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  • Women Safety Issues – Marital Rape, Domestic Violence, Swadhar, Nirbhaya Fund, etc.

    The share of women in the unincorporated sector is highest in the south   

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization,Salient features of Indian Society

    Why in the News? 

    Recently the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector 2022-23 revealed higher shares of women owners and workers in southern and some eastern states, and lower in western, northern, and central states.

    Gender disparity in India concerning working-owners and unpaid family workers:

    • Prevalence of Women in Unpaid Family Worker Roles: Data from the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector 2022-23 reveals that women are predominantly represented as unpaid family workers.
      • For instance, in Telangana, while 43% of working owners are women, a substantial 59% are unpaid family workers, illustrating a significant gender disparity.
    • Lower Representation of Women as Working Owners: Across India, the proportion of women in working-owner roles is considerably lower compared to men. 
      • For example, in Telangana, women constitute 43% of working owners, reflecting a gender gap where men are more likely to own and operate businesses.
    • Regional Trends Highlighting Gender Disparities: The southern states, such as Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, display a relatively higher share of women in both working-owner and unpaid family worker roles. 
      • Despite this, the overall pattern shows more men in ownership positions and more women in unpaid roles, reinforcing the gender imbalance.
    • Sector-Specific Disparities: In the manufacturing sector, women’s representation as working-owners and hired workers is lower than in unpaid family roles. 
      • For example, in Telangana, women constitute 52% of formal hired workers but only 26% of informal hired workers, indicating a disparity in employment types and compensation.
    • National Overview of Gender Roles: On a national level, the survey indicates that the share of women in unincorporated enterprises varies by state and job type. 
      • While women play a significant role in unpaid family work, their representation as working owners remains limited. 
      • This trend is consistent across different regions, with southern states showing relatively better but still imbalanced gender representation in the workforce.

    The reason behind these issues: 

    • Cultural and Societal Norms: Traditional gender roles in India often assign women the responsibility of unpaid domestic and family work, limiting their opportunities for paid employment and entrepreneurship.
    • Access to Resources and Opportunities: Women often have less access to financial resources, credit, and capital needed to start and run businesses compared to men. This financial barrier restricts their ability to become working-owners.
    • Work-Life Balance and Family Responsibilities: Women typically bear a disproportionate share of caregiving and household responsibilities, limiting their availability for formal employment and entrepreneurial activities.
    • Network and Mentorship Gaps: Women often have fewer professional networks and mentorship opportunities, which are crucial for business growth and career advancement.

    Steps taken by the Indian Government: 

    Scheme/Initiative Year Objective Key Features
    Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) 2015 Address declining child sex ratio and empower girls through education ·         Awareness and advocacy campaigns

    ·         Enforcement of PC&PNDT Act

    ·         Improving enrolment of girls in schools
    One Stop Centres (OSC) 2015 Provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence ·         Medical aid

    ·         Police assistance

    ·         Legal aid

    ·         Psycho-social counseling

    ·         Temporary shelter
    Ujjwala Yojana 2016 Provide LPG connections to women from BPL households to safeguard their health ·         Clean cooking fuel

    ·         Reduce health hazards associated with unclean fuels
    Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) 2017 Empower rural women through community participation ·         Interface for rural women to approach government

    ·         Skill development training at grassroots level
    Nari Shakti Puraskar 2015 Recognize exceptional work in empowering women and promoting gender equality ·         Highest civilian honors for women

    ·         Conferred by the President of India on International Women’s Day

     

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Access to Financial Resources and Training: Implement targeted financial programs to provide women with easier access to credit, grants, and capital needed to start and grow businesses. This can include microfinance initiatives, low-interest loans, and financial literacy training.
    • Strengthen Legal and Social Support Systems: Enforce and improve existing gender equality laws and policies to ensure women’s rights in the workforce and in business ownership. This includes better implementation of anti-discrimination laws and providing legal support to women entrepreneurs.

    Mains question for practice: 

    Q Despite various government initiatives and policies aimed at promoting gender equality, significant gender disparities persist in the ownership and workforce participation in unincorporated enterprises across different regions of India. Discuss the reasons behind these disparities and suggest measures to address them.15M

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC IAS/2021)

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  • What are the new provisions for Police Officers?  

