Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Aparajita Bill, Disha Bill and Shakti Bill;
Mains level: Issues related to women;
Why in the News?
Due to the ongoing protest in Kolkata, the WB Assembly has unanimously passed a Bill mandating the death penalty for rape cases where victims die or are left in vegetative states.
Features of West Bengal’s Aparajita Bill:
- Death Penalty: The Bill mandates the death penalty for individuals convicted of rape if the victim dies or is left in a permanent vegetative state. It also introduces the death penalty as the maximum punishment for all rape cases.
- Amendments to Existing Laws: The Bill amends the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, to strengthen penalties for sexual offenses.
- Special Task Force and Courts: It establishes a district-level Aparajita Task Force for investigating rape cases and mandates the creation of Special Courts to expedite trials, aiming to complete investigations within 21 days.
- Increased Penalties for Repeat Offenders: The Bill enhances punishments for repeat offenders, replacing simple life imprisonment with rigorous life imprisonment.
- Privacy Protections: It introduces penalties for unauthorized disclosure of a victim’s identity and for publishing information related to court proceedings in rape cases.
- Focus on Speedy Justice: The Bill aims to reduce the time frame for investigations and trials, emphasizing a victim-centered approach to minimize trauma.
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How Bengal’s Aparajita Bill differ from the Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra laws?
| Dimensions |
West Bengal (Aparajita Bill) |
Andhra Pradesh (Disha Bill) |
Maharashtra (Shakti Bill) |
| Scope of Death Penalty |
Death is mandatory in cases of rape leading to the victim’s death or vegetative state |
Death penalty for the rape of minors below 16, gang rape, and repeat offenders |
Similar to Andhra Pradesh, it introduced the death penalty for heinous cases, such as acid attacks and severe rape cases, but it also does not mandate death in all instances. |
| Special Institutions |
Aparajita Task Forces and Special Courts in every district specifically for rape cases, ensuring expedited legal proceedings with strict timelines. |
Propose Special Police Teams and Exclusive Special Courts for dealing with crimes against women, along with a registry for offenders. |
Formation of special courts but also emphasizes digital cooperation |
| Timeframes for Legal Processes: |
Investigation time is 21 days (extendable to 15 more), and trials must be completed within 30 days post-chargesheet. |
Investigation time is seven days and mandates trials be completed within 21 days. |
Completed within 15 working days after an FIR is filed, with an extension of up to 7 days if the investigating officer provides written reasons for the delay and the trial must be completed within 30 working days from the date of filing the charge sheet. |
| Amendments to POCSO |
Introduces the death penalty for penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO Act. |
Amended the POCSO Act to include death penalties, particularly for heinous offenses, but do not make it mandatory in all cases. |
Same as Disha bill |
| Use of Digital Platforms |
No available |
No available |
Unique features penalizing social media platforms and intermediaries that fail to provide requested data for investigations. |
Why President’s Assent is essential?
- Criminal law falls under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, meaning both state and central legislatures can legislate on the subject. However, state laws require the President’s approval to take precedence over existing central laws.
- Without presidential assent, the provisions of the Aparajita Bill, as well as those from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, cannot be enforced, rendering them ineffective despite being passed by the respective state assemblies.
Conclusion:
The state should launch public awareness campaigns and involve stakeholders to build broad-based support, emphasizing the Bill’s objectives of enhancing victim protection and delivering speedy justice to encourage timely presidential approval.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India-Singapore Bilateral Relations; ASEAN Countries;
Mains level: India-Singapore Bilateral Relations;
Why in the News?
The PM’s upcoming visit to Singapore offers a chance to reflect on the current state of the relationship. India-Singapore ties are dynamic, continually presenting new opportunities.
India-Singapore Bilateral Relations
- Historical Ties: Diplomatic relations were established shortly after Singapore’s independence in 1965, with India being one of the first countries to recognize Singapore.
- The relationship has evolved through high-level visits and collaborations, particularly since the 1990s.
- Look East Policy: Singapore has been pivotal in India’s “Look East” policy initiated in the early 1990s, which aimed to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia.
- Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Signed in 2005, CECA has significantly enhanced trade and investment ties, making Singapore India’s largest ASEAN trading partner and a key foreign direct investment (FDI) source.
- Defense and Security Cooperation: The bilateral relationship includes extensive defence cooperation, with joint military exercises and training, particularly in maritime security, reflecting shared strategic interests.
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What is Singapore’s contribution to India’s Growth Story?
- Economic Hub: Singapore is India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN. Singapore serves as a crucial gateway for Indian companies seeking to expand in Southeast Asia, providing a robust platform for trade and investment.
- Largest Source of FDI: It is the leading source of FDI, among the largest sources of External Commercial Borrowings and Foreign Portfolio Investment, accounting for about 17% of total FDI inflows since 2000, with investments exceeding USD 136 billion over the last 22 years.
