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  • [11 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Freshwater Quest, the Likely New Gold Hunt

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 
    Q  India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. (UPSC IAS/2015)

    Q What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational, technical, and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims:  Non-renewable sources;

    Mains: Non-renewable sources in India; Non-controversial legislative;

    Mentor comment:  Healthy freshwater environments supply water for drinking, growing crops, manufacturing, energy, and transport. They also help to prevent erosion, dispose of waste, and provide natural protection from flooding. But we’ve been careless with this vital resource. In addition, 10% of the world’s animal species live exclusively in freshwater habitats, many of which are currently threatened with extinction. Now in this Climate changing world, can you imagine that huge volumes of freshwater exist under the saline ocean? And what if this Saline Ocean becomes an opportunity as the ‘largest freshwater resource’?

    Let’s learn

    _

    Why in the News? 

    A team of scientists from Vietnam and other countries have discovered underwater sources of Fresh water in the Oceanic body, previously, a river under the sea was discovered at the bottom of the Black Sea.

    Context:

    • In the 1960s, the U.S. Geological Survey drilled boreholes off the New Jersey coast and unexpectedly struck freshwater.
      • According to the present researchers, this river appears to be 100 feet deep and has a flow rate of about 4 miles per hour; about 22,000 cubic meters of water passes through this channel.
      • It would count as one of the largest rivers in the world when compared to land-based rivers.
    • Freshwater is a depleting resource and countries will begin exploring for and exploiting freshwater from above or under their ocean bed, within their maritime zones. Eventually, they will try to expand their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) as given in Part XI of UNCLOS.
      • India can take the lead in shaping Non-controversial Legislative text that addresses the gaps in the laws of the sea, especially in exploratory activities that concern freshwater extraction
    About UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea):

    It is an international treaty adopted in 1982 (in force since 1994) that sets out the legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.
    While UNCLOS is a comprehensive text governing oceans, customary international law remains significant in shaping maritime law.  As of 2024, 168 parties have ratified the treaty.
    • Exploration and Exploitation of the “Area”: UNCLOS governs the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the Area, which includes solid, liquid, or gaseous mineral resources beneath the seabed. The International Seabed Authority regulates activities in this regard.
    • “Minerals”: While UNCLOS defines “resources” as including solid, liquid, or gaseous mineral resources, it’s unclear if this includes freshwater.
    • International Seabed Authority (ISA): The ISA administers and controls activities in the “Area” under UNCLOS, ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures. However, it does not have jurisdiction over states’ parties to the Geneva Conventions.

    About Geneva Conventions on the Law of the Sea, 1958: 

    These conventions cover many issues addressed by UNCLOS and are often based on customary international law.
    • Article 311 of UNCLOS states that UNCLOS prevails over the Geneva Conventions, among state parties. This means that UNCLOS applies to signatory states over the Geneva Conventions.
    • The United States is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions but not UNCLOS, creating complexities in its adherence to maritime law.
    • Non-signatory states are not bound by UNCLOS and may not recognize concepts like the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or the “Area” beyond 200 nautical miles.
    • There is ambiguity regarding the regulation of state parties to the Geneva Conventions, especially concerning mining and exploratory activities in the “Area.”

    Challenges for India in the “Zone of Exploration”:

    • Water Scarcity and Conflict: Anticipation that future wars may be fought over water due to its increasing scarcity and value, highlighting the importance of freshwater resources.
    • The potential of the “Area” for Freshwater: With freshwater becoming scarce and expensive, the “Area” could qualify as a potential zone for freshwater exploration and extraction, similar to oil exploration.
    • Lack of Legislation: Currently, there is a lack of specific legislation and terminologies governing the exploration and extraction of resources beyond national jurisdiction, particularly freshwater.
    • Complexities in Governance: The governance of activities beyond national jurisdiction, such as freshwater exploration, is complicated by multiple legislations governing the law of the sea.

