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

    Patient Safety and Neonatal Care: India’s Efforts and Challenges

    | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Central Idea

    • The recent conviction of a former British nurse highlights the importance of patient safety in healthcare systems.
    • While neonatal safety is not governed by exclusive rules, there are provisions to ensure the wellbeing of newborns and minimize potential risks.

    Patient Safety Provisions in India

    • Defining Patient Safety: Patient safety is defined as freedom from harm or potential harm associated with healthcare provision, according to the ‘National Patient Safety Implementation Framework (2018-2025).’
    • Legal Protection: Patients in India are protected under various laws, including the Consumer Protection Act, Clinical Establishment Act, and mechanisms by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority and Drugs Controller General of India to safeguard patients’ rights.
    • Fragmented Laws: Patient safety is governed by a range of laws, from the Hippocratic Oath to clinical establishment regulations, reflecting a multifaceted approach to ensure safe healthcare practices.

    Neonatal Safety and Care

    • Proactive Measures: While no exclusive rules exist for neonatal care, provisions against issues like mix-ups and abductions are present. Deliberate harm is extremely rare and often linked to complex psychiatric illnesses.
    • Comprehensive Provisions: Neonatal safety is ensured through comprehensive provisions that include staffing, equipment, infection control, parental involvement, training, and continuing medical education.
    • Human Errors: In a country with a high birth rate, human errors may occur in neonatal care, but planned, deliberate harm remains an exceptional occurrence.

    Neonatal Health Challenges

    • Global Neonatal Deaths: Despite a decline in global neonatal deaths, newborns face the highest risk of death within the first 28 days of life. A significant proportion of under-five deaths occur during the newborn period.
    • India’s Scenario: India’s infant mortality rate is gradually declining, but pre-term birth, complications during birth, infections, and birth defects remain major causes of neonatal deaths.
    • Improving Neonatal Survival: Ensuring proper neonatal care and addressing the key challenges can contribute to reducing neonatal mortality rates and improving child health outcomes.

    Promoting Neonatal Safety

    • Midwife-Led Continuity of Care: Professional midwives providing midwife-led continuity of care (MLCC) significantly reduce the risk of neonatal and pre-term birth. This approach emphasizes the importance of skilled care during childbirth and the immediate postnatal period.
    • Seeking Prompt Medical Care: Families are advised to seek prompt medical care in case of danger signs in newborns and to follow vaccination schedules for timely protection. This proactive approach helps prevent and manage potential health risks in neonates.
    • Ensuring Proper Training: Proper training of healthcare providers, especially those in neonatal services, is crucial for maintaining high-quality care and adherence to safety standards.

    Conclusion

    • Patient safety and neonatal care form the foundation of a robust healthcare system.
    • The challenges of neonatal care require ongoing attention, collaboration, and innovation to ensure the best outcomes for the youngest members of society.

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

    Somatic Genetic Variants: A genomic revolution hiding inside our cells

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

    somatic gene

    Central Idea

    • The human genome, comprising 23 pairs of chromosomes, is the blueprint of our genetic makeup inherited from our parents.
    • The replication of this genetic information in nearly a trillion cells during development results in a complex mosaic of cellular diversity.
    • Despite remarkable DNA replication accuracy, mutations still occur.

    What are Somatic Genes?

    • Somatic genetic variants, also known as somatic mutations or somatic alterations, are genetic changes that occur in the cells of an organism’s body (somatic cells) during its lifetime.
    • These mutations are distinct from germline mutations, which are inherited from parents and are present in every cell of an individual’s body.
    • Somatic mutations are acquired after conception and are not passed on to future generations.
    • Somatic mutations can occur due to various factors, such as exposure to environmental mutagens (like radiation or chemicals), errors in DNA replication, and other cellular processes.
    • These mutations can affect the DNA sequence of specific genes, leading to changes in protein production or function.

