapid movement of electrons would seem to blur together in the eyes of a camera that couldn’t lower its exposure time to the order of attoseconds.

How fast is electron dynamics?

• The movement of an atom in a molecule can be studied with the very shortest pulses produced by a laser.
• These movements and changes in the atoms occur on the order of femtoseconds—a millionth of a billionth of a second.
• But electrons are lighter and interact faster, in the attosecond realm. An attosecond if a billionth of a billionth of a second.
• All light consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy.
  • Each wave has a sinusoidal shape starting from a point, going up to a peak, dipping into a trough, and finally getting back to the same level as the starting point.
• By the 1980s, physicists had found ways to produce light pulses whose duration was a few femtoseconds.
• The technology used to produce these pulses couldn’t be refined any further, so physicists believed the femtosecond to be the hard lower limit Yet ‘seeing’ electrons required an even shorter flash of light.

What are the applications of attosecond physics?

• Materials science: Attosecond pulses can be used to create new materials with unique properties, such as ultrafast conductors and optical switches.
• Medical diagnostics: Attosecond pulses can be used to image biological molecules in unprecedented detail, which could lead to new methods for early cancer detection and treatment.
• Quantum computing: Attosecond pulses could be used to control qubits, the basic units of information in quantum computers.

NOBEL PRIZES:

• Alfred Nobel was an inventor, entrepreneur, scientist and businessman who also wrote poetry and drama.
• His varied interests are reflected in the prize he established and which he lay the foundation for in 1895 when he wrote his last will, leaving much of his wealth to the establishment of the prize.
• Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been honoring men and women from around the world for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for work in peace.
• The prizes consist of a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award.
• In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank) established the Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize.
• The prize is based on a donation received by the Nobel Foundation in 1968 from Sveriges Riksbank on the occasion of the bank’s 300th anniversary.
• The first prize in economic sciences was awarded to Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen in 1969.
• The prize in economic sciences is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden, according to the same principles as for the Nobel Prizes that have been awarded since 1901.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/2023-nobel-prize-in-physics-seeing-electrons-through-brief-pulses-of-light-explained/article67376832.ece

2. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Armenia’s Parliament voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).

EXPLANATION:

• Armenia’s decision to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a significant development but it is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the country’s relations with Russia.

BACKGROUND:

• Armenia has been a close ally of Russia for decades.
• The two countries are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance of former Soviet republics.
• Russia has also been Armenia’s main supplier of arms and military assistance.
• However, Armenia’s relations with Russia have become increasingly strained in recent years.
• This is due to a number of factors, including Russia’s role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, its invasion of Ukraine, and its economic decline.

THE ICC WARRANT FOR PUTIN:

• In May 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.
• The warrant is based on the ICC’s investigation into alleged atrocities committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.

ARMENIA’S DECISION TO JOIN THE ICC:

• The ICC ratification by Armenia is mainly motivated by its desire to prepare legal challenges against Azerbaijan. But it also sends a clear message to Moscow.
• Armenia’s decision to join the ICC is a signal that the country is distancing itself from Russia.
• By joining the ICC, Armenia is committing to upholding international law and prosecuting those who commit serious crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR ARMENIA-RUSSIA RELATIONS:

• Armenia’s decision to join the ICC is likely to have a significant impact on Armenia-Russia relations.
• Russia has already warned Armenia that its decision to join the ICC is a “hostile step.”
• It is possible that Russia could retaliate against Armenia by reducing its economic and military assistance.
• However, it is also possible that Armenia’s decision to join the ICC could lead to a closer relationship between Armenia and the West.
• The United States and other Western countries have praised Armenia’s decision to join the ICC.
• It is possible that these countries could provide Armenia with increased economic and military assistance in the future.

WAY FORWARD:

• Armenia’s decision to join the ICC is a significant development with far-reaching implications for the country’s relations with Russia and the West.
• It remains to be seen how Russia will respond to Armenia’s decision, but it is clear that Armenia is charting a new course in its foreign policy.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC):

• It is the only permanent international criminal tribunal.
• It was created by the 1998 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (its founding and governing document), and began functioning on 1 July 2002 when the Statute came into force.
• 123 nations are States Parties to the Rome Statute and recognize the ICC’s authority; the notable exceptions being the US, China, Russia, and India.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/armenias-parliament-votes-to-join-the-international-criminal-court-straining-ties-with-ally-russia/article67376736.ece/amp/

3. IEA CRITICAL MINERALS AND CLEAN ENERGY SUMMIT

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The International Energy Agency (IEA) hosted the first ever International Summit on critical minerals and their role in clean energy transitions on 28 September 2023 in Paris.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUMMIT:

• The meeting was attended by ministers, industry leaders, investors, international organisations and civil societies from 50 countries, who agreed on six main actions to assure sustainable, long-term and ethical supply chains of vital minerals.
• The actions include:
  • Advancing the goal of diversified mineral supplies;
  • Maximising the potential of technology and recycling;
  • Fostering market transparency;
  • Improving the accessibility of trustworthy information;
  • Establishing incentives for sustainable and responsible production; and
  • Stepping up efforts to foster international cooperation.
• The summit was built on the ministerial directive issued to the IEA in 2022 to advance its work on:
  • vital minerals,
  • the constituents of solar panels,
  • wind turbines, and
  • electric vehicles, among other important clean energy technologies.
• Between 2017 and 2022, demand from the energy sector for lithium tripled.
• There was a 70 per cent increase in cobalt demand and a rise of 40 per cent in nickel demand too, as per the IEA estimates.
• The momentum is expected to continue through 2023 and beyond, the IEA said in its review.

HOW CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITIONS ARE DRIVING A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN MINERAL DEMAND?

• From 2017 to 2022, demand from the energy sector was the main factor behind a tripling in overall demand for lithium, a 70% jump in demand for cobalt, and a 40% rise in demand for nickel.
• Propelled by rising demand and high prices, the market size of key energy transition minerals doubled over the past five years, reaching USD 320 billion in 2022.
• This rapid growth is set to continue.
• In the IEA’s Announced Pledges Scenario, demand for critical minerals more than doubles by 2030.
• In the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, it grows three and a half times to 2030, topping 30 million tonnes.
• Given this trajectory, the development of diverse, resilient and sustainable clean energy supply chains for critical minerals is an essential task.

SPECIFIC CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

• Supply concentration:
  • The supply of critical minerals is concentrated in a few countries, which makes the market vulnerable to disruptions.
  • For example, China produces more than 80% of the world’s lithium and cobalt.
• Environmental and social impacts:
  • The mining and processing of critical minerals can be environmentally and socially harmful.
  • For example, the mining of lithium can pollute water supplies and the processing of cobalt can expose workers to harmful chemicals.
• Demand growth:
  • Demand for critical minerals is growing rapidly, driven by the clean energy transition.
  • This is putting a strain on the supply of minerals and driving up prices.

OPPORTUNITIES:

• New technologies:
  • There are a number of new technologies in development that could reduce demand for critical minerals or make mining and processing more sustainable.
  • For example, new battery chemistries could reduce the need for cobalt.
• Recycling:
  • Recycling critical minerals can help to reduce demand for virgin minerals.
  • However, recycling rates for critical minerals are currently low.
• Collaboration:
  • Governments, businesses, investors, and civil society organizations can work together to secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals.
  • For example, governments can provide financial support for new mines and processing facilities, businesses can develop new technologies, and investors can invest in sustainable mining projects.
• By addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities, the world can secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals for the clean energy transition.

