Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: No-Confidence Motion
Why in the News?
As many as 50 Opposition MPs have reportedly signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President (Rajya Sabha Chairman) Jagdeep Dhankhar.
No-Confidence Motionagainst Vice President of India
Details
Provision
Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution
Who Can Initiate
Can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha.
Notice Requirement
At least 14 days’ advance notice must be given before moving the resolution.
Voting in Rajya Sabha
Requires an effective majority (majority of all members present and voting) in the Rajya Sabha.
Voting in Lok Sabha
Requires a simple majority (more than 50% of members present and voting) in the Lok Sabha.
Grounds for Removal
Constitution does not specify any grounds or justifications for the removal of the Vice President.
Temporary Vacancy
If the Vice President is removed -> Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha assumes the role of Chairman.
Historical Context
No Vice President has ever been removed under this Article in Indian parliamentary history.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the
Presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BPaL Regimen
Why in the News?
India is preparing to introduce the BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid)regimenfor all patients with multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB).
What is BPaL Regimen?
Details
Purpose
Treatment for multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB).
Provides a potent, shorter, and more effective treatment option for patients resistant to standard TB drugs.
Components of the regimen
Bedaquiline (Bdq):
Targets ATP synthase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, disrupting energy production.
Key drug in combating drug-resistant TB.
Pretomanid (Pa):
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and kills bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
Enhances effectiveness when combined with other TB drugs.
Linezolid (Lzd):
Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.
Effective against MDR and XDR TB strains.
Significance of BPaL Regimen
Studies and trials have shown that the BPaL regimen has higher success rates in treating MDR and XDR TB compared to older regimens.
It reduces treatment duration for MDR/XDR-TB from the traditional 18-24 months to 6 months approx.
It is entirely oral with NO injectable, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment.
It reduces number of drugs patients need to take daily from up to 14 to just 3.
PYQ:
[2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
The opposition has submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha to initiate privilege proceedings against Union Education Minister.
It is alleged that the Minister ‘misled’ the House regarding the issue of the Preamble to the Constitution being ‘dropped’ from certain NCERT textbooks.
What is a Privilege Motion?
Details
What is it?
A formal notice by an MP when rights or privileges of Parliament or its members are breached.
Parliamentary privilege refers to the right and immunity enjoyed by legislatures (Article 105).
Who can move such motion?
Any Member of Parliament (MP) from Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
Governing Rules
Lok Sabha Rule book: Rule 222, Chapter 20
Rajya Sabha Rule book: Rule 187, Chapter 16
Procedure
Requires consent from Speaker/Chairperson;
Notice must concern a recent incident needing House intervention.
Role of Speaker/Chairperson
First level of scrutiny;
Can decide on the motion or refer it to the Privileges Committee.
Privileges Committee
Lok Sabha: 15 members, nominated by Speaker
Rajya Sabha: 10 members, headed by Deputy Chairperson
Outcome
Committee submits a report;
House may debate and pass a resolution based on the report.
Historical Example
1978: Privilege motion against Indira Gandhi, leading to her expulsion from the Lok Sabha.
Legal Implications
If a breach of privilege is established, the Parliament has the authority to impose penalties.
These can range from a reprimand to expulsion from the House, depending on the severity of the breach.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:
1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Silicosis and its health implications
Why in the News?
UK researchers suggest stricter daily silica dust exposure limits in industries could save 13,000 lives as per British Medical Journal Thorax.
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a lung disease that results in the hardening of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling silica dust or crystals, commonly found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
Silicosis is a chronic disease that develops slowly, often after 10 to 20 years of exposure.
Silicosis can lead to other severe conditions, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Note: Silicosis is a recognized disease under the Mines Act (1952) and the Factories Act (1948).
Causes of Silicosis:
Workers in industries such as construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting are at high risk.
The cutting, drilling, or breaking down of materials containing silica releases fine dust into the air.
As per National Programme on Elimination of Silicosis in India
Remedies for Silicosis:
Currently, there is no cure for silicosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Preventive measures:
Water Suppression Techniques: Using water or foam to suppress dust at the source.
Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow in work environments to reduce dust accumulation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with masks and respirators that filter out fine particles.
