Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Salt and its Heath Hazards
Mains level: Rising burden of NCDs in India
Central Idea
- Salt is an essential component of our diet, adding flavor to our food and serving vital bodily functions.
- However, excessive salt intake can lead to health issues, including high blood pressure.
Salt Intake in India
- In India, a recent national survey revealed that men consume 8.9 grams, while women intake 7.1 grams of salt daily (Prashant Mathur et al., Scientific Reports, 2023).
- While the World Health Organization recommends a daily salt intake of 5 grams, the global average is much higher at 10.8 grams.
Salt and Health Implications
- Diverse Health Effects: Extensive research in animals and human surveys consistently link high salt consumption to kidney, brain, vascular, and immune system diseases. Conditions such as kidney stones and osteoporosis are associated with excessive sodium intake.
- Global Impact: Excessive salt intake contributes to approximately five million deaths worldwide annually, underscoring the global health impact of salt-related health issues.
The Yanomami Example
- The Yanomami people, living in the Amazon rainforest, follow a foraging lifestyle and consume a diet primarily composed of Cassava, plantains, fruit, fish, and occasionally tapir.
- Interestingly, they use peppers for flavor but do not use salt.
- Their daily salt intake is less than one gram, yet they maintain excellent health and fitness.
Salt and Obesity Connection
- Balancing Act: While our bodies require salt for essential functions, excessive salt consumption can lead to health problems, including obesity.
- Metabolic Impact: High salt intake impairs metabolism and increases the size of adipocytes, the cells that store fat, contributing to obesity.
- Dietary Preferences: There is a connection between a preference for high-fat and salty foods. Experiments with mice showed that those exposed to high-fat diets during gestation preferred salty water.
Reducing Salt Intake and Blood Pressure
- Population Studies: Reducing salt intake by five to eight grams daily can lead to a 4 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as demonstrated in population studies.
- Clinical Trials: Antihypertensive drugs, which lower blood pressure, show similar results, with an average reduction of 5 mmHg.
- Salt Alternatives: Replacing normal salt with a mixture of 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.3 mmHg in a Chinese population study.
- Caution for Elderly: Reducing salt intake may pose risks for elderly adults, particularly if they are taking blood pressure medication, as it could lead to hypotension and falls.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: QR Code
Mains level: Food safety governance in India
Central Idea
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recommended the incorporation of QR codes on food products, a significant step toward ensuring food safety and accessibility, especially for visually impaired individuals.
- This move holds paramount importance in a country with one of the world’s largest markets for packaged foods and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), largely driven by the consumption of pre-packaged foods.
QR Code move by FSSAI
- Comprehensive Data: QR codes will contain extensive product information, including ingredients, nutritional facts, allergens, manufacturing date, best before/expiry/use-by date, allergen warnings, and customer contact information.
- Compliance: This initiative aligns with the FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, emphasizing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
QR Code Origins
- Invention: QR codes, two-dimensional matrix barcodes, was invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave for labelling automobile parts.
- Enhancing Brand Image: For food manufacturers, QR codes offer advantages such as improving brand image, fostering customer loyalty, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Significance of the Initiative
- India’s Market Dynamics: India’s burgeoning market for packaged foods, coupled with a surge in NCDs, underscores the need for informed consumer choices.
- Consumer Rights: The initiative empowers consumers to make informed decisions and verify if the product aligns with its advertised attributes.
- Front-of-Pack Labelling: The FSSAI is urged to combine QR codes for visually impaired individuals with front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) warning labels, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
Global Trends in QR Usage
- Top Users: Countries like the U.S., India, France, and the U.K. are among the leading users of QR codes.
- Market Growth: The global packaged food market, estimated at $303.26 billion in 2019, continues to expand, with QR codes playing a pivotal role in providing consumers with essential product information.
- Consumer Preference: Consumers increasingly consider food packaging as important as the product itself, with QR codes serving as a technology that enhances information accessibility and influences buying behaviour.
Conclusion
- The introduction of QR codes on food products by the FSSAI is a crucial step toward enhancing food safety and ensuring consumers have access to comprehensive product information.
- In an era of rising health concerns and growing markets for packaged foods, this initiative empowers consumers to make informed choices and underscores the importance of clear food labelling.
- QR codes are emerging as a global trend, simplifying information access and improving consumer experiences.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SIM Swap Scam
Mains level: Phishing and other financial crimes
Central Idea
- In recent years, the SIM swap scam has emerged as a significant threat to individuals’ financial security.
- This fraudulent scheme exploits the link between physical SIM cards and banking applications, allowing scammers to gain access to victim’s bank accounts and personal information.
SIM Swap Scam: An Overview
- Exploiting Technological Advances: The SIM swap scam capitalizes on the integration of banking applications with phone numbers, enabling the generation of OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and the receipt of critical bank-related messages.
- Acquiring Personal Data: Scammers begin by collecting victims’ personal details, including phone numbers, bank account information, and addresses, often through phishing or vishing (voice phishing) techniques. Phishing involves sending malware-laden links through emails or messages to steal personal data.
- Forging Victim Identity: Armed with the stolen data, fraudsters visit a mobile operator’s retail outlet, impersonating the victim with forged ID proof. They falsely report the theft of the victim’s SIM card and/or mobile phone. As a result, they obtain a duplicate SIM card. Notably, fraudsters can secure a duplicate SIM even if the original is still functional. All activation messages and information are directed to the scammer rather than the victim.
Why do victims receive Missed Calls?
- Strategic Communication: In contrast to typical scams that involve tricking individuals into divulging OTPs and private data during phone calls, the SIM swap scam operates differently.
- Distraction Tactic: Fraudsters initiate missed calls to their targets, prompting victims to check their phones and potentially ignore network connectivity issues.
- SIM Exchange Execution: Perpetrators use these missed calls as a diversion while they execute the SIM swap. Once the SIM is swapped, fraudsters gain control over all calls and messages through the victim’s SIM, allowing them to initiate transactions unnoticed.
How do scammers withdraw money?
- Phishing Information: After acquiring personal data through phishing attacks, scammers use this information to access bank portals and generate OTPs required for fund withdrawal.
- OTP Access: Having control over the victim’s SIM card, fraudsters receive all OTPs, enabling them to authenticate transactions and steal money.
- Data Sources: Accused individuals purchase data from hackers involved in data breaches or from online portals. Data breaches often involve private companies losing vast amounts of customer data.
