The ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be held on 31st October.
About National Unity Day
National Unity Day is celebrated every year in India on 31 October since 2014.
It marks the birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel who had a major role in the political integration of India.
31 October is also celebrated as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas or National Pledge Day as it marks the day of assassination of Indira Gandhi.
Contributions made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
Details
Who Was He?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.
He served as India’s first Deputy PM and Home Minister.
Role in the Freedom Struggle
• Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Led a non-violent campaign against unjust land revenue tax during a famine.
• Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Organized protests against increased land revenue, earning the title “Sardar.”
Integration of Princely States
Played a crucial role in integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union post-independence using diplomatic skills and firm leadership.
Establishment of All India Services
Advocated for a unified administrative framework, establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), known as India’s “steel frame.”
Leadership in the Indian National Congress
Served as President during the Karachi session in 1931, where significant resolutions on Fundamental Rights were passed.
Constitutional Contributions
Headed committees of the Constituent Assembly on Fundamental Rights and minority rights, contributing to the framing of the Indian Constitution.
Promotion of National Unity
Advocated “Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” (One India, Great India), emphasizing unity in diversity to build a cohesive nation.
Social Reforms
Worked against caste discrimination, untouchability, and alcohol consumption, promoting social justice and women’s rights.
PYQ:
[2011] What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?
1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.
2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
The Prime Minister in his recent broadcast of “Mann Ki Baat” warned about the ‘Digital Arrest’ scams in India.
What is Digital Arrest?
Details
What are they?
A fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims under the false pretence of an arrest.
Modus Operandi
• Scammers use audio or video calls to intimidate victims.
• Claim involvement in illegal activities (e.g., drugs, contraband).
• Victims are kept under constant visual surveillance until demands are met.
Common Tactics
• Use of deepfake videos and fake arrest warrants.
• Threats regarding family members being involved in crimes.
• Fake claims about parcels containing illegal goods.
Victim Impact
Victims may face significant financial losses, emotional distress, and a sense of vulnerability due to the intimidation tactics employed by scammers.
Recent Trends
• Increase in reported cases; over 11 lakh complaints of financial cyber fraud in 2023.
• Rising incidents attributed to the expansion of internet users.
Prevention Measures
• Awareness of scams and verification of callers’ identities.
• Immediate disconnection of suspicious calls.
• Reporting incidents to local police and cybercrime helplines.
Legal Framework
• Governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Reports can be filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
PYQ:
[2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
In Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, tribals ambushed the police after tree-felling resumed for coal mining in the area.
What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?
Hasdeo Arand Forest is known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” due to its rich biodiversity.
It is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India with pristine Sal and teak forests.
It spans 1,879.6 sq km across the Sarguja, Korba, and Surajpur districts in Chhattisgarh.
The Hasdeo River runs through the forest.
It is home to nine protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including:
Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Indian grey wolves, and Indian pangolins.
It supports 92 bird species, 25 mammals, 16 types of snakes, and serves as a corridor for elephants and tigers.
It hosts 640 plant species, including 128 medicinal plants and 40 timber-yielding species.
Why are the People Protesting for its ‘Protection’?
Environmental Impact: Mining threatens to destroy the forest cover, impacting biodiversity and wildlife corridors.
Livelihood Concerns: Local communities depend on the forest for farming and forest produce.
Displacement Issues: Villagers report inadequate compensation and resettlement offers, which do not match the size of their current homes.
Alleged Forgery: Villagers allege that fake gram sabha resolutions were used to secure clearances for mining projects.
Demand for Cancellations: Activists want the Parsa coal block cancelled and assurances that the 1,995 sq km Lemru Reserve Forest will be protected from future mining.
PYQ:
[2012] A particular State in India has the following characteristics:
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 70% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
A team of researchers has discovered the genetic mechanisms that allow a newly identified tardigrades species—Hypsibius henanensis—to withstand high levels of radiation.
About Tardigrades
Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, water-dwelling microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions.
They can withstand environments that would be lethal for most life forms, including:
Extremely high and low temperatures (from near absolute zero to over 150°C),
High levels of radiation and vacuum conditions found in space,
Extreme dehydration (losing nearly all water in their bodies),
High pressures (up to six times that of the ocean’s deepest trenches).
This adaptability makes them a subject of interest for scientists, especially in understanding survival mechanisms in extreme conditions.
How Tardigrades resist High Radiations?
The researchers identified 2,801 genes involved in DNA repair. Three key factors contributing to radiation tolerance include:
DNA Repair Protein (TRID1): Enabled the species to repair double-strand DNA breaks due to radiation.
Gene Activation for Mitochondrial Proteins: Radiation exposure activated a gene that produced two proteins vital for mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
Antioxidant Pigments (Betalains): These pigments neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation within cells.
