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  • What is Medicines Patent Pool (MPP)?

    medicine

    Central Idea

    • The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) has entered into sub-licence agreements with Indian and Indonesian companies to produce generic versions of the cancer drug Nilotinib.
    • Nilotinib is used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer.

    What is Medicines Patent Pool (MPP)?

    • Mission and Purpose: The MPP is a United Nations-backed organization focused on increasing access to life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries.
    • Addressing IPR: The MPP works to overcome barriers related to intellectual property rights and patents that limit the availability and affordability of essential medicines.
    • Voluntary Licensing Agreements: The MPP negotiates voluntary licensing agreements with pharmaceutical companies to allow the production of generic versions of patented medicines.
    • Production of Affordable Generics: By securing licenses, the MPP enables qualified manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries to produce and distribute affordable generic medicines.

    Need for MPP

    • Collaborative Approach: The MPP collaborates with governments, non-profit organizations, civil society groups, and pharmaceutical companies to address global health challenges and promote access to medicines.
    • Focus on Priority Diseases: The MPP’s efforts are particularly significant in diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and other priority areas where access to affordable medications is crucial.
    • Sustainable Supply of Generic Medicines: Through licensing agreements, the MPP ensures a sustainable supply of quality-assured generic medicines, promoting market competition and expanding treatment options.
    • Improving Health Outcomes: The MPP’s work reduces the burden of high drug costs and enhances access to life-saving treatments, ultimately improving health outcomes and saving lives.
    • Benefit for Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The MPP’s initiatives directly benefit patients in low- and middle-income countries by increasing access to affordable medicines and reducing disparities in healthcare.

    Recent agreements signed

    • Licence Agreement with Novartis: In October 2022, the MPP signed a licence agreement with Novartis Pharma AG, the Switzerland-based pharmaceutical corporation that holds the patent for Nilotinib.
    • First Sub-Licence Agreements: The recent sub-licence agreements with Indian companies Eugia, Hetero, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, along with the Indonesian firm BrightGene, mark the first such agreements for a cancer treatment drug by the MPP.

    Benefits

    • Generic Versions of Nilotinib: The licensed manufacturers can produce generic versions of Nilotinib.
    • Manufacturing: The selected manufacturers have the rights to manufacture generic Nilotinib in India and seven middle-income countries.
    • Supply in 44 Territories: The non-exclusive licence agreement allows for the supply of generic Nilotinib in 44 territories covered by the agreement, subject to local regulatory authorisation.
    • Affordable Treatment Option: Charles Gore, the executive director of the MPP, states that the production of generic Nilotinib will provide an affordable treatment option for people diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in the covered countries.
    • Increasing Access to Cancer Medication: The MPP’s initiative aims to improve access to essential cancer medications by reducing costs and increasing availability.

  • What are Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs)?

    lab grown diamond ldg

    Central Idea

    • During PM Modi’s state visit to the US, he presented First Lady Jill Biden with a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond as a gift.
    • Lab-grown diamonds, also known as LGDs, have gained popularity in recent years due to their ethical and environmental advantages over mined diamonds.
    The diamond, a gift for First Lady Jill Biden, was gifted in a papier mache box. “Known as kar-e-kalamdani, Kashmir’s exquisite papier mache involves sakthsazi or meticulous preparation of paper pulp and naqqashi, where skilled artisans paint elaborate designs,” a statement from the MEA said.

    What is Lab-Grown Diamond (LGD)?

    • Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds created using technology that simulates the natural geological processes of diamond formation.
    • Unlike diamond simulants, such as Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia, LGDs possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.

    Ethical and Environmental Advantages

    • LGDs are considered socially and environmentally responsible alternatives to mined diamonds.
    • Their production avoids the socially exploitative aspects of diamond mining and reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional mining practices.

    Characteristics of gifted diamond

    • Carat Weight: The diamond weighs 7.5 carats. Carat weight refers to the size and weight of the diamond, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams.
    • Origin: The diamond is created in a laboratory using advanced technology and does not come from natural diamond mining.
    • Certification: The diamond has been certified by the Gemological Lab, IGI (International Gemological Institute). Certification ensures that the diamond meets industry standards for quality and authenticity.
    • Cutting and Polishing: The diamond is expertly cut and polished to enhance its brilliance and visual appeal. The precise craftsmanship and attention to detail result in a well-cut and faceted diamond.