    DNA Replication: The Copy-Paste Mechanism

    • Genetic Inheritance: Ovum and sperm carry parental genetic blueprints, which combine after fertilization.
    • Cell Division: The single fertilized cell, with 23 chromosomes, multiplies to form the human body’s trillions of cells.
    • DNA Replication Accuracy: Proteins proofread and correct DNA during replication, resulting in an error rate of 0.64-0.78 mutations per billion base pairs per division.

    Impact of Somatic Genetic Mutations

    • Dependent on Timing: Errors occurring after birth but during development are somatic genetic mutations.
    • Driver Mutations: Mutations that confer a fitness advantage to cells can lead to tumor formation and are called driver mutations.
    • Cellular Mosaic: Human body is a mosaic of cells with subtle genomic differences, influenced by somatic genetic variants.
    • Genetic Variants: Genetic variants within functional genome regions can affect protein encoding and regulation.

    Somatic Variants and Physiological Processes

    • Immune Cell Diversity: Immune cells undergo extensive somatic changes to create diverse antibodies recognise pathogens.
    • Recent Knowledge Explosion: Technological advancements in sequencing individual cells have led to an explosion of data and knowledge on somatic variants.
    • Cancer’s Role: Somatic genetic variants play a significant role in cancer development, aiding in early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis.

    Cancer Mutational Signatures

    • Mutational Signatures: Specific genetic variations and patterns are characteristic of certain cancers, enabling early detection.
    • Blood-Based Detection: Technologies identify tumour DNA in blood to detect cancer early.
    • Disease Progress Tracking: Cancer variations can be used to monitor disease progression and therapy response.

    Somatic Variants in Genetic Diseases

    • Genetic Diseases Origin: Many genetic disorders arise from somatic genetic variants, not inherited from parents.
    • Disease Severity and Timing: The severity and distribution of genetic diseases depend on the timing of somatic mutations during development.
    • Immune Disorders: Somatic changes can cause immune disorders and even beneficially reverse some genetic diseases.

    SMaHT Network: Understanding Somatic Mosaicism

    • Somatic Mosaicism: US has launched the ‘Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues’ (SMaHT) Network.
    • Aims: SMaHT aims to discover somatic variants, develop tools for study, and improve analysis for biological and clinical insights.
    • Investment and Research: The U.S. government has invested $140 million to study somatic variants in post-mortem samples.

    Implications and Future Prospects

    • Cellular Complexity: Studying somatic variants reveals the intricate diversity of cells and reshapes evolutionary understanding.
    • Disease Management: Understanding somatic genetic changes can advance disease understanding and management.
    • Innovative Approaches: Analyzing genes at the single-cell level paves the way for innovative disease approaches and insights into evolution.

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    State of India’s Birds (SoIB) Report, 2023: Key Highlights

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

    bird

    Central Idea

    • The State of India’s Birds (SoIB) report based on data collected from approximately 30,000 birdwatchers has unveiled concerning trends regarding India’s bird population.
    • The study highlights a substantial decline in numerous bird species, attributing this decline to a range of factors.

    About SoIB Report

    • The SoIB report aims to evaluate the conservation status of a wide range of species regularly present in India.
    • It is published by a partnership involving 13 governmental and non-governmental organizations, including SACON, WII, and ZSI.
    • The report extensively employs data from over 30 million observations on eBird by more than 30,000 birdwatchers.
    • The report assesses distribution range size, abundance trends over the long term and since 2015, and information from the IUCN Red List to categorize Indian species into Low, Moderate, and High Conservation Priority tiers.

    Key Highlights of the Report

    • Widespread Decline: Among the species analyzed, 60% of those assessed for long-term trends show decline, while 40% exhibit a decline in current annual trends.
    • Raptors and Vultures: Birds consuming vertebrates and carrion, including raptors and vultures, have significantly declined, possibly due to pollutants or prey availability reduction.
    • Endemics and Biodiversity Hotspots: Endemic species in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot have experienced rapid declines over the past decades.
    • Positive Outlook: Certain generalist species, exemplified by the Indian peafowl, demonstrate remarkable increases in abundance, with a 150% rise observed over the past decades.
    • Conservation Priority: The report classifies species into High, Moderate, and Low Conservation Priority, with 178 species as High Priority, 323 as Moderate, and 441 as Low Priority. Noteworthy species include the Ruddy shelduck, Indian courser, Narcondam hornbill, and Nicobar megapode.