    Silver Lining for India:

    • Opportunity for Legislative Development: There is a need for the international community to develop laws of the sea, particularly concerning exploratory activities related to freshwater from the “Area.”
    • Sustainable Development Goals: The effort aligns with the global agenda of SDG 14, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management beyond national jurisdictions.
    • Potential Role for India: India is suggested to take a lead role in addressing these legislative challenges and advancing exploration activities in the “Area,” which could benefit mankind significantly.
    • Human Priorities Over Space Exploration: It advocates for prioritizing efforts to secure freshwater resources on Earth over investing in space exploration, highlighting the immediate and pressing need for water security.

    The way for India to shape the “Non-controversial” Legislative text:

    (The Non-controversial legislative text means the laws that are passed without an actual voice or recorded vote but by unanimous consent.)

    • Diplomatic Leadership: India can leverage its diplomatic influence and engagement with other nations to initiate discussions and negotiations on developing new legislative frameworks for freshwater extraction in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
    • International Partnerships: India can forge partnerships with like-minded countries, international organizations, and stakeholders to collaboratively draft and promote legislative proposals addressing gaps in the laws of the sea related to freshwater extraction.
    • Expertise and Research: India can contribute its expertise in marine science, technology, and legal studies to inform the development of non-controversial legislative text. Investing in research and studies on freshwater resources can provide valuable insights for legislative discussions.

    Conclusion: India needs to work towards involvement in amending existing conventions like UNCLOS or drafting new agreements tailored to address the unique challenges of freshwater resource management.

  • Explained: History of India and Nepal’s border issue

    Why in the News? 

    Nepal’s Cabinet last week decided to put a map on its Rs 100 currency note showing certain areas administered by India in Uttarakhand as part of its territory.

    • India’s External Affairs Ministry said that such “unilateral measures” by Kathmandu would not change the reality on the ground.

    Genesis of the issue: 

    Territorial dispute: The territorial dispute is about a 372-sq-km area that includes Limpiadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani at the India-Nepal-China trijunction in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. Nepal has claimed for long that these areas belong to it both historically and evidently.
    • Treaty of Sugauli (1815-16): This treaty marked the end of the Anglo-Nepalese War and resulted in Nepal ceding significant territories to the British East India Company, including lands east of the Kali River. Article 5 of the treaty delineated the boundary along the river, thereby affecting Nepal’s jurisdiction over the area.
    • Historical division: Maps issued by the British Surveyor General of India in the 19th and early 20th centuries depicted the Kali River as originating from Limpiadhura. These maps served as crucial references for defining territorial boundaries between Nepal and British India.
    • Depiction of Kali River: Maps from different periods showed variations in the depiction of the Kali River, with some using the name “Kuti Yangti” and others referring to it as the Kali River. Additionally, discrepancies emerged regarding the river’s exact origin point, with some maps showing different sources.
    • Map issued by Britisher (1947): The last map issued by the British before they left India in 1947 reverted to showing the initial position of the Kali River originating in Limpiadhura, indicating a reaffirmation of the historical boundary according to British cartographic records.

    Argument given by Nepal to claim land:

    • According to Shrestha, villages in this area — Gunji, Nabhi, Kuti, and Kalapani, also known as Tulsi Nyurang and Nabhidang — were covered by the Nepal government census until 1962, and the people paid land revenue to the government in Kathmandu.
      • However, the situation changed after the war between India and China in 1962.
    • Nepal also says that then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru approached King Mahendra of Nepal asking for permission to use Kalapani, which was strategically located close to the trijunction, as a base for the Indian Army.
    • Prominent personalities representing Nepal in bilateral talks have claimed that India has made assurances regarding the resolution of border disputes if Nepal could provide evidence for its claims.
    • Despite assurances and agreements to expedite the resolution process, progress has been slow or stalled.

    Frictions in Bilateral Ties:

    • From 2005-2014: The period from 2005 to 2014 saw India mediating Nepal’s transition from a Hindu Kingdom to a secular federal republic.
      • However, tensions arose in 2015 when Nepal’s Maoist Party rejected India’s suggestion to delay the adoption of a new constitution until the concerns of the Terai parties were addressed.
      • The subsequent 134-day blockade by India in September 2015 exacerbated distrust and led Nepal to seek alternative trade routes, including agreements with China.
    • During 2020: Nepal’s inclusion of disputed territories, such as the 372 square kilometres in Uttarakhand, in its new map in 2020 escalated tensions with India. While Nepal aimed to assert sovereignty over these areas, India condemned the move as “cartographic aggression.”
      • Despite India’s stance that the issue should be resolved diplomatically based on evidence, no concrete steps have been taken to address the dispute.
    • During 2024: The decision by Nepal’s cabinet to include the new map on its currency notes in 2024 has reignited tensions between the two countries.

