Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Countervailing Duties (CVDs), RODTEP Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The US and the European Union have imposed countervailing duties (CVDs) on select Indian products such as paper file folders, common alloy aluminum sheet, and forged steel fluid end blocks.
- These measures are in retaliation against India’s Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme, initiated in January 2021.
About Countervailing Duties (CVDs)
|
Details |
| Definition |
Tariffs imposed to neutralize the adverse effects of subsidies provided by a foreign government to their export industries. |
| Purpose |
To protect domestic industries from unfair competition due to imports subsidized by the exporting country’s government. |
| Investigation & Imposition |
Requires a domestic investigation to confirm the presence of subsidies and their impact on domestic industries. |
| WTO Compliance |
Imposition of CVDs must comply with World Trade Organization rules. |
| Types of Subsidies |
Includes direct transfers of funds, tax concessions, loan guarantees, and provision of goods/services at a discount. |
| Calculation |
The duty amount is typically equivalent to the value of the foreign subsidy. |
| Duration |
Not permanent; imposed for a specific period and subject to review and removal. |
| Global Use |
Frequently used by countries like the United States, European Union, Canada, and India. |
| Controversy and Disputes |
Can lead to trade disputes, viewed by some as protectionist or unjustified. |
| Impact on Prices |
May result in higher prices for affected goods in the importing country due to increased import costs. |
India’s Response to the Duties
- Government and Exporters’ Defense: The Indian government and affected exporters have actively defended against the subsidy allegations. Their defense covered various programs and schemes at both the Central and State levels in India.
- Method of Defense: The defense was presented through written and oral responses during the investigations.
Potential WTO Dispute
- India’s Stance on Dispute Resolution: Minister of State for Commerce and Industry indicated India’s openness to bilateral resolution.
- WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism: Any party could approach the WTO Dispute Settlement mechanism if they believe a WTO member has adopted measures inconsistent with WTO agreements.
Conclusion
- Growing Trade Tensions: The imposition of CVDs by the US and EU signifies escalating trade tensions with India, particularly concerning the RoDTEP scheme.
- Impact on Indian Exports: These duties could potentially impact Indian exporters, affecting trade dynamics between India and these global economic powers.
- Prospect of WTO Involvement: The possibility of this dispute reaching the WTO highlights the complexities of international trade laws and the need for careful navigation of global trade policies.
Back2Basics: RoDTEP Scheme
|
Details |
| Introduction |
Announced in 2020, replacing the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). |
| Objective |
To refund taxes and duties on exported products not covered under any other scheme, enhancing export competitiveness. |
| Scope and Coverage |
Covers various sectors, beneficial for a wide range of industries, including those not covered under MEIS. |
| Rebate Rates |
Varies based on the taxes and duties incurred on the production and distribution of the exported product. |
| Eligibility |
Exporters must comply with criteria including the condition that goods must be manufactured in India. |
| Claim Process |
Rebate claimed as a transferable duty credit/electronic scrip, maintained in an electronic ledger. |
| Implementation |
Implemented by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Customs Department. |
| Impact |
Aims to make Indian exports more competitive globally by offsetting domestic taxes and levies. |
| Compliance with WTO |
Designed to comply with India’s commitments under the WTO framework. |
| Process |
Fully digital and transparent process for claiming rebates, reducing the compliance burden on exporters. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kambalakonda WLS
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre situated along the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary’s periphery, near PM Palem in Visakhapatnam, features a new Nature Interpretation Centre.
About Kambalakonda WLS
|
Details |
| Location |
Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Establishment |
Declared in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India |
| Area |
Approximately 71 square kilometers (27 square miles) |
| Ecosystem |
Dry evergreen forests and scrubland |
| Biodiversity |
Home to Indian leopards, deer species, wild boar, jackals, reptiles, birds, and medicinal plants |
| Flora |
Predominantly dry evergreen forests with moist deciduous patches |
| Tourism and Recreation |
Offers trekking, bird watching, and nature walks |
| Accessibility |
Easily accessible from the city of Visakhapatnam |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GPAI
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit began in New Delhi on December 12, inaugurated by Prime Minister.
- India, along with 28 member countries, is working towards a consensus on a declaration document focusing on the proper use of AI, establishing guardrails for the technology, and its democratization.
GPAI and India
- Founding Member: India joined GPAI as a founding member in June 2020, aiming to bridge the gap between AI theory and practice.
- International Collaboration: The initiative fosters collaboration among scientists, industry professionals, civil society, governments, international organizations, and academia.
- Previous Summits: Prior GPAI summits were held in Montreal, Paris, and Tokyo.
- India’s Stance: IT Minister highlighted India’s focus on sustainable agriculture and collaborative AI, building on the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) approach used in Aadhaar and UPI systems.
Content of the Proposed Declaration
- Themes and Focus: The declaration is expected to cover AI’s use in sustainable agriculture, healthcare, climate action, and building resilient societies.
- Regulatory Aspects: It will align with past agreements and global ideas on AI regulation.
- India’s Contribution: India’s emphasis is on evaluating AI in sustainable agriculture and promoting collaborative AI.
