Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) have diligently monitored the gender earnings gap in India from April-June 2019 to 2023.
- This latest iteration places a vital spotlight on weekly hours worked, unveiling that the inequity in total earnings may not fully encapsulate the true narrative.
Examining the Gender Earnings Disparities
- Claudia Goldin’s Pioneering Work: Building upon Nobel laureate Claudia Goldin’s research, India’s gender disparities in employment and wages come into focus.
- Earnings Converted to Weekly Figures: Earnings for various worker categories are transformed into weekly earnings.
- Ratio of Weekly Earnings: Table 1 displays the ratio of weekly earnings between men and women at the national level, encompassing rural and urban sectors. A figure above 1 denotes men earning more than women.
- Persistent Gender Gap: Men out-earn women across all forms of work, with the self-employed experiencing the most significant gender gap in 2023, where men earned 2.8 times more than women. In contrast, male regular wage workers earned 24% more, and male casual workers earned 48% more than their female counterparts. The gender earnings gap remains a persistent challenge.
- Changing Trends: Notably, the gender gap has increased for self-employed workers but decreased for regular wage workers, dropping to 24% in 2023 from 34% in 2019.
Analyzing Average Weekly Work Hours
- Incomplete Picture: Disparities in earnings per unit of work are not entirely elucidated by the earnings gap alone. Women consistently work fewer hours than men across all forms of employment, as depicted in Table 2.
- Largest Gap for the Self-Employed: In 2023, men in self-employment worked 50% more hours than women, while the gap was the smallest for regular wage workers (19%).
- Rising Gender Gap in Hours Worked: The gender gap in hours worked has expanded, particularly for self-employed women, indicating an increase in part-time employment among them. Simultaneously, male self-employed workers continue full-time work.
Diving Deeper into Hourly Earnings Gap
- Hourly Earnings Analysis: Calculations of hourly earnings for each worker category reveal the ratio between men and women’s hourly earnings, as presented in Table 3.
- Significant Reduction in Regular Wage Workers’ Gap: In 2023, men in regular wage employment earned 24% more than women over the week but worked 19% longer hours. The hourly earnings gap narrows to approximately 4%, down from 11% in 2019.
- Hourly Earnings Parity in Regular Wage Work: On average, women in regular employment earn less per week but nearly match men when hourly earnings are considered. However, these averages mask nuanced disparities across occupations and industries.
- Higher Inequality in Other Employment Types: Inequality in hourly earnings is more pronounced in other work categories, albeit lower than when assessing total earnings. In 2023, male casual workers earned 23% more per hour than women, a reduction from 33% in 2019. Conversely, the self-employed category witnessed an increase in the hourly earnings gap from 84% in 2019 to 87% in 2023.
Factors Influencing Work Hours
- Beyond Pure Choice: Lower hourly earnings inequality for regular wage workers doesn’t imply women opt for shorter work hours by choice.
- Societal barriers: Barriers, such as societal expectations that women manage domestic and childcare duties, may limit their employment options.
Conclusion
- Addressing both remuneration disparities and disparities in total work hours is crucial.
- Policymakers should target the removal of barriers that curtail women’s working hours.
- This involves workplace interventions like mandating childcare facilities and extended maternity leaves and broader societal transformations that challenge traditional gender norms and share childcare and domestic responsibilities more equitably.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lok Sabha Ethics Committee
Mains level: Various parliamentary committees
Central Idea
- The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, set up over two decades ago, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the conduct of members and addressing cases of misconduct.
- While it predominantly handles relatively minor offenses, its significance in maintaining ethical standards in Parliament cannot be understated.
History of Ethics Committees
- Origin in 1996: The concept of ethics panels for the two Houses of Parliament was first proposed during a Presiding Officers’ Conference in Delhi in 1996.
- Rajya Sabha’s Pioneering Committee: Vice President K R Narayanan, who served as Rajya Sabha Chairman, established the Ethics Committee for the Upper House on March 4, 1997. It officially commenced its duties in May of the same year.
- Lok Sabha’s Journey: Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee journey was delayed initially. A study group within the House Committee of Privileges recommended its formation in 1997 after studying legislative ethics practices worldwide. However, it only became a permanent fixture in the Lok Sabha in 2015, following its ad hoc establishment in 2000.
Procedure for Complaints
- Complaint Origins: Any person can file a complaint against a Member of Parliament (MP) through another Lok Sabha MP. The complaint must be accompanied by evidence of alleged misconduct and an affidavit confirming its authenticity. MPs can also lodge complaints without the need for an affidavit.
- Speaker’s Role: The Speaker can refer any complaint against an MP to the Ethics Committee.
- Prima Facie Inquiry: The Committee conducts a preliminary inquiry to determine if a complaint warrants further examination. It proceeds to evaluate and make recommendations after this stage.
- Report Presentation: The Committee presents its findings to the Speaker, who seeks the House’s input on whether to consider the report. A half-hour discussion on the report can also be scheduled.
Privileges Committee Comparison
- Overlapping Responsibilities: The Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee occasionally deal with similar cases. More serious allegations typically go to the Privileges Committee.
- Privileges Committee’s Mandate: The Privileges Committee safeguards the “freedom, authority, and dignity of Parliament.” It can address breaches of privilege by MPs or non-MPs that undermine the House’s authority and dignity.
- Ethics Committee’s Scope: The Ethics Committee primarily focuses on cases of misconduct involving MPs.
2005 Cash-for-Query Case
- Expulsion of MPs: In 2005, a significant episode unfolded when both Houses expelled 10 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP implicated in the cash-for-query scandal. They were accused of accepting money to raise questions in Parliament.
- Bansal Committee’s Report: The Lok Sabha took action based on the report of a special committee led by Chandigarh MP P K Bansal. In contrast, Rajya Sabha entrusted the House Ethics Committee with investigating the matter.
- Evidence in the 2005 Case: Former Lok Sabha Secretary General P D T Achary noted that the 2005 case was backed by substantial evidence from a sting operation. Establishing a money trail could be the challenge in the recent Bengal MP case.
Conclusion
- The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, although historically ad hoc and relatively recent in its permanent establishment, plays a critical role in upholding the ethical standards of India’s parliamentary members.
- It serves as a guardian of parliamentary ethics, ensuring that members adhere to the highest moral standards while fulfilling their legislative responsibilities.
- The Committee’s work, while often overshadowed, is integral to maintaining the integrity of the Lok Sabha.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ISA, Solar Stocktake
Mains level: Solar Energy Transition
Central Idea
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA), a coalition of 116 member nations committed to advancing global solar technology adoption, is set to unveil its inaugural ‘global solar stock-take report.’
- This initiative is inspired by the United Nations’ inaugural ‘Global Stocktake’ event, slated for Dubai later this year.
About International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- The ISA is an alliance of more than 121 countries, most of them being sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
- It is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
- The primary objective of the alliance is to work for efficient exploitation of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- The alliance is a treaty-based inter-governmental organization.
- The initiative was launched by PM Modi at the India Africa Summit and a meeting of member countries ahead of the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015.
ISA’s Solar Stocktake
- First-Ever Report: The ISA’s ‘solar stocktake’ report marks a historic endeavor, with its release scheduled for mid-November.
