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Archives: News

  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Celebrating Pi Day: A Tribute to Mathematics

    14 March 2024 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    In the news

    • March 14, or 3/14, is celebrated globally as Pi Day, paying homage to the mathematical constant Pi (π).

    About Pi Day

    • Initiated by: Physicist Larry Shaw of the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco started the tradition in 1988, which has since gained international recognition.
    • UNESCO Designation: In 2019, UNESCO designated Pi Day as the International Day of Mathematics, highlighting its significance in promoting mathematical awareness.

    What is Pi?

    • Mathematical Constant: Pi (π) represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, with a value of approximately 3.14.
    • Irrational Number: Pi is an irrational number, with a decimal representation that neither terminates nor repeats.
    • Ancient Approximations: Ancient civilizations, including Babylonians and Egyptians, approximated Pi using geometric methods, laying the foundation for its calculation.
    • Symbol of Beauty: Pi’s infinite and non-repeating decimal digits evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the intricacies of mathematics.

    Do you know?

    • Baudhayana (800 BC – 740 BC) is said to be the original Mathematician behind the Pythagoras theorem and Calculation of Pi (3.142).
    •  Pythagoras theorem was indeed known much before Pythagoras, and it was Indians who discovered it at least 1000 years before Pythagoras was born!
    • The credit for authoring the earliest Sulbha Sutras goes to him.
    • Aryabhatta, another great Indian mathematician, worked out the accurate value of π to 3.1416. in 499AD.

     

    Evolution of Pi Calculation

    • Archimedes’ Method: Greek polymath Archimedes devised a method to approximate Pi using inscribed and circumscribed polygons, pioneering early calculations.
    • Newton’s Contribution: Isaac Newton revolutionized Pi calculation using calculus, significantly simplifying the process and enabling rapid advancements.
    • Modern Computing: With the aid of modern computers, mathematicians have calculated Pi to trillions of decimal places, facilitating precise scientific calculations.

    Practical Significance of Pi

    • Architectural and Engineering Applications: Pi plays a crucial role in designing structures, shaping engineering solutions, and facilitating accurate measurements.
    • Understanding the Universe: Pi’s significance extends to diverse fields, from space exploration to molecular biology, underscoring its universal applicability.
    • Intrinsic Value: Despite its vast decimal expansion, Pi holds intrinsic value as a symbol of mathematical beauty and infinity, inspiring exploration and discovery.

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    In news: Popocatepetl Volcano

    14 March 2024 | National Parks/WS | Environment
    Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    In the news

    • Popocatepetl, Mexico’s most dangerous active volcano has erupted 13 times in the past day, hurling columns of ash and smoke into the sky.

    About Popocatepetl Volcano

    • Popocatepetl — which means “Smoking Mountain” in the Aztec Nahuatl language — is located in central Mexico roughly 72 km southeast of Mexico City.
    • Popocatepetl is situated in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in Central Mexico.
    • It lies on the border between the states of Puebla and Morelos.
    • The summit of Popocatepetl stands at an elevation of about 5,426 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest peak in Mexico after Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba).

    Geological Details

    • Popocatepetl is a stratovolcano (composite volcano) characterized by its steep, conical shape built up by successive layers of volcanic ash, lava flows, and pyroclastic materials.
    • It is one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, with documented eruptions dating back to the 14th century.
    • In the modern era, significant eruptions have occurred in 1947, 1994, 2000, 2005, and ongoing activity since 2013.
    • The volcano’s eruptions are primarily andesitic to dacitic in composition, characterized by the eruption of viscous lava flows and explosive eruptions producing ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and lahars (mudflows).

    Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2021

    Q. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

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  • Uniform Civil Code: Triple Talaq debate, Polygamy issue, etc.

    President approves Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill

    14 March 2024 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    In the news

    • Under Article 201 of the Indian Constitution, the President gave assent to the ‘Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024’ Bill passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, on March 11 2024.

    What is the Uniform Civil Code?

    • The UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, that the state should work to establish a uniform civil code for all citizens across India.
      • However, the Constitution’s framers left it to the government’s discretion to implement the UCC.
    • Goa is the only state in India with a UCC, following the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867.

    What are the SC Observations?