Global Conversation on AI Regulation
- EU’s AI Act: The European Union passed the AI Act, introducing safeguards and guardrails for AI use, especially in law enforcement, and setting up mechanisms for complaints against violations. It imposes strong restrictions on facial recognition and AI’s potential to manipulate human behavior.
- AI Safety Summit in the UK: Major countries agreed on a declaration for global action to address AI risks, acknowledging the dangers of misuse, cybersecurity threats, biotechnology, and disinformation risks.
- US Executive Order: The Biden Administration issued an order to safeguard against AI threats and oversee safety benchmarks for generative AI bots like ChatGPT and Google Bard.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise VINBAX-2023
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Indian Armed Forces contingent, consisting of 45 personnel, has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in the fourth edition of the Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023.
Exercise VINBAX-2023
- Inception: VINBAX was established in 2018, with its inaugural edition held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Annual Event: This training event is conducted annually, alternating between India and Vietnam. The last edition took place at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.
- Collaborative Partnership: The exercise aims to foster collaborative partnerships and promote interoperability between the two nations.
- Focus on Peacekeeping: It is aligned with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations.
- Training Emphasis: The focus is on the deployment and employment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team in a Command Post Exercise cum Field Training Exercise format.
Activities and Training Modules
- Tactical Exchange: The exercise will facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures between the contingents.
- Engineering and Medical Drills: Participants will share modern methods for constructing roads, culverts, helipads, ammunition shelters, and observation posts. Combat engineering and medical drills are also part of the training.
- Validation Exercise: The exercise will conclude with a Validation Exercise to showcase the standards achieved by both contingents.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Red Sprites
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- ESA astronauts recorded a red sprite over a thundercloud as part of the Thor-Davis experiment at Danish Technical University.
What are Red Sprites?
|
Details |
| Type |
Transient Luminous Event (TLE) |
| Appearance |
Reddish-orange flashes, often in clusters, with shapes resembling tendrils, jellyfish, or carrots |
| Altitude |
Typically occur at altitudes between 50 to 90 kilometers (31 to 56 miles) |
| Duration |
Extremely brief, lasting only a few milliseconds |
| First Documented |
First photographed in 1989, though pilots had reported sightings for decades |
| Formation |
Triggered by positive lightning discharges from thunderclouds to the ionosphere |
| Color Explanation |
Red coloration due to the excitation of nitrogen molecules; lower parts can appear blue |
| Observation Challenges |
Ephemeral nature and often obscured by thunderclouds; typically observed from aircraft or high-altitude platforms |
| Scientific Significance |
Provides insights into electrical and chemical processes in the upper atmosphere |
| Related Phenomena |
Part of a group that includes blue jets and elves, all linked to thunderstorm activity |
| Research Importance |
Investigated for understanding the Earth’s electromagnetic environment and atmospheric electrical balance |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election Commission Appointments Bill
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Rajya Sabha passed a bill that revises the process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), replacing the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
Election Commission Appointments Bill:Key Features
- Appointment Process: The President will appoint the CEC and ECs based on recommendations from a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
- Search Committee Role: A Search Committee led by the Cabinet Secretary will suggest candidates to the Selection Committee.
- Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have held a post equivalent to the Secretary to the central government.
- Salary and Conditions: The CEC and ECs will receive salaries and benefits equivalent to the Cabinet Secretary, a change from the previous equivalence to a Supreme Court judge.
Constitutional Context
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 324 of the Constitution allows the President to appoint the CEC and ECs but does not specify the appointment process.
- Supreme Court Directive: In March 2023, the Supreme Court mandated a selection process involving the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India, until Parliament legislates otherwise.
Key Issues and Analysis
- Independence Concerns: The government-dominated Selection Committee could impact the Election Commission’s independence.
- Validity despite Vacancies: The Selection Committee’s recommendations will be valid even with vacancies, potentially leading to government control in appointments.
- Salary and Status: Aligning the CEC and ECs’ salary with the Cabinet Secretary, determined by the government, may affect their independence compared to a salary fixed by Parliament.
- Exclusion of Candidates: Limiting eligibility to senior bureaucrats may exclude other qualified individuals, particularly those with judicial experience.
- International Practices: The appointment processes for election commissions in countries like South Africa, the UK, the US, and Canada vary, with some involving judicial members or parliamentary approval.
Concerns over Independence and Selection Process
- Government Influence: The Bill’s provisions for a government-majority Selection Committee and the acceptance of recommendations despite vacancies could lead to executive dominance in appointments.
- Salary and Removal Parity: The change in salary equivalence and the lack of parity in the removal process of the CEC and ECs compared to Supreme Court judges raise concerns about the Commission’s independence.
Goswami Committee (1990) Recommendations
- Background: The Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms (1990) made significant recommendations regarding the Election Commission’s functioning.
- Appointment Process: The Committee suggested that the CEC should be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. For ECs, it recommended a similar process but included the CEC in the consultative process.
- Importance of Independence: The Committee emphasized the need for the Election Commission’s independence from executive influence to ensure free and fair elections.
Conclusion
- Ensuring ECI’s Autonomy: While the Bill aims to formalize the appointment process for the CEC and ECs, maintaining the Election Commission’s autonomy and independence is crucial for upholding democratic principles.