Regular Monitoring: Implementing regular health checks for workers and monitoring air quality in workplaces.
Case study related to reducing Silica Dust Exposure
United States: Implemented stricter regulations on silica dust, resulting in a significant reduction in silicosis cases.
Australia: Banned the use of engineered stone due to its propensity to release high levels of silica dust when cut or drilled.
PYQ:
[2019] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trichophyton indotineae
Why in the News?
The increase in drug-resistant fungal infections, especially Trichophyton indotineae, is becoming a major health problem in India.
What Is Trichophyton Indotineae?
Trichophyton indotineae is a dermatophyte commonly known as ringworm or jock itch.
First identified in India, this fungus has now spread to several countries worldwide.
It belongs to genotype VIII within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex, found in regions including Australia and Oman.
Factors causing its spread
Patients often present with persistent, treatment-resistant rashes that can be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions.
Misdiagnosis leads to the use of ineffective treatments, prolonging patient suffering and allowing the infection to worsen.
Trichophyton indotineae has shown resistance to terbinafine due to genetic mutations, with growing resistance to itraconazole also a concern.
The unregulated sale of steroid-containing combination creams further complicates treatment efforts.
Treatments available
Alternative to terbinafine and Itraconazole are available but often come with significant side effects, requiring close monitoring by healthcare providers.
Integrating comprehensive skin care regimens can enhance treatment efficacy, including maintaining skin hydration and using barrier creams.
PYQ:
[2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (1944-2024) and His contributions
Why in the News?
Former CM of West Bengal and leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away at 80.
Who was Buddhadeb Bhattacharya?
Bhattacharya was a politician who served as CM of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011.
He was known for his attempts to modernize and industrialize West Bengal while navigating the challenges of maintaining communist ideology.
In 2022, Bhattacharya was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, which he declined, citing his political principles.
Key Contributions:
Category
Details
Political Reforms
Attempted to reduce the influence of powerful trade unions in the state, particularly in the industrial sector, to attract investments and improve work culture.
Social-Cultural Reforms
Played a key role in establishing the Kolkata International Film Festival and promoted Bengali literature.
Authored several books and translated works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Vladimir Mayakovsky into Bengali, enriching the state’s cultural heritage.
Introduced measures to eliminate corruption in school recruitments by ensuring all hiring was conducted through transparent exams.
Initiated reforms to integrate mainstream subjects into madrassa education.
Economic Reforms
Led efforts to industrialize West Bengal by attracting investments in IT, steel, and special economic zones (SEZs), including the Tata Nano project in Singur.
Faced significant opposition and protests in Singur and Nandigram over land acquisition, which ultimately contributed to the political decline of the Left Front.
PYQ:
[2011] Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?
Lalit Kala Akademi, National Gallery of Modern Art
Objective
Enhance New Delhi’s cultural and aesthetic outlook
Key Themes
Nature tributes, Natyashastra, Gandhi ji, Toys of India, Hospitality, Ancient knowledge, Naad (Primeval Sound), Harmony of Life, Kalpataru (Divine Tree).
Artist Participation
Over 200 visual artists; significant participation from women artists
Artforms included
Phad paintings (Rajasthan), Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh), Miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh), Gond art (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona art (West Bengal), Cheriyal painting (Telangana), Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora Art (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), Alpana art (Tripura).
PYQ:
[2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tiger Reserves in India;
Mains level: Reason for the declining population of Tigers;
Why in the News?
Facing a significant decline in its tiger population in recent years, Chhattisgarh on Wednesday approved a long-awaited proposal to establish a new tiger reserve, which will be the third largest in the country.
Process of Notification of Tiger Reserves
Proposal and Evaluation: The state government initiates the process by proposing an area to be designated as a tiger reserve. This proposal is then evaluated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Cabinet Approval: After NTCA’s recommendations, the state cabinet must approve the notification of the tiger reserve.
Integration of Areas: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve integrates the existing Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 2,829 square kilometers.
Note: Once a tiger reserve is notified, it cannot be easily denotified. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, allows for denotification only under exceptional circumstances and with approval from the NTCA and the National Board for Wildlife.
