From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhagat Singh
Why in the News?
September 28th marks 117th birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter “Bhagat Singh”.
Who wasBhagat Singh?
Details
Birth
September 28, 1907; Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
Family
Came from a family involved in anticolonial activities; his father Kishan Singh and uncle Ajit Singh were active freedom fighters.
Affiliations
• Hindustan Republican Association (1924)
• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (1928)
• Naujawan Bharat Sabha (1926)
Revolutionary Actions
• Played a key role in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1928) by avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death and mistakenly killing J.P. Saunders
• Threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on April 8, 1929, with B.K. Dutt, to protest oppressive British laws.
Ideologies and Principles
• Advocated Marxist and socialist ideologies
• Rejected religion in his essay Why I Am an Atheist
• Emphasized rationalism, equality, and justice.
Arrest and Trial
Arrested in 1929 for throwing a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly; later rearrested for the Lahore Conspiracy Case (murder of J.P. Saunders).
Jinnah opposed a 1929 Bill allowing trials in absentia, delivering a strong speech in the Central Assembly.
Execution
Hanged on March 23, 1931, along with Sukhdev and Rajguru, in Lahore for his revolutionary activities.
Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose visited Bhagat Singh in prison.
Literary Works
Bhagat Singh was fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and English, and familiar with Sanskrit.
His jail notebook referenced thinkers like Karl Marx, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, and others, reflecting his intellectual diversity.
At 17, he wrote Vishwa Prem (Universal Love), advocating for universal brotherhood and equality.
He urged the oppressed classes to rebel against the social order and spoke about the philosophy of revolution in his writings, such as What is Revolution? (1929).
In his series What is Anarchism? he described organized religion and the state as forms of mental and physical slavery.
He wrote about the power of love in a 1929 letter to Sukhdev, emphasizing its role in personal and political strength.
PYQ:
[2020] Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of Climate change;
Why in the News?
The record warming of 2023-2024 is offering a clearer view of the impacts of global warming. The range of extreme events experienced globally has spanned from deadly heatwaves to devastating cyclones and floods, as well as droughts and wildfires.
Impact of Warming on Predictability:
Increased Variability: The record warming of 2023-2024 highlights the unpredictability of climate systems under global warming, complicating forecasts for natural phenomena like El Niño, monsoons, and hurricanes.
Natural Variability: Warming may extend the timescale of natural decadal variability, making it harder to distinguish between short-term fluctuations and long-term trends in climate behaviour.
Model Limitations: Despite advances, climate models are imperfect in capturing changes in dominant climate modes due to warming, leading to inconsistencies in predicting events like monsoon trends.
Types of Climate Models to forecast the weather:
General Circulation Models (GCMs): These models simulate the physics of the climate system by representing the interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice. They divide the Earth into a three-dimensional grid and calculate climate variables like temperature and humidity in each grid cell.
Earth System Models (ESMs): An advanced subset of GCMs that includes biogeochemical cycles, allowing them to simulate interactions between climate and ecological processes, such as carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Regional Climate Models (RCMs): These focus on smaller geographic areas to provide more detailed climate projections by using outputs from GCMs as inputs for localized simulations.
Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs): These combine climate science with socioeconomic factors to analyze how human activities influence climate change and to project future emissions scenarios.
Challenges in Forecasting Extreme Weather:
Inconsistent Predictions: Predictions for extreme weather events in 2023, such as the monsoon and hurricane seasons, were less accurate, revealing the limitations of current models and observational networks.
Unforeseen Factors: Unanticipated contributions, like the impact of the Hunga Tonga volcano or wildfire-induced CO2 emissions, exacerbated warming in ways models failed to predict, illustrating the unpredictability of new factors.
Censorship Concerns: The rapid response required from social media platforms to act on content flagged as misleading within 36 hours created concerns about censorship and freedom of expression.
Future of Weather Prediction Models:
Need for Model Improvements: There is ongoing work to refine models and incorporate the latest technologies, including AI and machine learning, to improve weather prediction accuracy at hyperlocal scales.
Natural Modes and Uncertainty: The predictability of natural modes (El Niño, La Niña, IOD) may decrease with relentless warming, making future climate forecasts increasingly uncertain.
Short-Term Focus: A shift toward short-term predictions (up to a decade or two) may offer more reliable projections due to the inherent difficulty in predicting long-term scenarios under continuous global warming.
Way forward:
Enhanced Climate Models: Invest in improving climate models with cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and advanced sensors to increase the accuracy of short-term forecasts and better capture the impact of natural variability under warming.
Localized Early Warning Systems: Develop robust, hyperlocal early warning systems to better prepare for extreme weather events, focusing on disaster management and reducing vulnerabilities in high-risk communities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to Nuclear bombs;
Why in the News?
September 26 is recognized on the United Nations calendar as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
What is the current state of global nuclear disarmament efforts?
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): The TPNW, in force since 2021, is the first legally binding international agreement that comprehensively bans nuclear weapons. As of July 2024, it has 70 states parties and 27 signatories yet to ratify, covering nearly 50% of the world’s states.