- Need for Deliberation: The concerns raised about the Bill highlight the need for careful consideration to ensure that the Election Commission remains an impartial and effective guardian of electoral integrity in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Karan Singh's 1949 Proclamation
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- On December 11, the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370, affirming that Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) did not retain sovereignty after joining the Union of India.
- CJI D Y Chandrachud, writing for himself and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, cited a 1949 proclamation by Yuvraj Karan Singh (successor of J&K titular Maharaja) as a key factor in this decision.
Karan Singh’s 1949 Proclamation
- Repeal of the Government of India Act, 1935: The proclamation declared the repeal of the Government of India Act, 1935, which previously governed J&K’s constitutional relationship with India.
- Adoption of the Indian Constitution: It stated that the Indian Constitution would govern J&K’s relationship with the Union of India and abrogate inconsistent constitutional provisions in the state.
Reason behind the Proclamation
- Karan Singh’s Perspective: Speaking to The Indian Express, Karan Singh, aged 92, explained that the proclamation was necessary to eliminate ambiguity regarding J&K’s integration with India.
- Instrument of Accession’s Ambiguity: He noted that while his father, Hari Singh, signed the Instrument of Accession like other rulers, J&K retained a measure of autonomy, leading to questions about its complete integration.
Supreme Court’s Findings
- Essence of the Judgment: The Court stated that J&K did not retain any form of sovereignty upon joining India.
- Significance of the 1949 Proclamation: The Court highlighted that Karan Singh’s proclamation superseded all constitutional provisions inconsistent with the Indian Constitution, effectively surrendering J&K’s sovereignty.
Alignment with the Centre’s Argument
- Centre’s Stance: The Union government argued that the 1949 proclamation acknowledged the supremacy of the Indian Constitution and surrendered sovereignty to it, where the sovereign is ‘We the people of India’.
- Court’s Agreement: The Supreme Court’s ruling aligns with this argument, affirming the complete integration of J&K into India.
Conclusion
- The Supreme Court’s decision clarifies the constitutional status of J&K post the abrogation of Article 370, confirming its full integration into the Indian Union without any retained sovereignty.
- The ruling underscores the historical context of J&K’s accession and the role of the 1949 proclamation in shaping its constitutional relationship with India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Foreigners’ Tribunals
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Since 1966, Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam have identified 32,381 people as foreigners.
Foreigners Tribunals in Assam
- Unique Quasi-Judicial Bodies: FTs are specific to Assam, tasked with determining whether a person is illegally staying as a “foreigner” in India.
- Backdrop of Assam’s NRC: With the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has outlined guidelines for detecting, detaining, and deporting illegal foreign nationals.
- Amendment to Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964: The MHA has amended this order, allowing district magistrates in all States and Union Territories to establish tribunals.
- Shift in Power: Previously, only the Central Government had the authority to constitute such tribunals.
Need for Foreigners Tribunals
- Legal Process for Foreigners: In other regions, foreigners apprehended for illegal stay are tried under the Passport Act, 1920, or the Foreigners Act, 1946, with penalties including imprisonment and eventual deportation.
- Detention Centers: Post-sentence, the accused are held in detention centers until their country of origin agrees to accept them.
Recent Amendments and Their Implications
- Changes in Tribunal Constitution: The 1964 order initially allowed only the Central Government to refer cases to the Tribunals. The amendment now permits State Governments, UT administrations, District Collectors, and District Magistrates to do so.
- Empowerment of Individuals: The amended Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 2019, enables individuals to approach Tribunals, a change from the earlier provision where only the State could challenge a suspect.
- Context of NRC: With the final NRC publication, this amendment aims to provide adequate opportunities for those not included in the list.
- Procedure for Non-Listed Individuals: Persons not found in the final NRC can approach the Tribunals. District Magistrates can also refer cases of individuals who haven’t filed claims against their NRC exclusion.
- Issuance of Fresh Summons: These individuals will receive new summons to prove their citizenship.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Syama Prasad Mookerjee
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Following judgment of the Supreme Court upholding the abrogation of Article 370, many invoked Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901-53), an ardent opponent of Kashmir’s ‘special status’ in the Indian Union.
Who was Syama Prasad Mookerjee?
- Syama Prasad Mookerjee, an eminent Indian politician, barrister, and academician, played a significant role in shaping India’s political landscape during the mid-20th century.
- Born on July 6, 1901, in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Mookerjee emerged as a prominent leader and a staunch advocate of Indian nationalism and Hindu politics.
Early Life and Education
- Bengali Brahmin heritage: Mookerjee hailed from a respected Brahmin family with roots in Jirat, Hooghly District, and West Bengal.
- Academic brilliance: He exhibited exceptional academic prowess, pursuing his education at prestigious institutions such as Presidency College and the University of Calcutta.
- Legal career: Mookerjee became a barrister, being called to the English Bar after studying at Lincoln’s Inn in London.
Political Career
- Initial association with Congress: Mookerjee began his political journey as a member of the Indian National Congress, representing Calcutta University in the Bengal Legislative Council.
- Hindu Mahasabha affiliation: He later joined the Hindu Mahasabha, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, and became its president.