- Assessing Progress: The report will comprehensively evaluate the strides made by nations in the adoption of solar energy.
- Global Solar Investment: Notably, investments in solar energy have surged, reaching nearly $300 billion in 2020 and approximately $380 billion in 2022. However, there is significant manufacturing concentration in China.
- Diversifying Solar Manufacturing: The ISA aims to explore strategies for diversifying solar manufacturing beyond China.
ISA’s Commitment to Solar Expansion
- Leadership: The ISA, co-led by India and France, is gearing up for its sixth annual meeting, scheduled in Delhi.
- Africa Solar Focus: One of the ISA’s primary objectives is to expand solar installations in Africa. To facilitate this, the Global Solar Facility (GSF) has been established.
- Global Solar Facility (GSF): The GSF consists of three funds: a payment guarantee fund, an insurance fund to mitigate project risks, and an investment fund for technical assistance.
- Expanding to Other Regions: Following its work in Africa, the ISA aims to extend its efforts to West Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Global Solar Energy Landscape
- Growing Solar Capacity: As of 2022, global solar photovoltaic installations reached 1,133 gigawatts (GW), with an impressive addition of 191 GW in 2022.
- Chinese Dominance: China, despite not being an ISA member, accounts for nearly a quarter of global solar installations, at around 350 GW. The United States, an ISA member, follows with 111 GW. India, also an ISA member, ranks among the top five countries globally, with 62 GW of solar capacity.
Conclusion
- The ISA’s ‘solar stocktake’ report represents a significant milestone in the global push for solar energy adoption.
- As the world grapples with the imperative to transition to renewable energy sources, this initiative offers insights into progress and challenges.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wilkes Land
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Scientists have unveiled a vast ancient landscape buried beneath the continent’s ice sheet, offering a glimpse into a time when it was not a frozen wilderness but a land of rivers and forests teeming with life.
- This discovery, located in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region, holds clues to Antarctica’s environmental history and the mysteries of its distant past.
What is Wilkes Land?
- Wilkes Land is a region located in Antarctica, on the eastern side of the continent.
- It is one of the largest unclaimed territories in Antarctica, primarily because it is covered by the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which makes it difficult to access and study.
- It was named after US Navy Officer Charles Wilkes, who led the exploring expedition (1838–1842).
- This expedition was the first to extensively explore and map large parts of the Antarctic coastline, including the area that came to be known as Wilkes Land.
- The East Antarctic Ice Sheet in Wilkes Land, in particular, contains valuable information about the history of climate change and ice sheet dynamics, which are critical for understanding global climate patterns and sea-level rise.
Antarctica’s Geological Journey
- Gondwana Supercontinent: Antarctica was once part of the Gondwana supercontinent, which included modern-day continents like Africa, South America, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. It later separated due to plate tectonics.
- Evolution of Landscape: Researchers suggest that as Antarctica’s climate warmed, rivers flowed across this newfound landscape toward coastlines formed during continental separation. Subsequent cooling led to glacial erosion, preserving the landscape for millions of years.
About the Under-Glacier Landscape
- Rediscovering Ancient Antarctica: Satellite observations and ice-penetrating radar have unveiled a sprawling ancient landscape beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet.
- Geographic Scope: The discovered landscape spans an area roughly equivalent to Belgium or the U.S. state of Maryland and is situated in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region, bordering the Indian Ocean.
- Time Frame: This ancient terrain is estimated to date back to at least 14 million years ago and potentially extend even further, to over 34 million years ago, coinciding with Antarctica’s transition into a frozen continent.
Snapshot of a Different Era
- A Window to the Past: The landscape offers a snapshot of an earlier time when Antarctica enjoyed warmer climates. The specific appearance remains uncertain, but it might have ranged from temperate to even tropical conditions.
- Wildlife Enigma: While it’s likely that this environment supported diverse wildlife, the incomplete fossil record leaves the identity of its inhabitants shrouded in mystery.
Beneath the Ice
- Icy Cover: The ancient landscape lies beneath approximately 2.2 to 3 km of ice, creating an enigmatic world hidden from human view.
- Exploration Challenges: The land beneath Antarctica’s ice remains more enigmatic than the surface of Mars. Researchers propose drilling through the ice to obtain sediment core samples, potentially revealing ancient flora and fauna, much like Greenland samples dating back 2 million years.
How was it identified?
- Scientific Methods: The study employed satellite observations and ice-penetrating radar data gathered from overflight missions.
- Unique Discovery: While previous research uncovered ancient landscapes beneath Antarctica’s ice, this discovery stands out as the first of its kind, shaped by rivers and distinct geological processes.
- Changing Climates: Antarctica’s landscape and climate underwent significant transformations, resembling cold temperate rainforests before cooling to its frozen state.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fertilizer Subsidy
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Union Cabinet has announced revisions to the per-kilogram subsidy rates for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur fertilizers under the nutrient-based regime, distinguishing between the October-March and April-September periods.
Subsidy Rate Changes
- Nitrogen (N): The subsidy per kilogram for nitrogen has decreased by 38% between the first half of FY-24 and the October-March period.
- Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus subsidy has been reduced by 49%.
- Potassium (K): Subsidy for potassium has seen an 84% reduction.
- Sulphur (S): Sulphur subsidy has been lowered by 32.5% during the same period.
Why discuss this?
- Fertilizer subsidies have been an integral part of India’s agricultural landscape since the Green Revolution of the 1970s-80s.
- This overview delves into the concept of fertilizer subsidies, their disbursement, and associated challenges.
Understanding Fertilizer Subsidy
- Origins: Fertilizer subsidies emerged during the Green Revolution to boost agricultural productivity.
- Subsidized Pricing: Fertilizer subsidy entails farmers purchasing fertilizers at prices below the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), often lower than market rates.
- Determining Subsidy Rates: Subsidy rates are influenced by the average price of imported fertilizer over the preceding six months.
Recipient and Payment of Subsidy
- Beneficiary: While fertilizer companies receive the subsidy, it ultimately benefits farmers who procure fertilizers at rates lower than market prices.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Since March 2018, the government introduced a DBT system, where subsidy payments to companies occur post-actual sales to farmers via retailers.
- Retailer’s Role: Each of India’s 2.3 lakh retailers is equipped with a point-of-sale (PoS) machine linked to the Department of Fertilizers’ e-Urvarak DBT portal.
- Neem-Coated Urea Illustration: Neem-coated urea serves as an example. The government fixes its MRP at Rs. 5,922.22 per tonne, while domestic production costs about Rs. 17,000 per tonne. The variance is covered by the central government through subsidy disbursement.
Non-Urea Fertilizers
- Decontrolled Pricing: Non-urea fertilizers have pricing determined by companies rather than government intervention.
- Two Categories: These non-urea fertilizers are categorized into DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and MOP (Muriate of Phosphate).
- Flat Subsidy: The government provides a uniform per-tonne subsidy to maintain soil nutrition levels and ensure the affordability of other fertilizers.
Challenges Associated with Fertilizer Subsidies
- Low Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE): Indian soil exhibits low NUE, primarily found in Urea, leading to excessive use and groundwater pollution.
- Groundwater Contamination: Excessive fertilizer application contributes to groundwater contamination.
