From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Preventive measures to avoid consumption of Spurious liquor
Why in the news?
At least 38 people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district.
Key Points Related to the Kallakurichi District Incident in Tamil Nadu
Incident Overview: As of 9:30 p.m. on June 20, at least 38 people died after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi district and 82 others were receiving treatment in hospitals. The tragedy follows a similar incident a year ago in Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts, which resulted in over 20 deaths.
Government Response: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin transferred the Collector and suspended the district superintendent of police. The State deployed 2,000 police personnel around the district. A one-man commission headed by former High Court judge B. Gokuldas was constituted to inquire into the tragedy.
How is Spurious Liquor Made and Why Does it Have Deadly Effects?
Composition: Spurious liquor often contains methanol in addition to ethanol. Methanol is sometimes added to increase the intoxicating effect and/or bulk volume of the homemade liquor.
Methanol’s Deadly Effects: Methanol is metabolized in the liver to formaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes. Formaldehyde is further metabolized to formic acid by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes. The accumulation of formic acid leads to metabolic acidosis and acidaemia, damaging various organs and leading to potential death.
Why is Methanol added to Liquor and How is it Processed by the Body if Ingested?
Reasons for Adding Methanol: To enhance the ‘kick’ or intoxicating effects of the liquor and increase the volume of the liquor cheaply.
Processing in the Body: ADH enzymes convert methanol to formaldehyde.ALDH enzymes then convert formaldehyde to formic acid. The build-up of formic acid causes metabolic acidosis, optic neuropathy, cerebral oedema, hemorrhage, and potential death.
Is Treatment Effective?
Timeliness is Crucial: Early intervention is essential for effective treatment of methanol poisoning. Prompt administration of antidotes and supportive therapies significantly improves the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of severe complications such as blindness or death.
Available Antidotes: Ethanol and Fomepizole are effective antidotes that inhibit the metabolism of methanol to toxic compounds. Ethanol competes with methanol for ADH enzymes, while fomepizole directly inhibits these enzymes, preventing the formation of harmful formaldehyde and formic acid.
Supportive Therapies: Hemodialysis can effectively remove methanol and its toxic metabolites from the bloodstream, while folinic acid helps break down formic acid. These treatments, when combined with antidotes, can mitigate the damage to vital organs and improve patient outcomes.
Way forward:
Strict Regulation and Monitoring: Enhance regulatory oversight of liquor production and distribution to ensure all alcoholic beverages meet safety standards. Regular inspections and stringent enforcement of licensing laws can prevent the production and sale of illicit alcohol.
Public Awareness and Education: Conduct widespread public education campaigns to inform the community about the dangers of consuming spurious liquor. Awareness programs can help people recognize the signs of adulterated alcohol and understand the severe health risks associated with its consumption.
Mains PYQ:
Q Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent.” Discuss their relationship with each other in the context of India. (UPSC IAS/2016)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering countries and water bodies near North Korea
Mains level: Strategic Implications of Pact
Why in the news?
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin concluded his recent visit to Pyongyang with a significant agreement: both Russia and North Korea pledged to provide swift military aid in the event of armed aggression against either nation.
Historical Context
Post-World War II Context: The Soviet Union aimed to establish a communist regime in Korea.USSR provided Significant military aid provided to North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung, during the Korean War. Post-war support from the USSR and China included substantial military and other aid to North Korea.
1961 Russo-North Korea Treaty: The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance included a mutual defence agreement.
Post-Soviet Union Period: Relations deteriorated after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, voiding the treaty.
Early 2000s Reconnection: Under Putin, Russia moved closer to North Korea despite not supporting its nuclear ambitions initially. Supported sanctions against North Korea aimed at curbing nuclear capabilities.
Post-2022 Dynamics: After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia faced international isolation. Russia and North Korea solidified their alliance against the Western liberal order.
What the Pact Says
Scope of Cooperation: Cooperation on a wide range of issues, including mutual military support and unspecified technological assistance.
Mutual Defense Provision: Under Article 4 of the Pact in case of armed invasion, the other side shall provide military and other assistance without delay, following Article 51 of the UN Charter and respective national laws.
Technological Assistance: Crucial for North Korea, which currently has nuclear weapons but lacks advanced missile guidance systems and other technologies for long-range nuclear weapons.
Strategic Implications
Direct Threat to South Korea and Japan: Both countries perceive the pact as a security threat due to North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and the added Russian security umbrella.
Potential Arms Race: Japan is revisiting its pacifist stance and enhancing military capabilities, while South Korea is considering new defence strategies, potentially including arms exports.
Strengthening of US Alliances: South Korea and Japan are likely to deepen their alliances with the United States in response to heightened regional security concerns.
NATO and Global Security: The pact raises alarms among NATO allies and other global stakeholders, prompting reassessments of security strategies and commitments.
