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  • SC allows termination of pregnancy of minor rape survivor

    Why in the news? 

    The Supreme Court on Monday used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do “complete justice” to permit the medical termination of pregnancy of a 14- year-old rape.Her pregnancy is nearing 30 weeks. The minor became aware of her condition only at a very late stage.

    Article 142

    • Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants extraordinary powers to the Supreme Court of India to deliver complete justice. It empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order or issue any writ necessary for doing “complete justice” in any cause or matter pending before it, even if the case does not fall directly within its jurisdiction. 

    Distinctive features of Article 142:

    • Extraordinary Powers: Article 142 grants the Supreme Court of India extraordinary powers to deliver complete justice. These powers are exceptional and not restricted by the ordinary limitations of jurisdiction or procedure.
    • Wide Discretion: The provision grants the Supreme Court wide discretion in passing orders or issuing writs to achieve complete justice.  
    • Non-obstante Clause: Article 142 begins with a non-obstante clause, which means that the powers conferred by this article prevail over any other provision of the Constitution or law. This underscores the supremacy of the Supreme Court’s authority in exercising these powers.
    • Judicial Activism: Article 142 is often invoked to enable the judiciary to intervene in matters where existing laws or legal provisions are inadequate or where there are gaps in the law. This enables the court to play an active role in shaping legal principles and addressing societal concerns.

    Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act 2020

    • Gestation Limits: The Act allows for the termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks with the opinion of one registered medical practitioner.
    • For termination between 20 to 24 weeks, the opinion of two registered medical practitioners is required.
    • The upper gestation limit has been increased from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women, including survivors of rape, victims of incest, differently-abled women, and minors.
    • Medical Board: In cases of substantial foetal abnormalities diagnosed by a Medical Board, the upper gestation limit does not apply.
    • The Medical Board consists of a gynaecologist, a paediatrician, a radiologist or sonologist, and other notified members.
    • Privacy Protection: The Act ensures the protection of privacy for women who have terminated their pregnancy. The name and other details of the woman are not to be revealed except to authorized individuals.

    Conclusion: 

    Need to take Measures to prevent rape in society by providing education on consent, promoting gender equality, ensuring swift and awareness about severe punishment for perpetrators, enhancing support for survivors, and fostering a culture of respect.

    Mains PYQ

    Q ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.

  • What Iran-Israel conflict means for Middle East and India

    Why in the news?

    The turmoil resulting from the Iran-Israel conflict poses a threat to the security of the extensive Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf region, with an added risk of piracy and hostage situations.

    The conflict between Israel and Iran:

    • Historical Context: The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the Islamic Revolution in 1979 when Iran rejected Israel’s existence and vowed to undermine it. Iran has supported anti-Israeli militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas and pursued a nuclear program, which Israel sees as a threat
    • Recent Escalation: Recent events, such as the unprecedented missile and drone assault on Israel originating from Iran, have raised concerns about a potential all-out war between the two nations. Israel successfully intercepted most of the attacks, but the implications of this escalation are significant
    • Israel’s Response Options: Israel faces decisions on how to respond to Iran, with options including retaliation by proxy, assassinations, cyberattacks, or direct attacks. Each option carries risks of escalation and broader regional consequences
    • The nuclear issue: The long history of animosity and confrontation between the sides has now erupted in direct attacks. Israel is believed to be nuclear-capable and Iran’s desired programmes for nuclear capability have been in the spotlight

    Impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on India:

    • Economic Interests: India has significant economic ties in the Middle East, including trade, investment, and energy imports. Any escalation of conflict in the region threatens India’s economic interests, potentially leading to disruptions in trade routes and increased oil prices.
    • Security of Indian Diaspora: The Middle East hosts a large Indian diaspora, particularly in the Gulf region. Turmoil and conflict pose risks to their safety and security, with concerns about piracy, hostage-taking, and general instability.
    • Instability in Global south Governance : India recognizes the importance of stability in the Middle East for global south governance and stability. Instability in the region affects not only regional dynamics but also has broader implications for international security and cooperation.

    Diplomatic solution for this conflict:

    •  India advocates for diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the Middle East and supports initiatives for peace and stability, including the two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. India’s historical and cultural ties with the region position it as a potential mediator and facilitator for dialogue.

