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  • How much should developed countries pay for climate action?

    Why in the news? 

    As the climate bomb ticks, Global Climate negotiators are working on a new global climate finance budget ahead of COP29 in Baku this November.
    • In 2009, developed countries committed to paying $100 bn every year. However, they failed to do so.

    Context:

    • The 2022 climate change conference (COP 28) held in Sharm el-Sheikh decided to establish a Loss and Damage Fund. 
    • These funds would work as a “transition away” from fossil fuels, and a promise to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
    • On March 22, a two-day meeting was concluded in Copenhagen, Denmark, the first minister-level climate meeting for this year, and a ‘New Collective Quantitative Goal’ was finalized.

    What is the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG)?

    • NCQG represents the yearly sum that developed countries must gather from 2025 onward to finance climate action in developing nations.
    • It has to be higher than the $100 billion that developed countries, collectively, had promised to raise every year from 2020, but had failed to deliver.

     

    Collective Funds need to ensure effective Climate Action:

    • UN Climate Change Report (2021): According to a report by UN Climate Change, developing countries would need approximately $6 trillion annually between 2021 and 2030 to implement their climate action plans.
    • Estimation in Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement: The final agreement at Sharm el-Sheikh included estimates suggesting that a global transition to a low-carbon economy could require about $4-6 trillion annually until 2050.
    • Global GDP Percentage: While these estimates vary, an approximate range of $5-7 trillion annually is suggested to effectively address climate change. This would require deploying about 5-7% of the global GDP towards climate action.
    • Renewable Energy Capacity: Meeting the target of tripling renewable energy capacity, as agreed in Dubai, is estimated to cost $30 trillion by 2030, according to the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA).

    Prospects for a Realistic New Annual Climate Finance Target:

    • Current Funding Shortfall: The UNFCCC, responsible for organizing climate meetings and facilitating the implementation of climate agreements, is facing a severe shortage of funds. Its budget is currently less than half funded, which hampers its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
    • Call for Increased Climate Finance: There is a call for developed countries to commit to significantly higher levels of climate finance. India, for instance, has called for the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) to be set at least at $1 trillion per year 
    • Need of Innovative Funding Sources: Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, emphasized the need for innovative funding sources to meet the substantial financial requirements for climate action.  
    • Dependence on Contributions: The UNFCCC relies heavily on contributions from countries and voluntary organizations to carry out its work. 

    How will this money be used?

    • On-time Delivery: Ensuring effective delivery of the new funding is essential for achieving meaningful impact.
    • Transparent and Inclusive Monitoring: Developing countries emphasize the need for a transparent and inclusive process to monitor and measure the agreed-upon amount.  
    • Distribution Across Needs: The new funding is distributed across different climate action areas such as mitigation, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage as per need 

    Conclusion: Developed countries must commit to higher climate finance, possibly $1 trillion annually, for effective action. Innovative funding sources and transparent monitoring are crucial for impactful distribution across climate action areas.

    Mains PYQs

    Q  Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.(UPSC IAS/2022)

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

     

  • What explains the frequent disagreements between state governments and Governors?

     Why in the news? 

    Allegations by the regional government (Recently Kerala govt.) on the Centre using the Governor’s position to destabilize state governments have been made since the 1950s. This calls for Governor-state relations.

    What is the law on Governor-state relations?

    • The Governor, although meant to be apolitical and act on the advice of the council of ministers, holds significant powers granted under the Constitution. 
    • These include giving or withholding assent to bills passed by the state legislature and determining the time needed for a party to prove its majority in cases of a hung verdict in an election.
    • While the Constitution grants powers to the Governor, there are no specific provisions on how the Governor and the state government should publicly engage when there is a difference of opinion.

    What have been the friction points in recent years?