Nuclear Proliferation Concerns: Increased collaboration between Russia and North Korea could lead to advancements in North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities, impacting global non-proliferation efforts.
Global Strategic Repercussions: The pact sets a precedent for authoritarian regimes aligning against Western liberal orders, influencing geopolitical strategies and alliances beyond Asia.
Way forward:
Enhanced Diplomatic Engagement and Dialogue: Engage in robust diplomatic efforts to mitigate tensions and enhance transparency regarding the intentions behind the Russia-North Korea pact. Encourage multilateral dialogues involving key stakeholders such as the United States, South Korea, Japan, and other concerned parties to foster mutual understanding and reduce the likelihood of miscalculation.
Reinforcement of Regional Security Mechanisms: Strengthen existing regional security mechanisms, particularly alliances with the United States underpinned by treaties such as the Mutual Defense Treaty with Japan and the mutual defence commitments with South Korea.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GM crop in India
Mains level: Are Non-GM Ecological Crops Also a Food Security Solution?
Why in the news?
A new “gene revolution” is being promoted as a solution to increasing global food demand and the impact of climate change on agriculture.
What does the World Economic Forum (WEF) say?
The WEF supports GM technology and believes it can help ensure food security for a global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050.
Research into new strains of rice, maize, wheat, potato, and cassava can help these staples survive extreme weather and new climate-induced diseases.
Latest bioengineering technologies can help plants and soils capture and store atmospheric carbon, potentially reducing planet-heating carbon.
Projects are optimizing photosynthesis in crops like maize and rice to improve yields and reduce atmospheric carbon.
Industrial-Scale GMOs Perpetuate Climate Change
Critics argue that GM crops sustain an “agro-industrial system” responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. Current food systems contribute to around one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
GMOs often involve large-scale monocultures requiring significant amounts of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation.
This system is criticized for being energy-intensive and unsustainable, benefiting large agro-industrial companies that dominate the seed, food, pesticide, and fertilizer markets.
What is the Present Scenario?
Over half of harvested cropland in the US uses genetically modified seeds.
Despite the proliferation of GM crops, food insecurity remains widespread, with 250 million people in nearly 60 countries experiencing crisis-level food insecurity.
Successful campaigns, like in the Philippines, have led to production moratoriums on certain GM crops due to health and ecological concerns.
Are Non-GM Ecological Crops Also a Food Security Solution?
Resistance to GMOs persists, with scepticism about their safety and ecological impact.
Non-GM ecological approaches face challenges due to limited research support, as most funding comes from large agri-biotech companies.
Ecological, non-GM crops aim to produce toxic-free food and nurture biodiverse ecosystems that can resist and mitigate climate change.
There is ongoing development of ecological, non-GM seed, food, and nutrition systems to address food security in a warming world.
Way forward:
Enhanced Regulatory Oversight and Support for Ecological Practices: Strengthen regulations to ensure the safe development, testing, and deployment of GM crops while supporting research and development of non-GM ecological farming practices.
Public Awareness and Inclusive Research Funding: Launch comprehensive public education campaigns to inform communities about the benefits and risks of GM and non-GM crops, promoting informed decision-making.
Note: India has approved the commercial cultivation of only one GM crop, Bt cotton. No GM food crop has been approved for commercial cultivation in the country.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Principle of Diyya; Reparative Justice
Why in the News?
The Indian Government has approved the transfer of the sum of $40,000 for preliminary discussions regarding the release of Nimisha Priya from a Yemeni prison.
Currently, Priya’s mother is in Yemen, trying to waive her death penalty by paying “blood money” to the murdered man’s family.
Nimisha Priya’s Case Details
Priya, a nurse, moved to Yemen in 2008 and married Tomy Thomas in 2011 before returning to Yemen.
She faced abuse and exploitation by Talal Abdo Mahdi, leading to the tragic events resulting in Mahdi’s death and Priya’s arrest.
The $40,000 payment aims to initiate negotiations for Priya’s release.
To waive the death penalty, Priya’s family may need to raise $300,000-$400,000.
The ‘Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council’ is fundraising to meet this requirement.
What is Blood Money?
According to Islamic law, victims of crimes have a say in how criminals are to be punished.
In the case of murder, this principle applies to the families of victims.
Although murder is punished via the death penalty, the victim’s family (specifically, heirs) may choose to “forgive” the murderer in exchange for monetary compensation.
This is the principle of Diyya, or, as it is commonly referred to “blood money”.
It can be traced to the Holy Quran.
Applicability:
Blood money is applicable in cases of unintentional homicide (Qatl Khata) or accidental death, as well as in cases of bodily injury or harm caused by negligence or unintentional actions.
Practical Implications of Blood Money
Scholars believe that the idea behind this is to encourage the virtue of forgiveness, while also providing reparative justice to the victims’ family.
