Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Vulture
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a remarkable achievement for conservation efforts, researchers have successfully recorded the first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India.
About Himalayan Vultures
|
| Scientific Name |
Gyps himalayensis |
| Range and Habitat |
Found in the Himalayan region and adjoining areas of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. Inhabit high-altitude mountainous regions. |
| Feeding Habits |
Scavengers that feed on carrion, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases. |
| Conservation Status |
Near Threatened (IUCN)
Schedule-IV (WPA) |
| Breeding Behavior |
Build nests on cliffs and rocky ledges. Monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. |
| Cultural Significance |
Hold cultural and religious importance in some Himalayan cultures as symbols of purification and spiritual significance. |
Details of the Breeding Process
- Date and Nestling: The successful hatching of a Himalayan vulture nestling was observed on March 14, 2022, at the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. The nestling was later moved to an artificial brooding facility on March 15.
- Observations: Researchers closely observed the housing, feeding, frequency of feed, and the growth and coloration of the nestling.
- Vulture Conservation Breeding Centers: India has established four Vulture Conservation Breeding Centers (VCBC) in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal. These centers focus on conserving White-rumped vultures, Slender-billed vultures, and Indian vultures, all of which are categorized as ‘Critically Endangered.’
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pepper Trade
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Pepper, often referred to as the “king of spices,” played a pivotal role in driving exploration, colonization, and cultural exchanges between the East and West.
Early Origins and Mystique of Pepper
- Luxury Commodity: Pepper, once considered a luxury good, was produced predominantly along India’s Malabar Coast and was shrouded in secrecy and legend. European Christians believed it came from the mythical land of “Prester John,” while Arabs, who controlled the trade, believed it grew behind waterfalls guarded by fire-breathing dragons.
- Ancient Trade: Archaeological evidence indicates that pepper was consumed in ancient India as early as 2000 BCE. It was exported to other parts of Asia and North Africa, with the mummified remains of Ramesses the Great from 1213 BCE found with peppercorns in Egypt.
- Arab Dominance: By the 10th century, Arab traders held a virtual monopoly on the spice trade, connecting India with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, controlling supply and prices.
Pepper’s Role in Global Commerce
- Currency and Rent: Pepper became so valuable that it was used as currency and rent in various parts of the world. For example, in 408 BCE, the King of Visigoths demanded 3,000 kilograms of pepper as part of the siege of Rome.
- Spices and the Age of Discovery: The European craving for spices, particularly pepper, was a driving force behind the Age of Discovery. Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in search of India, while Vasco da Gama found the route to India around the Cape of Good Hope.
- Portuguese and Dutch Dominance: The Portuguese initially controlled the spice trade from the Malabar region but were unable to dominate the pepper-producing areas. The Dutch East India Company monopolized the sale of pepper and challenged Portuguese supremacy.
- English East India Company: Queen Elizabeth I granted the English East India Company the right to trade in the East Indies in 1600. The Company’s expeditions marked the foundation of the English colonial presence in India.
Cultural Exchanges and Islam’s Spread:
- Malabar’s Trading Legacy: The Malabar Coast, known as “the city of spices,” served as a hub for international trade. The Zamorin welcomed traders from various cultures, including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities.
- Islamic Influence: The pepper trade helped spread Islam across regions, extending from East Africa to southern China. Malabar witnessed a significant Islamic presence going back almost a thousand years.
Pepper’s Evolution and Legacy
- From Luxury to Staple: Improved production techniques and cultivation in tropical regions led to pepper becoming a household staple. Its significance in driving exploration and colonial empires remains a significant part of world history.
Conclusion
- Pepper’s journey through history reflects the transformative power of trade and the influence of commodities in shaping the world.
- Once a prized luxury, pepper became a driving force behind exploration, colonization, and cultural exchanges between East and West.
- Its significance as a global commodity and the desire to control its trade shaped the course of history, and its legacy as a vital spice endures in our daily lives.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Money Bills vs. Financial Bills
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The debate surrounding the classification of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill as a Money Bill and its implications has sparked discussions on the nuances of Money Bills and Financial Bills in India’s parliamentary process.