- Overuse: Urea applied to the soil results in losses as NH3 (Ammonia) and Nitrogen Oxides, surpassing WHO-prescribed limits, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- Health Impacts: Nitrate-contaminated water poses health risks, including “blue baby syndrome” in humans.
Conclusion
- Fertilizer subsidies are a crucial aspect of Indian agriculture, aiding farmers by reducing the cost of essential inputs.
- However, challenges such as overuse, groundwater pollution, and health concerns warrant a comprehensive approach to ensure sustainable and responsible fertilizer usage in the country.
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Central idea
The article highlights the increasing risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Indian Himalayan Region due to climate change. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary effort to develop early warning systems and mitigation strategies for high-risk glacial lakes.
Definition of GLOFs:
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are sudden and massive releases of water from glacial lakes, often triggered by the collapse of glacial moraines or other natural events. These floods pose severe threats to downstream areas.
Features of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
- Rapid Onset: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are characterized by their sudden and rapid onset. These floods can unleash enormous amounts of water in a short period, often catching downstream communities off guard.
- Highly Destructive: GLOFs are highly destructive natural disasters. The massive volume of water released during an outburst can lead to flash floods, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems in the affected areas.
- Glacial Lakes as Time Bombs: Glacial lakes, formed by the melting of glaciers, act as reservoirs for potential GLOFs. The increasing rate of glacier melt, attributed to climate change, raises concerns about the growing number of these ‘time bombs’ that could pose threats to downstream regions.
- Global Impact: GLOFs are not confined to specific regions but have a global impact. The risk of GLOFs exists in various mountainous areas worldwide, including the Himalayas, Andes, Alps, and the Rocky Mountains. Climate change exacerbates these risks, making GLOFs a concern on a broader scale.
Consequences of GLOFs:
- Flash Floods: The rapid release of water leads to flash floods downstream, causing immediate and extensive damage.
- Morphological Changes: GLOFs alter the landscape, leading to changes in river courses and topography.
- Loss of Life and Property: Downstream communities face a high risk of casualties, property damage, and loss of livelihoods.
- Permanent Changes: GLOFs bring permanent alterations to the affected areas, impacting their socio-economic fabric.
Challenges in Monitoring and Prediction:
- Monitoring and predicting such cascading events are challenging, requiring an integrated system for early warnings and risk mitigation.
- The Himalayan Region faces a range of hydro-meteorological, tectonic, climate, and human-induced mountain hazards, making monitoring and estimation difficult due to the multitude of glaciers and temporal variations in glacial recession.
Well known examples
- South Lhonak Lake, Sikkim (2023): The recent glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim resulted in the death of 14 people and left 102 missing. The South Lhonak Lake, situated at 17,000 ft, burst due to incessant rains, causing flash floods in downstream areas along the Teesta river.
- Chorabari Tal, Uttarakhand (2013): In 2013, flash floods and a glacial lake outburst flood were triggered by the Chorabari Tal glacial lake in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath. The event caused widespread destruction, leading to the loss of thousands of lives.
Government Schemes and Initiatives
- Early Warning Systems: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) led a preparatory mission, installing automated cameras and monitoring equipment at high-altitude glacial lakes. Despite challenges, this initiative is a step towards developing an end-to-end early warning system.
- Geo-technical Solutions: Globally, measures like excavating channels, drainage systems, spillway construction, and small catchment dams have been attempted. However, implementing these at high altitudes faces formidable challenges, including inaccessibility and harsh conditions.
- National Remote Sensing Centre’s Atlas: The NRSC’s Glacial Lake Atlas of 2023 provides crucial data on the distribution of glacial lakes. It highlights the vast number of high-risk lakes in the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra basins, emphasizing the enormity of the challenge.
Way Forward
- Integrated Efforts: Addressing the GLOF risk requires collaboration across institutions. The NRSC’s remote sensing data, the Central Water Commission’s hydro-dynamic assessments, and the NDMA’s guidelines contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the hazard.
- Comprehensive GLOF Risk Mitigation Plan: A plan is in progress, focusing on installing monitoring and early warning systems. However, the success of this plan depends on the collective efforts of governments and scientific institutions.
Conclusion
Mitigating GLOFs demands immediate attention. The integration of resources and capacities, along with a focus on prevention and mitigation, will reduce the impact on downstream communities. The government’s initiatives and collaborative efforts are crucial steps towards ensuring the stability and resilience of Himalayan communities in the face of increasing climate risks.
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Central idea:
- The decline of independent Dalit political parties is linked to changing aspirations and a failure to address the rising class of politically aspirant Dalits, who seek economic mobility. The need for a shift from conventional identity-based politics to a more dynamic, economically focused approach is crucial for the survival of these parties. Ensuring democratic functioning and preventing dynastic tendencies is essential for relevance in the evolving political landscape.
Who Are Dalits?
- Dalits, historically known as untouchables, are marginalized and oppressed communities in India who have faced severe discrimination and social exclusion based on their caste. They constitute a significant portion of the Indian population.
Dalits in India:
- The latest data on the number of Dalits in India is from the National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) 75th Round Survey, which was conducted in 2017-18. The survey found that there are approximately 272 million Dalits in India, which is about 17% of the total population.
- This means that the Dalit population has increased by about 3% since the 2011 Census. This increase is likely due to a number of factors, including population growth, improved census methodology, and increased awareness of Dalit identity.
Dalit Movements in India:
- 19th Century: The Self-Respect Movement, led by E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, challenged the caste system and advocated for social justice for Dalits.
- Early 20th Century: The Depressed Classes Movement, led by B.R. Ambedkar, fought for the rights of Dalits, including education, employment, and political representation.
- 1950s: The Indian government passed a number of laws to protect the rights of Dalits, including the Untouchability (Offences) Act of 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989.
- Late 20th Century: Dalit movements continued to fight for social justice and equality, including the Dalit Panthers movement in the 1970s and the Bahujan Samaj Party movement in the 1980s.
Changing Political Landscape:
- While dalit political parties played a crucial role in empowering Dalits, they are facing organizational challenges and a decline in electoral performance.
- Some Dalit leaders are shifting to mainstream political parties, further weakening independent Dalit politics.
- Rising aspirations among Dalit communities, driven by education and affirmative action, are leading to a quest for political space in other parties.
- Social welfare schemes by major political parties are influencing Dalit voters, creating a new Dalit mentality.
What Is the Need for Democratic Functioning of dalit parties?
- Adapting to Changing Aspirations: Independent Dalit parties need to adapt to the evolving aspirations of Dalit communities, which now emphasize socio-economic mobility alongside identity politics.
- Preventing Dynastic Tendencies: Ensuring democratic functioning within these parties is essential to prevent the growth of dynastic political culture, enabling grassroots leaders to have a say in the party’s direction.
- Balancing Identity and Socio-economic Goals: These parties should develop a political agenda that combines the politics of identity with the economics of identity to cater to the new aspirations of the Dalit community.
- Safeguarding Grassroots Participation: By allowing grassroots leaders to have a role in the party’s decision-making process, independent Dalit parties can ensure that the concerns and needs of the most marginalized Dalits are addressed effectively.
Status of Dalit politics:
- Weakening Independent Dalit Parties: RPI and BSP face declining influence and organizational challenges.
