At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.
About Little Prespa Lake
Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is located on the Albanian-Greek border.
The majority of the lake lies in Greek territory, with the southern tip extending into Albania.
The total area of the lake is approximately 450 hectares within Albanian territory, though much of this area has now transformed into swamps or dried up.
It is the smaller part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, which lies to the south.
Historically, the lake was fed by snowmelt and precipitation, but these have reduced significantly due to climate change and human intervention.
In the 1970s, communist authorities in Albania diverted the Devoll River for agricultural irrigation around the city of Korca.
This diversion significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, beginning its ecological decline.
Impact of Little Prespa Lake’s Drying
The drying has led to the collapse of the fishing industry, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
The once-thriving aquatic ecosystem has transformed into a marshland, resulting in biodiversity loss as fish populations vanish.
The diversion of the Devoll River for agricultural purposes has exacerbated the lake’s decline.
The lake could completely disappear if current trends continue, threatening the region’s environmental and economic stability.
PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q). Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (UPSC CSE 2013)
Q). What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2014)
Mentor’s Comment: Today’s editorial discusses the limitations and importance of free speech, emphasizing that while individuals have the right to express their opinions without fear of retaliation, this right is not absolute. Key restrictions include defamation, obscenity, and incitement to violence. The article highlights that the government cannot arbitrarily decide what constitutes acceptable speech, as outlined in Article 19(2) of the Constitution. It also notes that free speech serves both instrumental purposes, like fostering better politics, and intrinsic values, such as recognizing individual dignity. However, the government’s attempt to control narratives about its actions can lead to censorship, undermining democratic principles.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Bombay HC ruled against an amendment to the IT Rules, declaring it unconstitutional and upholding free speech rights.
It emphasized that while misinformation is a concern, any regulatory measures must align with constitutional rights, particularly Articles 14 and 19, which protect equality and freedom of speech.
Constitutional Provisions on Free Speech:
• Free speech in our legal system is based on the principle that the state should not decide what expressions are acceptable. •Article 19(2) of the Constitution outlines specific restrictions, such as defamation and national security. • The right to free speech, guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a), is essential for informed political discourse and recognizes citizens’ dignity and autonomy.
What did the IT Rules (2021) say?
Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 imposes strict obligations on internet intermediaries, such as service providers and social media platforms.
If the government’s “Fact Check Unit” labels any reporting about its activities as false, these companies must take steps to avoid hosting that content.
Failing to comply could result in losing their “safe harbor” protection from legal liability under the IT Act, 2000, which safeguards free expression.
Section 79 of the IT Act provides a legal shield for intermediaries (safe harbour), such as social media platforms, by protecting them from liability for content posted by third parties, as long as they take reasonable steps to comply with the law.
Various views presented through the ‘Petition and Response’:
According to thePetitioners’ argument,Rule 3(1)(b)(v) breaches protections for free speech and the State wrongly claims authority to define “fake” information, ignoring less intrusive solutions.
However, the UnionGovernment responded that the law is not coercive and that intermediaries can contest safe harbor losses. While no Constitutional protections are given for false information, regulation of online expression is within government powers.
As per the Judicial opinion, Rule 3(1)(b)(v) is ultra vires, vague, overbroad, and chilling to free speech. Further, the loss of safe harbour does not threaten free expression.
Present Issue over the Intermediaries and Safe Harbour
On Intermediaries: Under Rule 3(1)(b)(v), if the government’s “Fact Check Unit” informs an intermediary that certain information about the government is ‘false’, the intermediary faces a difficult choice: they can either remove the flagged content or defend the user’s right to express their opinion, risking their safe harbour protection in the process.
Here, the intermediaries often prioritize their business interests over the user rights.
They may choose to remove content rather than risk losing their legal protections, effectively sacrificing users’ freedom of expression for their own safety.
On Safe Harbour: Intermediaries can lose the protection under Section 79 of the IT Act if they are aware of illegal activities occurring on their platforms or receive notifications from government agencies about such activities.
Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp serve primarily as hosts for user-generated content.
They do not create this content themselves, which allows them to promote free speech without bearing the same responsibilities as traditional publishers.
Its limitations: True free speech depends on various factors, including access to resources and social dynamics, which can hinder individuals from expressing themselves fully.
Conclusion: While free speech can be reasonably limited, there is no constitutional basis for restricting false or misleading information. The government’s attempt to control narratives about its actions represents censorship and undermines democratic principles, as recognized by the Bombay High Court.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained at the Delhi border on Monday night while leading a group of protesters seeking to petition the Central government for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, along with other demands for greater autonomy for the region.