Money Bills vs. Financial Bills
|
Money Bills |
Financial Bills |
| Definition and Scope |
Article 110 – Deals with taxes, government borrowing, expenditure, receipt of money from the Consolidated Fund of India, among others. |
Broader scope beyond Article 110(1) |
| Rajya Sabha’s Role |
Introduced only in Lok Sabha, no Rajya Sabha approval needed
Lok Sabha has the discretion to accept or reject any recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha on a Money Bill. |
Can be introduced in either house, requires approval from both houses. |
| Origin and President’s Recommendation |
Must be introduced only in Lok Sabha, and the President’s recommendation is required for its introduction. |
Can be introduced in either house, no President’s recommendation needed. |
| Passage Procedure |
Passed by Lok Sabha, sent to Rajya Sabha for recommendations within 14 days.
Rajya Sabha’s recommendations are not binding.
If rejected by Lok Sabha, the Bill is considered passed without Rajya Sabha’s concurrence. |
Require agreement of both houses for passage, subject to Rajya Sabha amendments or rejections. |
Supreme Court’s Perspective
- Striking Down Amendments: In Nov 2019, a five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, struck down amendments to the 2017 Finance Act, passed as a Money Bill. The court found the amendments altering the structure and functioning of various tribunals contrary to constitutional principles.
- Referring the Matter: The court referred the issue of whether these amendments could have been passed as a Money Bill to a seven-judge bench for consideration, indicating the complexity of the matter.
- Doubts Over Aadhaar Act: The same Constitution Bench expressed doubts about the correctness of the 2018 verdict upholding the 2016 Aadhaar Act, which was also passed as a Money Bill. This matter is yet to be conclusively settled, as petitions seeking a review of the Aadhaar Act ruling remain pending in the Supreme Court.
Conclusion
- The distinction between Money Bills and Financial Bills is crucial in India’s parliamentary process, as it determines the extent of Rajya Sabha’s role and the passage procedure.
- While Money Bills have limited Rajya Sabha involvement and cannot be amended or rejected by it, other Financial Bills and ordinary Bills require the agreement of both houses for passage.
- The Supreme Court’s perspective on the correct classification of certain Bills as Money Bills adds further complexity to the debate, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of these constitutional provisions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 370, Basic Structure
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
- The court is exploring whether Article 370 can be equated with the Basic Structure of the Constitution, a principle that enshrines essential features beyond the Parliament’s amendment powers.
What is Basic Structure Doctrine?
|
| Definition |
A constitutional principle that certain essential features or basic elements of the Indian Constitution cannot be amended by the Parliament. |
| Purpose |
To preserve the core values and structure of the Constitution, protecting its democratic, secular, and federal character. |
| Establishment |
Established by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case in 1973. |
| Essential Features |
Includes supremacy of the Constitution, democratic republic, judicial review, separation of powers, federal structure, rule of law, fundamental rights, and parliamentary system. |
| Limitation on Amendment |
Restricts Parliament’s amending power under Article 368. |
| Judicial Review |
The Supreme Court uses the doctrine to strike down amendments that violate the Basic Structure. |
Also read:
Wow Wednesday : Evolution of Basic Structure Doctrine
Debate over Article 370
- Constitutional Process: It has been argued that the abrogation of Article 370 was a purely political act and that there was no constitutional process available to revoke it.
- Equating with Basic Structure: The court questioned whether considering the abrogation of Article 370 as impossible amounts to equating it with the principles of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
- Article 370 as a “Compact”: It has been contended that Article 370 was not part of the Basic Structure but a “compact” between the princely State of J&K and the Government of India, engrafted into the Indian Constitution.
- Government’s Actions: Concerns have been raised about the government’s insertion of Article 367(4)(d), which some argue circumvented the “residuary power” of the State and allowed the Parliament to act as the J&K Constituent Assembly.
Challenges and Concerns Raised
- Permanence of Article 370: The permanence of Article 370 after the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution in 1957 and the procedure followed by the NDA government during the abrogation have been debated.
- Constitutional Machinery: Criticisms have been raised that the Parliament and President took over the powers of the State without considering the views of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Breakdown of Constitutional Structure: Some argue that the events leading up to the abrogation constituted a “complete breakdown” of the constitutional structure, as the State’s powers were absorbed by the Centre, and the State was bifurcated without proper consent.
Conclusion
- The Supreme Court’s ongoing hearings on the abrogation of Article 370 continue to raise important questions about its status and the process involved.
