A case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was confirmed in the US.
About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
CWD is a fatal, transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer, elk, and moose.
First identified in 1967, CWD is a prion disease where normal proteins misfold, leading to symptoms that eventually cause death.
Transmission occurs through animal-to-animal contact or contamination of feed or water by infected saliva or bodily waste.
Environmental contamination can occur through soil exposure from infected carcasses or bodily fluids.
High-risk areas include places where deer and elk gather closely, like feeding or watering sites.
Species affected: CWD does not naturally infect cows, other livestock, or pets.
Although no strong evidence exists that it can spread to humans, officials advise against eating meat from infected animals.
Symptoms of CWD:
Symptoms: Drastic weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, listlessness, and excessive thirst. Infected animals may also show drooping ears and lose their fear of humans.
Prevention: To prevent the spread of CWD, avoid handling or eating sick animals, use synthetic lures, dispose of carcass waste in landfills, and report any sick or unusual deer to local wildlife authorities.
PYQ:
[2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:
(a) The destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species
(b) A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle
(c) Scarcity of food available to them
(d) A widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them
President Droupadi Murmu has called for an end to court delays. In the District Judiciary Conference, she said that frequent postponements make it hard for poor and rural people to seek justice, as they worry cases will take too long to resolve.
Primary Causes of Case Pendency and Frequent Adjournments in Indian Courts:
Judge-Population Ratio: India has a low judge-to-population ratio, with only 21 judges per million people as of 2024, far below the Law Commission’s recommended 50 per million.
Vacant Judicial Positions: Delays in filling judicial vacancies lead to understaffed courts, with 30% vacancies in High Courts, adding pressure on the existing judges.
Additional Judicial Charges: Judges often handle multiple courts or specialized responsibilities, detracting from their ability to focus on primary cases and adding to delays.
Complex Case Load: Courts are burdened by multiple types of cases, including civil, criminal, constitutional, and appeals, many of which end up in higher courts, leading to severe backlogs.
Lack of Judicial-Impact Assessment: New laws increase the caseload, but without assessing the impact on court infrastructure, staffing, and resources, exacerbating delays.
Delay in Witness Availability: Witnesses are often not available on time, which postpones court hearings and impacts trial timelines.
How can technology be leveraged to reduce case pendency?
Digitization of Case Records: Electronic records reduce administrative delays in case filing, retrieval, and transfer between courts.
AI-Powered Case Management Systems: AI can assist in case prioritization, track progress, and predict possible delays, enabling judges and clerks to streamline schedules more effectively.
E-Courts and Video Conferencing: Virtual hearings can expedite proceedings, especially for remote cases or minor disputes, saving travel and scheduling time.
Automation of Routine Processes: Automating administrative tasks like case status updates, notifications, and scheduling can reduce clerical delays and improve transparency for litigants.
Data Analytics for Judicial Insights: Predictive analytics can help in understanding case patterns, enabling policymakers to make data-driven decisions on judicial staffing and resources.
What reforms are necessary to improve judicial efficiency and reduce backlog? (Way forward)
Filling Vacancies and Enhancing Judge Numbers: Quick action on filling judicial vacancies is critical, along with increasing sanctioned positions to meet the demands of the population and growing caseload.
Implementing Judicial-Impact Assessments: Adopting the recommendations of the Justice M. Jagannadha Rao Committee for pre-legislative impact assessment would ensure adequate resources accompany new laws.
Expanding Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Scaling up mediation centers and incentivizing ADR methods can resolve disputes outside court, decreasing the burden on the judiciary.
Dedicated Special Courts: Establishing well-staffed, specialized courts for specific categories (e.g., economic offenses, family disputes) would help reduce strain on regular courts.
No Additional Charge Policy for Judges: Assigning a single focus area per judge ensures concentration on cases without undue burdens, leading to higher efficiency and better judgment quality.
Periodic Judicial Training: Regular training on case management and technological tools can empower judges and court staff to adapt to evolving needs, reducing inefficiencies.
In the recent judgment of Society forEnlightenment and Voluntary Action v. Union of India, the SC has shifted the focus in child marriage cases from punishing criminal acts to addressing the “harm inflicted on the victim.”
What is the law on Child Marriage?
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA): Defines child marriage as one where the husband is under 21 years or the wife is under 18.
Such marriages are voidable: The underage person can choose to cancel the marriage, but until they do, it is still legally recognized.