- Example: In April, Rentomojo, an electronics and furniture rental company, reported a data breach, acknowledging unauthorized access to customer data due to a cloud misconfiguration.
Arrests and Challenges
- Absence of Arrests: Delhi Police has not made any arrests related to the SIM swap scam. The accused effectively evaded capture by discarding duplicate SIMs and operating from multiple locations.
- Cryptocurrency Conversion: Stolen funds are often converted into cryptocurrency, making tracking Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency transactions impossible due to encryption.
Protecting Yourself from SIM Swap Fraud
- Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of vishing or phishing attacks and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
- Don’t Ignore Missed Calls: Don’t ignore missed calls or switch off your phone, especially if you receive multiple missed calls. Contact your mobile operator immediately if such activity occurs.
- Regularly Update Passwords: Change bank account passwords regularly for added security.
- Set Up Alerts: Register for regular SMS and email alerts for banking transactions to stay informed.
- Report Fraud: In case of fraud, promptly contact your bank authorities to block your account and prevent further fraud.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Credit Information Companies (CICs), Credit Score
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- When you apply for a loan, your credit score becomes a crucial factor. It’s determined by your debt and your history of repayments.
- In a significant move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued directives to credit information companies (CICs) regarding the transparency of accessing your Credit Information Report (CIR).
RBI’s Directive on CIR Access
- Notification to Customers: CICs are now mandated to notify customers via SMS or email when banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) access their Credit Information Report (CIR).
- Alerts on Default Information: Credit institutions, including banks and NBFCs, must also send SMS or email alerts to customers when they submit information to CICs regarding defaults or Days Past Due (DPD) on existing credit.
- Implementation Timeline: These new rules are set to take effect within six months.
Understanding Credit Information Companies (CICs)
- CIC Function: CICs maintain and analyze credit information of individuals and businesses, which is provided by banks and NBFCs.
- Credit Scores and Ranks: Based on this data, CICs calculate credit scores for individuals and credit ranks for companies to assess their creditworthiness and credit history.
- Impact on Loan Approval: A high credit score often leads to more favorable loan terms, while a low score, possibly due to previous loan defaults, can hinder loan or credit card approval.
Accessing Your Credit Score
- Payment Requirement: Typically, individuals can obtain their credit scores from CICs for a fee.
- RBI’s Directive: The RBI has now directed CICs to provide a “Free Full Credit Report (FFCR),” which includes the credit score, once every calendar year to individuals whose credit history is available with the CIC.
- Convenient Access: The link to access the FFCR must be prominently displayed on the CIC’s website for easy access.
Data Accuracy Concerns
- Correction of Data: If a customer believes that their credit information is incorrect, they can request a correction.
- Reason for Rejection: Banks and NBFCs are required to inform customers about the reasons for rejecting their data correction requests, facilitating a better understanding of the issues in the CIR.
CIC Accountability and Transparency
- Review of ‘Search & Match’ Logic: CICs must conduct a periodic review, at least semi-annually, of their ‘search & match’ logic algorithm used to generate borrowers’ CIRs.
- Root Cause Analysis: A “root cause analysis” of complaints should identify issues in the algorithm.
- Board Approval: Results and changes resulting from the analysis should be presented to the CIC’s Board of Directors for review.
- Timely Data Ingestion: CICs must ingest credit information data from banks and NBFCs within seven calendar days of receipt.
- Disclosure of Complaints: CICs are required to disclose details of complaints registered against them and credit institutions on their websites.
Conclusion
- RBI’s recent directives aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and consumer empowerment in the credit information ecosystem.
- Customers will receive alerts regarding access to their credit information, and CICs are encouraged to ensure data accuracy and promptly address customer concerns.
- These changes will likely improve the credit assessment process and provide individuals with better control over their financial data.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dark patterns advertising
Mains level: Consumerism Issues
Central Idea
- Due to complaints of deceptive practices by airlines and online travel agents, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged IndiGo to fix its website, which a government official termed a Dark Pattern “cybercrime.”
“Dark Patterns” in Airline Practices
- Deceptive Techniques: Airlines and online portals have been accused of employing “dark patterns” in their user interfaces, which manipulate consumers into purchasing products they did not intend to buy.
- Consumer Affairs Secretary’s Stance: The Consumer Affairs Secretary, Rohit Kumar Singh, defines “dark patterns” as tactics nudging consumers into unintended purchases, constituting unfair trading practices and possibly cybercrimes.
- Pervasive Issue: Approximately 10,000 complaints related to these practices have been lodged with the Ministry via the National Consumers Helpline over the past eight to nine months.
Manipulating Seat Selection
- IndiGo’s Practice: IndiGo Airlines, for instance, employs a tactic known as “false urgency,” creating a sense of urgency by implying that consumers must pay an extra fee (₹99 to ₹1,500) for seat selection during booking, portraying all free seats as unavailable.
- Transparency Issue: Passengers are not adequately informed that they will be auto-assigned free seats if they choose not to pay the extra fee.
- Obfuscation: The “skip” option, although present, is inconspicuously located, demonstrating “interface interference.”
Additional Unfair Practices
- SpiceJet’s Pressure for Insurance: SpiceJet’s website pressures passengers to purchase travel insurance by using alarming phrases like “I will risk my trip” if they opt out, playing on passengers’ fears.
- “Basket Sneaking” by MakeMyTrip: MakeMyTrip adds a convenience fee when customers reach the payment gateway after booking, a practice known as “basket sneaking.”
Draft Guidelines and Regulatory Perspective
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs Guidelines: These dark patterns have been defined in the draft guidelines released by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in September.
- DGCA’s Stance: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) permits “unbundling” airfares but emphasizes that these services must be offered on an “opt-in” basis, with clear descriptions without ambiguity.
- Parliamentary Committee Report: A parliamentary committee report urges transparency in seat-wise airfares, fair pricing mechanisms to ensure reasonable profit margins, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Conclusion
- The crackdown on deceptive airline practices by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation signifies a push for transparency and fairness in the airline industry.
- The rise of “dark patterns” and other misleading tactics in online booking processes has raised concerns about consumer exploitation and cybercrimes.
- As the government takes action to address these issues, passengers may expect a more equitable and transparent air travel experience in the future.
