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  • 18th Oct 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • [pib] Setu Bandhan Scheme

    Central Idea

    • Recently, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways announced the approval of Setu Bandhan Scheme for seven bridge projects in Arunachal Pradesh, utilizing funds from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).

    What is Setu Bandhan Scheme?

    • Setu Bandhan is an initiative under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
    • Its primary aim is to enhance inter-state connectivity, particularly in rural border areas that have been historically underserved by state roads.
    • The scheme aims to replace railway line Level Crossings (LCs) with Road Over Bridges (ROBs) or Rail Under Bridges (RUBs) in various states.

    About Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)

    • Established in 2000 through the Central Road Fund Act, 2000.
    • Previously known as the Central Road Fund.
    • It falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.
    • The fund is financed through a cess levied in conjunction with excise duty on petrol and diesel.

  • CJI lists measures against LGBTQI Discrimination

    Central Idea

    • In a significant ruling, CJI D Y Chandrachud made a series of directions to address discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and underscored the need for legislative action to recognize same-sex marriages.
    • This decision reflects a pivotal moment in India’s LGBTQ+ rights movement, emphasizing the intersection of legal and societal norms.

    Preventing LGBTQI Discrimination: Key Directions by CJI

    • Creation of Safe Houses: The ruling called for the establishment of “Garima Grehs” or safe houses in all districts to provide shelter to LGBTQ+ individuals facing violence or discrimination. These safe houses aim to offer refuge and support to those in need.
    • Anti-Discrimination Measures: The Centre, States, and Union Territories were urged to ensure that LGBTQ+ community members are not subjected to discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This includes equal access to goods and services available to the public.
    • Public Awareness: The ruling emphasized the need to sensitize the public about queer identity, affirming that it is natural and not a mental disorder. It encourages educational efforts to promote understanding and acceptance.
    • Hotline Numbers: The authorities were directed to establish hotline numbers that LGBTQ+ individuals can contact when facing harassment or violence. This initiative aims to provide immediate assistance and support.
    • End of Harmful “Treatments”: The ruling called for an immediate cessation of any “treatments” offered by doctors or others that attempt to change gender identity or sexual orientation. It prioritizes the well-being and autonomy of LGBTQ+ individuals.
    • Protection from Family Pressure: Police were advised not to force LGBTQ+ persons to return to their natal families if they choose not to do so. Furthermore, the ruling emphasized the importance of verifying the claims of LGBTQ+ individuals when they file complaints against their families, ensuring their freedom is not curtailed.
    • Fair Preliminary Investigation: Before registering an FIR against a queer couple or one of the parties involved, a preliminary investigation should be conducted. This step ensures that the complaint discloses a cognizable offence, preventing unnecessary legal action against LGBTQ+ individuals.

    Historical Context

    • The ruling underscored that India has a rich history of LGBTQ+ lives, encompassing various identities and communities.
    • It emphasized that queerness is not limited to urban settings or privileged classes but exists across different regions, castes, and economic backgrounds.

    Future Steps

    • The ruling has set a precedent for addressing discrimination and ensuring the protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
    • Justice S K Kaul expressed the need for a comprehensive anti-discrimination law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
    • State governments have also been prompted to create guidelines and committees to address LGBTQ+ issues, demonstrating the broader impact of this ruling beyond the courtroom.

    Conclusion

    • The Supreme Court’s ruling on LGBTQ+ rights signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for equal rights and acceptance.
    • While legislative recognition of same-sex marriages remains pending, the directions provided by the CJI emphasize the importance of dismantling discriminatory practices and promoting inclusivity in Indian society.
    • The ruling paves the way for a more equitable future for LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.

  • Judicial Perspectives on LGBTQI Marriage and Adoption Issues

    Central Idea

    • In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, deliberated on granting legal status to same-sex marriages.
    • This case has sparked significant interest as it explores the intersection of individual rights and societal norms.

    Judicial Perspectives on Various Issues:

    [A] Fundamental Right to Marry

    Issue Minority View (CJI) Majority View
    Petitioner Argument
    • Marriage is not fundamentally important;
    • It gained significance through state regulation as Civil Union.
    • Marriage’s importance is personal preference and social status.
    • It is necessarily NOT a fundamental right.

     

    [B] Interpretation of Special Marriage Act

    Issue Minority View (CJI) Majority View
    Framing the Issue
    • Cautioned against expansive interpretations;
    • Suggested encroachment on the legislature’s domain.
    • Concurred with the minority view.
    • Emphasized the SMA’s purpose for facilitating civil marriages between heterosexual couples.

