Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TCAS-Kavach ATP System, RFID
Mains level: NA
The Supreme Court has acknowledged and appreciated the implementation of the indigenous anti-collision system KAVACH.
What is KAVACH?
- Kavach, an automatic train protection (ATP) system, was initially named Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
-
- Development commenced in 2011 as Indian Railways and Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) sought a domestically developed ATP system.
- B. Rajaram, credited with developing the Skybus Metro system, played a key role in Kavach’s development.
- Field trials began in 2014, refining the system’s specification.
- Final approval was granted in 2019, certifying Kavach for compliance with Safety Integrity level 4 (SIL-4) operations.
Working Mechanism:
- Kavach comprises trackside Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, onboard locomotive equipment, and radio infrastructure.
- It communicates via radio, enabling real-time train monitoring.
- Drivers receive alerts, and automatic braking is triggered to prevent collisions.
- Kavach uses various data inputs like location, direction, and time to ensure safety.
- Event recorders retain records of interactions and incidents for analysis.
- Alerts and automatic braking ensure an immediate response to hazardous situations.
How does it help prevent collision?
- Kavach is designed to alert the locomotive pilot if they fail to notice a ‘red signal’ and continue at a speed that would surpass the signal.
- If the pilot does not slow down below 15 kmph, Kavach automatically applies the brakes, bringing the train to a halt.
Issues with KAVACH
- High Deployment Cost: Implementing Kavach costs ₹50 lakh per kilometer for the Indian Railways.
- Low Coverage: Currently, Kavach covers only 1,500 kilometers of rail routes, a small fraction of the total 68,000-kilometer network (as of November 2023).
- Expanding its coverage, particularly on high-density routes, remains a formidable challenge.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
- The decomposition of human waste in the biotoilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
- Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
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 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nostro, Vostro and Loro Accounts,SRVA
Mains level: Trade Settlement Mechanisms in Rupee
Why in the news?
India has simplified the payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar, requiring them to use the Rupee/Kyat direct payment system through the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) through the Punjab National Bank.
International Transactions Settlement Mechanism:
[1] Vostro Accounts:
- Named from the Latin word “vostro,” meaning “yours.”
- Represents a domestic bank’s account held by a foreign bank in the local currency (e.g., INR in India).
- Allows foreign banks to manage local currency transactions on behalf of their clients.
- For example, a foreign bank holding an account in an Indian bank in Indian Rupees (INR) for facilitating transactions within India.
[2] Nostro Accounts:
- Derived from the Latin word “nostro,” meaning “ours.”
- Refers to a foreign bank’s account held by a domestic bank in the foreign currency (e.g., USD in the United States).
- Enables domestic banks to handle foreign currency transactions for their clients.
- For instance, an Indian bank holding an account in a U.S. bank in U.S. Dollars (USD) to facilitate international transactions in the U.S. currency.
[3] Loro Accounts:
- From the Italian word “loro,” meaning “their.”
- Represents an account held by one foreign bank in another foreign bank’s currency.
- Facilitates interbank transactions between two foreign banks without converting currencies into a domestic currency.
- For example, if a bank in India holds an account in a bank in the United States in USD (U.S. Dollars) to facilitate transactions between those two banks.
|
What is Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA)?
|
Information |
| Definition |
Domestic banks hold INR accounts for foreign banks, promoting direct trade in rupees. |
| Purpose |
- Complements existing currency systems, allowing INR-based settlements.
- Reduces reliance on foreign currencies, mitigating economic shocks.
- Aims to elevate INR’s global status and facilitates trade with sanctioned countries.
|
| Framework Components |
- All exports and imports invoiced in INR.
- Exchange Rate is Market-determined.
- Final trade settlements takes place in INR.
|
| Functioning |
- Indian banks open SRVA accounts for foreign banks.
- INR used for import payments and export receipts.
|
| Compliance |
- Enables advance payments for Indian exporters, complying with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
- Correspondent bank should not from a country mentioned in the updated Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Public Statement on High Risk & Non-Co-operative jurisdictions
|
| Purpose of the Arrangement |
- Reduces demand for foreign currencies, increasing INR use in trade.
- Mitigates economic shocks by minimizing reliance on foreign exchange.
- Aims to boost INR’s global acceptance and facilitates trade with sanctioned nations.
|
How are the SRVA different from the already existing Rupee Vostro Account?
- The settlement of International trade through Indian Rupees (INR) is an additional arrangement to the existing system of settlement.
- SRVA requires prior approval (of RBI) before opening unlike Rupee Vostro account.
PYQ:
[2015] Convertibility of rupee implies:
(a) being able to convert rupee notes into gold
(b) allowing the value of rupee to be fixed by market forces
(c) freely permitting the conversion of rupee to other currencies and vice versa
(d) developing an international market for currencies in India |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Dhole, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- A pack of wild dogs, or Dholes, in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) have suffered severe exfoliating skin infection which is an alarming fungal and bacterial infection.
About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris District, at the intersection of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve, alongside Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Bandipur National Park (Karnataka), Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley.
- The name “Mudumalai” signifies “the ancient hill range,” dating back 65 million years to the formation of the Western Ghats.
- Flora: The reserve boasts tall grasses, including Elephant Grass, and diverse flora such as giant bamboo, Teak, and Rosewood.
- Fauna: It is home to flagship species like the Tiger and Asian Elephant, as well as the Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Jungle Cat, among others.
- With over 260 bird species, Mudumalai hosts 8% of India’s avian species, including rare birds like the Malabar grey hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill.
Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)
|
Details |
| Name |
Dhole (Cuon alpinus) |
| Native Range |
Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia |
| Distribution in India |
Most of India south of the Ganges, Central Indian Highlands, Western and Eastern Ghats, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Terai region of Indo-Gangetic Plain |
| Other Names |
Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, mountain wolf |
| Conservation Status |
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
|
| Social Structure |
Lives in big, loosely organized groups with several breeding females |
| Factors Contributing to Decline |
Habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution due to livestock predation, disease transfer from domestic dogs |
| Significance |
Besides the tiger, it is the only large carnivore in India that is under IUCN’s ‘endangered’ category. |
|
PYQ:
[2019] Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ashwagandha and its medicinal uses
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Ashwagandha exports have surged by 8 times in the past six years, penetrating markets like the United States, Czech Republic, and Canada.
- The Ayurvedic industry in India has been growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17%, with the industry size increasing from $3 billion in 2014 to $24 billion today.
- Gujarat, with about 850 Ayurvedic manufacturing units, ranks fourth in the country after Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
- India leads in Ashwagandha production and export, with states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh emerging as key producers.
- The herb is exported primarily as extracts and has gained significant traction in the United States, where it competes with Chinese Ginseng.
|
What is Ashwagandha?
- Also known as Indian Ginseng or Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha belongs to a group of herbs known as ‘adaptogens’( best rejuvenating agent).
- It is available in various forms such as extracts, powder, and raw herbs, catering to domestic and international markets.
Medicinal Properties and Usage:
- In treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and epilepsy.
- Used as a tonic for hiccup, cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile debility, ulcers, etc.
- Leaves are applied for carbuncles, inflammation and swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis.
- Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied locally to bed sores.
- Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in the preparation of herbal tea, powders, tablets, and syrups.
Cultivation of Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha-growing states: Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
- Being a hardy and drought-tolerant crop, Ashwagandha requires a relatively dry season throughout its growing period.
- It is grown as late rainy season (kharif) crop between 600-1200 m altitudes.
- It grows well in sandy loam or light red soil having pH 7.5 to 8.0 (alkaloid) with good drainage.
- Black soil or such heavy soil is suitable for cultivation.
With inputs from: https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/farm_enterprises/Farm%20enterprises_%20Ashwagantha.html
PYQ:
[2010] Consider the following statements:
- The Taxus tree is naturally found in the Himalayas
- The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
- A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Banking Institutions; Types of Inflation;
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
The Asian Development Bank recently issued a cautionary note for India’s susceptibility to imported inflation due to potential rupee depreciation amidst escalating interest rates in the West.
What is Imported Inflation?
- Imported inflation refers to the increase in the prices of goods and services within a country caused by a rise in the cost or price of imports.
- This phenomenon occurs when factors such as a depreciating currency, higher import costs, or increased international prices lead to elevated expenses for imported goods and services.
- Consequently, producers may adjust their prices upward to offset these higher costs, resulting in inflationary pressures within the domestic economy.
- This idea connects with the theory of cost-push inflation, which means that when input costs go up, it can cause prices for final products to go up too.
Reason behind the imported inflation:
- Capital Flows: Increased interest rates in Western economies attract foreign investors seeking higher returns, leading to capital outflows from countries like India and potentially depreciating the Indian rupee.
- When a currency depreciates, local consumers require more of their domestic currency to procure foreign goods, consequently elevating import prices.
- Borrowing Costs: Indian businesses and the government may face higher borrowing costs for infrastructure projects and investments if they raise funds in foreign currency-denominated international markets.
- Inflationary Pressures: Capital outflows can pressure the Indian rupee, causing imported inflation as the cost of imported goods rises due to currency depreciation.
- Trade Competitiveness: Exchange rate fluctuations from Western interest rate changes affect India’s trade competitiveness, impacting exports, imports, and domestic consumption.
Back2Basics: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
|
Information |
| Establishment |
Established in 1966 as a result of the Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation held by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East. |
| Headquarters |
Manila, Philippines |
| Official Status |
Official United Nations Observer |
| Objectives |
- Reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.
- Providing Loans, technical assistance, and Grants.
- Offering “hard” loans on commercial terms primarily to middle income countries and “soft” loans with lower interest rates to poorer countries.
- Providing direct financial assistance to private sector companies for projects with clear social benefits.
- Maximizing development impact through policy dialogues, advisory services, and co-financing operations.
|
| Membership |
- 67 members, with 48 from the Asia and Pacific region.
- Admits members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and non-regional developed countries.
|
| Funding |
- Japan and United States hold the largest proportion of shares at 15.607%.
- China holds 6.444%, India holds 6.331%, and Australia holds 5.786%.
|
| Sources |
- Bond issues on the world’s capital markets.
- Members’ contributions and retained earnings from lending operations.
- Repayment of loans.
|
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused/increased by which of the following?
- Expansionary policies
- Fiscal stimulus
- Inflation-indexing wages
- Higher purchasing power
- Rising interest rates
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exoatmospheric Interception, Iron Dome, Sling of David, Arrow
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Israel successfully intercepted an Iranian missile outside Earth’s atmosphere using an Exoatmospheric kill vehicle.
Israeli Air-Defence Systems
Israel’s multi-layered air defence system, including Iron Dome, The Arrow, and David’s Sling, was activated in anticipation of the attack.
- IRON DOME: The short-range Iron Dome air defence system was built to intercept the kind of rockets fired by the Hamas in Gaza. Developed by state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with US backing, it became operational in 2011. Each truck-towed unit fires radar-guided missiles to blow up short-range threats like rockets, mortars and drones in mid-air.
