Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Why the Andhra HC struck down order seeking to regulate public assemblies, processions

News: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has struck down a Government Order (GO) issued by the Andhra Pradesh government that sought to regulate public meetings, processions, and assemblies on roads, highways, and streets.

What were the arguments presented by the government on its order and what did the court say?

Andhra Pradesh Government: Through the GO, the government sought to regulate public meetings or assembly on roads.  The government told the court that it decided to regulate the conduct of meetings without imposing a blanket ban to prevent accidents like stampedes.

The government further argued that roads are made for smooth movement of traffic. Therefore, if there is a hindrance to it, then the state can impose reasonable restrictions.

The state government relied on Sections 30, 30A, and 31 of the Police Act, 1861, to issue directions under the GO.

Court: The court clarified that Section 30 of the Police Act only gives authorities the power to regulate the conduct of assemblies, processions, etc., on public roads.

The Court emphasized that the power granted to the police or magistrate under these sections is limited to regulating assemblies, especially when there is road blockage.

The right to assemble or protest peacefully in streets, public places, etc. cannot be restricted totally by virtue of these sections of law.

The court further said that if the officer concerned thinks that the assembly may cause a breach of peace then he can ask the organisers to apply for a license and prescribe the conditions under which the procession can be held.

The court also held that an accident occurring at a particular place cannot be used as a “cause” to curtail the right to assemble on all other roads.

Instead, the cause of such incidents should be studied fully, and then guidelines can be issued to prevent repetition.

What did the court say about the right to assembly?

The court said that the “right to assemble, to protest peacefully, and to express one’s opinion freely” is an important freedom which cannot be taken away.

Freedom of speech is the “bulwark” of democracy and is regarded as the first in the hierarchy of liberties.

Therefore, this freedom should not be curtailed on anyone’s discretion and these rights can only be subject to a ‘reasonable restriction’.

The court also relied on the Supreme Court judgment of 2018 which laid down guidelines for peaceful assembly.

What were the guidelines laid down in the 2018 SC ruling?

SC in Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v Union of India, laid down guidelines for regulating protests and demonstrations.

The guidelines – a) regulated the intended number of participants in such demonstrations, b) prescribed the minimum distance from the Parliament House, SC, and the residences of dignitaries within which no demonstrations were allowed, c) imposed restrictions on certain routes where the PM, Central Ministers, and Judges pass through, d) disallowed demonstrations when foreign dignitaries were visiting a place or route and e) disallowed demonstrators from carrying firearms, lathis, spears, swords, etc.

Legal recognition for same-sex marriage is a natural consequence of the right to privacy

News: The article discusses the issues concerning same sex marriages.

What has been the stand of the Supreme Court on same sex marriages?

There are two important judgments of the SC in this regard – 1) Navtej Singh Johar (2018), which struck down Section 377 IPC and 2) KS Puttaswamy (2017), which recognized the right to privacy as being a fundamental right.

Hence, legal recognition of same-sex unions/marriages comes as a continuation of these judgements. Whereas, denying it is a direct infringement of their right to privacy.

However, SC has reserved its judgment on legal recognition of same sex marriage.

What are other concerns related with the recognition of same-sex marriages?

An important question arises whether the Parliament can intervene into the recognition of same-sex marriages even if the court has recognized it.

If the answer is yes, then legislature can by law reverse the judicial recognition of the right to same-sex relationships.

However, if it is accepted that the legal recognition of same-sex marriages is only a natural consequence of their right to privacy, then the state would not be competent to make a policy decision in this area.

Moreover, if the fundamental right to embrace one’s sexual orientation is considered a part of the fundamental right to privacy, then leaving the decision to recognize same-sex marriage on to the government would not serve the purpose.

This is because the government does not support this idea and it prioritizes social morality over constitutional morality.

What are the Constitutional provisions that support same-sex marriage?

The Constitution ensures every citizen the right to equality with the right against discrimination on any ground including sex and sexual orientation.

Therefore, as per the Constitution, the state cannot deny its citizens the right to legal recognition of marriages on the only ground of varied sexual orientation.

Must Read: Legalising Same-sex marriages in India and associated challenges – Explained

What can be the way forward for same sex marriages in India?

The legal recognition of same-sex marriages will not only guarantee the couple rights for adoption, surrogacy, procreation but will also ensure dignity to their children.

Further, the institution of marriage is equally important to individuals regardless of their gender identities.

Moreover, Justice DY Chandrachud also said that the Supreme Court must not risk losing its role as a leading institution in upholding constitutional values. Else, the erosion of its authority would pose a significant threat to democracy.

Therefore, until the Parliament makes the law and recognizes the same-sex marriage, it is better to have expectations from the SC for its recognition.

Tracking SDG progress the Bhopal way

News: Bhopal has released its Voluntary Local Review (VLR). With that it has become the first city in India to join the growing global movement on localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2015, 193 United Nations member-states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda consists of 17 SDGs and 169 targets aimed at people, planet, and prosperity.