- Championing Bengal partition: Mookerjee actively advocated for the partition of Bengal to safeguard Hindu interests, leading to the establishment of a separate West Bengal within the Indian Union.
- Resignation from Bengal cabinet: As Finance Minister of Bengal Province, Mookerjee resigned in 1942, condemning the British government’s oppressive policies and their attempts to hold on to India.
Contributions to Independent India
- Minister for Industry and Supply: Mookerjee served as India’s first Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet after independence.
- Nehru-Liaquat Pact and resignation: He resigned from Nehru’s cabinet in 1950, protesting against the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, which he believed compromised the interests of Hindus in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
- Founding Bharatiya Jana Sangh: Mookerjee, with the support of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), established the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, laying the foundation for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Mookerjee’s Opposition to Article 370
- Balkanization of India: Mookerjee strongly believed that Article 370 created a sense of separatism and division within the country, leading to the fragmentation of India’s unity.
- Rejection of dual governance: Mookerjee famously stated, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur Do Nishan nahi chalenge” (One country cannot have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags), emphasizing his opposition to the separate status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir.
- Reservations about special status: Mookerjee expressed concerns that the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 would impede the state’s full integration into the Indian Union.
- Inequality and separatism: He believed that granting special privileges to one state based on religion or regional factors would lead to a sense of inequality and separatism.
Ideological Stance and Legacy
- Influence on BJP’s policy agenda: His ideology and vision continue to shape the policies and agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- Controversial demise: Mookerjee’s untimely death in 1953 while in custody remains a subject of controversy and speculation, with demands for an independent inquiry.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Debt Brake Rule
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- On November 15, Germany’s constitutional court declared the government’s reallocation of €60 billion to a “climate and transformation fund” (KTF) as unlawful.
Understanding the Debt Brake Rule
- Definition and Purpose: The debt brake rule caps government borrowing and restricts the federal government’s fiscal deficit to 0.35% of GDP, while prohibiting deficit spending by Germany’s 16 regions.
- Enactment: This rule was incorporated into German law in 2009 by a coalition, mirroring the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact and the 2012 Fiscal Compact Treaty.
Legal Challenge and Its Implications
- Opposition’s Argument: It argued that climate change and energy transition investments, being long-term, shouldn’t be funded by the debt brake’s emergency exemption, which was specific to COVID-19 relief.
- Government’s Defense: The government contended that the reallocated funds addressed economic consequences of the pandemic by linking investment shortfalls to COVID-19’s economic impact.
Germany’s Post-2009 Economic Performance
- Mixed Outcomes: Germany experienced growth and budget surpluses in the last decade, benefiting from low-interest policies of the ECB.
- Zero-Deficit Budget: The government achieved a zero-deficit budget, promoting it as an ideal approach for the EU during a sovereign debt crisis.
- Challenges and Criticisms: A cooling economy highlighted under-investment in infrastructure. Critics urged for expansionary fiscal measures, while others favored higher taxation. Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the need to avoid burdening the younger generation with debt.
- Pandemic Response: In 2020, the debt brake rule was suspended for pandemic-related borrowing, with plans for reinstatement.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Raja Ram Pal Case (2007), Article 105 , Article 20
Mains level: Parliamentary ethics and morals
Central Idea: Expulsion of Mahua Moitra
- A Member of Parliament from West Bengal was expelled from the Lok Sabha over allegations of a cash-for-query scandal.
- Her expulsion highlights the importance of maintaining strict ethical standards and parliamentary etiquette in legislative proceedings.
Parliamentary Etiquette and Rules
- Expected Conduct of MPs: MPs must adhere to rules of parliamentary etiquette, such as not interrupting speeches, maintaining silence, and avoiding obstruction during debates.
- Updated Rules for Modern Protests: In 1989, rules were updated to include prohibitions against shouting slogans, displaying placards, tearing documents, and using electronic devices for protest in the House.
- Rajya Sabha’s Similar Rules: The Rajya Sabha, like the Lok Sabha, has similar rules to ensure smooth conduct of proceedings.
Power of Suspension in Parliament
- Presiding Officer’s Authority: The presiding officer of each House can direct an MP to withdraw from the chamber for disorderly conduct, resulting in absence for the day.
- Naming and Suspension Process: MPs obstructing House business can be “named” by the presiding officer, leading to a possible suspension motion by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
- Duration of Suspension: Suspensions can last until the end of the session.
Legal Recourse: Approaching the Supreme Court
- Option for Judicial Review: The expelled MP has the option to challenge the expulsion in the Supreme Court, as explained by former Lok Sabha Secretary General P D T Achary.
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 122 of the Constitution provides immunity to parliamentary proceedings from judicial scrutiny based on procedural irregularity.
- Scope for Judicial Review: Despite this immunity, the Supreme Court in the 2007 Raja Ram Pal case clarified that judicial review is possible in cases of substantive or gross illegality.
The Raja Ram Pal Case (2007)
- Case Background: Raja Ram Pal, a BSP leader, was among 12 MPs expelled in the 2005 cash-for-query scam.
- Supreme Court’s Stance: The Court upheld the expulsion but noted that proceedings tainted by substantial illegality are open to judicial scrutiny.