- ARROW: The long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 system, developed by Israel with an Iranian missile threat in mind, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the earth’s atmosphere, using a detachable warhead that collides with the target. It operates at an altitude that allows for the safe dispersal of any non-conventional warheads.
- DAVID’S SLING: This mid-range system is designed to shoot down ballistic missiles fired from 100 km to 200 km away. Developed and manufactured jointly by Israel’s state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the U.S. Raytheon Co, David’s Sling is also designed to intercept aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.
|
What are Exoatmospheric Missiles?
- Exoatmospheric missiles, or anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs), operate beyond Earth’s atmosphere to intercept incoming ballistic missiles.
- They employ advanced sensors and guidance systems to detect, track, and destroy targets in space.
- Kinetic kill vehicles, like the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), rely on high-speed collisions to neutralize threats.
- It travels at hypersonic speed.
Working Mechanism of Exoatmospheric Missiles:
- The EKV uses a solid rocket booster to propel itself into space.
- Advanced sensors and onboard computers identify and track incoming threats.
- Precise maneuvering allows the missile to navigate towards the target.
- Impact from a high-speed collision eliminates the threat without traditional warheads, enhancing speed and accuracy.
PYQ:
[2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Shrinkflation
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- As input prices turn inflationary, the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) segment faces the spectre of shrinking packs, impacting consumer choices and industry dynamics.
What are FMCGs?
- Fast-moving consumer goods, also known as consumer packaged goods, are products that are sold quickly and at a relatively low cost.
- Examples include non-durable household goods such as packaged foods, beverages, toiletries, candies, cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, dry goods, and other consumables.
|
What is Shrinkflation?
- Shrinkflation is a business practice where companies reduce the size or quantity of a product while keeping its price the same.
Causes for Shrinkflation:
- Cost Management: It helps companies manage rising production costs, such as raw materials or labor, without sacrificing profitability.
- Market Competition: In competitive markets, companies may use shrinkflation to maintain their market share by keeping their prices competitive.
Effects of Shrinkflation:
- Consumer Perception: If consumers notice the change, it can lead to negative perceptions of the brand, loss of trust, and reduced customer loyalty.
- Accuracy of Inflation Measurement: Shrinkflation complicates accurate measures of inflation since the price remains constant while the quantity decreases.
- Limitations: Companies can only implement shrinkflation discreetly and for a limited number of times before consumers become aware and react negatively. Overuse can damage brand reputation.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only
(b) The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation
(c) Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation
(d) Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jiadhal River, Brahmaputra and its tributaries
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Climate Change is disrupting Jiadhal River’s (Dhemaji district, Assam) tranquil flow, leading to unprecedented shifts in its course and causing upheaval for residents.
About Jiadhal River:
- It flows through the districts of Darrang, Udalguri, and Baksa in the northeastern state of Assam.
- It is also known Kumotiya River after flowing from Gogamukh.
- Origin: From the Hills of Bhutan, flows through the Assam Himalayas before meandering through the plains of Assam. It is formed by the confluence of several smaller streams.
- Major tributaries: Kolong River and the Daokao River.
- It eventually joins the Brahmaputra River near the town of Nalbari.
- It is known as the ‘Sorrow of Dhemaji’ for the heavy damage caused by annual floods and erosion.
Factors leading to changes in the Jiadhal River’s Course
- Erosion: Flowing water gradually wears away the riverbanks and bed, causing the river to meander and change course.
- Sediment deposition: Accumulation of sediment can create new channels or alter the flow pattern of the river.
- Human activities: Dams, channelization, urbanization, deforestation, and mining can disrupt natural river processes, leading to changes in flow and morphology.
- Climate change: Changes in precipitation, temperature, and glacier melt affect river flow patterns and behavior.
- Tectonic activity: Uplift, subsidence, and faulting influence river topography and drainage patterns, leading to adjustments in course and behavior.
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: Exercise DUSTLIK
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Indian Army contingent departed for the 5th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK in Uzbekistan.
Exercise DUSTLIK
- Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual event alternating between India and Uzbekistan.
- It is named after Dustlik, a town in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan.
- The first edition of the exercise was held in 2019 near Tashkent.
- Previous edition held in Pithoragarh, India, in February 2023.
Objectives and Focus Areas:
- Focus on physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical drills.
- Emphasis on special arms skills and multi-domain operations.
- Tactical drills include establishing command posts, intelligence centers, heliborne operations, and room intervention.
- Incorporation of combat support arms and services besides Infantry.
- Opportunity to share Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) of joint operations.
- Strengthening interoperability and camaraderie between soldiers of both nations.
India’s bilateral exercises with Central Asian Countries
| Country |
Exercise |
| Kazakhstan |
Ex PRABAL DOSTYK, Ex KAZIND |
| Kyrgyzstan |
Ex KHANJAR |
| Mongolia |
Ex NOMADIC ELEPHANT |
| Tajikistan |
Ex Farkhor |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Easement Rights, Indian Easements Act, 1882
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Supreme Court observed that a claimant of an Easementary Right cannot claim an Easement by necessity if there exists an alternative way to access the property owned by the claimant, known as the ‘Dominant Heritage‘.
- The court referred to Section 13 of the Indian Easements Act, of 1882, which deals with easementary rights by necessity.
What is Easement Right?
- An Easement is a legal right to use someone else’s property for a specific purpose without possessing it.
- Essentially, it’s a permission or privilege granted by the owner of one property (the servient land) to someone else (the dominant land) to use the servient land in a particular way.
Legal backing for Easement Rights
- Section 13 of the Indian Easements Act, 1882, serves as the cornerstone in adjudicating easementary rights disputes.