About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
It is Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve, following Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi, and Achanakmar.
The reserve spans four districts: Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers, thereby promoting eco-tourism and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers by Providing additional budgetary resources from the National Project Tiger Authority for its operations.
It would promote eco-tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities.
Tiger Reserves in India
As of June 2024, India has 55 tiger reserves. This number has increased from 9 reserves in 1973 when Project Tiger was initiated. India is home to around 75% of the global tiger population.
The latest addition to the list is the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, which is the 55th reserve established in the country.
These reserves are crucial for the conservation of the Bengal tiger, which is a keystone species in India’s ecosystems, and they collectively support around 80% of the world’s tiger population.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 785, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).
The initiative was taken by the Government:
Strengthening Legal Framework: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a legal framework for tiger conservation, establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and critical tiger habitats. The 2006 amendment led to the creation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Anti-Poaching Measures:Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) has been deployed in tiger reserves to combat poaching. Modern surveillance technologies like camera traps and drones are used to monitor tiger populations and deter poaching activities.
To avoid human-tiger conflict: As of 2023, 12,327 families from 173 villages have been successfully relocated from tiger reserves to reduce human-tiger conflict.
Way forward:
Undertake habitat restoration measures in the tiger reserves, including prey base management and removal of invasive species, to improve the quality of tiger habitats.
Deploy the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the newly notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve to curb poaching.
Mains PYQ:
Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Weight Cutting?
Mains level: Issues related to Weight Cutting ;
Why in the News?
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after the official weigh-in on Wednesday morning, before her scheduled gold medal bout in the evening, leaving her without a medal.
What is Weight Cutting?
Weight cutting is the process by which athletes systematically reduce their body weight before a competition. This typically involves a combination of dietary restrictions and intensive physical activity aimed at shedding a specific amount of weight, often over a period of weeks leading up to the event.
Wrestlers often employ extreme measures such as skipping meals, limiting water intake, and engaging in intense exercise, including sauna sessions and wearing heavy clothing to promote sweating. This can lead to rapid weight loss primarily through fluid loss.
Why Do Combat Athletes Cut Weight?
Combat sports like wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) are organized by weight classes to ensure fair competition. Athletes aim to compete in lower weight classes to gain a size and strength advantage over their opponents, as they can often regain weight after the weigh-in.
By cutting weight, athletes believe they can compete against opponents who are lighter and potentially less strong, thus increasing their chances of success in the competition.
Should Weight Cutting Be Banned?
The practice of weight cutting poses significant health risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and energy depletion, which can impair performance and lead to serious medical issues. Athletes may experience severe fatigue and reduced physical capabilities after extreme weight cuts.
There is an ongoing debate about whether weight cutting should be banned or regulated more strictly. Critics argue that the health risks outweigh the competitive advantages, while supporters maintain that it is a part of the sport’s culture and can be managed safely with proper guidance.
Some suggest that instead of banning weight cutting, sports organizations should implement better regulations and educate athletes about safe practices for weight management, including gradual weight loss and hydration strategies.
Way forward:
Implement Hydration Testing: Regular hydration tests can prevent severe dehydration, ensuring athletes remain within safe hydration levels.
Weight Class Monitoring: Monitor athletes’ weight throughout the training period to discourage rapid weight loss just before competition.
Set Minimum Weight Limits: Establish minimum weight thresholds based on athletes’ natural body weight to prevent extreme weight cuts.
Mains PYQ:
Q An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and the nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (UPSC IAS/2014)
“Osteoporosis” is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, with over 10 million cases annually in India.
It predominantly affects ageing women due to decreased oestrogen levels post-menopause.
A recent study in Nature by researchers at the Universities of California uncovered a brain-derived hormone, CCN3, which increases bone mass in postpartum lactating mothers.
What is Oestrogen?
Oestrogen is a primary female sex hormone essential for reproductive and sexual development.
It regulates the menstrual cycle and is crucial for the development of secondary sexual characteristics like breast development.
Oestrogen also plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health.
It is produced mainly in the ovaries but also in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and fat tissue.
The hormone influences various tissues, including the brain, heart, skin, and bones.