    Way forward:

    • Restraint and De-escalation: Call upon both parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate the conflict further.  
    • Regional Cooperation: Encourage regional actors, including neighboring countries  to work together to promote stability and security in the Middle East.  
    • International Support: Seek support from the international community, including major powers and multilateral organizations, to pressure Iran and Israel to pursue peaceful resolutions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?

    Mains question for practice:

    Q The turmoil resulting from the Iran-Israel conflict poses a threat to the security of the  Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf region. Discuss the Impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on India and suggest the solution.

     

     

  • Premium- Indian Federalism as a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

    Why in the News? 

    In recent times, the Central government has exerted significant political and financial control over the regional states.

    What is Federalism?

    • Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided and shared between a central authority (usually a national government) and constituent political units (such as states or provinces). 
    • Both levels of government have their spheres of authority, and they coexist within the same political framework.

     

    Indian Federalism:

    • India opted for a federal form of government because of linguistic and regional diversity. It has dual objectives, to safeguard and promote the unity, and to accommodate regional diversity.
    • However, Indian Federalism has been described as quasi-federal since it contains major federation and union features (Article 1 says, “India that is ‘Bharat’, shall be the Union of the states”).
    • The central government has more authority, especially in fiscal matters (due to which it is sometimes called “asymmetrical federalism”).
    • Federalism is part of the basic structure which cannot be altered or destroyed under the constituent powers of the Parliament without undergoing judicial review by the Supreme Court.

    Federal Features

    Non-federal features

    The Present Political Federal Issues in India:

    • Centralization of Power: Certain propositions laid down in the Supreme Court’s judgment, have upheld the prospects of Federalism in India
      • For example, the abrogation of Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the central government without adequate consultation with the state government was seen as a move towards the Centralization of power.
    • Reorganization of States: The provision under Article 3 of the Constitution states that the President shall refer the Bill for the reorganization of any State to the legislature of the State concerned to elicit its opinion. 
      • The recent SC’s verdict that dismissed the challenges to the abrogation of Article 370 led to a serious undermining of federalism and the rights of the elected State legislatures.
    • Lack of clarity in Division of Powers: Although the subjects are enlisted in the Seventh Schedule and Emergency Provisions of the Constitution, the distribution of power between the Central government and the states lacks clarity and equity. 
      • For example, internal security assumes utmost importance with the Maoist challenge and cross-border terrorism, which threaten all the states across the country.
      • The Constitution does not refer either to ‘security’ or ‘internal security’ anywhere. However, it mentions five related terms namely ‘pubic order’ (List II, Entry 2), ‘war’ (Article 352), ‘external aggression’ (Article 352), ‘armed rebellion’ (Article 352), and ‘internal disturbance’ (Article 355).
      • Further, the imposition of President’s Rule in states under Article 356 has been recently criticized for being used arbitrarily by the central government.
    • Unequal Representation in Rajya Sabha: The representation of states in Parliament and other federal institutions does not accurately reflect their population, size, or contributions. Some states are over-represented while others are under-represented.
      • For example, the allocation of 80 Lok Sabha seats to Uttar Pradesh and only one to Sikkim results in unequal representation, impacting resource distribution and decision-making.
    • Simultaneous Elections: Measures discussed and recommended like the “One Nation One Election” undermined India’s federal structure and conflated the different priorities voters had for National, State, and “Panchayati raj” institutions, degrading each one’s different sphere of responsibility. 

    The Present Fiscal Federal issues in India:

    • Fiscal Divisible Pool: The states often face financial constraints due to their dependence on the central government for funds. The unequal distribution of resources can exacerbate disparities among states. 
      • For example, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh receive more funds from the central government under various schemes. However, recently the Kerala government faced serious financial crunches due to a lack of funds.
    • Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST): GST’s implementation has raised issues related to fiscal autonomy. States have voiced concerns about the loss of their taxation powers and uncertainties regarding compensation from the central government for revenue losses.

    Bodies related to the Federal System in India:

    • The Inter-State Council: It was constituted under Article 263 of the Constitution, and serves as a constitutional entity aimed at fostering coordination and collaboration between the Central government and the states regarding shared interests and issues of significance.  
    • The Finance Commission: It is a Constitutional Body established under Article 280 of the Constitution to recommend the distribution of revenues between the Centre and the states.
    • The NITI Aayog: Established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. It fosters cooperative federalism by involving states in policy formulation and implementation.