    • Controversial Actions: Some actions by governors have sparked controversy, such as dissolving assemblies amidst government formation discussions (Jammu and Kashmir), and inviting leaders without public consultation (Maharashtra) this government lasted just 80 hours. And Six months later, the Governor refused to nominate CM Uddhav Thackeray.
    • Interference in State Affairs: Governors have been criticized for allegedly interfering in state affairs, including commenting on law and order situations (West Bengal), and refusing requests from state governments (Kerala) regarding legislative matters.
    • Legal Challenges: Some decisions made by governors have faced legal challenges, such as the invitation to the BJP to form the government in Karnataka, which was challenged and subsequently modified by the Supreme Court.

    Dismissal after independence:

    • Dismissals in the 1950s: Allegations of the Centre using the Governor’s position to destabilize state governments date back to the 1950s. In 1959, Kerala’s E M S Namboodiripad government was dismissed based on a report by the Governor.
    • Dismissals in the Post-1960s: Several state governments were dismissed between 1965 and 1990 through President’s Rule orders issued by Governors. These dismissals included governments such as Birender Singh in Haryana (1967), M Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu (1976), and N T Rama Rao in Andhra Pradesh (1984).
    • Decrease in Dismissals: The frequency of state government dismissals decreased during the coalition era at the Centre and the emergence of strong regional parties. This suggests a shift in political dynamics and possibly less direct interference by the Centre through Governors in state politics.

    Causes of such Governor-State Frictions:

    • Answerable only to the Centre: The Governor is not directly accountable to the people and is answerable only to the Centre. 
    • Appointment and Tenure: The Governor is appointed by the President on the Centre’s advice and holds office at the pleasure of the President. Although the tenure is typically five years 
    • Lack of Impeachment Provision: There is no provision for impeaching the Governor, further limiting mechanisms for holding them accountable.
    • Absence of Guidelines: The Constitution does not provide clear guidelines for the exercise of the Governor’s powers, including the appointment of a Chief Minister or the dissolution of the Assembly. Additionally, there are no limits set for how long a Governor can withhold assent to a Bill, raising questions about arbitrary use of power.
    • Governor as Agent of the Centre: The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution highlighted concerns that Governors may act in accordance with instructions from the Union Council of Ministers, leading to perceptions that they are “agents of the Centre.”

    Reform suggested by the ARC of 1968 to the Sarkaria Commission of 1988:

    • Selection Process: Establishing a panel consisting of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, and Chief Minister to select Governors. 
    • Fixed Tenure: Recommendations advocate for fixing the Governor’s tenure for five years. 
    • Impeachment Provision: Suggestions include introducing a provision to impeach the Governor by the State Assembly. 

    Conclusion: Governors often side with the central government and aren’t accountable enough. Kerala’s case shows a problem with the law. Proposed changes aim to make things clearer and fairer.

    Mains PYQs

    Q  Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Q Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (UPSC IAS/2018)

     https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/state-government-governors-powers-disagreements-9240141/

     

  • 30th March 2024 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1635]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1635]

    UPSC 2024 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • [29 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Understanding India’s coal imports

    [29 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Understanding India’s coal imports

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 

    Q) “Despite the adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for Development”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2017) 

    Q) What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forest’s concept of GO AND NO GO zones for the coal mining sector. (UPSC CSE 2013) 

    Prelims:

    Q) Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?
    1. It is the policy of India to save its coal reserves for the future and import it from other countries for the present use.
    2. Most of the power plants in India are coal-based and they are not able to get sufficient supplies of coal from within the country.
    3. Steel companies need large quantities of coking coal which has to be imported.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2012) 
    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: International Organisations;

    Mains: International Organisations; Trades and Practices;

    Mentor comments: The spectre of electricity shortages rises again as hot weather descends across the country. In recent years, increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and a fast-growing economy have led to big increases in electricity demand, the meeting of which reliably becomes a challenge. But some of the discourse in this context deserves greater scrutiny.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    The recent unpredictable Weather Discourse and increase in Energy Demands around the coal sector in India needs a course correction.

    What are the recent challenges highlighted with coal?