Imbalances in oestrogen levels can lead to various health issues, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Role of Oestrogen in Bone Growth
Oestrogen is crucial for bone growth and formation, acting as a manager signalingthe bone construction crew.
During breastfeeding, oestrogen production dropsto focus on milk production, which should weaken bones.
Contrary to expectations, mothers’ bones become stronger to meet their babies’ high calcium demands.
How does the ‘Hidden’ Hormone Keep Mice Mothers’ Bones Healthy?
During breastfeeding, the body suppresses oestrogen production to focus on milk production, which should weaken bones.
Despite low oestrogen, mothers’ bones strengthen.
Researchers found that KISS1 neurons in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) release the CCN3 hormone, which helps maintain and even increase bone mineralisation.
Experimental Findings:
In experiments with genetically modified mice, those lacking the oestrogen receptor alpha still maintained healthy bones due to CCN3.
When CCN3 wasintroduced to skeletal stem cells, it significantly increased bone formation, showing its potential to strengthen bones independently of oestrogen.
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 virtual pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Evolution of Cooperatives in India, Various Schemes
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Cooperation, since its inception on 6th July 2021, has taken many initiatives to strengthen and deepen the cooperative movement at the grassroots level.
What is a Co-operative?
A cooperative is “an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned enterprise”.
Cooperatives are democratically owned by their members, with each member having one vote in electing the board of directors.
Evolution of Cooperatives in India:
Pre-Independence Era:
First Cooperative Act (1904): Enacted after the Indian Famine Commission (1901) suggested cooperative credit societies to tackle rural debt.
Cooperative Societies Act (1912): Amended the 1904 Act to include non-credit societies and support the cooperative movement.
Maclagan Committee (1915): Evaluated the cooperative movement’s economic and financial stability.
Montague-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): Made cooperation a provincial subject, boosting regional cooperative initiatives.
Post Economic Depression (1929): Various committees in regions like Madras, Bombay, Travancore, Mysore, Gwalior, and Punjab restructured cooperatives.
Gandhian Influence: Gandhi promoted cooperatives for a socialistic society and decentralization. Established the Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm as cooperative settlements in South Africa.
Post-Independence Era:
First Five-Year Plan (1951-56): Emphasized cooperatives for comprehensive community development.
Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act (2002): Regulated the formation and functioning of multi-state cooperatives.
Amendment (2022): Introduced the Co-operative Election Authority to oversee board elections in multi-state cooperatives.
97th Constitutional Amendment (2011): Made the right to form cooperatives a fundamental right under Article 19.
Added Part IX-B to the Constitution, establishing “The Co-operative Societies” (Articles 243-ZH to 243-ZT).
Empowered Parliament to legislate for multi-state cooperative societies and state legislatures for other cooperatives.
Union Ministry of Cooperation (2021): Created to oversee cooperative affairs, previously under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Initiatives Making Primary Cooperatives Economically Vibrant and Transparent
Details
Model Bye-Laws for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
Prepared and circulated to all States/UTs.
Enables PACS to undertake over 25 business activities.
Adopted by 32 States/UTs.
Establishing New Multipurpose PACS/Dairy/Fishery Cooperatives
Plan to cover all Panchayats/villages in 5 years.
6,844 new PACS, Dairy, and Fishery cooperative societies registered.
World’s Largest Decentralized Grain Storage Plan
Create warehouses and agri-infrastructure at PACS level.
Pilot project extended to 500 additional PACS.
Formation of New Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by PACS
1,100 additional FPOs to be formed by PACS.
992 FPOs formed by NCDC.
PACS Given Priority for Retail Petrol/Diesel Outlets
Included in Combined Category 2 (CC2) for allotment.
270 PACS from 25 States/UTs applied online.
PACS Eligible for LPG Distributorship
Allowed to apply for LPG distributorships.
31 PACS from four States/UTs submitted applications.
PACS as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra
Promote PACS to operate Janaushadhi Kendras.
2,594 PACS given initial approval, 674 received drug licenses.
PACS as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK)
Ensure easy accessibility of fertilizer and related services.
38,141 PACS functioning as PMKSK.
Convergence of PM-KUSUM at PACS Level
Farmers can adopt solar agricultural water pumps and install photovoltaic modules.