To depict the progress on the agenda, member-states submit a Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the UN’s High Level Political Forum (HLPF). This submission was recently extended to the local level. Now Voluntary Local Review (VLR) is also submitted which reports local implementation of SDGs at the sub-national and city levels.

What are the provisions of localisation of SDGs through VLRs?

Cities are crucial for achieving at least 65% of the 169 SDG targets, necessitating local urban stakeholders’ involvement. The VLR serves as a tool to showcase local actions leading to equitable and sustainable transformations.

Although it is ideal for city’s VLR to align to the State-level action plan (where available) and the country’s VNR, VLR mechanism allows flexibility to the cities to select the SDGs to focus upon.

This flexibility is given, considering the fund crunch and logistical challenges of cities.

India’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

India has made notable progress towards adoption and achievement of the SDGs, with NITI Aayog presenting India’s second VNR at the HLPF in 2020.

The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) of India has published a National Indicator Framework (NIF) for the review and monitoring of the SDGs, representing India’s unique development journey.

Efforts of India towards localisation of SDGs

India has made significant progress towards adoption and achievement of the SDGs. NITI Aayog presenting India’s second VNR at the HLPF in 2020.

NITI Aayog reported that at least 23 States and Union Territories have prepared a vision document based on SDGs. Almost all of them have initiated steps to localise the SDGs. However, it is a time taking process.

Significance of Non-Governmental Stakeholders in the VLR Process

A VLR does not necessarily have to be initiated by a local government. It can be carried out by any city-level stakeholder within the framework of Agenda 2030.

Bhopal’s VLR is the result of a collaboration between the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, UN-Habitat, and more than 23 local stakeholders.

Bhopal’s VLR has helped identify the city’s performance areas in solid waste management, public transportation, and open spaces per capita.

It also highlights areas that need improvement, like provisioning of adequate shelter, air pollution, city planning capacity, and even distribution of open spaces.

In the city of Canterbury in the United Kingdom, some residents and local groups came together to do the VLR, with the help of local government. However, the local government merely served as interlocutors in the VLR process.

Similar examples have been observed in Dhulikhel (Nepal), Singra (Bangladesh), and Amman (Jordan).

On PM Modi’s visit to Australia: Delhi to Canberra, a new journey

News: Prime Miniter Modi has continued with the scheduled visit to Australia, even after the cancellation of Quad Summit. It shows the importance India places on its relationship with Australia.

What are the strengths of India Australia Relations?

Cultural Links: There are strong cultural connections between these two vibrant, democratic societies. This is evident in the similarities between places like Parramatta in Sydney and Polo View in Srinagar.

Regular visits: High-level visits between the two countries are now regular. For instance, Australian PM Anthony Albanese visited India just two months ago.

Shared platforms: Both countries regularly interact through multilateral, trilateral, and minilateral forums, such as QUAD, G7, East Asia Summit, G20, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

Through these platforms, both countries focus on the goals of common interests like maritime awareness, supply chain resilience, and climate change.

Resilient supply chains: India and Australia have pledged to build secure and resilient supply chains for strategically significant sectors such as clean energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors, aerospace, and defence. In this regard, an MoU signed between India’s Khanij Bidesh Ltd (KABIL) and Australia’s Critical Minerals.

Space collaboration has been prioritised in the Australia-India bilateral partnership. Australia participated as a partner country in the Seventh Bengaluru Space Expo. Australia is supporting India’s Gaganyaan Space Programme.

Education forms the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, with Australia being a popular study destination for Indian students. PM Albanese’s announcement of an education agreement that gives mutual recognition to the qualifications of both countries is the most comprehensive of its kind with any other country.

Trade: Last year both countries struck a trade deal after two decades of effort. It will lift the trade between both countries from the current base of $35 billion.

New announcements: Australia has announced multiple initiatives, like the opening of a new consulate in Bengaluru and a new centre for Australia-India relations in Sydney, to deepen its ties with India.

Allopathy Plus – Integrative medicine is well worth researching

News: Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research and GoI’s AYUSH ministry signed an MoU to promote and collaborate on integrative health research.

About integrated systems of medicine, government initiatives and advantages

What are the challenges in attaining integrative health?

Different school of thought: Integrating allopathy with alternative approaches (AYUSH) under the banner of integrative medicine has a long history. But despite that, there are significant differences in the underlying approach to treatment. This is because a) the practitioners of the modern medicine system rest on standardisation, b) The importance of randomised controlled trials in allopathy to establish the safety and efficacy of treatments. Other therapies don’t easily allow themselves to these RCTs.

What needs to be done to attain integrative health?

India should carry out more research in various fields. The regulatory authorities should curb misinformation on efficacy and risks.

GS Paper 3

Express View on new climate change report: It should lead to a review of Paris Climate Pact targets

News: Recently, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released a report titled ‘State of the Global Climate 2022’. The report has warned that at least one of the next four years could be 1.5 degrees hotter than the pre-industrial average.