    • Challenge with Logistics:
      • Shortage of Domestic Thermal Coal: It is the kind of Coal used in electricity generation, which is primarily blamed for the electricity shortage. Electricity shortage last year was about 840 million units due to poor monsoon, in turn leading to increased demand and reduced supply from some sources. 
      • Shortage of Logistics: According to the Ministry of Power advisory, the core challenge is insufficient logistics to move the coal to power plants. This leads to the second conflation, that the only alternative source is imports. 
    • The issue of imports:
      • Some thermal coal imports to blend with domestic coal may be required even if auctions are used. The question then is about how much of imports for which coal plants. 
      • India has been the major demand side driver of the global coal market. The higher imports is an indication of the preparations to meet the rise in demand of power. 
      • A mandatory blending of 6% imported coal, instead of the current blending levels, can increase the variable cost of coal-based electricity by 4.5%-7.5%. 
      • Indeed, as in the report on Annual Rating of Power Distribution Utilities, power purchase costs increased by 15% in FY23 due to increases in demand, coal imports, and prices of imported coal. 
    • The Issue with Generation and Location:
      • The plants that generate the most (pit-head plants) are situated close to mines, far away from ports, and do not face coal shortages. Shortages in periods of high demand are more likely in plants far away from mines which typically do not generate as much. 

    Way Forward:

    • Reducing Coal dependency: The discourse around coal shortages in the country needs course correction. It cannot be assumed that coal imports are the default way to address shortages. 
    • Increasing Accessibility: The fundamental challenge is to overcome the logistics bottlenecks that are preventing coal from reaching the locations where required. 
    • Government Interventions needed: In the interim, regulatory commissions and distribution utilities must ensure that all coal-based plants are alert to the possibility of coal shortages and identify the cheapest alternative sources which may not be imports to bridge the gap. 

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/understanding-indias-coal-imports/article68003203.ece

  • Advisory boards under preventive detention laws are not rubber stamps for the government: Supreme Court

    Why in the news? 

    Recently  SCt said that advisory boards should act like a safety net, protecting people’s freedom from the government’s arbitrary use of power. 

    • They need to make sure there’s a balance between the government’s actions and people’s right to be free.

    About Advisory Board:

    • Article 22 of the Constitution makes it mandatory for preventive detention laws to form advisory boards consisting of persons qualified to be High Court judges.
    • Objective: It must consider whether the detention is necessary not just in the eyes of the detaining authority but also in the eyes of the law.
    • Case Background: The judgment came in an appeal filed by a man ordered by the Telangana police to be detained as a ‘goonda’ under the Telangana Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, 1986.
    • The claim by Telangana police: The man was a threat to “public order”. He was a cause of panic and fear among women. The appellant was accused of making a habit of snatching the ‘mangalsutras’ of his victims in broad daylight.

    SC on the Appeal filed under the Telangana Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, 1986:

    • Qualifications of Advisory Board Members: Justice Pardiwala emphasized that having qualified individuals, potentially fit to become High Court judges, on advisory boards was crucial. This ensures robust scrutiny of government detention orders.
    • Responsibilities of Advisory Boards: These boards, mandated by various laws, are required to review detention orders every three months. 
    • Substantial Evidence to justify detention: Justice Pardiwala highlighted the unfairness of depriving someone of their Personal Liberty based merely on the assumption that they might commit a crime in the future. He stressed the importance of substantial evidence to justify detention.
    • Absence of Evidence of Threat to Public Order: The Supreme Court observed that the state failed to provide sufficient material indicating that the detained individual posed a genuine threat to public order. Specifically, there was no substantial evidence linking him to activities that could disrupt public order.

    The distinction between ‘Public order’ and ‘Law and Order’, and the Preventive Detention 

    • Differentiating ‘Public Order’ and ‘Law and Order’: Justice Pardiwala highlighted the distinction between ‘law and order’ issues, which affect only a few individuals, and ‘public order’ concerns, which have a broader impact on the community or even the entire country.
    • Limitations on Preventive Detention: The SC emphasized that preventive detention should only be utilized in exceptional circumstances.  
    • Quashing of Detention Order: Justice Pardiwala ordered the quashing of the detention order against the appellant based on the absence of his direct involvement in any of the First Information Reports (FIRs).  