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA):

• The IEA was founded in 1974 to ensure the security of oil supplies.
• Energy security remains a central part of our mission but today’s IEA has a wider mandate to focus on a full range of energy issues, including climate change and decarbonisation, energy access etc.
• The IEA was created in response to the 1973-1974 oil crisis when an oil embargo by major producers pushed prices to historic levels, and exposed the vulnerability of industrialised countries to dependency on oil imports.
• The IEA’s founding members were Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States.
• The Agency’s “open door” policy has since allowed the IEA to deepen its collaboration with 11 new countries through the Association programme: Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, and most recently, Ukraine, which joined in 2022.
• This IEA family of member and association countries now represents over 80% of global energy consumption, up from 40% in 2015.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/renewable-energy/iea-summit-on-clean-energy-minerals-actions-for-sustainable-ethical-supply-chains-agreed-upon-92076

4. THE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT (UAPA), 1967

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

THE CONTEXT: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been invoked against the news portal NewsClick.

EXPLANATION:

• On 3^RD October, the Delhi police has raided the office of the news portal NewsClick and the residence of its editor and other staff.
• Some of them have been arrested and charged under UAPA which has resulted into huge concern for press freedom in India.
• The main allegation in the FIR against NewsClick is that the news portal allegedly received illegal funding from China routed through the United States.
• The FIR has been registered under various Sections of the UAPA.
• The other provisions invoked against NewsClick include Section 13 (unlawful activities), 16 (terrorist act), 17 (raising funds for terrorist acts), 18 (conspiracy), and 22 (C) (offences by companies, trusts) of the UAPA, along with IPC sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different group) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

PROVISIONS UNDER UAPA:

• Among the key provisions invoked is Section 16, which prescribes punishment for terrorist acts.
• Section 15 of the UAPA defines “terrorist act”.
  • It is punishable with imprisonment for a term of at least five years to life.
  • In case the terrorist act results in death, the punishment is death or imprisonment for life.
  • This is an offence that describes violent acts that are serious in nature.
• The provision describes the terrorist acts as:
  • The use of bombs, dynamite or other explosive substances;
  • causing death or loss/ damage/ destruction of property;
  • disruption of any supplies or services essential to the life of the community in India;
  • damage to the monetary stability of India by way of production or smuggling or circulation of high-quality counterfeit Indian paper currency, coin or of any other material.
• Section 43D (5) of UAPA places very stringent conditions for obtaining bail.

UAPA:

• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been enacted in 1967 that allows the government to designate individuals and organizations as “terrorists” and to detain them without trial for up to 180 days.
• The law has been criticized for its vague and overbroad definitions, which allow the government to target anyone it deems to be a threat to national security.
• The UAPA has been used to suppress dissent and silence critical voices in India.
• The law has been used against journalists, activists, students, and religious minorities. The UAPA has also been used to target political opponents of the government.
• The UAPA has been challenged in court on a number of occasions. However, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the constitutionality of the law.

CRITICISMS OF THE UAPA:

• The definition of “terrorist” is vague and overbroad, allowing the government to target anyone it deems to be a threat to national security.
• The UAPA allows the government to detain people without trial for up to 180 days. This is a serious infringement on the right to liberty.
• The UAPA does not provide adequate safeguards for the rights of the accused. For example, it is difficult for accused persons to challenge their detention or to obtain bail.
• The UAPA has been used to target journalists, activists, students, and religious minorities. This has had a chilling effect on freedom of speech and expression.
• The use of the UAPA against NewsClick is just one example of how the law is being used to suppress dissent and silence critical voices in India.
• The UAPA is a serious threat to press freedom and democracy in India. It is important to defend press freedom and to stand up for the right of journalists to report freely and without fear of reprisal.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/what-uapa-sections-have-been-invoked-against-newsclick-8967236/

5. SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY, GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: A departmental working paper by the World Bank on the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) has found that regular toilet use is declining in rural India from 2018-19 onwards.

EXPLANATION:

• These findings came amid concerns over the government’s claims that practices such as open defecation and manual scavenging no longer continue in India.
  • These findings were solely based on the fact that toilet access had improved after the building of over 100 million toilets.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAPER:

• The paper reconciles data from a variety of sources, including the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS), National Sample Surveys (NSS), and National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS).
• It found out that the largest drop in regular toilet use is most pronounced in states with high Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe socio-economic groups.
• States where there has been a sustained decline in regular use of toilets since 2018 were Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh
• Whereas seven other States like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have been seeing an uneven decline in toilet use since 2018.
• There are a number of possible explanations for this decline.
  • One possibility is that the toilets that were built under the SBM-G are not well-maintained, making them unusable or unsafe.
  • Another possibility is that people are not using the toilets because they are inconvenient or uncomfortable.
  • It is also possible that people are returning to open defecation because they believe it is more hygienic or because they have been forced to do so by social pressure.
• The decline in regular toilet use is a serious concern, as it could undermine the gains that have been made in reducing open defecation in rural India.
• Open defecation is a major public health problem, as it can lead to the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid.

The World Bank paper makes a number of recommendations for addressing the decline in regular toilet use. These recommendations include:

• Investing in the maintenance of toilets.
• Making toilets more convenient and comfortable to use.
• Addressing social norms that discourage the use of toilets.
• Providing education and awareness about the importance of using toilets.

STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT:

• The government of India has also taken some steps to address the decline in regular toilet use.
• For example, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has launched a program to provide subsidies for the repair and maintenance of toilets.
• The government has also launched a campaign to promote the use of toilets and to address social norms that discourage it.
• It is important to monitor the progress of these efforts and to make sure that they are effective in reversing the decline in regular toilet use.
• Open defecation is a major public health problem, and it is essential to ensure that everyone in India has access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities.

SPECIFIC CONCERNS FOR SC/ST HOUSEHOLDS:

• The decline in regular toilet use is particularly concerning for SC/ST households, as they are more likely to live in poverty and to have limited access to sanitation facilities.
• SC/ST households are also more likely to be socially marginalized, and they may face pressure to return to open defecation.
• The government needs to take specific steps to address the needs of SC/ST households in its efforts to reverse the decline in regular toilet use.
• These steps could include:
  • Providing targeted subsidies for the construction and maintenance of toilets in SC/ST communities.
  • Working with community leaders to address social norms that discourage the use of toilets.
  • Providing education and awareness about the importance of using toilets in SC/ST languages.

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION:

• To accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put the focus on sanitation, the Prime Minister had launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2nd October 2014.
• Under the mission, all villages, Gram Panchayats, Districts, States and Union Territories in India declared themselves “open-defecation free” (ODF) by 2 October 2019, by constructing over 100 million toilets in rural India.
• To ensure that the open defecation free behaviours are sustained, no one is left behind, and that solid and liquid waste management facilities are accessible.
• The Mission is moving towards the next Phase II of SBMG i.e ODF-Plus.
• ODF Plus activities under Phase II of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) will reinforce ODF behaviours and focus on providing interventions for the safe management of solid and liquid waste in villages.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/despite-early-gains-of-swachh-bharat-mission-toilet-use-declining-since-2018-19-world-bank paper/article67376731.ece

1. R21/MATRIX-M MALARIA VACCINE

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine has been recommended for use by the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG).

EXPLANATION:

• The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine recommended by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a WHO recommendation in 2021.

RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) is a vaccine that acts against Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite globally and the most prevalent in Africa.

• Both vaccines are shown to be safe and effective in preventing malaria in children and, when implemented broadly, are expected to have high public health impact.

• The World Health Organization’s recommendation is required for UNICEF to procure and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, to purchase the vaccine, paving the way for vaccination of children in populations most at risk.

• R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine marks the culmination of 30 years of malaria vaccine research at the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute.

R21/MATRIX-M MALARIA VACCINE:

• The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is a subunit vaccine that targets the malaria parasite’s sporozoite stage, the form of the parasite that is injected into the human body by an infected mosquito.

• It is developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant technology.