    India-Nepal Border Dispute

    Way Forward:

    • Need for Dialogue: While both India and Nepal agree on the need to resolve territorial disputes through dialogue and evidence-based discussions, there has been no concrete progress in scheduling meetings or setting a timeframe for resolution.
    • Need for Dispute settlement: Nepal has successfully resolved boundary issues with China in the past through bilateral meetings of the boundary commission. However, the unresolved disputes with India highlight the importance of timely and effective diplomatic engagement to prevent future complications and ensure peaceful coexistence between the two neighbours.
    • Joint Border Commission: Establishing a joint border commission comprising representatives from both countries can facilitate a systematic review of historical documents, maps, and evidence related to territorial claims.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.

  • 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York

    Why in the news? 

    Recently, during the 19th Session (10th May 2024) of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, a significant report titled “International Forest Governance” was published.

    About International Forest Governance: 

    • The report “Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches” authored by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) was released.
    • It marked the first global synthesis on international forest governance in 14 years.

    The report exposes the rising trend of ‘Climatization’ of forests:

    About Climatization of forests: 

    • Shift in Emphasis: The trend involves a notable shift in focus towards valuing forests primarily as carbon sinks, rather than recognizing their essential ecological and social functions.
    • Carbon Sequestration Priority: Political and financial orientations have increasingly prioritized carbon sequestration in forests as a means to address climate change issues. This emphasis often leads to the overshadowing of other aspects of forest management.
    • Neglect of Long-Term Sustainability: The emphasis on carbon sequestration may result in neglecting the long-term sustainability of forests. Forest management strategies that prioritize carbon storage may not necessarily align with broader ecological and social sustainability goals.

    Risks and their impacts:

    • Ongoing Crises: Despite efforts to reduce deforestation, significant challenges persist, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequalities. These crises pose substantial threats to global sustainability and well-being.
    • Commodification Risks: The commodification of forests for carbon capture introduces risks that may exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder effective forest management practices.

    Market-based Versus Non-market Approaches:

    • Market-Based Solutions: There has been significant traction in market-based solutions such as forest carbon trading and zero-deforestation supply chains. These approaches aim to incentivize sustainable forest management practices through economic mechanisms.
    • Exacerbation of Inequities: Despite their popularity, market-based solutions may exacerbate existing inequities within forest governance systems. Certain stakeholders or regions may benefit disproportionately, while others may be marginalized or disadvantaged.
    • Non-market mechanisms: As an alternative, non-market mechanisms, including state regulation and community-led initiatives, are suggested to offer more just and effective pathways for forest governance.

    Policy recommendations as per the Report:

    • Holistic Valuation of Forests: Policymakers should reevaluate forests beyond their role as carbon sinks, recognizing their multifaceted ecological, social, and economic values.
    • Equitable Governance: Policymakers should prioritize inclusive decision-making processes that ensure the voices of marginalized groups, such as indigenous and local communities, are heard and respected.
    • Protection of Rights and Livelihoods: Policies should prioritize the protection of the rights and livelihoods of resource-dependent communities.

    Way Forward: 

    • Integrated Forest Management: Governments and international organizations should adopt integrated approaches to forest management that recognize and balance the ecological, social, and economic values of forests.
    • Strengthening Governance Structures: Policymakers should work to strengthen governance structures at local, national, and international levels to ensure more equitable decision-making processes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC 2020)

  • India backs Palestine’s bid for full UN membership

    Why in the news?

    India has voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution recommending Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations.

    Arab push for Palestine’s Membership

    • The emergency special session was convened by the Arab Group, with the UAE presenting the resolution in support of Palestine’s full membership.
    • The resolution calls for the Security Council to “reconsider” Palestine’s membership favourably, based on its determination that Palestine is qualified for UN membership.
    • The resolution received overwhelming support, with 143 votes in favour, including India’s, nine against, and 25 abstentions.
    • As an observer state, Palestine currently lacks voting rights in the General Assembly and cannot nominate candidates to UN organs.