    Conclusion: The Supreme Court emphasizes advisory boards in preventive detention laws aren’t mere rubber stamps for the government but safeguards for personal liberty. They must ensure the necessity of detention, backed by substantial evidence, and limit preventive detention to exceptional circumstances.

    Mains question for practice

    Q Discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling emphasizing the role of advisory boards in preventive detention laws ( 150 words ) 

  • Tech giants facing EU scrutiny

    Why in the news? 

    The European Commission has initiated investigations into major tech companies like Apple, Meta, Google’s parent Alphabet, and Amazon to enforce fair and competitive markets in the digital industry, following the regulations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

     

    What is the European Commission? 

    The European Commission is the executive arm of the European Union responsible for proposing and enforcing legislation, managing EU policies and spending programs, ensuring the proper application of EU laws, and representing the EU internationally.

    About Gatekeepers: It refers to significant market players in the digital sector who hold considerable market power and provide core platform services. In September 2023, several tech companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company), and Microsoft, were designated as ‘gatekeepers,’ expected to comply fully with DMA obligations by March 7 of the following year.

    DMA’s Objective: The investigations align with the Digital Markets Act’s (DMA) goal to regulate ‘gatekeepers’ in the digital market and ensure fair competition and consumer access.

     

    Where is the context of these non-compliance investigations?

    • Investigations into Tech Giants: Alphabet (Google), Apple, and Meta (formerly Facebook) are facing investigations over alleged violations related to unfair competitive practices.
    • Specific Allegations: Alphabet is being investigated for steering customers towards its in-house services, Apple for similar practices in its App Store and Safari browser, Meta for its “pay or consent model.”

    Steering rules are Non-Compliant:

    • DMA Provisions: The Digital Markets Act (DMA) allows app developers to direct consumers to offers and services outside the gatekeeper’s app store without any charge.
    • Commission’s Concerns: The European Commission expressed concerns about Alphabet (Google) and Apple’s noncompliance with DMA provisions, citing various restrictions and limitations imposed by these companies.
    • Apple’s Defense: Apple defended its tight integration with the App Store, claiming it’s necessary for a secure and seamless user experience 

    Present Challenges with Tech-giants:

    • Alphabet engaging in self-preferencing:
      • Investigation on Google search: The Commission is investigating whether Google’s search results are discriminatory, particularly whether Google favors its own verticals over rival services, a practice known as self-preferencing 
      • U.S. Department of Justice’s Accusation: In October 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) accused Google of unlawfully maintaining monopolies in the search and search advertising markets through anti-competitive and exclusionary practices. 
    • Apple enabling choice:
      • European Commission’s Investigation on IOS: The Commission is assessing whether Apple allows users to uninstall pre-installed or default software applications on iOS easily.  
      • Concerns Over User Choice: The investigation stems from concerns that Apple’s measures may prevent users from effectively exercising their choice of services within the Apple ecosystem.  
    • Concerns about Meta’s model:
      • Meta’s Subscription Model: Meta (formerly Facebook) introduced a subscription model in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. This model offered users the choice to use Facebook and Instagram without ads by subscribing to a paid service.
      • Commission’s Concerns:  It expressed concerns that the binary choice offered by the model may not provide a real alternative for users who do not consent to personalized advertising. Consequently, the Commission doubted whether the model effectively prevented the accumulation of personal data by gatekeepers, as intended.

    How will non-compliant companies be penalized?

    • Potential Penalties: The companies under investigation face significant fines of up to 10% of their global turnover or 20% in the case of repeated infringements.
    • Consequences of Systematic Infringement: If the investigation uncovers systematic infringement, the companies may be required to divest certain business units or sell parts of their business. Additionally, they could face a ban from acquiring related additional services.

    Conclusion 

    EU investigates tech giants like Apple, Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon for unfair practices under the Digital Markets Act. Concerns arise over violations, including self-preferencing and restricting user choice. Penalties may include hefty fines and divestments for non-compliance.