Micro-ATMs to Bank Mitra Cooperative Societies
Provide doorstep financial services.
2,700 micro-ATMs distributed in Gujarat.
Rupay Kisan Credit Card to Members of Milk Cooperatives
Provide credit at lower interest rates.
48,000 Rupay KCC distributed in Gujarat.
Formation of Fish Farmer Producer Organization (FFPO)
69 FFPOs registered by NCDC.
Department of Fisheries allocated work to convert 1000 fisheries cooperative societies into FFPOs.
Initiatives Strengthening Urban and Rural Cooperative Banks
Details
Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) Allowed to Open New Branches
Open up to 10% (max 5 branches) without prior RBI approval.
Doorstep Services by UCBs
Provide banking facilities at home.
Extended Time Limit for Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Targets
Timeline extended to March 31, 2026.
Nodal Officer in RBI for UCBs
Designated for regular interaction.
Increased Housing Loan Limit by RBI
Doubled for UCBs to Rs. 60 lakhs.
Increased to Rs. 75 lakhs for Rural Cooperative Banks.
Rural Cooperative Banks Lending to Real Estate/Residential Housing
Diversify business to benefit Housing cooperative societies.
Non-scheduled UCBs, StCBs, and DCCBs Notified as MLIs in CGTMSE Scheme
Risk coverage up to 85% on loans.
Doubled Monetary Ceiling for Gold Loan by RBI
Increased from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 4 lakh.
Umbrella Organization for UCBs
Approval given to NAFCUB for formation, providing IT infrastructure and operational support.
PYQ:
[2011] In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
Why in the News?
G Padmanabhan, the Chandrayaan-3 team, Annapurni Subramaniam, and 30 others have been chosen for the inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), India’s new national science awards established last year.
What is Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar?
The RVP comprises four awards:
Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement.
Vigyan Shri for scientists of all ages.
Vigyan Yuva for scientists under 45 years.
Vigyan Team for collaborative research work.
These awards were instituted last year, replacing all existing science awards, including the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.
The Vigyan Yuva now serves as a replacement for the Bhatnagar Prize, which also recognized outstanding scientists below 45 years.
Ceremony Details:
These awards shall be announced on the National Technology Day (11th May) every year.
The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards shall be held every year on the National Space Day on 23rd August.
The Hon’ble President of India / The Hon’ble Vice President of India may confer the Awards.
Notable Awardees
G Padmanabhan: At 86, G Padmanabhan, a renowned biochemist known for his work on the malaria parasite, has been named a Vigyan Ratna, recognizing his lifetime achievement in science. Padmanabhan is a towering figure in Indian science and has been honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Chandrayaan-3 Team: The team behind Chandrayaan-3, which successfully landed India’s first spacecraft on the Moon last year, has been awarded the Vigyan Team award for their collaborative research work.
Vigyan Yuva Puraskar Recipients:
Vivek Polshettiwar (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai): A chemist working on carbon capture technologies.
Urbasi Sinha (Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru): A leading expert in quantum research.
Roxy Mathew Koll (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune): A climate scientist.
Annapurni Subramaniam:
Among the 13 scientists selected for the Vigyan Shri award, Annapurni Subramaniam’s main research focuses on the formation and evolution of star clusters and galaxies.
Other Vigyan Shri Recipients:
Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar: A biologist and former director of IISER Pune.
Naba Kumar Mondal: A particle physicist from Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata.
PYQ:
[2009] For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key highlights of RCF Report
Why in the News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the “Report on Currency and Finance (RCF)” for the year 2023-24 with the theme – India’s Digital Revolution.
What is the Report on Currency and Finance (RCF)?
The RCF is an annual publication by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
It covers various aspects of the Indian economy and financial system, providing insights and analysis on current economic conditions, financial stability, and policy issues.
The theme for the 2023-24 report is “India’s Digital Revolution.”
Focus: It focuses on the transformative impact of digitalization across various sectors in India, especially in the financial sector.
Highlights: The report highlights how digital technologies are reshaping economic growth, financial inclusion, public infrastructure, and the regulatory landscape. It also addresses the opportunities and challenges associated with digitalization.