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Why in the News? 

    The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assist police officers in implementing these new provisions in the criminal laws.      

    With the new criminal laws coming into effect, how have the basic duties of police officers changed?

    • Registration of FIRs: The officer in charge cannot refuse to register an FIR due to jurisdiction issues. They must register a zero FIR and transfer it to the respective station. Non-registration can attract penal action.
    • Electronic Filing of FIRs: Information for FIRs can be given electronically, which must be signed within three days.
    • Mandatory Videography: Videography is now required during searches, crime scene documentation, and property possession processes. This is to ensure transparency and integrity in investigations.
    • Display of Arrest Information: Information about arrested individuals must be displayed prominently in police stations, ensuring transparency and accountability.

    What are some of the changed provisions concerning arrests of elderly and infirm people?

      • Permission from an officer not below the rank of DySP is required to arrest individuals above 60 years or those who are infirm for offenses punishable by less than three years.
      • Handcuffing is restricted and can only be used if there is a possibility of the person escaping custody or causing harm. This aligns with the Supreme Court guidelines.
    • What about preserving electronic evidence?
      • The new laws emphasize maintaining the sequence of custody for electronic devices to ensure the integrity of evidence.
      • The investigating officer must inform the informant or victim about the progress of the investigation within 90 days.

    How can electronic evidence be stored?

    • Use of eSakshya App: A cloud-based mobile app, eSakshya, allows police to capture photos and videos, ensuring they are geo-tagged and time-stamped.
    • Integration with ICJS: The data captured via eSakshya is part of the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), making it accessible to the judiciary, prosecution, and forensic experts.
    • Training and Equipment: Investigating officers must be provided with electronic devices and proper training to handle and preserve electronic evidence effectively.

    Challenges and Implementation Issues: 

    • Implementation and Training: The transition to new protocols, such as mandatory videography and electronic filing of FIRs, requires extensive training for police officers. 
      • Ensuring that all officers are proficient with the new technology and understand the updated procedures can be a significant logistical and financial challenge.  
    • Infrastructure and Connectivity: Effective implementation of electronic evidence preservation and zero FIR registration demands robust digital infrastructure and reliable internet connectivity, especially in remote or rural areas. 
      • Many police stations may lack the necessary resources or face frequent connectivity issues, potentially hindering the timely and accurate processing of electronic evidence and FIRs.  

    Way forward:

    • Need Enhanced Training Programs: Implement comprehensive training programs for police officers nationwide to familiarize them with the new criminal laws and technological advancements.
    • Need Improved Digital Infrastructure: Invest in upgrading digital infrastructure and ensuring reliable internet connectivity across all police stations, especially in rural and remote areas.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (UPSC IAS/2021)

     

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  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    In an electric vehicle, what is Regenerative Braking?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the News?

    The Regenerative Braking device market is set to witness immense growth during the period 2024-2031 due to rise in prominence of e-vehicles.

    What is Regenerative Braking? 

    Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles to capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.

    How Does It Work?

    1. Normal Braking: In a traditional vehicle, when you brake, the car’s kinetic energy (the energy it has while moving) is turned into heat and wasted.
    2. Regenerative Braking: 
    • In cars with regenerative braking, when you press the brake pedal, the electric motor runs in reverse.
    • This reverse action slows down the car, just like traditional brakes.
    • Instead of converting kinetic energy into heat, the motor converts it back into electrical energy.
    • This electrical energy is then stored in the vehicle’s battery for later use.
    1. Energy Conversion: This reversed motor converts the kinetic energy of the moving car into electrical energy.
    2. Energy Storage: The electrical energy produced is sent back to the car’s battery and stored for future use, such as powering the vehicle or running electrical systems.

    Significance:

    • Energy Efficiency: Saves energy by reusing it, reducing the need for frequent battery recharges.
    • Extended Range: Helps electric and hybrid vehicles travel further on a single charge.
    • Less Wear and Tear: Reduces wear on traditional brake components, leading to lower maintenance costs.

    Example: Imagine riding a bicycle down a hill. Normally, if you press the brakes, you slow down and the energy goes away as heat. But if you could somehow capture that energy and use it to help you pedal back up the hill, that would be similar to what regenerative braking does in a car.