    Methods of LGD Production

    (A) High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) Method:

    • This common method involves subjecting a diamond seed, typically made of graphite, to extreme pressures and temperatures to transform it into a diamond.
    • HPHT requires heavy presses capable of generating immense pressure (up to 730,000 psi) and temperatures exceeding 1500 degrees Celsius.

    (B) Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Explosive Formation:

    • CVD involves the deposition of carbon atoms onto a diamond seed using a gas mixture, resulting in the growth of a diamond layer.
    • Explosive formation, known as detonation nano-diamonds, utilizes explosive reactions to create tiny diamond particles.

    Properties and Applications of LGDs

    • Optical Properties and Durability: LGDs possess similar optical dispersion to natural diamonds, giving them the characteristic sparkle. Their durability makes them suitable for industrial applications, such as cutters and tools.
    • Enhanced Properties and Industrial Uses: LGDs can have their properties enhanced for specific purposes, such as high thermal conductivity and negligible electrical conductivity. These properties make LGDs valuable for electronics, acting as heat spreaders for high-power laser diodes and transistors.

    Impact on the Diamond Industry

    (A) Sustainable Growth in the Jewellery Industry

    • As natural diamond reserves decline, LGDs are gradually replacing mined diamonds in the jewelry sector.
    • The production processes for LGDs, including cutting and polishing, align with established practices in the diamond industry.

    (B) India’s Diamond Industry

    • The rise of LGDs is unlikely to significantly impact India’s diamond industry, which specializes in polishing and cutting diamonds.
    • India’s established diamond industry can continue to thrive while incorporating LGDs as part of its offerings.

    Commercial LGD Production in India: InCent-LGD

    • In the Union Budget 23-24, a 5-year research grant was announced for an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with the aim of encouraging the development of LGD machinery, seeds, and recipes.
    • It would establish the India Centre for Lab Grown Diamond (InCent-LGD) at IIT Madras.
    • The primary aim of InCent-LGD is to provide technical assistance to domestic industries and entrepreneurs, fostering indigenous manufacturing of Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure and High Temperature (HPHT) systems.
    • The project seeks to expand the Lab-Grown Diamond (LGD) business by offering affordable technology to start-ups, creating employment opportunities, and boosting LGD exports.

    Economic significance of LGDs

    • The Gems and Jewellery sector contributes approximately 9% to India’s total merchandise exports and plays a crucial role in the economy.
    • LGD have emerged as a notable technological development in the industry, finding applications not only in jewellery but also in sectors like computer chips, satellites, 5G networks, defense, optics, and thermal & medical industries.
    • The global LGD diamond market, valued at $1 billion in 2020, is expected to grow rapidly, reaching $5 billion by 2025 and surpassing $15 billion by 2035.

  • In news: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations (HSCT)

    stem cell

    Central Idea: A celebrity couple publicly announced that they had chosen to preserve her baby’s cord blood just a few days before her baby girl was born.

    What is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)?

    • What is it? : HSCT is a medical procedure used to treat various disorders affecting the blood, immune system, and metabolism.
    • Source of Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Hematopoietic stem cells, which have the ability to develop into different blood cell types, can be obtained from sources such as bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood.
    • Autologous, Allogeneic, and Haploidentical Transplantation: HSCT can involve the use of the patient’s own stored cord blood (autologous), stem cells from a compatible donor (allogeneic), or partially matched stem cells from a family member (haploidentical).
    • Procedure Steps: HSCT involves the destruction or suppression of the patient’s abnormal or deficient hematopoietic cells, followed by the infusion of healthy stem cells.
    • Commonly Treated Conditions: HSCT is commonly used to treat conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, inherited immune system disorders, and metabolic disorders.

  • What is MATSYA-6000?

    matsya

    Central idea

    • Hope Dwindling for Titan Submersible: The Titan submersible lost all crew in an underwater implosion.
    • Indigenous Indian Submersible: Indian scientists are preparing to undertake a similar dive in an indigenous vehicle called Matsya-6000.

    What is Samudrayaan Mission?

    • Samudrayaan is a mega mission related to the ocean/sea-launched in October 2021.
    • It is aimed to develop “a self-propelled manned submersible to carry three human beings to a water depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean with a suite of scientific sensors and tools for deep ocean exploration.
    • It seeks to carry out deep ocean exploration of non-living resources such as polymetallic manganese nodules, gas hydrates, hydro-thermal sulfides, and cobalt crusts, located at a depth between 1000 and 5500 meters.