Key Highlights of the RCF:
[1] Digital Revolution
The RCF emphasizes India’s leading role in the global digital revolution.
With robust digital public infrastructure (DPI), evolving institutional frameworks, and a tech-savvy population, India has emerged as a frontrunner in this arena.
Key initiatives such as Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric-based identification system, and the UPI, a real-time, low-cost transaction platform, have revolutionized service delivery and financial inclusion.
[2] Digitalization in Finance
The above-discussed initiatives have made retail payments faster and more convenient, while the RBI’s pilot runs of the E-Rupee position India at the forefront of digital currency initiatives.
The digital lending ecosystem is also vibrant, with the Open Credit Enablement Network and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) driving growth.
[3] Remittance Inflows in India
India continues to lead as the highest remittance recipient globally, with US$ 115.3 billion in 2023, accounting for 13.5% of the world’s total remittances.
The RCF highlights that more than half of India’s inward remittances in 2021 came from the Gulf countries, with North America contributing 22%.
The remittance-to-GDP ratio for India has risen from 2.8% in 2000 to 3.2% in 2023, surpassing the gross FDI inflows to GDP ratio of 1.9% in 2023.
Looking forward, India is poised to remain a leading supplier of labor, with its working-age population expected to rise until 2048, potentially propelling remittances to around $160 billion by 2029.
[4]Smartphones Penetration
India’s mobile penetration has seen remarkable growth, with internet penetration reaching 55% in 2023 and an increase of 199 million internet users over the past three years.
The cost per gigabyte of data in India is the lowest globally, at an average of Rs. 13.32 per GB.
India has one of the highest mobile data consumption rates worldwide, with an average per-user per-month consumption of 24.1 GB in 2023.
The number of smartphone users in India was about 750 million in 2023, expected to reach 1 billion by 2026.
The RCF projects that India will become the second-largest smartphone manufacturer within the next 5 years.
PYQ:
[2017] Which of the following is the most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?
(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
(b) Digital currency will replace physical currency in about two decades.
(c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.
(d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GST on Health Insurance
Why in the News?
Insurance premiums on health and life policies have increased this year, and the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) has made insurance less affordable for many people.
Medical inflation, estimated at 14% towards the end of last year, along with increased premiums, has made buying medical insurance difficult for many.
What is the GST on Health and Life Insurance Premiums?
GST replaced all indirect taxes like service tax and cess from July 1, 2017.
Currently, GST on health and life insurance policies is fixed at 18%.
According to the formula, the Centre collects 9% GST with a matching collection by states.
Before GST, life insurance premiums were subject to 15% service taxes, including Basic Service Tax, Swachh Bharat cess, and Krishi Kalyan cess.
Rational behind the Tax
GST Council Recommendations:
GST rates and exemptions on all services, including insurance, are prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council, which includes the Union Finance Minister and ministers nominated by state governments.
Insurance is considered a service, and policyholders pay tax on their premiums, generating significant revenue for the government.
Tax Deductions:
Insurance policies allow certain deductions while computing income tax under Sections 80C and 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Customers can avail deductions on the premium, including the GST applicable.
Arguments for Withdrawing the GST on Premiums
High Premium Increases:
Significant increases in premiums on health insurance policies this year have been observed, with some public sector insurers hiking premiums by 50%.
The renewal rate of policies is declining due to frequent premium hikes and medical inflation.
Comparative GST Rates:
The Confederation of General Insurance Agents’ Associations of India points out that GST on insurance in India is the highest in the world.
The high GST rate is seen as a deterrent to insurance penetration, which conflicts with the goal of “Insurance for All by 2047”.
Recommendations for Rationalisation:
The Standing Committee on Finance recommended rationalising the GST rate on insurance products to make them more affordable.
Suggestions include reducing GST rates for health insurance, especially for senior citizens, micro-insurance policies, and term policies.
Insurance Penetration in India:
According to a Swiss Re Sigma report, insurance penetration in India’s life insurance sector reduced from 3.2% in 2021-22 to 3% in 2022-23, while the non-life insurance sector remained stagnant at 1%.