- It mandates that such rights can only be claimed if no alternative access to the Dominant Heritage exists, providing clarity in legal proceedings.
- Understanding terms like ‘Dominant Heritage’ (represents the property for enjoyment) and ‘Servient Heritage‘ (property over which rights are sought) is crucial in comprehending easementary rights disputes.
Features of the Indian Easements Act, 1882:
- Definition of Easements: The law defines what an easement is and the different types, like rights of way (to pass through someone’s land), rights to light and air, and rights to use water.
- Acquisition of Easements: It explains how easements can be created. For example, by agreement between the parties or through long-time use.
- Rights and Liabilities: It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the person who has the easement (the beneficiary) and the person who owns the land over which the easement exists (the servient owner). For instance, the beneficiary must not do anything to increase the burden of the easement, and the servient owner must not obstruct the use of the easement.
- Termination of Easements: It describes the circumstances under which an easement can come to an end. For example, if the purpose for which the easement was created ceases to exist, or if the beneficiary expressly gives up their right.
- Customary Easements: It recognizes certain easements that arise due to local customs or traditions.
|
Back2Basics: Fundamental Rights vs. Legal Rights
|
Fundamental Rights |
Legal Rights |
| Source |
Enshrined in the Indian Constitution, specifically Part III |
Derived from various sources such as Legislation, contracts, Judicial decisions, etc. |
| Enforcement |
Directly enforceable against the state through constitutional remedies like writ petitions under Article 32 |
Enforceable through the legal system, but may vary in enforceability depending on the nature of the right and available legal mechanisms |
| Scope |
Typically includes rights essential for the Protection of Individual Liberty, Equality, and dignity, such as the Right to Equality, Freedom of Speech, Right to Life and Personal Liberty, etc. |
Encompasses a wide range of rights recognized by law, including Property Rights, Contractual Rights, Tort Rights, Family Law Rights, Labor Rights, Consumer Rights, etc. |
| Nature |
Paramount and inviolable, subject to limited exceptions as prescribed by the Constitution |
Subject to limitations or restrictions imposed by law, and may be subject to changes or modifications through Legislative action or Judicial Interpretation |
| Examples |
Right to Equality, Right to Freedom of Speech, Right to Life and Personal Liberty, etc. |
Right to Property, Right to Contract, Right to sue for damages, Right to Vote, etc. |
PYQ:
[2018] What is the position of Right to Property in India?
(a) Legal right available to citizens only.
(b) Legal right available to Persons only.
(c) Fundamental Right available to citizens only
(d) Neither Fundamental Right nor Legal Right |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Geroscience, DNA Methylation
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Dr. Daniel Belsky from Columbia University introduced the concept of “Geroscience” and develops a blood test, termed “gerozyme,” to measure aging pace by studying DNA methylation.
- Various research groups explore drugs like Metformin and Rapamycin to target aging and enhance immunity in the elderly.
What is Geroscience?
- Geroscience refers to the interdisciplinary field focused on understanding the biological mechanisms of ageing and age-related diseases.
- It involves studying various factors, including DNA methylation, enzyme activity (such as the gerozyme), socio-economic influences, and lifestyle interventions like nutrition, exercise, and music therapy.
- It aims to develop strategies, such as drug interventions targeting specific ageing-related processes, to promote healthy ageing and combat age-related conditions like dementia.
What is DNA Methylation?
- DNA Methylation is a process in which methyl groups (CH3) are added to the DNA molecule.
- This modification typically occurs at cytosine bases within the DNA sequence, often in the context of CpG dinucleotides (where cytosine is followed by guanine).
- DNA methylation plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and maintaining genome stability.
- It can affect various cellular processes, including embryonic development, X-chromosome inactivation, genomic imprinting, and silencing of repetitive DNA elements.
- Aberrant DNA methylation patterns have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.
|
Drug Interventions in Geroscience
- Metformin and TORC1 inhibitors show promise in targeting aging and improving immune response in seniors.
- Research proposes rapamycin’s potential in extending longevity and combating age-related diseases.
Impact of Socio-Economic Factors in Ageing
- Dr. Belsky’s research reveals the influence of socioeconomic status on DNA methylation levels, highlighting the role of disadvantage in ageing.
- Columbia Aging Centre emphasizes the role of a balanced diet in supporting brain health and reducing inflammation.
- Healthline.com advocates for proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich foods to promote healthy ageing, crucial for India’s ageing population.
PYQ:
[2011] At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us?
- It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock.
- It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases.
- It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lachit Borphukan, Ahom Kingdom, Treaty of Yandaboo
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Statue of Valour, depicting Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, has become a significant landmark in Meleng-Hollongapar, Jorhat in Assam.
- The 125-foot statue commemorates Lachit Borphukan’s leadership in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.
Ahom Kingdom (1228–1826)
- Establishment: Founded in 1228 in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam by Chaolung Sukapha.
- Duration: Retained sovereignty for 600 years until annexed by British India in 1826 (Treaty of Yandaboo).
- Resistance: Despite facing the Mughal Empire’s power, the Ahom Kingdom remained unconquered.
- Political Structure: Established a new state by supressing the older system of bhuiyans (landlords).
- Labor System: Relied on forced labor known as paiks for state functions.
- Social Organization: Society divided into clans or khels, embracing Hinduism and Assamese language alongside tribal beliefs.
- Cultural Patronage: Supported poets, scholars, and theater; translated Sanskrit texts into local language; composed historical chronicles called buranjis.
- Military Strategy: King served as supreme commander; core army comprised of paiks; mastered guerrilla warfare and surprise attacks.
- Key Forts: Included Chamdhara, Saraighat, and Simlagarh, strategically crucial for defense.