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): The NPT, in effect since 1970, remains the foundational treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting eventual disarmament. However, it has been criticized for its limited focus on actual disarmament.
Persistent Objectors: Nuclear-armed states (such as the U.S., Russia, China, India, and Pakistan) and their allies have consistently opposed the TPNW, refusing to be bound by its provisions.
What are the key obstacles hindering further nuclear disarmament?
Nuclear Deterrence Doctrine: The belief in nuclear deterrence — the idea that possessing nuclear weapons prevents attacks — is a central justification for continued nuclear armament.
Nuclear-Weapon States’ Resistance: The nuclear-armed states, including the U.S., Russia, China, India, and others, continue to view nuclear weapons as essential to their security strategies, despite claims of disarmament commitments under the NPT.
Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s rising military power, North Korea’s nuclear tests, and Iran’s uranium enrichment, have exacerbated the global nuclear threat, further impeding disarmament efforts.
Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms: The TPNW, while normatively important, lacks robust enforcement mechanisms. It depends on the voluntary commitment of states, and nuclear possessors do not face direct penalties for non-compliance.
What steps can be taken to reinvigorate the nuclear disarmament agenda? (Way forward)
Strengthening International Advocacy: Civil society, former political leaders (including NATO officials), and international organizations should continue advocating for disarmament and urging nuclear-armed states and their allies to reconsider their stance. Public pressure could create the political will for further disarmament steps.
Engagement of Non-Nuclear States: States that are non-nuclear but support the TPNW should work to expand the treaty’s footprint, encouraging more countries to ratify and actively participate in its framework. This could help isolate nuclear possessors diplomatically and morally.
Building Confidence through Arms Control Treaties: Reviving arms control agreements, such as the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the New START treaty, would be important milestones in reducing nuclear risks.
About CTBT:
Complete Ban on Nuclear Testing: The CTBT prohibits all forms of nuclear explosions—whether for military or civilian purposes—across all environments, including underground, atmospheric, and underwater.
Robust Verification Mechanism: The treaty includes an International Monitoring System (IMS) of over 300 monitoring stations worldwide, capable of detecting nuclear tests, as well as provisions for on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the treaty’s terms.
India is not a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Diplomatic Pressure and Dialogue: Encouraging diplomatic dialogue, especially among the major nuclear powers, could help mitigate tensions and create pathways to gradual disarmament. Leaders must explore confidence-building measures, transparency, and mutual reductions in nuclear arsenals.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Fundamental Rights and its implication;
Why in the News?
On September 20, the Bombay High Court declared the amended IT Rules, 2021, unconstitutional for empowering the Centre’s Fact Check Unit to flag “fake or misleading” content about the government, citing vagueness.
Justice Atul Sharachchandra Chandurkar delivered the decisive ruling as the tie-breaker judge, following a split verdict by a division bench of Justices G.S. Patel and Neela Gokhale in January 2024.
Why did the Bombay High Court strike down IT Rules, 2021?
Violation of Constitutional Rights: Justice Atul Chandurkar ruled that the amended rules violated Articles 14 (right to equality) and 19 (freedom of speech and expression) of the Constitution. He characterized the terms “fake, false, or misleading” as vague and overbroad, which could lead to arbitrary enforcement by the government.
Censorship Concerns: The court emphasized that the rules amounted to censorship and lacked necessary procedural safeguards. Justice Patel’s earlier opinion highlighted that they effectively made the government a “judge in its own cause,” undermining free speech.
Chilling Effect on Intermediaries: The requirement for social media intermediaries to act on flagged content within 36 hours to retain their legal protections was seen as creating a chilling effect, discouraging platforms from hosting diverse opinions and criticisms of the government.
About Fact Check Unit:
The Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Government of India was established to combat misinformation and fake news related to government policies and initiatives.
The PIB’s FCU was established in November 2019 and was formally notified as the central government’s fact-checking body under the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021.
What did the amended rules ask of social media intermediaries?
The amended Rule 3(1)(b)(v) mandated that social media intermediaries must:
Make “reasonable efforts” to prevent users from uploading content flagged by the FCU as misinformation.
Remove such flagged content within 36 hours if they wish to maintain their “safe harbour” protection against liability for third-party content.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
Appointing Justice Chandurkar as a tie-breaker judge to provide a final ruling on the matter after petitions were filed challenging the amended rules.
Initially dismissing applications for an interim stay on the FCU’s establishment but later staying its operation until a final decision was reached regarding the constitutional validity of the rules.
Way forward:
Strengthen Procedural Safeguards: Any fact-checking mechanism should include clear, objective guidelines, and an independent review process to avoid arbitrariness and protect free speech rights under the Constitution.
Promote Transparency and Oversight: Establish a transparent, multi-stakeholder oversight body that includes civil society, legal experts, and technology professionals to ensure fair implementation and avoid misuse of content regulation powers.
India has officially joined the US-led Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN), a global initiative to strengthen cooperation in securing critical mineral supply chains.
