Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Polar Stratospheric Clouds
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Residents in the Arctic have witnessed an extraordinary atmospheric display of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).
Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)
|
Details |
| Formation and Location |
Form in the polar stratosphere at altitudes of 15,000–25,000 meters; common over Antarctica and the Arctic. |
| Temperature Conditions |
Require extremely cold temperatures, typically below −78°C (−108°F). |
| Types |
Type I: Composed of water and nitric acid.
Type II: Made almost entirely of water ice. |
| Role in Ozone Depletion |
Facilitate chemical reactions that produce chlorine and bromine compounds, leading to ozone destruction. |
| Appearance |
Iridescent, shimmering pastel colors, leading to their nickname “nacreous” or “mother-of-pearl” clouds. |
| Observation |
Visible during twilight, illuminated from below by the Sun. |
| Research and Monitoring |
Studied for impact on ozone depletion and climate change; monitored via satellites and ground stations. |
| Environmental Concern |
Linked to human-made chemicals like CFCs; subject to international regulation like the Montreal Protocol. |
| Climate Change Connection |
Research ongoing into how climate change might affect PSCs’ frequency and distribution. |
| Discovery and Study History |
Observed since the 19th century; their role in ozone depletion understood in the 1980s. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Namdapha flying squirrel, missing for 42 years, has been sighted again in Arunachal Pradesh.
- This rare species was last documented in 1981 in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve.
Namdapha Flying Squirrel
|
Details |
| Species Name |
Namdapha Flying Squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) |
| Type |
Arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel |
| Endemic Region |
Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India |
| Habitat |
Tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often on hill slopes in the catchment area of the Dihing River, northeastern India |
| First Discovery |
Known from a single specimen collected in Namdapha National Park in 1981 |
| Physical Description |
– Reddish, grizzled fur with white above
– Pale grey crown, orangish patagium, white underparts |
| Genus Significance |
Was the sole member of its genus until the discovery of other species like Biswamoyopterus laoensis (2013) and Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis (2018) |
| Conservation Status |
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Wildlife Protection Act Status: Schedule I |
| Threats |
Threatened by poaching and possibly habitat destruction |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RAMP Programme
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Union Minister for MSME launched three sub-schemes under the RAMP (Reforms and Acceleration in MSME Performance) programme.
About RAMP Programme
|
Details |
| About |
World Bank assisted Central Sector Scheme. |
| Launch |
FY 2022-23 |
| Supported By |
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India. |
| Primary Aim |
– Improve access to market and credit for MSMEs.
– Strengthen institutions and governance.
– Enhance Centre-State linkages and partnerships.
– Address delayed payments and promote greening of MSMEs. |
| Key Components |
– Preparation of Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) by states/UTs.
– Apex National MSME Council for monitoring and policy overview. |
Details of the Launched Schemes
|
MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSME GIFT Scheme) |
MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme) |
MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments |
| Objective |
To assist MSMEs in adopting green technology. |
The government’s first scheme to support circular economy projects in the MSME sector. |
Combines legal support with IT tools and Artificial Intelligence to address delayed payments issues. |
| Support Mechanisms |
Offers interest subvention and credit guarantee support. |
Aims to achieve zero emissions by 2070 through credit subsidy. |
Focused on aiding Micro and Small Enterprises. |
| Unique Features |
– Encourages eco-friendly practices in MSMEs.
– Financial incentives for green technology adoption. |
– Promotes sustainable and eco-friendly business models.
– Supports long-term environmental goals. |
– Innovative use of technology for dispute resolution.
– Aims to streamline payment processes and reduce conflicts. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023, introduces significant reforms to replace the Indian Penal Code.
- The bill addresses terrorism, organized crime, gender neutrality, and repeals outdated laws like Section 377.
Major Provisions in the BNS Bill
[1] Promise to Marry (Clause 69)
- Targeting ‘Love Jihad’: Criminalizes deceitful promises to marry, potentially addressing the ‘love jihad’ narrative.
- Criminalization of Consensual Sexual Activity: Broadens the scope to include consensual sexual acts under certain deceitful circumstances.
[2] Mob Lynching
- Codification of Offences: Introduces specific provisions for mob lynching and hate-crime murders.
- Punishment: Ranges from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
[3] Organized Crime
- Inclusion in Ordinary Law: For the first time, organized crime is addressed under ordinary criminal law.