- River Expertise: Mastered construction of boat bridges on the Brahmaputra River.
- Legacy: Ahom Kingdom’s military prowess, cultural patronage, and political organization left a lasting impact on Assam’s history.
|
Who was Lachit Borphukan?
- Lachit Borphukan was a legendary military commander from the northeastern region of India, specifically from the state of Assam. Here are some facts related to him:
|
Description |
| Timeline |
1622-1672 |
| Dynasty |
Ahom Dynasty |
| Mughal Threat |
Faced the Mughal Empire’s expansion into Assam |
| Battle of Saraighat |
- Led Ahom forces to victory against the Mughals in 1671;
- Defended Assam against the Aurangzeb’s forces led by Ram Singh.
|
| Leadership |
Known for strategic brilliance and guerrilla tactics |
| Legacy |
Revered as a symbol of Assamese pride and resistance |
| Recognition |
- INS Lachit: Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer named in honor;
- Lachit Divas: Celebrated annually on November 24th in Assam;
- Lachit Borphukan Medal: Awarded to the best cadet from the National Defence. Academy (NDA, Pune).
|
PYQ:
[2015] Who among the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?
(a) Amoghavarsha I
(b) Ballala II
(c) Harihara I
(d) Prataparudra II |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mahad (Chavdar Lake) Satyagraha, Annihilation of Caste etc.
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Mahad Satyagraha is hailed as the foundational event of the Dalit movement, marking the community’s collective rejection of the caste system and assertion of human rights.
About Mahad Satyagraha
- The Mahad Satyagraha, also known as Chavdar Tale (Lake) Satyagraha, was led by B. R. Ambedkar on 20 March 1927 in Mahad, Raigad District of Maharashtra.
- Its aim was to assert the right of untouchables to use water from a public tank.
- Background:
- Untouchables (Dalits) were segregated in Indian society and banned from using public water bodies and roads used by other Hindu castes.
- In August 1923, the Bombay Legislative Council passed a resolution allowing depressed classes to use government-maintained places, but it faced opposition from savarna Hindus.
- In January 1924, Mahad passed a resolution in its municipal council to enforce the act but failed to implement it due to protests.
- Satyagraha:
- In 1927, Ambedkar launched a satyagraha to assert untouchables’ rights to use water in public places.
- Mahad was chosen for the event due to its support from ‘caste Hindus’.
- Surendranath Tipnis, president of the Mahad municipality, invited Ambedkar to hold a meeting there.
- Ambedkar drank water from the tank, followed by thousands of untouchables.
- He encouraged Dalit women to abandon customs of untouchability and wear saris like high-caste women, which they embraced.
- A riot erupted over rumors of Ambedkar planning to enter a Hindu temple, and the tank was purified with cow-urine and cow-dung.
- Ambedkar planned a second conference in Mahad in December 1927 but faced legal obstacles due to a case filed by caste Hindus.
- On 25 December 1937, the Bombay High Court ruled that untouchables have the right to use water from the tank.
- Legacy:
- On 19 March 1940, Ambedkar arranged a rally in Mahad to commemorate the Satyagraha as “Empowerment Day.”
Back2Basics: Key Initiatives and Movements Led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
| Initiative |
Location |
Objective |
| Temple Entry Movement (1920s-1930s) |
Various Locations |
Advocating for the right of Dalits to enter Hindu temples. |
| Mahad Satyagraha (Chavdar Tale Satyagraha) |
Mahad, Maharashtra |
Asserting the rights of untouchables to use water from a public tank. |
| Kalaram Mandir Movement (1930) |
Nashik, Maharashtra |
Demanding temple entry rights for Dalits at the Kalaram Mandir. |
| Annihilation of Caste (1936) |
– |
Publication of “Annihilation of Caste,” advocating for the abolition of the caste system. |
| Formation of Independent Dalit Political Party (Independent Labour Party) (1936) |
– |
Addressing the political concerns and aspirations of Dalits. |
| Push for Separate Electorate by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1932) |
India |
Advocating for separate electorates for Dalits to ensure their political representation and empowerment. |
| Legal Advocacy (1940s-1950s) |
– |
Drafting of the Hindu Code Bills, contribution to the framing of the Indian Constitution. |
| Conversion to Buddhism (1956) |
Nagpur, Maharashtra |
Symbolizing a rejection of the caste system through mass conversion ceremony to Buddhism. |
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha?
(a) Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement
(b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement
(c) Joining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement
(d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The recent gathering of major funders and promoters of the carbon offsets market in London raised concerns about the role of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in limiting the market’s growth.
- SBTi’s stringent criteria for net-zero plans have made it a gold standard in emissions accountability, but some argue it hinders the potential of carbon offsets in combating climate change.
What is Carbon Offset?
- A carbon offset broadly refers to a reduction in GHG emissions – or an increase in carbon storage (e.g., through land restoration or the planting of trees) – that is used to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.
- A carbon offset credit is a transferrable instrument certified by governments or independent certification bodies to represent an emission reduction of one metric tonne of CO2, or an equivalent amount of other GHGs.
|
What is Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)?