- The court’s decision will have significant implications for understanding the constitutional relationship between the Centre and the States and the sanctity of special provisions like Article 370.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jan Vishwas Bill
Mains level: Substandard drugs manufacturing
Central Idea
- The Jan Vishwas Bill, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, has sparked a heated debate over certain amendments that modify the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- While the bill intends to streamline regulatory provisions, critics argue that it may allow manufacturers of substandard medicines to evade imprisonment and instead pay fines for their offenses.
Jan Vishwas Bill
- Amendment I: The first amendment under the Jan Vishwas Bill eliminates imprisonment for companies repeatedly using government analysis or test reports to promote their products. Instead, offenders will be subject to a fine not less than five lakh rupees, as opposed to the previous fine of not less than ten thousand rupees.
- Amendment II: The second, more contentious amendment allows for the “compounding” of offenses under section 27 (d) of the existing Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Compounding enables companies to pay a fine as an alternative to undergoing criminal proceedings. However, section 27 (d) covers offenses related to drugs not of standard quality (NSQ) or colloquially termed substandard drugs.
Controversy and Concerns
- NSQ Drugs and Their Risks: Substandard drugs (NSQ) are products that fail to meet Indian Pharmacopoeia requirements, leading to potential harm to consumers. Examples include drugs with low levels of active ingredients, affecting treatment effectiveness and causing antibiotic resistance.
- Criticism of Inclusion of Section 27 (d): The inclusion of NSQ drugs under section 27 (d) for compounding has raised concerns among many. Critics argue that it could allow companies to escape liability for manufacturing substandard products by merely paying a fine.
Scope of Offenses Eligible for Compounding
- Eligible Offenses: Compounding will be available for manufacturers whose drugs are NSQ, enabling them to avoid criminal proceedings by paying a fine.
- Government’s Stance: The government contends that compounding will be reserved for minor aberrations or quality control issues, and companies involved in spurious or adulterated drug manufacturing will not be eligible. It aims to offer an alternate mechanism for minor offenses to reduce litigation delays and foster ease of doing business.
Impact on Good Manufacturing Practices
- Schedule M Requirements: In 2018, amendments were made to Schedule M of the drug act to improve drug manufacturing practices. However, a significant number of drug manufacturers have yet to adopt these measures.
- Compounding for Non-Compliance: Under the Jan Vishwas Bill, companies failing to implement Schedule M requirements within the stipulated time will be prosecuted under section 27 (d).
Industry Perspective
- Industry Support for Compounding: Some manufacturers view compounding as a positive step, preventing minor offenses from leading to lengthy litigation and business disruptions. They argue that non-intentional aberrations should not result in imprisonment, especially for first-time offenders.
- Balancing Enforcement and Business Growth: Advocates of compounding emphasize that strict action should be taken against repeat offenders or those engaging in offenses with malicious intent. Balancing enforcement and encouraging quality production will enable the pharmaceutical industry to thrive and produce safe, effective products.
Conclusion
- Striking a balance between enabling business growth and enforcing quality standards will be critical in determining the long-term impact of the bill on the pharmaceutical industry.
Also read:
In news: Jan Vishwas Bill, 2022
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Voyager 1 and 2
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- After more than four decades in space, Voyager 2, Earth’s longest-running space probe, experienced a communication loss with NASA.
Voyager Mission
- Originally planned to explore the five outer planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) with four complex spacecraft, NASA changed its approach due to budget constraints.
- The agency decided to send two identical probes, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, initially slated to explore only Jupiter and Saturn. In 1974, they were redirected to explore Uranus and Neptune as well.
- The Voyager spacecraft took advantage of a rare alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune that occurs once every 175 years.
- This alignment allowed the spacecraft to harness the gravity of each planet, enabling them to swing from one to the next using minimal fuel.
Features of the Voyager
- Identical Design: Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are equipped with 10 different instruments to carry out various experiments. These instruments include cameras for celestial imaging, infrared and ultraviolet sensors, magnetometers, plasma detectors, and cosmic-ray sensors.
- Nuclear Power Source: As their missions involved traveling far from the Sun, the spacecraft relied on a small nuclear power plant fueled by the radioactive decay of plutonium pellets, providing hundreds of watts of power.
- Golden Phonograph Records: Each spacecraft carries a golden phonograph record, intended as a time capsule for any extraterrestrial life that might encounter the probes in the distant future. The record contains images, natural sounds, music, greetings in multiple languages, and instructions for playing it.