     

    [C] Queer Couples’ Right to Adopt a Child

    Issue Minority View (CJI) Majority View
    Discriminatory Regulations
    • Struck down certain CARA regulations, asserting that they do not serve the child’s best interests.
    • Highlighted the discriminatory impact on the queer community based on their sexuality.
    • Acknowledged the discriminatory aspect.
    • But believed legislative action, rather than judicial imposition, should bring about this change.

     

    [D] Civil Unions for Queer Couples

    Argument Minority View (CJI Chandrachud) Majority View
    Recognition of Civil Unions
    • Connected the right to form intimate associations with freedom of speech and expression.
    • Proposed that the state should acknowledge various entitlements for such relationships.
    • Disagreed with prescribing a “choice” of civil unions.
    • Suggested that the state should facilitate this choice for those who opt for it.

     Conclusion

    • The Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage reflects a complex interplay of legal, social, and legislative factors.
    • While the minority view leans towards immediate recognition of civil unions and highlights the importance of individual rights, the majority opinion emphasizes the legislative role in bringing about changes in societal norms.
    • The verdict underscores the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in India and the ongoing dialogue surrounding equal rights and inclusivity.

  • Explained: India’s Bid for the 2036 Olympics

    Olympics

    Central Idea

    • Prime Minister Modi recently confirmed India’s formal bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, raising questions about the financial implications and benefits of hosting this prestigious event.

    About Olympics

    Origins Began in ancient Greece in 776 BCE in Olympia.
    Revival Revived by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896 in Athens, Greece.
    Five Rings Olympic flag features five interlocking rings representing unity among 5 continents.
    Olympic Motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger) reflects the pursuit of excellence.
    Sports Included Features a diverse range of sports, from athletics and swimming to archery and gymnastics.
    Discontinued Sports Some sports, like tug of war and live pigeon shooting, have been removed.

    Selecting the Olympics Host City

    • International Olympic Committee (IOC) Decision: The host city is chosen by the International Olympic Committee members through a secret ballot, with the majority vote determining the winner.
    • Competition and Diplomacy: Securing the opportunity to host the Olympics involves significant financial resources and diplomatic efforts. Typically, winners are announced 7-8 years before the event.

    Olympics

    Cost of Hosting the Olympics

    • Expensive Endeavor: Bidding for the Olympics is a costly proposition, with countries spending $50-100 million, even for unsuccessful bids. In case of a successful bid, the expenses can soar into billions of dollars.
    • Examples of Expenditure: Tokyo spent $150 million for its failed 2016 bid and even more for the successful 2020 bid. Toronto refrained from bidding due to the $60 million cost for the 2024 bid.
    • Infrastructure Investment: Hosting the Olympics entails building stadiums and enhancing infrastructure to accommodate athletes and tourists.

    Funding the Olympics Expenses

    • Local Government Responsibility: The majority of expenses, especially on infrastructure, are shouldered by the local government and are spread across the country’s budget.
    • Borrowing for Cost Overruns: Countries often resort to borrowing to cover cost overruns. The IOC contributes some revenue to the host country, but it constitutes a relatively small amount, e.g., $1.5 billion for Rio De Janeiro in 2016.

    Assessing the Worth of Hosting the Olympics

    • Benefits of Hosting: Hosting the Olympics elevates a country’s global status, promotes it as an investment and tourist destination.
    • Cautions on Overspending: Excessive spending can have dire consequences, as seen with Canada’s 30-year debt from the 1976 Montreal Games, the impact on Greece’s financial crisis after the 2004 Athens Olympics, and Rio’s $900 million bailout request from the Brazilian government.
    • Positive Outcomes: In some cases, such as Beijing, hosting the Olympics led to significant GDP growth acceleration, by at least 0.8%.

    India’s Prospects

    • Favorable Timing: India’s bid aligns well with its status as the world’s most populous and fastest-growing major economy.
    • Past Experience: Having previously hosted the 1982 Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, India possesses a favorable track record, which the IOC takes into consideration.
    • Gujarat’s Bid: Gujarat is contemplating bidding for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which could further demonstrate India’s hosting capabilities.
    • Economic Power: India’s ascent as an economic powerhouse enhances its candidacy’s appeal to other nations.

    Conclusion

    • While India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics presents an opportunity to boost its global profile and economic prospects, it is essential to strike a balance between ambition and fiscal prudence.
    • The economic implications, positive and negative, of hosting such a monumental event should be carefully evaluated to ensure that the effort and investment yield substantial long-term benefits for the nation.