    Mains PYQ

    Q Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Q  Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2013)

  • The countdown to a pandemic treaty

    Why in the news?

    In March 2021, a call for a pandemic treaty by 25 heads of government and international agencies marked a pivotal moment. The WHO Pandemic Agreement’s final negotiations began last week. With approval pending in May, its fate remains uncertain amid debates.

    Key features of Pandemic Agreement

    • Aim of the Pandemic Agreement: Address systemic failures revealed by COVID-19 crisis, strengthen global defenses, and prevent future pandemics from escalating into catastrophic human crises. Focus on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response with equity as the goal.
    • Coverage of Issues: Includes pathogen surveillance, healthcare workforce capacity, supply chain and logistics, technology transfer for vaccine production, and waivers of intellectual property rights. Aims to strengthen surveillance for pathogens with pandemic potential and manage antimicrobial resistance.
    • Equitable Access: Emphasis on equitable access to medical products across provisions, including language on principles, preparedness, production, technology transfer, access, benefit-sharing, supply, and procurement.
    • Establishment of Conference of Parties (COP): Proposed establishment to oversee the implementation of the Pandemic Agreement 

    Disagreements between Developing countries and Developed countries 

    • Developing vs. Developed Countries’ Perspectives: Developing countries largely embrace the revised negotiating text, emphasizing equity and clarity on obligations vs. responsibilities. Developed countries criticize the text, particularly regarding financing and intellectual property issues, considering them ‘redlines’.
    • Disagreements: Major substantive disagreements exist alongside general disagreement on negotiation modalities. Developing countries, represented by India among others, stress the importance of clarity on obligations to operationalize equity within the Agreement.

    Concerns related Pandemic Agreement

    • Equity Concerns:  Dissatisfaction among developed countries and the pharmaceutical industry regarding access and benefit-sharing provisions.
    • Global Governance and Enforcement Challenges: Lack of adequate enforcement mechanisms poses a significant challenge. Without robust enforcement, the Agreement risks being symbolic. Enforcement capabilities are vital for coordination efforts, stockpile management, medical response teams, and data sharing.
    • Issues related to technology transfer: Even with consensus on key issues like technology transfer and intellectual property waivers, the Agreement may be ineffective without robust enforcement mechanisms.
    • International Health Regulations (IHR): Existing IHR are legally binding but failed to prevent unjust travel restrictions, vaccine hoarding during COVID-19. Proposals for a decision-making body and a secretariat within the Agreement aim to address these shortcomings.

    Way Forward:

    • Negotiations Conclusion: The current round of negotiations in Geneva is set to conclude this week, to achieve a consensus decision by the World Health Assembly by the end of May.
    • Diluted Agreement: The possibility of a diluted Agreement looms large as there is pressure to achieve consensus. Contentious issues like intellectual property (IP) waivers may have diluted language, referring to national circumstances and using non-binding terms like “best endeavor.”
    • Collective Effort: The Agreement acknowledges that no single government or institution can tackle the threat of future pandemics alone, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and cooperation.

    Conclusion: The Pandemic Agreement aims to address COVID-19 failures, emphasizing equity and preparedness. Disagreements persist, especially on access and enforcement. Negotiations aim for consensus, but risks of dilution remain amid pressure for agreement.

    Mains PYQ

    Q  COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)

    Q  Critically examine the role of WHOin providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Why are Rohingya refugees risking their lives at sea? | Explained

    Why in the news?

    The recent incident involving a wooden boat carrying nearly 150 Rohingya refugees capsizing off the Indonesian coast last week has once more spotlighted the dire situation faced by these refugees.

    • According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 4,500 Rohingya refugees started risky trips across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea last year.

    Who are the Rohingya refugees?

    The Rohingya are a group of Muslims who come from the area called Arakan in Myanmar, which used to be called Burma. The word “Rohingya” comes from combining “Arakan” with “ga” or “gya,” which means “from” in the Rohingya language.