State Variations: In Karnataka and Haryana, child marriages are void from the beginning, without the need for annulment.
Annulment vs. Divorce: Annulment treats the marriage as if it never took place, while divorce ends an existing marriage. To get an annulment under the PCMA, it only needs to be shown that one person was underage at the time.
Why are there concerns about using criminal action to tackle child marriage?
Although the marriage remains valid unless annulled, related activities are criminalized under PCMA, BNS, and POCSO, such as promoting or performing child marriages and sexual activity with a minor.
Criminal provisions can lead to charges against the girl’s family members (parents, husband, in-laws), leaving her without support and creating barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Studies reveal criminal provisions are used more in self-initiated marriages than arranged ones, overlooking the complexities of these cases.
Some adolescents may choose marriage to escape abusive environments or forced marriage, often seeing it as a way to assert their agency in a restrictive society.
Why is the SC judgment significant?
Social and Economic Barriers: Women who leave child marriages often face significant social and economic penalties. The SC judgment proposes skill development, vocational training, economic stability programs, rehabilitation services, and victim compensation to support them.
Empowering Women in Child Marriages: Some women prefer to remain married but need support to advocate for themselves. The judgment calls for tools to help them make decisions about reproductive rights, employment, and education.
Sex Education for Adolescents: The judgment emphasizes sex education, equipping young people with skills and knowledge to navigate relationships and improve agency.
Holistic Approach: By moving away from solely criminal prosecution to focus on empowerment and support, the SC judgment provides a more comprehensive, agency-affirming response to child marriage.
Way forward:
Strengthen Support Systems: Develop targeted programs for skill training, financial assistance, and rehabilitation to help individuals exit child marriages, promoting economic stability and social reintegration.
Enhance Education and Awareness: Implement comprehensive sex education and awareness initiatives in communities to empower young individuals and discourage child marriage through informed decision-making and better access to reproductive rights.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Empowering women is the key to controlling the population growth.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)
Q Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2020)
The Indian government’s 2022 “Extended Producer Responsibility” guidelines mark progress, but a recent report states that stronger measures are needed to fully enforce the “polluter pays” principle in plastic waste management, per a recent CSE report.
What is the CSE report?
A CSE report is a publication by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a prominent Delhi-based think tank focused on environmental research and advocacy.
CSE reports analyze pressing environmental issues, often providing data-driven insights and policy recommendations.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach where producers are given significant financial and sometimes operational responsibility for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.
The primary goal of EPR is to make manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially in terms of environmental impact, by ensuring that they take part in the collection, recycling, and disposal processes.
Extent of the misuse of EPR certificates in India’s plastic recycling industry
Fake Certificates: An assessment by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and findings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed the generation of over 700,000 fake recycling certificates, indicating widespread fraud among plastic recyclers.
Certificate Inflation: Some processors and recyclers reported volumes vastly exceeding their registered capacities.
For example, cement plants engaged in end-of-life co-processing claimed to process 335.4 million tonnes annually, despite an actual capacity of only 11.4 million tonnes.
Undermined Trust: Fraudulent activities result in artificially low certificate prices, undermining the credibility of the EPR system and making it difficult to accurately track plastic waste management.
How does this impact environmental compliance and plastic waste management?
Underreported Waste Generation: PIBOs introduced 23.9 million tonnes of plastic packaging in April 2022, translating to an annual waste generation of approximately 8 million tonnes. However, CPCB’s estimate of 4.1 million tonnes of plastic waste generation annually indicates significant underreporting.
Limited Stakeholder Participation: The absence of key contributors, such as urban local bodies and informal waste collectors from the EPR system, reduces traceability and leaves much of the waste management burden on local governments.
Compromised Recycling Integrity: Due to low-cost fraudulent certificates, genuine recycling efforts suffer from underfunding and inadequate regulation, jeopardizing sustainable plastic waste management efforts and hindering the implementation of the “polluter pays” principle.
What measures can be implemented to improve oversight and accountability within the EPR framework?
Inclusion of Informal Sector: Recognizing and formalizing the role of informal waste collectors and urban local bodies within the EPR framework could enhance waste collection, segregation, and recycling rates, creating a more transparent value chain.
Combatting Fraud: Strengthening the auditing and certification process to identify and remove fraudulent recyclers and processors, supported by stricter legal and financial penalties, would help deter misuse.
Transparent Reporting: Enhancing the EPR portal to ensure accurate data collection on plastic waste generation and disposal, and setting fair prices for recycling certificates to prevent undervaluation.