    Committee Recommendation:

    • Sarkaria Commission (1983):
        • Balanced Distribution of Powers: Recommended a balanced distribution of powers between the central government and states, ensuring that each level of government has adequate authority to perform its functions.
        • Cooperative Federalism: Emphasized the need for cooperative federalism, where the central and state governments work together in the spirit of partnership and collaboration.
    • Punchhi Commission (2007):
      • Strengthening Inter-State Council: Recommended strengthening the Inter-State Council, an institution tasked with promoting cooperation among states and between the center and states.
      • Revisiting Center-State Relations: Suggested revisiting and updating the provisions related to center-state relations to address contemporary challenges and promote cooperative federalism.

     

    Way Forward: The Centre cannot afford to ignore the importance of states to effectively respond to the Federal issues:

    • Empowerment of State Governments: Strengthen the powers and autonomy of state governments in decision-making processes, allowing them greater authority over issues within their jurisdiction, and revenue management is necessary.
    • Promoting Co-operative Federalism: Enhance the effectiveness of the Inter-State Council as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between the Centre and states on matters of common interest, ensuring meaningful participation of state leaders in decision-making processes.
    • Need a Balanced Approach: First, the government needs to review and make necessary amendments to clarify the distribution of powers, ensuring a more balanced and transparent framework for political governance.  Second, implement a balanced system of grants where states with weaker fiscal capacities receive adequate support to address developmental disparities.
    • Bringing Clarity: Clearly define revenue-sharing boundaries and internal security mechanisms between the Centre and states to ensure equitable distribution of resources.

    Prelims PYQ 

    Q) Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism? (UPSC IAS/2017)

    1. a) There is an independent judiciary in India.
    2. b) Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.
    3. c) The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
    4. d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

     

    Q) Consider the following statements: (UPSC IAS/2020)

    1) The Consititution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.

    2) The Constitution of India provides for ‘judical review to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based.

    Which of the Statement given above is/are correct?

    1. a) 1 only
    2. b) 2 only
    3. c) Both 1 and 2
    4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Mains PYQ 

    Q1 How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (UPSC IAS/2020) 

    Q2 The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.

  • [23 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Restoring earth’s right to ‘good health’

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 

    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 IAS/2022)

    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 2017)

    Prelims

    With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
    1.  It is an initiative of the European Union.
    2.  It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
    3.  It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a)      1 and 2 only
    b)      3 only
    c)       2 and 3 only
    d)      1, 2 and 3

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Climate Change Reports;

    Mains: Environmental Governance; Climate Justice;

    Mentor comments: Recently, climate variability in the form of floods and cyclones has destroyed crops, property and infrastructure, as well as in negative impacts on human health and well-being. All of these impacts set back general socio-economic development. Also globally, Climate change impacts, an array of Internationally guaranteed Human Rights. States have their own set of challenges to take effective measures to redress these climate impacts, and therefore, to mitigate climate change, and to ensure that all human beings have the necessary capacity to adapt to the climate crisis. We must ensure climate justice requires climate action to be consistent with existing human rights, standards, and principles.

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that countries have a responsibility to protect their citizens from the consequences of climate change, setting a legal precedent for future climate litigation.

    • Recently, our Supreme Court has also underscored the urgency of recognizing climate change as a human rights crisis.
    • These two landmark decisions have set important precedents for legal accountability and policy action to address the adverse impacts of climate change on individuals and communities.

    How is the Climate crisis interrelated with Human Rights?

    • The 5th Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirms that climate change is caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.
    • This year’s unprecedented heat was accompanied by other alarming trends, including ocean heat accumulation, sea level rise, Antarctic Sea ice loss, and glacier retreat.
    • Among other impacts, climate change negatively affects people’s rights to health, housing, water, and food.
    • Countries such as Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, South Korea, South Africa, and Philippines have enacted comprehensive climate laws that have facilitated the mobilization of public sector resources, increased capacity for climate action, and promoted cross-sectoral collaboration.

    Challenges faced by India:

    • Rising Temperatures and Natural Disasters: More than 80% of its population lives in districts that are at risk of climate-induced disasters. They are majorly affecting livelihoods, food security, and exacerbating existing socio-economic inequalities.
    • Agri-dependent Population: With a 1.2 billion growing population and its high dependence on agriculture, India probably will be severely impacted by continuing climate change.
    • Melting of Himalayan Glaciers: Global observations of melting glaciers suggest that climate change is well underway in the region, with glaciers receding at an average rate of 10–15 meters per year.
    • Forest Wealth on decrease: India’s forests are already changing because of socioeconomic pressures; virgin forest areas are less dense and monocultures and plantations are preferred to native species. These conditions will be greatly exacerbated by climate change.
      • Forest Fires: As per State of the Forest Report 2019, over 36% of India’s forest cover is prone to fires, recently being the Nilgiri Forest Fires.

