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Distribution: yearly

  • Why AI’s present and future bring some serious environmental concerns?

    Why in the News? 

    Google is in the news due to its recent annual environment report, which revealed a 13% increase in its emissions footprint for 2023 compared to the previous year.

    Why Emissions are higher?

    • Increased Electricity Consumption: Google reported a 13% increase in its emissions footprint in 2023, primarily due to a 17% rise in electricity consumption in its data centres.
    • Energy-Intensive AI Operations: AI models require significantly more computational power than traditional searches, leading to higher energy consumption. For instance, a single AI query can use 10 to 33 times more energy than a standard Google search.
    • Cooling Demands: The increased workload from AI operations generates more heat, necessitating stronger cooling systems in data centers leading to a high demand of water.

    Indian Scenario

    • Growing Demand for Data Centers: As AI and data center deployment increases in India, the environmental impact, particularly in terms of electricity and water consumption, is expected to rise.
    • Water Resource Strain: Data centers require significant water for cooling. For example, a data center serving OpenAI’s GPT-4 model reportedly consumed 6% of its district’s water supply in Iowa, highlighting there could be potential challenges in water-scarce regions like India.
    • Need for Sustainable Practices: The experts advise the importance of planning AI and data center expansion in India to minimize environmental impacts. Companies must adopt efficient processes to reduce their emissions footprint.

    The initiative taken by Govt to regulate AI

    • National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: In 2018, NITI Aayog released a discussion paper outlining India’s National Strategy for AI.
    • Draft Personal Data Protection Bill: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a draft Personal Data Protection Bill in 2019 which had provisions related to data used for AI systems.
    • Ethical AI Principles: In 2021, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a set of “Ethical AI Principles” as part of India’s AI governance framework
    • Regulatory Sandbox for AI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has created a regulatory sandbox to test AI applications in the financial sector.
    • AI Skilling and Research: The government has launched initiatives like the National AI Portal, AI Hackathons, and AI Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation (AIRAWAT) to promote AI research and skills in the country.

    Alternatives for Government Action (Way Forward) 

    • Promote Energy Efficiency: The government can encourage data centers to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices. This includes optimizing cooling systems and utilizing renewable energy sources to power operations.
    • Regulatory Framework: Need to implement regulations that require data centres to report their energy and water consumption can help monitor and manage their environmental impact.
    • Investment in Renewable Energy: The government should promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to power data centers.
    • Research and Development: Government should support R&D in sustainable AI technologies and energy-efficient data processing can help mitigate the environmental impact of AI deployment.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns: The need to educate businesses and the public about the environmental impacts of AI and data centres can foster more sustainable practices and encourage responsible usage of technology.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss  (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • How oil spills impact the environment?  

    Why in the news?

    Typhoon Gaemi caused widespread damage in Taiwan, the Philippines, and southeastern China, leading to the sinking of the oil tanker MT Terra Nova in Manila Bay.

    MT Terra Nova Incident

    • The MT Terra Nova, an oil tanker, capsized in Manila Bay due to severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Gaemi. It was en route to Iloilo, Philippines, when it sank, resulting in one crew member’s death and the rescue of 16 others.
    • The sinking of the MT Terra Nova has raised alarms about a potential oil spill that could become the largest in Philippine history, threatening marine life and coastal ecosystems. The spill has already spread several kilometers, prompting urgent containment efforts.
    • The Philippines’ Coast Guard and other agencies are deploying containment booms and skimmers to mitigate the environmental damage. Booms are used to slow the spread of oil, while skimmers are boats that remove oil from the water surface.

    How Oil Spills impact the environment? 