What is the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN)?
The MSFN is an initiative emerging from the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), established by the US in 2022.
It aims to promote cooperation, information exchange, and co-financing among countries.
It brings together development finance institutions (DFIs) and export credit agencies (ECAs) from partner nations to facilitate investments in critical mineral supply chains.
It seeks to meet the increasing global demand for critical minerals and reduce dependence on dominant suppliers like China.
AboutMinerals Security Partnership (MSP):
Details
Established
2022, by the United States
Objective
To ensure a stable, diversified, and secure supply of critical minerals essential for the global clean energy transition.
Members
13 countries and the European Commission, including: United States, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Sweden, and the European Union.
Focus Areas
• Securing critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
• Reducing dependency on dominant suppliers like China.
• Promoting cooperation between development finance institutions (DFIs) and export credit agencies (ECAs) to finance critical mineral projects.
Significance for India
• India joined in June 2023, aiming to secure minerals for its growing electric vehicle (EV) and electronics sectors.
• India seeks to diversify its supply sources from Argentina, Chile, Australia, and Africa.
Significance of Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are elements essential for the manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, such as electric vehicle (EV) batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and semiconductors.
Some of the most important critical minerals include:
Lithium: Essential for EV batteries.
Cobalt: Used in batteries and electronics.
Nickel: Key for battery manufacturing.
Rare earth elements (REEs): Used in semiconductors, high-tech electronics, and military applications.
The global demand for these minerals is rapidly rising as countries aim to shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
China is currently the world leader in both the mining and processing of many of these critical minerals, creating concerns about the concentration and resilience of supply chains.
Securing a reliable, diversified supply of critical minerals is essential for nations looking to achieve their clean energy goals and ensure economic stability in high-tech sectors.
PYQ:
[2012] Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why?
China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
27 sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, and services
Government as a facilitator, partnering with industries for economic development
Success of the Project
India is now the second-largestmobile phone producer globally.
The PLI Schemes have attracted ₹1.97 lakh crore in investment across 14 key sectors, generating 8 lakh jobs.
The PM GatiShakti initiative has improved logistics and transport connectivity, while India received $667.41 billion in FDI from 2014-2024.
Indigenous projects like INS Vikrant and Vande Bharat Trains have showcased India’s growth in manufacturing.
India improved its Ease of Doing Business ranking, moving from 142nd to 63rd.
Limitations:
The share of manufacturing in GDP has remained flat at 17.3% in 2023-24, the same level as in 2013-14, despite rising briefly to 18.5% in 2021-22.
Employment has declined, with manufacturing’s share in total employment falling from 11.6% in 2013-14 to 10.6% in 2022-23.
India’s share inglobal exports grew from 1% in 2005-06 to 1.6% by 2015-16, but only increased marginally to 1.8% by 2022-23.
Additionally, imports as a share of GDP have risen back to 25% in 2023-24, similar to 27% in 2013-14, after a dip to 21.2% in 2020-21 during the pandemic.
PYQ:
[2017] “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period.” Give reasons. How far are the recent changes in Industrial-Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neom Megacity Project
Why in the News?
The Wall Street Journal has highlighted controversies surrounding the Neom Megacity Project, a key project of Saudi Arabia and world’s largest construction real-estate project.
AboutNeom Megacity Project:
Details
Location
Northwestern Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea
Launched
2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Objective
To diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
Size
26,500 sq km
Initially $500 billion, now estimated at $1.5 trillion
Completion Year
Expected by 2039
Key Projects
The Line: 170-km long linear city for 9 million residents
Oxagon: Octagonal industrial city
Trojena: Mountain resort for 2029 Asian Winter Games
Magna: Luxury coastal city
Sindalah: Luxury island, opening in 2024
Technological Focus
Renewable energy (solar, wind)
AI and robotics
Green hydrogen production
Environmental Goals
Powered by 95% renewable energy
Focus on sustainable development
Controversies surrounding the Project:
Displacement of Indigenous Tribes: The Huwaitat tribe has been forcibly displaced, leading to human rights concerns.
Slow Progress: Construction is behind schedule, with only 1.4 km of The Line expected to be completed by 2030.
Workplace Misconduct: Reports of toxic culture and unethical leadership, including neglect of worker safety.
Surveillance Concerns: Critics worry about the project’s use of real-time monitoring, raising privacy concerns.
Cost Overruns: The project’s budget has ballooned from $500 billion to $1.5 trillion, leading to scaled-down plans.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deendayal Upadhyaya
Why in the News?
September 25 marks the 108th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of the most influential thinkers of India’s right-wing movement.
AboutPandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916-1968)
Details
Born
• September 25, 1916 in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
• Antyodaya Diwas is observed on this day since 2014.
Affiliations
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)
Political Role
• One of the key leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)
• Served as President of BJS
Key Contributions
• Founder of the Integral Humanism philosophy
• Introduced the concept of Antyodaya for the upliftment of the poorest
• Promoted self-reliance (Swadeshi) and decentralization of power
Doctrine of ‘Antyodaya’
• Antyodaya means “upliftment of the last person in society.”