    • The Supreme Court has emphasized the importance of Governors promptly acting on Bills sent to them for assent after passage by Legislative Assemblies.
    • Bills should be returned “as soon as possible” to prevent undue delay, with significant constitutional intent behind this directive.

    Governor’s Power over State Bills

     

    [I] Article 200:

    • Article 200 delineates the process for State Legislative Assembly-passed Bills to be presented to the Governor for assent.
    • The Governor holds the authority to either assent, withhold assent, or reserve the Bill for consideration by the President.
    • Additionally, the Governor possesses the prerogative to return the Bill to the House or Houses with a message requesting reconsideration.

     

    [II] Article 201:

    • Article 201 stipulates the procedures concerning Bills reserved for the President’s consideration.
    • It allows the President to either assent to or withhold assent from the Bill.
    • If necessary, the President can direct the Governor to return the Bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration.

     

    Governor’s Discretion 

    The Governor holds several options upon receiving a Bill:

    • Granting Assent.
    • Requesting the Assembly to reconsider specific provisions or the entire Bill.
    • Obligatory reservation for the President’s consideration, especially in cases posing a threat to the state high court or contravening constitutional provisions, DPSP, national interest, or Article 31A regarding compulsory property acquisition.
    • Although within the Governor’s authority, withholding assent is seldom practiced due to its contentious nature.

    Committee Recommendations:

     

    (1) Sarkaria Commission (1987):

    • It recommended that Governors exercise discretion in reserving Bills for Presidential consideration only in rare cases of unconstitutionality.
    • Bills should otherwise be processed as per ministerial advice, with a maximum six-month period for Presidential disposition.

     

    (2) Punchhi Commission (2010):

    • It proposed a six-month timeframe for Governors to decide on Bills presented for assent, emphasizing timely decision-making.

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2016:

    Q.Consider the following statements:

    1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
    2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.

    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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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Places in news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    14 March 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    rhino

    Why in the news? 

    • The Supreme Court halted the Assam government’s attempt to revoke a 26-year-old notification establishing the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a significant rhino population.

    What was the reason behind this decision?

    • The Supreme Court asserted that withdrawing a notification for a wildlife sanctuary required permission from the National Board of Wildlife, and clarified its order does not impede actions to protect forest dwellers’ rights.

    About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 

    • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
    • The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
    • Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.

    About One-Horned Rhino:

    • IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
    • Habitat– Rhinos are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
      • Assam has an estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas, i.e. Pabitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park.
      • About 2,400 of them are in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

    Prelims Question:

    Which wildlife sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam?

    a) Manas National Park

    b) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    c) Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park

    d) Jim Corbett National Park

     

    Post your answers here.

     

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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    Unpacking the CAA Rules

    13 March 2024 | Explained | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    caa rules

    In the news

    • The long-awaited Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been set into motion by the Centre, marking a significant step forward in India’s legislative landscape.
    • Enacted in December 2019, the CAA aims to provide citizenship to certain migrants from neighboring countries, sparking debates and controversies nationwide.

    Making of the CAA, 2019: A Timeline

     

    2002: Initial efforts were made to address the challenges faced by Pakistani Hindus seeking Indian visas and citizenship.

    2004: Amendments to Citizenship Rules empowered district magistrates to grant Long Term Visas (LTVs) and citizenship to migrants in border districts.

    2010: The Ministry of Home Affairs eased restrictions on LTV extensions for certain categories of Pakistani nationals.

    2014: Notification allowed citizenship for select migrant communities, excluding Jains and Parsis.

    2018: Government extended LTV eligibility to communities seeking Indian citizenship, offering various benefits.

    New Citizenship Law: Eligibility and Required Documentation

    • Beneficiaries: The CAA primarily benefits Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.
    • Documentation: Applicants need to provide proof of their country of origin, religion, date of entry into India, and knowledge of an Indian language.
    • Proof of Country of Origin: Acceptable documents include birth certificates, educational institution certificates, identity documents, licenses, certificates, or any other document issued by Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan.
    • Establishing Date of Entry: Applicants can provide a range of documents such as visas, residential permits, census slips, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, or any letter issued by the government or court to prove their entry date.
    • Generational Proof: Applicants can also provide documents indicating familial ties to these countries, such as those showing ancestry, expanding the scope of eligibility.