    About MATSYA 6000

    • Developed indigenously, MATSYA 6000 is a manned submersible vehicle.
    • It will facilitate the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in conducting deep ocean exploration.
    • It has an endurance of 12 hours of operational period and 96 hours in case of emergency, according to the ANI news agency.
    • The manned submersible will allow scientific personnel to observe and understand unexplored deep-sea areas by direct intervention.

    Design specifications

    • Titanium Enclosure: Matsya-6000 features a titanium casing on the front and back, chosen over carbon fiber for enhanced safety.
    • Syntactic Foam: The submersible is equipped with syntactic foam, a flotation device that helps determine its location even if it cannot resurface.

    Need for such a mission

    • Huge coastline: India has a unique maritime position, a 7517 km long coastline, which is home to nine coastal states and 1,382 islands.
    • Blue Economy: The mission aims to boost the Central government’s vision of ‘New India’ that highlights the Blue Economy as one of the ten core dimensions of growth.
    • Coastal Economy: For India, with its three sides surrounded by the oceans and around 30% of the nation’s population living in coastal areas and coastal regions play a major economic factor. It supports fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods, and blue trade.

    Lessons learned from Titan Submersible

    • Precautions in Place: The Indian scientists working on Matsya-6000 assure multiple back-up safety measures for the crew.
    • Safety System Reviews: There may be reviews of the employed safety systems in light of the Titan submersible incident.
    • Test Dives and Depth Limit: Prior to the main dives, NIOT divers will undertake test dives up to 500 meters inside a steel submersible.
    • Titanium vs. Steel: Titanium, being stronger yet lighter than steel, is preferred for resurfacing ease and balancing extreme ocean depths.
    • Spherical Hull Perfection: The submersible’s hull must be perfectly spherical to evenly distribute extreme pressure at ocean depths.

    Impact on Safety Measures

    • Reviewing Safety Measures: The incident involving the Titan submersible prompts a reevaluation and rechecking of safety measures for the Matsya-6000 mission.
    • Incorporating Lessons Learned: The accident serves as a learning opportunity to enhance the safety and reliability of the upcoming Indian mission.

  • Critical Jet Engine GE-414 Deal Signed

    jet engine

    Central Idea

    • During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official State visit to the United States, a significant agreement is likely to be announced.
    • The deal is expected to facilitate the transfer of at least 11 critical jet engine technologies.

    GE-414 Engine Deal

    • An agreement is expected between General Electric (GE), an American multinational corporation, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India.
    • The agreement aims to enable the licensed manufacture of GE’s F414 engine in India for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2.
    • The F414 engine is part of GE’s suite of military aircraft engines and has been utilized by the US Navy for over 30 years.
    • It boasts a track record of over 1,600 engines delivered, accumulating more than 5 million engine flight hours across various missions.

    Features and Advancements of the F414 Engine

    • The F414 engine belongs to the thrust class of 22,000 lb or 98 kN and incorporates advanced technologies such as Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC).
    • GE’s highlights the engine’s use of advanced materials and cooling techniques, improving performance and extending component life.

    F414-Powered Jets and their Significance

    • Eight nations, including the US, have aircraft powered by F414 engines, such as the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA18G Growler, as well as Saab’s Gripen E/F fighters.
    • The manufacturer’s website suggests the potential use of F414 engines for emerging platforms like the Korean KF-X.

    India-Specific Version: F414-INS6

    • The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) selected the F414-INS6 engine for the LCA Tejas Mk2.
    • The LCA Tejas currently employs the GE-404-IN20 engine, which is a derivative of the GE-404 engine developed in the 1970s.

    Future Prospects: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

    • F414 engines may also be considered for the prototypes and initial batch of India’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
    • AMCA is a potential recipient of the engine, although it might face competition from other engine manufacturers.

    Significance of the Deal

    • Only a few countries, including the US, Russia, the UK, and France, possess the necessary technology and metallurgy for manufacturing engines that power combat aircraft.
    • Despite India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies, the country has not yet achieved mastery in manufacturing such engines.

  • New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) in Climate Financing

    bonn climate

    Central Idea

    • The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) has emerged as a significant commitment in global climate financing at the recently-concluded Bonn climate conference in Germany.
    • The conference, which sets the stage for the upcoming Conference of Parties-28 (COP28) in Dubai, has exposed significant gaps in funding for climate action.

    Conference of Parties (COP)

    • The Conference of Parties (COP) is a key international event where countries come together to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
    • It is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
    • The COP brings together representatives from various countries to assess progress, negotiate agreements, and establish international climate policies and commitments.
    • The first COP took place in 1995 in Berlin, Germany, following the adoption of the UNFCCC in 1992.
    • Since then, the COP has been held annually, with each event designated by a specific number (e.g., COP21, COP22) indicating the sequential order.