    Identified Threats to Bird Species

    • The report underscores threats encompassing forest degradation, urbanization, energy infrastructure.
    • Birds are highly impacted by environmental pollutants like Nimesulide affecting vulture populations, climate change’s impacts on migratory species, avian diseases, and illegal hunting and trade.

    Actions and Research Implications

    • Targeted Conservation: The report advocates for the conservation of specific groups, such as grassland specialists that have suffered a more than 50% decline, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving grassland ecosystems.
    • Long-Term Monitoring: The significance of continuous, systematic bird population monitoring is emphasized to comprehend subtle fluctuations in bird numbers.
    • In-Depth Research: Further research is needed to understand the causes behind both declines and increases in bird populations.
    • Synergy among Policies: The report calls for the harmonization of policies related to river, water, and wasteland development, recognizing the multifaceted role of abundant, widespread bird species.
    • Citizen Participation: Citizen Engagement plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation, warranting an essential role in the action plan for bird population and habitat preservation.

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  • Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

    Progress track: PM Jan Dhan Yojana’s Milestones

    | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    jan dhan

    Central Idea

    • As the PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completes 9 years, its remarkable journey is marked by over 50 crore bank accounts and deposits exceeding ₹2 lakh crore.
    • The scheme’s success lies in its commitment to financial inclusion, creating avenues for underprivileged segments to access banking services and government schemes.

    What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?

    • The PMJDY is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government in 2014.
    • It is National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, a basic savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.
    • Under the scheme, a basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account can be opened in any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet, by persons not having any other account.

    Benefits under PMJDY

    • One basic savings bank account is opened for unbanked person.
    • There is no requirement to maintain any minimum balance in PMJDY accounts.
    • Interest is earned on the deposit in PMJDY accounts.
    • Rupay Debit card is provided to the account holder.
    • Accident Insurance Cover of Rs.1 lakh (enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh to new PMJDY accounts opened after 28.8.2018) is available with RuPay card issued to the PMJDY account holders.
    • An overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs. 10,000 to eligible account holders is available.

    Is PMJDY a success?

    • Dormancy of accounts: The PMJDY scheme has led to an increase in the number of bank accounts in rural areas. The percentage of zero-balance accounts has significantly decreased from 58% in March 2015 to a mere 8%, indicating a more active engagement with banking services.
    • Low or no transactions: Insurance coverage for the account holder is linked to their transaction history, and many accounts remain frozen due to lack of transactions, taking several weeks or months to reactivate.
    • False promise of overdraft: The promised overdraft facility of Rs 5000 for new account holders has not been provided as promised, leading to scepticism about the scheme’s success.
    • Payments bottleneck: The lack of proper connectivity, electricity, internet, and ATM facilities in rural areas has hindered the activation of RuPay cards and PIN numbers, which should have been considered before implementing such a large-scale program.

    Future prospects

    • Voluntary Participation: The government aims to persuade PMJDY account holders to opt for voluntary micro-insurance schemes like PMJJBY and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
    • Persuasion over Compulsion: The focus is on financial literacy campaigns, special drives, and awareness programs conducted by banks to help account holders make informed choices.
    • Multi-Level Coordination: Collaboration with line ministries, including Anganwadi and Asha workers, enhances awareness campaigns and ensures wider coverage.
    • Leveraging Databases: Utilization of databases like the E-Shram portal for labour-related information aids in identifying potential beneficiaries.

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

    Why El Nino is now India’s no. 1 Economic and Political Risk?

    | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    el nino risk

    Central Idea

    • The emergence of El Nino as a significant climatic phenomenon in India carries dual implications – economic and political – as the country gears up for national elections in April-May 2024.
    • With its known ability to suppress rainfall and disrupt agricultural cycles, El Nino’s effects are already being felt.