Standardizing Products: By mandating uniform standards for plastic packaging materials and designs, recyclability could be improved, reducing contamination and making recycling more effective.
Enhanced Monitoring and Accountability: Strengthening CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards’ (SPCBs) monitoring capacity and ensuring consistent enforcement of guidelines at both the state and central levels.
The extreme conditions in eastern Spain which saw Valencia get a year’s worth of rainin just 8 hours can be blamed on an event locally known as Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA).
What is DANA?
Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA), is commonly referred to as the “cold drop” in English.
It is a meteorological phenomenon in the western Mediterranean region that brings intense rainfall and flooding.
The term “DANA” was coined by Spanish meteorologists to specifically describe this weather phenomenon.
Features and Location:
DANA occurs when cold airfrom the Polar Regions separates from the polar jet stream and descends over the warmer Mediterranean Sea.
The contrast between cold air aloft and warm, moist air near the surface causes atmospheric instability, leading to the rapid formation of cumulonimbus clouds and intense thunderstorms.
It primarily affects Spain and Portugal but can also impact Italy, France, and other areas around the Mediterranean Sea.
This occurs in autumn and spring, as temperature variations are more pronounced during these seasons.
PYQ:
[2014] The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of:
Two earthquakes struck Iran sparking rumours of a nuclear test.
However, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna swiftly refuted these claims using its International Monitoring System (IMS) designed to detect nuclear tests.
About International Monitoring System (IMS):
IMS is a global monitoring network established by the CTBTO to detect nuclear explosions anywhere in the world.
It is a global network of over 300 monitoring facilities across 89 countries, using seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic, and radionuclide technologies to detect nuclear explosions worldwide.
The CTBTO shares IMS data with member-states in near real-time, ensuring access to accurate, verified data.
Over 16 gigabytes of data are transmitted daily from IMS stations to the CTBTO’s International Data Centre (IDC) in Vienna.
Analysts use this IMS data to distinguish natural events (like earthquakes) from nuclear explosions.
Created to implement the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), opened for signature in 1996.
Purpose of the CTBT
Aims to ban all nuclear explosions worldwide, regardless of purpose (military or civilian).
Key Elements of the CTBT
• Total Ban on Nuclear Tests: Prohibits all nuclear explosions.
• Verification Mechanisms: Establishes a global monitoring network and allows for on-site inspections.
• Distant Monitoring by IMS: Employs technologies for monitoring compliance.
Signature and Ratification
Signed by 183 states and ratified by 164; has not entered into force as eight specific states among 44 Annex-2 states have yet to ratify.
Key Non-Ratifying States
The states that have not ratified the treaty include United States, China, Iran, Egypt, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea.
Compliance Verification
CTBT establishes a global monitoring network of over 300 facilities for detection and verification, along with provisions for on-site inspections.
Significance
Plays a crucial role in global efforts toward nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, fostering international cooperation and stability.
PYQ:
[2018] What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’?
It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.
It automatically becomes a member of “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2011] Recently, the USA decided to support India’s membership in multilateral export control regimes called the “Australia Group” and the “Wassenaar Arrangement”. What is the difference between them?
The Australia Group is an informal arrangement which aims to allow exporting countries to minimize the risk of assisting chemical and biological weapons proliferation, whereas the Wassenaar Arrangement is a formal group under the OECD holding identical objectives.
The Australia Group comprises predominantly Asian, African and North American countries whereas the member countries of Wassenaar Arrangement are predominantly from the European Union and American Continents.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) “Though women in post-independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC CSE 2021) Q) Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (UPSC CSE 2023)
Mentor’s Comment:
The tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant, underscores the human cost of a relentless work culture that often glorifies long hours and high productivity, leading to Mental health crises among young professionals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 20% of Indians are expected to experience mental health disorders by the end of the year, with 5.6 crore suffering from depression and 3.8 crore from anxiety disorders
Most of the world’s largest multinationals are American, which shapes their work culture. Western work culture is not just about productivity; it’s deeply rooted in historical and religious contexts.
Today’s editorial addresses the alarming trend of adopting detrimental workplace practices from abroad, particularly from high-pressure environments in developed countries. It highlights the severe implications of such practices on mental health and overall employee well-being.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The tragic death of a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant has brought attention to the severe pressures faced by employees in high-stress environments.
The Lancet found a 35% increase in mental health disorders in India, reflecting the growing crisis
What are the characteristics of toxic work cultures imported from Western countries?