    India’s Stance on Palestine:

    • In 1988, India recognized the State of Palestine.
    • In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the Palestine Authority in Gaza, later relocating it to Ramallah in 2003.

    About United Nations

    Details
    Background  Resulted from the devastation of World War I and II

    Highlighted the need for a more effective international body to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts.
    Predecessor The League of Nations, created in 1919 after World War I, aimed at peacekeeping but failed during World War II.
    The Atlantic Charter Issued in August 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA) and Prime Minister Winston Churchill (UK), this document outlined principles for a post-war world and set the stage for the UN’s creation.
    Naming The term “United Nations” was coined by President Roosevelt in 1941 to describe the allied nations opposed to the Axis powers.
    Declaration by United Nations On January 1, 1942, representatives from 26 Allied nations, including India under British colonial rule, signed this declaration in Washington DC, formalizing their alliance and war objectives.
    Official Formation UN was officially established on October 24, 1945, when its Charter was ratified by 51 member countries

    It included 5 permanent Security Council members: France, Republic of China, Soviet Union, UK, and US.
    First General Assembly The inaugural meeting of the UN General Assembly took place on January 10, 1946.
    Core Goals
    1. To maintain international peace and security.
    2. To foster friendly relations among nations.
    3. To cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights.
    4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these common ends.
    India’s Role India was a founding member of the United Nations, having signed the initial Declaration alongside 25 other Allied nations during World War II.

     

    Rights and Privileges:

    • The rights and privileges of member states in the United Nations are designed to ensure that all members can effectively participate in the organization’s activities and benefit from its resources.

    PYQ:

    [2022] With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
    2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year
    3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

  • What is Interim Bail?

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case till to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

    What is Interim Bail?

    • Interim bail in India is a temporary release granted to an accused person from custody under Section 439 Cr.
    • It can be granted to address urgent matters such as medical emergencies, family crises, or other significant personal issues.

    Legal Provisions for Interim Bail

    Interim bail in India is NOT explicitly defined under a specific statute but is derived from the discretionary powers granted to courts under various legal provisions.

    The most relevant laws and principles include:

    1. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC): While the CrPC does not explicitly mention “interim bail,” it provides the framework for granting bail in general. Sections like 437 (bail in non-bailable cases by Magistrate), 438 (anticipatory bail), and 439 (special powers of High Court or Court of Session regarding bail) are used by courts to grant bail, including interim bail, based on judicial discretion.
    2. Constitutional Provisions: The Constitution of India under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, is often interpreted to include the right to bail as part of the fair and just legal process.

     

    Back2Basics: What is Bail?

    • Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required.
    • The term also means the security that is deposited in order to secure the release of the accused.
    • In India’s legal world, the term offense has been categorized as bailable offenses and non-bailable under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

    Why need Bail?

    • Bail is a fundamental aspect of any criminal justice system.
    • A person can defend himself/herself better when he/she is free, thus ensuring free trial.
    • The practice of bail grew out of the need to safeguard the fundamental right to liberty.
    • Liberty is the right of one whose guilt has not yet been proven.

    Types of Bail in India

    • Depending upon the sage of the criminal matter, there are commonly three types of bail in India:
    1. Regular Bail: Granted to a person who has already been arrested and is in custody. This type of bail is provided under Sections 437 and 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC). It allows the accused to be released from custody while the trial is ongoing.
    2. Anticipatory Bail: Under Section 438 of the CrPC, anticipatory bail is a pre-arrest legal process. It is granted when a person apprehends arrest on an accusation of having committed a non-bailable offence. This type of bail ensures that the accused will be released on bail in the event they are arrested.
    3. Interim Bail: This is temporary bail granted for a short period. Interim bail is often granted to allow the accused some relief until a final decision on their regular or anticipatory bail plea is made.