- Fragmentation and Desertion: Internal divisions, leader departures, and shifting alliances affect party stability.
- Loss of Base Voters: RPI, BSP losing votes to dominant parties like BJP and Congress.
- Changing Aspirations: Dalits now seek meaningful political space due to education and affirmative actions.
- Shift from Identity to Aspiration: Transition from identity politics to socio-economic mobility aspirations is challenging traditional modes.
Decline in performance of Dalit political parties
- Electoral Erosion: Dalit political parties, including the BSP and RPI, have experienced a decline in their electoral performance, losing ground to mainstream parties.
- Loss of Base Support: Many Dalit parties have witnessed a loss of their core voter base to dominant regional and national parties like the BJP and Congress.
- Changing Aspirations: Evolving aspirations among Dalit communities, driven by education and affirmative actions, are challenging the parties’ ability to connect with their constituents.
- Shift to Socio-economic Focus: The traditional focus on identity politics is waning, and Dalit parties are struggling to adapt to the new emphasis on socio-economic mobility and development.
Future of Dalit Politics:
- Uncertainty for Independent Parties: Independent Dalit parties like RPI and BSP face an uncertain future due to internal issues and declining influence.
- Deepening Democracy: Some believe that as Indian democracy matures, mainstream parties may better represent Dalit interests, diminishing the need for separate Dalit parties.
- Aspiring Political Space: Dalits aspire for greater political participation, which could shape the future of Dalit politics.
- Socio-economic Focus: The future may see a shift from identity-based politics to socio-economic goals, aligning with evolving Dalit aspirations.
Significance of dalit politics:
- Empowerment of Dalits: Independent Dalit political parties have played a pivotal role in raising the political consciousness of Dalits and advocating for their rights and dignity.
- Political Representation: These parties have been instrumental in increasing the political representation of Dalits in India, giving them a platform to voice their concerns and grievances.
- Awareness and Solidarity: The existence of independent Dalit political parties has created awareness about Dalit issues and fostered a sense of solidarity among marginalized communities.
Challenges:
- Electoral Erosion: Independent Dalit political parties are facing a gradual decline in their electoral influence, with many Dalit leaders defecting to dominant regional and national parties.
- Shifting Aspirations: Rising aspirations among Dalit communities, driven by education and affirmative action, are causing a shift from identity-based politics to socio-economic mobility aspirations. This transition poses a challenge for Dalit parties that fail to adapt.
- Competition from Mainstream Parties: Dominant national and regional parties are actively vying for Dalit voters, further challenging the influence of independent Dalit political parties.
Initiatives and schemes by Indian Government for Dalits:
- Reservation Policy: India implements reservations for SC, ST, and OBC in education and government jobs, aiming to provide opportunities for historically marginalized communities.
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act: Enacted in 1989, it legally protects Dalits and Adivasis from caste-based discrimination and violence, with strict penalties for offenders.
- Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship: A financial support program for Dalit and economically disadvantaged students pursuing higher education, covering tuition fees, books, and related expenses.
- Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY): Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it aids Dalit artisans through training, market linkages, and financial support to promote their traditional handicrafts and skills.
Way Forward:
- Independent Dalit parties need to redefine their political agendas by integrating socio-economic mobility with identity politics.
- Democratic functioning within these parties must be encouraged to give space to grassroots leaders.
- A multi-polar Dalit politics may emerge as leaders, cadres, and Dalit masses disperse among different political parties, emphasizing their rising political values.
- The government should continue its affirmative action policies and address the socio-economic disparities faced by Dalits.
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Central idea
The article dive into the enduring cultural connections between India and Pakistan, transcending political divides. It focuses on the unifying role of art and sports in fostering harmony despite the historical and political tensions
Key Challenges:
- Political Strain Impacting Cultural Exchanges:
- Instances like the Shiv Sena protests against Ghulam Ali and the blanket ban on Pakistani artists post-Uri and Pulwama attacks have strained cultural exchanges.
- Political tensions restrict the collaborative space for artists, hindering the rich cultural interactions that could bridge gaps.
- Polarization and Internet-Driven Disconnection:
- While the internet enables cross-border access to cultural content, increasing polarization limits the potential for genuine collaboration.
- Artistic and cultural connections are overshadowed by political narratives, making sustained collaboration seemingly unfeasible.
Importance of Cultural Ties:
- Cultural ties serve as a salve on historical wounds, connecting people beyond borders through language, music, and shared experiences.
- The camaraderie between Indian and Pakistani cricket teams is highlighted, showcasing the positive impact of people-to-people interactions.
Today’s Relevance:
- In an era of increasing polarization, the internet has allowed people to appreciate and connect with art from across borders, fostering a sense of respect and awe.
- The article underscores the importance of collaborations in Jal’s era, Fawad Khan’s popularity, and the potential for future artistic alliances.
Positive Legal Intervention:
- The recent Bombay High Court ruling against banning collaboration with Pakistani artists is a pivotal point.
- The court emphasizes that art, music, and sports can rise above national boundaries, promoting peace and unity.
People-to-People Ties:
- The camaraderie between Indian and Pakistani cricket teams is cited as a heartening example of people-to-people connections.
- Instances like joint selfies and gift exchanges among players highlight the potential for collaboration beyond political animosities.
Way Forward:
- Encouraging cultural diplomacy beyond governmental measures is suggested.
- Reviving cricket diplomacy and promoting collaborative artistic endeavors are proposed as practical steps toward fostering understanding.
- Advocate for fostering people-to-people ties through sustained cultural exchanges, recognizing the common appreciation for art, music, and sports.
- Emphasize the potential role of citizen initiatives and non-governmental organizations in promoting cultural collaboration.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the article advocates for a future where the shared appreciation of art and sports acts as a bridge, bringing India and Pakistan closer despite political strains. It envisions a space where cultural connections can thrive, contributing to harmony and unity between the two nations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ball Lightning
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Ball lightning, an intriguing natural phenomenon characterized by luminous spherical objects appearing during thunderstorms, has intrigued observers for generations.
- They are sometimes accompanied by hissing sounds and unusual odors, adding to the mystery surrounding their origin and behavior.
Understanding Lightning and Ball Lightning
- Normal lightning: Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that occurs due to differences in electrical charges within clouds or between clouds and the Earth’s surface during storms.
- Ball Lightning: Ball lightning has been documented in historical records, with instances dating back to 1638 when a “great ball of fire” entered an English church through a window, hinting at its potential danger.
- Scientific Recognition: While debates persist, most scientists acknowledge the existence of ball lightning, even though its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Chinese Research: A study conducted by researchers from Lanzhou’s Northwest Normal University in 2012 inadvertently captured a ball lightning event during a thunderstorm. Their findings confirmed the presence of elements such as silicon, iron, and calcium in the luminous sphere, matching the composition of local soil.
Possible Causes of Ball Lightning
- Ground Strike Theory: Some scientists propose that ball lightning may result from ground strikes, initiating chemical reactions between oxygen and vaporized soil elements. This process creates ionized air or plasma, resembling phenomena like St. Elmo’s Fire.
- Glass-Related Hypothesis: Another theory suggests that ball lightning might form due to the buildup of atmospheric ions on glass surfaces, creating an electrical field capable of generating discharges.