- The SBTi is a collaborative effort spearheaded by four international organizations:
- Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP),
- United Nations Global Compact (UNGC),
- World Resources Institute (WRI), and
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
- The SBTi focuses on assisting companies in setting ambitious and scientifically sound greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets.
|
Details |
| Purpose |
To drive ambitious corporate action on climate change by providing a framework for setting science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement goals. |
| Launch Year |
2015 |
| Founding Organizations |
- Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP),
- United Nations Global Compact (UNGC),
- World Resources Institute (WRI), and
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
|
| Methodologies |
SBTi offers guidelines and methodologies for companies to set targets that are consistent with the latest climate science and contribute to limiting global warming. |
| Global Reach |
Engages with companies worldwide, collaborating with partners across sectors, regions, and industries to promote adoption of science-based targets. |
| Recognition |
- Recognized as a leading platform for corporate climate action;
- Companies comply to set science-based targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
- Updates and refines its methodologies and verification processes to reflect advances in climate science and best practices in emissions reduction.
|
PYQ:
[2021] The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, Supported by UNEP, had been developed for:
(a) Assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world.
(b) Enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading.
(c) Enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries.
(d) Assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Core Industries etc.
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) increased by 5.7% in February, up from 3.8% in January, according to data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
What is Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?
- IIP as it is commonly called is an index that tracks overall manufacturing activity in different sectors of an economy.
- It is currently calculated using 2011-2012 as the base year.
- It is compiled and published by Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) every month.
- CSO operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Components of IIP:
- Three broad sectors in IIP:
- Manufacturing (77.6%),
- Mining (14.4%)
- Electricity (8%).
- Electricity, crude oil, coal, cement, steel, refinery products, natural gas, and fertilizers are the eight core industries that comprise about 40 per cent of the weight of items included in the IIP.
Basket of products:
There are 6 sub-categories:
- Primary Goods (consisting of mining, electricity, fuels and fertilisers)
- Capital Goods (e.g. machinery items)
- Intermediate Goods (e.g. yarns, chemicals, semi-finished steel items, etc)
- Infrastructure Goods (e.g. paints, cement, cables, bricks and tiles, rail materials, etc)
- Consumer Durables (e.g. garments, telephones, passenger vehicles, etc)
- Consumer Non-durables (e.g. food items, medicines, toiletries, etc)
Who uses IIP data?
- The factory production data (IIP) is used by various government agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), private firms and analysts, among others for analytical purposes.
- The data is also used to compile the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the manufacturing sector in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on a quarterly basis.
IIP base year change:
- The base year was changed to 2011-12 from 2004-05 in the year 2017.
- The earlier base years were 1937, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1960, 1970, 1980-81, 1993-94 and 2004-05.
What are the Core Industries in India?
- The main or the key industries constitute the core sectors of an economy.
- In India, there are eight sectors that are considered the core sectors.
- They are electricity, steel, refinery products, crude oil, coal, cement, natural gas and fertilizers.
About Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)
- The monthly Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is a production volume index.
- ICI measures collective and individual performance of production in selected eight core industries: Coal (10%), Crude Oil (8.98%), Natural Gas (6.88%), Refinery Products (28.04%), Fertilizers (2.63%), Steel (17.92%), Cement (5.37%), and Electricity (20.18%).
- Prior to the 2004-05 series six core industries namely Coal, Cement, Finished Steel, Electricity, Crude petroleum and Refinery products constituted the index basket.
- Two more industries i.e. Fertilizer and Natural Gas were added to the index basket in 2004-05 series. The ICI series with base 2011-12 will continue to have eight core industries.
Components covered in these eight industries for compilation of index are as follows:
- Coal – Coal Production excluding Coking coal.
- Crude Oil – Total Crude Oil Production.
- Natural Gas – Total Natural Gas Production.
- Refinery Products – Total Refinery Production (in terms of Crude Throughput).
- Fertilizer – Urea, Ammonium Sulphate (A/S), Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN), Ammonium chloride (A/C), Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), Complex Grade Fertilizer and Single superphosphate (SSP).
- Steel – Production of Alloy and Non-Alloy Steel only.
- Cement – Production of Large Plants and Mini Plants.
- Electricity – Actual Electricity Generation of Thermal, Nuclear, Hydro, imports from Bhutan.
|
How is IIP different from ICI?
- IIP is compiled and published monthly by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation six weeks after the reference month ends.
- However, ICI is compiled and released by Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA), Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), and Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- The Eight Core Industries comprise nearly 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). These are Electricity, steel, refinery products, crude oil, coal, cement, natural gas and fertilisers.
PYQ:
[2015] In the Index of Eight Core Industries, which one of the following is given the highest weight?
(a) Coal Production
(b) Electricity generation
(c) Fertilizer Production
(d) Steel Production |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Rowlatt Act, Hunter Commission
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
On April 13, 1919, Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered British troops to open fire on a peaceful gathering in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, leaving a deep scar on India’s collective memory.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- Background: Protesting the contentious Rowlatt Act
- The act officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919 was passed in 1919 by the Imperial Legislative Council.
- It had authorized the British government to arrest anybody suspected of terrorist activities.
- It also authorized the government to detain such people arrested for up to 2 years without trial.
- It empowered the police to search a place without a warrant. It also placed severe restrictions on the freedom of the press.
- The primary intention of colonial govt. was to repress the growing nationalist movement in the country.
- The British were also afraid of a Ghadarite Revolution in Punjab and the rest of the country.
- The day
- The massacre took place on 13 April 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army (Gurkha and Sikh infantry regiments) under the command of Col. Reginald Dyer fired rifles into a crowd of Indians.
- The civilians had assembled for a peaceful protest to condemn the arrest and deportation of two national leaders, Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew.
- Dyer without warning ordered his troops to fire at the unarmed crowd which included children as well.
- The indiscriminate firing went on for about 10 minutes which resulted in the deaths of at least 1000 people and injured more than 1500 people.
- Aftermath
- In protest against the massacre, Rabindranath Tagore gave up his knighthood.
