Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Diamond industry in India;
Why in the News?
Over the past 8-9 months, more than 50,000 workers in Surat have lost their jobs, and over 70 people have tragically taken their own lives in the past year, unable to bear the strain of unemployment and family responsibilities.
Economic Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
- Global Supply Chain Disruptions: The Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Gaza conflict have disrupted the supply chain of raw diamonds. Russia, a major supplier of rough diamonds to Surat, faces Western sanctions, which have restricted the flow of diamonds into India.
- Sanctions on Russian Diamonds: U.S. and European Union sanctions on Russian-origin diamonds, including polished diamonds processed in India, have significantly affected exports, particularly to Western markets like the U.S., EU, and Hong Kong.
- Falling Demand: Global demand for polished diamonds has decreased in key markets such as the U.S., China, and Europe. This reduction in demand has led to a sharp decline in India’s diamond exports, plummeting from $23 billion in 2022 to a projected $12 billion by the end of 2024.
- Price Drops: Polished diamond prices have fallen by 5-27% due to oversupply and lower demand, further worsening the industry’s financial outlook.
Employment Challenges
- Job Losses: Over 50,000 diamond workers have lost their jobs in Surat over the past eight to nine months due to factory closures and layoffs.
- Wage Reduction: Workers who remain employed have experienced significant wage cuts. For instance, wages have dropped from ₹45,000-₹55,000 per month in 2021 to ₹25,000-₹30,000 now.
- Suicides and Financial Distress: Financial strain has led to over 70 suicides among diamond workers in Surat, as they struggle with job losses, school fees, rent, and medical expenses for their families.
- Lack of Government Support: Despite repeated appeals, there has been little substantial government assistance for unemployed diamond workers, leaving them with minimal social security or institutional support.
Future Prospects and Support Measures
- Shift to Alternative Employment: Many workers have shifted to other forms of employment, such as driving cabs, street vending, or returning to agriculture in their native regions, to make ends meet.
- Welfare Demands: The Diamond Workers’ Union (DWU) has called for a special welfare package for workers, including financial support for their children’s education and healthcare expenses.
- Appeals for Government Intervention: The industry, represented by groups like the DWU, is urging both the state and central governments to intervene. However, so far, industry associations have not formally sought government intervention for relief measures.
Way forward:
- Government Support Package: The state and central governments should introduce targeted financial relief measures for affected diamond workers, including unemployment benefits, healthcare assistance, and educational support for children.
- Diversification and Skill Development: Encourage skill development programs to help workers transition to alternative employment sectors, such as textiles, agriculture, or services, ensuring long-term economic resilience and reduced dependency on the diamond industry.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Management in Pandemic situation;
Why in the News?
Four years after the onset of Covid, an expert group formed by NITI Aayog has proposed the establishment of a comprehensive framework to handle future public health emergencies or pandemics effectively.
Lessons Learned from COVID-19:
- Gaps in Legal Frameworks: Existing laws like the Epidemic Diseases Act (1897) and National Disaster Management Act (2005) were insufficient for handling large-scale health emergencies. These laws lack clarity on definitions of epidemics and provisions for managing public health crises, drug distribution, and quarantine measures.
- Delayed Response and Coordination: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in coordination between central and state governments, highlighting the need for a more organized response mechanism.
- Inadequate Surveillance: Insufficient disease surveillance and early warning systems delayed the identification of threats. The role of zoonotic diseases, especially viruses linked to bat species, underscored the need for better monitoring of human-animal interactions.
What specific recommendations does the NITI Aayog report make?
- Enactment of PHEMA: Introduce the Public Health Emergency Management Act for a more robust legal framework to manage pandemics and other health emergencies.
- Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS): Establish a central committee to oversee pandemic preparedness, governance, R&D, surveillance, and response efforts.
- Strengthened Disease Surveillance: Create a national biosecurity and biosafety network and monitor human-animal interfaces, especially for zoonotic diseases.
- Emergency Vaccine Bank: Develop a stockpile of vaccines for rapid access during health crises, sourced domestically or internationally.
- Early Warning and Research Network: Build a forecasting and modelling network, along with Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to advance research on priority pathogens and preparedness.
How can India enhance its pandemic preparedness framework? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Enact a Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) and establish an Empowered Group of Secretaries for coordinated pandemic response.