• It focuses on improving the living conditions of the poorest and most marginalized sections of society.
• Upadhyaya believed that true development can only be measured by the welfare of the weakest sections, promoting policies aimed at economic, social, and educational inclusion of these groups.
Legacy
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana inspired by his ideas
• In 2015, NRLM was renamed Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM.
Death
February 11, 1968, under mysterious circumstances in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to retraction;
Why in the News?
The ‘Retraction Watch’ database reports an Indian scientist in Lucknow with 45 retractions, while a Kolkata researcher, who published 300 papers in a year, had six papers retracted.
What is retraction?
A retraction is when a scientific journal officially takes back a research paper because it contains serious mistakes or was found to be dishonest (like using fake data).
It’s like saying, “This paper shouldn’t be trusted,” to make sure other scientists don’t rely on wrong information.
What is retraction index?
The retraction index is a way to measure how often papers are retracted in a particular journal.
It helps to see the rate of retractions compared to the total number of papers published by the journal.
How It’s Calculated:
It is calculated by multiplying the number of retractions by 1,000 and dividing it by the total number of papers published in that journal during a specific time period.
What are the primary reasons for retraction?
Plagiarism: Copying or presenting someone else’s work without proper attribution.
Fabrication/Falsification: Deliberate manipulation of data, experiments, or results to present false findings.
Image Manipulation: Altering figures or graphical representations, especially in fields like biology and medicine.
Paper Mills: Fake or low-quality papers produced by organizations and sold to researchers to inflate publication counts.
Ethical Violations: Including authorship disputes, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and failure to obtain proper consent for studies.
Errors in Data: Honest mistakes in data collection, interpretation, or analysis that render the findings invalid.
How do retractions affect the credibility of scientific research?
Erosion of Trust: Scientific integrity relies on trust; retracted papers can cause scientists to lose confidence in published research.
Hindrance to Scientific Progress: Retractions delay progress, as future research may be based on faulty or retracted studies.
Impact on the Reputation of Researchers and Institutions: Scientists and institutions involved in retractions often face damage to their credibility and career prospects.
High-Impact Journals at Greater Risk: More retractions occur in high-impact journals, suggesting a vulnerability due to the pressure to publish groundbreaking work quickly.
Harm to Public Perception: High-profile retractions, especially in fields like medicine, can damage public trust in science and scientific institutions.
What is the process of retracting a paper?
Detection: Retractions are often initiated when errors or misconduct are identified through peer reviews, investigations, or by other researchers who question the validity of the work.
Investigation: The journal and, in some cases, the author’s institution will conduct an inquiry to determine whether the issues warrant retraction.
Notification: Once a decision is made, the journal issues a notice of retraction. This document typically explains why the paper is being retracted (e.g., misconduct or error).
Publication of Retraction Notice: The retraction notice is published in the journal, often linked to the original paper. The original article is marked as retracted but remains in the journal archives for transparency.
Database Update: Retractions are indexed in databases like PubMed, Retraction Watch, and others, so researchers are informed of flawed studies.
Way forward:
Strengthen Peer Review and Use AI Tools: Implement advanced AI tools to detect plagiarism, data manipulation, and image alteration during the peer review process to prevent flawed papers from being published.
Shift Focus from Quantity to Quality: Encourage institutions to prioritize the quality of research over the sheer number of publications to reduce the pressure on researchers and discourage reliance on paper mills.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Cross-border insolvency cases;
Why in the News?
It is essential to incorporate the significance of insolvency laws into global trade discussions through both multilateral and bilateral channels.
What are the key challenges in managing cross-border insolvency cases?
Jurisdictional Conflicts: Difficulty in determining which country’s courts have jurisdiction over insolvency proceedings, especially when a company has assets and creditors in multiple countries.
Recognition of Foreign Proceedings: Some countries may not recognize foreign insolvency proceedings, leading to inconsistent outcomes.
Coordination Issues: Lack of cooperation between courts and administrators in different countries can complicate the resolution of cross-border insolvency cases.
Legal and Cultural Differences: Variations in legal systems, insolvency laws, and business practices across countries make harmonization challenging.
Enforcement of Judgments: Difficulty in enforcing insolvency-related judgments or agreements across different jurisdictions.
How does the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) address cross-border insolvency in India?
Limited Provisions: The IBC, 2016, has provisions for handling cross-border insolvency on a case-by-case basis through bilateral agreements, but it lacks a comprehensive framework.
Bilateral Arrangements: India’s approach currently relies on ad hoc bilateral agreements to manage cross-border insolvency cases, making the process fragmented and less efficient.
No Adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law: Despite several recommendations by committees, India has yet to adopt the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, which would provide a more standardized and efficient resolution mechanism.
What international frameworks exist to facilitate cross-border insolvency resolutions?
UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency (1997): A widely recognized framework designed to facilitate cooperation between courts and administrators in different countries.
It operates on four pillars: access, recognition, cooperation, and coordination. It has been adopted by over 60 countries.