- Gandhiji relinquished his title ‘Kaiser-e-hind’ bestowed on him by the British for his services during the Boer War in South Africa.
- Michael O’Dwyer, the then Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, who had approved the actions of Dyer, was assassinated by Udham Singh in London in 1940 as revenge against the massacre.
- The heroic treatment of Dyer’s heinous act again set a benchmark of colonial arrogance.
Hunter Commission for Inquiry
- In October 1919 the Secretary of State for India, Edwin Montagu, ordered the formation of a committee of inquiry into the events in Punjab.
- Referred to as the Disorders Inquiry Committee, it was later more widely known as the Hunter Commission (Not to be confused with Hunter Education Commission).
- The commission inquiry was concluded without any significant conclusion.
- Still, there are long-standing demands in India that Britain should apologize for the massacre.
PYQ:
[2012] The Rowlatt Act aimed at:
(a) Compulsory economic support to war efforts
(b) Imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial
(c) Suppression of the Khilafat Movement
(d) Imposition of restrictions on freedom of the press |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Doxxing
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
In mid-February, a woman reported an incident of doxxing to Mumbai Police after a man shared a video of her dancing and subjected her to harassment online.
What is Doxxing?
- Doxxing involves publicly disclosing an individual’s private information without consent, including personal details like addresses, phone numbers, and more.
- It can lead to severe consequences, including physical, digital, and emotional harm, such as stalking, threats, and loss of privacy.
Legality and Intentions
- While sharing public content may be legal, the intentions behind sharing such content can be malicious and harmful.
- Social media platforms like X take action against users who share information with abusive intent or to harass others.
Consequences of Doxxing
- Victims of doxxing may face numerous challenges, including securing their physical location, clarifying situations with employers, and dealing with a barrage of threats.
- Security measures such as changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and reporting incidents to social media platforms are crucial for safeguarding against doxxing.
Legal Remedy Against Doxxing
- Victims of doxxing can report incidents through platforms like the:
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and
- File FIRs (with law enforcement authorities).
- Social media companies like Meta and Google have tools and mechanisms in place to assist individuals who have been doxxed.
PYQ:
[2020] In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits?
1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant willfully damages it, if proved so
3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion
4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third-party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PMLA, 2002; Adjudication Process under PMLA, ED, FIU
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) has confirmed the attachment of assets worth Rs 751.9 crore linked to a politician family.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had provisionally attached these properties in PMLA case.
About Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
|
Details |
| Precursor |
Enacted to fulfill India’s global commitments to combat money laundering, aligning with international conventions such as:
- UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic; Substances 1988;
- Basle Statement of Principles, 1989;
- Financial Action Task Force’s Forty Recommendations, 1990;
- UN General Assembly’s Political Declaration and Global Program of Action, 1990.
|
| What is it? |
- Criminal law targeting money laundering and property confiscation from illicit activities.
- Central to India’s anti-money laundering legal framework.
- Applicable to financial institutions, banks (including RBI), mutual funds, insurance companies, and their intermediaries.
|
| Amendments |
Amended in the year 2005, 2009 and 2012. |
| Objectives |
- Confiscate proceeds of crime involved in money laundering.
- Establish legal mechanisms to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
- Strengthen investigation and prosecution of money laundering offenses.
- Enhance international cooperation in combating money laundering.
|
| Regulating Authorities |
- Directorate of Enforcement (ED) enforces PMLA provisions and investigates money laundering cases.
- Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) receives, processes, analyses and disseminates information related to suspect financial transactions.
|
| Salient Features |
- Punishment and Jail Term: Provides rigorous imprisonment from 3 to 7 years for money laundering, extendable up to 10 years.
- Powers of Attachment: Director or officer above Deputy Director rank can provisionally attach suspected “proceeds of crime” property.
- Adjudicating Authority: Appointed by the central government to determine involvement of attached or seized property in money laundering.
- Presumption in Inter-Connected Transactions: Transactions are presumed interconnected in money laundering cases.
- Burden of Proof: Accused must prove alleged proceeds of crime are lawful.
- Appellate Tribunal: Empowered to hear appeals against Adjudicating Authority and other orders under the Act.
- Special Court Establishment: Ensures expedited trials.
|
In news: Adjudicating Authority under PMLA
- The ED, empowered by Section 5 of the PMLA, provisionally attaches assets suspected to be acquired through criminal proceeds.
- These provisional orders, valid for 180 days, require confirmation by the Adjudicating Authority within the stipulated period to maintain legal validity.
- Role of the Adjudicating Authority:
- The Adjudicating Authority, appointed by the central government, reviews the attachment orders to ensure compliance with legal standards and procedural requirements.
- Failure to confirm the attachment within the prescribed timeline results in automatic release of the attached property.
- Legal Ramifications Post-Confirmation:
- Once confirmed, the accused retains the right to challenge the order within 45 days at the PMLA’s Appellate Tribunal.
- If the order is upheld, the accused may pursue further legal avenues, while the attached property remains inaccessible until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
- Impact on Property Owners and Enforcement Agencies:
- Confirmed attachments may lead to the ED taking possession of residential properties, compelling owners to evacuate.
- Attached properties, including vehicles, may deteriorate over time as legal battles prolong, with significant financial implications for both parties.
PYQ:
[2013] Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?
[2019] Consider the following statements:
1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
India and the US have decided to reactivate the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS).
What is IndOOS?
- Established in 2006, the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) comprises moored buoys strategically placed across the Indian Ocean.
- It consists of a network of 36 moored buoys in the high seas to collect high-resolution ocean and atmospheric data for weather forecasts.
- These buoys measure various parameters like seawater temperature, salinity, ocean currents, atmospheric humidity, and wind speed.