- Enhancing Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Build a robust disease surveillance network, biosecurity system, and epidemiology forecasting for early detection and response to outbreaks.
- Investing in Health Infrastructure and Vaccine Stockpiles: Develop public health cadres, boost healthcare infrastructure, and create an emergency vaccine bank for rapid deployment during health crises.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India-France relation;
Why in the News?
France is set to host more than 100 heads of state, government leaders, and senior officials for the 19th Francophonie Summit on October 4-5, 2024.
How can Technology Enhance Diplomatic Efforts Between India and France?
- Digital Collaboration: The summit emphasizes cooperation in digital technology, which can strengthen ties through joint projects, knowledge sharing, and innovation in areas like AI and cybersecurity.
- Facilitating Communication: Technology, particularly AI, can enhance communication between diplomats and stakeholders, enabling more efficient exchanges and negotiations in multiple languages.
- Showcasing Innovations: Events like the FrancoTech Fair will provide platforms for Indian and French innovators to collaborate on addressing common challenges, fostering deeper bilateral relations through shared technological advancements.
What Role Does Diversity Play in Shaping Diplomatic Strategies?
- Cultural Exchange: Emphasizing multilingualism and cultural diversity fosters mutual understanding and strengthens relationships, allowing for more nuanced diplomatic interactions.
- Inclusive Decision-Making: Acknowledging diverse perspectives helps create more representative and effective diplomatic strategies, ensuring that various stakeholders are considered in negotiations.
- Promotion of Values: Embracing diversity aligns with the core values of democracy and human rights, which can enhance the credibility and appeal of diplomatic efforts.
What are the Implications of Global Cooperation in Addressing Contemporary Issues?
- Shared Responsibility: Global cooperation is essential for addressing challenges like climate change, health crises, and digital governance, promoting collective action and resource sharing among nations.
- Strengthening Multilateral Institutions: Enhancing cooperation leads to reforms in institutions like the UN, World Bank, and IMF, making them more effective and responsive to global needs.
- Fostering Innovation: Collaborative efforts among nations can drive innovation in technology and policy, enabling quicker and more effective responses to pressing global issues and facilitating knowledge exchange.
Way forward:
- Establish Joint Innovation Initiatives: India and France should create collaborative platforms for research and development in emerging technologies, focusing on areas like AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure to enhance diplomatic relations and tackle common global challenges.
- Promote Multicultural Diplomatic Engagement: Both nations should prioritize cultural exchanges and inclusive dialogue that reflect diverse perspectives, thereby strengthening mutual understanding and fostering more effective and representative diplomatic strategies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 25(2) of the Constitution, Secularism
Why in the News?
As the Supreme Court hears petitions about the alleged adulteration of ghee in Lord Venkateswara’s Laddu Prasadam, many religious organizations have renewed their demand to free temples from government control.
How are Religious Places managed in India?
- Muslim and Christian places of worship are managed by community-run boards or trusts.
- Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist temples are often under government control.
- Hindu temples make up the majority of the 30 lakh places of worship in India (2011 census).
- Under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, the government can regulate economic, financial, or secular activities associated with religious practices.
- This allows the state to enact laws concerning the administration of Hindu religious institutions.
Examples of Government Control:
- Tamil Nadu: The state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department manages temples.
- Andhra Pradesh: The state controls the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including the Tirupati Temple.
- Jammu and Kashmir: Enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988, specifically to manage the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu.
- A portion of the income from offerings and donations is used for:
- Temple administration
- Maintenance of smaller temples
- Welfare activities, including hospitals, schools, orphanages, and secular education.
Historical Context of Government Control Over Temples
- Ancient India: Temples have historically received land and wealth donations from kings and nobles, becoming centers of culture and economy. Larger temples often promoted agriculture and irrigation.
- Medieval Period: Many temples were attacked and pillaged by invaders due to their immense wealth.
- Colonial Era: Between 1810 and 1817, the East India Company enacted laws in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay to regulate temples and prevent the misuse of temple income and endowments.
Colonial Laws:
- Religious Endowments Act, 1863: Gave control of temples to committees, but the government maintained influence through judicial jurisdiction and other laws.
- Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1925: Empowered provincial governments to oversee temple endowments and gave substantial powers to commissioners.