What is Asymmetrical federalism?
Asymmetrical federalism refers to a system where some regions or states within a country have more autonomy or special provisions than others. This contrasts with symmetrical federalism, where all states or regions have equal powers.
Example in India: The Indian Constitution follows asymmetrical federalism, where certain regions like those under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules or specific northeastern states have special provisions and greater autonomy compared to other states.
Which are the other States seeking constitutional safeguards?
Ladakh: The Union Territory of Ladakh has seen increasing demands for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard its indigenous culture and provide greater autonomy.
Arunachal Pradesh: The state has passed a resolution seeking inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to grant more autonomy to its tribal populations.
Manipur: The Hill Area Committee in Manipur has also demanded inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for its tribal areas, particularly the ‘Hill areas’.
Do the Fifth and Sixth schedules grant areas under them more autonomy?
Fifth Schedule: Grants special protections to ‘scheduled areas’ in 10 states. These areas are governed by Tribes Advisory Councils (TACs) and Governors, who have the power to regulate land transfers, businesses, and the applicability of laws.
Sixth Schedule: Provides greater autonomy to ‘tribal areas’ in four northeastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura) through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
ADCs have more legislative, executive, and financial powers, including the ability to regulate land use, social customs, and taxation.
Why did the British create provisions for ‘excluded’ and ‘partially excluded’ areas?
British Policy of Isolation: To avoid unrest and rebellion among the tribal populations, the British adopted a policy of ‘isolation’ by creating ‘excluded’ and ‘partially excluded’ areas in tribal regions under the Government of India Act, 1935.
Excluded Areas: These were mostly in the northeastern hilly regions, where the Governor had the authority to legislate.
Partially Excluded Areas: These included tribal regions in Central and Eastern India, where laws from central and provincial legislatures were applicable but with modifications, ensuring minimal interference with tribal customs and governance.
Conclusion: The government should initiate meaningful consultations with local stakeholders in regions like Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur to address concerns about cultural preservation and autonomy, ensuring that any constitutional reforms reflect the aspirations of the indigenous populations.
The Uttar Pradesh government has mandated that all food establishments display the names and addresses of their owners and employees. In July, the Supreme Court put a hold on similar orders issued by the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
What are the regulations for selling food in India?
Licensing and Registration: All food businesses must register with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) or obtain a license, depending on their scale of operation. Small-scale vendors are classified as “Petty Food Manufacturers” and must register under specific rules.
Display Requirements: Food business operators are required to prominently display their FSSAI registration certificate or license, including a photo ID, at their premises or vehicles to inform customers about the legitimacy of the food business.
Compliance and Penalties: Non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) can lead to penalties, including fines up to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment for up to six months. Violators may also receive an Improvement Notice, which could result in license suspension or cancellation if not addressed.
What powers do states have to make laws in this regard?
Authority to Make Rules:
Under Section 94(1) of the FSSA, state governments can make rules for food safety after obtaining prior approval from the FSSAI.
Section 94(2) specifies areas where states can legislate, such as additional functions of the Commissioner of Food Safety and other matters requiring state-level rules.
Implementation: The Commissioner of Food Safety, appointed by the state government, is responsible for ensuring the efficient implementation of food safety regulations.
Legislative Approval: Any rules made by the state government must be presented before the state legislature for approval (Section 94(3)).
Can a state government’s directives under FSSA be challenged in court?
Grounds for Challenge: Previous orders from UP and Uttarakhand were contested on grounds that they discriminated against individuals based on religion or caste, violating constitutional rights under Articles 15(1) and 19(1)(g).
Judicial Precedent: In July 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that only competent authorities under the FSSA could issue such directives, limiting police powers in this context
Way forward:
Strengthening Regulatory Framework: There is a need to enhance the regulatory framework by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of state governments and the FSSAI.
Engaging Stakeholders and Public Awareness: The government should engage with food business operators, consumers, and public health experts to foster better understanding and compliance with food safety regulations.
The second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama, a global circumnavigation by sailboat was flagged off by Navy Chief at INS Mandovi in Goa.
AboutNavika Sagar Parikrama:
Details
Expedition
Navika Sagar Parikrama, a maritime expedition by the Indian Navy, aimed at circumnavigating the globe in a sailboat crewed by women officers.
Symbolizes women’s empowerment and Indian maritime traditions.
Objective
Promotes women’s empowerment, gender equality, oceanic research, and Indian maritime traditions.
First Edition
Began on September 10, 2017, with an all-women crew of six officers aboard INSV Tarini.