EU Insolvency Regulation: Provides a framework for handling insolvency within EU member states, facilitating the recognition of insolvency proceedings across borders within the EU.
NAFTA/US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): Includes provisions for resolving insolvencies with cross-border implications between member countries.
Bilateral and Multilateral Trade Agreements: Some international agreements include limited provisions on cross-border insolvency, though most focus on general trade and dispute resolution, leaving a gap in addressing insolvency directly.
Way forward:
Adopt the UNCITRAL Model Law: India should expedite the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency to establish a standardized framework, improving cooperation, recognition, and legal certainty in international insolvency cases.
Integrate Cross-Border Insolvency in Trade Agreements: India should incorporate cross-border insolvency provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to ensure seamless insolvency resolution in international trade.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Land issues in Urban;
Why in the News?
On Monday, September 24, the Karnataka High Court permitted an investigation into Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
What was the MUDA scam case?
The Allegations: In July 2023, anti-corruption activists approached Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, alleging that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, received 14 housing sites from the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
This was allegedly in exchange for a 3.16-acre plot of land that MUDA illegally acquired in 2021, during the tenure of the BJP-led government. The scam allegedly caused a loss of ₹55.80 crore to the state.
Governor’s Action: In response, the Governor issued a show-cause notice to Siddaramaiah and later sanctioned an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
What were the grounds for Siddaramaiah’s challenge?
Council of Ministers’ Advice: The Chief Minister argued that the Governor was bound by the Council of Ministers’ August 1, 2023 resolution, advising withdrawal of the show-cause notice.
Governor’s Discretion: Siddaramaiah contended that the Governor’s sanction was unjustified, biased, and exceeded his discretionary powers, which could only be invoked if the Council’s decision was irrational.
What did the court decide?
The Karnataka High Court upheld the Governor’s sanction for the investigation, stating that the circumstances justified the Governor’s actions under “exceptional circumstances.”
The court observed that the Governor’s decision was not made in haste but after careful consideration of the allegations and relevant facts.
The court clarified that private individuals (complainants) can seek approval to investigate public officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Governor’s approval can be granted even in such cases.
The court lifted the interim embargo on the investigation against Siddaramaiah, allowing the inquiry to continue into the alleged MUDA scam.
Conclusion: The Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Gehlot’s sanction for an investigation into the alleged MUDA scam, rejecting Siddaramaiah’s challenge. The court ruled that exceptional circumstances justified the Governor’s actions, allowing the inquiry to proceed.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chang’e-5 Mission and its outcomes
Why in the News?
Scientists long believed that volcanic activity on the moon ceased about a billion years ago.
However, a study based on China’s Chang’e-5 missionsamples has questioned this belief with evidence suggesting the moon had active volcanoes as recently as 120 million years ago.
Chang’e-5 Mission: Overview and Recent Findings
Chang’e-5 is a mission launched in November 2020 as part of the Chang’e lunar exploration program.
It was designed to:
Collect samples from the moon’s surface and bring them back to Earth for analysis.
Study the geologyand mineral composition of the moon.
It successfully landed on the “Mons Rumker region”, a volcanic complex in the Oceanus Procellarum (the ‘Ocean of Storms’) area on the moon’s near side, and returned about 1.7 kgof lunar material to Earth in December 2020.
Recent Findings Based on Chang’e-5 Mission
Recent studies of samples have revealed evidence of volcanic activity on the moon as recently as 116-135 million years ago.
It challenges the previous belief that the moon’s volcanic activity ceased about a billion years ago.
The analysis of lunar glass beads collected by Chang’e-5 has provided insights into both volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts that shaped the moon’s surface.
What are the Beads on the Moon?
Lunar glass beads are small, spherical or egg-shaped glass particles found on the moon’s surface.
These beads are formed in two main ways:
Volcanic Activity: During volcanic eruptions, molten lava fragments are thrown into the air, where they cool rapidly and form glass beads.
Impact Events: When asteroids or meteorites hit the moon’s surface, the intense pressure and heat melt the surface material. The molten material cools quickly, forming glass beads as it lands back on the surface.
These beads are important because they:
Provide clues about the moon’s geological history.
Help scientists determine the age of volcanic eruptions.
Offer insights into the formation of the moon’s surface and its volcanic and impact events.
Key characteristics of Lunar Glass Beads
Composition: These beads are primarily made of silicon, magnesium, and iron, with trace amounts of other elements such as potassium, titanium, and uranium.
Volcanic vs. Impact Beads: Volcanic glass beads tend to be more uniform, while impact beads may show fractures or deformations caused by high-energy impacts. Volcanic beads often contain more volatile elements like sulphur, which are released during eruptions.
PYQ:
[2012] What do you understand by the term Aitken basin?
(a) It is a desert in the southern Chile which is known to be the only location on earth where no rainfall takes place.
(b) It is an impact crater on the far side of the Moon.
(c) It is a Pacific coast basin, which is known to house large amounts of oil and gas.