    • Immediate Effects on Marine Life: Oil spills disrupt photosynthesis in marine plants and phytoplankton, which are crucial for oxygen production. The toxic exposure from oil can harm fish and other marine animals, particularly those near the surface.
    • Impact on Birds: Oil can coat the feathers of birds, compromising their insulation and leading to hypothermia and drowning.
    • Long-term Ecological Damage: Oil spills can result in bioaccumulation of toxic substances in the food chain, affecting higher-level predators, including humans.
    • Threat to Coastal Ecosystems: Coastal habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and marshlands are especially vulnerable, as oil can suffocate these environments and kill vital plants and animals. Recovery from spills can take decades, with some species facing extinction.
    • Economic Impact: Communities that rely on fishing and tourism suffer economically due to oil spills, as cleanup efforts are costly and lengthy, diverting resources from other critical areas.

    Major Oil Spills from the Past

    • Exxon Valdez Spill (1989): One of the worst oil spills, it released approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, killing an estimated 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, and numerous other marine animals.  
    • Deepwater Horizon Disaster (2010): This incident saw an estimated 210 million gallons of oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days.  

    Conclusion: Need to implement advanced containment measures and cleanup technologies to effectively manage oil spills. This includes deploying more sophisticated skimmers and absorbent materials, as well as utilizing drones and remote sensing to monitor the spread of oil and assess environmental damage.

  • High Court Judges’ Appointment under process: Centre

    Why in the News?

    The Union government has said that 219 proposals for the appointment of High Court judges by the Collegium are in various stages of processing.

    What is Collegium System?

    • The collegium system is the method used for the appointment and transfer of judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts of India.
    •  It is the Indian Supreme Court’s invention.
    • The term ‘Collegium’ does not find mention in the Constitution.
    • Constitutional Provisions:
      • Article 124: The President appoints the Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court after consultations with judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts as deemed necessary.
      • Article 217: The President appoints High Court judges after consultations with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the state, and the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned

    Composition:

    1. Supreme Court Collegium:
      • A five-member body.
      • Headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
      • Includes the four other senior most judges of the Supreme Court at that time.
    2. High Court Collegium:
      • Led by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court.
      • Includes the two senior most judges of that High Court.
      • Recommendations for appointments by a High Court collegium are sent to the government only after approval by the CJI and the Supreme Court collegium.

    Evolution: Three Judges Cases

    • First Judges Case (1981) ruled that the “consultation” with the CJI in the matter of appointments must be full and effective.
      • The Supreme Court, in a majority decision, held that the opinion of the Chief Justice of India is not binding on the executive in the matter of appointments and transfers of judges. The court ruled that the executive has primacy in judicial appointments.
    • Second Judges Case (1993) introduced the Collegium system, holding that “consultation” really meant “concurrence”.
      • The Supreme Court, by a majority of 7:2, overruled the First Judges Case and held that the CJI’s opinion regarding judicial appointments and transfers should be given primacy.
      • The court established that the CJI should consult with the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court before making recommendations for appointments and transfers, thereby creating a collegium system.
    • Third Judges Case (1998): On a Presidential Reference for its opinion, the Supreme Court, in the Third Judges Case (1998) expanded the Collegium to a five-member body, comprising the CJI and four of his senior-most colleagues.

    The procedure followed by the Collegium:

    Appointment of CJI

    • The President of India appoints the CJI and the other SC judges.
    • As far as the CJI is concerned, the outgoing CJI recommends his successor.
    • In practice, it has been strictly by seniority ever since the supersession controversy of the 1970s.
    • The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the PM who, in turn, advises the President.

    Other SC Judges:

    • For other judges of the top court, the proposal is initiated by the CJI.
    • The CJI consults the rest of the Collegium members, as well as the senior-most judge of the court hailing from the High Court to which the recommended person belongs.
    • The consultees must record their opinions in writing and it should form part of the file.
    • The Collegium sends the recommendation to the Law Minister, who forwards it to the Prime Minister to advise the President.

    For High Courts:

    • The CJs of High Courts are appointed as per the policy of having Chief Justices from outside the respective States. The Collegium takes the call on the elevation.
    • High Court judges are recommended by a Collegium comprising the CJI and two senior-most judges.
    • The proposal, however, is initiated by the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned in consultation with two senior-most colleagues.
    • The recommendation is sent to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor to send the proposal to the Union Law Minister.