Completed on May 21, 2018.
Second Edition
Launched on October 2, 2024, with two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., setting sail from INS Mandovi, Goa.
Agencies Involved
Indian Navy: Leading the initiative.
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO): Marine research on microplastics and ferrous content.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Research on large sea mammals.
Sagar Defence: Providing drones for documentation.
Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL): Supplying meals.
Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and Piramal Foundation: Supporting logistics and research.
Route
Divided into five legs with four stopovers:
1. Goa to Fremantle, Australia
2. Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand
3. Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
4. Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa
5. Cape Town to Goa, India
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
Researchers from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in collaboration with researchers from Cornell, Yale, and Columbia has uncovered how a psychedelic drug interacts with the brain to alleviate anxiety.
AboutPsychedelic Drugs
Psychedelic drugs are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.
These drugs often induce hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and enhanced sensory experiences.
They are typically associated with spiritual experiences and have historically been linked with counterculture movements, but they are now being studied for their potential in medical therapies.
Examples of Psychedelic Drugs:
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): Known for causing intense visual hallucinations and altering thoughts, it is one of the most potent psychedelics.
Psilocybin: The active compound found in magic mushrooms, known for creating visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as a deep sense of connection to the environment.
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Often associated with recreational use, but is also being researched for its therapeutic potential, especially in treating PTSD.
DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): Produces powerful, short-lived hallucinatory experiences, sometimes referred to as the “spirit molecule.”
Mescaline: Found in the peyote cactus, mescaline induces hallucinations and altered states of reality.
How do they work?
Psychedelics primarily affect the brain by interacting with the serotonin system, a network of neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, perception, and cognition.
Serotonin Receptors: Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin bind to 5-HT2A receptors, a type of serotonin receptor. This interaction leads to altered perception, enhanced mood, and hallucinations.
Brain Connectivity: They increase communication between different regions of the brain, breaking down normal patterns of activity. This leads to heightened creativity, altered sensory experiences, and a sense of connectedness.
How Psychedelics hold promise for treating Anxiety and Depression?
Reduced Anxiety: They reduce overthinking by dampening activity in the brain’s default mode network.
Emotional Release: Patients experience emotional breakthroughs during psychedelic therapy sessions.
Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics may promote adaptive brain connections, aiding in recovery from chronic stress and depression.
PYQ:
[2018] India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
The construction of wildlife passages and artificial canopy bridges along the India-Bhutan border has been prompted by increased deaths of the endangered golden langur due to road accidents.
About Golden Langur
Details
Identification
Recognizable by the color of their fur, which gives them their name.
Fur color changes with the seasons.
Young langurs are almost pure white.
Geographic Range
Found in Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan year-round.
Inhabits an area bordered by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
Habitat
Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, along with some riverine areas and savannahs in Assam and Bhutan.
Prefers living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
Conservation Status
IUCN: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Habitat
Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila WLS serve as vital habitats.
Fragmented habitats face instability and threats.
PYQ:
[2012] Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
Scientists at Purdue University have figured out how to levitate and spin Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs)in a vacuum.
What are FNDs?
Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs) are stable, non-toxic carbon nanoparticles that emit consistent fluorescence, have a lifespan over 10 nanoseconds, and can be levitated and spun for advanced quantum research applications.
What are their Applications?
Medical Diagnostics: FNDs are used for high-resolution imaging and tracking cells over extended periods due to their non-toxic nature.
Temperature Sensing: FNDs can measure temperatures at the microscale, making them useful for scientific experiments.
Correlative Microscopy: Their fluorescent properties make them ideal for combining different types of imaging techniques.
Sensor Technologies: Due to their sensitivity to acceleration and electric fields, FNDs can be used in industry sensors and gyroscopes for rotation sensing.
Quantum Computing: FNDs doped with nitrogen can be used for quantum superposition experiments and future quantum computing applications.
PYQ:
[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
SEBI has introduced a six-step framework to protect investors and curb speculative trading, specifically targeting futures and options (F&O) trading by reducing volumes on expiry days and limiting retail participation.
What are the Future and Options (F&O)?
Futures are contracts to buy or sell an asset (like stocks, indexes, or commodities) at a predetermined price on a future date.
Options give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a set price before a certain date.
SEBI’s Six-Step F&O Framework (Effective November 2024 – April 2025):
In response to concerns about rising speculative trading, SEBI has outlined six key measures aimed at reducing retail interest in F&O trading:
Upfront collection of options premiums
Intraday monitoring of position limits
Removing calendar spread benefits on expiry day
Increasing the contract size for index derivatives
Rationalizing weekly index derivatives to one benchmark per exchange
Enhancing margin requirements on options expiry days
Key Changes for Retail Investors:
Upfront Collection of Options Premiums: Retail investors must now pay the full premium upfront, limiting their ability to use high leverage in options trading.