- Judicial Review of Parliamentary Actions: The Court affirmed its role in scrutinizing legislative actions that infringe on fundamental rights.
Article 105 of the Constitution
- Powers and Privileges of Parliament: Article 105 deals with the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament and its Members.
- Judicial Scrutiny of Privilege Enforcement: The Court recognized that the enforcement of privilege by the legislature can be subject to judicial review, within certain constitutional limits.
Grounds for Challenging Expulsion
- Examining Privilege and Procedure: The court can scrutinize whether the privilege cited for expulsion existed and if proper procedures were followed.
- Functioning of Committees: The roles of the Privileges Committee and Ethics Committee are distinct, focusing on investigating misconduct and ensuring dignity in the House.
- Investigative Procedures: Proper investigative procedures, including the right to depose and cross-examine, are essential for fairness and truth-finding.
Determining Offense and Punishment
- Article 20 of the Constitution: This article stipulates that punishment requires an existing law defining the act as an offense.
- Case-Specific Issues: In the case of the expelled MP, issues like sharing Parliament login-passwords and accepting money for questions are examined for rule violations.
- Breach of Privilege and Inquiry: Accepting money for asking questions in Parliament is a breach of privilege warranting inquiry by the Privileges Committee.
Conclusion
- Ongoing Debate and Implications: The case continues to spark debate on the limits of parliamentary privilege, the role of the judiciary, and the ethical standards expected of elected representatives.
- Balancing Authority and Rights: The expulsion case underscores the delicate balance between parliamentary authority and the rights of its members.
- Importance of Judicial Oversight: The potential for judicial review emphasizes the importance of legal oversight in maintaining democratic principles and fairness in legislative processes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Meftal drug
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Pharma standard body Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert for commonly used painkiller mefenamic acid, popularly sold under the brand name Meftal.
What is Meftal used for?
- Meftal 500, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is usually prescribed in treatment for conditions like menstrual pain, headache, muscle, joint, or dental pain.
- It has been advised to take the table with food.
- The most common side effects of the medicine include mild vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, headache, and dizziness.
What does the alert against Meftal say?
- IPC stated that a preliminary analysis of adverse drug reactions from the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database revealed drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.
- DRESS, also known as drug induced hypersensitivity syndrome, is an adverse drug reaction that can even be life threatening.
- It may cause damage to several organs, especially to the kidneys, heart, lungs, and pancreas.
- The mortality rate is high and is about 10 per cent.
Back2Basics: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)
|
Details |
| Establishment |
1956,
An autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| Primary Objective |
To promote public health by setting and updating standards for drug quality in India. |
| Key Publication |
Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), a legally recognized book of drug standards. |
| Role in Drug Regulation |
Standards set in the IP are enforceable by law, crucial for India’s drug regulatory framework. |
| International Recognition |
Collaborates with WHO and aligns with global drug standards. |
| Pharmacovigilance Program |
Involved in monitoring and analyzing adverse drug reactions through the PvPI. |
| Quality Control & Training |
Engages in drug quality control and provides training to regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical industry. |
| Publication Updates |
Periodically updates the IP to include new drugs and revise existing standards. |
| Collaboration |
Works with the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and regulatory bodies. |
| Global Harmonization |
Aims to harmonize the IP with international pharmacopoeias like the USP and BP. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Odisha Government invoked its Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA) prohibiting strikes by paramedical staff, including nurses, pharmacists and technicians to ensure that medical services are not disrupted.
About Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA)
- Description: The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) is a significant piece of legislation enacted by the Parliament in 1968.
- Constitutional Placement: It falls under list no. 33 in the 7th schedule under the concurrent list of the Indian Constitution.
- Purpose: ESMA is primarily used by states to manage strikes by employees, especially in essential services.
- Essential Services: The Act empowers the government to designate any economic activity or service as ‘essential’, where disruption would impact the normal life of people.
Provisions and Powers under ESMA
- Police Authority: The Act grants police the authority to arrest protestors without a warrant if they violate the provisions of ESMA.
- State-Specific Provisions: Each Indian state has its unique version and provisions of the ESMA.
Right to Strike in Context
- Worker’s Basic Right: Striking is a fundamental means for workers to legitimately promote and defend their economic and social interests.
- Legal Status: While the right to protest is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, the right to strike is a legal right with certain restrictions.
- Industrial Dispute Act 1947: This act outlines the legal framework and restrictions for strikes, especially in public sectors and essential services.
- Restrictions in Specific Sectors: Strikes are particularly restricted for public sector employees, banking, oil, metropolitan transport, and education sectors under state jurisdiction.
International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Right to Strike
- ILO’s Stance: The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association has established principles regarding the right to strike.
- Essential Services Definition: Essential services are those whose interruption could endanger the life, safety, or health of part or all of the population.
- Examples of Essential Services: The committee identifies sectors like hospitals, electricity, water supply, telephone services, and air traffic control as essential services.
- Restriction on Strikes: Employees in these essential services are generally not permitted to strike.
Problems and Criticisms of ESMA
- Irresponsible Use: The Act has been criticized for its sometimes irresponsible and unwise implementation.
- Suppression of Democratic Rights: ESMA is seen as monopolizing power and suppressing the democratic rights of stakeholders, particularly the right to protest or strike.