    Qualifications for Appointment as a Supreme Court Judge:

    According to Article 124(3) of the Constitution, a person can be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court if he or she:

    • Is a citizen of India.
    • Has served as a judge of a High Court for at least five years or in two such courts in succession.
    • Alternatively, has been an advocate of a High Court for at least ten years or in two or more such courts in succession.
    • Is a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.

    Qualifications for Appointment as a High Court Judge:

    • The person must have held a judicial office for at least 10 years in India, or
    • Must have been a practising advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years.
    • The person must be enrolled under the Bar Council of India.

    PYQ:

    [2012] What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

    1. While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India.
    2. The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.
    3. The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.
    4. All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 3 and 4 only

    (c) 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Assam’s Charaideo Moidam included in UNESCO World Heritage List

    Why in the News?

    The Charaideo Moidams, a unique 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty from Assam, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    About Charaideo Moidams

    • The Charaideo moidams represents the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in Assam.
      • Charaideo, more than 400 km east of Guwahati, was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty founded by Chao Lung Sukaphaa in 1253.
    • The Ahoms preferred to place the deceased family members at Charaideo where the first king Sukapha was laid to rest.
    • The historical chronicles inform that wives, attendants, pet animals and huge quantity of valuables were buried with the departed kings.
    • After 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation and began entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a Maidam at Charaideo.
    • Out of 386 Maidams explored so far, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative of and the most complete examples of mound burial tradition of the Ahoms.

    Architecture details:

    • Architecturally it comprises a massive underground vault with one or more chambers having domical superstructure.
    • It is covered by a heap of earthen mound and externally it appears a hemispherical mound.
    • At the top of the mound, a small open pavilion chow-chali is provided.
    • An octagonal dwarf wall encloses whole maidam.

    Significance of this addition:

    • Moidams has become the 43rd property from India to be included in the UNESCO List.
    • India now stands at the 6th position globally for the most number of World Heritage Properties.
    • The Moidams are the first site from the North East to be recognized as a World Heritage Site in the cultural category.
    • Assam has 2 other World Heritage Sites in the natural category: Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, both upgraded to tiger reserves.

    Who were the Ahoms?

    • The Ahom, also known as the Tai-Ahom, are an ethnic group from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India.
    • This ethnic group is made up of interbred descendants of the Tai people, who first came to Assam’s Brahmaputra valley in 1228, and indigenous people who later joined them.
    • The current Ahom people and culture are a mix of the ancient Tai people and culture, as well as indigenous Tibeto-Burman people and cultures that they assimilated in Assam.
    • Sukaphaa, the Tai group’s leader, and his 9000 supporters founded the Ahom empire (1228–1826 CE), which ruled over part of modern-day Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley until 1826.
    • It retained sovereignty for 600 years until annexed by British India in 1826 (Treaty of Yandaboo).
    • Lachit Borphukan (1622-1672) is the most celebrated ruler of Ahom Dynasty.

    Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

    Aspect

    Details
    Definition Sites of outstanding cultural or natural value to humanity, are protected under the UNESCO Convention of 1972.
    Classification
    1. Cultural Heritage Sites: Historic buildings, archaeological sites, monumental sculptures/paintings.
    2. Natural Heritage Sites: Unique geologic processes, rare phenomena, habitats for endangered species.
    3. Mixed Heritage Sites: Both natural and cultural significance.
    Benefits
    • Raises awareness for conservation
    • Provides technical assistance and training
    • Encourages local participation
    • Boosts tourism
    • Offers financial aid and expert advice for preservation
    Criteria for Declaration Cultural Criteria:

    • Human creative genius
    • Interchange of human values
    • Testimony to cultural tradition
    • Significant stage in human history
    • Traditional human settlement
    • Associated with significant events/traditions

    Natural Criteria:

    • Natural beauty and aesthetic importance
    • Earth’s history and geological processes
    • Ecological and biological processes
    • Biodiversity and conservation

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Which one of the following statements is correct?

    (a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.

    (b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.