Overall insurance penetration reduced to 4% in 2022-23 from 4.2% in 2021-22.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following items:
1. Cereal grains hulled
2. Chicken eggs cooked
3. Fish processed and canned
4. Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Anti-Defection Law and its Features
Why in the News?
Numerous examples in recent time exist in the history of Parliament and State Assemblies where MPs or MLAs have defected from their party.
These activities often led to the frequent falling of governments.
What is Anti-Defection Law?
The 52nd Constitutional Amendment introduced the anti-defection law through the Tenth Schedule in 1985.
It aimed at tackling political defections destabilizing governments, especially after the 1967 general elections.
According to this Schedule, a member of the State Legislature or the House of Parliament who voluntarily resigns from their political party or abstains from voting in the House contrary to the party’s instruction may be removed from the House.
This voting instruction is issued by the party whip, a member of the parliamentary party nominated by the political party in the House.
Process of Disqualification under Anti-Defection Law
Petition:
Any member of the House can initiate the process by filing a petition/complaint with the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) alleging defection by another member.
The Presiding Officer CANNOT initiate disqualification proceedings suo moto and can only act upon a formal complaint.
Deciding Authority:
The Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, or the State Legislative Assembly decides disqualification petitions under the anti-defection law.
Timeframe:
The law does not specify a strict timeline for the decision, which has led to criticism due to potential delays.
Judicial Review:
The decision can be challenged in courts, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
The landmark judgment in Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu and Others (1992) upheld the constitutionality of the anti-defection law and affirmed that decisions regarding disqualification are subject to judicial review.
Exceptions:
No disqualification if 1/3rd members of the legislature party split to form a separate group (provision DELETED by the 91st Amendment in 2003).
Mergers of political parties are allowed when 2/3rd of the members of a legislative party agree to merge with another party.
Three-Test Formula of the Supreme Court:
The Supreme Court in Sadiq Ali versus Election Commission of India (1971) laid down the three-test formula for recognizing the original political party:
Test of Aims and Objectives of the party.
Test of Party Constitution, which reflects inner-party democracy.
Test of Majority in the legislative and organizational wings.
Limitations of the Anti-Defection Law
Dictatorship of Party: The law has been criticized for undermining democratic principles by restricting legislators’ freedom of speech and making them more accountable to party leaders than their constituents.
Limited Political Choice: The law discriminates against independent members, disqualifying them immediately if they join a political party, while nominated members have a six-month grace period.
Partial Law: The law needs a more precise timeline for resolving defection cases. It allows large-group defections, fostering opportunistic mergers and “horse-trading”, destabilizing the political system.
Promotes Defection: It fails to address root causes like intra-party democracy, corruption, and electoral malpractices.
Recommendations on Reforming the Law
Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990):
Disqualification should be limited to cases of voluntarily giving up membership or voting/abstention contrary to the party direction only in specific motions.
Decision on disqualification should be made by the President or Governor based on the advice of the Election Commission.
Law Commission of India (2015):
Proposed shifting the power to decide disqualification petitions from the Presiding Officer to the President or Governor based on the advice of the Election Commission.
Supreme Court in K. M. Singh v. Speaker of Manipur (2020):
Recommended transferring the Speaker’s decision-making authority over disqualification petitions to an independent tribunal presided over by judges.
Committee Led by Rahul Narwekar:
Announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to review the nation’s anti-defection law.
PYQ:
[2022] With reference to anti-defection law in India, consider the following statements:
The law specifies that a nominated legislator cannot join any political party within six months of being appointed to the House.
The law does not provide any time-frame within which the presiding officer has to decide a defection case.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2013] The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Articles 370 and 35(A)
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister recalled the Parliament’s 5-year-old decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35(A), calling it a watershed moment.
About Articles 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution
[1] Article 370:
Description
Provision
Grants special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Nature
Initially intended as a temporary provision, subject to eventual change or abrogation.
Powers of State
Allowed J&K to have its own Constitution and autonomyover internal matters except defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications.
Presidential Order
President of India could extend or modify the application of Indian laws to J&K with the concurrence of the state government.
Autonomy Details
Provides a degree of autonomy to the state and permits the state to give some special privileges to its “permanent residents”.