  • India-Sri Lanka ferry service restarted

    What’s the news?

    • The passenger ferry service, named ‘Cheriyapani,’ was officially launched on a recent Saturday.

    Central idea

    • The Nagapattinam-Jaffna ferry service revives an ancient India-Sri Lanka sea route, fostering bilateral ties, tourism, and people-to-people relations. Additionally, it promises economic benefits for local traders on both coasts.

    The New Ferry Service

    • The passenger ferry service, Cheriyapani, was officially launched.
    • Travelers can avail a one-way ticket for approximately Rs 7,670, which includes a generous baggage allowance of up to 40 kg per passenger.
    • The journey departs from Nagapattinam at 7 am, reaching Kankesanthurai by 11 am, and the return trip commences at 1.30 pm, arriving in Nagapattinam by 5.30 pm.

    Historical Context

    • Maritime linkage between India and Sri Lanka has a rich history, with the Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail operating from Chennai to Colombo via Thoothukudi port until 1982. The civil war in Sri Lanka disrupted these services.
    • Before the conflict, Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar was a popular route, connecting Chennai via train and coal-powered steam ferry.

    Past Attempts at Ferry Services

    • Post-Independence Services: Following India’s independence and the formation of Sri Lanka as a separate nation in 1948, ferry services continued to operate between the two countries, connecting ports like Chennai and Colombo.
    • Indo-Ceylon Express: The Indo-Ceylon Express, also known as the Boat Mail, ran between Chennai and Colombo via the Thoothukudi port from the early 1900s until 1982. This service was a significant mode of transportation and trade between the two countries.
    • Disruption Due to Civil War: The prolonged civil war in Sri Lanka, which began in 1983, led to the suspension of ferry services between India and Sri Lanka. This conflict disrupted not only transportation but also the overall relationship between the two countries.
    • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): After the end of the civil war in 2009, there were renewed efforts to restore ferry services. In 2011, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning passenger transportation by sea was signed, leading to the launch of a ferry service.
    • Proposals for New Routes: Besides the Nagapattinam-Jaffna route, there were proposals to establish ferry services from Rameswaram to Talaimannar and Karaikal to Kankesanthurai. O

    Potential Impact of the Nagapattinam-Jaffna Ferry Service

    • Boost to Religious Tourism: Prominent Indian pilgrimage centers such as Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni, Thirunallar, and temple towns like Thanjavur, Madurai, and Tiruchi are expected to witness an influx of Sri Lankan tourists.
    • Economic Benefits: The ferry service has the potential to stimulate regional commerce and trade. Local traders and businesses on both sides of the Palk Strait may benefit from increased cross-border trade and tourism.
    • Diplomatic and Bilateral Relations: High-level statements from leaders of both countries, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, indicate the diplomatic significance attached to the service.
    • Infrastructure Development: The anticipation of increased travelers has prompted infrastructure development initiatives. Investments in port facilities, customs procedures, and immigration processes can enhance the overall travel experience.
    • Promotion of Regional Peace: Increased people-to-people interactions facilitated by the ferry service can contribute to regional peace and stability by fostering mutual understanding and goodwill between communities on both sides of the strait.

    Initial Challenges Faced by the Nagapattinam-Jaffna Ferry Service

    • Service Frequency Adjustment: The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) had initially planned to run the ferry services every day for ten days. However, this schedule was adjusted to operate thrice a week.
    • Ticket Pricing: The cost of a one-way ticket, approximately Rs 7,670, has been considered relatively high by some passengers. High ticket prices can deter potential travelers, particularly those on a tight budget.
    • Ticketing Systems: Reports suggest that the ticketing systems for the ferry service may not be as efficient as desired. Passengers have experienced difficulties with booking tickets, which can lead to inconvenience and dissatisfaction.
    • Reduced Passenger Interest: Poor response and passenger turnout during the initial days of operation may be indicative of reduced interest in the service. Building awareness and creating incentives for passengers to choose the ferry over other modes of transportation is crucial.
    • Operational Efficiency: Operational efficiency is critical for the ferry service’s success. Ensuring timely departures, arrivals, and efficient boarding processes is essential to maintain passenger satisfaction and reliability.

    Leaders’ Perspectives

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the launch of the service on October 14, emphasized that connectivity is not just about bringing cities closer; it also fosters closer relationships between countries and their people.
    • Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a video message, regarded the revival of the ferry service as a significant step toward strengthening connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.