Notable Achievements of Voyager Spacecraft
- Jupiter Encounter: Voyager 1 reached Jupiter on March 5, 1979, followed by Voyager 2 on July 9. Among the exciting discoveries were active volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon, Io, and three new moons: Thebe, Metis, and Adrastea.
- Saturn Revelations: Voyager 1 passed by Saturn’s moon, Titan, revealing it was not the largest moon in the solar system, as previously thought. Titan’s atmosphere was found to be composed mainly of nitrogen, and it likely had clouds and methane rain.
- Uranus Exploration: Voyager 2 arrived at Uranus in 1986, providing stunning photographs and confirming that its main constituents are hydrogen and helium. The spacecraft discovered 10 new moons, two new rings, and made significant observations about Uranus’s atmosphere.
- Neptune Flyby: Voyager 2 became the first human-made object to fly past Neptune in 1989. It discovered new moons and rings, observed the Great Dark Spot—a massive spinning storm on Neptune—and measured winds blowing at 1,100 kph.
Continuing Journey Among the Stars
- Entering Interstellar Space: Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 officially entered interstellar space in 2012 and 2018, respectively. These milestones helped astronomers define the edge of interstellar space, around 18 billion kilometers from the Sun.
- Communication Loss and Hope: Voyager 2 recently experienced a glitch after a faulty command, affecting its ability to receive commands and transmit data. However, the “heartbeat” signal detected by NASA assures that the spacecraft is still operational, and scientists hope to regain full communication soon.
- Silent Journey: While most instruments on the spacecraft are no longer operational, both Voyagers will continue their silent journey among the stars, powered by their small nuclear power sources. Eventually, their missions will end.
Conclusion
- Voyager 2, a symbol of human ingenuity and exploration, continues its journey through the cosmos, exploring distant planets and paving the way for future space missions.
- Despite communication loss, the spacecraft’s “heartbeat” signal signifies its resilience and ongoing operation, reminding us of the indomitable spirit of human curiosity.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nicobar Islands
Mains level: GNI Project
Central Idea
- The ambitious ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project, proposed by the Union government, is facing environmental scrutiny as the number of trees expected to be felled has been revised to 9.64 lakh, higher than the previously estimated 8.5 lakh
What is GNI Project?
- The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island,” a proposed mega project being piloted by NITI Aayog.
- The project aims to develop the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal by constructing –
- Transhipment port
- Dual-use military-civil international airport
- Power plant and
- A township over a span of 30 years on more than 160 sq. km of land, of which 130 sq. km is primary forest
Features of the Project
- Transshipment hub of the East: The proposed port will allow Great Nicobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment.
- Naval control: The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy, while the airport will have dual military-civilian functions and will cater to tourism as well.
- Urban amenities: Roads, public transport, water supply and waste management facilities, and several hotels have been planned to cater to tourists.
Significance of the Project
The GNI Project holds both economic and strategic significance:
- Economic Significance: It positions Great Nicobar as a transhipment hub in the East, strategically located along the East-West international shipping corridor. This can potentially boost revenue and make India a significant player in cargo transhipment.
- Strategic Significance: The development of Great Nicobar has been deemed crucial for national security and consolidating India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region. The project serves as an oceanic outpost and addresses concerns over increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean.
Challenges and Concerns
- Biodiversity Threat: The project’s development, township construction, and influx of people may lead to habitat destruction and degradation, posing a threat to numerous species on the island.
- Indigenous Tribes Displacement: The project could displace two isolated and indigenous tribes, the Shompen and the Nicobaris, jeopardizing their way of life and cultural heritage.
- Deforestation Impact: Cutting down an estimated 9.64 lakh trees in prehistoric rainforests could significantly impact the island’s ecology and biodiversity.
- Inadequate Environmental Assessments: Concerns have been raised about the haste in obtaining clearances and the adequacy of environmental and social impact assessments.
- Fragile Topography: The region’s tectonic volatility and disaster vulnerability add to the challenges, particularly considering the 2004 Tsunami’s impact on tribal communities.
Major Concerns
- Tree Felling Estimate: Minister of State (Environment) Ashwini Kumar Choubey revealed that approximately 9.64 lakh trees may need to be cut down for the development in the Great Nicobar Project. However, there is a possibility that the actual number of trees felled could be lower.