    Conditions for Grant of Bail in Bailable Offences

    • Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, lays down that a person accused of a bailable offense under IPC can be granted bail if:
    1. There are sufficient reasons to believe that the accused has not committed the offence.
    2. There is sufficient reason to conduct a further inquiry in the matter.
    3. The person is not accused of any offence punishable with death, life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years.

    Conditions for Grant of Bail in Non-Bailable Offences

    • Section 437 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 lays down that the accused does not have the right to apply for bail in non-bailable offences.
    • It is discretion of the court to grant bail in case of non-bailable offences if:
    1. The accused is a woman or a child, bail can be granted in a non-bailable offence.
    2. There is a lack of evidence then bail in non-Bailable offenses can be granted.
    3. There is a delay in lodging FIR by the complainant, bail may be granted.
    4. The accused is gravely sick.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements :​

    1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail.​

    2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.​

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

    1. 1 only ​
    2. 2 only​
    3. Both 1 and 2 ​
    4. Neither 1 nor 2​

  • Kerala bans Oleander Flowers in Temple Offerings

    Why in the news?

    Kerala temple authorities have banned the use of oleander flowers in offerings following the accidental poisoning of a woman who chewed oleander leaves.

    What is Oleander?

    • Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander or rosebay, is a plant cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. 
    • Known for its drought tolerance, the shrub is often used for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
    • In Kerala, it’s called arali or kanaveeram and is used for natural fencing along highways and beaches.
    • According to the IUCN Red List, Nerium oleander (Oleander) is classified as Least Concern

    Traditional Medicinal Uses:

    • Termed as “desert rose” in ancient texts, oleander has been trusted with its medicinal properties such as a hangover cure, in cancer treatments, and as an antiviral.
    • The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India mentions oleander, particularly the use of oil from the root bark to treat skin diseases.
    • oleander’s use in treating skin diseases, leprosy, wounds, itching, and parasites.

    Toxicity of Oleander:

    • Oleander is highly toxic due to cardiac glycosides present in all parts of the plant.
    • Cardiac glycosides like oleandrin and digitoxigenin exert pharmacological effects on the heart, leading to nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, death..

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis Juliflora often mentioned in the news?

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grow

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides

    (d) None of the above
  • How ANSWER THINKING helped me get MAXIMUM Marks with MINIMUM Efforts – Benjo, IAS, AIR 59 | OFFLINE SEMINAR

    How ANSWER THINKING helped me get MAXIMUM Marks with MINIMUM Efforts – Benjo, IAS, AIR 59 | OFFLINE SEMINAR

    Reserve your Seat for Offline Seminar with IAS Benjo

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    If you’re thinking without writing, you only think you’re thinking.

    Dear students,

    Benjo P Jose, AIR 59 will be talking about Answer Thinking. You heard it right. Not Answer Writing. But Answer Thinking.

    It is only once in a while that you get to hear something this innovative that can have a tremendous impact on your preparation.

    We cannot stress the importance of 1:1 interaction with Rankers. Even after the session, the discussion stretches to over 1 hour where students end up sharing where they are stuck and getting a fresh perspective from the horses mouth.

    See you at Civilsdaily HQ. 1LGF Apsara Arcade.

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  • [10 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The message from U.S. campuses, protesting students

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 

    Q)“The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood? Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. (UPSC IAS/2014)

    Q) Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?. (UPSC IAS/2021)

    Note4Students: 

    Subject: GS II (IR)

    Prelims: International issues in the news;

    Mains: Islamophobia and Anti-Palestinian Racism;

    Mentor comments: In 1985, when American campuses were roiling with protests against apartheid South Africa, the legendary African-American feminist poet and philosopher, Audre Lorde, reflected that America was “the most powerful country in the world” but also “a country which stands upon the wrong side of every liberation struggle on earth”. Lorde noted that this filled her with both a sense of dread and a sense of urgency. Dread and urgency, once again, have driven students across campuses in the United States to protest against the catastrophe in Gaza. During the anti-apartheid protests calling for divestment at campuses in the late 1980s — when we were students — university administrators were embarrassed about aligning with the White apartheid state of South Africa. 

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the news? 

    Today, with Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism so normalized in the U.S., university administrators are proudly aligning with this genocidal war. 

    What is Islamophobia and Anti-Palestinian racism?