- Punishment Criteria: Distinction based on whether the crime results in death, with varying degrees of punishment.
[4] Terrorism
- Integration into Ordinary Law: Adopts definitions from stringent acts and international laws, broadening the scope of terror financing.
[5] Attempt to Suicide
- New Provision: Criminalizes suicide attempts aimed at compelling public servants, with potential implications for protests.
Significant Deletions and Repeals
[a] Section 377 (Unnatural Sexual Offences)
- Repeal: Decriminalizes homosexuality, but raises concerns about addressing non-consensual acts.
[b] Adultery
- Omission: Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, adultery is no longer criminalized.
[c] Thugee/Thugs (Section 310 IPC)
- Removal: Eliminates colonial-era notions of criminality associated with certain tribes.
Gender Neutrality in Laws
- Child-Related Offences: Makes laws about children gender-neutral.
- Adult Offences: Extends gender neutrality to crimes like outraging modesty and voyeurism.
Other Notable Changes
- Fake News: Introduces provisions against publishing false and misleading information.
- Sedition (‘Deshdroh’): Renames and broadens the definition to include financial support for subversive activities.
- Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Limits judicial discretion, raising concerns about fairness in considering mitigating circumstances.
- Public Property Damage: Implements fines corresponding to the extent of damage caused.
What was the need for new bills?
- Colonial legacy
- From 1860 to 2023, the country’s criminal justice system functioned as per the laws made by the British.
- The laws were drafted during colonial times and contain archaic language and concepts that might not accurately reflect current social norms, values.
- Advances in Technology
- This has introduced new dimensions to crime, evidence, and investigation.
- Simplification and Streamlining
- The laws have become complex over time, leading to confusion among legal practitioners, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
- Simplifying and streamlining the legal framework can enhance transparency and understanding.
- Evidence Collection and Presentation
- The Indian Evidence Act was enacted before the advent of modern forensic science and technological tools.
- Various reports highlighted the need for reforms in criminal laws
- The department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs in its 146th report had recommended that there is a need for a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system of the country.
- It was also pointed out that the Parliamentary Standing Committee in its 111th and 128th reports had also highlighted the need for reforms in criminal laws.
Conclusion
- Reformative Approach: The BNS Bill represents a significant overhaul of India’s penal system, addressing contemporary issues and societal changes.
- Judicial Implications: While it introduces necessary reforms, the bill’s impact on judicial discretion and fairness in sentencing warrants careful consideration.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sovereign Credit Ratings
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- India’s Chief Economic Adviser, V Anantha Nageswaran, emphasizes the need for reform in the sovereign credit rating process.
- The aim is to accurately reflect the default risk of developing economies and reduce their funding costs.
What are Sovereign Credit Ratings?
- A sovereign credit rating is a measure of a country’s creditworthiness, or its ability to meet its financial obligations.
- It is an assessment of the credit risk associated with a country’s bonds or other debt securities.
- The rating is assigned by credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings.
- S&P and Fitch rate India ‘BBB-‘ and Moody’s ‘Baa3’, all indicative of the lowest possible investment grade, but with a stable outlook.
India’s Pursuit of a Credit Rating Upgrade
- Current Rating: India is at the lowest possible investment grade but is seeking an upgrade due to improved economic metrics post-pandemic.
- Government Engagement: Continuous efforts are being made to engage with global credit rating agencies for an improved rating.
Challenges in the Current Rating Methodology
- Opacity and Impact: CEA points out the opaqueness in rating methodologies and the difficulty in quantifying the impact of qualitative factors.
- Bandwagon Effects and Biases: The significant presence of qualitative factors leads to cognitive biases and concerns about the credibility of ratings.
India’s Engagement with Rating Agencies
- Meetings with Top Agencies: Finance ministry officials have met with representatives from Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, and S&P Global Ratings.
- Current Ratings: While S&P and Fitch rate India at BBB, Moody’s rates it at Baa3 with a stable outlook.
Parameters and Issues in Sovereign Rating
- Typical Parameters: Agencies consider factors like growth rate, inflation, government debt, and political stability.
- Qualitative Component: Over half the ratings are determined by qualitative factors, often non-transparent and perception-based.
- Dominance in Ratings: Institutional Quality, often measured by World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGIs), is a significant determinant for developing economies.