     

    What is New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)?

    • The commitment of $100 billion per year till 2020 to developing nations by developed countries was set at the 2009 COP.
    • The cost estimates for addressing climate change indicate that billions, and possibly trillions, of dollars are required.
    • The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement emphasized the need for a NCQG for climate financing before 2025.
    • The NCGQ aims to account for the needs and priorities of developing nations and has been termed the “most important climate goal.”
    • It should reflect scientific evidence, respond to increased funding requirements for Loss and Damage, and involve developed countries increasing their commitments.

    Need for NCQG

    • Developed countries provided $83.3 billion in 2020 out of the promised $100 billion per year.
    • However, an analysis by Oxfam suggests that these figures may be inflated by as much as 225% due to misleading and dishonest reporting.
    • The $100 billion target set in 2009 lacked clarity in terms of the definition and source of ‘climate finance.’

    Challenges and Concerns

    (A) Accessibility and Sustainability of Climate Finance

    • While the funds for climate finance have increased, they remain largely inaccessible to developing countries.
    • The majority of climate finance comes in the form of loans and equity, burdening developing nations with a debilitating debt crisis.
    • Only around 5% of climate finance is provided as grants, which severely limits the capacity of countries in need.

    (B) Developed Countries’ Perspective

    • Developed countries argue that the NCQG should be seen as a collective goal for all countries.
    • This perspective places the burden of mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage on developing countries.
    • Experts raise concerns that developing nations may struggle to bear the costs while also ensuring sustainable infrastructure development.
    • Developed countries advocate for mobilizing private-sector investments and loans as a critical component of climate finance.

    Future roadmap

    • A deadline looms for countries to agree on the NCQG before 2024.
    • While there is no official figure yet, estimates suggest that transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires annual investments of $4 trillion to $6 trillion.
    • Some propose setting separate targets or sub-goals for focus areas like mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage instead of a single aggregate figure.
    • The focus should be on scaling up concessional financing, halting debt creation, and transforming the NCQG into an equitable and people-led transition process.

  • Key Findings from the Gender Gap Report, 2023

    gender gap

    Central Idea

    • India climbed eight places to rank 127 among 146 countries in the Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum.
    • Improvement in India’s ranking from 2022 and partial recovery towards 2020 parity levels.

    What is Global Gender Gap Report?

    • The Global Gender Gap (GGG) Report is an index designed to measure gender equality.
    • It was first published in 2006 by the World Economic Forum.

    Key Areas of Analysis:

    1. Economic participation and opportunity: Examines salary levels, workforce participation, and access to high-skilled employment.
    2. Educational attainment: Assesses access to basic and higher education for both genders.
    3. Political empowerment: Measures representation of women in decision-making structures.
    4. Health and survival: Considers life expectancy and sex ratio, accounting for differences in mortality rates.
    • On each of the four sub-indices as well as on the overall index the GGG index provides scores between 0 and 1, where 1 shows full gender parity and 0 is complete imparity.
    • It is the longest-standing index, which tracks progress towards closing these gaps over time since its inception in 2006

    India’s Ranking and Progress

    • In 2022, India was ranked 135, indicating an improvement of 1.4 percentage points towards its 2020 parity level.
    • India has closed 64.3% of the overall gender gap, showcasing progress in various areas.
    • However, economic participation and opportunity in India achieved only 36.7% parity.
    • India has achieved parity in enrolment across all levels of education.

    Comparison and Regional Context

    • Pakistan ranked 142, Bangladesh at 59, China at 107, Nepal at 116, Sri Lanka at 115, and Bhutan at 103.
    • Iceland remains the most gender-equal country, with over 90% of its gender gap closed.
    • Southern Asia achieved 63.4% gender parity, the second-lowest among the eight regions.

    Challenges and Areas of Concern in India:

    • Despite some improvement in wage parity, the representation of women in senior positions and technical roles declined.
    • Political empowerment in India showed 25.3% parity, with women comprising 15.1% of MPs.
    • Notably, 18 countries, including India, have achieved women’s representation of over 40% in local governance.

    Efforts and Impact

    • Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani highlighted the importance of women’s participation in local government bodies, which was acknowledged by the WEF.
    • India saw a 1.9 percentage point improvement in the sex ratio at birth, contributing to increased parity after more than a decade.

  • NATO+5 Status and India

    nato

    Central Idea

    • As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Washington, the US Senate is set to introduce legislation that aims to grant India ‘NATO plus five’ defence status.
    • However, India’s External Affairs Minister has already rejected this framework for India.