Post-Independence Laws:
- After Independence, many states enacted laws based on the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951, which gave the government supervision over temples and allowed the appointment of an Executive Officer to manage temple affairs.
- A similar law was passed in Bihar around the same time.
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Demand for Freeing Temples from Government Control
- 1959: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) passed its first resolution demanding that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple be returned to Hindus.
- 1988: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) of the RSS called on state governments to hand over temples to representatives of Hindu devotees, arguing that government control was unfair and aimed at controlling temple funds.
- 2021: The VHP passed a resolution in Faridabad demanding a central law to free temples from government control.
Legal Position on Temple Control
Courts have generally upheld government control over temples, although there have been arguments in favor of freeing temples.
Key Judgments:
- 1954 Shirur Mutt Case: The Supreme Court ruled that a law transferring control of religious institutions to another authority violates Article 26(d), which guarantees the right to manage religious property. However, the state can regulate the administration of religious or charitable institutions.
- Ratilal Panachand Gandhi vs. The State of Bombay (1954): The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to manage religious institutions is fundamental, but the state can regulate trust properties through valid laws.
- Pannalal Bansilal Pitti vs. State Of Andhra Pradesh (1996): The Supreme Court upheld a law abolishing hereditary rights over temple management and rejected the argument that such laws must apply equally to all religions.
Recent Case:
- In 2022, lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay filed a petition in the Supreme Court to free temples from government control. The SC remarked that under the current system, temples cater to broader social needs, and reversing this would return temples to their previous state as centers of wealth. Upadhyay withdrew his petition.
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PYQ:
[2019] What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of Secularism?
[2016] How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gram Sabha
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing special Gram Sabhas across 750 Gram Panchayats on 2nd October 2024, marking Gandhi Jayanti.
Vision to Achieve Gram Swaraj Through People’s Participation
- These special Gram Sabhas will embody Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj—a vision of self-reliant villages driven by people’s participation in decision-making.
- It emphasizes community-led governance, where elders, women, and youth collaborate to develop Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP).
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Legacy
- The event also coincides with the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister.
- Shastri championed the values of simplicity, self-reliance, and community development.
- Shastri’s slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” emphasized the strength of India’s rural economy and its farmers, making his vision a key component of this grassroots initiative.
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About Gram Sabha
|
Details |
| Role and Significance |
• Centerpiece of the Panchayati Raj system
• Responsible for village development and local governance |
| Constitutional Provision |
• Defined under Article 243(b) of the Indian Constitution
• Primary body in the Panchayati Raj system
• A permanent body |
| Members |
• Individuals above 18 years of age
• Must be residing in the village
• Listed in the electoral rolls |
| Meetings |
• Must meet 2 to 4 times annually as per State Panchayat Raj Acts
• Common meeting dates:
1. Republic Day (26th Jan)
2. Labour Day (1st May)
3. Independence Day (15th Aug)
4. Gandhi Jayanti (2nd Oct)
• Panchayats may choose other dates for meetings |
| Organizing Body |
• Organized by the Panchayat Secretary (Gram Sevak)
• Done with approval of the Sarpanch |
| Conditions for Convening |
• 10% of members or 50 people (whichever is greater) can request a meeting
• A written request must be submitted 5 days prior to the meeting |
| Decision-Making Process |
• All decisions of the Panchayat require the approval and validation of the Gram Sabha |
| Purpose |
• Discuss local governance and development issues
• Make need-based plans for the village |
PYQ:
[2012] In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha?
- Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.
- Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.
- Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting prospecting licence or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BRCA1Testing
Why in the News?
Angelina Jolie’s case highlighted hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) after she underwent preventive surgeries due to a BRCA1 gene mutation.
What is BRCA Testing?
- BRCA testing is a genetic test that looks for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- These genes normally help repair DNA, but when they are mutated, they increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancers.
- BRCA testing identifies whether a person has inherited these mutations, which can lead to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and other cancers.
- The test is done using a blood or saliva sample, which is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- In the lab, next-generation DNA sequencing or other genetic analysis methods are used to examine the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for harmful mutations.
- The test results can show whether a person has inherited a harmful mutation in these genes.
- If the result is positive, it means they are at a higher risk for developing certain cancers.
Issues with BRCA Testing
- BRCA testing in India is expensive, costing between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, which makes it unaffordable for many, particularly in lower-income populations.