    Conclusion

    • The inauguration of the Nagapattinam-Jaffna ferry service signifies a promising chapter in the historical maritime linkage between India and Sri Lanka. By addressing operational challenges and leveraging its potential, this initiative can contribute to regional development, tourism, and strengthened bilateral ties.

  • The Controversy Surrounding White Phosphorus Munitions

    What’s the news?

    • Global human rights organizations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of using white phosphorus munitions in densely populated areas in Gaza and Lebanon.

    Central idea

    • Global human rights organizations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of using white phosphorus munitions in Gaza and Lebanon, allegedly in violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The use of such munitions in densely populated areas raises serious concerns about civilian safety, though the IDF has vehemently denied these allegations.

    White Phosphorus: A Pyrophoric Substance

    • White phosphorus is categorized as a pyrophoric substance, meaning it spontaneously ignites when exposed to oxygen, emitting intense heat and thick smoke. I
    • It is classified under Pyrophoric solids, category 1 in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, indicating its high level of instability.
    • White phosphorus is also distinguishable by its garlic-like odor.

    What are the military uses of white phosphorus?

    • Smokescreen: White phosphorus is dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets to create a smokescreen. This smokescreen serves as a visual obscurant, making it difficult for enemy forces to see and target troops or vehicles. It provides cover for troop movements and other tactical operations.
    • Visual Obscurant: In addition to obscuring visibility, the smoke generated by white phosphorus can disrupt the enemy’s ability to use infrared optics and sensors, which are commonly used in guided missile systems.
    • Incendiary Weapon: White phosphorus can also be used as an incendiary weapon, as demonstrated during the second battle of Fallujah in Iraq in 2004.

    How harmful is white phosphorus?

    • Severe Burns: Upon exposure to white phosphorus, it can cause severe burns, often reaching down to the bone. Even burns covering as little as 10 percent of the body can be fatal, according to Human Rights Watch.
    • Respiratory Damage: Inhaling white phosphorus particles or smoke can lead to respiratory damage and harm to internal organs. This inhalation can have long-term health consequences for those exposed.
    • Impaired Mobility: Survivors of white phosphorus burns often experience a lifetime of suffering, including impaired mobility and painful, disfiguring scars.
    • Environmental Damage: Beyond its effects on individuals, white phosphorus can cause extensive environmental damage. It can ignite fires that devastate infrastructure, property, and crops, potentially leading to significant economic and ecological consequences.

    Historical Use of White Phosphorus Munitions

    • White phosphorus munitions have a long history of use, dating back to late 19th-century Irish nationalists.
    • They were extensively used in World War I and have since appeared in various conflicts worldwide, including the Normandy invasion in World War II, the US invasion of Iraq in 2004, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
    • Most recently, accusations arose regarding Russia’s use of white phosphorus bombs during the invasion of Ukraine.

    Legal status of white phosphorus munitions

    • White phosphorus munitions are not globally banned but are subject to regulation under international humanitarian law (IHL).
    • They are not categorized as chemical weapons because their primary function is based on heat and smoke production rather than inherent toxicity.
    • The legal framework governing their use is the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), specifically Protocol III, which addresses incendiary weapons.
    • While some countries like Palestine and Lebanon have ratified Protocol III and are bound by its regulations, Israel has not ratified it.
    • Protocol III has certain limitations and loopholes. It restricts the use of airdropped incendiary weapons in areas with concentrations of civilians but does not entirely ban ground-launched incendiary weapons in such areas.
    • The protocol’s definition of incendiary weapons includes those primarily designed to set fire to and burn people, potentially excluding multipurpose munitions containing white phosphorus, as they are considered primarily smoking agents.

    Conclusion

    • The controversy surrounding white phosphorus munitions highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the regulations governing their use in armed conflicts. International Humanitarian Law must evolve to address the potential harm these munitions can inflict on civilians and the environment, ensuring a safer and more just world for all.

  • Rethinking the 2022 Wildlife Protection Act

    What’s the news?

    • The recent inclusion of a plethora of species in the new schedules of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022 has raised numerous questions among ecologists.

    Central idea

    • The inclusion of a multitude of species in its schedules has raised concerns about the lack of an objective and replicable process. While the intention behind the amendment is to enhance conservation efforts, it is imperative to address the issues it raises in terms of conservation, its impact on people, and its implications for research.

    Overview of the New Act

    • Schedule 1: Houses around 600 species of vertebrates and numerous invertebrates, with the highest protection.
    • Schedule 2: Contains roughly 2,000 species, including 1,134 bird species.
    • Alignment with CITES: The act also incorporates the CITES appendices.