- Microwave Radiation: An alternative theory posits that ball lightning could be linked to microwave radiation produced when lightning strikes the Earth’s surface, potentially encapsulating it in a plasma bubble.
Association with Earthquakes
- In rare instances, ball lightning has been observed in connection with earthquakes, displaying as bluish flames, sudden bright flashes from the ground, or floating orbs.
- A 2014 study exploring earthquake lights proposed that specific rock types release electrical charges during seismic waves, leading to luminous displays.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sim Card and the technology behind
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In today’s digitally connected world, smartphones and cellular devices are ubiquitous.
- Yet, amidst these technological marvels, one crucial component often remains unnoticed: the SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card.
Understanding the SIM Card
- Subscriber’s Identification: SIM, or Subscriber Identification Module, is a microchip responsible for identifying a user on a cellular network.
- User Identity: Think of a SIM card as a user’s identification card in a city (cellular network). It helps the network locate and verify the user.
- Unlocking Access: To connect to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standard network, a SIM card is essential. An authentication key stored in the SIM ensures secure network access.
- Locating Subscribers: SIM cards help cellular networks locate subscribers. When a call is made, data signed by the SIM’s key is sent to a telephone exchange, verifying the user’s identity and routing the call accordingly.
Working Mechanism
- ISO/IEC 7816 Standard: SIM cards adhere to the ISO/IEC 7816 international standard, governing electronic identification cards, including smart cards.
- Physical Structure: SIM cards consist of an integrated circuit attached to a silicon substrate with metal contacts on the reverse side. These contacts interface with the phone’s data connectors.
- Pin Functions: Metal contacts, called pins, have specific functions such as power supply (Pin 1), clock access (Pin 3), and data transmission (Pin 7), standardized by ISO/IEC 7816-2.
Evolution of SIM Cards
- Smart Card Origin: The concept of smart cards with integrated circuits emerged in the late 1960s, serving as the foundation for SIM cards.
- GSM Standardization: The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) established the GSM Technical Specification 11.11, defining SIM cards’ physical features and functionality, primarily for 2G networks.
- Transition to 3G, 4G, and 5G: As cellular technology advanced, SIM cards evolved. The term ‘SIM’ referred to the software, while the hardware became the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). The software transformed into Universal SIM (USIM) for compatibility with 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
- eSIM Innovation: The journey of SIM cards led to the development of eSIMs, permanently embedded eUICCs in mobile devices. These eSIMs offer environmental benefits and improved security.
Future of Connectivity: eSIM
- Compact Evolution: SIM cards underwent size reductions from full-size to nano-SIM, culminating in the eSIM, permanently embedded in mobile devices.
- Environmental Advantage: eSIMs reduce plastic and metal waste, making them eco-friendly.
- Enhanced Security: Malicious access to a phone can’t separately target or duplicate eSIMs.
- Remote Reprogramming: Network operators can remotely reprogram eSIMs, eliminating the need for physical replacements.
- Challenges: While eSIMs offer convenience, they may pose digital literacy challenges for some users. Additionally, concerns about data privacy persist in the absence of stringent regulations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chaos Theory
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Have you ever wondered why weather forecasts sometimes go wrong?
- It’s because our atmosphere is a place of constant change and randomness. Predicting exactly what will happen can be really tough.
- We’ll explore this idea of chaos and how it affects not only weather but many other things, from tiny particles to the quantum world.
Chaos in Weather Forecasting
- Randomness in the Atmosphere: Earth’s atmosphere, a laboratory of randomness, constantly changes in terms of pressure, density, gas flow rates, and temperature, making the paths of gas molecules unpredictable.
- The Butterfly Effect: The “butterfly effect” illustrates the idea that a butterfly’s wings flapping in one place can trigger a storm elsewhere, emphasizing the sensitivity of chaotic systems to initial conditions.
- Deterministic Chaos: Chaotic systems, like a pinball machine, follow deterministic physical laws but exhibit seemingly unpredictable behavior. The term “deterministic chaos” implies that precise knowledge of the present is required for accurate future predictions.
Chaos and the Lyapunov Time
- Diverse Applications: Chaos theory finds applications in various fields, from fluid dynamics and human heartbeat irregularities to voting patterns and planetary dynamics.
- Sensitivity to Initial Conditions: Chaotic systems are highly sensitive to their initial conditions, often leading to seemingly random behavior.
- Lyapunov Time: The predictability of a chaotic system depends on factors such as the accuracy of its initial state knowledge and the Lyapunov time, which varies from milliseconds for electrical circuits to millions of years for the inner solar system.
What is Quantum Chaos?
- Quantum Mechanics vs. Chaos: Quantum mechanics, while probabilistic, differs from chaos theory. Subatomic particles lack point-like locations, making it impossible to precisely determine their positions.
- Perturbation Theory: Quantum physics addresses mild disturbances in atomic systems using perturbation theory. Chaos, however, requires a distinct approach, leading to the field of quantum chaos.
- The Rydberg Atom: The Rydberg atom bridges classical and quantum domains. When an atom’s energy levels become nearly continuous due to high excitation, it exhibits classical behavior.
- Spectrum Signatures: Chaos in a Rydberg atom manifests in the spectrum of its energy levels, with irregularities that contrast with the randomness of non-chaotic quantum systems.
Significance of studying Quantum Chaos
- Discrete Energy Steps: Quantum systems feature discrete energy levels, in contrast to classical systems with continuous energy. The Rydberg atom offers a link between these realms.
- Regularities in Chaos: Chaotic quantum systems surprisingly display strong regularities in the distribution of energy levels, an area ripe for exploration.
- Expanding Horizons: Quantum chaos is a burgeoning field of research with implications in thermalization, quantum information, and black hole quantum mechanics, presenting exciting challenges and opportunities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Mumbai Air Pollution
Central Idea
- Mumbai, known for its coastal breeze and cleaner air, is grappling with an annual decline in air quality, resembling Delhi’s long-standing pollution woes.
- The city’s coastal location, once considered a safeguard against air pollution, is no longer a reliable defense.
Air Quality Deterioration in Mumbai
- Geographic Advantage Eroded: Mumbai’s coastal location was historically its shield against air pollution, with sea breezes dispersing particles.
- Comparable Pollution Levels: Last year, Mumbai experienced an extended period of poor air quality, overlapping with Delhi’s notorious smog issue.
Meteorological Influence
- Crucial Wind Patterns: Winds’ direction and strength play a pivotal role in shaping Mumbai’s air quality. Despite similar pollutant emissions to Delhi, the city’s coastal nature provides an advantage.
- Sea-Land Wind Cycle: Typically, winds alternate between sea-to-land and land-to-sea movements every few days, aiding natural cleansing. Disruptions in this cycle can impact air quality.
Reasons for such poor air quality
- La Nina’s Role: The recent dip in La Nina, characterized by ocean surface cooling and altered wind patterns, contributed to elevated particulate matter levels in Mumbai.
- Prolonged Pollution: La Nina’s influence delayed the expected strong wind reversal from the sea, trapping pollutants in the lower atmosphere for extended periods.
- Change in Weather Phenomenon: La Nina has given way to El Nino, albeit weaker. Its specific impact on Mumbai’s air quality remains uncertain.