Tap to read more about:
India’s Draft Guidelines on Dark Patterns
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Baba Farid
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Amidst the timeless and contentious history of Jerusalem, India’s enduring presence is manifested through the Indian Hospice—a two-story stone building nestled within the city’s ancient walls.
- The hospice, established in the 12th century, stands as a testament to the 800-year-old connection between India and Jerusalem.
Baba Farid’s Hospice
- Baba Farid’s Spiritual Sojourn: Legend has it that Baba Farid, a revered Sufi saint from Punjab, embarked on a 40-day meditation at this site. His spiritual journey left an indelible mark, inspiring Indian Muslims travelling to Mecca to visit Jerusalem for prayer.
- Transformation into a Shrine: Over time, the place evolved into a sacred shrine and a hospice, welcoming Indian travellers and pilgrims.
Who was Baba Farid?
- Early life: Baba Farid, born in 1173 CE near Shakarganj, near Multan (Pakistan), belonged to a family that had migrated from Kabul to Punjab.
- Sufi Connection: He followed the Chishti Order and was among the first Sufi saints to compose verses in Punjabi.
- Influence on Sikhism: Many of his verses are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs.
Evolution of the Indian Hospice
- Baba Farid’s Lodging: Baba Farid found a humble abode within one of Jerusalem’s gates, known as Bab-az-Zahra among Muslims and Herod’s Gate among Christians. This lodging was situated within a khanqah—a structure for Sufi orders, functioning as both seminaries and hospices.
- A Continuously Cherished Connection: Despite changing rulers, including Christian crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans, the lodge maintained its association with India.
Hospice through the Ages
- Prominence during Ottoman Rule: The lodge remained prominent during Ottoman rule, predominantly under the leadership of sheikhs from South Asia.
- Shift during Ottoman Dissolution: As the Ottoman Empire began to dissolve in 1919, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Amin Al-Husayni, took charge, initiating extensive renovations. He sought support from Muslim patrons worldwide, including Indian princely states.
- Renovation by Khwaja Nazir Hasan Ansari: In 1921, Khwaja Nazir Hasan Ansari from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, undertook the renovation of the lodge. It became a sanctuary for travellers and pilgrims from British India, even offering refuge to soldiers during World War II in 1939.
Indian Hospice’s Association with Independent India
- Post-Independence Recognition: After India gained independence, Nazir Ansari sought official recognition from the Indian embassy in Egypt, solidifying the lodge’s Indian identity.
- Resilience through Challenges: The hospice faced challenges, including rocket strikes in 1952 and the Six-Day War in 1967.
- Diverse Functions: Over time, the Indian Hospice expanded to host the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the Jerusalem Health Centre.
Diplomatic and Cultural Significance
- Meeting Place for Dignitaries: In 2000, the hospice hosted a meeting between former Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh and Palestinian leader Faisal Husseini.
- Integral Diplomatic Destination: Every Indian diplomat or visiting dignitary includes a visit to the hospice.
- Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari: Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari, born in Jerusalem in 1928, administers the hospice and received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Award) from the Government of India in 2011.
Glimpse of India in Jerusalem
- Ownership and Accessibility: The property is under the ownership of Waqf Board of India, accessible solely to individuals of Indian citizenship or heritage.
- Facilities: The hospice offers guest rooms, a mosque, a library, a dining hall, and a kitchen, encouraging guests to manage their cooking and laundry.
- Ansari Family’s Dedication: The Ansari family diligently maintains the hospice, extending hospitality and preserving a piece of India in the heart of Jerusalem.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Reference Grade Fuels
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- India has marked a significant milestone in its quest for self-reliance with the commencement of ‘reference’ petrol and diesel production.
- This specialized fuel, crucial for automobile calibration and testing, has been indigenously developed by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), reducing the nation’s dependence on costly imports.
Understanding Reference Fuel
- Octane Number Distinction: Unlike regular and premium fuels with octane numbers of 87 and 91, reference-grade fuel boasts an impressive octane number of 97. The octane number measures the ignition quality of petrol or diesel.
- Stringent Specifications: ‘Reference’ petrol and diesel adhere to a host of stringent specifications, encompassing parameters like cetane number, flash point, viscosity, sulphur and water content, hydrogen purity, and acid number, as mandated by government regulations.
- Emission Testing: These specialized fuels are indispensable for emission testing of vehicles equipped with spark ignition engines.
Economic Significance
- Reduced Import Costs: While imported ‘reference’ fuel costs approximately Rs 800-850 per litre, domestic production slashes the cost to approximately Rs 450 per litre, providing a significant cost advantage.
- Critical for Auto Industry: ‘Reference’ fuels, characterized by higher specifications, are vital for calibrating and testing vehicles by automobile manufacturers and agencies such as the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) and the Automotive Research Association of India.
- Innovation by IOC: The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has achieved a breakthrough by creating indigenous alternatives, ensuring a dependable supply of reference fuel at a significantly lower cost to support vehicle manufacturers and testing agencies.
Indigenous Technical Prowess and Export Potential
- Boosting Make in India: The production of ‘reference’ fuel domestically underscores India’s indigenous technical capabilities, bolstering the Make in India initiative.
- Export Prospects: After catering to domestic demand, IOC intends to explore export opportunities for reference fuel.
Energy Security Strategy and Environmental Commitment
- Four-Pronged Energy Security: The Indian government has adopted a four-pronged energy security strategy to achieve energy independence by 2047. It involves diversifying energy supplies, expanding exploration and production, leveraging alternate energy sources, and embracing a gas-based economy, green hydrogen, and electric vehicles (EVs).
- Ethanol Blending: India has advanced the rollout of petrol blended with 20 percent ethanol to 2025, accelerating its commitment to reduce emissions. The target of 12 percent ethanol blending has been achieved, with plans to reach 20 percent by the end of 2025.
Conclusion
- India’s achievement in producing ‘reference’ fuel domestically is a testament to its technical prowess and commitment to self-reliance.
- This development not only reduces import costs but also bolsters the nation’s automotive industry and contributes to environmental sustainability.
- It reflects India’s dedication to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, serving as a model for self-sufficiency in specialized sectors.