• The vaccine should be administered in a 2-dose schedule with a 3-month interval between doses.

• SAGE recommended that vaccine introduction should be accompanied by a well-designed communication strategy and community engagement.

• Vaccine efficacy against multiple episodes of clinical malaria was similar (78%) over 2 years of follow-up.

• R21/Matrix-M has a favourable safety profile and also induces high levels of malaria-specific anti-NANP antibodies that correlate with the observed protection against clinical malaria.

BENEFITS OF THE R21/MATRIX-M MALARIA VACCINE:

• The WHO’s recommendation of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine is a major milestone in the fight against malaria.

• The vaccine is expected to save millions of lives and help to reduce the burden of malaria on children in Africa and other countries with high malaria transmission.

• R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine demonstrates high efficacy with a reassuring safety profile.

• The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is an easily deployable vaccine that can be manufactured at mass scale and modest cost.

• It enables hundreds of millions of doses to be supplied to countries which are suffering a significant malaria burden.

• The Serum Institute of India has already established production capacity for 100 million doses per annum, which will be doubled over the next two years.

SERUM INSTITUTE OF INDIA:

• Serum Institute of India was founded in 1966 by Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla.

• Its aim is to manufacture life-saving immuno-biologicals, which were in shortage in the country and imported at high prices.

• Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. is now the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally (more than 1.5 billion doses).

• It is estimated that about 65% of the children in the world receive at least one vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute.

• Serum Institute of India is ranked as India’s No. 1 biotechnology company, manufacturing highly specialized life saving biologicals like vaccines using cutting edge genetic, antisera etc.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/oxford-serum-institute-malaria-vaccine-recommended-for-use-by-who/article67373489.ece

2. ASTRA MISSILE

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, GS 3: DEFENSE

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed two contracts with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile.

EXPLANATION:

• The Astra is fully integrated on the Su-30MKI.

• In August 2023, it was successfully test fired from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas off the coast of Goa during which the missile was released from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 ft.

ASTRA MISSILE:

• The Astra is a highly advanced missile that is capable of engaging enemy aircraft at ranges of up to 110 kilometers.

• It has been integrated with the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft and is expected to be integrated with other aircraft in the IAF’s fleet in the future.

• The induction of the Astra will significantly enhance the IAF’s air-to-air combat capabilities.

• The missile will give the IAF the ability to engage enemy aircraft at long ranges, even before they are within visual range of the IAF’s fighter jets.

• The Astra is being manufactured indigenously by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which is a state-owned aerospace and defense company.

• The first batch of Astra missiles is expected to be inducted into the IAF by the end of this year.

• This will give the IAF the ability to begin training its pilots on the use of the missile and to integrate it into its operational doctrine.

• It is a demonstration of India’s ability to develop and manufacture advanced weapons systems indigenously.

Here are some of the benefits that the induction of the Astra will bring to the Indian Air Force:

• Increased air-to-air combat capabilities: The Astra’s long range and high performance will give the IAF the ability to engage enemy aircraft at greater distances and with greater accuracy.

• Reduced dependence on imported weapons systems: The Astra is being manufactured indigenously, which will help to reduce India’s dependence on imported weapons systems.

• Boost for the Indian defense industry: The induction of the Astra will boost the Indian defense industry and help to create jobs.

• The induction of the Astra BVR air-to-air missile into the Indian Air Force is a major milestone in the development of India’s indigenous defense capabilities.

• It is a demonstration of India’s growing technological capabilities and its commitment to self-reliance.

• The induction of the Astra is also a boost for India’s defense industry.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2023-10-03/th_chennai/articleGMKBQV3CV-4447703.ece

3. NOBEL PRIZES 2023 IN MEDICINE OR PHYSIOLOGY

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Nobel Prizes for 2023 in Medicine or Physiology have been awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman.

EXPLANATION:

• They were awarded for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modification that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

• Their discoveries have opened up a new chapter in medicine, paving the way for new vaccines for other infectious diseases, including the flu, and treatments for non-infectious diseases such as cancer.

BACKGROUND:

• In their 2008 paper, Karikó and Weissman showed that by modifying specific nucleosides in mRNA, they could significantly reduce the inflammatory response that occurs when mRNA is injected into the body.

• This was a critical finding, as it made it possible to develop mRNA vaccines and therapeutics that were safe and effective.

• In their 2010 paper, Karikó and Weissman reported that nucleoside modification could also increase protein production from mRNA.

• This was another important finding, as it made it possible to develop mRNA vaccines and therapeutics that could produce high levels of therapeutic proteins.

• The cumulative effect of Karikó and Weissman’s research was to remove the two major obstacles that had hindered the clinical applications of mRNA:
  • the inflammatory response and
  • the low level of protein production.

• This made it possible to develop mRNA vaccines and therapeutics that could be used to treat a wide range of diseases.

WHAT mRNA DOES:

• Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is a form of nucleic acid that tells cells what to do based on the information contained in DNA.

• Unlike DNA, which acts as an instruction manual for life contained in every cell, mRNA is a temporary piece of genetic code that can create a protein or repair damage.

MRNA carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes.

WHAT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED BY THE NOBEL LAUREATES?

• Karikó and Weissman’s key breakthrough was in finding a way to alter the building blocks of RNA, called nucleotides, in order to make our bodies produce an immune response.

• Their fundamental work in using modified nucleotides, the building blocks of RNA, to avoid activation of the innate immune system will be key to the successful use of future RNA vaccines and new RNA based medicines.

HOW IS mRNA VACCINES DIFFER FROM OTHER VACCINES?

Vector vaccines:

• Many vaccines use weakened or dead versions of the viruses they’re targeting not enough to make a person sick.

• But the amount will make the immune system respond so the body will produce antibodies if it encounters the real virus.

Subunit vaccine technology:

• Another related technique subunit vaccine technology is employed in protein subunit vaccines uses purified pieces of a virus in order to trigger an immune response.

• However, development of those types of vaccines can be lengthy, and it can be difficult to modify them quickly.

Messenger RNA-based vaccine technology:

• Messenger RNA-based vaccine technology doesn’t rely on a modified version of a virus to produce an immune response.

• It uses modified mRNA to tell the body’s cells to produce proteins that train the immune system to defend the body against a particular disease.

POTENTIAL BEYOND FIGHTING COVID-19:

• Early studies suggest mRNA technology shows promise as a treatment for cancers, including melanoma and pancreatic cancer.

• It is being studied for use in vaccines for seasonal flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and HIV.

• Other avenues of ongoing mRNA research include exploring a new avenue to treat autoimmune diseases.

• And mRNA technology is also being checked out as a possible alternative to gene therapy for intractable conditions such as sickle cell disease.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/nobel-prize-medicine-winner-2023-katalin-karik%C3%B3-and-drew-weissman/article67371585.ece

4. AFSPA, 1958

TAG: GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY

THE CONTEXT: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA has been extended by the Assam government in four districts namely Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar and Charaideo of the State for six more months.

EXPLANATION:

• The AFSPA has also been withdrawn from Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao with effect from October 1, 2023.

THE ARMED FORCES (SPECIAL POWERS) ACT, 1958:

• The AFSPA grants unrestricted authority to the armed forces and the Central Armed Police forces stationed in “disturbed areas”.

• They have the authority to kill anyone acting against the law, to arrest and search any location without a warrant, and to do so while being shielded from legal action and prosecution.

• In order to address the Naga revolt, the law was originally implemented in 1958.

• When the Act was revised in 1972, the Central government and the States got the authority to designate a region as “disturbed” at the same time.

• Meghalaya was subject to the AFSPA for 27 years before the MHA abolished it on April 1st, 2018, after Tripura had revoked the Act in 2015.

• Parts of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh currently have AFSFA.