Q) The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? (UPSC CSE 2013)
Q) The Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2019)
Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament can ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Prelims: Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection? (UPSC CSE 2014) a) Second Schedule b) Fifth Schedule c) Eighth Schedule d) Tenth Schedule
Mentor’s Comment: The Anti-defection law (10th Schedule) was introduced to maintain political stability and uphold the electoral mandate by discouraging party-hopping among elected representatives. However, its effectiveness has been compromised due to several loopholes and implementation challenges.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the need for reforms to the anti-defection law in India. It argues that these reforms are essential to enhance the integrity of the democratic process and align with the government’s initiative of “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Anti-Defection Law is in the news due to a SC’s directive for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker to resolve disqualification petitions by December 31, 2023.
Additionally, there are growing discussions about the law’s effectiveness and calls for reforms, as critics argue it restricts legislators’ freedom of expression and accountability to constituents.
The debate highlights the need for a balance between party discipline and democratic representation.
What is theSignificance of the Anti-Defection Law?
• Government Stability: It prevents political defections that can lead to governmental instability, ensuring a consistent ruling party. • Upholding Electoral Mandates: The law helps maintain the will of the electorate by discouraging elected representatives from abandoning their parties post-election. • Party Discipline: It fosters unity within political parties by requiring members to adhere to party directives, especially during critical votes. • Reduced Corruption: The law helps reduce corruption and promotes accountability among politicians by curbing defections motivated by personal gain. • Legal Framework for Disqualification: The law provides clear grounds for disqualifying members who defect, ensuring a systematic approach to addressing defections.
How does the current Anti-Defection Law undermine Democratic Representation?
Restriction on Freedom of Expression: Elected representatives are often forced to vote along party lines, limiting their ability to express dissent or represent their constituents’ views.
Ambiguity in Disqualification: The lack of a clear timeline for resolving defection cases can lead to bias and manipulation, complicating accountability and representation.
Exploitable Loopholes: Provisions allowing groups of legislators to defect without penalty can encourage opportunistic behaviour, undermining political integrity.
Stifling Legislative Debate: Strict adherence to party lines diminishes robust debate, preventing diverse perspectives on critical issues from being voiced.
What are the proposed Amendments?
Two key amendments to the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution:
Time Frame for Decisions: Need to establish a four-week deadline for Speakers or Chairpersons to resolve defection cases. If no decision is made within this period, defecting members should be automatically disqualified.
Public Notice of Party Whips: Need to Implement a transparent framework for issuing party whips, such as publishing them in newspapers or using electronic communication. This would ensure that all members are adequately informed about party positions.
Conclusion: India’s anti-defection legislation underscores the necessity of adapting legal frameworks to contemporary political realities to preserve democracy’s integrity and functionality. By addressing existing gaps in the law, India can foster a more robust democratic environment conducive to effective governance and public trust.
Min. of Health and Family Welfare issued draft Guidelines for the withdrawal of life support in terminally ill Patients, aimed at implementing the Supreme Court’s 2018 and 2023 rulings that uphold the right to die with dignity for all Indians.
What is Passive euthanasia?
Passive euthanasia involves allowing a terminally ill patient to die naturally by withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, like ventilators when they no longer provide benefits.
What are the draft guidelines released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare?
The guidelines aim to operationalize the Supreme Court’s 2018 and 2023 orders, which recognize the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Key Mechanisms Proposed:
Primary and Secondary Medical Boards: Hospitals are required to set up these boards to determine when further medical treatment for a terminally ill patient would no longer be beneficial.
Nomination of Doctors: District Chief Medical Officers will nominate doctors to serve on Secondary Medical Boards to confirm or reject the Primary Medical Board’s recommendations.
While India does not have dedicated legislation on withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, these guidelines and the Supreme Court’s judgments provide a defined legal framework to make these actions lawful.
What is meant by withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatment?
It refers to discontinuing medical interventions, such as ventilators or feeding tubes, when they no longer contribute to the patient’s recovery or only prolong suffering.
The intention is to allow the underlying illness to take its natural course while providing comfort care, focusing on symptomatic relief and palliative care.
The right to refuse medical treatment is recognized under common law and is considered part of India’s fundamental right to life and personal liberty (Article 21).
Is Withholding/Withdrawing treatment akin to giving up on the patient?
Withholding or withdrawing treatment does not mean the doctor is giving up on the patient. It is an acknowledgment that continued medical intervention may no longer be beneficial and could cause unnecessary suffering.
The process involves shifting the focus from life-sustaining measures to palliative care to manage pain and ensure the patient’s comfort.