- Government’s Overpowering Role: Critics argue that ESMA dangerously skews the balance in industrial relations towards the government in the public sector.
Conclusion
- Debate on ESMA’s Role: The Essential Services Maintenance Act remains a contentious topic, balancing the need for uninterrupted essential services with the rights of workers to strike.
- Need for Responsible Implementation: Responsible and democratic application of ESMA is crucial to maintain this balance.
- Ongoing Discussions: The Act continues to spark debate about the extent of government power and the protection of workers’ rights in essential sectors.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ethanol
Mains level: Ethanol production from sugarcane
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued a directive to sugar mills and distilleries, not to use sugarcane juice or syrup for ethanol production in the ethanol year 2023-2024.
No Sugarcane Juice for Ethanol Production
- Continuation of Existing Supplies: The directive allows the continued supply of ethanol from B-Heavy molasses based on existing offers received by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
- Regulatory Oversight: The Department of Food and Public Distribution, responsible for monitoring sugar production and availability, implements this directive under the Sugar (Control) Order.
Rationale behind the Directive
- Ensuring Sugar Availability: The government’s decision aims to ensure sufficient sugar availability in India, considering the lower sugar production in the country.
- Food vs. Fuel Consideration: Businesses highlighted this move as a balance between food security and fuel production.
- Impact on Ethanol Blending Targets: The directive is significant in the context of India’s goal of achieving 20% ethanol blending by the 2025-2026 ethanol year.
Implications for Industry
- ISMA’s Response: The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) is assessing the implications of the order.
- Effect on Domestic Sugar Supply: Industry sources indicate that this decision will ensure adequate sugar supply domestically, especially with reduced sugarcane production in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Impact on Ethanol Blending Program: The restriction is likely to affect the ethanol blending program, which is a key component of India’s renewable energy strategy.
- Consequences for Ethanol-Only Units: Facilities dedicated solely to ethanol production may face challenges due to this new policy.
Conclusion
- The directive represents a strategic decision by the Indian government to prioritize domestic sugar availability over ethanol production from sugarcane.
- Monitoring the impact of this directive on both the sugar industry and the ethanol blending program will be crucial in the coming years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Group of Companies Doctrine
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling, expanding the scope of arbitration agreements to include non-signatories under specific conditions.
- This ruling centers on the “group of companies” doctrine within the framework of arbitration agreements.
‘Group of Companies’ Doctrine
|
Details |
| Essence |
Non-signatory entities in a corporate group can be bound by an arbitration agreement if part of the same group as a signatory. |
| Basis on Mutual Intent |
Relies on the mutual intention to bind both signatories and non-signatory group members. |
| Arbitration as a Tool |
Offers an alternative to court litigation, with enforceable decisions by neutral arbitrators. |
| Root in International Jurisprudence |
Based more on international arbitration practices than domestic law. |
| Indian Legal Precedent |
Established by Chloro Controls India Pvt. Ltd. v. Severn Trent Water Purification Inc. case (2013). |
| Criteria for Application |
Set by the Indian Supreme Court, includes mutual intent, relationship between entities, common subject matter, transaction nature, and contract performance. |
| Objective |
Aims to prevent dispute fragmentation in complex, multi-party transactions. |
| Recent Supreme Court Ruling |
Clarified conditions under which non-signatories can be bound by arbitration agreements, focusing on legal relationships and demonstrated intentions. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Google Gemini
Mains level: Recent breakthrough in AI
Central Idea
- Google has introduced Gemini, a new multimodal general AI model, available globally through Bard.
- It is seen as Google’s response to ChatGPT, offering advanced capabilities in the realm of GenAI.
What is Google Gemini?
- Unlike ChatGPT, Gemini can process and operate across various formats including text, code, audio, image, and video.
- Google claims Gemini Ultra surpasses current models in academic benchmarks and is the first to outperform human experts in massive multitask language understanding (MMLU).
Different versions available
- Three Variants: Gemini comes in three sizes – Ultra, Pro, and Nano – each designed for specific levels of complexity and tasks.
- Gemini Ultra: Intended for highly complex tasks, currently in a trial phase with select users.
- Gemini Pro: Available in Bard for general users, offering advanced reasoning and understanding, and accessible to developers via Google AI Studio or Google Cloud Vertex AI.
- Gemini Nano: Focused on on-device tasks, already integrated into Pixel 8 Pro, and soon available to Android developers via AICore in Android 14.
Addressing Challenges of Hallucinations and Safety
- Factuality and Hallucinations: While improvements have been made, Gemini, like other LLMs, is still prone to hallucinations. Google uses additional techniques in Bard to enhance response accuracy.
- Safety Measures: Google emphasizes new protections for Gemini’s multimodal capabilities, conducting comprehensive safety evaluations, including bias and toxicity assessments.
- Ongoing Safety Research: Google collaborates with external experts to stress-test models and identify potential risks in areas like cyber-offence and persuasion.
| Hallucination: Asking a generative AI application for five examples of bicycle models that will fit in the back of your specific make of sport utility vehicle. If only three models exist, the GenAI application may still provide five — two of which are entirely fabricated. |
Comparing Gemini and ChatGPT 4
- Flexibility and Capabilities: Gemini appears more versatile than GPT4, especially with its video processing and offline functionality.