The scriptures do not set any specific amount as compensation.
The sum is generally arrived at via negotiation between the murderer’s family/representatives and the victim’s family.
Some Islamic countries, however, have set minimum compensation amounts.
Significance of Blood Money
Forgiveness from the victim’s family is highly encouraged and considered virtuous in Islam.
Blood money aims to prevent cycles of vengeance or retaliation (Qisas) that could lead to further social harm or conflict.
It promotes reconciliation and mutual understanding.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PARIVESH Portal
Why in the News?
Kerala is set to construct a ropeway in Sabarimala by compensating the Forests department with alternative land at Chinnakkanal in Idukki.
The 2.7-kilometre-long ropeway aims to transport goods from the Pampa base station to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
Once the land is transferred for compensatory afforestation, an application will be submitted in the PARIVESH portal for clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
What is PARIVESH Portal?
PARIVESH, which stands for Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive Virtuous & Environmental Single-window Hub.
It is an online portal developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
It is designed to streamline and expedite the process of obtaining clearances related to environment, forests, wildlife, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) from central, state, and district-level authorities.
Purpose and Scope:
PARIVESH is intended to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the clearance processes for environment, forests, wildlife, and CRZ.
It aims to reduce the turnaround time for obtaining clearances and improve responsiveness through workflow automation and real-time information availability.
Functionality:
It serves as a role-based, web-based workflow application where user agencies can submit proposals online for clearances.
It operates on a Web Architecture using IIS as an Application Server, .NET framework, and SQL Server as a database server.
Benefits to Users:
Allows for online submission and monitoring of compliance reports, including geo-tagged images of sites through a Mobile App, enhancing compliance monitoring.
Integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) interface for Appraisal Committees to analyze proposals efficiently.
Accessible 24×7 from any PC with internet connectivity, ensuring continuous availability for users across different locations and time zones.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to
State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought.
Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Yoga Day
Why in the News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
About International Day of Yoga
The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on June 21 worldwide since 2014 to celebrate the practice of Yoga, which originated in ancient India.
Yoga is renowned for its physical and mental health benefits, promoting well-being globally.
PM Modi proposed the idea of a Yoga Day during his UN address in September2014.
In December 2014, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN introduced the draft resolution in the UN General Assembly.
It was adopted with support from 177 countries without a vote.
The first International Day of Yoga was successfully celebrated on June 21, 2015, in cities around the world, including New York, Paris, Beijing, and New Delhi.
Why 21st June was chosen for this day?
The date of June 21 was chosen because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing spiritual significance across various cultures.
In Hindu mythology, this day marks the transition to Dakshinayana and is associated with the first yogi, Shiva, who began teaching Yoga to humanity.
Back2Basics: Yoga
Yoga originated in ancient India and has its roots in Indian philosophy, spirituality, and culture.
The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to join” or “to unite.” It signifies the union of mind, body, and spirit.
Historical References:
Yoga-like practices were mentioned in the Rig-Veda, an ancient Hindu text dating back to approximately 1500 BCE.
References to yoga can also be found in the Upanishads, which are philosophical texts from around 800 to 400 BCE.
Contributions of Sage Patanjali:
Patanjali is considered the father of classical yoga.
He compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that provides a systematic and philosophical framework for the practice of yoga.
The Yoga Sutras were written around the 2nd century BCE.
Eight Limbs of Yoga:
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras outline the eight limbs or stages of yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga. These limbs include:
Ethical principles (yamas),
Positive duties or observances (niyamas)
Physical postures (asanas),
Breath control (pranayama),
Sense withdrawal (pratyahara),
Concentration (dharana),
Meditation (dhyana), and
Self-realization (samadhi).
Schools and Styles: There are various schools and styles of yoga, each with its own approach and emphasis. Some popular styles include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram, Kundalini, and Yin yoga.
PYQ:
[2014] Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
Assam’s wildlife officials reported its discovery during a herpetofauna survey.
Back2Basics: Herpetofauna
Herpetofauna refers to a group of reptiles and amphibians collectively.
The term combines “herpeto-” from the Greek “herpeton,” meaning “creeping animal,” and “fauna,” referring to the animal species found in a particular region or time.
Herpetofauna play essential roles in ecosystems:
They act as both predators and prey, help regulate insect populations, and serve as indicators of environmental health.
They serve as environmental indicators and play significant roles in pest control.
About Striped Caecilian
The Striped Caecilian (Ichthyophis spp.) is a type of limbless amphibian belonging to the family Ichthyophiidae.
Caecilians are often mistaken for snakesor worms due to their elongated, cylindrical bodies and lack of limbs.
They are primarily found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
They usually live underground or in moist soil habitats.
Key features of the Striped Caecilian include:
They have smooth, cylindrical bodies with a ringed or striped pattern, hence the name “striped.”