- Knowledge exchange: Singapore’s status as a hub for Indian talent, especially from IITs and IIMs, facilitates knowledge exchange and enhances India’s capabilities in various sectors
- Cultural Exchange: The strong cultural ties, supported by the Indian community in Singapore, have enriched bilateral relations. Ethnic Indians constitute approximately 9.1% of Singapore’s resident population.
How this relationship can achieve more considering the ASEAN region and Chinese dominance? (Way forward)
- Strategic Partnership: The relationship can be further strengthened by enhancing strategic dialogues and collaborations in areas like security, technology, and sustainability, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.
- Regional Connectivity: Initiatives like the Trilateral Highway, which aims to connect India with Myanmar and Thailand, can enhance regional connectivity and trade, positioning India and Singapore as central players in ASEAN.
- Countering Chinese Influence: As China asserts its influence in the region, India and Singapore can collaborate more closely to address shared concerns, leveraging their partnership to promote stability and security in Southeast Asia.
- Emerging Technologies: Focusing on emerging sectors such as semiconductors, green technologies, and electric mobility can open new avenues for cooperation, aligning with both nations’ goals for sustainable development.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Centrally Sponsored initiatives related to the Health sector;
Mains level: Health Infrastructure and Funding in India;
Why in the News?
Realizing the full potential of Union Budget 2024-25 health allocations depends on State-level factors, as states share costs and handle the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
About the two major Centrally Sponsored initiatives
- Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): Focuses on improving health infrastructure through health and wellness centres (AB-HWCs), block-level public health units (BPHUs), district public health laboratories (IDPHLs), and critical care hospital blocks (CCHBs).
- Human Resources for Health and Medical Education (HRHME): Aims to boost medical personnel by building new medical, nursing, and paramedical colleges, increasing seats, and upgrading district hospitals to medical colleges.
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Issue of Low Fund Utilization and Faculty Shortage:
- Poor Fund Absorption in PM-ABHIM: Fund absorption has been poor, with only 29% used in 2022-23. The reasons are – complex execution structures, reliance on health grants from the 15th FC (only 45% utilized), and delays in construction due to rigid procedures.
- Low Fund Utilization in HRHME: Utilization of funds in educational infrastructure was only around 25% of the budget estimates in both 2022-23 and 2023-24.
- Shortage of teaching faculty: There is a significant shortage of teaching faculty in newly established medical institutions, with over 40% vacancies reported in 11 of the 18 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences.
- For example, in Uttar Pradesh, 30% of teaching faculty positions were vacant in 2022 for government medical colleges established between 2019-21.
- Lack of specialist positions: The shortage of specialists affects the establishment and upgrading of medical colleges and district hospitals, with more than a third of sanctioned specialist positions in urban CHCs and two-thirds in rural CHCs remaining vacant as of March 2022.
How can states work on Fiscal space? (Way forward)
- Enhanced Budget Planning and Allocation: States should prioritize and allocate funds efficiently for health infrastructure and recurring costs.
- Strengthening Revenue Generation: States can explore increasing their own revenue sources through improved tax collection, introducing new revenue streams, or enhancing public-private partnerships.
- Optimizing Expenditure Management: Implementing better financial management practices, such as cost control measures, transparent procurement processes, and efficient use of existing resources, can help in managing and maximizing the impact of budget allocations for health infrastructure and services.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Haveli Sangeet
Why in the News?
Haveli Sangeet is a unique form of classical music rooted in ancient temple traditions in India.
About Haveli Sangeet:
|
Details |
| Origin |
Linked to the Pushti Margiya temples of the Vaishnava Tradition; rooted in ancient temple music traditions. |
| Historical Background |
Revived during the Bhakti movement; declined during the medieval period due to socio-political changes. |
| Founder |
Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, 16th century, founder of Pushti Marg and proponent of devotional worship (Bhakti). |
| Key Elements |
Involves Raga (melody), Bhog (offering), and Shringar (adornment) as part of sewa (service) in temples. |
| Musical Styles |
Includes Prabandh, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khyal, Kirtana, and Bhajan; not limited to Dhrupad style alone. |
| Languages Used |
Songs are performed in Brij Bhasha, Sanskrit, Punjabi, and Marwari. |
| Significant Figures |
Vallabhacharya, Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusaiji), Astachaps poets (e.g., Kumbhandas, Surdas), Pandit Jasraj. |
| Role in Vaishnavism |
Serves as a vehicle for Kirtan Bhakti, focusing on collective singing and emotional devotion to Lord Krishna. |
PYQ:
[2014] A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their:
(a) Martial arts in North-East India
(b) Musical tradition in North-West India
(c) Classical vocal music in South India
(d) Pietra dura tradition in Central India |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR)
Why in the News?