- Issues with WGIs: These metrics are non-transparent, perception-based, and may not represent a sovereign’s willingness to pay.
CEA’s Recommendations
- Need for Transparency: Sovereigns are expected to be transparent; similarly, rating agencies should make their processes clear and avoid untenable judgments.
- Potential Benefits: Enhanced transparency could lead to more reliance on hard data and possible credit rating upgrades for many sovereigns.
- Access to Private Capital: Improved ratings can help developing countries access private capital crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change.
- India’s Export Targets: With initiatives like production-linked incentives and Make in India, India aims for a $2 trillion export target by 2030.
Conclusion
- Advocacy for Change: Nageswaran’s comments highlight the need for a more equitable and transparent sovereign credit rating process.
- Broader Implications: Such reforms could not only benefit developing economies like India by reducing funding costs but also contribute to a more accurate and fair global financial system.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: STEM research
Mains level: IIT Kharagpur reflects on its seven-decade journey, emphasizing multidisciplinary research, collaboration with industry, and alignment with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020
Central idea
Key Highlights:
- IIT Kharagpur’s history dates back to 1950, founded on the recommendations of the Sarkar Committee.
- The institute has evolved over seven decades, hosting thousands of students, faculty, and employees across diverse disciplines.
- Multidisciplinary research initiatives align with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
- Major strategic initiatives include the introduction of an MBBS program, Interdisciplinary Dual Degree Programs, and extended research or industry internships for UG students.
Key Challenges:
- Balancing academic and research pursuits with industry collaboration remains crucial.
- Encouraging innovation and risk-taking within the ecosystem to retain talent and curb brain drain.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, multidisciplinary research, Interdisciplinary Dual Degree Programs, self-reliance, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Key Quotes:
- “Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational.”
- “Our scriptures speak of Eshah Panthah — a self-sufficient India. The culture and tradition of India speak of self-reliance.”
Key Examples and References:
- IIT Kharagpur’s contributions include the development of the COVIRAP diagnostic test kit for Covid-19, painless needle, 2G Ethanol, and waste management technologies.
- Record-breaking placements, Centres of Excellence, and collaborations with tech giants highlight the institute’s achievements.
Key Facts and Data:
- IIT Kharagpur accommodates over 16,630 students, 746 faculty members, and 887 employees.
- The institute engages in research across 12 major areas, including advanced materials, energy sustainability, healthcare, and space.
Critical Analysis:
- The institute’s focus on STEM research, educational foundations, and entrepreneurship aligns with the vision of building a self-sufficient India.
- Challenges include retaining talent and fostering a culture of innovation within the ecosystem.
Way Forward:
- Continue strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to enhance research impact.
- Foster innovation, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship to create an ecosystem that retains talent and contributes to building a self-reliant nation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bihar Caste Survey
Mains level: BJP a substantive democratic party with a commitment to social justice
Central idea
The BJP’s success in recent Assembly elections, marked by significant support from marginalized social groups, challenges its previous image as a party of social elites. Under the umbrella of “Subaltern Hindutva,” the party employs strategies that include general welfare measures and addressing grievances of non-dominant OBC castes. However, the gap between mobilization tactics and substantive issues like economic empowerment and political representation for Dalit-Bahujan groups requires attention.
Key Highlights:
- The BJP has gained significant support from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in recent Assembly elections, challenging its earlier perception as a party of social elites.
- The phenomenon of “Subaltern Hindutva” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has contributed to the BJP’s success in mobilizing marginalized social groups.
- The BJP’s strategies include general welfare measures, addressing grievances of non-dominant OBC castes, and engaging lower strata through emotive narratives about their history, icons, and caste pride.
Key Challenges:
- Despite electoral gains, there is a gap between the BJP’s mobilization strategies and addressing substantive issues such as land distribution, representation in power, and economic participation for Dalit-Bahujan groups.
- The Bihar Caste Survey report reveals the precarious economic conditions, social insecurities, and lack of basic entitlements for Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Dalits, emphasizing the need for more inclusive policies.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Subaltern Hindutva
- Marginalized social groups
- Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs)
- Social justice policies
- Neo-liberal economic growth
- Democratisation of top political positions
- Social elites
- Communal rhetoric
- Ecological perspectives of Adivasis
- Democratization of power
Key Quotes:
- “With the arrival of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India, there has been an elevation of the party as one for the socially marginalized Hindu masses — a phenomenon now understood under the ‘Subaltern Hindutva’ rubric.”