    Understanding El Nino and La Nina

    • El Nino and La Nina are two opposite phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
    • ENSO is a naturally occurring phenomenon that involves the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the equatorial Pacific.

    Here is a detailed comparison of El Nino and La Nina

    El Nino La Nina
    Definition Warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures Cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures
    Frequency Every two to seven years Every two to seven years
    Duration Several months to a year or more Several months to a year or more
    Impact on winds Weakens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns Strengthens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns
    Impact on rains Reduces rainfall and can cause droughts Increases rainfall and can cause flooding
    Impact on temp. Warmer-than-average temperatures Colder-than-average temperatures
    Global effects Droughts in Asia and Africa, floods in Americas Floods in Asia and Africa, droughts in South America

    Impact on India

    El Nino La Nina
    Associated with weak monsoons and drought-like conditions in India Associated with above-normal rainfall and floods in India
    Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean rises above normal levels Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean drops below normal levels
    Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns
    Shift in the location of the jet stream, affecting the strength and direction of the monsoon winds Increase in the strength of the monsoon winds, bringing more moisture and rainfall to India
    Results in reduced rainfall, dry spells, and heatwaves, leading to crop failures and water scarcity Excessive rainfall can also lead to floods and landslides, causing damage to crops and infrastructure

    Broader Implications:

    [A] Agriculture

    • Rainfall Deficit: August’s nationwide rainfall stands at 30.7% below normal, erasing the initial 4.2% surplus from the southwest monsoon.
    • Strengthening El Nino: July saw the Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) surpass the El Nino threshold, hitting 1 degree Celsius, suggesting an intensification of El Nino.
    • Projected Persistence: Forecasts predict El Nino’s continuation and possible strengthening during the 2023-24 winter season, potentially impacting the northeast monsoon and winter seasons.

    [B] Food Supply Challenges

    • Crucial Monsoon: Beyond crop yield, the southwest monsoon replenishes reservoirs and recharges groundwater, essential for agricultural success.
    • Rabi Season Dependence: The success of rabi season crops like wheat, mustard, and chickpea hinges on water reserves, primarily sourced from aquifers and reservoirs.
    • Supply-Demand Nexus: With rice and wheat stocks at a six-year low and food inflation at 11.5%, El Nino-induced shortfalls may exacerbate food inflation concerns.

    [C] Political Implications

    • Food Inflation: Examining consumer food price inflation leading up to previous Lok Sabha elections reveals its considerable impact on political outcomes.
    • Electoral Influence: The BJP’s 2019 electoral victory and the UPA’s 2014 defeat were partially attributed to the level of food inflation during those periods.
    • Government Actions: The Modi administration has already taken steps to ensure food availability, curb hoarding, and address potential food inflation concerns.

    Conclusion

    • El Nino’s emergence as a formidable environmental and political factor underscores the intricate interplay between climate patterns, agriculture, and political dynamics.
    • India’s ability to manage the far-reaching consequences of El Nino on food production and inflation will determine its capacity to address immediate challenges while considering the longer-term goals.

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    GEF Assembly ratifies Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)

    IOCR | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Central Idea

    • The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) has been officially ratified and inaugurated during the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) held in Vancouver, Canada.

    Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)

    Key Points
    Establishment Ratified and inaugurated during the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
    Purpose Channels financial resources to achieve goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework established by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by the year 2030.
    Financial Contributions Canada: 200 million Canadian dollars, United Kingdom: 10 million pounds.
    Alignment with Framework Accelerates progress towards halting biodiversity decline by 2030.
    Inclusivity and Indigenous Initiatives Allocates up to 20% for projects led by Indigenous communities.
    Focus on Vulnerable Nations Over a third of resources dedicated to support Small Island Developing States.
    Fulfilling Targets Contributes to commitment of $200 billion annually by 2030.
    Funding Requirements Approximately $40 million needed for operationalization by end of 2023.
    Future Contributions Dependent on domestic fiscal processes of key donors.
    Council Meetings First meeting in January 2024, aims to approve inaugural work program in June.
    Impact and Action Timely disbursement crucial for launching projects under the fund.