Back2Basics: Cetane vs. Octane Number
Cetane and octane numbers are measurements used to assess the ignition quality of fuels, particularly diesel and gasoline, respectively.
|
Cetane Number |
Octane Number |
| Fuel Type |
Diesel fuel |
Gasoline (petrol) |
| Ignition Quality |
Measures how quickly diesel fuel ignites |
Measures resistance to knocking in gasoline |
| Scale Range |
Typically ranges from 40 to 55 |
Typically ranges from 0 to 100 |
| Higher Number |
Indicates better ignition quality |
Indicates better resistance to knocking |
| Combustion Characteristics |
Higher cetane numbers lead to smoother and quieter diesel engine operation. |
Higher octane numbers prevent knocking or pinging in gasoline engines. |
| Engine Compatibility |
Important for diesel engines |
Important for gasoline engines |
| Optimal Number |
Depends on diesel engine design and application |
Depends on gasoline engine design and compression ratio |
| Common Additives |
Cetane improvers may be added to enhance ignition quality |
Octane boosters may be added to prevent knocking |
| Significance in Fuel |
Crucial for diesel engine performance |
Vital for gasoline engine performance |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ISI7017 (Part 2 / Sec 7) 2023: India's Charging Standard
Mains level: EV infrastructure promotion
Central Idea
- India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently approved an innovative charging connector standard, ISI7017 (Part 2 / Sec 7): 2023, designed for light electric vehicles (LEVs) like scooters, bikes, and rickshaws.
Why discuss this?
- This pioneering standard combines alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging, making it the world’s first of its kind.
- Much like universal mobile phone charging standards, this initiative aims to enhance interoperability and charging convenience for EV users in India.
ISI7017 (Part 2 / Sec 7) 2023: India’s Charging Standard
- AC and DC Integration: The newly approved standard represents a groundbreaking approach by merging AC and DC charging technologies for LEVs. Unlike existing norms primarily catering to four-wheelers, this standard addresses the unique requirements of two-wheelers and rickshaws.
- Interoperability Advantages: The concept of a combined charging standard offers compelling interoperability benefits, accommodating diverse EV models and charging infrastructure providers. It aligns with global trends that prioritize seamless EV charging experiences.
Need for a National Standard in India
- Diverse Charging Standards: In India, there is currently no mandate for EV manufacturers to adhere to a specific charging connector standard. As a result, companies like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Ultraviolette Automotive employ different charging standards for their EVs.
- Challenges of Multiple Standards: The proliferation of unique charging standards among EV manufacturers complicates the establishment of public charging stations, exacerbating range anxiety—an apprehension that EVs may run out of charge with limited charging options.
Global Charging Connector Scenarios
- China’s National Standard: China, the world’s largest electric car market, employs a national standard known as GB/T. Supported by an extensive charging network, this standard has effectively tackled range anxiety concerns.
- United States’ Collaborative Efforts: Although the U.S. lacks a national standard, leading EV manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors (GM) are collaborating to establish the North American Charging Standard (NACS), partly based on Tesla’s technology.
- Europe’s CCS Standard: Europe predominantly relies on the Combined Charging System (CCS) as its charging connector standard, mandated by the European Union (EU). Even Tesla has integrated CCS ports into its European EVs and Superchargers.
- Japan’s CHAdeMO Standard: Japan’s primary charging standard, CHAdeMO, has seen success domestically but is gradually being phased out in North America.
Conclusion
- India’s innovative AC/DC combined charging connector standard for light electric vehicles marks a significant step toward streamlining EV charging infrastructure.
- While the new standard introduces interoperability advantages, addressing the challenge of diverse charging standards across EV manufacturers remains essential.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the attached story
Mains level: India vs Bharat narrative
Central Idea
- In 2022, the Social Science committee of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) proposed a shift from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’ in Social Science textbooks up to Class 12.
- This suggestion has rekindled the age-old discussion about the nation’s name, particularly after the G20 Summit’s reference to the “President of Bharat.”
Bharat’s Historical Roots
- Puranic Literature and Mahabharata: The name ‘Bharat,’ ‘Bharata,’ or ‘Bharatvarsha’ finds its origins in Puranic literature and the epic Mahabharata. It refers to the land between the southern sea and the northern abode of snow.
- King Bharata: Legend has it that King Bharata, an ancient figure, was the ancestor of the Bharatas, a Rig Vedic tribe, making him the forefather of the entire subcontinent’s populace.
India’ and ‘Hindustan’
- Hindustan’s Origins: ‘Hindustan’ likely evolved from ‘Hindu,’ the Persian equivalent of Sanskrit’s ‘Sindhu,’ influenced by the Achaemenid Persian conquest of the Indus valley in the 6th century BCE. The suffix “stan” emerged around the 1st century CE, creating “Hindustan.”
- Greek Influence: The Greeks transliterated ‘Hind’ as ‘Indus,’ and by Alexander the Great’s 3rd-century BC invasion, ‘India’ referred to the region beyond the Indus.
- Mughal Era: In the 16th century, ‘Hindustan’ described the entire Indo-Gangetic plain, encompassing the Mughal emperor’s territories across South Asia.
- British Colonial Impact: British maps in the late 18th century started using ‘India,’ while ‘Hindustan’ lost its association with the whole of South Asia, reflecting evolving perspectives and colonial influence.
Constituent Assembly’s Decision
- Article 1 of the Constitution: Article 1 of the Indian Constitution begins with the phrase, “India, that is, Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
- Debate and Perspectives: During the Constituent Assembly discussions, there were differing opinions on emphasizing ‘Bharat’ as the primary name for the country.
- Pro-‘Bharat’ Arguments: Some argued that ‘India’ was merely an English translation of ‘Bharat,’ citing the example of the Irish Constitution, where “Eire” is used in the Irish language, with “Ireland” in English.
- Historical and Cultural Significance: Supporters of ‘Bharat’ highlighted the civilizational and cultural connotations it carried, emphasizing the need for a name that befits India’s history and heritage.
- Dr. BR Ambedkar’s Perspective: Ultimately, the formulation ‘India, that is, Bharat,’ was adopted. Dr. BR Ambedkar, Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee, downplayed the civilizational debates and emphasized the pressing work ahead.
Conclusion
- The ongoing debate surrounding ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ reflects the complexities of identity, history, and linguistic heritage in the nation.
- While ‘Bharat’ has deep roots in ancient Indian texts, ‘India’ carries historical and colonial significance.
- The Constituent Assembly’s choice of ‘India, that is, Bharat,’ signifies a delicate balance between honoring heritage and embracing a forward-looking identity for the nation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lok Sabha Ethics Committee
Mains level: Various parliamentary committees
Central Idea
- The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, set up over two decades ago, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the conduct of members and addressing cases of misconduct.