    (c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.

    (d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
  • [26th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘geo-calculus’ of the Moscow visit

    [26th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘geo-calculus’ of the Moscow visit

    PYQ Relevance:
    Mains:
    Q1 Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (UPSC IAS/2021) 
    Q2 How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?  (UPSC IAS/2021) 

    Prelims: 
    Q Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)
    (a) Japan 
    (b) Russia 
    (c) The United Kingdom 
    (d) The United States of America

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Bordering countries with Russia and China;

    Mains: Geopolitics dynamics as per India;

    Mentor comments:  India-Russia relations have evolved significantly, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bilateral trade surged to approximately $65 billion in 2022, driven by discounted oil imports, which accounted for a substantial portion of trade. Despite Western sanctions, India continues to maintain strong ties with Russia, focusing on energy supplies and defense cooperation. The two nations are exploring new payment mechanisms and investment opportunities to strengthen economic ties. However, India’s diversification in defense procurement poses challenges to this traditional partnership, highlighting the need for a strategic shift in their relationship.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the News? 

    Two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia, marking his first bilateral trip in the government’s third tenure.

    Assessment of the conflict in Ukraine

    • Evolution of the Conflict: The conflict began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and has entered its third year with no clear resolution in sight. Initially expected to be a swift operation, the war has evolved into a prolonged military stalemate.
    • Casualties and Displacement: The war has resulted in significant human costs, with over 10,000 civilians killed and nearly 20,000 wounded according to the United Nations.
      • More than 14 million people have been displaced, with 6 million now living as refugees in various countries.
    • Territorial Control: As of now, Russia controls approximately 17% of Ukrainian territory, a decrease from the 20% occupied early in the conflict. This indicates some resilience on Ukraine’s part despite ongoing military challenges. 
    • Economic Impact: The conflict has imposed heavy economic burdens on both countries. Estimates suggest that Ukraine has suffered losses exceeding $500 billion, while Russia has incurred substantial financial sanctions, losing over $300 billion due to international responses. 
    • Military Stalemate: The military situation has stabilized, with Russia managing to hold its positions in eastern Ukraine. However, Ukraine continues to face shortages of arms and personnel, complicating its counteroffensive efforts. 
    • International Dynamics: The conflict has highlighted divisions within the West regarding support for Ukraine For example, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland have provided significant military aid, while others, such as Germany and France, have been more cautious,
    • Global South Perspective: Many countries in the Global South disapprove of Russia’s actions but also resist unilateral sanctions imposed by Western nations. This reflects a broader geopolitical divide where nations seek to navigate their interests without fully aligning with either side. 
    • Future Prospects: The likelihood of a “frozen conflict” appears to be increasing, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The potential for a peace process, as indicated by upcoming conferences, suggests that diplomatic efforts may be necessary to address the ongoing stalemate. 
    • India’s Position: India has maintained a neutral stance, abstaining from UN votes condemning Russia and increasing its oil imports from Russia. While providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, India has refrained from deeper military or infrastructural support, reflecting its strategic interests in maintaining relations with both Russia and Western nations.

    Geopolitics dynamics as per India:

    • Strategic Autonomy and Geopolitical Signaling: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, following the cancellation of his visit to Astana, Kazakhstan for the SCO Summit, signifies India’s strategic choice to prioritize a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin over a joint appearance with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
    • India’s Strategic Concerns: India aims to maintain Russia as a strategic ally in the face of continuous tensions with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
    • Western Geopolitical Dynamics: The Biden administration has strengthened alliances like AUKUS (Australia-U.K.-U.S.) for nuclear submarines and engaged with “Quad Plus” countries, including New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines leading dilution of the main objective of QUAD.
      • The U.S. hosted the “AP-4” (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan) leaders during the NATO summit in Washington, underscoring its strategic focus in the region.
    • India’s Position within the Quad: India’s reluctance to make the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, U.S.) a strategic concept risks limiting its utility to Indo-Pacific partners compared to other emerging alliances.
    • Broader Geopolitical Strategy: The visit to Russia highlights India’s commitment to its strategic autonomy and the importance of diversifying its strategic options.