(d) It is a deep hyper saline anoxic basin where no aquatic animals are found.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AH-64E Apache Helicopters
Why in the News?
The Indian Army is set to receive its first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December.
About AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters:
Details
Name and Origin
AH-64E Apache (Apache Guardian) is a highly advanced multi-role combat helicopter and lies in a heavy category.
Manufactured by Boeing, originating from the US.
India’s Acquisition
In February 2020, India signed a deal for six AH-64E helicopters, with an additional six contracted later.
Countries Operating
Operated by India, Egypt, Israel, Japan, South Korea, UAE, UK, and others.
Indigenous Production
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture, produces fuselages in Hyderabad, set to become the sole global producer, sourcing 90% of parts from India.
Combat Features
Features open architecture for advanced systems, enhanced thrust and lift, digital interoperability, improved survivability, and advanced infrared and night vision capabilities.
Deployment Plans for Apache
The Apaches are primarily suited for countering armour and will be deployed in desert regions.
However, due to their operational limitations at high altitudes, they won’t be used in regions like Ladakh.
Instead, the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., will be deployed in Ladakh by 2024-25.
The LCH is designed specifically for high-altitude conditions.
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Oscar Awards, Film Federation of India (FFI)
Why in the News?
India has announced its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy (Oscar) Awards, set to take place early next year.
About the Film Federation of India (FFI)
The FFI is the main body representing the interests of the Indian film industry, including producers, distributors, and exhibitors.
It was established in 1951.
The FFI’s primary goal is to promote and protect the Indian film industry, both in India and internationally.
It plays a key role in selecting India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category attheOscar Awards.
How does the FFI make the choice?
Submission Process: The FFI invites filmmakers to submit their films for consideration. To be eligible, the film must:
Be at least 40 minutes long.
Have more than 50% of its dialogue in a non-English language.
Have had a theatrical release of at least seven days between November 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024.
Jury Selection: The FFI appoints a 13-member jury made up of experienced individuals from the creative field, who evaluate the films and select India’s entry.
The jury chairperson is nominated by the FFI and oversees the selection process.
Screening and Voting: The jury watches all the submissions and conducts discussions before making a final decision via voting.
Why has the FFI come under criticism?
All-Male Jury: The FFI’s current jury has drawn criticism for being composed entirely of men. This led to public discussions about the absence of women on the jury, especially since India’s official entry for the 97th Oscars focuses on women’s issues.
Arbitrary Process: FFI’s selection process can be arbitrary, and there have been calls for greater transparency and inclusiveness in choosing films for international awards like the Oscars.
PYQ:
[2014] What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Spices Board of India, Spices traded by India
Why in the News?
The Spices Board of India aims to achieve $25 billion in annual exports of spices and spice-based products by 2047, a significant increase from the current $4.4 billion.
Current consumption is 10 million tonnes, with 1.42 million tonnes exported annually. By 2047, the export target is 2.7 million tonnes.
AboutSpices Board of India
The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
The Board functions as an International link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
It is headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the GoI.
Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.
Main Functions:
It promotes organic production, processing, and certification of spices.
Responsible for the overall development of Cardamom.
It focuses on post-harvest improvement programs to improve the quality of the 52 scheduled spices for export.
These programs are included under the head ‘Export Oriented Production’.
Present Scenario of Spices
Production:
Major producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion, up from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22.
India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Out of these spices, chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander make up about 76% of the total production.
Chilli is the leading export earner, generating $1.1 billion annually.
Ginger exports have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%.
Export:
In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totalled $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12% share of the global spice exports (till February 2024 data).
India exported spices and spice products to 159 destinations worldwide as of 2023-24. The top destinations were China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka. These countries accounted for more than 70% of total exports.
PYQ:
[2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Significance of NBFC sector;
Why in the News?
During the transition to the Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework, the NBFC sector experienced double-digit credit growth, maintained adequate capital levels, and saw a reduction in delinquency ratios.
What is Scale-Based Regulation (SBR)?
The SBR framework was first outlined in October 2021 and became effective on October 1, 2022.
It aims to categorize NBFCs based on their size, activities, and perceived riskiness rather than merely distinguishing between systemically important and non-systemically important entities.
What are the key points presented by RBI on the resilience of the NBFC sector?
Improvement in Asset Quality: Since the introduction of the Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework in October 2022, the asset quality of NBFCs has improved, with lower gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratios.
By December 2023, GNPA ratios had decreased to 2.4% for government-owned NBFCs and 6.3% for non-government NBFCs, reflecting enhanced risk management.
Double-Digit Credit Growth: The NBFC sector maintained strong credit growth throughout 2023, driven by a diversified funding base, including retail credit (gold loans, vehicle loans, and housing loans) and expanding into industrial and service sectors.
Improved Profitability: The sector witnessed a rise in profitability, as evidenced by better returns on assets (RoA) and equity (RoE).
Net NPA (NNPA) Performance: Upper layer NBFCs had lower GNPA ratios than middle layer NBFCs, but the latter maintained sufficient provisions for riskier portfolios, ensuring that their NNPA ratios were also controlled.