Often, doctors practice “discharge against medical advice” because of misconceptions about the legality of withholding/withdrawing treatment. This practice leads to patients suffering without appropriate care.
What medical procedure is laid down by the SC and reaffirmed by the guidelines?
Primary Medical Board assessment: A hospital-level board, including the treating doctor and two experienced experts, evaluates the patient’s condition to recommend withholding/withdrawing treatment.
Secondary Medical Board review: A different board, nominated by the district Chief Medical Officer, reviews the Primary Board’s decision for an additional level of checks.
Consent and Judicial notification: Consent from the patient’s surrogate decision-makers or advance directive nominees is required, and the decision must be notified to the local judicial magistrate.
Way forward:
Public Awareness and Training: Educate the public and healthcare professionals about the legal framework for end-of-life care, emphasizing the distinction between withholding treatment and euthanasia, to reduce misconceptions.
Strengthen Palliative Care Services: Expand access to palliative care across hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring that terminally ill patients receive compassionate and effective pain management and comfort care.
According to a recent study conducted by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, biodiversity is decreasing more rapidly within key protected areas than outside of them.
What did the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) say?
The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is a quantitative measure designed to assess the state of terrestrial biodiversity with its natural baseline, before significant human impact.
It decreased by 1.88% points globally between 2000 and 2020, indicating a loss in the average natural biodiversity of regions worldwide.
Within the 22% of ‘Critical Biodiversity Areas’ that are protected, biodiversity has declined by 2.1 percentage points, while non-protected areas saw a decline of 1.9 percentage points during the same period.
Why is the decline happening?
Inadequate Ecosystem Protection: Many protected areas focus only on specific species rather than the entire ecosystem, failing to prioritize overall biodiversity intactness.
Pre-existing Degradation: Some protected areas may have been already degraded before being designated as protected, limiting their effectiveness in conserving biodiversity.
External Threats: Activities such as oil, gas, and mining concessions encroach on protected areas, leading to habitat destruction and further biodiversity loss.
Climate Crisis Impact: Increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts and wildfires, has severely affected protected areas, undermining their conservation efforts.
Steps taken by the Indian Government to conserve biodiversity:
Legislative Framework
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Established to conserve biological resources and regulate access to these resources, ensuring equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Facilitates the creation of Protected Areas for wildlife conservation and imposes penalties for illegal hunting.
Conservation Policies:
Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this initiative aims to protect tiger populations across designated reserves.
Project Elephant: Initiated in 1992, it focuses on the management and protection of wild elephant populations and their habitats.
National Biodiversity Mission: A mission mode initiative aimed at documenting and conserving India’s biodiversity.
Protected Areas
Establishment of a Protected Area Network: This includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves to provide better protection for wildlife and their habitats.
Designation of Biosphere Reserves: These reserves are aimed at conserving representative ecosystems.
What should be done? (Way forward)
Ecosystem-Centric Management: Shift focus from individual species to the overall health of ecosystems to ensuring comprehensive protection of habitats and their interdependent species.
Strengthened Protection and Regulation: Implement stricter regulations to limit industrial activities (e.g., oil and gas exploration) within and around protected areas, alongside enforcing more robust land-use policies.
Community Engagement and Education: Involve local communities in conservation efforts and enhance public awareness about biodiversity’s importance, fostering a collective responsibility for sustainable practices.
In preparation for the 29th edition of the COP in Baku, Azerbaijan, next month, there is renewed momentum within government circles to expedite the transition of Indian industry to carbon markets.
What is meant by the Carbon Trade Policy?
It is a market-based approach to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants.
It sets a quantitative limit on emissions, by allowing member countries with lower emissions to sell rights to emit carbon to higher-emitting entities, promoting cost-effective carbon reduction.
Why India must develop a transparent Carbon Trade Policy?
A clear and transparent policy will boost investor confidence, attracting both domestic and foreign investments in green technologies and carbon-reduction projects.
Establishing robust verification and reporting mechanisms will enhance the integrity of carbon credits, preventing issues like double counting and greenwashing, and fostering trust among stakeholders.
A transparent policy will help align India’s efforts with global climate commitments, enabling effective tracking of emissions reductions and promoting sustainable economic growth.
How effective is ‘Fair Trade’ in achieving its Goals?
Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Just as Fair Trade supports environmentally sustainable agriculture practices, carbon markets incentivize companies to adopt greener technologies and reduce emissions. Both aim to create a more sustainable future.
Empowerment of Stakeholders: Fair Trade empowers marginalized producers by providing fair prices and market access, similar to how carbon markets can benefit developing countries like India by enabling them to sell carbon credits generated from emissions reductions.