    About Rohingya Crises:

    • Labeled as ‘illegal immigrants’: Rohingya claim ancestral ties to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, but successive governments dispute this, labeling them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
    • Distinct from the majority: They are culturally and religiously distinct from the majority Buddhist population in Myanmar because Rohingya speak a Bengali dialect, which is different from the common Burmese language.
    • Strict criteria for citizenship: Myanmar has denied Rohingya recognition as an ethnic group and citizenship since 1982. Myanmar’s 1982 citizenship law imposes strict criteria for citizenship, requiring proof of ancestors residing in Myanmar before 1823.
    • World’s largest stateless population: Consequently, Rohingya are considered the world’s largest stateless population, lacking fundamental rights and security.

    Why have Rohingyas fled their homeland?

    • Military crackdown: Decades of discrimination, violence, and persecution by security forces in Myanmar. Significant numbers of Rohingyas began fleeing Myanmar in 2012 after a military crackdown triggered by the rape and murder of a Rakhine woman in a Rohingya-dominated area, leading to tensions between Rohingyas and Rakhine’s Buddhist community.
    • largest exodus: The largest exodus occurred in August 2017 following a massive wave of violence in Rakhine, driving over 750,000 people to seek sanctuary in Bangladesh.
    • UN fact-finding commission: The United Nations described the 2017 violence as “ethnic cleansing” and the humanitarian situation as “catastrophic. In 2018, the UN fact-finding commission concluded that the Myanmar government had “genocidal” intent against the Rohingya

    Why they are choosing sea journeys?

    • Overcrowded refugee Camp: An estimated 9,60,000 Rohingya reside in refugee camps in Bangladesh, particularly near the Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar, which houses some of the world’s largest and most densely populated refugee camps.
    • Susceptible to weather disasters and outbreaks: The camps are highly susceptible to weather-related disasters and outbreaks of diseases due to unsanitary conditions, as well as security concerns such as gang violence and arson attacks. For example, over 60 Rohingya were killed in Bangladeshi camp clashes in 2023
    • Returning to Myanmar impossible: With the option of returning to Myanmar virtually impossible and worsening conditions in relief camps in Bangladesh, an increasing number of Rohingya are undertaking dangerous sea journeys across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

    The Rohingya Population in India:

    • Groups of Rohingya people are found in Jammu, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR, as well as in the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
    • According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, India hosts over 40,000 Rohingya individuals. Among them, only 14,000 possess United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) refugee ID cards, providing them with protection against random arrest or detention.

     Legal provisions regarding ‘Refugees’ in India:

    • No specific law: In India, there is no specific law enacted solely for refugees. Consequently, Rohingya refugees are frequently categorized alongside illegal immigrants and deported by the Government under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Foreigners Order, 1948.
    • Right to deport: Section 3 of The Foreigners Act, 1946 gives the Central government the right to deport a foreign national.

    Conclusion: Rohingya refugees risk sea journeys due to impossible return to Myanmar and dire conditions in overcrowded camps. In India, with no specific refugee law, they face deportation under existing immigration acts.

    Mains PYQ

    Q At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. (150 words) UPSC IAS/2015

    Source 

  • Discovery of Amino Acid unveils How Light makes Stomata Open in Plants

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from Nagoya University have made a discovery about the regulation of Stomatal opening in plants, a process vital for efficient photosynthesis by a type of amino acid threonine (Thr881).

    What are Stomatal Openings?

    • Stomata are microscopic pores on plant leaves crucial for gas exchange.
    • They particularly uptake carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis.

    How does Light make Stomata Open?

    • Research unveiled a novel regulatory mechanism involving the phosphorylation of the 881st threonine residue (Thr881) of the plasma membrane proton pump in response to red and blue light.
    • Phosphorylation, a process involving the addition or removal of a phosphate group from amino acids, acts as a regulatory switch, influencing protein structure and function.
    • The researchers focused on the phosphorylation of Thr881 and its role in stomatal opening.
    • They observed phosphorylation in response to both red and blue light conditions, highlighting the interplay between photosynthesis and light signaling.