     

    How does a Motor become a Generator?

    • A motor consists of a rotor (which rotates) and a stator (which is stationary). 
      • The stator contains magnets or electromagnets, while the rotor has current-carrying coils.
    • The Lorentz Force acts on the charged particles in the magnetic field, causing the rotor to spin.
    • In a generator, mechanical energy induces a current in the stator EVs can implement regenerative braking by switching the traction motor between these configurations.

    Downsides of Regenerative Braking

    • Regenerative braking alone often cannot bring a vehicle to a complete stop and must be supplemented by conventional braking systems.
    • Regenerative brakes may not prevent vehicles from backsliding downhill.
    • The efficiency of energy recovery drops as the vehicle’s speed decreases, though regenerative brakes are beneficial in stop-start traffic.

    Other Ways to Recover Energy

    • The design of a regenerative brake depends on the form of energy conversion. EVs convert mechanical energy into electrical energy stored in batteries or supercapacitors.
    • Flywheels can store mechanical energy by increasing angular momentum, useful in applications like Formula One racing and satellite navigation.
    • Kinetic energy can also be used to compress air, which can be useful for starting internal combustion engines.
    PYQ:

    [2021] Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?​

    1. Brakes of motor vehicles​

    2. Engines of motor vehicles​

    3. Microwave stoves within homes​

    4. Power plants​

    5. Telephone line​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.​

    a)1, 2, 3 and 5 only​

    b)1, 2 and 4 only​

    c)3, 4 and 5 only​

    d)1, 2, 3, 4 and 5​

     

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  • International Monetary Fund,World Bank,AIIB, ADB and India

    State of Economic Emergency in Argentina

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    Argentina faces one of the world’s highest inflation rates and a decade-long economic stagnation.

    • The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) earlier decision to release $4.7 billion from a $57 billion bailout package to Argentina, despite missed targets, raised eyebrows.

    IMF’s Controversial Decision:

    • The IMF dispersed $4.7 billion, including overdue and advanced payments, to bolster President Milei’s nascent government.
    • This move contradicted IMF guidelines requiring adherence to economic conditions, signaling geopolitical influence and strategic support.

    Argentina’s Economic Struggles

    • Persistent fiscal deficits and chronic inflation have plagued Argentina, with historical inflation averaging 190% from 1944 to 2023.
    • The government defaulted on sovereign debt nine times, exacerbating economic instability.
      • Since 2009, fiscal deficits persisted, reaching 4.4% of GDP in 2023, fueled by overspending and reliance on the inflation tax.
    • Milei’s administration targets fiscal reform to eliminate large deficits, contrasting with past failed attempts like the Austral Plan.
      • Alfonsín launched the Austral Plan, an austerity program that implemented a new currency (the austral), wage and price controls, and currency devaluations.

    IMF and its Bailout

    • The IMF is an international organization (190 member countries) that provides loans, technical assistance, and policy advice to member countries.
    • Established in 1944 to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange rate stability, balanced economic growth, and poverty reduction.
    • Hq: Washington, D.C.
    • An IMF bailout, or an IMF program, is a loan package provided to financially troubled countries.
      • Bailout programs have specific terms and conditions that borrowing countries must meet to access the funds.

    Types of IMF Bailout Packages:

    Description Duration Conditionality
    Stand-by Arrangements Short-term lending programs for countries with temporary balance of payments problems. 1-2 years Specific macroeconomic policies for stabilization
    Extended Fund Facility Medium-term lending programs to address balance of payments difficulties from structural weaknesses. Longer-term Extensive conditionality and significant reforms
    Rapid Financing Instrument Loan program providing quick financing for countries with urgent balance of payments needs. Flexible Fewer conditions and shorter application process

     

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements:

    1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.

    2. The World Bank participates as an observer in IMFC’s meetings.

    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 

     

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Scientists find proof that Pain-Sensing Cells are either Male or Female

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    Recent research has uncovered significant differences in how male and female nociceptors (pain receptors) are activated, paving the way for more precise, sex-specific pain management therapies. 

    About Pain and Differences in Perception:

    • The International Association for the Study of Pain defines it as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.”
    • Subjectivity: Pain perception is highly personal and varies among individuals.
    • Scientific Findings: Recent research by the University of Arizona Health Sciences demonstrated functional sexual dimorphism in nociceptors, the nerve cells responsible for perceiving pain

    Why do we perceive Pain?