Compliance with SBR: Major NBFCs in the “Upper Layer” identified by the RBI under the SBR framework, such as LIC Housing Finance, Bajaj Finance, and L&T Finance, have complied or initiated steps to comply with listing requirements.
Regulatory measures taken up by the NBFC sector
Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) Framework: Introduced in October 2022, the SBR framework categorizes NBFCs into different layers based on their size, systemic importance, and risk profile. For instance, strengthen asset quality, capital requirements, and risk management.
Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Norms: Effective from October 2024, PCA norms will apply to government-owned NBFCs. These measures aim to enhance financial discipline, focusing on capital adequacy and asset quality.
Diversification of Funding Sources: Due to rising risk weights on bank lending, NBFCs have diversified their funding base by reducing dependence on bank borrowings and expanding into secured retail credit.
Listing Compliance: Many NBFCs in the upper layer have complied or are in the process of complying with listing requirements as part of regulatory mandates.
What are the emerging risks that NBFCs need to cater? (Way forward)
Cybersecurity Risks: With the increasing use of digital platforms, NBFCs need to enhance cybersecurity measures to safeguard against evolving cyber threats.
Climate Risk: The financial impact of climate change poses a new risk. NBFCs must integrate climate-related risks into their risk management frameworks to mitigate potential disruptions.
Financial Assurance Functions: The RBI emphasizes that assurance functions like risk management, compliance, and internal audit are critical in maintaining resilience in the face of rapid changes in the financial landscape.
Evolving Regulatory Environment: As the financial sector continues to evolve, NBFCs must stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure that their risk management practices are aligned with emerging threats and new regulations.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Poona Pact;
Mains level: Gandhi vs Ambedkar on Caste;
Why in the News?
On September 20, 1932, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast unto death in Yerawada Jail, Pune, to protest against the provision of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes.
Gandhi vs Ambedkar on Caste
Gandhi’s Views on Caste: Initially orthodox, Gandhi supported social prohibitions like restrictions on inter-dining and inter-marriage but later rejected untouchability, referring to untouchables as “Harijans.” However, he did not reject the institution of caste itself, as it was tied to Hindu religious practices.
Ambedkar’s Radical Approach: Ambedkar believed that to truly abolish caste, one needed to attack the divine authority of the Hindu scriptures (shastras) that justified it. He argued that reforms short of rejecting the religious basis of caste were insufficient.
Ambedkar’s strategy was to focus on lower castes achieving political power to challenge their subjugation within the Hindu social order.
Ambedkar’s Argument for Separate Electorates
Distinct Identity of Depressed Classes: Ambedkar argued that the Depressed Classes (Scheduled Castes) formed a distinct group, separate from the Hindus. Despite being part of Hindu society, they did not enjoy equal treatment and were subject to systemic oppression.
Political Machinery for Representation: Ambedkar advocated for separate electorates with a double vote system, where Scheduled Castes would vote for their own candidates as well as in the general electorate.
Protection from Majority Rule: Ambedkar warned that joint electorates would allow the Hindu majority to control the election of Dalit representatives, making it impossible for lower castes to effectively protect their interests against the tyranny of the majority.
Why Gandhi Opposed Separate Electorates
Integration of Lower Castes: Gandhi opposed separate electorates because he believed they would marginalize lower castes further.
Instead of being restricted to a limited share of seats, Gandhi thought lower castes should aim for broader participation in political leadership.
Fear of Dividing Hindu Society: Gandhi feared that separate electorates would divide Hindu society, further weakening it.
He believed this division would help the British continue their “divide and rule” policy, undermining India’s struggle for independence.
Strategic Concerns: The introduction of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes, in addition to those for Muslims, would fragment the Hindu political base, reducing the power and influence of upper-caste Hindu leadership.
Culmination of the Debate: The Poona Pact
Gandhi’s Fast: In 1932, Gandhi went on a fast unto death to oppose separate electorates, pressuring Ambedkar to concede. Ambedkar, despite his misgivings, agreed to the Poona Pact, which provided for reserved seats for Scheduled Castes but within a joint electorate.
Ambedkar’s Dissatisfaction: Ambedkar was never fully satisfied with the outcome, believing the joint electorate allowed upper-caste Hindus to nominate Dalit representatives, effectively controlling their political voice.
Conclusion: The Gandhi-Ambedkar debate on caste culminated in the Poona Pact, with Gandhi opposing separate electorates to maintain Hindu unity, while Ambedkar sought political power for lower castes. Though Ambedkar agreed, he remained dissatisfied with the compromise.
Mains PYQ:
Q Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (UPSC IAS/2015)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Effectiveness of POCSO Act;
Why in the News?
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court has tightened child pornography laws, declaring that viewing, possessing, or failing to report such content is punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, regardless of whether the material is shared or transmitted.
What is the law in question?
The Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of Section 15 of the POCSO Act, which deals with “Punishment for storage of pornographic material involving child”.