- Prevalent Construction Projects: The city is currently witnessing construction activities at a staggering 6,000 sites, posing a significant challenge to air quality.
- Dust Displacement: Dust particles from roads and vehicles transporting construction debris add to Mumbai’s pollution burden.
- Domestic Sources: Restaurants, dhabas, and eateries using unclean oils for cooking release ultrafine particles, oil droplets, and condensed organic compounds, along with harmful gases such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
How local weather fuels it?
- Calm Winds and Temperature Gradient: As the monsoon retreated, Mumbai experienced calmer winds. A substantial temperature difference between the city and nearby Sahyadri ranges led to winds carrying dust from construction sites in Navi Mumbai.
- Local Weather Not Sole Culprit: Unfavorable local weather conditions are not solely responsible for Mumbai’s air quality decline.
- Baseline Pollution High: Mumbai’s consistent and escalating pollutant emissions are exceeding its environmental capacity.
- Economic Growth: Increased economic activity, higher vehicle numbers, extensive construction, and elevated consumption contribute to rising emissions.
Conclusion
- Mumbai’s air quality predicament signals the urgency of addressing escalating pollution sources and fortifying mitigation measures.
- While meteorological conditions play a role, the city’s growing economic activity and emissions are the driving forces behind its deteriorating air quality.
- Relevant authorities must take proactive steps to combat this issue and ensure a healthier environment for its residents.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Chinese scientists are constructing the world’s most extensive “ghost particle” detector, named the Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT) in the South China Sea.
About TRIDENT Telescope
- Scheduled for completion in 2030, TRIDENT, aptly nicknamed “Ocean Bell” or “Hai ling” in Chinese.
- It will be positioned 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) beneath the ocean’s surface in the Western Pacific.
- It seeks to explore the realm of neutrinos, transient particles that momentarily interact with the deep ocean, emitting faint flashes of light.
Project Timeline
- Pilot Phase (2026): TRIDENT will initiate a pilot project to fine-tune operations.
- Full Deployment (2030): The complete detector will be operational, embarking on a quest to expand the frontiers of neutrino astronomy.
Features of TRIDENT
- Optical Sensors and String Arrays: TRIDENT boasts over 24,000 optical sensors distributed across 1,211 strings, each extending 2,300 feet (700 meters) from the seabed. The detector’s arrangement follows a Penrose tiling pattern, covering a vast 4 km diameter.
- Expansive Coverage: Once operational, TRIDENT will surveil neutrinos within an impressive 7.5 cubic km. In contrast, the world’s largest current neutrino detector, IceCube in Antarctica, encompasses a mere 1 cubic km.
- Enhanced Sensitivity: TRIDENT’s extensive coverage significantly heightens its sensitivity, augmenting its prospects of detecting elusive neutrinos.
Back2Basics: Ghost Particles – Neutrinos
| Electric Charge |
Electrically neutral, carrying no charge. |
| Mass |
Tiny mass, much smaller than electrons. |
| Interactions |
Interact very weakly with matter. |
| Types |
3 known types:
- Electron,
- Muon, and
- Tau neutrinos
|
| Production Sources |
Neutrinos are produced in various astrophysical processes, nuclear reactions, and particle interactions. |
| Detection |
- Detecting neutrinos is challenging due to their weak interactions.
- Specialized detectors like neutrino observatories are used.
|
| Significance |
- Play a crucial role in astrophysics, contributing to our understanding of stars, supernovae, and cosmic rays.
- Neutrinos can change between different flavors, known as neutrino oscillation, which was a groundbreaking discovery.
|
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: United Nations, League of Nations
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- On this day in 1945, the United Nations (UN) was established amid a backdrop of global turmoil, emerging from the shadows of two devastating world wars.
- This article traces the birth of the UN, its historical evolution, and highlights both its notable achievements and challenges.
Birth of the UN
- Post-World War Turmoil: Following the devastation of both World War I and World War II, global powers were grappling with the need for a more effective international organization to prevent future conflicts.
- Predecessor: The League of Nations, established in 1919 after World War I, laid the foundation for the UN’s creation but faltered during World War II.
- The Atlantic Charter: In August 1941, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and UK PM Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter, an affirmation that paved the way for the UN. It articulated shared principles for a better world.
- Birth of the Term ‘UN’: The term ‘UN’ was first coined by President Roosevelt in 1941 to identify the Allied nations against the axis powers.
- Declaration of the UN: On January 1, 1942, representatives of 26 Allied nations gathered in Washington DC to sign the Declaration of the UN, outlining the war objectives of the Allied powers. India, under British colonial rule, was among these nations.
Inception and Charter
- Formation and Ratification: The UN officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, with ratification by 51 nations, including five permanent members (France, Republic of China, Soviet Union, UK, and US).
- General Assembly Inauguration: The first meeting of the General Assembly took place on January 10, 1946.
- UN’s Core Goals: The UN was founded on four key goals: maintaining international peace and security, fostering friendly relations among nations, promoting international cooperation in problem-solving, and coordinating global actions toward common objectives.
Evolution and Impact
- Membership Growth: Initially comprised of 51 member states, the UN’s membership expanded as independence movements and decolonization unfolded. Today, it boasts 193 member countries.
- Broadened Scope: Over 75 years, the UN has tackled numerous global issues, including health, environment, and women’s empowerment.
Achievements of the UN
- Peace and Security: Prevented conflicts, mediated peace agreements, and conducted peacekeeping missions in places like Bosnia and Kosovo.
- Humanitarian Aid: Provided vital aid through agencies like WFP and UNICEF, offering food, shelter, and healthcare during crises.
- Human Rights: Established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and monitors violations globally through mechanisms like the Human Rights Council.
- Health: Led efforts against diseases like smallpox and HIV/AIDS through WHO, addressing current threats like COVID-19.
- Refugee Support: UNHCR aids refugees and internally displaced persons while advocating for their rights.
- Environmental Advocacy: Raised awareness about climate change, negotiated the Paris Agreement, and promotes sustainability via UNEP.
Failures and Criticisms of the UN
- Genocide Prevention: Failed to prevent genocides like Rwanda and Srebrenica despite early warnings.
- Peacekeeping Challenges: Faced issues like misconduct allegations and difficulties in halting violence in missions like South Sudan.
- Veto Powers: Criticized for Security Council veto powers that hinder action and maintain power imbalances.
- Enforcement Limits: Reliant on member states for enforcement, leading to limited action in cases of non-compliance, as seen in the Iraq War.
- Lack of Representation: Critiqued for underrepresenting Global South countries in key decision-making bodies.
- Neoliberal Influence: Accused of promoting neoliberal economic policies, which can exacerbate inequalities, through associated organizations like the World Bank and IMF.
Future Plan
- 2020 Declaration: In a high-level UN General Assembly meeting commemorating 75 years of the UN, a declaration was adopted outlining goals for the next decade. These include protecting the environment, promoting peace, gender equality, digital cooperation, and sustainable financing.
- Decade of Action: The next ten years, designated as the “decade of action and delivery for sustainable development,” are considered critical for addressing global challenges, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
- The UN, born out of the ashes of conflict, has played a significant role in shaping the world’s course over the past 75 years.