    Efforts made by the Indian Government:

    • Worked on Decoupling Emissions: India has achieved two of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets:
      • First, by reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33% to 35% from the 2005 level.
      • Second, by achieving 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, well ahead of the target year of 2030. 
    • Sustainable Development Goals: India’s localization model for the SDGs, has successfully integrated into local-level planning through multi-tiered and multi-stakeholder processes.
      • For example, in programs like poverty alleviation, food security, access to clean water and sanitation, and gender equality.
    • Judicial Intervention: Looking at the impacts of climate change from a rights perspective, affecting humanity’s right to health, life, and liberty, the Supreme Court has brought them within the purview of Constitutional Fundamental Rights.

    Measures to Enhance India’s Climate Governance:

    • To Mitigate Climate Change:  States must act to limit anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (e.g. mitigate climate change), including through regulatory measures, to prevent to the greatest extent possible the current and future negative human rights impacts of climate change.
    • Restoring Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change: States must build adaptive capacities in vulnerable communities, by devoting adequate resources to the realization of the economic, social and cultural rights of all persons, particularly those facing the greatest risks.
    • To Ensure Effective Remedy for Human Rights: States should be accountable to rights-holders for their contributions to climate change including for failure to adequately regulate the emissions of businesses under their jurisdiction.
    • To Ensure Equity: Those who have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions (i.e. the poor, children, and future generations) are those most affected. Hence bringing Equity is a must.

    Source:

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/restoring-earths-right-to-good-health/article68095504.ece

    https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/ClimateChange/COP21.pdf

    https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/climate2030_india.pdf

  • Premium – Conflict Areas of African Continent

    Why in the News?

    The places discussed in this article are pertinent to conflict zones either due to Geopolitical conflicts or Climate change impacts.

    Political and Ethnic Conflicts:

    • Darfur Region, Sudan:
      • The Darfur region constitutes Western Sudan, present-Eastern Chad, and the present-Northern part of the Central African Republic Region. 
      • This conflict involves clashes between government forces and paramilitary groups, resulting in widespread violence and displacement, particularly in regions like Darfur.
      • Darfur has experienced conflict for years, with ethnic tensions and government-rebel clashes leading to violence and displacement. 
      • The conflict has been characterized by allegations of ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses.
    • Somalia:
      • The Conflict zone of Somalia is situated in the South-Eastern part (Mogadishu).
      • Al Shabaab is an Islamist militant group that has been engaged in a prolonged insurgency against the Somali government. 
      • The conflict has led to widespread violence, including attacks on civilians, and has contributed to significant displacement within Somalia
    • Nigeria:
      • Groups like Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have carried out attacks, including suicide bombings and kidnappings, targeting civilians and security forces. 
      • This conflict has led to widespread displacement (Due to infringements of Human rights), particularly in northeastern Nigeria.
      • Nigeria is traversed by several major rivers, including the Niger River and the Benue River. 
      • The Niger River flows from southeastern Guinea through Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria. It is the third-longest river in Africa behind the Nile and the Congo. 
      • Niger River tributaries include the Sokoto, Kaduna, Benue, and Bani Rivers.
    • Tigray, Ethiopia:
      • The conflict in Tigray erupted between regional forces and the Ethiopian government in late 2020, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and allegations of human rights abuses.
      • Ethiopia has experienced internal conflicts fueled by ethnic divisions and political grievances, leading to sporadic violence and displacement in various regions.
      • The region is part of the Nile River Basin.