    Geo-Economic Thrust of Modi’s Visit to Russia

    • Geo-Economic Thrust of Modi’s Visit to Russia Strengthening Trade Relations: The visit underscores a significant increase in India-Russia trade, which surged by 66% to $65 billion last year, driven largely by discounted Russian oil imports.
    • Focus on Energy Supplies: The joint statement from the Modi-Putin summit emphasized enhancing cooperation in energy supplies, particularly oil and LNG.
    • Circumventing Sanctions: The summit outlined action items aimed at circumventing Western sanctions.
    • Maritime Connectivity: The discussion included plans to operationalize the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor.
    • Defence Cooperation: Despite diversifying its defence procurement, India continues to rely significantly on Russia for military hardware. The visit aimed to address concerns regarding delays in defence supplies.

    Conclusion: India’s strategic autonomy, underscored by Modi’s visit to Russia, focuses on strengthening geo-economic ties, energy cooperation, and diversified alliances, balancing its relations with Russia and the West amidst global conflicts.

  • States have the unlimited right to tax mineral-rich lands    

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court delivered a significant 8:1 judgment affirming that State Legislatures have the power to tax mining lands and quarries, independent of the Parliament’s Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 (MMDR Act).

    About the verdict given by SC      

    • Judgment Overview: The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, stated that states derive their taxing authority from Article 246 and Entry 49 of the State List, which pertains to taxation on lands and buildings.
    • Distinction Between Tax and Royalty: The Court clarified that royalty paid for mining leases is not considered a tax. 
      • Royalty is viewed as a contractual obligation between the mining lessee and the lessor, thus not subject to the same regulatory framework as taxes.
    • Parliamentary Limitations: The judgment emphasised that the MMDR Act cannot impose limitations on state taxation powers regarding mines and quarries. The Court rejected the argument that Entry 50 of the State List allowed Parliament to impose restrictions on state taxes related to mineral rights.
    • Dissenting Opinion: Justice B.V. Nagarathna provided a dissenting opinion, cautioning that allowing states to tax under Entry 49 could lead to double taxation and undermine the specific provisions of Entry 50.

    About the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957

    • The MMDR Act was enacted to regulate the mining sector in India, ensuring the development and conservation of minerals while balancing the interests of the state and the public.
    • The Act provides a comprehensive framework for the licensing and regulation of mines, including provisions for the fixation of royalties on mineral extraction.
    • The Act has been a point of contention regarding the extent of state powers to impose taxes on mineral rights, with arguments that it limits state legislative competence in this area.
    • The Supreme Court’s recent ruling clarifies that the MMDR Act does not restrict state powers to tax mineral rights, thus resolving conflicts arising from previous interpretations of the Act.

    On the division of the power

    • Constitutional Framework: The Constitution of India delineates the distribution of powers between the Centre and the States through the Seventh Schedule, which includes the State List and the Union List.
    • Entry 49 and Entry 50: Entry 49 allows states to levy taxes on lands and buildings, while Entry 50 pertains specifically to taxes on mineral rights, subject to limitations imposed by Parliament.
    • Judicial Clarity: The Supreme Court’s judgment clarifies that states can exercise their taxing powers under both Entries 49 and 50 without interference from the MMDR Act, reinforcing the states’ authority over local resources.

    Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s ruling affirms that states can tax mining lands independently of the MMDR Act, highlighting their authority under Article 246 and Entry 49, despite dissenting concerns about double taxation.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that priniciple is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. 15M

  • India’s illegal coal mining problem      

    Why in the News?

    On July 13, three workers died of asphyxiation inside an illegal coal mine in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district.

    How Prevalent is Illegal Coal Mining in India?

    • Illegal coal mining has led to multiple fatalities, including recent incidents in Gujarat, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, highlighting its prevalence and dangers.
    • There are 10 workers who have died in illegal mining incidents in Gujarat alone this year, showcasing the ongoing risks associated with this activity.
    • Illegal mining is often conducted in abandoned mines or shallow coal seams, particularly in remote areas, where monitoring and enforcement of regulations are weak.