    • Role of Nociceptors: Nociceptors are nerve cells with bare endings found throughout the body. They detect extreme pressure, temperature, and chemical signals, converting them into electrical signals sent to the brain via the spinal cord.
    • Activation Mechanism: Nociceptors in both men and women produce similar pain perceptions but are activated differently. 
      • Normally, they respond to high-intensity stimuli, but their activation threshold can decrease under certain conditions, causing low-intensity stimuli to trigger pain.

    Nociceptor Response Threshold

    • Gender Differences: Females generally have a lower nociceptor response threshold than males.
    • Peripheral Nociceptor Sensitisation: External factors can lower the pain threshold, causing nociceptors to react to stimuli they would normally ignore.

    The Old Vs New Study

    • Previous research showed that the hormone prolactin increases pain responses in female rodents, while the neurotransmitter orexin B sensitized male rodents to pain.
    • According to the New study, the Prolactin hormone increased nociceptor activation in female mice, while orexin-B had a similar effect in male mice. These findings were consistent across monkeys and humans.
    • Nociceptors in males and females can be differentially sensitized, leading to varying pain thresholds.

    Significance of this Pain Research

    • Sex-Specific Pain Treatment: Current pain management often overlooks the patient’s sex, despite differences in pain conditions between men and women.
      • Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and painful bladder syndrome are more common in women, while cluster headaches and gout are more frequent in men.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?

     

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court and the Delhi government are at loggerheads due to alleged felling of trees in the Asola-Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994.

    Forest Cover in Delhi: ISFR Report Findings

    • Largest Cover: According to the ‘India State of Forest Report 2021’ (ISFR) published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Delhi has the largest forest cover among seven major megacities, with 195 sq. km, followed by Mumbai (110.77 sq. km) and Bengaluru (89.02 sq. km).
      • Delhi’s forest cover constitutes 13.15% of its geographical area, while its tree cover spans 147 sq. km (9.91%).
    • Growth over Time: Despite extensive urban development, the city’s overall green cover (forest and tree cover) has increased from 151 sq. km (10.2%) in 2001 to 342 sq. km (23.6%) in 2021.

    What is the case against the DDA?

    • The Supreme Court is hearing a contempt petition against DDA’s Vice Chairman for the felling of about 1,100 trees, in violation of the SC’s orders, for road expansion in the ridge area, which falls under the eco-sensitive zone around Asola-Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • On March 4, the DDA submitted an application to the SC seeking permission to cut trees for the construction of the Gaushala Road. The court directed the DDA to re-examine the proposal with the help of field experts.
    • An affidavit from the DDA’s Vice Chairman revealed that tree felling had already begun in February and continued for ten days. By February 26, all intended trees were cut down even before the application reached the SC. This material fact was not disclosed when the court heard the application on March 4.
    • The Bench reprimanded DDA for not providing records of the Delhi LG’s (Chairman of the DDA) February 3 visit to the site, which allegedly led to the tree felling order. The Delhi government was also reprimanded for usurping the Tree Officer’s authority in granting permission.
    • The apex court has halted the DDA’s work and directed a team from the FSI to assess the number of trees cut and the environmental damage.

    Law governing Tree Protection in Delhi:

    Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994 provides legal protection to trees in the national capital against actions that could harm their growth or regeneration.

    • The Act defines a tree as “a woody plant that has branches supported by a trunk or a body of at least 5cm diameter and is at least 1 metre high from the ground”.
    • Section 2 (h) of the Act defines “to fell a tree” to include severing the trunk from the roots, uprooting, bulldozing, cutting, girdling, lopping, pollarding, applying arboricides, burning, or any other damaging method.
    • Under Section 8, no tree or forest produce can be removed on any land without prior permission from the ‘Tree Officer’, even on privately owned property. The ‘Tree Officer’ must respond within 60 days after inspection.
      • Violations of this Act may result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
    • The Act outlines a ‘Tree Authority’ responsible for conducting tree censuses, managing nurseries, and reviewing government and private construction proposals.
    • Delhi’s Tree Transplantation Policy, 2020 mandates that 80% of identified trees slated for felling must be transplanted. However, an affidavit submitted by the government to the Delhi High Court in 2022 disclosed that only 33.33% of transplanted trees had survived.