    What is NATO Plus?

    • NATO Plus is a coalition consisting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and five countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
    • The primary objective of this group is to enhance global defense cooperation.
    • Membership in NATO Plus would offer several advantages to India, including seamless intelligence sharing among member countries, access to cutting-edge military technology without delays, and a strengthened defense partnership with the United States.

    North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

    • NATO is an alliance composed of 31 North American and European countries with shared values and interests.
    • The organization was established through the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, also known as the Washington Treaty, on April 4, 1949.
    • The main purpose of NATO is to safeguard peace and ensure the territorial integrity, political independence, and security of its member states.
    • Article Five of the treaty stipulates that an armed attack against one member shall be considered an attack against all members, and the alliance will provide assistance, including the use of armed forces if necessary.
    • NATO’s headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium.

    Why is the US keen to introduce India to NATO?

    The US is keen to introduce India to NATO for these reasons:

    • Counterbalancing China: India’s inclusion in NATO would help counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Strengthening defense ties: It would deepen defense cooperation between the US and India.
    • Enhancing regional stability: India’s participation would contribute to regional stability and improve defense capabilities.
    • Expanding NATO’s reach: Including India would expand NATO’s global presence and address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Promoting a rules-based order: It aligns with shared values of democracy, human rights, and freedom of navigation.

    Benefits if India’s ever joins

    Joining NATO + 5 would offer several advantages to India, including:

    • Enhanced security cooperation: India would benefit from increased security cooperation and intelligence sharing with NATO and its five partner countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
    • Access to advanced military technology: India would gain access to the latest military technologies and equipment through streamlined transfer processes, allowing for quicker modernization of its defense forces.
    • Strengthened defense partnership: Becoming a member of NATO + 5 would further strengthen India’s defense partnership with the United States and other NATO allies, leading to closer collaboration on various defense initiatives.
    • Improved regional security: India’s participation in NATO + 5 would contribute to regional security, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, by fostering cooperation among like-minded countries to address common security challenges.
    • Enhanced deterrence against adversaries: Being part of this defense framework would enhance India’s deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries, particularly in light of increasing security threats in the region.

    Details of the Bill

    • The proposed legislation seeks to upgrade India-U.S. defence ties by adding India to this arrangement, enabling the transfer of defence equipment with minimal bureaucratic interference.
    • The move comes following a recommendation from a U.S. House of Representatives committee on China, suggesting India’s inclusion in the club.

    India’s Response

    • India’s External Affairs Minister stated that the proposed template does not apply to India, appreciating the sentiment but clarifying that it was not suitable for the country.
    • The distinction between India and the proposed framework is well understood by the Biden administration.

    Reasons for India’s Denial

    India is unlikely to join ‘NATO-Plus’ for the following reasons:

    • Non-aligned policy: India has traditionally pursued a non-aligned foreign policy, which prioritizes strategic autonomy and avoids formal military alliances.
    • Regional partnerships: India prefers forging strategic partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region based on shared interests, rather than joining broad-based military alliances.
    • Unique security challenges: India faces specific security challenges in its region and tailors its defense priorities accordingly, making a broad military alliance less suitable for its needs.
    • Diverse foreign policy objectives: India pursues a multi-faceted foreign policy approach, focusing on a range of objectives beyond security alliances, such as economic cooperation and climate change.
    • Avoiding provoking China: India seeks to manage its relationship with China pragmatically and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, making joining a US-led military alliance potentially provocative.

  • What is Habeas Corpus Petition?

    habeas corpus

    Central Idea: The Madras High Court has accepted a request made on behalf of a Minister’s wife, for an urgent hearing of a habeas corpus petition filed by her accusing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of not having followed due procedure while arresting her husband early.

    Habeas Corpus: A Safeguard for Personal Liberty

    1. Definition: Habeas corpus is a legal recourse that enables individuals to challenge unlawful detentions or imprisonments by reporting them to a court.
    2. Purpose: It allows individuals to request the court to order the custodian, typically a prison official, to present the detained person before the court and determine the legality of the detention.
    3. Applicability in India: In India, the power to issue a writ of habeas corpus is vested in the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
    4. Quick Remedy: Habeas corpus is considered an effective means of promptly addressing the loss of personal liberty without legal justification.