Economic Benefits: Fair Trade aims to create economic stability for producers, while carbon markets can generate revenue for countries that invest in carbon-reduction projects, creating a financial incentive for participating in emissions trading.
Global Impact Awareness: Both Fair Trade and carbon markets raise awareness about global issues—Fair Trade regarding trade equity and carbon markets regarding climate change, fostering a sense of responsibility among consumers and companies.
What are the limitations and challenges facing Fair Trade certification?
Certification Costs: The financial burden of obtaining Fair Trade certification can be a significant barrier for small producers. Similarly, transitioning to carbon markets may involve high initial costs for companies to implement the necessary technologies and processes.
Market Accessibility: Fair Trade products may not have guaranteed market access, mirroring potential challenges in carbon markets where the demand for carbon credits may fluctuate based on regulations and market conditions.
Complex Standards: Just as Fair Trade certification has varying standards, the guidelines under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement can also lead to confusion about which carbon-reduction activities are eligible for trading.
How can consumers effectively support Fair Trade initiatives?
Support Certified Products: Consumers can choose Fair Trade products, which, like carbon credits, require a conscious decision to support ethical and sustainable practices.
Educate and Advocate: Just as consumers can promote Fair Trade awareness, they can also advocate for transparent carbon markets and support policies that foster sustainable practices.
Engagement with Companies: Consumers can encourage businesses to participate in Fair Trade and carbon markets by demanding accountability and sustainability in their supply chains.
Community Participation: Involvement in local Fair Trade events can parallel participation in climate action initiatives, such as local carbon offset programs or sustainability projects, thereby supporting both movements.
Utilizing Social Media: Consumers can leverage social media to share information about Fair Trade and carbon markets, helping to amplify their importance and drive consumer engagement.
Way forward:
Strengthen Certification Accessibility: Lower the cost and simplify the certification process to make Fair Trade more accessible for small-scale producers, boosting their participation and benefits.
Enhance Consumer Education: Increase awareness campaigns about the impact of Fair Trade, encouraging more people to support certified products and promoting ethical consumption habits.
Prime Minister recently launched the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week to strengthen individual and organizational capacity among civil servants.
AboutMission Karmayogi
Details
What is it?
National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)
Objective
• To prepare civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, and innovative through transparency and technology.
Launch Date
• Launched on 2nd September 2020.
Key Features
• On-Site Learning: Complementing off-site learning with more focus on practical experience.
• Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform.
• All civil servants (including contractual employees) across various ministries, departments, organizations, and agencies of the Union Government.
iGOT-Karmayogi Features
• My iGOT: Personalized training courses based on individual capacity-building needs.
• Blended Programs: Combines offline classroom learning with online components for equitable access to training.
• Curated Programs: Tailored learning paths designed for different ministries and training institutions.
Vision for 2047
• Aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub and a supplier of skilled human resources by improving governance and civil service efficiency.
Steering Bodies
• Prime Minister’s Public Human Resources Council
• Capacity Building Commission
• Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for digital assets
• Coordination Unit led by the Cabinet Secretary.
Courses Offered
• The iGOT platform offers over 1400 courses for personalized learning and skill development.
Significance
• Promotes a whole-of-government approach to foster collaboration, break bureaucratic silos, and prepare civil servants for modern governance challenges through continuous capacity building.
How Karmayogi Saptah Aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s Goals?
Karmayogi Saptah promotes a culture of lifelong learning and continuous improvement, key pillars of Mission Karmayogi.
It emphasizes innovation and a citizen-first mindset, encouraging civil servants to engage with new ideas and feedback mechanisms.
By focusing on adapting to new technologies like AI, it aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s goal of a digitally proficient workforce.
It fosters collaboration across departments, supporting the mission’s aim to break silos and promote a “One Government” ethos.
Through individual and organizational development activities, the week contributes to creating a skilled, motivated workforce for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
PYQ:
[2015] Consider the following statements:
1. The Executive Power of the union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.
2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is being held at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
AboutExercise SIMBEX:
Details
History
Initially known as Exercise Lion King.
The exercise has been held annually since 1994.
Evolution
Progressed from anti-submarine warfare to include maritime security, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare.
Objectives
• Strengthen strategic partnership between India and Singapore
• Enhance interoperability and maritime domain awareness
• Foster cooperation to tackle shared maritime challenges.
Phases
Harbour Phase:
• Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) for knowledge sharing
• Cross-deck visits and sports fixtures
• Pre-sail briefings between both navies Sea Phase:
• Advanced naval drills including live weapon firings
• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training
• Anti-surface and anti-air operations
• Seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres.
Significance
SIMBEX-2019 was conducted in theSouth China Sea and involved various maritime combat exercises.
Recognized as the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India conducts with any other country (Indian High Commission statement, 2019).
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