- Accessibility and Cost: Unlike the paid-access ChatGPT4, Gemini is currently free to use, potentially giving it a broader user base.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Centre has taken significant steps to increase domestic sugar availability, including banning sugar exports and restricting the diversion of sugar for ethanol production.
- On December 7, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution directed mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for ethanol production.
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme
- Programme’s Success: The EBP programme, a key achievement of the government, has seen ethanol blending with petrol increase from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23.
- Feedstock Diversification: The success is attributed to diversifying feedstocks, including C-heavy molasses, B-heavy molasses, sugarcane juice/syrup, and grains.
Ethanol Production from Different Feedstocks
- C-heavy Molasses: Traditionally used for ethanol production, yielding 220-225 litres of ethanol per tonne.
- B-heavy Molasses: Provides higher ethanol yield (290-320 litres per tonne) compared to C-heavy molasses.
- Direct Fermentation of Sugarcane: Fermenting the entire sugarcane without sugar extraction yields 80-81 litres of ethanol per tonne.
Centre’s Ethanol Blending Scheme: Food vs. Fuel Debate
- Increased Ethanol Production Post-2017: The use of B-heavy molasses and sugarcane juice/syrup, along with new substrates like surplus rice, broken grains, and maize, boosted ethanol production.
- Differential Pricing Policy: The government incentivized ethanol production from non-C-heavy molasses feedstocks with higher prices.
- Impact on Industry: Companies like Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd (TEIL) adapted to multiple feedstocks, including grain during the off-season.
Challenges and Setbacks for the Industry
- Directive’s Impact: The December 7 directive is a setback, especially for companies with capacities to produce ethanol from cane juice/syrup.
- Tender for Ethanol Supply: The OMCs’ tender for 825 crore litres of ethanol for 2023-24 might be affected, particularly the 135 crore litres from sugarcane juice/syrup.
- Uncertainty in Pricing: The Centre has not announced prices for various ethanol feedstocks for 2023-24, despite the ethanol supply year aligning closer to the sugar year.
Sugar Supply Concerns and Policy Implications
- Low Sugar Stocks: The 2022-23 sugar year ended with low stocks, prompting the government to prioritize domestic sugar supply.
- Uncertain Production Forecasts: The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories predicts a decrease in sugar production for 2023-24.
- Government’s Prioritization: The latest decisions reflect the government’s focus on domestic supply and consumer needs over exports and fuel production.
Conclusion
- Shift in Government Policy: The Centre’s recent actions indicate a shift towards prioritizing domestic sugar availability over ethanol production.
- Broader Implications: These decisions impact both the sugar and ethanol industries, reflecting the complex balance between food security and renewable energy initiatives.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Garba, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Garba, a traditional dance form from Gujarat, was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- This recognition makes Garba the 15th cultural item from India to be featured on the UNESCO list, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which was added two years ago.
About Garba
- What is it? Garba is a traditional dance form from Gujarat, India, primarily performed during the Navratri festival to worship the Hindu goddess Durga.
- Origins and Meaning: The term “Garba” comes from “Garbha” (womb) and “Deep” (lamp). The dance is performed around a central lamp or a representation of the Goddess, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth.
- Dance Style: Garba is characterized by energetic, circular movements, clapping hands, and intricate footwork, reflecting the cyclical nature of life.
- Music and Instruments: The dance is accompanied by rhythmic music, traditionally using instruments like the dhol (drum), harmonium, and flute, with modern adaptations including electronic instruments.
- Traditional Attire: Women wear a chaniya choli (a colorful, embroidered skirt set) and men don a kediyu and dhoti or pajama, often embellished with mirrors and embroidery.
- Dandiya Raas Association: Garba is often followed by Dandiya Raas, another dance form using sticks (dandiyas), especially after the Aarti (worship ritual).
- Inclusivity and Community Aspect: The dance is inclusive, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds, and emphasizing community participation.
About UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
- ICH means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated with them that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as a part of their cultural heritage.
- Furthermore, its importance is not in the cultural manifestation itself, but in the wealth of knowledge, know-how and skills that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
- The adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2003 was a crucial step towards preserving intangible heritage.
- UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was established in the year 2008.
Criteria for the selection
- There are three criteria for an intangible cultural heritage to be inscribed in the United Nations list.
- The entity must-
- be recognized by communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals as part of their cultural heritage,
- be transmitted from generation to generation and be constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history and
- provide them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity
India’s ICH on the UNESCO list
- Sangeet Natak Akademi is the nodal organisation which looks after this function, and files nominations of intangible cultural entities from India, for evaluation by the international body.
- ICG from India include Kolkata’s Durga Puja (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Navroz (2016), Yoga (2016), traditional brass and copper craft of utensil-making among coppersmiths of Punjab (2014), Sankirtana, a ritual musical performance of Manipur (2013), and the Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012).
- Before 2011, the list included Chhau dance, Kalbelia folk songs and dance of Rajasthan, and Mudiyettu, a dance drama from Kerala (2010), Ramman, a religious festival and theatre performance of Garhwal in the Himalayas (2009), and Kutiyattam or Sanskrit theatre, and Vedic chanting (2008).