CRITICISM OF AFSPA:

• The Act gives unfettered powers to the armed forces and the Central armed police forces deployed in “disturbed areas” to kill anyone who is acting in a way to create disharmony in the society.

• It empowers armed forces to search any place without a warrant and also gives them insulation from prosecution and legal rights.

• The use of these extraordinary powers by the armed forces has frequently sparked accusations of fake encounters and other human rights abuses by security forces in unrest areas.

• It raises concerns about the permanent installation of the AFSPA in some states, including Nagaland, Manipur and J&K.

AFSPA WITHDRAWL:

• The ‘Disturbed Area’ notification has been in force since 1990 in the whole of Assam.

• AFSPA was removed from the entire State of Assam except for nine districts at the beginning of April 2022.

• The districts under the stringent law later dropped to eight as the Act was withdrawn from the Lakhipur subdivision of Cachar district.

• Assam is going through a peaceful stage after witnessing a volatile past during the last three to four decades, the act has been withdrawn from most of the districts.

• It has been lifted from four of Assam’s eight districts where it was in force while being extended in the remaining four.

For more related news on AFSPA, please refer to September current affairs.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/afspa-extended-in-four-districts-of-assam-withdrawn-from-four-others/article67369010.ece

5. BIHAR CASTE SURVEY RESULT

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Bihar government released its caste-based survey results, which revealed that Other backward castes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward castes (EBCs) constitute 63 per cent of the state’s population.

EXPLANATION:

• The data of the caste-based survey conducted in Bihar has been released on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

• The survey provides information about the economic condition of everyone.

• The caste survey had 17-point socio-economic indicators.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SURVEY REPORT:

• The survey indicates that the majority community Hindu is 81.99 per cent while in the minority, Muslims 17.7 per cent.

• The other religions in the minority community are less than one per cent of the total population which includes Christians, Sikhs, and Jains.

• The survey report released by the Bihar government suggested that the state’s population stood a little over 13.07 crores, of which the Extremely Backward Castes with 36 per cent  is the largest followed by the Other backward castes (OBCs) which is 27.13 per cent.

• Other backward castes (OBCs) and Extremely Backward castes (EBCs) constitute 63 per cent of the state’s population.

• Dalits account for 19.65 and Scheduled Tribes (ST) is 1.68 per cent of the total population in the state.

For more information, please refer to the august current affairs magazine. Bihar caste survey, its legality and difference between caste and census has been covered holistically. Also refer the “Mains Focus” of 3^rd October 2023.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar-caste-survey-obcs-ebcs-comprise-more-than-63-of-population/article67371818.ece

1. UDBHAV PROJECT

TAG: GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Army has started an initiative, named Project Udbhav, to rediscover the “profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts”.

UDBHAV PROJECT:

• It is an initiative of Indian Armyin collaboration with the United Service Institution of India, a defence think-tank.
• This initiative is set in motion by the Indian Army to rediscover the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts derived from ancient Indian texts of statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy and grand strategy.

BRIDGING PAST AND PRESENT:

• The project endeavours to explore India’s rich historical narratives in the realms of statecraft and strategic thoughts.
• It focuses on a broad spectrum including Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts and Kingdoms, Thematic Studies, and intricate Kautilya Studies.
• This pioneering initiative stands testimony to the Indian Army’s recognition of India’s age-old wisdom in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy, and warfare.
• At its core, Project Udbhav seeks to bridge the historical and the contemporary.
• The goal is to understand the profound depths of indigenous military systems, their evolution, strategies that have been passed down through the ages, and the strategic thought processes that have governed the land for millennia.

INDIGENOUS VOCABULARY:

• The aim of Project Udbhav is not limited to just rediscovering these narratives but also to also develop an indigenous strategic vocabulary.
• It is deeply rooted in India’s multifaceted philosophical and cultural tapestry.
• Overall aim is to integrate age-old wisdom with modern military pedagogy.
• Since 2021, under the aegis of the Indian Army, there has been a project in progress on the compilation of Indian stratagems based on ancient texts.
• A book has been released under this project which lists 75 aphorisms selected from ancient texts.
• However, the first scholarly outcome of the initiative is the 2022 publication titled “Paramparik Bhartiya Darshan… Ranniti aur Netriyta ke Shashwat Niyam” meant to be read by all ranks of the Indian Army.
• English translation of the title being “Traditional Indian Philosophy…Eternal Rules of Warfare and Leadership”.
• It is an ambitious step to revitalize the knowledge creation from India’s rich classical heritage.
• The scope of this encompassed ancient texts from the 4th century BCE to the 8th century CE, with a focus on Kautilya, Kamandaka, and The Kural.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-project-to-rediscover-indic-heritage-of-statecraft-from-ancient-texts-develop-indigenous-strategic-vocabulary/article67365776.ece

2. THE PYGMY HOG

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Context: Recently, 18 rare pygmy hogs were reintroduced in their historical home in Assam.

Explanation:

About the pygmy hog (Porcula salvania):

• The pygmy hog (Porcula salvania) is the smallest and rarest species of pig in the world. It is endemic to the tall grasslands of Assam in India and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• The pygmy hog is a shy and secretive animal and is difficult to spot in the wild.
• It is about the size of a cat, with a dark brown coat and a short tail.
• Pygmy hogs are omnivores, and their diet consists mainly of insects, roots, and tubers.
• Pygmy hogs are important members of the grassland ecosystem.
• They help to control populations of insects and other small animals, and they also disperse seeds of plants.
• The pygmy hog is a critically endangered species, with only around 200 individuals remaining in the wild. It is found only in the tall grasslands of Assam in India.
• The release of the 18 pygmy hogs is a significant step towards the conservation of this species. The hogs were bred in captivity at the Assam State Zoo and the Orang National Park. They were carefully selected for release to ensure that they were healthy and had a good chance of survival in the wild.
• The main threats to the pygmy hog are habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and disease.
• Conservation efforts for the pygmy hog are underway, including captive breeding programs and reintroductions to the wild.
• The pygmy hogs were released in a suitable habitat in Manas National Park, with plenty of food and water available. They will be monitored by park rangers to ensure that they are doing well.

What are Wild-born hogs?

• Wild-born hogs are pigs that have been born and raised in the wild. They are typically found in forests, woodlands, and grasslands. Wild-born hogs are larger and stronger than domestic pigs, and they have a longer lifespan. They are also more intelligent and resourceful than domestic pigs.
• Wild-born hogs are an important part of the ecosystem. They help to control populations of insects and other small animals, and they also disperse seeds of plants.
• However, wild-born hogs can also be a nuisance to humans. They can damage crops and livestock, and they can carry diseases that can harm humans.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/18-rare-pygmy-hogs-reintroduced-in-their-historical-home-in-assam/article67365483.ece

3. BONN DECLARATION

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

CONTEXT: The Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) concluded in Bonn, Germany on September 30, 2023, with the adoption of a comprehensive global framework.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DECLARATION

• It sets concrete targets and guidelines for key sectors across the entire lifecycle of chemicals.
• The Declaration aims to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, and phase out the most harmful ones and enhance the safe management of such chemicals where they are needed.
• The framework is based around 28 targets, designed to improve responsible management of chemicals and waste.
• These targets also aim to establish stronger connections with other important global agendas, including climate change, biodiversity, human rights and health.
• National governments committed to formulating policies and regulations in order to reduce chemical pollution by 2030 as well as promoting safer alternatives.
• Industries also pledged to manage chemicals in order to reduce pollution and its adverse impacts.
• The aim of the framework is to phase out lethal agricultural pesticides by 2035.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT (ICCM):

• It is a periodic meeting of governments, industry, academia, and civil society to discuss the challenges and opportunities of sound management of chemicals and waste.
• The ICCM is organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals.
• The ICCM is the highest-level forum for international cooperation on chemicals management.
• The conference provides a platform for governments to share their experiences and best practices, and to develop new strategies and policies for chemicals management.
• The ICCM also serves as a forum for industry to commit to new initiatives and to develop new technologies for safer chemicals management.
• The ICCM has been held every four years since 2006.
• It provides a unique opportunity to bring together stakeholders from all sectors to discuss the most pressing issues facing the field and to develop solutions that benefit everyone.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/delegates-at-un-bonn-summit-adopt-new-framework-to-reduce-risks-from-hazardous-chemicals-92055

4. AYYAMAPALAYAM NETTAI COCONUT VARIETY

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT 

Context: The agriculture department and the farmers in the Tamil Nadu are striving for the GI label for the Ayyampalayam Nettai variety of coconut.