- While it predominantly handles relatively minor offenses, its significance in maintaining ethical standards in Parliament cannot be understated.
History of Ethics Committees
- Origin in 1996: The concept of ethics panels for the two Houses of Parliament was first proposed during a Presiding Officers’ Conference in Delhi in 1996.
- Rajya Sabha’s Pioneering Committee: Vice President K R Narayanan, who served as Rajya Sabha Chairman, established the Ethics Committee for the Upper House on March 4, 1997. It officially commenced its duties in May of the same year.
- Lok Sabha’s Journey: Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee journey was delayed initially. A study group within the House Committee of Privileges recommended its formation in 1997 after studying legislative ethics practices worldwide. However, it only became a permanent fixture in the Lok Sabha in 2015, following its ad hoc establishment in 2000.
Procedure for Complaints
- Complaint Origins: Any person can file a complaint against a Member of Parliament (MP) through another Lok Sabha MP. The complaint must be accompanied by evidence of alleged misconduct and an affidavit confirming its authenticity. MPs can also lodge complaints without the need for an affidavit.
- Speaker’s Role: The Speaker can refer any complaint against an MP to the Ethics Committee.
- Prima Facie Inquiry: The Committee conducts a preliminary inquiry to determine if a complaint warrants further examination. It proceeds to evaluate and make recommendations after this stage.
- Report Presentation: The Committee presents its findings to the Speaker, who seeks the House’s input on whether to consider the report. A half-hour discussion on the report can also be scheduled.
Privileges Committee Comparison
- Overlapping Responsibilities: The Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee occasionally deal with similar cases. More serious allegations typically go to the Privileges Committee.
- Privileges Committee’s Mandate: The Privileges Committee safeguards the “freedom, authority, and dignity of Parliament.” It can address breaches of privilege by MPs or non-MPs that undermine the House’s authority and dignity.
- Ethics Committee’s Scope: The Ethics Committee primarily focuses on cases of misconduct involving MPs.
2005 Cash-for-Query Case
- Expulsion of MPs: In 2005, a significant episode unfolded when both Houses expelled 10 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP implicated in the cash-for-query scandal. They were accused of accepting money to raise questions in Parliament.
- Bansal Committee’s Report: The Lok Sabha took action based on the report of a special committee led by Chandigarh MP P K Bansal. In contrast, Rajya Sabha entrusted the House Ethics Committee with investigating the matter.
- Evidence in the 2005 Case: Former Lok Sabha Secretary General P D T Achary noted that the 2005 case was backed by substantial evidence from a sting operation. Establishing a money trail could be the challenge in the recent Bengal MP case.
Conclusion
- The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, although historically ad hoc and relatively recent in its permanent establishment, plays a critical role in upholding the ethical standards of India’s parliamentary members.
- It serves as a guardian of parliamentary ethics, ensuring that members adhere to the highest moral standards while fulfilling their legislative responsibilities.
- The Committee’s work, while often overshadowed, is integral to maintaining the integrity of the Lok Sabha.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wilkes Land
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Scientists have unveiled a vast ancient landscape buried beneath the continent’s ice sheet, offering a glimpse into a time when it was not a frozen wilderness but a land of rivers and forests teeming with life.
- This discovery, located in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region, holds clues to Antarctica’s environmental history and the mysteries of its distant past.
What is Wilkes Land?
- Wilkes Land is a region located in Antarctica, on the eastern side of the continent.
- It is one of the largest unclaimed territories in Antarctica, primarily because it is covered by the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which makes it difficult to access and study.
- It was named after US Navy Officer Charles Wilkes, who led the exploring expedition (1838–1842).
- This expedition was the first to extensively explore and map large parts of the Antarctic coastline, including the area that came to be known as Wilkes Land.
- The East Antarctic Ice Sheet in Wilkes Land, in particular, contains valuable information about the history of climate change and ice sheet dynamics, which are critical for understanding global climate patterns and sea-level rise.
Antarctica’s Geological Journey
- Gondwana Supercontinent: Antarctica was once part of the Gondwana supercontinent, which included modern-day continents like Africa, South America, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. It later separated due to plate tectonics.
- Evolution of Landscape: Researchers suggest that as Antarctica’s climate warmed, rivers flowed across this newfound landscape toward coastlines formed during continental separation. Subsequent cooling led to glacial erosion, preserving the landscape for millions of years.
About the Under-Glacier Landscape
- Rediscovering Ancient Antarctica: Satellite observations and ice-penetrating radar have unveiled a sprawling ancient landscape beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet.
- Geographic Scope: The discovered landscape spans an area roughly equivalent to Belgium or the U.S. state of Maryland and is situated in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region, bordering the Indian Ocean.
- Time Frame: This ancient terrain is estimated to date back to at least 14 million years ago and potentially extend even further, to over 34 million years ago, coinciding with Antarctica’s transition into a frozen continent.
Snapshot of a Different Era
- A Window to the Past: The landscape offers a snapshot of an earlier time when Antarctica enjoyed warmer climates. The specific appearance remains uncertain, but it might have ranged from temperate to even tropical conditions.
- Wildlife Enigma: While it’s likely that this environment supported diverse wildlife, the incomplete fossil record leaves the identity of its inhabitants shrouded in mystery.
Beneath the Ice
- Icy Cover: The ancient landscape lies beneath approximately 2.2 to 3 km of ice, creating an enigmatic world hidden from human view.
- Exploration Challenges: The land beneath Antarctica’s ice remains more enigmatic than the surface of Mars. Researchers propose drilling through the ice to obtain sediment core samples, potentially revealing ancient flora and fauna, much like Greenland samples dating back 2 million years.
How was it identified?
- Scientific Methods: The study employed satellite observations and ice-penetrating radar data gathered from overflight missions.
- Unique Discovery: While previous research uncovered ancient landscapes beneath Antarctica’s ice, this discovery stands out as the first of its kind, shaped by rivers and distinct geological processes.
- Changing Climates: Antarctica’s landscape and climate underwent significant transformations, resembling cold temperate rainforests before cooling to its frozen state.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ball Lightning
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Ball lightning, an intriguing natural phenomenon characterized by luminous spherical objects appearing during thunderstorms, has intrigued observers for generations.
- They are sometimes accompanied by hissing sounds and unusual odors, adding to the mystery surrounding their origin and behavior.