    Application Processing Mechanism

    [A] Empowered Committees

    • Role of Empowered Committee: This committee is tasked with overseeing the entire process, from receiving to processing applications. It ensures that all procedures are followed diligently and efficiently.
    • Membership: The Empowered Committee is headed by a Director (Census Operations) and comprises representatives from various government bodies, including the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO), the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and the Postmaster General.
    • Responsibilities: The committee members are responsible for verifying the authenticity of documents submitted by applicants, conducting background checks, and making final decisions on citizenship applications.

    [B] District Level Committees (DLC)

    • Composition: The DLC consists of the District Informatics Officer or District Informatics Assistant and a nominee of the central government.
    • Functions: DLCs serve as the initial point of contact for applicants, receiving their submissions and ensuring they are complete and accurate before forwarding them to the Empowered Committee for further processing.
    • Oversight: While DLCs handle the initial stages of application processing, they operate under the supervision and guidance of the Empowered Committee. This hierarchical structure ensures uniformity and consistency in decision-making across different regions.

    [C] Electronic Submission and Processing

    • Digital Platform: To streamline operations and minimize paperwork, the application process is conducted electronically. Applicants submit their documents and forms through an online portal managed by the government.
    • Efficiency: Electronic submission allows for faster processing times and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry. It also enables real-time tracking of application status, providing transparency to applicants throughout the process.
    • Data Security: The government ensures robust cybersecurity measures to protect the sensitive information submitted by applicants. Encryption protocols and secure servers safeguard data integrity and confidentiality.

    Conclusion

    • The implementation of the CAA signifies a significant policy shift aimed at addressing the plight of persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries.
    • While the rules have sparked debates and opposition, they also represent India’s commitment to humanitarian values and providing refuge to those in need.
    • As the citizenship application process unfolds, it will be crucial to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to legal procedures to uphold the principles of justice and inclusivity.

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  • Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

    India ‘one of the Worst Autocratisers’: V-Dem Democracy Report

    13 March 2024 | IOCR | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    In the news

    • India, previously categorized as an “electoral autocracy” in 2018, has further declined to become one of the “worst autocratizers,” according to the ‘Democracy Report 2024’ by the Gothenburg-based V-Dem (or Varieties of Democracy) Institute.

    Key highlights on India

    • Deteriorating Status: India, previously downgraded to an electoral autocracy in 2018, has further declined to become “one of the worst autocratizers.”
    • Historical Comparison: India’s level of “liberal democracy” has regressed significantly, reaching levels last seen in 1975 during the state of emergency declared by Indira Gandhi.
    • Regime Classification: India falls into the category of electoral autocracy, characterized by multiparty elections alongside insufficient levels of freedom of expression and fair elections.
    • Erosion of Democratic Freedoms: The report highlights the gradual deterioration of freedom of expression, media independence, and attacks on civil society under the current government.

    About the V-Dem Democracy Report

    • Publication: The V-Dem Institute releases the Democracy Report annually, offering insights into the state of democracy worldwide, focusing on democratization and autocratization.
    • Regime Classification: Countries are categorized into four regime types based on their scores in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI), encompassing a spectrum from liberal democracy to closed autocracy.

    What is Liberal Democratic Index (LDI)?

    • Comprehensive Assessment: The LDI evaluates both liberal (individual and minority rights) and electoral aspects (free and fair elections) of democracy.
    • Indicators: It comprises 71 indicators, encompassing the Liberal Component Index (LCI) and the Electoral Democracy Index (EDI), capturing various dimensions of democratic governance.
      1. LCI: Measures aspects like protection of individual liberties and legislative constraints on the executive.
      2. EDI: Considers indicators ensuring free and fair elections such as freedom of expression and association.
    • Components of the LDI include:
    1. Egalitarian Component Index: Assesses the extent of equality among different social groups within a democracy.
    2. Participatory Component Index: Evaluates the health of citizen groups and civil society organizations, indicating the degree of citizen engagement.
    3. Deliberative Component Index: Gauges whether political decisions are driven by public reasoning focused on the common good or influenced by emotional appeals, solidarity attachments, or coercion.
    4. Publication Schedule: The Democracy Report is typically published annually in March, presenting a comprehensive analysis of global democratic trends.