    Resource-based Conflicts (Climate Change Impact):

    • Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):
      • The DRC has been plagued by multiple armed groups operating in different regions, often vying for control over territory and resources. 
      • The M23 rebel group is one of several militias involved in the conflict, leading to displacement and humanitarian crises.
      • The DRC is home to the Congo River, one of the largest rivers in Africa. 
      • The Congo River drains a total watershed area of 3,690,750km 2, covering all of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as parts of Congo-Brazzaville, Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia and Angola.
    • Burkina Faso:
      • Burkina Faso (landlocked in West Africa) has experienced a rise in violence perpetrated by groups affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State, leading to displacement and insecurity, especially in the northern regions.
      • This conflict is often seen as a spillover from instability in neighboring Mali.
      • This region lies on the Prime Meridian. 
      • As it is landlocked, it does not have any significant rivers or lakes within its territory. However, it is part of the Volta River Basin, which includes rivers like the Black Volta and the White Volta.
    • Sahel Region:
      • The Sahel is a 3,860-km transitional belt stretching between the Sahara Desert and sub-Saharan Africa, extending from Senegal to Eritrea. It consists of Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea, and a portion of southern Algeria.
      • Climate: Characterized by semi-arid conditions and features barren landscapes, making it susceptible to desertification.
      • It serves as a historical and cultural crossroads, where Arabic, Islamic, and nomadic cultures from the north intersect with indigenous and traditional cultures from the south.
      • The region faces numerous challenges, including ethno-religious tensions, political instability, widespread poverty, natural disasters, and the proliferation of criminal and political movements. 
      • Its vast, ungoverned spaces make it a hotspot for various illicit activities.
    • Notable water bodies in the Sahel region:
      • Niger River: It is a major waterway that traverses through countries such as Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, providing water for irrigation, transportation, and fishing.
      • Senegal River: The Senegal River forms part of the northern border of Senegal and Mauritania. It provides water for agriculture, supports ecosystems, and is used for transportation and hydropower generation.
      • Bani River: A tributary of the Niger River, the Bani River flows through Mali during the rainy season, supporting agriculture and wildlife in the region.
      • Koumoue River: This river, located in Burkina Faso, is a tributary of the Niger River and plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural activities in the region.
      • Logone River: The Logone River, flowing through Chad and Cameroon, is an important water source for communities living along its banks, supporting agriculture and providing habitats for wildlife.
      • Mare aux Hippopotames: This seasonal lake, located in Niger, fills with water during the rainy season and serves as an essential habitat for wildlife, including hippos and migratory birds.
      • Lake Chad: Although Lake Chad has significantly diminished in size over the years due to factors such as climate change, overuse of water resources, and population growth, it remains an important water body for countries like Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.
    • Afar Triangle:
      • The Afar Triangle, also known as the Afar Depression or Afar Rift, is a geological depression in the Horn of Africa. It encompasses parts of Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
      • It is said to be world’s Sixth Ocean in making.
      • It is located at the tri-junction of the African, Arabian, and Somali tectonic plates, making it one of the most geologically active regions on Earth. 
      • Border disputes between countries have occasionally involved the Afar region, particularly along the border areas.

     

    Previous Year Questions:

    [2013] Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

    Geographical Feature Region
    (a) Abyssinian Plateau Arabia
    (b) Atlas Mountains North-Western Africa
    (c) Guiana Highlands South-Western Africa
    (d) Okavango Basin Patagonia

     [2020] Consider the following pairs:

    Rivers Flows into
    1. Mekong Andaman Sea
    2. Thames Irish Sea
    3. Volga Caspian Sea
    4. Zambezi Indian Ocean

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

     

    [2022] The term “Levant” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions?

    (a) Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores

    (b) Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco

    (c) Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa

    (d) The entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sean

    [2022] Consider the following pairs:

    Region often mentioned, in the news Country
    1. Anatolia

    2. Amhara

    3. Cabo Delgado

    4. Catalonia

    		 Turkey

    Ethiopia

    Spain

    Italy

    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) Only one pair

    (b) Only two pairs

    (c) Only three pairs

    (d) All four pairs

     

    [2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Area of conflict mentioned in news Country where it is located
    1. Donbas Syria
    2. Kachin Ethiopia
    3. Tigray North Yemen

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    a) Only one

    b) Only two

    c) All three

    d) None

    [2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Regions often mentioned in News Reason for being in News
    1. North Kivu and Ituri War between Armenia and Azerbaijan
    2. Nagorno-Karabakh Insurgency in Mozambique
    3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Dispute between Israel and Lebanon

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    (a) Only one

    (b) Only two

    (c) All three

    (d) None

  • [pib] Padma Awards for 2024

    Why in the news?

    The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented 3 Padma Vibhushan, 8 Padma Bhushan and 55 Padma Shri Awards for the year 2024.

    About Padma Awards

    • The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors.
    • It is announced annually on Republic Day, following the Bharat Ratna.
    • These awards are designed to recognize outstanding achievements across various fields and disciplines, particularly those involving public service.
    • It was introduced in 1954 along with Bharat Ratna.
    • Initially, the Padma Vibhushan had three classes: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg, which were renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, respectively.