- Its journey has been marked by both notable achievements and formidable challenges.
- As it enters a new decade with a renewed commitment to global betterment, the UN continues to evolve as a pivotal force in promoting international cooperation and addressing humanity’s most pressing issues.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Art 142
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court has used its extraordinary constitutional power under Article 142 to do complete justice for a 50-year-old man who fought for nearly three decades against the postal department’s refusal to give him a job despite his name figuring high on the merit list.
What is Article 142?
Article 142 titled ‘Enforcement of decrees and orders of the Supreme Court and orders as to discovery, etc.’ has two clauses:
[1] Article 142(1)
- The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
- Any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India.
- It may be in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe.
[2] Article 142(2)
- The Supreme Court shall have all and every power to make any order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any documents, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of itself.
Important instances when Article 142 was invoked
- Bhopal Gas tragedy case: The SC awarded a compensation of $470 million to the victims and held that “prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot, ipso facto, act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142.”
- Babri Masjid demolition case: The Supreme Court ordered framing of a scheme by the Centre for formation of trust to construct Ram Mandir at the Masjid demolition site in Ayodhya.
- Liquor sale ban case: The Supreme Court banned liquor shops within a distance of 500 metres from National as well as State highways in order to prevent drunken driving.
- Ex-PM Assassin case: In the case of Perarivalan, the Supreme Court invoked Article 142(1) under which it was empowered to pass any order necessary to do complete justice in any matter pending before it.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:
Q.With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?
(a) The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
(b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
(c) In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
(d) State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 142, Hindu Marriage Act
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: Supreme Court has ruled that it can dissolve a marriage on the ground of irretrievable breakdown, using its power under Article 142(1), without referring the parties to family court for waiting period of 6-18 months for mutual consent divorce.
What is Article 142?
Article 142 titled ‘Enforcement of decrees and orders of the Supreme Court and orders as to discovery, etc.’ has two clauses:
[1] Article 142(1)
- The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
- Any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India.
- It may be in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe.
[2] Article 142(2)
- The Supreme Court shall have all and every power to make any order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any documents, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of itself.
History of Article 142
- When a draft Constitution was prepared by the drafting committee and placed before the Constituent Assembly, Article 142 was actually numbered as Article 118.
- It was placed before the Constituent Assembly on May 27, 1949 for debate but got adopted on the same day without any debate.
- This was possibly because everyone agreed that in order to ensure judicial independence, the highest court of the country must be empowered with plenary power to do complete justice.
Article 142 in Divorce Cases
(1) Current Divorce Process
- The Hindu Marriage Act allows for “divorce by mutual consent.”
- Both parties must file a petition to the district court, citing that they have been living separately for at least one year and mutually agree to dissolve the marriage.
- The parties must then move a second motion before the court, no earlier than six months after filing the first petition and no later than 18 months after the same date.
(2) Factors considered for irretrievable breakdown
The Court must be convinced that the marriage is “totally unworkable, emotionally dead, and beyond salvation.” The following factors can be considered:
- The period of time that the parties had cohabited after marriage
- When the parties had last cohabited
- Nature of allegations made by the parties against each other and their family members
- Orders passed in the legal proceedings from time to time
- Cumulative impact on the personal relationship
- Whether and how many attempts were made to settle the disputes by a court or through mediation, and when the last attempt was made.
- The period of separation should be sufficiently long, and anything above six years or more will be a relevant factor.
- It is necessary to evaluate the factors according to the economic and social status of the parties, including their educational qualifications, whether they have any children, their age, and whether the spouse and children are dependents.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:
Q.With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?
- The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
- The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
- In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
- State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dam Safety Act
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- India boasts nearly 6,000 large dams, but concerns loom over the safety of these structures, with approximately 80% of them being over 25 years old and posing safety risks.
- With numerous large dams and hydropower projects, the Himalayas play a crucial role in meeting India’s energy needs.
- However, the recent incident of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in North Sikkim has raised alarm bells about the safety of these structures.
Hydropower boom in the Himalayas
- As of November 2022, the Himalayan states and Union territories, excluding West Bengal, had 81 large hydropower projects (above 25 MW) in operation, with 26 more under construction.
- An additional 320 large projects are in the planning stages, according to the Central Electricity Authority under the Union Ministry of Power.
Discussion: Dam Safety in the Himalayas
- Vulnerability to Natural Hazards: The Himalayas are highly susceptible to natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and GLOFs due to their complex geological and topographical features. These hazards can jeopardize the integrity of dams and reservoirs.
- High Population Density: The Himalayan region is densely populated, with communities residing downstream of dams and hydropower projects. A dam failure can have devastating consequences on human lives and property.
- Ecological Sensitivity: The Himalayas are an ecologically fragile region with unique biodiversity. A dam failure can lead to environmental disasters, impacting delicate ecosystems.
Repercussions
- Climate Change: The melting of glaciers due to global warming contributes to the formation of glacial lakes. As these lakes grow, the risk of GLOFs increases, putting downstream infrastructure at risk.
- Snowball Effects: Landslide dams can lead to impounding of lakes, landslide-induced floods, secondary landslides, channel avulsion, and the formation of flood terraces downstream, impacting communities and infrastructure.
- Delayed Impacts: Run-of-the-river projects, which often bypass large-scale displacement and forest diversion, have been promoted as environmentally friendly. However, their underground components can disturb geology and geohydrology, leading to indirect displacement and environmental impacts.
- Aging Infrastructure: Many dams and hydropower projects in the Himalayas are aging, with approximately 80% of them over 25 years old. Proper maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure their safety.
Dam Safety Act, 2021 and its Provisions
- The DSA was introduced in response to dam failures caused by deficient surveillance and maintenance.
- It establishes key responsibilities and requires the formation of national and state-level bodies for its implementation.
- The Act outlines the following provisions:
- National Committee on Dam Safety: Responsible for overseeing dam safety policies and regulations.
- National Dam Safety Authority: Tasked with implementing and resolving state-level disputes.
- Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC): Heads dam safety protocols at the national level.
- State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO): To be established at the state level.
|
Challenges in DSA Implementation
- Inadequate Risk Assessment: Experts argue that the DSA does not encourage risk-based decision-making and lacks transparency incentives.
- Transparency Concerns: Dam safety should be a public function, with information readily accessible. However, transparency is impeded when government employees and project engineers dominate national and state bodies, potentially compromising objective decision-making.
Lessons Learned from Recent Incidents
- Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Dam safety protocols must include comprehensive risk assessments that consider factors such as climate change, geological stability, and the potential for GLOFs. Periodic reviews yield updated inundation maps and rule curves for reservoir capacity.
- Hazard Profiling Issues: Hazard risk is influenced by climate change, urbanization, and water usage patterns. Periodic reviews should yield updated inundation maps and rule curves for reservoir capacity. Unfortunately, these reviews are often overlooked or findings are not made publicly available.
- Standardized Safety Evaluation: The DSA mandates comprehensive dam safety evaluations but lacks standardization in how failures are analyzed and reported.
- Transparent Reporting: Transparency in dam safety is paramount. The DSA should be implemented rigorously, with an emphasis on transparent reporting of dam failures and safety assessments.
- Community Involvement: Local communities should be actively engaged in dam safety measures. They can provide valuable insights into the environmental and social impacts of such projects.