    Significance of Thr881 Phosphorylation

    • Mutant studies confirmed the critical role of Thr881 phosphorylation in stomatal opening.
    • Plants expressing a mutant proton pump lacking Thr881 phosphorylation exhibited reduced stomatal aperture and transpiration rates, emphasizing the regulatory significance of this amino acid residue.
    • The study identified Thr881, along with Thr948, as crucial phosphorylation sites for the activation of the enzyme H+-ATPase, essential for stomatal opening.
    • Manipulating Thr881 could offer avenues for promoting plant growth, enhancing carbon dioxide absorption, and reducing fertilizer usage.

    PYQ:

    2014: Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?

    a)    Potential energy is released to form free energy

    b)    Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored

    c)    Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water

    d)    Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out

     

    Practice MCQ:

    What is the significance of phosphorylation of the threonine residue (Thr881) in the context of plants?

    a)    It helps in reducing carbon dioxide uptake and photosynthesis efficiency.

    b)    It enhances photosynthesis in dark conditions.

    c)    It reduces transpiration leading to enhanced water conservation.

    d)    It is essential for regulating stomatal aperture and facilitating gas exchange in plants.

  • T + 0 Settlement System kick starts today

    Why in the news?

    India’s stock market will begin the with a ‘beta version’ of T+0 settlement system (same day settlement) from today. This is the world’s fastest stock settlement system.

    About T+0 Settlement Cycle

    • SEBI has planned to introduce the shorter cycle in two phases:
    1. T+0 Settlement Details: In Phase 1, trades executed until 1:30 PM will be settled by 4:30 PM on the same day.
    2. Instant Settlement Mechanics: Phase 2 envisages immediate trade-by-trade settlement, with trading continuing until 3:30 PM.

    Features of the T+0 Settlement Mechanism

    • Early Pay-In Trend: A large percentage of retail investors already make early pay-ins of funds and securities, indicating readiness for instant settlement.
    • Instant Receipt Benefits: The mechanism enables instant receipt of funds and securities, reducing settlement shortages and enhancing investor control.
    • Investor Protection: Direct crediting of funds and securities into investors’ accounts, especially for UPI clients, strengthens investor protection.

    Settlement Cycle: A Quick History  

     

    • SEBI shortened the settlement cycle from T+5 to T+3 in 2002, and then to T+2 in 2003.
    • The T+1 cycle was introduced in 2021 and fully implemented by January 2023.
    • In T+1, the settlement of funds and securities occurs on the next day after the trade.

    Scope and Implementation of T+0

    • Initially, the T+0 settlement will be available for the top 500 listed equity shares based on market capitalization, implemented in three tranches.
    • The same surveillance measures applicable in the T+1 cycle will apply to the T+0 cycle.
    • Trade-for-trade settlement securities will NOT be eligible for T+0.

    Rationale behind T+O Cycle

    • Market Growth and Efficiency: With the significant growth in market volumes and participants, SEBI aims to enhance market efficiency and safety, especially for retail investors.
    • Technological Advancements: The evolution of payment systems like UPI and the sophistication of market infrastructure support the feasibility of shorter settlement cycles.
    • Investor Attraction: Faster transactions, reliability, and low costs are key factors that attract investors, making Indian securities a more appealing asset class.

    Benefits of the New Mechanism

    • Flexibility for Clients: The new mechanism offers faster payouts of funds to sellers and securities to buyers, providing greater flexibility and control.
    • Market Ecosystem Advantages: The faster settlement cycle is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of the securities market, benefiting the entire ecosystem.

     

    PYQ:

    2017: The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to

    a)    ASEAN

    b)    BRICS

    c)    EU

    d)    G20

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the T+0 Settlement Cycle, consider the following statements:

    1.    Trades executed until 1:30 PM will be settled by 4:30 PM on the same day.

    2.    Trade-for-trade settlement securities will also be eligible for T+0.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a)    Only 1

    b)    Only 2

    c)    Both 1 and 2

    d)    Neither 1 nor 2

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