    Award Categories

    There are three categories of Padma Awards:

    1. Padma Vibhushan: This is awarded for ‘exceptional and distinguished service.’
    2. Padma Bhushan: This is for ‘distinguished service of a high order.’
    3. Padma Shri: This is given for ‘distinguished service.’

    Eligibility Criteria

    • The awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
    • The awards are usually not given posthumously, but exceptions can be made in extraordinary cases.
    • A recipient can be considered for a higher category of Padma award only if at least five years have passed since their previous Padma honor. However, exceptions can be made for exceptionally deserving cases.
    • NOT ELIGIBLE: Government employees, except doctors and scientists.
    • The awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to the awardees’ names.
    • The number of awards given annually (excluding posthumous awards and those to NRIs/foreigners/OCIs) is capped at 120.

    Nomination Process

    • Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister.
    • The Committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary, includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and 4-6 distinguished members.
    • The Committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President for final approval.

    Dignitaries of the Padma Awards 2024

    Recipient (Occupation/Field)
    Padma Vibhushan
    • M. Venkaiah Naidu (Former Vice-President)
    • Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumously) (Founder of Sulabh International)
    • Padma Subrahmanyam (Bharatanatyam dancer)
    Padma Bhushan
    • Mithun Chakraborty (Actor)
    • Usha Uthup (Singer)
    • Ram Naik (Former Governor of Uttar Pradesh)
    • Sitaram Jindal (Industrialist)
    • Tejas Madhusudan Patel (Cardiologist)
    • Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo (Rajdutt) (Marathi film director)
    • Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur (Physician)
    Padma Shri
    • Rohan Bopanna (Tennis player)
    • Khalil Ahamad (Master carpet weaver)
    • Kaluram Bamaniya (Folk singer)
    • Rezwana Choudhury Bannya (Bangladeshi singer)
    • Naseem Bano (Chikankari embroidery artist)
    • Gita Roy Barman (Rajbongshi folk singer)
    • Chitta Ranjan Debbarma (Spiritual figure from Tripura)
    • Sarbeswar Basumatary (Tribal farmer from Assam)

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards.

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

    Which of the above statements is not correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2018533

  • [pib] Competition Commission of India (CCI)  

    Why in the news?

    The Competition Commission of India (CCI) invites proposals for conducting a Market Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on competition.

    About Competition Commission of India (CCI)

    • The CCI is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002 by the Vajpayee government.
    • It aims to promote and sustain competition, protect consumer interests, and ensure freedom of trade.
    • The commission operates as a quasi-judicial body, providing opinions to statutory authorities and adjudicating cases.
    • Evolution of CCI:
      • Established in response to the need for promoting competition and private enterprise, especially after India’s economic liberalization in 1991.
      • Replaced the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) based on recommendations from the Raghavan Committee.

    Key Features of the Competition Act:

    • Passed in 2002 and subsequently amended to align with modern competition laws.
    • Prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and regulates combinations causing adverse effects on competition.
    • Established the Competition Commission of India and the Competition Appellate Tribunal.
    • The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) replaced the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) in 2017.

    Composition of CCI:

    • CCI comprises a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government.
    • Members must possess significant expertise in various domains such as law, economics, finance, and management or qualified to be a judge of a High Court.

    Key Functions of CCI:

    1. Regulating Mergers and Acquisitions:
    • Ensuring mergers and acquisitions do not harm competition in the market.
    • Preventing monopolistic practices and promoting fair competition.
    1. Investigating Anti-Competitive Practices:
    • Probing into cartels, collusive behavior, and abuse of dominant market positions.
    • Taking action against entities engaging in anti-competitive practices.
    1. Market Studies and Research:
    • Conducting studies to assess market dynamics and competition levels.
    • Identifying trends and issues affecting competition in various sectors.
    1. Handling Complaints:
    • Addressing complaints filed by individuals or businesses regarding anti-competitive behavior.
    • Initiating investigations based on credible complaints received.
    1. Adjudication and Penalty Imposition:
    • Adjudicating cases related to competition law violations.
    • Imposing penalties on entities found guilty of breaching competition regulations.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the:

    (a) Human Rights Commission

    (b) Finance Commission

    (c) Law Commission

    (d) Planning Commission

  • Glycemic Index of Diets: Importance beyond Diabetes Control

    Why in the news?