    What are the Legal Frameworks Governing Coal Mining in India?

    • Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973: This act nationalized coal mining in India, regulating who can mine coal and under what conditions.
    • Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act): This central legislation governs the mining sector, detailing processes for acquiring mining licenses and regulating mining activities. It empowers state governments to frame rules to prevent illegal mining.
      • While the MMDR Act provides a framework, the enforcement and regulation of illegal mining fall under state jurisdiction.

    Why is the Responsibility for Addressing Illegal Mining Placed on State Governments?

    • Law and Order Issue: Illegal mining is categorized as a law and order problem, which is a subject under the State List of the Constitution, making it the responsibility of state governments to address.
    • Limited Central Authority: The Union government often shifts the responsibility to state authorities, citing the decentralized nature of governance in matters of local enforcement and regulation.

    What Factors Contribute to the Persistence of Illegal Coal Mining?

    • High Demand for Coal: With coal accounting for 55% of India’s energy needs, the high demand often exceeds legal supply leading to illegal mining activities.
    • Poverty and Unemployment: Many coal-rich areas are home to impoverished populations who resort to illegal mining as a source of livelihood due to limited job opportunities.
    • Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Inadequate monitoring and enforcement of mining regulations in remote areas allow illegal mining operations to flourish.
    • Political Patronage: Allegations of political leaders’ involvement in illegal mining operations complicate efforts to curb these activities, as seen in various states.

    What Safety Risks Do Workers Face?

    • Lack of Safety Equipment: Workers often operate without helmets, masks, or other protective gear, significantly increasing their risk of injury or death.
    • Hazardous Working Conditions: Illegal mines are typically unregulated, lacking proper structural support, making them vulnerable to cave-ins, landslides, and explosions.
    • Toxic Gas Exposure: Miners are at risk of asphyxiation from inhaling toxic gases like carbon monoxide, as evidenced by recent fatalities in Gujarat.
      • Continuous exposure to coal dust and hazardous substances can lead to respiratory issues and chronic health conditions, further endangering workers’ health.

    Conclusion: Need to implement advanced surveillance technologies, such as drones and satellite imaging, to monitor and detect illegal mining activities in real-time. This can improve the efficiency of enforcement agencies in identifying and responding to illegal operations swiftly.

  • The panel will look into issues stalling Bill, NE tribal councils told    

    Why in the News?

    The Union government will set up a committee led by MoS Home Nityanand Rai to address concerns and expedite the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which aims to empower tribal autonomous councils in northeastern states.

    What is the Controversy over the 125th Amendment Bill?

    •  The Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019 aims to grant more financial, executive, and administrative powers to tribal autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
    • The Bill has faced delays due to unresolved issues between the Union government and the tribal councils, prompting the formation of a committee to address these concerns.
    • Tribal leaders argue that the Bill is essential for streamlining administrative systems, ensuring proper resource flow, and enhancing the capacity of councils to implement policies beneficial to their communities.
    • The Bill has been pending since its introduction in the Rajya Sabha in February 2019 and has faced scrutiny from the Departmental-Related Standing Committee on Home Affairs, which flagged multiple issues.

    What are Tribal Autonomous Councils?

    • Tribal autonomous councils are local governance bodies established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to provide autonomy and protect the rights of tribal populations in certain northeastern states of India.
    •   As of now, there are 10 autonomous councils across Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, which have the authority to legislate on matters related to land, public health, and agriculture.
    • These councils are intended to empower tribal communities by allowing them to manage their resources and governance independently from state governments.

    About the North Eastern Council (NEC) and Its Structural Mandate

    • The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established in 1972 as a statutory body to promote the economic and social development of the northeastern states of India.
    • The NEC’s primary mandate includes coordinating the planning and implementation of development programs, facilitating inter-state cooperation, and addressing issues specific to the northeastern region.
    • The NEC comprises the Chief Ministers of the northeastern states, along with a nominated representative from the central government, ensuring representation from both state and central authorities.
    • The Council focuses on various sectors, including infrastructure development, education, health, and cultural preservation, aiming to enhance the overall development of the northeastern states.