    Key Findings from the Democracy Report 2024:

    • Collaborative Effort: The report is a collaborative endeavour involving 4,200 scholars from 180 countries, leveraging 31 million datasets spanning from 1789 to 2023 to assess the democratic status of 202 countries.
    • Global Trends:
    1. Autocratization: In 2023, 42 countries, representing 35% of the world’s population, were undergoing autocratization.
    2. Population in Autocracies: Currently, 71% of the world’s population, amounting to 5.7 billion people, resides in autocracies, marking a significant increase from 48% a decade ago.
    3. Decline in Democracy: The level of democracy experienced by the average individual globally has regressed to 1985 levels, with Eastern Europe, South, and Central Asia experiencing the sharpest declines.

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  • Nuclear Energy

    Nuclear Waste Management and India

    13 March 2024 | Explained | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    nuclear waste

    In the news

    • India recently achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear program with the loading of the core of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).
    • However, as India progresses towards energy independence, it faces the complex challenge of managing nuclear waste.

    What is Nuclear Waste?

    • Composition: Nuclear waste comprises radioactive by-products generated during the fission process in nuclear reactors.
    • Radioactive Elements: These by-products include elements such as barium-144, krypton-89, and various isotopes of uranium and plutonium.

    Nuclear Waste Handling Techniques

    • Spent Fuel Storage: Spent fuel, initially stored underwater for cooling, is later transferred to dry casks for long-term storage. This process is critical due to the high radioactivity of spent fuel. Ex.: The U.S. had 69,682 tonnes of spent fuel (as of 2015), Canada had 54,000 tonnes (2016), and Russia had 21,362 tonnes (2014).
    • Liquid Waste Treatment: Nuclear power plants have facilities to treat liquid waste, with some waste being discharged into the environment after treatment.
    • Vitrification: Liquid high-level waste is vitrified to form a stable glass for long-term storage.
    • Reprocessing: Reprocessing separates fissile material from non-fissile elements in spent fuel, allowing for the reuse of valuable materials. Ex.: India operates reprocessing plants in Trombay, Tarapur, and Kalpakkam.
    • Geological Disposal: Some experts advocate for burying nuclear waste deep underground in stable geological formations. Waste is sealed in containers and buried in granite or clay formations, away from human activity.

    Challenges and Concerns

    • Environmental Risks: Improper waste management can lead to contamination of water resources and surrounding areas.
      • Ex.: The Asse II salt mine in Germany faced contamination concerns due to nuclear waste storage.
    • Safety Concerns: Accidents at nuclear waste storage sites highlight the need for stringent safety measures.
      • Ex.: The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in the U.S. experienced an accident in 2014, releasing radioactive materials.
    • Cost Implications: Waste management accounts for a significant portion of the overall cost of nuclear energy production.
      • Cost Estimate: Waste management imposes a cost of $1.6-7.1 per MWh of nuclear energy.

    India’s Nuclear Waste Management

    • On-Site Storage: Low and intermediate-level nuclear waste generated at power stations is treated and stored on-site. India’s PFBR project aims to address waste management challenges by utilizing fast breeder reactor technology.
    • IAEA Safeguards: India adheres to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, ensuring the safe and secure handling of nuclear materials and waste.
    • Challenges Ahead: The delayed commissioning of the PFBR suggests potential complications in managing spent fuel with different compositions.

    Way Forward

    • Investment in Research: Continued investment in research and development of advanced waste treatment technologies can enhance efficiency and safety in nuclear waste management.
    • International Collaboration: Collaborating with international organizations and sharing best practices can provide valuable insights and expertise in addressing nuclear waste challenges.
    • Public Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders and the public to raise awareness about nuclear waste management and address concerns regarding safety and environmental impact is crucial.
    • Regulatory Framework: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and implementing robust safety standards can ensure compliance with international guidelines and safeguard against potential hazards.

    Conclusion

    • As India advances its nuclear program, effective waste management strategies are crucial to mitigate environmental and safety risks.

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:

    Q.In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’?

    (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

    (b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.