     About Global Environment Facility (GEF)

    • Establishment: The GEF was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
    • Purpose: The GEF serves as an international financial institution that funds projects to address global environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and pollution.
    • Funding Mechanism: It operates as a financial mechanism for several international environmental conventions, including:
    1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
    2. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and
    3. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
    • Structure: It has a governing body known as the GEF Council. The GEF is structured as a partnership between three main institutions:
    1. the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
    2. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and
    3. World Bank.
    • Funding Sources: The GEF is funded by contributions from its member countries, known as “donors.” Donors include both developed and developing nations, as well as international organizations.

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  • Nuclear Energy

    In news: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Central Idea

    • Japan has begun discharging treated radioactive wastewater from the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the Pacific Ocean in a plan endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    • IAEA is an international organization that plays a pivotal role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
    • It was established in 1957 as an autonomous agency under the UN is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
    • It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the principles outlined in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1970.
    • Despite its independent treaty, the IAEA remains accountable to both the UN General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

    What does it do?

    • Promotion of Peaceful Nuclear Energy: Established amidst the Cold War’s geopolitical tension, the IAEA’s core mission centers on promoting the constructive application of nuclear energy.
    • Prevention of Military Use: The agency’s fundamental role is to prevent the diversion of nuclear programs for military intentions, ensuring compliance with international agreements.

    IAEA’s Tri-fold Missions

    • Peaceful Utilization: Fostering member states’ constructive adoption of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes constitutes a pivotal aspect of IAEA’s mission.
    • Safeguarding Measures: A cornerstone role of the IAEA involves implementing measures to verify the non-military use of nuclear energy, particularly through assessing declared nuclear activities and materials.
    • Nuclear Safety: The IAEA takes an active stance in advocating stringent standards of nuclear safety to prevent accidents and ensure public and environmental protection.

    Significant feature: IAEA’s Safeguards

    • Purpose of Safeguards: IAEA’s safeguards are mechanisms designed to affirm that a nation adheres to its international commitment against exploiting nuclear programs for weaponry purposes.
    • Verification Approach: Safeguards are founded on the meticulous examination of a state’s reported nuclear materials and activities, evaluating their accuracy and completeness.
    • Varied Verification Measures: The agency employs a range of verification tools, including on-site inspections, visits, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring rigorous oversight.

    Dual Dimensions of Safeguards

    • Declared Nuclear Material Verification: Through the inspection of reported nuclear materials and activities, IAEA ensures that a state remains transparent in its nuclear endeavors.
    • Non-Diversion Assurance: A significant facet is the assurance of the absence of undeclared nuclear materials or activities, thereby averting any unauthorized deviation from peaceful usage.

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  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    Role of Urban Form in Heat Resilience

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

    urban form

    Central Idea

    • A study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 2022 examines the relationship between diverse urban forms and their reactions to heat, offering insights that could guide India’s urban centers in combatting heat-related challenges.

    Distinct Urban Forms and Heat Resilience

    • Crucial Consideration: Urban form encompasses a city’s unique blend of natural and built components, shaping its activities and infrastructure.
    • Diverse Parameters: Urban form’s defining elements include urban morphology, aspect ratio, sky view factor (SVF), blue/green infrastructure (B/GI), floor space index (FSI), and street orientation.
    • Localized Study: CSE’s ongoing study focuses on 10 cities, such as Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, each revealing trends that could inform heat mitigation strategies.

    Unveiling Key Parameters and Findings

    • Urban Morphology: Varied urban morphologies, from open highrise to compact midrise, demonstrate lower land surface temperatures (LST) among heat pockets. Lowrise areas exhibit higher LST due to sparse vegetation and heat-trapping roofing materials, suggesting the potential for improvement.
    • Aspect Ratio: The ratio of building height to street width impacts heat retention. Higher aspect ratios correlate with lower LST, indicating the significance of narrower streets for reduced heat gain.
    • Sky View Factor: The visibility of sky between buildings influences heat dissipation. Elevated sky view factors increase LST by up to 10°C, highlighting the role of factors like road intersections and open parking lots.
    • Blue/Green Infrastructure: Vegetation significantly impacts microclimates. Effective vegetation cover (EVC), with a focus on trees, grass, and shrubs, can reduce LST by 2-4°C, demonstrating the need to prioritize tree-heavy greens.