    About Asola Bhatti WLS

    Situated in the southern part of Delhi and extends into Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana.

    • Occupies 32.71 sq. km on the Aravalli hill range’s Southern Delhi Ridge, bordering Delhi and Haryana.
    • Forms a part of Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve to the Delhi Ridge.
    • Classified under Northern Tropical Thorn Forests.
    • Plant Features plants with xerophytic characteristics like thorns, wax-coated and succulent leaves.
    • Characterized by the presence of the exotic Prosopis juliflora and the native Diospyros montana.
    • Home to species such as Golden Jackals, Striped-Hyenas, Indian Crested-Porcupines, Civets, Jungle Cats, various snakes, Monitor Lizards, and Mongoose.

     

    Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s directive to enhance Delhi’s green cover is a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of extreme heat waves and improving the city’s air quality.

    PYQ:

    [2022] “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. 

     

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  • Food Safety Standards – FSSAI, food fortification, etc.

    Food Colorants and Chemical Additives Under Crackdown in Karnataka

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News?

    Karnataka’s Food Safety Department ordered action after 40 kebab samples showed unsafe artificial colours, extending the crackdown to Panipuri, Cotton candy, and Gobi Manchurian.

    Artificial Colours in the Controversy 

    • Some artificial colours under scrutiny include:
    1. Sunset Yellow (Yellow 6, E110): Approved in the US but requires a warning label in the EU.
    2. Carmoisine (Red No. 10, E122): A deep red dye often used in food.
    3. Rhodamine B: A banned textile dye sometimes illegally used in food.
    • Different countries have varying regulations for these dyes. For example, tartrazine (E102 in the EU, Yellow 5 in the US) is permitted but only in limited quantities. 

     

    Legal Action against FBOs

    • To take legal action, the department collects a survey sample from an FBO and, if found unsafe, collects four more legal samples for further testing at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI).
    • If CFTRI deems the samples unfit for consumption, the FBO is booked under the Food Safety Act and tried at a court of Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC). Penalties can include a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for 7 years.

    Role of FSSAI in Food Safety and Colorants Regulation

    • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in regulating and ensuring food safety across the country under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. 

    Ingredients legally banned in India by the FSSAI and various states initiatives:

    Parameters Details
    Ingredients Banned in India
    • Rhodamine B: A textile dye sometimes illegally used as a food colorant.
    • Potassium Bromate: A flour treatment agent linked to cancer.
    • Oxytocin: A hormone used unethically in the dairy industry to increase milk production.
    • Calcium Carbide: Used for ripening fruits, which is hazardous to health.
    • Formalin: Used in fish preservation, which is carcinogenic.
    • Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Used in soft drinks, which is linked to various health issues.
    State Initiatives for Food Safety
    • Karnataka: Crackdown on use of unsafe food colorants in kebabs, pani puri, cotton candy, and gobi manchurian.
    • Maharashtra: Rigorous checks on milk adulteration and stringent actions against offenders.
    • Kerala: Implementation of ‘Safe Food’ campaign focusing on reducing pesticide use in vegetables.
    • Tamil Nadu: Regular inspections of street food vendors and training programs on food safety.
    • Delhi: Special drives to monitor and control the use of banned substances in sweets during festive seasons.

    State Food Safety Index (SFSI) by FSSAI sheds light on the performance of Indian states in ensuring food safety.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.

    [2018] Consider the following statements: 

    1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
    2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    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

     

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    [8th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A law around low-carbon climate-resilient development

    op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

     

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 

    Q) Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2017) 

    Q) ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC CSE 2022) 

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Supreme court judgements related to climate change impact,

    Mains:  Role of state and local Government to address the impact of climate change, 

    Mentor comment: Climate change poses grave threats to human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, housing, and an adequate standard of living. Extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and environmental degradation disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. Governments have a legal obligation to curb climate change, and corporations must respect human rights by reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Addressing climate change is crucial to upholding human rights and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

    Let’s learn!

    __ __

    Why in the news? 