    Understanding and managing Glycemic Index (GI) in diets is crucial for promoting long-term health and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases.

    What is Glycemic Index (GI)?

    • Prof. David Jenkins of the University of Toronto introduced Glycemic Index (GI) in 1981.
    • GI measures how quickly a food raises blood glucose levels compared to a reference food, typically glucose or white bread, which is assigned a value of 100.

    GI Classification and Glycemic Load (GL):

    • Multiplying GI by the amount of carbohydrate consumed gives the Glycemic Load (GL).
    • Accordingly, foods are classified as:
    1. Low GI (below 55): Brown rice, steel-cut oats, legumes (such as lentils and chickpeas), most fruits (like apples, berries, and oranges), vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
    2. Medium GI (56-69): Whole wheat products, such as whole wheat bread and pasta, some types of rice (like basmati rice), and certain fruits like pineapple and mango.
    3. High GI (70 or above): Refined carbohydrates and sugary foods such as white rice, white bread, refined flour products, potatoes, sweetened drinks (like soda), candies, cookies, and sugary snacks.

    Debate and Perspectives:

    • The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, spanning 20 countries including India, revealed the link between high GI diets and cardiovascular events and mortality.
    • Evidence supports the association between high GI diets and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.

    Relevance to India

    • In South Asia, where diets are rich in high GI foods like white rice, efforts to reduce GI and GL are crucial.
    • Lowering GI and GL can help prevent not only diabetes but also premature cardiovascular disease, which is prevalent in India.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?

    (a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency

    (b) They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy

    (c) They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism

    (d) They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process

  • [22 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Preparing India for water stress, climate resilience

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 
    Q) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios. (UPSC IAS/2020)
    Q) What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (UPSC 2019)

    Prelims

    Q) If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?  (UPSC 2012)
    1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste water.The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for use of ocean water.
    2. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
    3. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 1 and 2 only
    (c) 3 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: World Earth Day;

    Mains: Environmental Governance;

    Mentor comments: Prolonged water stress can have devastating effects on public health and economic development. More than two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water; and nearly double that number more than half the world’s population—are without adequate sanitation services. Without better water management, population growth, economic development and climate change are poised to worsen water stress. 

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    On account of Earth Day (April 22), India needs to be prepared for water stressed challenges. Recently, IMD has also predicted a hotter summer and longer heat waves from April to June. 

    Present Scenario:

    India houses 18% of the world’s population (2.4% of the earth’s surface area), having just 4% of global freshwater resources. 

    Nearly half of its rivers are polluted, and 150 of its primary reservoirs are at just 38% of their total live storage capacity. 

    India is the largest user of groundwater in the world. 

    The Present challenge before the Indian Govt. to combat Climate Change:

    • Heavy Investment: India has invested heavily in disaster preparedness, but the nature of climatic shocks will continue to change. There will be sudden shocks (heavy rainfall, rapid declines in water availability) as well as slow onset but periodic stresses (reduced water retention in soils, changes in trend lines for rainfall). 
    • Lack of Preparedness: India is programmed to consider acute stresses (heat, water, or extreme weather) as temporary, to be handled often as disaster relief. Seasonal disaster preparedness and responses are no longer sufficient to tackle climate risks. 
    • High Interdependence: The climate is directly related to the economy, and the economic production frontier will expand or shrink depending on the intersections between land, food, energy, and water. Climate action cannot be left to a few particular sectors.

    Relationship between Water and the Economy

    • A key component of the Economy:
      • Agriculture: The India Employment Report 2024 shows that Agriculture still employs around 45% of the population and absorbs most of the country’s labor force. Precipitation is the primary source of soil moisture and both blue (rivers and aquifers) water and green (vegetation) water impact the food we grow.
    • Allied Sectors: The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) study showed that monsoon rainfall is changing patterns in India, with 55% of ‘tehsils’ or sub-districts seeing a significant increase of more than 10% in southwest monsoon rainfall. 
    • A key component of the Clean Energy Transition: 
      • Green hydrogen: It is seen as a crucial pillar for decarbonizing industry and long-distance transport sectors. The Green hydrogen is produced using water and electricity sourced from renewables. Pumped storage hydropower which acts as a natural battery is an important component of a clean but reliable power system. 
      • If there is a climate crisis, it will impact hydrometeorological disasters. According to the UN World Water Development Report 2020, almost 75% of natural disasters in the last two decades were related to water. 