Way Forward
- Early Warning Systems: Establishing advanced early warning systems that can detect GLOFs and other potential hazards is crucial. These systems can save lives and minimize damage.
- Regular Maintenance: Aging infrastructure must undergo regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure their continued safety and functionality.
- International Collaboration: Given the transboundary nature of the Himalayan region, international collaboration on dam safety and disaster management is essential. Neighboring countries should work together to mitigate shared risks.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Leniency Plus Norms
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has unveiled a draft of revised lesser penalty regulations, introducing a groundbreaking “Leniency Plus” Norms and shedding light on its strategy for combating cartels.
About Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- The CCI is the chief national competition regulator in India.
- It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- It is responsible for enforcing The Competition Act, 2002 in order to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.
|
Understanding “Leniency Plus”
- Existing Leniency Program: Under the current Competition Act 2002, a leniency program allows companies to receive partial immunity from penalties if they provide substantial information about their involvement in a cartel. This aids competition authorities in uncovering secret cartels and obtaining insider evidence.
- Additional Reduction in Penalty: In the “Leniency Plus” framework, a cartel member cooperating with CCI for leniency can disclose the existence of another unrelated cartel during the original leniency proceedings. In return, they receive an additional reduction in penalties.
- Incentivizing Disclosure: “Leniency Plus” serves as a proactive antitrust enforcement strategy, encouraging companies already under investigation for one cartel to report other undisclosed cartels, thus promoting transparency.
Legal foundation
- Legal basis: The “Leniency Plus” regime was incorporated into the Competition (Amendment) Act 2023, which received Presidential approval in April of the same year.
- Global Adoption: The concept of “Leniency Plus” is not new, as it is already recognized and practised in jurisdictions like the UK, US, Singapore, and Brazil.
- Encouraging Disclosure: One of the key aspects of these regulations is their encouragement for companies already under investigation for one cartel to report other undisclosed cartels to the competition regulator.
Tap to read more about Cartelization!
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election Symbols
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- A recent Supreme Court decision declining a plea by a political party in Telangana, questioning the allocation of election symbols, has thrown the spotlight on the intriguing world of political symbols in India.
- This article delves into the process of symbol allocation and its role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
Symbols Allocation Authority: ECI
- The ECI is responsible for allocating symbols to political parties, following guidelines laid out in The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
- This order aims to regulate symbol specification, reservation, choice, and allotment during elections.
Types of Election Symbols
- Reserved and Free Symbols: Symbols can be either reserved, exclusively assigned to recognized political parties, or ‘free’ symbols that can be chosen by unrecognised registered parties’ candidates. Unrecognized parties are those that haven’t met the criteria for state party recognition.
- Exclusive Symbols: Recognized national and state parties are granted exclusive symbols, signifying their established status.
Symbol Selection by Parties
- Preference Lists: Unrecognized parties provide a list of ten preferred symbols from the free symbol pool.
- Proposal of New Symbols: Parties can propose up to three new symbols for consideration, provided they do not resemble reserved or free symbols, carry religious or communal connotations, or depict birds or animals.
- Common Symbol Assignment: The ECI may allot a proposed symbol as a common symbol for the party if it deems it suitable.
Historical Origins of Symbols
- Sketching Process: Symbols were initially sketched by MS Sethi, who retired from the ECI in 1992. These symbols were conceived through brainstorming sessions where the goal was to identify objects that the common man could relate to.
- Birth of Familiar Symbols: Many iconic symbols such as the bicycle, elephant, and broom originated from these sessions.
- Unconventional Entries: Some lesser-known symbols like a pair of glasses, a nail cutter, and a neck-tie were also suggested, reflecting the diversity of ideas.
- Modern Additions: Over time, new symbols like a bowl of noodles and a mobile charger have been included in the symbol list, reflecting contemporary times.
Political Parties’ Say
- Preference Submission: Unregistered parties submit their symbol preferences from the list of free symbols.
- Proposal of New Symbols: Parties can suggest up to three new symbols with clear designs and drawings.
- Criteria for Approval: Proposed symbols must not resemble existing reserved or free symbols, possess religious or communal connotations, or depict birds or animals.
Symbol Allocation in Split Parties
- Decision by ECI: When recognized political parties split, the ECI determines the symbol assignment. For example, the Congress party’s symbol evolved from a pair of bulls to the current hand symbol due to splits.
- Recent Example: The ECI assigned different symbols to factions of the Shiv Sena, allowing one faction to retain the bow and arrow symbol while allotting a flaming torch to the other.
Conclusion
- The allocation of election symbols in India is a meticulous process governed by the ECI’s guidelines.
- These symbols hold profound significance in political campaigns, representing parties’ identities and ideologies.
- Understanding the history and intricacies of symbol allocation provides valuable insights into India’s dynamic political landscape.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Forex Swap
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- As a $5 billion forex swap between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and banks approaches maturity, it signifies the central bank’s strategic move to manage liquidity and mitigate inflationary pressures.
What is RBI’s Forex Swap?
- Forex Tool: The Dollar–Rupee Swap is a forex tool employed by the RBI to exchange its currency with banks for another currency.
- Buy/Sell Swap: It involves two variants: Dollar–Rupee Buy/Sell Swap, where the RBI buys dollars from banks in exchange for Indian Rupees, and then commits to selling the dollars back at a later date.
- Sell/Buy Swap: Conversely, the RBI may sell dollars, thereby withdrawing an equivalent sum in rupees, reducing liquidity in the financial system.
- Risk Mitigation: These swap operations are characterized by predetermined transaction terms, eliminating exchange rate and market risks.
The Strategy behind
- USD 5 Billion Swap: The RBI initiated a USD 5.135 billion swap with banks and aims to repurchase the dollars at the lowest possible premium after a two-year tenor.
- Lower Range Bids: Banks bidding at the lower end of the premium range are more likely to succeed in the auction.
Rationale for RBI’s Action
- Surplus Liquidity: The Indian financial system currently experiences surplus liquidity, amounting to Rs 7.5 lakh crore, necessitating measures to curb potential inflation.
- Traditional Tools: Traditional methods like increasing the repo rate or Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) can negatively impact the economy and may not lead to complete transmission of monetary policy.
- Previous Toolkit: The RBI used Variable Rate Reverse Repo Auction (VRRR) but encountered under-subscription due to better yields in the cash market.
- Longer-Term Strategy: As a result, the RBI opted for forex auctions as a longer-term liquidity adjustment tool.
Impact of the Swap
- Liquidity Reduction: The primary effect is the reduction of liquidity, which currently stands at an average of Rs 7.6 lakh crore.
- Strengthening Rupee: Increased dollar inflow will strengthen the Indian Rupee, which has already appreciated against the US dollar.
- Inflation Control: The RBI typically tightens liquidity when inflation risks are elevated. Factors contributing to inflation include rising oil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and foreign portfolio investors withdrawing funds from Indian stocks.
Conclusion
- The RBI’s forex swap strategy emerges as a strategic tool to manage liquidity, stabilize the currency, and control inflationary pressures.
- By reducing system liquidity and strengthening the rupee, the central bank aims to navigate the challenges posed by global events and ensure economic stability in India.
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