- Testing is often only offered to individuals with a family history of cancer, which misses about 50% of people who may have the mutations but no known family history.
Significance for India
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 27% of all cancer cases.
- Women with BRCA mutations have up to a 72% risk of developing breast cancer.
- Early identification allows for preventive measures, such as regular screenings or surgeries, which can reduce cancer incidence by up to 100%.
- By increasing access to population-wide BRCA testing, India can improve early detection and reduce the burden of cancer on its healthcare system.
- Early identification can also lower treatment costs and improve outcomes.
PYQ:
[2019] ‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
- It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
- It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
- It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
- It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 4 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arun River, Isostatic Rebound
Why in the News?
The Arun River, which flows across Nepal and Tibet, is eroding rock and soil in its basin, leading to the rise of Mount Everest by up to 2 mm a year.
How is Arun River making the Everest taller?
The Arun River is contributing to the rise of Mount Everest through a process called isostatic rebound. Here’s how it works:
1. River Incision:
- The Arun River, which flows about 75 km from Mount Everest, is eroding large amounts of rock and soil from the surrounding landscape.
- This process of erosion reduces the weight on the Earth’s crust in the Arun River basin.
- A study by UCL suggests that the Arun River’s ability to carve out large amounts of rock and other materials may be due to it capturing another river or water system in Tibet.
- This process is known as River Incision, where the river cuts downward into its bed, deepening its channel.
- The erosion began to accelerate around 89,000 years ago when the Arun River merged with the Kosi River, removing large amounts of landmass and further reducing the weight on the region’s crust.
2. Isostatic Rebound:
- When the weight of the land (due to rocks, soil, or even ice) decreases, the Earth’s crust rises to balance the change.
- This is similar to how a boat rises in water when heavy cargo is removed.
- The removal of landmass in the Arun River basin allows the crust underneath Mount Everest to rise.
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About Arun River
- The Arun River originates in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, where it is known as Phung Chu or Bum-chu in Tibetan.
- It flows into Nepal and confluences with the Sun Koshi and Tamur River at Tribenighat, forming the Sapta Koshi River.
- Tributaries:
- Left tributaries: Yeru Tsanpo, Trakar-chu.
- Right tributary: Barun River.
- At the Nepal border, the Arun River is approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) above sea level.
- The river drains into the Koshi River, significantly contributing to the Sapta Koshi River system in Nepal.
- It is the largest trans-Himalayan river in Nepal, playing a crucial role in supporting the region’s hydrology and ecosystems.
- It provides around 37% of the total water in the Sapta Koshi system, following the Sun Koshi which contributes 44%.
- Recently, the Arun-III Hydro Power Project (900 MW), which constructed with $6.95b Indian assistance, achieved a milestone with a tunnel breakthrough.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Swallowtail Butterfly
Why in the News?
A recent study has found that the overexploitation of medicinal plants, is threatening the survival of swallowtail butterflies in the forest habitats of Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region.
About Swallowtail Butterfly
|
Details |
| Family and Species |
Family: Papilionidae
Global species: 573
Indian species: 77 |
| Characteristics |
- Large size, brightly colored wings, tail-like extensions on hindwings
- Strong fliers, diurnal, territorial behavior, feed on nectar
|
| Distribution |
Found in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Africa, Americas |
| Habitat in India |
Found in rainforests, woodlands, cultivated lands, and protected areas like the Western Ghats and Northeast India |
| Host Plants |
Depend on specific plants like Rutaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Lauraceae, and Magnoliaceae families for larval development |
| Threats |
- Host plants, especially medicinal plants, are being overexploited in areas like the Bodoland Territorial Region
- Deforestation, illegal cattle farming, agriculture, tree felling, and pesticide use
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Swallowtail Conservation Action Plan (SCAP)
|
| Purpose |
To protect and conserve endangered swallowtail species and prevent their extinction |
| Focus Area |
Focuses on habitat protection, host plant conservation, and population restoration |
| Swallowtail-Rich Zones |
Northeastern India designated as a key zone for swallowtail conservation under SCAP |
| Legal Protection |
12 swallowtail species in India are under federal protection;
Some species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. |
| Community Role |
SCAP involves local communities in protecting host plants and preventing activities like illegal cattle grazing |
PYQ:
[2016] Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Maharashtra |
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