Emergency Provisions
Emergency provisions are not applicable to the state on the grounds of “internal disturbance” without the concurrence of the State.
State Boundaries
Name and boundaries of the State cannot be alteredwithout the consent of its legislature.
Separate Institutions
State has its own constitution, a separate flag, and a separate penal code (Ranbir Penal Code).
Assembly Duration
Duration of the state’s Assembly is 6 years, unlike five in the rest of India.
Parliamentary Jurisdiction
Indian Parliament can pass laws regarding J&K in the matters of defense, external affairs, and communication only.
Any other law formed by Union will only be applicable in J&K by presidential order if it concurs with the state assembly.
Abolishment Condition
President may, by public notification, declare that this Article shall cease to be operative but only on the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State.
Abolishment
In August 5, 2019, through a Presidential Order and a resolution passed by the Indian Parliament.
Impact of Abrogation
J&K’s special status was revoked.
It was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
[2] Article 35A:
Description
Provision
Empowers the J&K legislature to define permanent residents of the state and provide them with special rights and privileges.
Insertion
Added to the Constitution through a Presidential Order in 1954.
Permanent Residents
Defined by the state as those who were state subjects on May 14, 1954, or have been residents for 10 years, and lawfully acquired immovable property.
Special Rights
Permanent residents were given exclusive rights to employment under the state government, acquisition of immovable property in the state, and scholarships.
Constitutionality Debate
Debated on the grounds that it was not added via an amendment procedure.
Criticism
Criticized for being discriminatory and creating a sense of separation from the rest of India.
Revocation
Along with Article 370, Article 35A was effectively nullified on August 5, 2019.
PYQ:
[2016] To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss The future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has expanded the National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM) to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels.
About National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)
The NCM was launched in July 2014.
It aims to address the climate change impact on coastal areas and ensure sustainable development of coastal regions.
It is part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on sustainable development and climate resilience in coastal areas.
Key Areas:
Coastal protection
Conservation of coastal ecosystems
Development of sustainable livelihoods
Enhancing climate resilience
The MoEFCC, Government of India, is responsible for implementing the scheme.
Key Strategies
Coastal Protection: Construction and maintenance of coastal protection infrastructure to prevent erosion and manage coastal disasters.
Ecosystem Conservation: Conservation and restoration of mangroves, coral reefs, and other critical coastal ecosystems.
Sustainable Livelihoods: Promotion of sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities through skill development and capacity building.
Climate Resilience: Improving the resilience of coastal communities and infrastructure to climate change impacts.
Major Initiatives:
Management Action Plan on Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs
Research & Development in Marine and Coastal ecosystem
Sustainable Development of Beaches under Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service
Capacity Building / Outreach Programme of Coastal States/UTs on conservation of marine and coastal ecosystem including beach cleaning drive.
PYQ:
[2022] Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?
[2011] The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?
(a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out.
(b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster.
(c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami.
(d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhoj Wetland
Why in the News?
The Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority has reported that Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal is not at risk of being removed from the Ramsar Convention List of important international wetlands.
About Bhoj Wetland
Bhoj Wetland is located in the center of Bhopal district in Madhya Pradesh.
The wetland includes two man-made lakes: the upper lake and the lower lake.
Since August 2002, they have been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The upper lake, created by King Bhoj in the 11th century, is one of the oldest large man-made lakes in central India.
It was formed by building an earthen dam across the Kolans River, which used to be a tributary of the HalaliRiver.
Now, the upper part of the Kolans River and the Bhojtal drain into the Kaliasot River through a diversion channel.
Bhadbhada Dam, built in 1965, controls the outflow to the Kaliasot River.
The lower lake was created in 1794 by Nawab ChhoteKhan to beautify the city.
It also has an earthen dam and drains into the Halali River through the lower part of the Kolans River, now called the Patra Drain.
Both the Kaliasot and Halali Rivers flow into the Betwa River.
Significance of Bhoj Wetland
The upper lake provides 40% of Bhopal’s drinking water, while the lower lake supplies raw water and enhances the city’s beauty.
It supports over 700 species of plants and animals, including zooplankton and phytoplankton.
Both lakes are rich in biodiversity, supporting various fish species, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