    • Islamophobia is a form of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness, rooted in racism and involving stereotypes, demonization, and dehumanization of Muslims
    • Anti-Palestinian racism, on the other hand, refers to prejudice, collective hatred, and discrimination directed at the Palestinian people, including silencing, exclusion, erasure, stereotypes, defamation, and dehumanization of Palestinians or their narratives

    Student’s protest in the USA:

    • Unified Demands: Student protesters have a unified set of demands, including disclosure and divestment from corporations complicit in the Israeli occupation of Palestine, removal of police from campuses, and protection of pro-Palestinian speech and activism.
      • The call for divestment can be traced back to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement inspired by the anti-apartheid student movement. The demand for “cops off campus” reflects abolitionist critiques of police as a racist institution, amplified after the George Floyd protests.
    • Education and Activism: Students are educating each other on the history of the Levant, colonialism, racial violence, and the complexities of historic Palestine. They organize teach-ins, study apartheid, analyze the political economy of occupation, and explore Palestinian resistance.
    • University Clampdowns: Many university administrators have instituted disciplinary procedures against pro-Palestine solidarity and activism, banned student organizations, and intensified surveillance and crackdowns on protests.
      • Despite repression, student protests have proliferated, and peaceful encampments have spread to campuses across the country, challenging the complicity of universities in colonialism and imperialism.
    • Intersectional Solidarity: The movement is shaped by other social justice movements like Black Lives Matter and Standing Rock, highlighting connections between racialized police brutality, settler colonialism, and imperialism.
    • Resistance against Repression: Students risk suspensions and arrests to expose and disrupt the ideological and economic ties that bind universities to forces of genocide, inspired by struggles in historic Palestine.

    Significance and Impact of the Student’s Protest::

    • Raising Awareness: By organizing teach-ins and spreading information about the history of the Levant, colonialism, and racial violence, these protests can educate people and raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians and the broader issues of imperialism and colonialism.
    • Challenging normalization of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian: By challenging the normalization of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, these protests can disrupt the status quo and push for a reevaluation of societal attitudes towards these issues.
    • Inspiring Solidarity: The intersectional nature of these protests, where movements like Black Lives Matter and Standing Rock are involved, can foster solidarity among different marginalized communities and strengthen the broader social justice movement.
    • International Impact: These protests, especially if they gain widespread attention and support, could influence international perceptions and policies towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially leading to increased pressure on governments to take action towards a just resolution.

    Conclusion: University administrators should engage in open dialogue with protesting students to address their concerns and explore potential solutions. This could involve creating forums for discussion, establishing student-administrator committees, and actively listening to student perspectives.

  • Reservation within Constitutional bounds

    Why in the news?

    There’s a big argument between political parties about reservation. The BJP said some exaggerated things about the Congress wanting a caste census, suggesting it’s connected to religion.

    Current debates on Reservation and Sub-categorization:

    • Constitutional Provisions: The Constituent Assembly opposed reservation solely based on religion, and the Constitution guarantees prohibition of discrimination based on religion under Articles 15 and 16.
    • History of Sub-categorization in Karnataka: In Karnataka, all Muslim communities are included within the OBC quota, forming the basis for the BJP’s current campaign.
      • Sub-categorization for Muslims within the OBC quota has existed in Karnataka since 1995.
      • The H. D. Deve Gowda-led government introduced it but was later removed by the Basavaraj Bommai-led government. However, the status quo continues after court observation.
    • Reservation for Muslim and Christian Communities: Socially and educationally backward Muslim and Christian communities are provided reservations under the OBC/MBC category in various states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Constitutional Language and SC/ST Communities: The Constitution specifies that for SCs, the person should profess Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, but no such requirement exists for STs.
    • Congress Manifesto Promise: The Congress has promised in its manifesto to work towards removing the 50% cap placed on reservations, suggesting a potential shift in reservation policy if they come into power.