In 2019, the POCSO Act was amended to introduce three connected offences under Sections 15(1), (2) and (3) with increasing grades of punishment:
Any person, who stores or possesses pornographic material involving a child, but fails to delete, destroy or report the same to the designated authority with an intention to share or transmit child pornography.
Any person, who stores or possesses such material for transmitting, propagating, displaying or distributing in any manner at any time except for reporting or use as evidence in court.
Any person, who stores or possesses such material for commercial purpose.
The court refers to these as “inchoate” offences – offences in anticipation or preparation for committing a further criminal act.
About the Case and SC’s Verdict
Case Background: The Supreme Court was dealing with a case where the Madras High Court had quashed criminal proceedings against a man who had downloaded child pornography but did not share it.
The High Court had limited its ruling to Section 14 of POCSO (using children for pornography) and excluded Section 15 (punishing possession) since no evidence of sharing existed.
Supreme Court’s Verdict:
The SC overturned the Madras High Court’s ruling, expanding the definition of “possession” of child pornography to include “constructive possession”, even without physical storage of the material.
Viewing, controlling, or exercising knowledge over such material (e.g., watching without downloading) was deemed sufficient for possession.
The SC stressed that even failing to delete or report such content implies intent to share and is punishable under Section 15(1).
Even if the accused does not have the material at the time of filing the FIR, they can still be held accountable if they had possessed it “at any point”.
How will such cases be registered?
Determination of Intention: The court held that the intention (mens rea) of the accused will be determined based on the circumstances, such as how the material was stored or possessed and why it was not reported or destroyed.
Actions like storing, not deleting, or failing to report child pornography can be used as evidence of intent to share or distribute.
Role of Police: The police must not limit their investigation to only one sub-section of Section 15. Even if a specific offence isn’t made out, the police should explore the possibility of other violations under different sub-sections.
Reporting Obligation: The court emphasized the mandatory reporting of child pornography, with penalties for failing to report starting from a fine of Rs. 5,000 and increasing for repeat offences.Failure to report, even after merely viewing child pornographic material, can result in legal consequences.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s ruling on the POCSO Act broadened the definition of possession, emphasizing that failure to delete or report child pornography constitutes intent to share, with strict penalties for non-compliance, underscoring the obligation to report such content.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Starlink Project
Why in the News?
Starlink satellites, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are causing issues for astronomers by disrupting both optical and radio astronomy due to unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR).
What is a Starlink Satellite?
Starlink satellites are part of a network created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide high-speed internet to remote areas around the world.
The network, known as a satellite constellation, currently includes more than 6,300 satellites orbiting Earth at around 550 km altitude.
These satellites aim to offer internet connectivity to places that would otherwise lack access, especially in rural or underserved regions.
Why Radio Astronomy matters?
Radio astronomy is a branch of astronomy that studiescelestial objectsusingradio frequenciesinstead of visible light.
Radio telescopes detect radio waves, which are longer than light waves, emitted by objects in space such as stars, galaxies, and even black holes.
Radio astronomy is important because it helps scientists study the universe beyond what can be seen with optical telescopes.
Radio noise from sources like satellites can interfere with these observations, making it difficult for astronomers to collect data, similar to how bright lights can obscure faint stars.
What Starlink does to Space Communications?
Starlink satellites are designed to improve global internet access, especially in hard-to-reach places, by transmitting signals from space.
However, these satellites also emit unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), which causes radio noise that disrupts radio astronomy observations.
The situation may worsen as more satellites are launched — some estimates suggest 100,000 satellites could be orbiting Earth by 2030.
There are currently no regulations controlling how much radio pollution these satellites can emit, making it harder for astronomers to mitigate the impact on their work.
PYQ:
[2011] A layer in the Earth s atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?
1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.
2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mary Poonen Lukose and her contributions
Why in the News?
100 years ago, on September 23, 1924, Mary Poonen Lukose became the first woman to join a legislative council in an Indian princely state, entering the Travancore Legislative Council.
Who Was Mary Poonen Lukose?
Born on August 2, 1886, in Kerala, she became the first woman from the state to earn a medical degree, specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics.
Her contributions:
She performed the first cesarean section in Kerala before 1920, often working under challenging conditions with minimal equipment.
She started a midwifery training program for local women, which led to safer home births, reducing risks for mothers and babies.
As a member of the Travancore Legislative Council, she influenced public health policy, using her expertise to benefit the community.
Records set by Mary Poonen Lukose
First woman legislator in an Indian princely state: In 1924, she became the first woman member of the Travancore Legislative Council (a predecessor to Kerala’s Legislative Assembly).
First woman graduate from Madras University in 1909, despite facing barriers to studying science as a woman.
First woman Surgeon General of Travancore, and possibly the first woman Surgeon General in the world, in 1938.
First woman to head the health department in Travancore, in 1924.
Awarded the Padma Shri in 1975 for her contributions.
PYQ:
[2013] Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (10 marks-200 words).
[2011] With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for
(a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
(b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
(c) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army
(d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