    (c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

    (d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    In news: Sabarmati Ashram

    13 March 2024 | Explained | History
    Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    sabarmati

    In the news

    • Prime Minister’s recent activities, commemorating the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March at the Sabarmati Ashram, mark a significant step towards the redevelopment and expansion of this historic site.

    Ashrams Built by Mahatma Gandhi

     

    Gandhi set up five settlements during his lifetime — two in South Africa (Phoenix Settlement in Natal, and Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg), where he lived from 1893 to 1914, and three in India, where he arrived in January 1915.

     

    South Africa Settlements:

    1. Phoenix Settlement in Natal: Founded in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement was established by Gandhi as a communal living space and center for social and political activism. It served as a hub for his Satyagraha campaigns against racial discrimination and injustice in South Africa.
    2. Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg: Gandhi established Tolstoy Farm in 1910 as a self-sustaining community inspired by the teachings of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. It served as a refuge for Indian immigrants and a base for organizing resistance against discriminatory laws.

     

    Indian Settlements:

    1. Ahmedabad Ashram (Kocharab Ashram): Gandhi’s first ashram in India was established in Kocharab, Ahmedabad, in 1915. It was initially a rented space and was later moved to a larger site on the banks of the Sabarmati River, becoming the Sabarmati Ashram.
    2. Sabarmati Ashram:  Read the article below.
    3. Sevagram Ashram: Established in 1936 near Wardha in Maharashtra, Sevagram Ashram was Gandhi’s final residence in India. It was intended to be a model village based on principles of self-reliance, sustainability, and nonviolence. Gandhi spent the last years of his life here, engaging in various constructive programs and campaigns.

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2019:

    Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian Phase. Elaborate.

    About Sabarmati Ashram

    • Founded in 1917 by Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram holds immense historical significance in India’s struggle for independence and Gandhian philosophy.
    • Situated on the western bank of the Sabarmati River, north of the village of Juna Vadaj in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the ashram became a focal point for various movements and experiments led by Gandhi.

    Key Movements and Initiatives

    1. Champaran Satyagraha (1917): The ashram served as a base for Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran Satyagraha, a movement against oppressive indigo planters in Bihar.
    2. Khadi Movement (1918): Gandhi initiated the Khadi movement from Sabarmati Ashram, promoting the use of hand-spun cloth as a means to boycott foreign goods and promote self-reliance.
    3. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) and Kheda Satyagraha: Gandhi led the workers’ strike in Ahmedabad and the peasants’ movement in Kheda, both of which were pivotal in India’s struggle for independence.
    4. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): The ashram played a crucial role in Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation with British authorities, urging Indians to boycott British goods and institutions.
    5. Dandi March (1930): One of the most iconic events in India’s freedom struggle, the Dandi March, commenced from Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi, along with his followers, marched to Dandi to protest against the salt tax imposed by the British.

    Philosophy and Ideals

    • Gandhi envisioned Sabarmati Ashram as a community based on principles of simplicity, self-reliance, and communal living.
    • He emphasized the importance of truth, non-violence (Ahimsa), and Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) as tools for social and political change.

    Activities and Structures

    The ashram housed various facilities and structures, including:

    1. Hriday Kunj: Gandhi’s residence at the ashram, where he lived with his wife Kasturba.
    2. Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya: A museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life, showcasing his personal belongings, letters, and photographs.
    3. Magan Niwas: A guesthouse for visitors and volunteers.
    4. Vinoba-Mira Kutir: Residence of Vinoba Bhave and Mira Behn, Gandhian disciples.

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

    11 African countries sign ‘Yaounde Declaration’

    13 March 2024 | IOCR | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    In the news

    • Health ministers from 11 African nations grappling with the heaviest malaria burdens have recently signed the Yaounde Declaration.

    What is Yaounde Declaration?

    Details
    Signed at Yaoundé conference, hosted by WHO and the Government of Cameroon in Yaoundé, Cameroon (capital).
    Participants Ministers of Health, global malaria partners, funding agencies, scientists, civil society organizations, and other malaria stakeholders.
    Signatory countries
    • Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
    • These countries collectively account for over 70% of the global malaria burden.
    Pledges
    • Effective tackling of malaria threat in Africa, leading better and investing more money in fighting malaria, using new technology for data, etc.
    • Investing more in health infrastructure, personnel, and programs, collaborating across sectors, forming partnerships for funding, research, and innovation.
    • Showing strong commitment to quickly reducing malaria deaths and holding each other and their countries accountable for the commitments.