Explanation:

About Ayyamapalayam Nettai’ coconut variety:

• Ayyampalayam Nettai is a variety of coconut grown in the Ayyampalayam region of Tamil Nadu, India.
• It is a tall, slender coconut tree that is known for its high yield and sweet kernel.
• The coconuts are also drought- and disease-resistant, making them a valuable crop for farmers in the Ayyampalayam region.

Characteristics:

• Height: Ayyampalayam Nettai trees can grow up to 20 feet tall.
• Kernel: The kernel of Ayyampalayam Nettai coconuts is sweet and has a high oil content.
• Drought and disease resistance: Ayyampalayam Nettai coconuts are drought- and disease-resistant.
• Origin: Ayyampalayam Nettai coconuts are grown in the Ayyampalayam region of Tamil Nadu, India.

Uses:

Ayyamapalayam Nettai coconuts are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Food: The coconut meat is used in a variety of dishes, including curries, sweets, and desserts.
• Oil: The coconut oil is used for cooking, hair care, and skin care.
• Other: The coconut husks are used for making rope and mats.

GI tag:

• In 2023, Ayyampalayam Nettai was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India.
• The GI tag is a certification that identifies a product as originating from a specific region and having certain qualities or characteristics that are unique to that region.
• The GI tag is expected to help to protect and promote Ayyampalayam Nettai. It will also help to ensure that farmers in the region receive a fair price for their crop.
• Ayyamapalayam Nettai is a valuable crop for the Ayyampalayam region. The GI tag is a significant achievement for the Ayyampalayam coconut growers. It is a recognition of the quality and uniqueness of Ayyampalayam Nettai.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/farmers-eager-to-get-gi-tag-for-ayyamapalayam-nettai-coconut-variety/article67366212.ece#:~:text=This%20region%20is%20home%20to,to%20get%20the%20GI%20tag.&text=Surprisingly%2C%20these%20century%2Dold%20trees,lost%20their%20crop%20yielding%20ability.

5. E-FIR

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY

Context: The Law Commission of India recently has favoured enabling the online first information reports (FIRs) saying this would tackle of delay in registration of FIR, allowing citizens to report crimes in real time and would provide transparency.

Explanation:

Key Points:

• The commission headed by former Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, in its 292nd report, recommended that “in cases where the accused is not known, registration of e-FIR should be allowed for all cognizable offences”.
• To avoid false registration of e-Complaints/e-FIR and for the constructive use of the facility, it suggested verifications using e-authentication through OTP and mandating the uploading of valid ID proof, alongside a minimum punishment for such false e-complaints or e-FIRs.

About e- first information reports (FIRs):

• Electronic first information reports (e-FIRs) are online versions of traditional FIRs. They allow people to report crimes to the police without having to go to a police station.
• e-FIRs are typically filed through a web portal or mobile app. The person reporting the crime will need to provide information such as their name, contact information, and the nature of the crime. They may also need to provide supporting documentation, such as photographs or videos.
• Once the e-FIR is filed, the police will review it and determine whether to investigate the crime. If they decide to investigate, they will contact the person who filed the e-FIR to gather more information.
• e-FIRs have a number of advantages over traditional FIRs. They are more convenient, as people can file them from anywhere with an internet connection. They are also faster, as the police can start reviewing e-FIRs immediately.
• e-FIRs are also more transparent, as people can track the status of their complaint online. This can help to reduce corruption and ensure that all complaints are investigated fairly.
• e-FIRs are becoming increasingly popular in India. Several states and union territories have already implemented e-FIR systems. The central government is also working to develop a national e-FIR system.

The significance of e-FIRs:

• Convenience: e-FIRs can be filed from anywhere with an internet connection, at any time of day or night.
• Speed: The police can start reviewing e-FIRs immediately, which can lead to faster investigations.
• Transparency: People can track the status of their complaint online, which can help to reduce corruption and ensure that all complaints are investigated fairly.
• Accessibility: e-FIRs can make it easier for people to report crimes, especially for those who may have difficulty going to a police station, such as women, children, and people with disabilities.

e-FIRs are a valuable tool for improving the efficiency and transparency of the criminal justice system.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/law-commission-backs-phased-e-fir-rollout-101696013747721.html

1. GST APPELLATE TRIBUNAL.

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT:  Government notifies 31 Benches of GST Appellate Tribunal.

EXPLANATION: 

• The Finance Ministry notified the constitution of 31 Appellate Tribunals across 28 States and eight Union Territories for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), setting the stage to resolve a growing number of taxpayer disputes with the Revenue Department.
• The establishment of these tribunals was envisaged at the time of the implementation of the GST regime from July 1, 2017

About GSTAT:

• Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal is the forum of second appeal in GST laws and the first common forum of dispute resolution between Centre and States. The appeals against the orders in first appeals issued by the Appellate Authorities under the Central and State GST Acts lie before the GST Appellate Tribunal, which is common under the Central as well as State GST Acts.
• CGST Act empowers the Central Government to constitute, an Appellate Tribunal on the recommendation of Council.
• CSTAT is for hearing appeals against the orders passed by the Appellate Authority or the Revisional Authority.
• The National Bench of the Appellate Tribunal shall be situated at New Delhi. GSTAT shall be presided over by its President and shall consist of one Technical Member (Centre) and one Technical Member (State).

Power of GSTAT: 

• As per the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the GST Appellate Tribunal holds the same powers as the court and is deemed Civil Court for trying a case. The Appellate Tribunal has been granted the powers to hear appeals and to pass orders and directions, including those for the recovery of amounts due, for the enforcement of its orders, and for the rectification of mistakes.
• The Tribunal also has the power to impose penalties, revoke or cancel registrations, and take such other measures as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the GST laws.
• GSTAT may be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India.

Benefits of GSTAT:

•  It will make the GST regime more efficient.
• Setting up of state-level benches of GSTAT would help businesses by way of faster dispute resolution.
• Ensuring speedier and economic resolution of cases by dedicated and specialized GSTATs will help in bolstering business sentiments and ease of doing business in the country,”
• It will help to reduce the burden on high courts.

Source:(https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/finance-ministry-notifies-constitution-of-gst-appellate-tribunals/article67312126.ece

2. KUNO NATIONAL PARK AND CHEETAH

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT:  Kuno’s only cheetah cub has many guardians.

EXPLANATION: 

• Kuno National Park’s officials are working towards ensuring the survival of the Cheetah cub.
• In 2022, five female and three male cheetahs were introduced from Namibia to India(Kuno national park) as part of a historic conservation action plan to reintroduce the species back to their former range.