    In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India recently recognized a right to be “free from the adverse impacts of climate change” in “M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India”, deriving it from the right to life and the right to equality.

    Law to inform development choices 

    • Integrating Climate Objectives into Development: Ensure that low-carbon and climate-resilient futures are prioritized in routine decision-making at all levels of development. Embed climate objectives in the legal framework to guide sustainable development choices.
    • Grounding Climate Action in Social Justice: Design laws to protect vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change. Ensure the energy transition is just and equitable, advancing social justice and inclusive development.
    • Adopting a Comprehensive and Flexible Approach: Move beyond top-down emission targets to address broader developmental choices and their long-term impacts. Establish well-defined legal procedures that promote continuous consideration of low-carbon and climate-resilient futures.
    • Building a Robust Institutional Framework: Create an institutional structure to strategize, prioritize, troubleshoot, and evaluate climate policies. Enhance governance capacity to ensure credible and accountable climate action across all levels of government.
    • Tailoring Framework Climate Laws to the Indian Context: Adapt elements of global framework climate laws to suit India’s specific needs, focusing on maximising development per unit of carbon emitted. Emphasize climate resilience and social equity, ensuring development progresses in a low-carbon direction while building resilience to pervasive climate impacts.

     Need for a Low-Carbon Development Body

    • Rigorous Policy Analysis and Knowledge Generation: Establish a knowledge body in government to rigorously analyze policy options and their potential futures. Enable informed decision-making through a comprehensive understanding of low-carbon development and resilience strategies.
    • Expertise and Technical Guidance: Create an independent ‘low-carbon development commission’ staffed with experts and technical personnel. Provide national and state governments with practical guidance on achieving low-carbon growth and resilience.
    • Deliberative Decision-Making and Stakeholder Consultation: Facilitate a platform for deliberative decision-making involving multiple stakeholders. Systematically consult vulnerable communities and those adversely affected by technological changes to ensure their concerns are heard and integrated, leading to more sustainable and inclusive policy outcomes.
    • Strategic Direction and Whole-of-Government Coordination: Form a high-level strategic body, or ‘climate cabinet,’ comprising key Ministers and representation from State Chief Ministers to drive climate strategy across government. Address the challenge of siloed decision-making by promoting a whole-of-government approach with dedicated coordination mechanisms.
    • Enhanced Governance and Legal Empowerment: Complement the role of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change with higher-level coordination bodies. Reinforce existing structures like the Executive Committee on Climate Change with clearly defined legal powers and duties to ensure effective implementation and accountability in climate governance.

    Role of State and Local Governments in Climate Law

    • Engagement with Federal Structure: Recognize the importance of India’s federal structure in climate governance. Acknowledge that crucial areas for emission reduction and resilience improvement, such as electricity, agriculture, water, health, and soil, are managed by State and local governments.
    • First Responders to Climate Impacts: Understand that climate impacts are felt first and most intensely at local levels. Ensure that any institutional structure or regulatory instrument engages meaningfully with subnational governments.
    • Access to National Scientific Capacity: Establish channels for subnational governments to access national scientific resources and expertise. Utilize the low-carbon development commission as an intermediary to enhance local climate scientific capacity.
    • Financing Local Action: Develop mechanisms for financing local climate actions. Align centrally-sponsored schemes with climate goals and require national departments to climate-tag expenditures to enhance local climate resilience.
    • Coordination Mechanisms and Unified Goals: Create coordination mechanisms for the Centre and States to consult on major climate decisions. Require periodic updates of medium-term climate plans from both Centre and States, built around unified climate goals.
    • State-Specific Solutions and Institutions: Enable States to develop complementary institutions to those at the Centre, providing local knowledge, strategy-setting, deliberation, and coordination functions. Foster the development of State-specific solutions that address unique local climate challenges.