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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    Centre notifies Implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Rules

    12 March 2024 | Explained | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    In the news

    • Just days ahead of the announcement of Lok Sabha election, the Union Home Ministry notified the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024.
    • This would now enable the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by Parliament in 2019.

    Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019: Key Provisions

    • Basic idea: CAA, 2019, aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant Indian citizenship to specific categories of illegal migrants.
    • Eligible Religions: CAA targets Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, making them eligible for Indian citizenship.
    • Objective: The primary objective is to facilitate citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from India’s three Muslim-majority neighboring countries.
    • Residence Requirement: The Citizenship Act, 1955, normally requires 11 of the previous 14 years of residence in India as a condition for naturalization.
    • Amendment: CAA reduces this requirement to 6 years for applicants belonging to the specified religions and countries.
    • Exemption from Criminal Cases: Members of the designated communities are exempted from criminal cases under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport Act, 1920, if they entered India before December 31, 2014.

    Defining Illegal Migrants

    • Status under Present Laws: Existing laws prohibit illegal migrants from acquiring Indian citizenship.
    • CAA’s Definition: CAA classifies an illegal migrant as a foreigner who enters India without valid travel documents (passport and visa) or overstays beyond the allowed period.
    • Penalties: Illegal migrants can face imprisonment or deportation under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.

    Exceptions under CAA

    • Conditions for Exemption: CAA outlines four conditions that, if met, exempt certain individuals from being treated as illegal migrants:
      1. They belong to the specified religions (Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian).
      2. They hail from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
      3. They entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
      4. They are not in certain tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, or Tripura (Sixth Schedule) or “Inner Line” permit areas (Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland).

    Controversies Surrounding CAA

    • Country of Origin: CAA categorizes migrants based on their country of origin, specifically Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
    • Religious Exclusivity: It raises questions about why only six specified religious minorities have been considered in the Act.
    • Omission of Rohingya: The Act doesn’t address the Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, who have faced persecution.
    • Entry Date Differentiation: The differential treatment of migrants based on their entry date, i.e., before or after December 31, 2014, has generated debate.
    • Secularism Concerns: Critics argue that granting citizenship based on religion contradicts the secular principles of India’s Constitution, considered part of the unalterable basic structure.

    Constitutionality Check

    • The challenge may rest primarily on the grounds that the law violates Article 14 of the Constitution that guarantees that no person shall be denied the right to equality before law or the equal protection of law in the territory of India.
    • The Supreme Court has developed a Two-Pronged Test to examine a law on the grounds of Article 14.
    1. First, any differentiation between groups of persons must be founded on “intelligible differentia”
    2. Second, differentia must have a rational nexus to the object sought to be achieved by the Act
    • Simply put, for a law to satisfy the conditions under Article 14, it has to first create a “reasonable class” of subjects that it seeks to govern under the law.
    • Even if the classification is reasonable, any person who falls in that category has to be treated alike.

    Impact on Assam and Assam Accord

    • Intersection with Section 6A: The CAA intersects with Section 6A of The Citizenship Act, 1955, which determines citizenship criteria in Assam.
    • Assam Accord: Section 6A, linked to the Assam Accord, sets criteria for determining citizenship in Assam, posing potential conflicts with the CAA’s provisions.
    • Base Cut-off Date and Regularization: The Assam Accord establishes a base cut-off date for identifying and regularizing foreigners in Assam, impacting the implementation of the CAA in the state.

    Way forward

    • India is a constitutional democracy with a basic structure that assures a secure and spacious home for all Indians.
    • Being partitioned on religious grounds, India has to undertake a balancing act to protect the religious minorities in its neighbourhood.
    • These minorities are under constant threat of persecution and vandalism.
    • India needs to balance its civilization duties to protect those who are prosecuted in the neighbourhood.

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2021:

    Q.With reference to India, consider the following statements:​

    1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.​
    2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.​
    3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.​

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?​

    (a) 1 only ​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) 1 and 3 ​

    (s) 2 and 3​

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