Understanding Lightning and Ball Lightning
- Normal lightning: Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that occurs due to differences in electrical charges within clouds or between clouds and the Earth’s surface during storms.
- Ball Lightning: Ball lightning has been documented in historical records, with instances dating back to 1638 when a “great ball of fire” entered an English church through a window, hinting at its potential danger.
- Scientific Recognition: While debates persist, most scientists acknowledge the existence of ball lightning, even though its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Chinese Research: A study conducted by researchers from Lanzhou’s Northwest Normal University in 2012 inadvertently captured a ball lightning event during a thunderstorm. Their findings confirmed the presence of elements such as silicon, iron, and calcium in the luminous sphere, matching the composition of local soil.
Possible Causes of Ball Lightning
- Ground Strike Theory: Some scientists propose that ball lightning may result from ground strikes, initiating chemical reactions between oxygen and vaporized soil elements. This process creates ionized air or plasma, resembling phenomena like St. Elmo’s Fire.
- Glass-Related Hypothesis: Another theory suggests that ball lightning might form due to the buildup of atmospheric ions on glass surfaces, creating an electrical field capable of generating discharges.
- Microwave Radiation: An alternative theory posits that ball lightning could be linked to microwave radiation produced when lightning strikes the Earth’s surface, potentially encapsulating it in a plasma bubble.
Association with Earthquakes
- In rare instances, ball lightning has been observed in connection with earthquakes, displaying as bluish flames, sudden bright flashes from the ground, or floating orbs.
- A 2014 study exploring earthquake lights proposed that specific rock types release electrical charges during seismic waves, leading to luminous displays.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sim Card and the technology behind
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In today’s digitally connected world, smartphones and cellular devices are ubiquitous.
- Yet, amidst these technological marvels, one crucial component often remains unnoticed: the SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card.
Understanding the SIM Card
- Subscriber’s Identification: SIM, or Subscriber Identification Module, is a microchip responsible for identifying a user on a cellular network.
- User Identity: Think of a SIM card as a user’s identification card in a city (cellular network). It helps the network locate and verify the user.
- Unlocking Access: To connect to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standard network, a SIM card is essential. An authentication key stored in the SIM ensures secure network access.
- Locating Subscribers: SIM cards help cellular networks locate subscribers. When a call is made, data signed by the SIM’s key is sent to a telephone exchange, verifying the user’s identity and routing the call accordingly.
Working Mechanism
- ISO/IEC 7816 Standard: SIM cards adhere to the ISO/IEC 7816 international standard, governing electronic identification cards, including smart cards.
- Physical Structure: SIM cards consist of an integrated circuit attached to a silicon substrate with metal contacts on the reverse side. These contacts interface with the phone’s data connectors.
- Pin Functions: Metal contacts, called pins, have specific functions such as power supply (Pin 1), clock access (Pin 3), and data transmission (Pin 7), standardized by ISO/IEC 7816-2.
Evolution of SIM Cards
- Smart Card Origin: The concept of smart cards with integrated circuits emerged in the late 1960s, serving as the foundation for SIM cards.
- GSM Standardization: The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) established the GSM Technical Specification 11.11, defining SIM cards’ physical features and functionality, primarily for 2G networks.
- Transition to 3G, 4G, and 5G: As cellular technology advanced, SIM cards evolved. The term ‘SIM’ referred to the software, while the hardware became the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). The software transformed into Universal SIM (USIM) for compatibility with 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
- eSIM Innovation: The journey of SIM cards led to the development of eSIMs, permanently embedded eUICCs in mobile devices. These eSIMs offer environmental benefits and improved security.
Future of Connectivity: eSIM
- Compact Evolution: SIM cards underwent size reductions from full-size to nano-SIM, culminating in the eSIM, permanently embedded in mobile devices.
- Environmental Advantage: eSIMs reduce plastic and metal waste, making them eco-friendly.
- Enhanced Security: Malicious access to a phone can’t separately target or duplicate eSIMs.
- Remote Reprogramming: Network operators can remotely reprogram eSIMs, eliminating the need for physical replacements.
- Challenges: While eSIMs offer convenience, they may pose digital literacy challenges for some users. Additionally, concerns about data privacy persist in the absence of stringent regulations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chaos Theory
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Have you ever wondered why weather forecasts sometimes go wrong?
- It’s because our atmosphere is a place of constant change and randomness. Predicting exactly what will happen can be really tough.
- We’ll explore this idea of chaos and how it affects not only weather but many other things, from tiny particles to the quantum world.
Chaos in Weather Forecasting
- Randomness in the Atmosphere: Earth’s atmosphere, a laboratory of randomness, constantly changes in terms of pressure, density, gas flow rates, and temperature, making the paths of gas molecules unpredictable.
- The Butterfly Effect: The “butterfly effect” illustrates the idea that a butterfly’s wings flapping in one place can trigger a storm elsewhere, emphasizing the sensitivity of chaotic systems to initial conditions.
- Deterministic Chaos: Chaotic systems, like a pinball machine, follow deterministic physical laws but exhibit seemingly unpredictable behavior. The term “deterministic chaos” implies that precise knowledge of the present is required for accurate future predictions.
Chaos and the Lyapunov Time
- Diverse Applications: Chaos theory finds applications in various fields, from fluid dynamics and human heartbeat irregularities to voting patterns and planetary dynamics.
- Sensitivity to Initial Conditions: Chaotic systems are highly sensitive to their initial conditions, often leading to seemingly random behavior.
- Lyapunov Time: The predictability of a chaotic system depends on factors such as the accuracy of its initial state knowledge and the Lyapunov time, which varies from milliseconds for electrical circuits to millions of years for the inner solar system.
What is Quantum Chaos?
- Quantum Mechanics vs. Chaos: Quantum mechanics, while probabilistic, differs from chaos theory. Subatomic particles lack point-like locations, making it impossible to precisely determine their positions.
- Perturbation Theory: Quantum physics addresses mild disturbances in atomic systems using perturbation theory. Chaos, however, requires a distinct approach, leading to the field of quantum chaos.
- The Rydberg Atom: The Rydberg atom bridges classical and quantum domains. When an atom’s energy levels become nearly continuous due to high excitation, it exhibits classical behavior.
- Spectrum Signatures: Chaos in a Rydberg atom manifests in the spectrum of its energy levels, with irregularities that contrast with the randomness of non-chaotic quantum systems.