- Ramlila, a traditional performance of Ramayana, was also included in 2008.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cyclone Michaung
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Cyclone Michaung (name suggested by Myanmar) makes landfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
- Michaung is the fourth tropical cyclone over the Bay of Bengal this year.
About Cyclone Michaung
- Uncommon Intensity: December cyclones in the North Indian Ocean typically do not reach high intensities. Michaung, with its severe storm classification, is an exception.
- Upgraded Intensity: Initially predicted as a tropical cyclone, IMD upgraded Michaung to a ‘severe’ storm due to its unexpected intensification.
- Heat Index Contribution: The intensification is attributed to the above-normal heat index values off the southern Andhra Pradesh coast.
Indian Tropical Storms: An Overview
- Annual Cyclones: The North Indian Ocean basin averages about five cyclones per year, predominantly in the Bay of Bengal.
- Arabian Sea Cyclones: Though less frequent, Arabian Sea cyclones often reach higher intensities and can cause extensive damage.
- Peak Cyclone Seasons: Cyclones are most common during pre-monsoon (April-June) and post-monsoon (October-December) months, with May and November seeing more intense storms.
Factors Influencing Storm Intensification
- Ocean Heat: Cyclones draw energy from warm ocean temperatures, typically around 26 degrees Celsius or higher.
- Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential (TCHP): This oceanographic parameter is crucial in cyclone genesis and intensification.
- Complex Atmospheric Conditions: Various atmospheric factors like wind shear, convection, and air-sea interactions also play a role in cyclone development.
- Coriolis Effect: This effect influences cyclone formation in the northern hemisphere, causing air to move anticlockwise in low-pressure areas.
Back2Basics: Extratropical and Tropical Cyclones
- General Definition: Cyclones are large-scale air systems rotating around a low-pressure center, often accompanied by violent storms.
- Extratropical Cyclones: Found outside the tropics, these cyclones have a cold core and gain energy from interactions between cold and warm air masses. They can form over both land and sea.
- Tropical Cyclones: These form in tropical regions and are powered by the condensation of water vapor. They lack associated warm or cold fronts and are known as hurricanes or typhoons in different regions.
Cyclone Naming Process
- Rotational Basis for Naming: The naming of cyclones is done by countries on a rotational basis, following certain existing guidelines.
- Responsibilities of RSMCs and TCWCs: Worldwide, there are six regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers (TCWCs) mandated for issuing advisories and naming of tropical cyclones.
- IMD’s Role: IMD is one of the six RSMCs providing tropical cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 member countries under the WMO/Economic and Social Commission for Asia-Pacific (ESCAP) Panel.
- Naming Authority of IMD: RSMC, New Delhi, is also mandated to name the tropical cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
- Guidelines for Naming: Some rules are to be followed while naming cyclones, such as being neutral to politics, religious beliefs, cultures, and gender, avoiding offensive or cruel names, and keeping the name short and easy to pronounce.
- Future Naming: After ‘Michaung’, the next cyclone as per India’s suggestion will be named ‘Tej’.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Maratha Navy
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- On Navy Day, December 4, PM Modi highlighted Chhatrapati Shivaji’s understanding of naval power and announced the incorporation of his emblem on naval officers’ epaulettes.
Indian Navy’s Acknowledgment of Maratha Heritage
- Training Establishment: The Indian Navy’s training facility in Lonavla is named INS Shivaji.
- Administrative Hub: The Western Naval Command’s logistics and administrative center in Mumbai is named INS Angre, after Kanhoji Angre, a prominent Maratha naval commander.
- New Naval Ensign: The Indian Navy’s new Ensign, unveiled in 2022, features the octagonal design of Shivaji’s seal, symbolizing his maritime vision.
About Maratha Navy
|
Details |
| Foundation and Expansion |
– Founder: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
– First Vessel: Built around 1654 near Kalyan
– Strategic Naval Bases: Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Khanderi, Colaba
– Philosophy: Principle of ‘Jalameva yasya, balameva tasya’ (‘He who rules the seas is all powerful’). |
| Composition and Command |
– Personnel: Native Konkani sailors and mercenaries
– Notable Commanders: Shivaji Maharaj, Admiral Kanhoji Angre |
| Naval Fleet and Technology |
– Ship Types: ‘Gurab’ (large, three-masted) and ‘Galbat’ (smaller, faster), Tarande , Shibad, Pal, Taru, Tirkiti and Machchava.
– Artillery and Arms: Equipped with various cannons, known for innovative naval tactics |
| Tactics and Strategies |
– Coastal Dominance: Excelling in coastal defense
– Guerrilla Tactics: Using hit-and-run tactics, exploiting shallow creeks and bays |
| Major Conflicts and Battles |
– Against European Powers: Engagements with the British and Portuguese
– Conflict with the Siddis: Ongoing conflicts with the Siddis of Janjira |
| Decline and Legacy |
– Reasons for Decline: Internal strife, technological advancements by Europeans, rise of British naval power
– Legacy: Remembered for resisting colonial powers, protecting the western coast of India |
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