About Kuno National Park:

• India’s Madhya Pradesh state is home to Kuno National Park and wildlife sanctuary. Kuno River is where it gets its name.
• With an initial area of 344.686 km, it was established as a wildlife sanctuary in the districts of Sheopur and Morena in 1981. In 2018, it received the status of national park.
• The Kuno River, one of the Chambal River’s major tributaries, runs the entire length of the National Park.
• All four of India’s big cats may have populations in the Kuno. All four of these animals—the tiger, the leopard, the Asiatic lion, and the cheetah—have coexisted in the same environments.
• Biogeographically this area falls under the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forest eco-region and the forest types found in this area include the Northern tropical dry deciduous forest, Southern tropical dry deciduous forest, Dry Savannah forest & grassland, Tropical riverine forest.
• There are plenty of cattle, chinkara, chital, sambar, nilgai, wild pigs, and other animals.

Why Kuno is Suitable for Cheetah?

The Kuno National Park offers a variety of habitat types, including

• Dry deciduous forests.
• Savanna forest
• Open woodlands,
• Evergreen riverine forests.

are favorable for lions and cheetahs.

While plateau tops had shorter grasses, forest grass species were prevalent in ecosystems in valleys.

About cheetah:

• The cheetah is a big cat that is native to Africa and Southwest Asia.
• As the fastest land animal, it has developed special adaptations for speed, including a light frame, long, slender legs, and a long tail. It can run at speeds between 80 and 98 km/h.
• The cheetah inhabits savannahs in the Serengeti, dry mountain ranges in the Sahara, and steep desert terrain in Iran, among other habitats.
• Threats to the cheetah include habitat destruction, contact with humans, poaching, and a high susceptibility to disease.

African Cheetah:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• CITES: Appendix 1.
• WPA: Schedule-2.

Asiatic Cheetah:

• IUCN Red List: Critically endangered.
• CITES: Appendix 1.
• WPA: Schedule-2.

Source:(https://indianexpress.com/article/india/relationship-with-mother-complex-but-kunos-only-cheetah-cub-has-many-guardians-8941769/)

3. CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS ACT

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT:  The European Union, the world’s largest trading bloc, aims to reduce its dependence on China and increase its domestic capacity for critical minerals through this legislation.

EXPLANATION: 

• The EU was 99 percent dependent on China for rare earth metals.
• Metals and critical minerals are crucial for the green transition as they are used to manufacture solar panels, windmills, and electric car batteries.
• Australia and Chile with huge reserves such as cobalt, lithium, and manganese are potential strategic partners for diversifying the supply chain.

Critical Raw Materials: Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) are those natural raw materials which are economically and strategically important for the country. It is Used in environmental technologies, consumer electronics, health, steel-making, defense, space exploration, and aviation, these materials are not only ‘critical’ for key industry sectors and future applications, but also for the sustainable functioning of the world economy.

The raw materials listed as critical include:

• Aluminum [Am. 5]
• Bismuth
• Boron — metallurgy grade
• Cobalt
• Copper
• Gallium
• Germanium
• Lithium — battery grade
• Magnesium metal
• Manganese — battery grade
• Natural Graphite — battery grade
• Nickel — battery grade
• Platinum group metals
• Rare earth elements for magnets
• Silicon metal
• Titanium metal
• Tungsten

Why they matter: Rare earth elements are crucial for the production of many high-tech products. They are key, for example, for producing permanent magnets — an essential component of smartphones, TVs, computers, as well as car and wind turbine engines ,and solar panels.  Contrary to what their name may suggest, these elements are not rare in nature but their extraction is hazardous.

Concern related to Critical Raw Materials for India: 

• Dependence on China: India will be forced to rely on other nations, notably China, to fuel its energy transition plans for electric vehicles if it is unable to explore and develop these minerals.
• Lack of Expertise: India’s absence of any relevant expertise makes it unlikely that it would have been accepted into the Minerals Security Partnership group.
• Difficult to mine: They are challenging to mine and expensive to process properly.
• Monopoly of few: The concentration of reserves in the hands of a small number of countries generates issues for the majority of the world’s population.
• Environmental Impact: The main issue is that the low-level radioactive element thorium, which has been associated with an increased risk of developing lung, pancreatic, and other malignancies, is tied up in mineral deposits with the rare earth elements.

Source:(https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/energy/eu-parliament-votes-in-favour-of-critical-raw-materials-act-91789)

4. JAL JEEVAN MISSION

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: In Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh, inefficient implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission has been reported.

EXPLANATION:

• Mahoba is a water-starved district in south-eastern Uttar Pradesh, and it reported only 1,612 households with tap connections in 2019.
• Four years later, 1,29,209 households or about 98% of all rural homes in Mahoba district have water connections, according to the public dashboard of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
• No other district in India has reported such a dramatic increase in tap connections.
• However, a visit to some of the villages here suggests that a household certified as “connected” in JJM parlance does not mean one with an actual water supply.

JAL JEEVAN MISSION (JJM):

• It was launched in 2019 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• It is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
• The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting.
• It will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education, and communication as a key component of the mission.
• It looks to create a Jan andolan for water, thereby making it everyone’s priority.

COMPONENTS UNDER JJM:

The following components are supported under JJM:

• Efforts should be made to source funds from different sources/ programmes.
• Development of in-village piped water supply infrastructure to provide tap water connection to every rural household.
• Development of reliable drinking water sources and augmentation of existing sources to provide long-term sustainability of water supply system.
• Wherever necessary, bulk water transfer, treatment plants and distribution network to cater to every rural household.
• Technological interventions for removal of contaminants where water quality is an issue.
• Retrofitting of completed and ongoing schemes to provide Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) at minimum service level of 55 litre per capita per day (lpcd).
• Greywater management
• Support activities, i.e., Information, Education and Communication (IEC), Human Resource Development (HRD), training, development of utilities, water quality laboratories, water quality testing & surveillance, R&D, knowledge centre, capacity building of communities, etc.
• Any other unforeseen challenges emerging due to natural disasters or calamities which affect the goal of FHTC to every household by 2024, as per guidelines of Ministry of Finance on Flexi Funds.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-missing-link-in-the-jal-jeevan-scheme-water/article67311157.ece

5. GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) MUSTARD DMH-11

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The environmental release of GM mustard DMH-11 marks a new era in self-reliance and sustainability in agriculture in India.

EXPLANATION:

• India faces a major deficit in edible oils, with 60% of its demand being met by imports.
• Mustard is one of the most important edible oil crops in India; however, its per hectare yield is very low when compared to the global average.
• Thus, increasing the productivity of mustard in the country is vital for the economic well-being of farmers and self-sufficiency in edible oil production.

WHAT IS DMH-11?

• DMH-11 is an indigenously developed transgenic mustard. It is a genetically modified variant of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) mustard.
• DMH-11 is a result of a cross between Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna’ and East European ‘Early Heera-2’ mustard.
• It contains two alien genes (‘barnase’ and ‘barstar’) isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that enable breeding of high-yielding commercial mustard hybrids.
• Barnase in Varuna induces a temporary sterility because of which it can’t naturally self-pollinate. Barstar in Heera blocks the effect of barnase allowing seeds to be produced.
• DMH-11 has shown approximately 28% more yield than the national check and 37 % more than the zonal checks and its use has been claimed and approved by the GEAC.
• “Bar gene” maintains the genetic purity of hybrid seed.

APPROVAL AND TESTING OF DMH-11:

• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, made a landmark decision of approving the release of DMH-11 and its parental line for cultivation in 2022.
• The hybrid DMH-11 has been tested against the varieties Varuna and RL-1359 during Biosafety Research Level Trials (BRL) I and II, where it gave 28.15% high over Varuna during 2010-11 to 2014-15.
• Field trials for three years were conducted to assess the impact on human health and environment as per the stipulated guidelines and applicable rules.
• Extensive studies carried out on toxicity, allergenicity, compositional analysis, field trials and environmental safety studies of GM mustard lines.
• Their non-transgenic comparators have provided evidence that the GE mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines are safe for cultivation and for food and feed use.
• Visitation of bees to the transgenic lines is similar to the non-transgenic counterparts during the BRL-I and BRL-II trials conducted as per the protocols approved by Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) and GEAC.