- IndOOS originally focused on understanding and predicting the monsoon.
- It now aids in climate modelling under changing climatic conditions and predicts extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.
Objectives of IndOOS include:
- The primary objective of IndOOS is to provide continuous and high-quality oceanographic and meteorological data to support informed decision-making and improve scientific understanding of weather and climate.
- It aims to foster partnerships among Indian Ocean countries and beyond to enhance long-term monitoring and forecasting capabilities.
Need for IndOOS
- The Indian Ocean region, home to nearly one-third of the global population, faces significant vulnerabilities due to climate change and extreme weather events.
- Fisheries and rain-dependent agriculture in these regions are heavily influenced by the monsoon, making accurate weather forecasts crucial for mitigating potential damage to crops and livelihoods.
- The Indian Ocean’s influence extends beyond its boundaries, redistributing heat across the planet and modulating the climate in the Pacific, North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.
Observing Networks under IndOOS
- The framework for IndOOS comprises five observing networks:
- Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA)
- Profiling floats (part of the global Argo array)
- Surface drifters (Global Drifter Program, GDP)
- Repeat temperature lines (eXpendable Bathy Thermograph (XBT) network)
- Tide gauges
- These networks are complemented by satellite observations of surface wind, sea level, temperature, salinity, rainfall, and ocean color.
Partnerships and Support:
- IndOOS originated from discussions among scientists during the First International Conference on the Ocean Observing System for Climate (OceanObs) in 1999.
- An implementation plan for IndOOS was developed by the Indian Ocean Panel, established under the Climate and Ocean Variability, Predictability, and Change (CLIVAR) and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Global Ocean Observing System (IOC-GOOS) programs.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Obiter Dicta Lexicon, Misleading Advertisements
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Supreme Court ruling refusing to accept Patanjali’s MD’s unconditional apologies underscores the gravity of intentionally misleading advertisements and their repercussions.
- Despite apologies, Patanjali’s breach of its commitment not to disseminate false claims about curing various illnesses led to this decision.
The Concept of Obiter Dicta Lexicon:
- In the context of the criticism directed towards the Hon’ble Supreme Court Bench’s statement in the Patanjali case, the concept of “obiter dicta lexicon” may find relevance.
- “Obiter dicta” is a Latin term that translates to “things said by the way” and refers to statements made by a judge in passing, which are not essential to the decision of the case at hand.
- It refers to the use of language or expressions that are not directly relevant to the legal reasoning or decision-making process in a court judgment or opinion.
SC Bench Statement on Patanjali’s Apology:
- The statement “we will rip you apart” is being criticized for being overly aggressive and potentially inappropriate for a judicial setting.
- Therefore, in this case, the use of language that deviated from the core legal issues at hand and instead conveyed a sense of aggression or hostility could be viewed as part of the “obiter dicta lexicon.”
|
Understanding Misleading Advertisements:
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 prohibits unfair trade practices, including misleading advertisements, and provides mechanisms for consumers to seek redressal for grievances related to misleading advertising.
Following are the types of Misleading Ads:
- False Claims: Advertisements with untrue statements about a product’s features or benefits.
- Exaggerated Claims: Ads that overstate a product’s benefits beyond reason.
- Omission of Material Information: Ads that hide important details consumers need to know.
- Comparative Advertising: Ads unfairly attacking competitors’ products.
- Endorsements and Testimonials: Ads using fake endorsements or testimonials.
- Health and Safety Claims: Ads with unproven health or safety benefits.
- Bait-and-Switch Tactics: Ads luring with false promises and switching to different offers.
Key Legislation dealing with Misleading Ads:
- Bureau of Indian Standards (Certification) Regulations, 1988
- Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006
- The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1955 (DOMA)
- The Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1940
- The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003
|
Regulatory Authorities dealing with the Issue:
- Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): Ensures fairness and compliance with the ASCI Code in Indian commercials.
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): Regulates consumer rights violations, unfair trade practices, and misleading marketing detrimental to public interests. It has issued the Guidelines for the Prevention and Endorsement of Misleading Advertisements, 2022.
About the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1955 (DOMA):
- The Magic Remedies Act encompasses the definition of “drug”.
- It extends to include articles like talismans, mantras, and charms purportedly possessing miraculous healing powers.
Here are the key provisions of the Act:
- Prohibition of Certain Advertisements: The Act prohibits advertisements that claim to prevent or cure certain diseases or ailments listed in Schedule J of the Act through drugs or remedies. These diseases include conditions like cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes, and epilepsy.
- Prohibition of Misleading Advertisements: The Act prohibits advertisements that are false or misleading in any material particular regarding the nature, substance, quality, or potency of any drug or remedy.
- Cognizance of Offences: No court shall take cognizance of any offence under the Act except on a complaint made by the government or by a person authorized by the government.
- Exemptions: The Act provides exemptions for advertisements of drugs or remedies containing certain substances or preparations listed in Schedule J if the advertisement conforms to the conditions specified in the Schedule.
Violations made by Patanjali Ayurveda
- Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954 (DOMA): By disseminating deceptive advertisements, Patanjali breached Section 4 of the DOMA, which prohibits the publication of false drug ads.
- Consumer Protection Act of 2019 (CPA): Patanjali made false claims in their advertisements about curing different illnesses, contravening Section 2(28) of the CPA, which defines “misleading advertisement”.
- Violation of MoU between Ministry of AYUSH and ASCI: Patanjali’s actions breached the memorandum signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), indicating non-compliance with agreed-upon standards for advertising practices.
PYQ:
[2012] With reference to consumers’ rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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