- “The BJP’s ‘Subaltern Hindutva’ strategies offer no mandate to satisfy the aspirations of the worst-off social groups.”
- “The BJP must pass the social justice test as sections among the historically disadvantaged have moved to the BJP with deep expectations for their economic welfare and elevated political participation.”
Critical Analysis:
- The BJP’s focus on emotive narratives and cultural events has succeeded in mobilizing marginalized groups, but substantive issues of economic empowerment and political representation need more attention.
- The Bihar Caste Survey underscores the continued challenges faced by EBCs and Dalits, indicating the need for the BJP to engage with these issues more effectively.
- Inclusivity in policies, representation in power, and equitable economic opportunities are crucial for the BJP to substantiate its commitment to the welfare of India’s subaltern masses.
Way Forward:
- The BJP should align its strategies with addressing the economic, social, and political challenges faced by Dalit-Bahujan groups, ensuring their meaningful participation in India’s development.
- Effective implementation of policies to uplift marginalized social groups is essential to make the BJP a substantive democratic party with a commitment to social justice.
- Engaging with the concerns of social justice and ensuring the emergence of subaltern leaders in various spheres will contribute to a more inclusive and democratic political landscape.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
Mains level: Enforcement agencies, particularly the ED, need to establish consistent and uniform practices
Central idea
The Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) emphasizes a strict application tied to scheduled offences and the definition of “proceeds of crime.” Criticism of the Enforcement Directorate’s actions highlights the need for probity and fairness, urging consistency in procedures. The issue raises concerns about potential abuse of authority and its impact on federalism, necessitating clear jurisdictional delineation.
Key Highlights:
- Supreme Court Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s unique interpretation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) has raised concerns, limiting its application to “wrongful and illegal gain of property” related to scheduled offences.
- Definition of “Proceeds of Crime”: The Court emphasized that for the PMLA to apply, the property must qualify as “proceeds of crime” under Section 2(1)(u) of the Act.
- Critical Observations on ED: Instances of Enforcement Directorate (ED) actions beyond its powers, especially arrests, led to severe criticism. The court highlighted the need for the ED to function with “utmost probity, dispassion, and fairness.”
Key Challenges:
- Inconsistent ED Practices: The Court noted the lack of consistent and uniform practices within the ED, especially in furnishing written copies of arrest grounds, raising concerns about procedural irregularities.
- Abuse of Authority: The ED’s conduct in conducting searches, seizures, and arrests outside its powers resulted in strong criticism, pointing to potential abuse of authority.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Scheduled Offence: Offences specified in the schedule of the PMLA Act to which the Act’s provisions apply.
- Proceeds of Crime: Property derived or obtained as a result of criminal activity relating to a scheduled offence.
Key Quotes and Statements:
- “If the offence so reported is a scheduled offence, only in that eventuality, the property recovered by the Authorised Officer would partake the colour of proceeds of crime…”
- “The ED, mantled with far-reaching powers under the stringent Act of 2002, must be seen to be acting with utmost probity, dispassion, and fairness.”
Key Examples:
- Vijay Madanlal Choudhary Case: The Supreme Court’s interpretation in the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case set the precedent, emphasizing the need for the existence of “proceeds of crime” for PMLA application.
- Pankaj Bansal Case: The Court’s criticism of the ED’s style of functioning in the Pankaj Bansal case highlighted the importance of adherence to probity and fairness.
Critical Analysis: The Court’s focus on the stringent application of PMLA provisions, especially tying them to scheduled offences and the definition of “proceeds of crime,” reflects a commitment to precision and legal rigor. The criticism of ED practices underscores the significance of maintaining ethical standards in enforcement agencies.
Way Forward:
- Procedural Consistency: Enforcement agencies, particularly the ED, need to establish consistent and uniform practices, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
- Judicial Scrutiny: Ongoing cases, especially those involving political implications, should undergo thorough judicial scrutiny to prevent potential abuse of authority and protect the principles of federalism.
- Clarity on Jurisdiction: The ED’s jurisdiction, especially in non-scheduled offences like illegal mining, should be clarified to avoid overreach, respecting the powers vested with the State governments.
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