    Steps taken by Government to address the impact of climate change: 

    • International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched in 2015, this alliance aims to efficiently utilize solar energy and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources like fossil fuels.
    • One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) project with the UK: This project aims to build and scale inter-regional energy grids to share solar energy globally.
    • Swachh Bharat Mission: This program emphasized cleaning India’s cities and villages by providing toilets for every household.
    • National Clean Air Programme: Launched in 2019 to reduce particulate matter concentrations in the atmosphere.
    • Green Skill Development Programme: Launched to develop green skills and provide employment in the environment and forest sectors.
    • Commitment to get 50% of energy from renewable sources and reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030: The government aims to ensure sustainable development of the environment.
    • Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme: Launched in 2015 to promote electric vehicles and decrease coal consumption.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Institutional and Legal Frameworks: Establish robust institutions like an independent low-carbon development commission to provide expert guidance, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and ensure informed decision-making.  
    • Promote Inclusive and Equitable Climate Action: Integrate social equity considerations into climate policies by systematically consulting vulnerable communities and those affected by technological changes.  

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Hepatitis A vaccination will be cost-effective in Kerala: study

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News? 

    • Hepatitis A infection in Kerala is shifting from early childhood to adolescents and young adults due to better sanitation and hygiene practices.
      • The inclusion of hepatitis A vaccination into the mainstream immunization program for both one-year-old children and 15-year-old individuals in Kerala shows cost-effectiveness and success.

    Present State in Kerala and Overall India:

    • At the Regional level (Kerala): Kerala has been experiencing regular hepatitis A outbreaks, with the 2024 outbreak being particularly severe.
      • As of May 30, over 2,400 cases and 18 deaths have been reported, mainly in districts like Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, and Ernakulam.
    • At the National Level: Severity in Different Age Groups: Almost 50% of children aged 1-5 years in India were found to be susceptible to the hepatitis A virus.
      • However, the hepatitis A vaccine is currently only available for those who can afford it, and is not part of the national immunization program.

    About Hepatitis A infection:

    • The infection is usually mild or asymptomatic in children under six years but can be symptomatic and severe in older children, adolescents, and adults, occasionally leading to liver injury and fatalities.
    • India has recently launched its first indigenously developed hepatitis A vaccine, called Havisure:
      • Havisure was launched in January 2024 by Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board.
      • IIL plans to manufacture up to 1 million doses of Havisure per year initially, focusing on the domestic market first.
    Types of Hepatitis Cause Vaccine
    Hepatitis A (HAV) Spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A vaccine (e.g., Havrix, Vaqta)
    Hepatitis B (HBV) Spread through contact with infectious body fluids (blood, semen, etc.) Hepatitis B vaccine (e.g., Engerix-B, Recombivax HB)
    Hepatitis C (HCV)  Spread primarily through blood-to-blood contact, often via injection drug use or unsafe medical procedures. No vaccine is available currently. Treatment focuses on antiviral medications
    Hepatitis D (HDV) Requires HBV as a co-infection to cause illness. No specific vaccine for HDV. Prevention relies on hepatitis B vaccination.
    Hepatitis E (HEV) Spread through ingestion of contaminated water, similar to HAV A vaccine is available in some regions (e.g., Hecolin in China), but not widely used. Prevention mainly involves improving sanitation and safe drinking water

    Benefits of Hepatitis A Vaccination in Kerala:

    • Lifelong Immunity: Vaccination provides lifelong immunity against the hepatitis A virus, protecting individuals from severe infections and health complications later in life.
    • Less Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Studies have shown that vaccinating children aged one year and adolescents aged 15 years in Kerala using either live attenuated or inactivated vaccines is cost-effective.
      • Vaccination prevents future healthcare expenditures associated with treating hepatitis A infections.
    • Increase in Household savings: Implementing vaccination for adolescents could save Kerala ₹5,872 million to ₹10,553 million over five years, depending on the type of vaccine used.
    • Equal and Universal Accessibility: Due to the inclusion in the universal immunization program, these vaccines are accessible throughout all sections of society, whether rich or poor.

    Government Initiatives:

    • National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the NVHCP in July 2018 to prevent and control viral hepatitis in India.
      • The program aims to combat hepatitis and achieve country-wide elimination of hepatitis C by 2030, reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hepatitis B and C, and reduce the risk, morbidity, and mortality due to hepatitis A and E.
    • State-Level Initiatives: Some states like Punjab, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Haryana have started free or subsidized hepatitis C treatment programs.
      • Haryana launched its own Hepatitis Control Program in 2013 at PGIMS Rohtak, which was later expanded to all district civil hospitals in the state in 2017.

    What is the Prime challenge?