HOW DOES DMH-11 ADD SELF RELIANCE TO THE COUNTRY?

• As the mustard varieties in India have a very narrow genetic base, the decision by GEAC to allow barnase-barstar-based hybrid production in mustard paves the way for the breeding of mustard hybrids.
• It not only for higher yields but also to ensure resistance to diseases and improve oil quality.
• This advancement will benefit farmers by increasing yield per hectare, also leading to an increase in their incomes.
• Cultivation of these GM mustard hybrids developed indigenously could help enhance farmers’ income, reduce the oil-import burden and help achieve much-needed self-reliance in edible oil production.
• The domestic consumption of edible oils is around 25 million tonnes, while the domestic production of mustard oil was approximately 8.5 million tonnes in the year 2020-21.
• India’s edible oil imports were approximately 13 million tonnes, which touched ₹1.17 lakh crore in value terms.
• The environmental release of DMH-11 marks the beginning of a new era in self-reliance and sustainability in agriculture. More improved GM food crops are needed to boost the profitability of Indian farmers.

WAY FORWARD:

• The adoption of technologies for crop improvement such as genetically modified (GM) crops as a supplement to conventional breeding methods has become an absolute necessity to address the challenge of achieving global food and nutritional security.
• According to the global Food Security and Nutrition Report, 2019, it is difficult to achieve the ‘Zero Hunger’ target by 2030.
• To increase food production and become self-reliant, we require superior crop varieties and hybrids that provide enhanced yields and wide adaptability across environments and require fewer inputs of natural resources.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-gm-crop-decision-that-cuts-the-mustard/article67312658.ece

1. PRADHAN MANTRI MATSYA SAMPADA YOJANA

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT:  PMMSY: bridging gaps in the fisheries sector

EXPLANATION:

• PMMSY began to bridge the gaps in the fisheries value chain from fish production, productivity, and quality to technology, post­harvest infrastructure and marketing.
• The PMMSY has successfully pulled inland fisheries from traditional waters, and infused technology, inspiring many talented and enterprising youth to venture into fisheries.
• The PMMSY has empowered fisher women to explore remunerative options and alternative livelihoods, such as ornamental fisheries, pearl culture, and seaweed cultivation.
• India is now counted among the world’s top three countries in fish and aquaculture production and is also the biggest shrimp exporter in the world.

About PMMSY: 

• Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on September 2020.
• PMMSY has brought the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India at a total investment of ₹ 20,050 crore for holistic development of the fisheries sector including the welfare of fishers.
• PMMSY will be implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of 5(five) years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
• Fishermen are given insurance protection, financial aid, and the option of a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) in order to make access to institutional credit easier.

Objectives of PMMSY:

1. Harness the potential of the fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive, and equitable manner.
2. Enhance fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification, diversification, and productive utilization of land and water.
3. Modernize and strengthen the value chain including post-harvest management and quality improvement.
4. Double fishers and fish farmers’ incomes and generate meaningful employment.
5. Enhance the contribution of the fisheries sector to Agricultural GVA and exports.

Benefits

• Financial assistance for fishing infrastructure: The scheme provides financial assistance to develop fishing infrastructure like fishing harbors, fish landing centers, fish markets, fish feed plants, fish seed farms, and fish processing units.
• Financial assistance for fish farmers: The scheme provides financial assistance to fish farmers for various activities like the construction of ponds, cages, hatcheries, and nurseries, and for the installation of aeration systems and other equipment.
• Assistance for fisheries management: The scheme provides financial assistance for the management of fishery resources through the adoption of scientific methods, setting up of fishery management plans, and developing fishery information systems.
• Credit-linked subsidy for fish farmers: The scheme provides a credit-linked subsidy for fish farmers to encourage them to take up fish farming as a business.
• Assistance for marketing and export of fish products: The scheme provides assistance for the development of cold chains, fish processing units, and packaging facilities to promote the export of fish products.

Source:(https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TH_ePaper_BrandSearchExact&tpcc=THEPGS&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgZCoBhBnEiwAz35RwlVuIGxRhaHq8ISbr4c4gbxKlrYc6htj17YZRxceUd6wimjWPFRK6hoCkeEQAvD_BwE)

2. RUBBER BOARD OF INDIA

TAG: GS 1:  GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT:  Rubber Board to increase area under rubber in Northeast.

EXPLANATION: 

• In a move to expand the area in non-traditional States, the Rubber Board is implementing a project to bring 2 lakh hectares under natural rubber in the Northeastern States, except Sikkim, but including West Bengal.
• The northeastern states, particularly Tripura and Assam, account for over 16 percent of the total production, up from around 10 per cent a few years ago. The share of Kerala has come down from around 90 percent to 78 percent. The non-traditional regions of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra have a combined share of 6 percent in the total output.
• “The current rise in production has come more from higher output in northeastern states than from Kerala. Low prices and high production costs have reduced tapping in Kerala.

Rubber board of India:

• The  Rubber  Board  is  a  statutory  body  constituted  by  the  Government  of  India,  under  the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in the country.
• ​The Rubber Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Government of India. The Board is headed by a Chairman appointed by the Central Government and has 28 members representing various interests of the natural rubber industry. The Board’s headquarters is located at Kottayam in Kerala. 

About Rubber: Rubber is made up of latex of a tree known as Hevea Brasiliensis. It is an equatorial crop.

• Climate: Rubber plants are native to tropical areas, so they don’t like to be hit with cold blasts of air from doors or drafty windows and may begin to drop some leaves if they are.
• Temperature: It requires high temperature throughout the year – ranging between 20°-35°C or average monthly mean of 27°C. Less than 20°C temperature is detrimental. Similarly, rubber also requires heavy rainfall(200cm).
• Soil: Rubber will do well on a wide variety of soils, some of which would be too poor for many crops. Deep, friable, well-drained soils are ideal as they promote root devel­opment, and acidic soils are also suitable.

Production and Consumption in India:

• India is currently the sixth largest producer of NR in the world with one of the highest productivities. The production capacity in India is around 900,000 tonnes, of which around 75% is tapped. Traditional rubber-growing states comprising Kerala and Tamil Nadu account for 81% of production. Major non-traditional rubber growing regions are the North Eastern states of Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal.
• India is the 2nd largest consumer of NR globally with current consumption of around 1.1 million tonnes.. Around 40% of the total NR consumption in India is at present met from import of rubber.

Challenges faced by Rubber industry:

• The sector also faces many challenges, some of which are sub-optimal agro-climatic conditions and adverse impact of climate change, saturation of area for new planting in traditional regions, agro-climatic, topographic, social, cultural, institutional and infrastructure constraints in non-traditional regions, global price volatility and low-price situations, and its repercussions on production, lack of competitiveness, stagnation in the growth of Non-Tyre Rubber manufacturing sector etc.

Government Initiative: 

• National Rubber policy,2019.
• Rubber plantation development scheme.
• 100% FDI in Plantation of Rubber.
• The Rubber Board, in association with major tyre companies, is implementing the NE Mitra scheme in northeastern states that contemplates fresh cultivation of rubber in 200,000 hectares in five years.

Top Rubber producing state in India: 1. Kerala, 2.Tamil Nadu, 3.Tripura, 4.Assam

Largest Rubber producing countries in the world: Thailand, Indonesia , Vietnam ,Ivory Coast , China, India.

Source:(https://www.thehindu.com/business/rubber-board-to-increase-area-under-rubber-in-northeast/article67307179.ece#:~:text=In%20a%20move%20to%20expand,Sikkim%2C%20but%20including%20West%20Bengal.)