Caecilians are predominantly fossorial (burrowing), spending most of their lives underground or in leaf litter. This behaviour makes them elusive and difficult to study.
They are carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates found in soil and leaf litter.
Their eyesight is generally poor, and they rely on chemoreception (sensing chemicals in the environment) to locate prey.
Caecilians are known for their unique reproductive strategies, which can involve live births or laying eggs. Some species exhibit parental care, with adults guarding eggs or young offspring.
Significance: Kaziranga’s Biodiversity
Kaziranga National Park’s diverse ecosystem, encompassing flood plains, wetlands, grasslands, and hill tracts, provides an ideal habitat for herpetofauna.
The park hosts 24 amphibian species, 74 reptile species, and 21 of India’s 29 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles.
About Kaziranga National Park
Details
Location
Assam, India
Geographical Features
Situated between Brahmaputra River and Karbi (Mikir) Hills
Significance
Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot
Rivers
Diphlu River runs through the park
Highways
National Highway 37 passes through the park
Legal Status
Designated as a National Park in 1974.
UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).
Important Bird Area by Birdlife International
Key Conservation Achievements
Houses around 2/3rd of the world’s Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Declared a Tiger Reserve due to high tiger density
‘Big Five’ species
Great Indian One-Horned Rhino, Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IBBI, IBC
Why in the News?
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has proposed amendments to the Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Process regulations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase transparency.
This aims to align with the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules and streamline the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP).
Do You Know?
Since its enactment, the IBBI has achieved notable successes in resolving insolvency cases and recovering debts:
Debt Resolution: The IBC has successfully resolved Rs. 3.16 lakh crore of debt across 808 cases within seven years (as per CRISIL).
Higher Recovery Rates: Creditors have realized an average of 32% of admitted claims and 169% of the liquidation value through IBC proceedings, demonstrating higher recovery rates compared to previous mechanisms.
Behavioural Change: Companies have been proactively involved in the settlement of debts amounting to over Rs. 9 lakh crore before cases enter formal insolvency processes.
Proposed amendments by IBBI
Simplified Valuation: Instead of separate reports for different types of assets, there will be one comprehensive valuation report covering the entire company. This helps in keeping valuation consistent and clear.
Single Valuer for Small Companies: For smaller companies with assets up to ₹1,000 crore and MSMEs, only one valuer will be appointed to determine the company’s value unless there’s a good reason for more than one.
Option for Two Valuers: If needed, the creditors’ committee can choose to have two valuers to deal with complex cases, but they have to explain why.
Faster Appointment of Representatives: Representatives appointed to represent creditors can start participating in meetings as soon as their application is submitted, to avoid delays.
Guarantees in Resolution Plans: If a resolution plan suggests releasing guarantees, it won’t stop creditors from going after guarantors or using the guarantees according to their agreements.
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
Details
Establishment
Established on 1st October 2016 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
Objective: To promote a creditor-driven insolvency resolution process and enhance India’s credit culture and business environment.
Responsibility
Responsible for implementing and enforcing the IBC,
IBC consolidated laws related to insolvency resolution for individuals, partnership firms, and corporate entities.
Functions
Regulates insolvency professionals and processes.
Oversees insolvency professional agencies, entities, and information utilities.
Enforces rules for corporate and individual insolvency resolution, liquidation, and bankruptcy.
Sets eligibility criteria and curriculum for insolvency professionals.
Collects and maintains records on insolvency cases and disseminates related information.
Composition
Total 10 members
Chairperson appointed by the Central Government.
Three members from central government officers (Ministries of Finance, Corporate Affairs, Law).
One member nominated by RBI (Reserve Bank of India).
Five other members nominated by the Central Government, including at least three full-time members.
The term is 5 years or until age 65, with reappointment possible.
Adjudicating Authorities under the IBC:
Under the IBC, two primary adjudicating authorities handle insolvency cases based on the nature of the entity:
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT): NCLT adjudicates insolvency cases involving corporate entities and other limited liability entities.
Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT): DRT has jurisdiction over insolvency cases concerning individuals and partnership firms, excluding Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
Recent Amendments to the IBC:
Approval for segregated sale of assets or resolution plans.
Increase in the number of NCLT benches to 16 for faster adjudication.
Extension of timelines for filing claims to accommodate procedural complexities.
Sector-specific amendments tailored to address unique challenges in various industries.
Modifications in procedural forms such as Form G2 to enhance clarity and efficiency in insolvency proceedings.
PYQ:
[2017] Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news?
(a) It is a procedure for considering the ecological costs of developmental schemes formulated by the Government.
(b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.
(c) It is a disinvestment plan of the Government regarding Central Public Sector Undertakings.
(d) It is an important provision in ‘The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’ recently implemented by the Government.