    Article 32: Right to Constitutional Remedies

    1. Fundamental Right: Article 32 of the Constitution of India affirms the right to constitutional remedies, granting individuals the right to approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their fundamental rights.
    2. Scope: It empowers the Supreme Court to issue directions, orders, or writs to uphold the rights conferred in Part III of the Constitution.
    3. Suspension: The right guaranteed by Article 32 cannot be suspended except under specific provisions mentioned in the Constitution, such as during a state of emergency.
    4. Significance: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described Article 32 as the soul and heart of the Constitution, emphasizing its crucial role in safeguarding rights.

    Rights Protected by Article 32

    1. Inclusion in Part III: Article 32 is listed alongside other fundamental rights in Part III of the Constitution, including the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, life and personal liberty, and freedom of religion.
    2. Direct Approach to Supreme Court: Under Article 32, individuals can directly approach the Supreme Court only when any of their fundamental rights are violated.

    Types of Writs under Article 32

    1. Habeas Corpus: Pertains to personal liberty in cases of illegal detention and wrongful arrest.
    2. Mandamus: Directs public officials, governments, and courts to perform their statutory duties.
    3. Quo Warranto: Requires a person to demonstrate the authority by which they hold a public office.
    4. Prohibition: Orders judicial or quasi-judicial authorities to halt proceedings beyond their jurisdiction.
    5. Certiorari: Allows the re-examination of orders issued by judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative authorities.

    Remedy Hierarchy and Fundamental Rights Violations

    • Civil or Criminal Matters: In civil or criminal cases, individuals first approach trial courts, followed by appeals to the High Courts and the Supreme Court.
    • Violation of Fundamental Rights: In cases of fundamental rights violations, individuals have the option to approach the High Court under Article 226 or directly approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 for redress.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q. Which of the following is included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

    1. Disputes between the Government of India and one or more States
    2. A dispute regarding elections to either the House of the Parliament or the of Legislature of a State
    3. A dispute between the Government of India and the Union Territory
    4. A dispute between two or more States.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 3 and 4

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”1j13rdmirv” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

    Back2Basics: Comparison of Writs

    Meaning Purpose Issued When Important Judgments Limitations

    Habeas Corpus

    		 “You have the Body” Protection of personal liberty and freedom from unlawful detention Unlawful detention without authority of law Kerala Habeas Corpus case, ADM Jabalpur v. Shivakant Shukla Cannot be issued if detention is lawful or authorized by a competent court

    Quo Warranto

    		 “By what means” Challenging the right to hold a public office In cases of public offices Ashok Pandey v. Mayawati, G.D. Karkare v. T.L. Shevde Cannot be issued for private organizations or if the office is not substantive

    Mandamus

    		 “We Command” Ensuring correct performance of mandatory duties For correct performance of legal duties Rashid Ahmad v. Municipal Board, Binny Ltd. v. V. Sadasivan Not issued against the President or Governor

    Certiorari

    		 “To be certified” Correcting errors of jurisdiction and procedure Wrongful exercise of jurisdiction or procedural errors Surya Dev Rai v. Ram Chander Rai, T.C. Basappa v. T. Nagappa Cannot be issued against individuals, private authorities, or for amendment of an Act

    Prohibition

    		 “To stop” Preventing an inferior court from exceeding its jurisdiction Lower court exceeds jurisdiction or acts contrary to law East India Commercial Co. v. Collector of Customs, Bengal Immunity Co. Ltd Not issued if the court is acting within its jurisdiction or for administrative functions

     

  • National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)

    nixi

    Central Idea: The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) marked its 20th Foundation Day.

    What is NIXI?

    • NIXI is a not-for-profit Organization under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 and was registered on 19th June 2003.
    • It’s an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) vision 1000 days.
    • It is tasked with increasing Internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating infrastructure aspects.

    NIXI provides four key services:

    1. Internet Exchange Points: NIXI sets up and manages Internet Exchange Points, which enhance Internet connectivity and the exchange of data.
    2. .IN Registry: NIXI oversees the .in domain digital identity, promoting its adoption and growth.
    3. IRINN: NIXI facilitates the adoption of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses through its Internet Registry and Information Network.
    4. Data Centre Services: NIXI-CSC offers secure and reliable data storage services, further strengthening the digital ecosystem.

    Key initiatives of NIXI

    • IPv6 Expert Panel (IP Guru): A joint effort of DOT, MeitY, and the community to support Indian entities in adopting IPv6.
    • NIXI Academy: Created to educate people in India on technologies like IPv6 that are not typically taught in educational institutes.
    • NIXI-IP-INDEX: Developed an IPv6 index portal to showcase the adoption rate in India and worldwide.