Significance of studying Quantum Chaos
- Discrete Energy Steps: Quantum systems feature discrete energy levels, in contrast to classical systems with continuous energy. The Rydberg atom offers a link between these realms.
- Regularities in Chaos: Chaotic quantum systems surprisingly display strong regularities in the distribution of energy levels, an area ripe for exploration.
- Expanding Horizons: Quantum chaos is a burgeoning field of research with implications in thermalization, quantum information, and black hole quantum mechanics, presenting exciting challenges and opportunities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Chinese scientists are constructing the world’s most extensive “ghost particle” detector, named the Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT) in the South China Sea.
About TRIDENT Telescope
- Scheduled for completion in 2030, TRIDENT, aptly nicknamed “Ocean Bell” or “Hai ling” in Chinese.
- It will be positioned 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) beneath the ocean’s surface in the Western Pacific.
- It seeks to explore the realm of neutrinos, transient particles that momentarily interact with the deep ocean, emitting faint flashes of light.
Project Timeline
- Pilot Phase (2026): TRIDENT will initiate a pilot project to fine-tune operations.
- Full Deployment (2030): The complete detector will be operational, embarking on a quest to expand the frontiers of neutrino astronomy.
Features of TRIDENT
- Optical Sensors and String Arrays: TRIDENT boasts over 24,000 optical sensors distributed across 1,211 strings, each extending 2,300 feet (700 meters) from the seabed. The detector’s arrangement follows a Penrose tiling pattern, covering a vast 4 km diameter.
- Expansive Coverage: Once operational, TRIDENT will surveil neutrinos within an impressive 7.5 cubic km. In contrast, the world’s largest current neutrino detector, IceCube in Antarctica, encompasses a mere 1 cubic km.
- Enhanced Sensitivity: TRIDENT’s extensive coverage significantly heightens its sensitivity, augmenting its prospects of detecting elusive neutrinos.
Back2Basics: Ghost Particles – Neutrinos
| Electric Charge |
Electrically neutral, carrying no charge. |
| Mass |
Tiny mass, much smaller than electrons. |
| Interactions |
Interact very weakly with matter. |
| Types |
3 known types:
- Electron,
- Muon, and
- Tau neutrinos
|
| Production Sources |
Neutrinos are produced in various astrophysical processes, nuclear reactions, and particle interactions. |
| Detection |
- Detecting neutrinos is challenging due to their weak interactions.
- Specialized detectors like neutrino observatories are used.
|
| Significance |
- Play a crucial role in astrophysics, contributing to our understanding of stars, supernovae, and cosmic rays.
- Neutrinos can change between different flavors, known as neutrino oscillation, which was a groundbreaking discovery.
|
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Art 142
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court has used its extraordinary constitutional power under Article 142 to do complete justice for a 50-year-old man who fought for nearly three decades against the postal department’s refusal to give him a job despite his name figuring high on the merit list.
What is Article 142?
Article 142 titled ‘Enforcement of decrees and orders of the Supreme Court and orders as to discovery, etc.’ has two clauses:
[1] Article 142(1)
- The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
- Any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India.
- It may be in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe.
[2] Article 142(2)
- The Supreme Court shall have all and every power to make any order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any documents, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of itself.
Important instances when Article 142 was invoked
- Bhopal Gas tragedy case: The SC awarded a compensation of $470 million to the victims and held that “prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot, ipso facto, act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142.”
- Babri Masjid demolition case: The Supreme Court ordered framing of a scheme by the Centre for formation of trust to construct Ram Mandir at the Masjid demolition site in Ayodhya.
- Liquor sale ban case: The Supreme Court banned liquor shops within a distance of 500 metres from National as well as State highways in order to prevent drunken driving.
- Ex-PM Assassin case: In the case of Perarivalan, the Supreme Court invoked Article 142(1) under which it was empowered to pass any order necessary to do complete justice in any matter pending before it.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:
Q.With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?
(a) The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
(b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
(c) In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
(d) State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 142, Hindu Marriage Act
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: Supreme Court has ruled that it can dissolve a marriage on the ground of irretrievable breakdown, using its power under Article 142(1), without referring the parties to family court for waiting period of 6-18 months for mutual consent divorce.
What is Article 142?
Article 142 titled ‘Enforcement of decrees and orders of the Supreme Court and orders as to discovery, etc.’ has two clauses:
[1] Article 142(1)
- The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
- Any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India.
- It may be in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe.
[2] Article 142(2)
- The Supreme Court shall have all and every power to make any order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any documents, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of itself.
History of Article 142
- When a draft Constitution was prepared by the drafting committee and placed before the Constituent Assembly, Article 142 was actually numbered as Article 118.
- It was placed before the Constituent Assembly on May 27, 1949 for debate but got adopted on the same day without any debate.
- This was possibly because everyone agreed that in order to ensure judicial independence, the highest court of the country must be empowered with plenary power to do complete justice.
Article 142 in Divorce Cases
(1) Current Divorce Process
- The Hindu Marriage Act allows for “divorce by mutual consent.”
- Both parties must file a petition to the district court, citing that they have been living separately for at least one year and mutually agree to dissolve the marriage.
- The parties must then move a second motion before the court, no earlier than six months after filing the first petition and no later than 18 months after the same date.
(2) Factors considered for irretrievable breakdown
The Court must be convinced that the marriage is “totally unworkable, emotionally dead, and beyond salvation.” The following factors can be considered:
- The period of time that the parties had cohabited after marriage
- When the parties had last cohabited
- Nature of allegations made by the parties against each other and their family members
- Orders passed in the legal proceedings from time to time
- Cumulative impact on the personal relationship
- Whether and how many attempts were made to settle the disputes by a court or through mediation, and when the last attempt was made.
- The period of separation should be sufficiently long, and anything above six years or more will be a relevant factor.
- It is necessary to evaluate the factors according to the economic and social status of the parties, including their educational qualifications, whether they have any children, their age, and whether the spouse and children are dependents.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:
Q.With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?
- The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.
- The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.
- In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
- State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Leniency Plus Norms
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has unveiled a draft of revised lesser penalty regulations, introducing a groundbreaking “Leniency Plus” Norms and shedding light on its strategy for combating cartels.
About Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- The CCI is the chief national competition regulator in India.