    What does the Effective Water Governance need?

    • Needs to recognize Interactions with Food and Energy Systems: Although India has adopted several policies, most do not recognize this nexus while planning or at the implementation stage.
      • For example, while the scaling up of green hydrogen is desirable, the link with water availability is not always considered. 
      • Similarly, the impact of scaling up solar irrigation pumps on groundwater levels must be analyzed to deploy the technology where there is an optimal mix of solar resources and higher groundwater levels. 
    • Need to identify the Food-Land-Water nexus: Policies need to be designed differently, based on local evidence and community engagement. India needs to focus on the judicious use of blue and green water through water accounting and efficient reuse.
      • For Example, the National Water Mission targets increasing water use efficiency by 20% by 2025. 
      • Similarly, the Atal Mission on Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 calls for reducing non-revenue water, which is lost before it reaches the end user, to less than 20% in urban local bodies. 
    • Need for Water Accounting Principles: The present policies and programs are not backed by any baseline set using water accounting principles that will help quantify freshwater use. It is essential for promoting water use efficiency and creating incentives for investments in treated wastewater reuse.
      • For example, in the absence of water use data for the reference year, it is difficult to quantify the potential water saving in one sector, such as agriculture.
    • Need to leverage financial tools: Financial commitments for climate change adaptation in the water and agriculture sectors are still relatively small. It is necessary to raise money for climate adaptation in the water sector.
      • For Example, India’s Green Credit Programme has the potential to partially bridge the adaptation funding gap by encouraging investment in wastewater treatment, desalination plants, and agricultural extension services. 
      • Similarly, investments in India under Corporate Social Responsibility, there is a potential to leverage about â‚č12,000 crore worth of investments every year.

    Conclusion: A water-secure economy is the first step towards a climate-resilient one. It is possible to make a start by pursuing more coherence in water, energy and climate policies, creating data-driven baselines to increase water savings, and enabling new financial instruments and markets for adaptation investments. 

  • What is the outlook on the global economy? | Explained

    Why in the news? 

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its latest Global Financial Stability Report warning about the risks to the Global Financial System.

    What is the IMF’s worry about Inflation?

    • Premature Investor Enthusiasm: The IMF believes that investors may be overly optimistic about the end of high inflation and the subsequent lowering of interest rates by central banks. This enthusiasm could be premature.
    • Stalled Inflation: The IMF highlights that inflation may have stalled in some major advanced and emerging economies. Core inflation in the most recent three months has been higher than in the previous three months, indicating a potential slowdown in the decline of inflation.
    • Geopolitical Risks: The IMF warns that geopolitical risks, such as ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, could disrupt aggregate supply and lead to higher prices. This could counteract efforts to lower inflation and deter central banks from lowering interest rates.
    • Potential Impact on Central Bank Action: The IMF suggests that if these risks persist, central banks may delay or refrain from lowering interest rates as expected by investors, which could have consequences for asset prices and investor losses.

    How it will impact the Indian Market?

    • Strong Fund Flows: Emerging markets like India have experienced strong inflows of foreign capital, driven by optimism surrounding potential interest rate cuts by central banks.
    • Vulnerability: If central banks in Western countries signal a prolonged period of high interest rates, investors may withdraw funds from emerging markets like India, putting pressure on their currencies.
    • Depreciation of the Indian Rupee: The Indian rupee has already been depreciating, reaching a new low against the U.S. dollar. This trend could continue if capital outflows accelerate.
      • In response to currency depreciation and capital outflows, the RBI may intervene by curbing liquidity and raising interest rates. However, this could slow down the economy.
    • Potential Effects on Financial System: A severe outflow of capital could have implications for India’s financial system, potentially exacerbating the depreciation of the rupee and causing instability.

    Private Credit Market Scenario:

    • The private credit market globally grew to $2.1 trillion last year, indicating its significant size and importance in the financial landscape.
    • The IMF is concerned about the unregulated private credit market, where non-bank financial institutions lend to corporate borrowers. Troubles in this market could potentially affect the broader financial system.
    • India has also witnessed the growth of a small private credit market, particularly with the rise of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

    Conclusion: The IMF’s concerns over premature investor optimism on inflation and risks from geopolitical tensions highlight potential challenges for India’s financial stability. Vigilance over capital flows and regulation of the private credit market are essential safeguards.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.