    Conclusion: The Union government should initiate a transparent and inclusive consultation process involving all stakeholders, including tribal leaders, local communities, and state governments. This process should aim to address the concerns raised by tribal councils and ensure that their voices are heard in the legislative process.

  • NASA’s Cassini-Huygens Mission

    Why in the News?

    • US space agency NASA’s Cassini-Huygens spacecraft launched in October 1997.
      • Using Cassini’s radar data, scientists from Cornell University have discovered new information about the liquid ocean on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.

    Observations made about Titan

    • Titan is composed of hydrocarbons – organic chemicals consisting of carbon and hydrogen.
    • The astronomers have reportedly located calm seas of methane with a slow tidal current.

    About Cassini-Huygens Mission

    • The Cassini-Huygens mission was a collaborative project between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to explore Saturn and its moons.
    • The spacecraft was named after astronomers Giovanni Cassini and Christian Huygens.
    • The mission consisted of the Cassini orbiter and the Huygens probe.
    • It was launched on October 15, 1997.
    • It ended its mission on September 15, 2017 by plunging into Saturn’s atmosphere.

    Key Achievements:

    • Saturn Exploration:
      • Detailed study of Saturn’s atmosphere, rings, and magnetosphere.
      • Discovered new rings and observed the complex structure of the existing ones.
    • Moons of Saturn:
      • Titan Exploration: Huygens probe successfully landed on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, on January 14, 2005, providing the first direct exploration of Titan’s surface and atmosphere.
      • Enceladus Discoveries: Found water-ice plumes erupting from Enceladus, indicating a subsurface ocean that could potentially harbor life.
    • Other Moons: Provided detailed images and data on other moons like Lapetus, Rhea, Dione, and Tethys.
    • Technological Milestones:
      • Demonstrated the success of long-duration missions in deep space.
      • Advanced the understanding of spacecraft navigation and operation in complex planetary environments.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?

    Spacecraft Purpose
    1. Cassini-Huygens Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
    2. Messenger Mapping and investigating the Mercury
    3. Voyager 1 and 2 Exploring the outer solar system

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • What is the Hema Commission Report?

    Why in the News?

    • A single bench of the Kerala High Court has stayed the release of the Justice Hema Commission report.
      • The report investigated women’s working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.

    About the Assault that Exposed the Deep Gender Divide      

    • On February 17, 2017, a leading Malayalam film actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in her car while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi.
    • The incident caused shock and outrage across Kerala as disturbing details emerged, including a video purportedly intended for blackmail.
    • Six of the ten accused were arrested quickly, and popular actor Dileep was named an accused and remanded to judicial custody in July. He is currently out on bail, with the trial ongoing since 2020.

    Formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)

    • The incident highlighted the discriminatory treatment faced by women in the film industry.
    • The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was formed in response, submitting a petition to the Chief Minister demanding an inquiry into gender issues in the industry.

    The Hema Commission

    • In July 2017, five months after the incident, the state government formed a 3-member committee headed by retired Kerala High Court judge, Justice K Hema.
    • The committee’s objective was to investigate issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry.
    • In December 2019, a 300-page report was submitted to the CM Pinarayi Vijayan, including documents, audio, and video evidence.

    Findings and Recommendations

    • The commission consulted multiple women professionals in the industry, recording detailed accounts of sexual harassment, wages earned, and possible blacklisting.
    • The report highlighted the existence of a casting couch, and the presence of alcohol and drugs on film sets.
    • The commission recommended forming a tribunal to investigate these allegations.
    • Other recommendations included making job contracts mandatory, ensuring wage parity across genders for the same job, banning drugs and liquor on shooting locations, and ensuring safe working conditions for women.

    PYQ:

    [2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:

    1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
    2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    [2014] We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.