An elephant was rescued from a rail barricade in the Maddur range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
About the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR):
|
Details |
| Location |
Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts, Karnataka; at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. |
| Part of |
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| Geography |
“Ecological confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats (along with Mudumalai and Wayanad) |
| History |
Established as Venugopala Wildlife Park in 1931; expanded as Bandipur Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. |
| Surrounding Reserves |
Bordered by Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (NW), Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (S), and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (SW). |
| Rivers |
Surrounded by River Kabini (North) and River Moyar (South). |
| Climate |
Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. |
| Flora |
Dry deciduous to tropical mixed deciduous forests; includes rosewood, sandalwood, Indian laurel, and bamboo species. |
| Fauna |
Home to the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia; also includes Bengal tiger, gaur, sloth bear, dhole, and others. |
PYQ:
[2017] From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the attached story
Why in the News?
The Indian Army has announced two significant events, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 and HIMTECH-2024, aimed at advancing military technologies for operations in high-altitude areas.
About HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2
- HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 is scheduled to take place at Wari La, near Leh on 17-18 September 2024.
- This event serves as a platform for the Indian Drone Industry to demonstrate drone solutions tailored for high-altitude areas, where the Indian Army frequently operates.
- The event will be conducted under actual terrain and environmental conditions at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 meters to test the drones’ performance in realistic scenarios.
- Indigenous drone manufacturers are invited to participate, demonstrating various drone types, including:
- Surveillance drones
- Loitering munitions
- Logistics drones
- Swarm drones
- Drones with specialized roles and payloads, such as Electronic Warfare, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Communication Intelligence, and Electronic Intelligence.
HIMTECH-2024: Advancing High-Altitude Technologies
- HIMTECH-2024 will follow HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2.
- It is conceptualized to discuss, demonstrate, and explore new opportunities for the development and integration of technologies for high-altitude military operations.
- It has been organized in collaboration with FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry).
- It will highlight the latest technologies and systems developed to meet the operational requirements along India’s Northern Borders.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project ‘Strawberry’; LLMs.
Why in the News?
OpenAI has planned to release its most powerful AI model likely as part of ChatGPT-5. Initially called Project Q* (Q-star), it is now codenamed Project Strawberry.
What is Project Strawberry?
- Nearly six months ago, OpenAI’s secretive Project Q* (Q-Star) gained attention for its innovative approach to AI training.
- OpenAI is now working on a new reasoning technology under the code name “Strawberry” believed to be the new name for Project Q*.
- Strawberry aims to enable AI models to plan ahead, autonomously search the internet, and conduct deep research.
What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?
- LLMs are advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed to understand, generate, and process human language.
- They are built using deep learning techniques, particularly neural networks, and are trained on vast amounts of text data.
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Difference from Existing AI Models
- Existing Large Language Models (LLMs) can summarize texts and compose prose but struggle with common sense problems and multi-step logic tasks.
- Current LLMs cannot plan ahead effectively without external frameworks.
- Strawberry models are expected to enhance AI reasoning, allowing for planning and complex problem-solving.
- These models could enable AI to perform tasks that require a series of actions over an extended time, potentially revolutionizing AI’s capabilities.
Potential Applications of Strawberry Models
- Advanced AI models could conduct experiments, analyze data, and suggest new hypotheses, leading to breakthroughs in sciences.
- In medical research, AI could assist in drug discovery, genetics research, and personalized medicine analysis.
- AI could solve complex mathematical problems, assist in engineering calculations, and participate in theoretical research.
- AI could contribute to writing, creating art and music, generating videos, and designing video games.
PYQ:
[2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units.
- Create meaningful short stories and songs.
- Disease diagnosis.
- Text-to-Speech Conversion.
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Review Petition
Why in the News?
Some medical students have filed a review petition against the Supreme Court’s dismissal of their plea to cancel NEET UG 2024 over alleged malpractices.
What is a Review Petition?
|
Details |
| Constitutional Provision |
Article 137 of the Constitution allows the Supreme Court to review any of its judgments or orders. |
| Scope of Review |
- Corrects “patent errors” and not minor mistakes.
- It is not an appeal; it does not involve re-evaluating the entire case but correcting grave errors resulting in a miscarriage of justice.
|
| Filing Review Petition |
- Can be filed by any person aggrieved by a ruling, not necessarily a party to the case.
- Must be filed within 30 days of the judgment or order.
- Delay can be condoned if justified with strong reasons.
|
| Grounds for Review |
- Discovery of new and important evidence not available earlier despite due diligence.
- Mistake or errors apparent on the face of the record.
|
| Procedure in the Court |
- Review petitions are usually heard through circulation without oral arguments.
- In exceptional cases, oral hearings may be allowed, especially in death penalty cases.
- Heard by the same bench of judges who delivered the original judgment or order.
|
| Option After Review Fails |
If a review petition is dismissed, a curative petition can be filed as per the Roopa Hurra v. Ashok Hurra (2002) ruling, on very narrow grounds similar to a review petition. |
PYQ:
[2017] In India, Judicial Review implies:
(a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders.
(b) the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures.
(c) the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President.
(d) the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases. |
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