    • Achieving high vaccination coverage among adolescents, who are not covered under the universal immunization program, remains a challenge. Strategies such as school-based vaccination campaigns are proposed to enhance this kind of coverage.

    Conclusion:  Implement targeted vaccination campaigns in schools and communities to ensure high coverage among adolescents aged 15 years, who are not currently included in Kerala’s universal immunization program. This can be achieved through collaboration with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to raise awareness and facilitate easy access to vaccinations.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    On expunction powers in Parliament   

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the News? 

    The 18th Lok Sabha’s special session featured intense debates on the ‘Motion of Thanks’ to the President’s address, culminating in disputes over expunged remarks by Opposition leaders.

    What are expunged remarks?

    Expunged remarks in Parliament refer to the words deemed defamatory, indecent, or unparliamentary by the presiding officer and are deleted from the official record.

    What is a ‘Motion of Thanks’?

    • A Motion of Thanks is moved in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha after the President’s address (Article 87) by an MP of the ruling party, following which it is debated in both the Houses.
    • It is a customary practice, adopted from the British Parliament. The Indian Constitution does not provide for any such motion, except direction that each House shall discuss the matters contained in the address.
    • In most cases, three days are set aside for a discussion of the Motion of Thanks and the members are at liberty to speak on any matter of national or international importance and other issues.

    Why did the Opposition engage in a war of words with the government over expunging certain remarks?

    • The expunging of critical remarks escalated tensions between the Opposition and the government, leading to a verbal clash during the parliamentary session.
    • There were concerns about transparency in the expunction process, with accusations of biased decisions by the presiding officers.
      • The opposition alleged that there were different standards for expunging remarks made by their leaders compared to those made by ruling party members.
      • Opposition members argued that their remarks critical of the Prime Minister and the ruling party were unfairly expunged, infringing on their Parliamentary Privilege of Free speech.

    What is the process for ‘expunging remarks’ in Parliament?

    • Presiding Officer’s Discretion: Under Rule 261 in Rajya Sabha and Rules 380 and 381 in Lok Sabha, the Chairman or Speaker can order expunction if words are deemed defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified.
      • If objectionable words are used, the Chair may request their withdrawal; if not complied with, the words are expunged immediately.
    • Recording Changes: Expunged portions are marked with asterisks and a footnote explaining that they were expunged as ordered by the Chair.
    • Publication Restrictions: Media are provided with a list of expunged words/phrases and are prohibited from publishing them to avoid a breach of parliamentary privilege.

    Can a member of the Lok Sabha direct a remark against a Minister?

    • Parliamentary Privilege: Members of Parliament (MPs) have the privilege of ‘Freedom of Speech and Expression’ within the House.
      • This includes the right to question the conduct, policies, or actions of Ministers during parliamentary debates without fear of legal repercussions.
    • Procedural Requirements: According to parliamentary rules (Rule 353 in Lok Sabha), if an MP wishes to make an allegation against a Minister, they are required to provide advance notice.
      • This notice allows the Minister in question to prepare a response or provide facts to address the allegation during the debate.
    • Government Accountability: MPs play a crucial role in holding the government accountable to Parliament and the public. Allegations made against Ministers are part of this oversight function, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
      • However, these allegations must be made in adherence to parliamentary decorum and procedural rules to maintain fairness and order in debates.

    What do the various rules state?

    • Rajya Sabha (Rule 261): Allows the Chairman to expunge defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified words from proceedings.
    • Lok Sabha (Rules 380 and 381): Similar provisions for the Speaker to expunge objectionable remarks from parliamentary records.
    • Scope of Expunction: Rules also cover situations where remarks are detrimental to the national interest, offensive to dignitaries, or likely to affect religious or communal sensitivities.
    • Digital Age Challenges: Despite expunction, digital recordings and social media can perpetuate expunged remarks, challenging the effectiveness of traditional expunction practices.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhanced Monitoring and Control: Implement advanced monitoring tools that can detect and automatically blur or mute expunged remarks in live broadcasts and recordings of parliamentary proceedings. This can help prevent the inadvertent spread of expunged content on digital platforms.
    • Public Awareness and Education: Encourage responsible reporting and sharing practices to uphold the integrity of expunctions in parliamentary records.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q ‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (UPSC IAS/2020)

     

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