    Affirmative action as per Constitution:

    • Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution ensure equality to all citizens in actions by the state, including admissions to educational institutions and public employment.
      • They also enable the state to make special provisions for advancing socially and educationally backward classes, including OBC, SC, and ST.
    • Classification of Backward Classes: OBC is a collective term for socially and educationally backward castes, with some states also classifying certain castes as Most Backward Classes (MBC). Reservation percentages vary from state to state.
    • Indra Sawhney Case (1992): Supreme Court upheld 27% reservation for OBC. Caste is considered a determinant of class in the Indian context, and backwardness cannot be determined solely on economic criteria.
      • A cap of 50% was fixed for reservations unless there were exceptional circumstances.
    • Total reservation stood at 49.5% for OBC (27%), SC (15%), and ST (7.5%)—creamy layer exclusion from OBC reservation, with an income limit currently at ₹8 lakhs per annum.
      • Exclusion of children of certain government officials from the reservation.
    • Janhit Abhiyan Case (2022): The court upheld the constitutional validity of the reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Economic criteria could be a reservation basis, according to the court’s majority opinion.

    Affirmative Actions Globally:

    • In the U.S., there is ‘affirmative action’ that consists of government-approved and voluntary private programs granting special consideration to racial minorities like African Americans and Latin Americans.
      • In Fair Admissions vs Harvard case (2023), the U.S. Supreme Court, however, ruled that race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions violate the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
    • In the U.K., the law enables voluntary ‘positive action’ which allows employers to combat the under-representation of disadvantaged groups.
    • France does not have any affirmative action based on race or ethnicity. It provides educational measures designed to increase opportunities for low-income students.

    Way Forward: 

    • Need for Sub-categorization: The Rohini Commission was set up to provide recommendations on sub-categorization among OBC castes, as a significant portion of reserved jobs and seats have been garnered by a small percentage of OBC castes/sub-castes. Similar issues of concentration of benefits persist in the SC and ST categories.
    • Inclusion of Dalit Christians and Muslims: Dalit Christians and Muslims also suffer from discrimination and lack of opportunities. There is a need to extend reservation benefits to these communities and address their marginalization.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.(UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Niti Aayog report finds ‘huge gap’ in cancer screening at Ayushman centres

    Why in the news? 

    Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme reached 5.47 crore users, but cancer screening at Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) faces significant gaps, reports NITI Aayog.

    Objective of Ayushman Bharat Scheme:

    • Besides providing a Rs 5-lakh insurance cover, the scheme aimed to upgrade primary health centers to HWCs, offering annual screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including oral, breast, and cervical cancers for individuals aged 30 years or older.

    Coverage of Ayushman Bharat Scheme: 

    • Over 5.47 crore users have utilized the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme, making it the world’s largest medical insurance scheme.

    The ‘huge gap’ in cancer screening at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):

    • NITI Aayog Report Findings: A report from NITI Aayog, based on visits to HWCs in 13 states, highlights a significant gap in cancer screening services.
    • Limited NCD Screening: Although NCD screening is underway in most HWCs, yearly screening is largely absent, with less than 10% of facilities completing a single round of NCD screening.

    Reason behind the ‘huge gap’ in cancer screening at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):

    • Methods of Screening: Official protocol mandates distinct screening methods for oral, cervical, and breast cancers. However, implementation of these methods faces challenges.
    • Lack of Awareness and Capacities: The gap in cancer screening is attributed to low awareness levels and lack of capacities among healthcare providers.
    •  Implementation fell short: Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANMs), medical officers, and staff nurses were supposed to be trained in cancer screening methods, but implementation fell short.
    • Suboptimal Screening Activities: Screening for breast cancer relies on beneficiary education for self-examination, while cervical cancer screening remains to be operationalized. Oral cancer screening is performed on a case-by-case basis.
    • Infrastructure and Basic Devices: HWCs generally adhere to infrastructure standards, with basic devices and medicines available free-of-cost. However, the focus remains on improving cancer screening services to align with the government’s prevention and early detection efforts.

    Way forward: 

    • Awareness Campaigns: Launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of cancer screening and early detection. This can involve community outreach programs, workshops, and informational sessions.
    • Utilize Technology: Integrate technology solutions such as telemedicine and mobile applications to facilitate easier access to screening services, especially in remote areas. Digital platforms can also aid in data management and monitoring of screening activities.
    • Performance Monitoring: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the implementation of cancer screening programs at HWCs.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.

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