- It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- It is responsible for enforcing The Competition Act, 2002 in order to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.
|
Understanding “Leniency Plus”
- Existing Leniency Program: Under the current Competition Act 2002, a leniency program allows companies to receive partial immunity from penalties if they provide substantial information about their involvement in a cartel. This aids competition authorities in uncovering secret cartels and obtaining insider evidence.
- Additional Reduction in Penalty: In the “Leniency Plus” framework, a cartel member cooperating with CCI for leniency can disclose the existence of another unrelated cartel during the original leniency proceedings. In return, they receive an additional reduction in penalties.
- Incentivizing Disclosure: “Leniency Plus” serves as a proactive antitrust enforcement strategy, encouraging companies already under investigation for one cartel to report other undisclosed cartels, thus promoting transparency.
Legal foundation
- Legal basis: The “Leniency Plus” regime was incorporated into the Competition (Amendment) Act 2023, which received Presidential approval in April of the same year.
- Global Adoption: The concept of “Leniency Plus” is not new, as it is already recognized and practised in jurisdictions like the UK, US, Singapore, and Brazil.
- Encouraging Disclosure: One of the key aspects of these regulations is their encouragement for companies already under investigation for one cartel to report other undisclosed cartels to the competition regulator.
Tap to read more about Cartelization!
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election Symbols
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- A recent Supreme Court decision declining a plea by a political party in Telangana, questioning the allocation of election symbols, has thrown the spotlight on the intriguing world of political symbols in India.
- This article delves into the process of symbol allocation and its role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
Symbols Allocation Authority: ECI
- The ECI is responsible for allocating symbols to political parties, following guidelines laid out in The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
- This order aims to regulate symbol specification, reservation, choice, and allotment during elections.
Types of Election Symbols
- Reserved and Free Symbols: Symbols can be either reserved, exclusively assigned to recognized political parties, or ‘free’ symbols that can be chosen by unrecognised registered parties’ candidates. Unrecognized parties are those that haven’t met the criteria for state party recognition.
- Exclusive Symbols: Recognized national and state parties are granted exclusive symbols, signifying their established status.
Symbol Selection by Parties
- Preference Lists: Unrecognized parties provide a list of ten preferred symbols from the free symbol pool.
- Proposal of New Symbols: Parties can propose up to three new symbols for consideration, provided they do not resemble reserved or free symbols, carry religious or communal connotations, or depict birds or animals.
- Common Symbol Assignment: The ECI may allot a proposed symbol as a common symbol for the party if it deems it suitable.
Historical Origins of Symbols
- Sketching Process: Symbols were initially sketched by MS Sethi, who retired from the ECI in 1992. These symbols were conceived through brainstorming sessions where the goal was to identify objects that the common man could relate to.
- Birth of Familiar Symbols: Many iconic symbols such as the bicycle, elephant, and broom originated from these sessions.
- Unconventional Entries: Some lesser-known symbols like a pair of glasses, a nail cutter, and a neck-tie were also suggested, reflecting the diversity of ideas.
- Modern Additions: Over time, new symbols like a bowl of noodles and a mobile charger have been included in the symbol list, reflecting contemporary times.
Political Parties’ Say
- Preference Submission: Unregistered parties submit their symbol preferences from the list of free symbols.
- Proposal of New Symbols: Parties can suggest up to three new symbols with clear designs and drawings.
- Criteria for Approval: Proposed symbols must not resemble existing reserved or free symbols, possess religious or communal connotations, or depict birds or animals.
Symbol Allocation in Split Parties
- Decision by ECI: When recognized political parties split, the ECI determines the symbol assignment. For example, the Congress party’s symbol evolved from a pair of bulls to the current hand symbol due to splits.
- Recent Example: The ECI assigned different symbols to factions of the Shiv Sena, allowing one faction to retain the bow and arrow symbol while allotting a flaming torch to the other.
Conclusion
- The allocation of election symbols in India is a meticulous process governed by the ECI’s guidelines.
- These symbols hold profound significance in political campaigns, representing parties’ identities and ideologies.
- Understanding the history and intricacies of symbol allocation provides valuable insights into India’s dynamic political landscape.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Forex Swap
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- As a $5 billion forex swap between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and banks approaches maturity, it signifies the central bank’s strategic move to manage liquidity and mitigate inflationary pressures.
What is RBI’s Forex Swap?
- Forex Tool: The Dollar–Rupee Swap is a forex tool employed by the RBI to exchange its currency with banks for another currency.
- Buy/Sell Swap: It involves two variants: Dollar–Rupee Buy/Sell Swap, where the RBI buys dollars from banks in exchange for Indian Rupees, and then commits to selling the dollars back at a later date.
- Sell/Buy Swap: Conversely, the RBI may sell dollars, thereby withdrawing an equivalent sum in rupees, reducing liquidity in the financial system.
- Risk Mitigation: These swap operations are characterized by predetermined transaction terms, eliminating exchange rate and market risks.
The Strategy behind
- USD 5 Billion Swap: The RBI initiated a USD 5.135 billion swap with banks and aims to repurchase the dollars at the lowest possible premium after a two-year tenor.
- Lower Range Bids: Banks bidding at the lower end of the premium range are more likely to succeed in the auction.
Rationale for RBI’s Action
- Surplus Liquidity: The Indian financial system currently experiences surplus liquidity, amounting to Rs 7.5 lakh crore, necessitating measures to curb potential inflation.
- Traditional Tools: Traditional methods like increasing the repo rate or Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) can negatively impact the economy and may not lead to complete transmission of monetary policy.
- Previous Toolkit: The RBI used Variable Rate Reverse Repo Auction (VRRR) but encountered under-subscription due to better yields in the cash market.
- Longer-Term Strategy: As a result, the RBI opted for forex auctions as a longer-term liquidity adjustment tool.
Impact of the Swap
- Liquidity Reduction: The primary effect is the reduction of liquidity, which currently stands at an average of Rs 7.6 lakh crore.
- Strengthening Rupee: Increased dollar inflow will strengthen the Indian Rupee, which has already appreciated against the US dollar.
- Inflation Control: The RBI typically tightens liquidity when inflation risks are elevated. Factors contributing to inflation include rising oil prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and foreign portfolio investors withdrawing funds from Indian stocks.
Conclusion
- The RBI’s forex swap strategy emerges as a strategic tool to manage liquidity, stabilize the currency, and control inflationary pressures.
- By reducing system liquidity and strengthening the rupee, the central bank aims to navigate the challenges posed by global events and ensure economic stability in India.
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