    Policy Implications for Enhanced Heat Resilience

    • FSI and Urban Cooling: Higher floor space index (FSI) inversely correlates with LST, suggesting that denser urban configurations can alleviate heat.
    • Street Orientation: The orientation of streets affects sun exposure and wind, leading to differences in thermal comfort. North-south streets expose higher LST due to east-west sun exposure.
    • Contextual Cooling Solutions: Urban form-based codes can offer targeted cooling solutions. Diverse zones with customized regulations—shaded walkways, cool roofs, or high EVC—can cater to varied needs.

    Way Forward

    • Incorporating Learning: Urban planning must integrate findings from the study into building by-laws and master plans. Pune’s experience showcases the impact of SVF, aspect ratio, EVC, and urban morphology on heat gain.
    • Adaptation for Other Cities: Each city may face distinct drivers influencing heat resilience, necessitating customized solutions and urban planning modifications.
    • Economic Benefits: A 1°C temperature reduction corresponds to a 2% drop in the city’s power consumption, highlighting the financial advantages of heat mitigation strategies.

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  • President’s Rule

    In news: President’s Rule

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

    Central Idea

    • Amidst an escalating confrontation, Punjab Governor gave stern warning of invoking Article 356 (President’s Rule) in the state.

    Grim Situation in Punjab

    • Rampant Drug Abuse: The Governor cites reports from various agencies indicating widespread drug abuse in Punjab, raising significant concerns.
    • New Drug Sales Trend: An emerging trend of selling drugs within government-controlled liquor vends is noted by the Governor.
    • Ludhiana Liquor Vend Incident: Specific instances like the sealing of 66 liquor vends in Ludhiana by the Narcotics Control Bureau [NCB] and Chandigarh Police highlight the gravity of the issue.
    • Disturbing Law and Order Indicators: The Governor references a recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee indicating alarming drug exposure or addiction levels, implying a breakdown in law and order.
    • Public Response: The Governor underscores villagers’ resorting to street protests and forming their own defence committees against drug-related threats.

    Governor’s Discontent

    • Unfulfilled Information Requests: The Governor expresses dissatisfaction with CM’s reluctance to provide the requested information, highlighting Article 167’s mandate for the CM to respond to the Governor’s requests.
    • Alleged Deliberate Silence: The Governor implies that the Chief Minister’s apparent failure to respond might be a deliberate act of evasion.

    About President’s Rule

    • Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, commonly known as President’s Rule, empowers the President to impose central rule in a state where the constitutional machinery has broken down.
    • While initially intended for extraordinary circumstances, it has often been misused by central governments for political purposes.

    Provisions of Article 356:

    • Imposition of President’s Rule: Article 356 allows the President to withdraw the executive and legislative powers of a state government when it cannot function in accordance with the Constitution.
    • Triggering factors: The President can invoke Article 356 based on a report from the Governor or suo motu if the constitutional machinery has broken down in the state.
    • Duration: It can be imposed for six months at a time, with a maximum duration of three years.
    • Parliamentary approval: Every six months, Parliament’s approval is required to continue the imposition of the President’s Rule.

    Historical Origins

    • Inspiration from the Government of India Act, 1935: Article 356 was inspired by Section 93 of this act, which allowed the Governor of a province to assume the powers of the government under certain circumstances.
    • Controlled democracy: The provision provided some autonomy to provincial governments while enabling British authorities to exercise ultimate power when necessary.

    Political Misuse of Article 356

    • Early instances: During Congress’s dominance, Article 356 was used against governments of the Left and regional parties in states. Jawaharlal Nehru’s government utilized it six times until 1959, including to dislodge Kerala’s elected communist government.
    • Increasing misuse: In subsequent decades, Article 356 was used frequently against state governments by various central governments, including those led by Indira Gandhi and the Janata Party.