    Concerns for Conservation

    • Ambiguity in Resource Allocation: The act does not provide a clear direction on prioritizing species for resource allocation.
    • Uniform Protection Levels: Species ranging from tigers to jackals and from great Indian bustards to common barn owls are accorded the same protection level.
    • Unintended Consequences: Acts meant to conserve might sometimes yield counterproductive results. For instance, listing the invasive spotted deer (chital) in Schedule 1 has inadvertently protected it, despite the harm it inflicts on the Andaman Islands’ ecosystem.

    Impact on Humans

    • Human-Wildlife Conflict: The WLPA underlines the concept of co-existence, often neglecting the harm certain species can cause to humans, both physically and psychologically. By elevating wild pigs and nilgai to Schedule 1, the act potentially limits states’ abilities to cull problematic animals, disregarding farmers’ concerns.
    • Traditional Practices Overlooked: Despite hunting and use of certain animals being traditional practices, the WLPA imposes restrictions. There’s a lack of balance between conservation needs and societal traditions.
    • Research Constraints: The listing of a vast number of species could inhibit research. Securing permits for research becomes a convoluted process. Furthermore, the act’s implications on citizen science and data sharing remain unclear.

    Broader Issues

    • Some ecologists have been observed to neglect the broader issues.
    • Their operations sometimes resemble ‘parachute science’, taking more than they give back to local communities.
    • The implications of this act not only hinder research, but also severely impact these communities.

    Way Forward

    • Transparent Inclusion Process: Develop a replicable and objective process for the inclusion of species in the schedules. This could be based on ecological significance, population sizes, and expert consultations.
    • Reassess and Reclassify Species: A re-evaluation of species, especially those like the spotted deer in the Andaman Islands, is necessary. Reallocating species between schedules can ensure more appropriate protection levels.
    • Resource Allocation Blueprint: Given the vast number of species included, a clear guideline for resource allocation is essential. It should be based on urgency, ecological significance, and conservation viability.
    • Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Design a more nuanced policy for managing conflicts. It should include better conflict response, compensation schemes, and awareness programs, especially in areas where Schedule 1 species are in direct conflict with human populations.
    • Reconsideration of Traditional Practices: Address the disconnect between the Act and traditional practices by incorporating provisions for regulated and sustainable use of species, especially where they are abundant and pose no threat to their populations.

    Conclusion

    • The imperative now is a balanced approach that ensures human safety, bases management actions on research, and permits observation without harming the ecosystem, respecting both human rights and wildlife conservation.

  • 17th Oct 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • Places in news: Dhanauri Wetland

    Dhanauri Wetland

    Central Idea

    • The National Green Tribunal has given the UP government four weeks to inform it about the status of the Ramsar tag for Dhanauri wetlands.

    Dhanauri Wetland

    • The Dhanauri Wetlands is a bird-watching area located in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Uttar Pradesh.
    • It is home to over 120 Sarus cranes (Sarus Cranes is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh).
    • It is a sanctuary for 23 species of endangered, critically endangered, and threatened birds, with special significance as a habitat for the majestic Sarus crane.

    Ecological Significance

    • Dhanauri is a natural wetland that hosts more than 217 bird species, including over 150 Sarus cranes, and serves as a vital birding and nesting site.
    • It has received recognition as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International and has been documented by the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society).
    • During peak migratory seasons (November to March), the wetland hosts over 50,000 waterfowls.

    Why in news?

    • Dhanauri plays a crucial role in supporting the vulnerable Sarus crane population.
    • The wetland fulfills two key Ramsar site criteria out of nine:
      1. It hosts over 1% of the biogeographic Sarus crane population.
      2. The area serves as a congregation site for 20,000+ waterfowls and various other species.

    Ramsar Wetlands

    • The Ramsar Convention, also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands,’ is an intergovernmental environmental treaty founded by UNESCO in 1971.
    • It derives its name from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was initially signed.
    • Ramsar sites are wetlands of global significance recognized under this treaty.
    • The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the brink of ecological changes and in need of close monitoring under the Ramsar Convention.

    Ramsar Site Designation Criteria:

    Ramsar site designation hinges on several factors:

    1. Representing rare or unique natural wetland types.
    2. Supporting endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
    3. Maintaining biodiversity in specific biogeographic regions.
    4. Offering refuge during adverse conditions.
    5. Regularly accommodating 20,000 or more waterbirds.
    6. Sustaining 1% of a population of a single water-bird species.
    7. Serving as a critical source of food, spawning grounds, nurseries, and migration paths for fish.
    8. Regularly supporting 1% of a population of non-avian wetland-dependent animal species.

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