- Environmental Consequences: The forest earmarked for development on the Great Nicobar Island is an evergreen tropical forest with high biological diversity, housing nearly 650 species of flora and 330 species of fauna.
- Compensatory Afforestation: To offset the tree felling, the government plans to carry out compensatory afforestation in Haryana. The state has agreed to provide an area of 261.5 square km for this purpose.
- Tribal concerns: The island administration did not grant forest land ownership to local tribespeople as required under the Forest Conservation Rules, 2017, raising concerns about consent and rights recognition.
- Inconsistencies with Stage-I Clearance: The approval process for the project faced delays, and claims over forest land under the FRA were not processed adequately.
Conclusion
- The Great Nicobar Project’s environmental concerns, including extensive tree felling, potential habitat destruction, and challenges related to tribal communities, call for a careful reconsideration of the project’s impact and approach.
- Striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation is crucial, emphasizing sustainable practices and preserving the island’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India's electronics and IT hardware production capabilities, challenges and measures
What’s the news?
- The central government has placed restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, and computers with immediate effect. As per the notification, the import would be allowed under a valid license for restricted imports.
Central Idea
- India has imposed restrictions on the import of personal computers, laptops, and other IT hardware from China to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on Chinese imports. This move is part of the government’s efforts to boost the electronics sector and strengthen India’s self-reliance in the production of IT hardware.
What does the notification for the restriction on imports state?
- Restricted Categories: The notification restricts the import of personal computers, laptops, palmtops, automatic data processing machines, microcomputers and processors, and large or mainframe computers falling under the HSN code 8471.
- Import Against a Valid License: Imports of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and ultra-small form factor computers and servers under HSN 8741 will be allowed only against a valid license for restricted imports.
- Exemption for Research and Development: The government has granted exemption from import licenses for imports up to 20 items per consignment used for research and development, testing, benchmarking, evaluation, repair and re-export, and product development purposes. However, these imports can only be used for the stated purposes and not for sale.
- Exemption for Repair and Return: The license for restricted imports is not required for the repair and return of goods that were repaired abroad, as per the Foreign Trade Policy.
China’s Dominance in IT Hardware Imports
- Increase in Electronic Goods Imports:
- India has witnessed a significant increase in imports of electronic goods and laptops/computers in recent years.
- During the April-June quarter, the import of electronic goods surged to $6.96 billion, accounting for 4–7 percent of the overall imports.
- Dominance in the Personal Computers Category:
- Among the seven categories of restricted imports, China holds a substantial share in the personal computer segment, which includes laptops and palmtops.
- In the April-May period, imports of personal computers from China amounted to $558.36 million, representing roughly 70–80 percent of India’s total imports in this category.
- Surge in imports from China:
- While there was a decline in imports from China in the previous financial year, it is crucial to address the sharp surge in imports in the two preceding years (2021–22 and 2020–21).
- In 2021–22, imports of personal computers and laptops from China saw a year-on-year increase of 51.5 percent, amounting to $5.34 billion.
- Similarly, in 2020–21, there was a significant year-on-year increase of 44.7 percent, with imports totaling $3.52 billion.
Reasons behind the restrictions
- Boosting Domestic Production: India aims to strengthen its domestic production capabilities in the electronics sector. By restricting imports, the government wants to push companies to manufacture these goods locally in India.
- Reducing Reliance on China: India has seen a significant increase in imports of electronic goods and laptops/computers from China in recent years. By imposing restrictions, India intends to reduce its reliance on Chinese imports and diversify its sources of electronic products.
- Supporting the PLI Scheme: The move is seen as a direct boost to the Center’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware. The restrictions aim to encourage companies to participate in the scheme and invest in local production.
- Addressing Trade Imbalance: India has faced a trade imbalance in the electronics sector with China. By limiting imports, India aims to address this imbalance and potentially improve its trade position.
- Strengthening the Domestic Electronics Industry: The restriction is part of India’s broader strategy to develop and strengthen its electronics manufacturing sector. By promoting domestic production, India seeks to create job opportunities and enhance its industrial capabilities.