Increased Contract Size: The minimum contract size for index derivatives is raised to ₹15 lakhs, reducing speculative retail participation by making it costlier to enter.
Rationalization of Weekly Expiries: Only one benchmark index per exchange can have weekly expiries, lowering speculative trading opportunities and intraday volatility.
Removal of Calendar Spread Benefits: Calendar spreads are no longer allowed on expiry days, discouraging aggressive trading strategies.
Impact on Brokers and Revenue:
Decline in Trading Volumes: Brokers reliant on F&O trading will see reduced volumes due to fewer retail participants and higher barriers to entry.
Revenue Drop in Options Trading: Firms like Zerodha may face a 30-50% revenue drop as retail participation in options decreases.
Shift to Equity Trading: Retail investors may move towards equity trading, causing brokers to adapt their offerings.
Adaptation for Brokers: Brokers with a balanced mix of cash and derivatives will be less impacted, while those focused on F&O need to shift strategies.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. Retail investors through demat account can invest in ‘Treasury Bills’ and ‘Government of India Debt Bonds’ in primary market.
2. The ‘Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching’ is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The ‘Central Depository Services Ltd.’ Is jointly promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
As the Supreme Court hears petitions about the alleged adulteration of ghee in Lord Venkateswara’s Laddu Prasadam, many religious organizations have renewed their demand to free temples from government control.
How are Religious Places managed in India?
Muslim and Christian places of worship are managed by community-run boards or trusts.
Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist temples are often under government control.
Hindu temples make up the majority of the 30 lakh places of worship in India (2011 census).
Under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, the government can regulate economic, financial, or secular activities associated with religious practices.
This allows the state to enact laws concerning the administration of Hindu religious institutions.
Examples of Government Control:
Tamil Nadu: The state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department manages temples.
Andhra Pradesh: The state controls the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including the Tirupati Temple.
Jammu and Kashmir: Enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988, specifically to manage the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu.
A portion of the income from offerings and donations is used for:
Temple administration
Maintenance of smaller temples
Welfare activities, including hospitals, schools, orphanages, and secular education.
Historical Context of Government Control Over Temples
Ancient India: Temples have historically received land and wealth donations from kings and nobles, becoming centers of culture and economy. Larger temples often promoted agriculture and irrigation.
Medieval Period: Many temples were attacked and pillaged by invaders due to their immense wealth.
Colonial Era: Between 1810 and 1817, the East India Company enacted laws in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay to regulate temples and prevent the misuse of temple income and endowments.
Colonial Laws:
Religious Endowments Act, 1863: Gave control of temples to committees, but the government maintained influence through judicial jurisdiction and other laws.
Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1925: Empowered provincial governments to oversee temple endowments and gave substantial powers to commissioners.
Post-Independence Laws:
After Independence, many states enacted laws based on the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951, which gave the government supervision over temples and allowed the appointment of an Executive Officer to manage temple affairs.
A similar law was passed in Bihar around the same time.
Demand for Freeing Temples from Government Control
1959: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) passed its first resolution demanding that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple be returned to Hindus.
1988: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) of the RSS called on state governments to hand over temples to representatives of Hindu devotees, arguing that government control was unfair and aimed at controlling temple funds.
2021: The VHP passed a resolution in Faridabad demanding a central law to free temples from government control.
Legal Position on Temple Control
Courts have generally upheld government control over temples, although there have been arguments in favor of freeing temples.
Key Judgments:
1954 Shirur Mutt Case: The Supreme Court ruled that a law transferring control of religious institutions to another authority violates Article 26(d), which guarantees the right to manage religious property. However, the state can regulate the administration of religious or charitable institutions.
Ratilal Panachand Gandhi vs. The State of Bombay (1954): The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to manage religious institutions is fundamental, but the state can regulate trust properties through valid laws.
Pannalal Bansilal Pitti vs. State Of Andhra Pradesh (1996): The Supreme Court upheld a law abolishing hereditary rights over temple management and rejected the argument that such laws must apply equally to all religions.
Recent Case:
In 2022, lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay filed a petition in the Supreme Court to free temples from government control. The SC remarked that under the current system, temples cater to broader social needs, and reversing this would return temples to their previous state as centers of wealth. Upadhyay withdrew his petition.
PYQ:
[2019] What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of Secularism?
[2016] How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.