Historical Insights: After the USSR fell, the U.S. gained significant influence over global affairs, and its economic practices became the standard for success.
The idea of “the American way” (long hours and high productivity/Capitalist perspective) became synonymous with corporate culture, influencing companies worldwide.
Karl Marx pointed out over a century ago, longer working days can lead to higher profits if labor costs are kept low.
German sociologist Max Weber explored that Protestantism changed its attitudes toward work in Northern Europe.
American Influence on Work Culture: The term ‘Multinational Corporations’ is misleading because, despite their global operations, these companies are often closely tied to their home countries.
Max Weber cited American thinker Benjamin Franklin to illustrate this connection, suggesting that the work culture in MNCs is deeply rooted in historical religious values (cultural glorification of hard work) rather than modern management theories.
What is the actual scenario?
• Data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) shows that while hard work has helped the U.S. economy grow, it doesn’t guarantee the highest living standards. In 2023, the U.S. ranked 12th globally in terms of per capita income, falling behind countries like Austria, Belgium, and Denmark. • The U.S. has improved only slightly compared to Switzerland. Interestingly, workers in most other countries listed worked fewer hours than those in the U.S. This shows that achieving greater wealth while working less is possible.
How does this imported ‘Capitalist perspective’ affect Indian professionals and their work culture?
High-Pressure Work Environment: American companies often expect long hours, leading to stress and burnout among Indian workers. The expectations set by American firms often clash with Indian cultural norms.
Indian work culture traditionally values relationships and teamwork, the imported capitalist model tends to prioritize efficiency and individual performance.
Indian professionals may struggle with the more egalitarian approach of American firms, which encourages open communication.
Hierarchical Structures Vs. Equality: Indian workplaces are typically hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on respect for authority and seniority. In Indian organizations, decision-making is often top-down, whereas American firms favor collaborative approaches.
This difference can make it challenging for Indian professionals to adapt, as they may feel uncomfortable speaking up or challenging their superiors even when encouraged to do so.
Work-Life Balance Challenges: Long hours and blur boundaries like working late or during weekends, make it hard for the employees to relax or find the space between work and personal life.
Rising stress levels contribute to mental health problems, including anxiety and burnout.
Women face additional pressures in balancing work demands with traditional family roles.
What steps can organizations take to mitigate these effects?
Employee Wellbeing Programs: Create wellness initiatives that include flexible work hours, mental health days, and access to counseling. These programs help reduce stress and improve morale.
Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage flexible schedules and remote work options. This helps employees manage personal and professional commitments, reducing burnout.
Foster Open Communication: Build a culture where employees can discuss their workloads and mental health openly. Regular check-ins can help managers support their teams effectively.
Train Managers: Provide training for managers to be supportive leaders. Good management practices can enhance employee satisfaction and create a positive work environment.
Why this? SC called to address extra-legal demolitions like ‘Bulldozer justice’ at a pan-India level. We have drawn a chronology of SC judgments from 1978 to 2024 so you get comfortable with legal concerns. However, the quick revision table for Legal Principles & Bulldozer violations is the most important takeaway. You can use it for any other form of ‘extra-legal’ justice.
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UPSC Syllabus Anchoring:
1. GS1: Indian Society: Communalism, Urbanization, their problems, and remedies.
Note4Students: Understand “Bulldozer Justice” and analyse societal inequalities and communal conflicts in urban contexts. Make value added notes on social challenges and remedies.
Microtheme: Emerging Urban Issues
2. GS2: Polity, Governance, Constitution, and Social Justice: Separation of Powers, Fundamental Rights, Issues related to Poverty and Hunger
Note4Students: Link governance actions to constitutional safeguards, addressing state overreach and rights violations. Strengthen arguments on constitutional rights, governance, and judicial checks.
Microtheme: Local Self-government, Government Schemes and Policies
3. GS3: Economy, Development, Security: Government Policies and Interventions
Note4Students: Enhance your critique of urban developmental interventions and their socio-economic consequences.
4. GS4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude: Ethics in Public Administration, Conflict of Interest, Transparency, and Accountability, Case Studies
Note4Students: Build your practical, ethical reasoning in governance-related case studies and dilemmas. Explore ethical dilemmas in public administration, focusing on fairness, accountability, and integrity in governance decisions.
Microtheme: Social influence and persuasion, Attitude for Individuals, Probity in Governance
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What is bulldozer justice?