Conclusion
- India’s decision to restrict IT hardware imports from China aims to reduce import reliance on a single country. With the right incentives and measures in place, this restriction could pave the way for a robust and competitive domestic IT hardware industry in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Money Bills and Financial Bills and related provisions and procedure
Mains level: Money Bills and Financial Bills debate and Supreme Court in interpretations
What’s the news?
- The recent discussions over the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill have brought to light an important constitutional question – Is it a Money Bill or an Ordinary Bill? The distinction between these two types of bills holds significant implications for the legislative process and decision-making.
Central Idea
- In a recent statement, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi clarified that the DPDP Bill is a regular Bill and not a Money Bill. This clarification comes against the backdrop of earlier reports suggesting that the Bill was being introduced under Article 117 of the Constitution, which deals with special provisions for Finance Bills.
What is a Finance Bill?
- Definition: A Finance Bill is a type of Financial Bill that relates to revenue or expenditure matters.
- Money Bill Criteria: A Finance Bill becomes a Money Bill when it exclusively deals with matters specified in Article 110(1)(a) to (g) of the Constitution.
- Classification of Finance Bills
- Category 1: Financial Bills related to Article 110(1)(a) to (f):
- Introduced or moved only on the President’s recommendation.
- Cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
- Examples: Money Bills and other Financial Bills originating solely in the Lok Sabha.
- Category 2: Financial Bills related to other matters (Article 110(1)(g)):
- Similar to ordinary Bills.
- Require the President’s recommendation if they involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- It can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, amended by it, or deliberated by both Houses in a joint sitting.
Money Bill Requirements
- Exclusivity: A Money Bill must exclusively deal with matters specified in Article 110(1)(a) to (g).
- Certification: A Money Bill must be certified by the Speaker.
Preconditions for a Financial Bill to become a money bill
- Introduction: Must be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and not in the Rajya Sabha, as per Article 117(1) of the Constitution.
- President’s Recommendation: Can only be introduced on the President’s recommendation, as per Article 117(1) of the Constitution.
Key Differences between Finance Bills and Money Bills
- Scope: Finance Bills cover general revenue and expenditure matters, while Money Bills exclusively address specific matters listed in Article 110(1)(a) to (g).
- Introduction: Finance Bills can be introduced in either House, but Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- President’s Recommendation: Finance Bills require the President’s recommendation if they involve expenditure, while Money Bills always require the President’s recommendation.
- Rajya Sabha’s Role: The Rajya Sabha can discuss and recommend amendments for Finance Bills, but its role is limited for Money Bills. The Lok Sabha can reject the Rajya Sabha’s recommendations for Money Bills.
Important Legal Perspective
- 2017 Finance Act:
- In November 2019, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the then Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, struck down amendments to the 2017 Finance Act passed as a Money Bill.
- The court directed the formulation of fresh norms for appointing tribunal members and raised questions about the correct interpretation of Article 110. The matter was referred to a seven-judge bench.
- 2016 Aadhaar Act:
- The Supreme Court also expressed doubts over its 2018 verdict upholding the 2016 Aadhaar Act, which was passed as a Money Bill.
- Review petitions regarding the Aadhaar Act are still pending before the court.
Conclusion
- The distinction between Money Bills and Financial Bills is essential for understanding the legislative process and the powers of the two Houses of Parliament. The role of the Supreme Court in interpreting and upholding the constitutional validity of various Bills remains critical to ensuring a robust and accountable legislative framework.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Integrated system of medicine, Homeopathy system of medicine etc
Mains level: India's path towards universal health care, challenges and measures
What’s the news?
- In a recent development, the ICMR and the Ministry of Ayush have agreed to enhance cooperation in health research related to integrated medicine.
Central idea
- The recent push to integrate AYUSH medicinal systems into mainstream health care to achieve universal health coverage and decolonize medicine is a commendable pluralistic approach. However, this endeavor must prioritize safety and efficacy standards for every participating system. Unfortunately, Homeopathy falls short of meeting these essential criteria.
What is an integrated system of medicine?
- An integrated system of medicine refers to an approach that combines elements from different healthcare systems or modalities, such as conventional medicine and traditional, complementary, or alternative medicine, with the goal of providing comprehensive and patient-centered care.
What Is Homeopathy?
- Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine founded in the late 18th century by Samuel Heinemann, a German physician.
- Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process.
- This is based on the idea that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy individual can stimulate the body’s natural healing response to overcome similar symptoms in an ill person.