    Landmark Judgment: S R Bommai Case

    • Landmark Supreme Court ruling: In the 1994 R. Bommai v. Union of India case, the Supreme Court provided detailed guidelines on the use of Article 356.
    • Specific instances for imposition: The court stated that the President’s Rule can be invoked in cases of physical breakdown of the government or a ‘hung assembly.’
    • Curbing arbitrary use: The judgment emphasized the need to give the state government a chance to prove its majority or instances of violent breakdown before imposing the President’s Rule.

     

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Unraveling the Lunar Landscape: Near, Far, and Dark Sides

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

    far dark side lunar moon

    Central Idea

    • The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s recent lunar landing has sparked curiosity about the moon’s various sides – near, far, and even the intriguing ‘dark’ side.
    • Delving into these distinctions sheds light on the moon’s enigmatic nature and how space exploration helps us unravel its mysteries.

    Facts for Prelims

    Impact/Landing point names on Moon:

    1. Chandrayaan 1: Jawahar Point

    2. Chandrayaan 2: Tiranga Point

    3. Chandrayaan 3: Shivshakti Point

     Moon’s Visible and Hidden Faces

    • Near and Far Sides: The moon’s ‘near side,’ visible from Earth, covers around 60% of its surface. In contrast, the ‘far side’ remained hidden from us until modern spacecraft brought it into view.
    • Clarifying the ‘Dark’ Side: Often misconstrued as constantly dark, the ‘dark side’ simply refers to the unseen side. It gets illuminated during the ‘new moon’ phase, challenging the misconception of its perpetual darkness.

    Why is their composition different?

    • The composition of the Moon’s near and far sides is different, and scientists believe they have identified the reasons behind this discrepancy.
    • A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience reveals that the presence of KREEP, a rock enriched in potassium (K), rare-earth elements (REE), and phosphorus (P), plays a crucial role.

    Key Points from the Study:

    • Moons Near and Far Sides: The Moon’s near side, always facing Earth, has visible dark and light patches known as “maria.” Telescopic observations showed that these were not seas as early astronomers thought, but rather craters or volcanic features. The far side of the Moon has fewer maria than the near side.
    • Moon’s Formation: The uneven distribution of volcanism and the KREEP signature between the near and far sides of the Moon puzzled scientists.
    • Radioactive Unstable Elements: Potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) are unstable, radioactive elements that have various isotopes with different numbers of neutrons. The radioactive decay of these elements generates heat that can melt rocks and contribute to volcanic activity.
    • Heat and Melting: The study found that the inclusion of KREEP in rocks not only enhances heating but also lowers their melting temperature. This combination increases volcanic activity beyond what is predicted by radiogenic decay models.
    • Geological Record: The Moon’s surface preserves geological events from the early history of the Solar System due to the absence of erosion processes. Concentrations of radioactive elements like uranium (U) and thorium (Th) on the near side provide insights into the Moon’s formation and early Earth conditions.

    Phases and Illumination

    • New Moon Phase: The ‘new moon’ phase unveils the moon’s ‘far side,’ exposing it to sunlight for about two weeks.
    • Historic Revelation: In 1968, astronauts aboard Apollo 8 became the first humans to observe the ‘far side,’ demystifying its hidden features.

    Chandrayaan-3’s Approach

    • Closest South Pole Landing: Chandrayaan-3’s landing at coordinates 69.36 S and 32.34 E marks the closest approach to the lunar South Pole.
    • Exploring Permanently Shadowed Regions: The strategic landing aimed to study regions that never receive sunlight, potentially containing frozen water ice and other lunar resources.
    • Sunlight Necessity: Vikram’s nearness to the South Pole ensures sunlight for solar battery recharging, crucial for its operation.
    • Choice of Landing Site: The decision to land on the ‘near side’ was driven by mission objectives, including real-time communication with Earth. Landing on the ‘far side’ would have required relay satellites and introduced delays.

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