The practice where authorities demolish properties, often bypassing due process and legal procedures. While it is used to curb illegal constructions or encroachments, it raises concerns about constitutional rights, fairness, and the rule of law. The lack of judicial oversight in such actions undermines principles like due process, natural justice, and equal protection under the law.
Critics argue that bulldozer justice disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and violates Article 14 (equality before the law) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Indian Constitution. On the other hand, supporters see it as a swift and effective response to lawlessness and encroachments.
Opinions of Supreme Court:
Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978): SC ruled that executive actions must be fair, just, and reasonable.
Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana vs Inderjit Singh (2008): SC held that no demolition can occur without notice and a hearing to the occupant, even in cases of illegal construction.
Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985): SC stated that eviction without due process violates the right to livelihood under Article 21.
Punjab and Haryana HC on Nuh Demolitions (2023): The HC stopped the demolitions citing lack of due process and concerns of ethnic targeting.
Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV Viswanathan (2024):
Condemned the practice of demolishing properties based solely on accusations or convictions of individuals, stressing the importance of due process and natural justice.
Emphasized that even in cases of unauthorized construction, demolitions must follow proper legal procedures, underscoring the need for fairness and lawful action.
Called for the formulation of nationwide guidelines to ensure uniformity in demolition practices across all states, preventing arbitrary actions by authorities.
Legal Principles violated by Bulldozer Justice:
Legal Principles
Quick Explanation
Violation by Bulldozer Justice
Due Process of Law
Law requires fair treatment and legal procedures before action.
Demolitions without legal procedure.No judicial oversight or recourse.
Right to Property
Individuals have the right to own and protect property under the law.
Properties demolished without notice.No legal backing for actions taken.
Equality Before Law (Article 14)
All individuals must be treated equally by the law.
Marginalized groups targeted.Inconsistent application of law.
Rule of Law
Law must govern the actions of both citizens and authorities.
Arbitrary state actions.Legal frameworks bypassed by local authorities.
Right to Shelter
Every person has the right to adequate housing and protection.
People left homeless.No rehabilitation or alternative shelter provided.
Natural Justice
Fairness in legal processes with an opportunity to be heard.
No fair hearings before demolition.No opportunity to defend or appeal.
Separation of Powers
Clear division between judicial, executive, and legislative powers.
Municipal authorities exceed powers.Judiciary’s role in oversight bypassed.
Proportionality Principle
Government actions must be proportionate to the offense committed.
Collective punishments via demolitions.Excessive response to minor or alleged offenses.
What should be done?
UN Guidelines: The United Nations Basic Principles and Guidelines on Development-based Evictions and Displacement (2019)provide humanitarian directives, yet court rulings have been inconsistent and piecemeal which needs a comprehensive approach.
Exceptional Circumstances: Demolitions should only occur in exceptional cases and must adhere strictly to established legal processes.
Need for Proposed Phased Procedures:
Pre-Demolition Phase: Provide a reasoned notice with details on land records and resettlement plans, allowing adequate time for responses.
During Demolition Phase:Requires the presence of neutral government officials during demolitions.
Rehabilitation Phase: Need to establish a swift mechanism for affected persons to challenge demolition decisions and seek remedies such as compensation and restitution.
Back2Basics
Justice
Justice is the maintenance of what is just and fair. In the modern state, justice implies ensuring and protecting minimum rights and entitlement for all.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option — for peace cannot exist where justice is not served.” – John Lewis
Types of Justice:
Hello,
We have a confession: we’re here to compete with your notes! Burning Issues magazine is your go-to resource as your exam approaches, designed to help you through the anxiety and overwhelm of preparing for the Civil Services Examination.
Many aspirants struggle despite reading current affairs for a year. This often happens because they interpret current affairs as merely news. As a UPSC aspirant, it’s essential to analyze these topics from the perspectives of General Studies 1, 2, 3, and 4, and that’s exactly what Elevate does.
This magazine features two sections: Burning Issues and Prelims Tidbits. Burning Issues covers current affairs that may appear in your Mains papers and teaches you how to think about these topics from different GS perspectives in just two pages.
Prelims Tidbits simplifies your Prelims preparation by distilling key facts, data, and concepts into easy-to-recall points framed around basic questions: What? Who? How? When?
So, dive in! Every page is crafted to enhance your UPSC prep. With consistency and this magazine, you’re not just preparing; you’re mastering the exam. The journey is about understanding and applying your knowledge effectively.