Key principles of Homeopathy
- The Law of Similar: Homeopathy follows the principle that a substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person can be used to treat similar symptoms in a sick person.
- Minimum Dose: Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process of dilution and potentization, which involves repeatedly diluting the original substance and shaking it vigorously. The belief is that this process enhances the remedy’s healing properties while minimizing any potential toxicity.
- Individualization: Homeopathy treats each person as a unique individual and tailors the treatment to address their specific symptoms and overall constitution.
- Totality of Symptoms: Rather than focusing solely on a specific disease or isolated symptoms, homeopathy takes into account the totality of a person’s physical, mental, and emotional symptoms to find an appropriate remedy.
Concerns over the efficacy and safety of Homeopathy
- Weak Evidence: The evidence supporting the efficacy of homeopathy is considered weak. The Nuremberg Salt Test (1835), a well-conducted double-blind randomized controlled trial, discredited homeopathy, attributing its claimed effects to imagination, self-deception, or potential fraud.
- Inconsistent Systematic Reviews: Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses have consistently shown that homeopathic treatments lack clinically significant effects across various ailments, population groups, study types, and treatment regimes.
- Unregistered Trials: Researchers found that more than half of the 193 homeopathic trials conducted in the last two decades were not registered. Surprisingly, unregistered trials showed some evidence of efficacy, while registered trials did not, casting doubt on the validity and reliability of the evidence.
- Lack of confidence: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings against using homeopathy for serious conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and infant flu and diarrhea. This indicates a lack of confidence in its effectiveness in treating such illnesses.
- Ineffectiveness for Serious Conditions: Evidence suggests that homeopathy may not work effectively in treating cancers and may not help reduce the adverse effects of cancer treatments.
- Potential Delay in Effective Treatment: One of the safety concerns related to homeopathy is its potential to delay the application of evidence-based clinical care for serious or life-threatening conditions. This delay can have detrimental effects on patients’ health outcomes.
Arguments in favor of Homeopathy
- Historical Usage: Supporters of homeopathy often highlight its long historical usage and widespread popularity, arguing that its effectiveness is demonstrated by its continued use over the centuries.
- Individualization of Treatment: Homeopathy emphasizes individualized treatment, tailoring remedies to address a person’s unique symptoms and overall constitution. This personalized approach is believed to be beneficial for patients who may not respond well to standardized treatments.
- Minimal Side Effects: Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, which proponents claim minimizes side effects and makes them safe for use, even in sensitive patient populations.
- Holistic Approach: Advocates assert that homeopathy takes a holistic view of health, considering not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional aspects of a person’s well-being.
- Anecdotal Testimonials: Supporters of homeopathy often provide anecdotal testimonials from patients who claim to have experienced positive outcomes from using homeopathic remedies. Supporters of homeopathy often cite testimonials from famous figures like Gandhi and Tagore to bolster its credibility.
Way forward: Key areas that India needs to focus on regarding Homeopathy
- Evidence-Based Medicine: India needs to prioritize evidence-based medicine across all healthcare systems, including homeopathy. Rigorous research, clinical trials, and systematic reviews should be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of homoeopathic treatments.
- Integration and Pluralism: India should adopt a balanced approach to healthcare by integrating various medicinal systems, including allopatry and AYUSH, while ensuring that only evidence-based and effective practices are incorporated into mainstream healthcare.
- Regulatory Oversight: Strengthen regulatory bodies to oversee the practice of homeopathy and ensure adherence to quality standards and ethical guidelines. This will help maintain patient safety and foster trust in the healthcare system.
- Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about the strengths and limitations of homeopathy. Informed decision-making and patient choice should be encouraged based on scientific evidence.
- Holistic Health Approach: Emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare that considers not only physical symptoms but also mental, emotional, and social aspects of health. This approach should be integrated into all medical systems, including homeopathy.
- Continuous Improvement: Continuously review and update the integration of homeopathy and other medical systems based on emerging evidence and changing healthcare needs. This iterative approach will lead to a more responsive and effective healthcare system.
Conclusion
- For India’s path towards universal health care, an evidence-based and ethics-driven medicine approach should be embraced, ensuring that only safe and effective treatments are integrated into mainstream healthcare practices.
Also read:
World Ayurveda Congress: Aligning traditional medicine with modern medicines
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