3. KALAIGNAR MAGALIR URIMAI THITTAM SCHEME

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT:  Tamil Nadu CM Stalin launches Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam in Kancheepuram.

EXPLANATION: 

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam in Kancheepuram on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) founder C.N. Annadurai.

• About Scheme:
  • Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam is a  basic income scheme.
  • The main objective behind launching this scheme is to empower women financially so that their livelihood and standard of living will improve.
  • Women Head of a Family whose Age is 21 Years and above are eligible for monthly financial assistance under this scheme.
  • Registration for Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam is started by Tamil Nadu Government.

Universal Basic Income (UBI):

• It is a guaranteed, ongoing cash distribution from the government to all residents, regardless of their financial situation or level of income. UBI will serve as a universal safety net for all people, regardless of their income or age.
• The Universal Basic Income (UBI) comprises three components, namely universality, unconditionality, and agency, according to the Economic Survey (2016–17).
  • Universal: All citizens will be covered by UBI.
  • Unconditional: The beneficiaries of UBI are not chosen based on any criteria.
  • Agency: Providing financial assistance in order to respect rather than impose the recipients’ preferences.
• UBI is intended to be distributed to individuals, not families, on a regular basis, in the form of money (rather than vouchers or coupons).

Benefits of UBI:

• Combating Extreme Events: By providing a basic income to everyone, the general public will be better able to withstand shocks like the COVID-19 Pandemic and other shocks like natural disasters (floods, tsunami, earthquakes, etc.). According to numerous reports, the majority of rural poor people have become financially vulnerable, while the lowest of the poor are essentially going hungry as a result of the pandemic’s effects.
• Economic Recovery: The current economic condition has forced the closure of numerous businesses and led to significant job losses. Due to this, the economy’s demand for goods and services has decreased. UBI can assist ignite the demand and boost the economy.
• Ensuring Dignity: A guaranteed quarterly financial transfer would make it possible for everyone to live a more dignified life, honoring everyone’s right to life as guaranteed by Article 21.
• Social justice: A society will not pass the justice test if it does not ensure that every citizen receives a respectable minimum income. As a result, UBI advances social justice by ensuring a minimum, unconditional income.

Challenges:

• The problem in the scheme comes when cut-offs are set and benefits are targeted at certain groups.
• Fiscal issues also surface when, rather than having a fixed budget for the scheme covering all citizens, cut-offs for various segments have to be worked out.
• A targeted scheme cannot be called universal and this will also require another round of Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) to get updated data on beneficiaries as the 2012 data is now outdated and does not provide the correct picture.
• Recipients may abuse the funds they receive and defeat the goals of social security. UBI will further discourage individuals from working or cause them to work less.

Way forward:

• First, since the wealthy can be excluded from cash transfer programs, the government can reconsider real universality. specific classes of residents may be automatically excluded (for example, if they possess specific assets).
• Second, the government should exploit the potential of the JAM(short for Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity (biometric identification, financial inclusion, and mobile penetration) for direct cash transfers to household bank accounts after agreeing on the quasi-basic income criterion.

Source:(https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadu-cm-stalin-launches-kalaignar-magalir-urimai-thittam-in-kancheepuram/article67310529.ece)

4. THE POST OFFICE BILL, 2023

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Post Office Bill 2023 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to repeal the Indian Post Office Act 1898.

PROVISIONS OF THE POST OFFICE BILL 2023 AND POST OFFICE ACT 1898

Post Office Act 1898

The Act provides for the issuance of postage stamps as per the Rules prescribed by the central government.

The Act provides that wherever the central government establishes posts, it will have the exclusive privilege of conveying letters by post, as well as incidental services such as receiving, collecting etc.

The Act specifies the services provided by the Post Office to include: (i) the delivery of postal articles including letters, postcards, and parcels, and (ii) money orders.

The Act allows for the interception of a shipment being transmitted through the post on certain grounds.  An interception may be carried out on the occurrence of any public emergency, or in the interest of public safety or tranquillity.  Such interceptions may be carried out by the central government, state governments, or any officer specially authorised by them.

Under the Act, the Director General has powers to decide the time and manner of delivery of postal services. Under the Act, the central government can notify charges for postal services through notifications.

The Act specifies various offences and penalties.  For instance, theft, misappropriation etc.

The Act exempts the government from any liability related to the loss, mis delivery, delay or damage to a postal article.  This does not apply where the liability is undertaken by the central government in express terms.  Officers are also exempt from such liability unless they have acted fraudulently or wilfully.

Post Office Bill 2023

The Bill also states that the Post Office will have the exclusive privilege of issuing postage stamps.

The Bill does not contain such privileges.

The Bill provides that the Post Office will provide services prescribed by the central government.

The Bill instead provides that the interception of a shipment being transmitted through post may be carried out on the following grounds: (i) security of the state, (ii) friendly relations with foreign states, etc.  An officer empowered by the central government through a notification may carry out an interception.

As per the Bill, the Director General may make regulations to specify charges.  The Director General may also make regulations on supply and sale of postage stamps and postal stationery.

The Bill does not provide for any offences or consequences, except one.  Amounts not paid or neglected by a user will be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.

The Bill retains these provisions.  However, it provides that instead of the central government, the Post Office may prescribe the liability regarding its services.

WHY THERE IS NEED TO REPEAL THE ACT?

• The Indian Post Office Act, 1898 was enacted in 1898 with a view to govern the functioning of the Post Office in India which was primarily related to mail services provided through the Post Office.
• With time the services available through the Post Office have diversified beyond mails and the Post Office network has become a vehicle for delivery of a variety of citizen centric services. Further with India Post Payments Bank the postal department has entered banking too.
• All this necessitated the repeal of the said Act and enactment of new law in its place.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/changing-the-way-the-postman-knocks/article67308498.ece

5. K2-18B EXOPLANET

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: A new investigation with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope into K2-18 b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, has revealed the presence of carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide.

EXPLANATION:

• Webb’s discovery adds to recent studies suggesting that K2-18 b could be a Hycean exoplanet, one which has the potential to possess a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a water ocean-covered surface.

K2-18B EXOPLANET:

• K2-18b is an interesting exoplanet, a planet that orbits another star.
• It is discovered in 2015 by the Kepler Space Telescope’s K2 mission. It is a type of planet called a sub-Neptune. These are smaller than Neptune in our own Solar System.
• The primary science objective of the Kepler mission was transit-driven exoplanet detection with an emphasis on terrestrial planets located within the habitable zones of Sun-like stars.
• The planet is about eight and a half times heavier than Earth and orbits a type of star called a red dwarf, which is much cooler than our Sun.
• However, K2-18b orbits much closer to its star than Neptune does in the habitable zone.
• This is the area that is not too hot and not too cold, where liquid water can exist (instead of freezing to ice or boiling into steam).
• Earth is called a rocky planet, but sub-Neptunes are gas planets, with much larger atmospheres containing lots of hydrogen and helium. Their atmosphere can also contain other elements.

NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope: NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope is an observatory in space dedicated to finding planets outside our solar system, with a particular focus on finding planets that might resemble Earth. The observatory was in commission for just under nine years, from its launch in March 2009 to its decommission on Nov. 15, 2018.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY:

• The new study found a lot of carbon dioxide and methane.
• It also found a small amount of dimethyl sulfide. Dimethyl sulfide is an molecule, made up of carbon, hydrogen and sulfur.
• On Earth, dimethyl sulfide is linked to life, on other planets it may somehow be related to geological or chemical processes.
• On Earth, it’s generally a bit smelly. But it’s also closely linked to life.
• Marine life and plankton emit it in the form of flatulence(gas).

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/science-technology/signs-of-life-why-astronomers-are-excited-about-carbon-dioxide-methane-in-atmosphere-of-alien-world-91741