About the State of the Global Climate 2022 report

The WMO report pointed out that the global mean temperature last year was 1.15 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

What is the status of the temperature increase in India?

The India Meteorological Organisation recorded 2022 as the fifth-warmest year on record since 2021, and the last decade as the hottest 10 years in the country’s history.

How are global countries impacted by climate change?

a) Floods in Pakistan claimed more than 1,500 lives and affected more than 30 million people, b)  Heatwaves led to record temperatures in several parts of Europe last year, leading to droughts and reduced river flows, and c) North America had its warmest August and forest fires raged in several parts of the US and Australia.

What should be done to mitigate the impact of climate change?

Need for greater investments: This is essential especially to build people’s resilience. Such as investments in a) risk-proof agriculture, b) building food security, c) developing flood and cyclone warning systems, and d) strengthening the defences of coasts and other vulnerable areas.

Increase adaptation funds to developing countries: A UN report last year noted that the international “adaptation finance flows to developing countries are 5-10 times below estimated needs and the gap is widening”. The upcoming COP-28 summit in Dubai must address this gap.

About India’s economic growth: A sustainable growth rate

News: In the past four decades and more, the structure of India’s economy has changed drastically.

What are the structural changes India witnessed in the past four decades?

Compared to 1980-81, using current prices, a) The share of “agriculture and allied activities” has dropped from 38% of GDP to 21%, b) The share of services has grown from 37% to 53%, c) Industry
(including construction and utilities) has remained more or less unchanged at 26%.

What does the structural change mean for overall economic growth?

Increase in life expectancy and associated benefits: Life expectancy was 54 years in 1980. But it is currently estimated at 70 years. This means the average Indian no longer dies in his/her working age.

This has improved productivity and increased the rapid spread of education, including post-school education, where enrolment levels have grown sharply.

Rate of investment: There is an increased rate of investment in fixed capital (up from 19.7% of GDP in 1980-81 to 28.6% before the pandemic).

Further, there is a high spread of digitisation.

Healthy economic growth: Indian economy’s potential for annual growth should have become at least 7%. In the two decades prior to the pandemic, India through many ups and downs averaged annual growth not far short of 7%.

How did the pandemic impact India’s economic growth?

With the global economic slowdown post-pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) thinks India’s potential for growth has suffered and reduced the growth forecast. This is because with Covid India has a) more people falling back on low-productivity agriculture, b) a lower ratio of worker population to total population, c) damage to small and medium enterprises, d) a shortage of consumption and (consequently) investment demand, e) higher level of public debt, and f) government policy errors (like staying out of regional trade agreements).

What India needs to do to boost India’s economic growth?

India should make heavy investments in transport infrastructure. India should also raise the country’s capacity for generating growth and employment. This will revive the Indian economy.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Supreme Court empowered Delhi govt, Centre gets ordinance to put bureaucrats over CM

Source: The post is based on the article “Supreme Court empowered Delhi govt, Centre gets ordinance to put bureaucrats over CM” published in Indian Express on 20th May 2023

What is the News?

The President of India has Promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023.

What are the key provisions of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023?

The Ordinance creates a new statutory authority – the National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) – which will be headed by the elected Chief Minister of Delhi in addition to the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of the Home Department. 

The NCCSA will make recommendations to the LG regarding transfer posting, vigilance and other incidental matters.

All matters required to be decided by the body shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present and voting. 

This means that the decision of the elected chief minister of Delhi can be overruled by the two senior bureaucrats.  

Furthermore, in case the LG differs with the recommendation made, they would be empowered to return the recommendation to the Authority for reconsideration and, in case of continuing difference of opinion, the decision of the Lieutenant Governor shall be final.

What is the significance of this ordinance?

This ordinance effectively reverses the verdict delivered by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court in an unanimous ruling by a five-judge Constitution bench ruled that the Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over administrative services in the national capital.

Why has the RBI withdrawn Rs 2,000 notes?

Source: The post is based on the article “Why has the RBI withdrawn Rs 2,000 notes?” published in Indian Express on 20th May 2023

What is the News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to withdraw the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation. 

When were Rs 2000 denomination banknotes introduced?

Banknotes of ₹2,000 denomination were introduced after ₹1000 and ₹500 banknotes were demonetised on November 8, 2016.

Why are Rs 2000 denomination banknotes being withdrawn now?

Objective fulfilled: The ₹2000 denomination banknotes were introduced primarily with the objective to meet the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner after the withdrawal of the legal tender status of all ₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes in circulation at that time.

– With the fulfilment of that objective, the printing of ₹2000 banknotes was stopped in 2018-19. A majority of the present ₹2000 denomination notes were issued prior to March 2017 and are at the end of their estimated life span of 4–5 years.

No longer used that much for transactions: The ₹2000 denomination banknotes are no longer commonly used for transactions. Besides, there is adequate stock of banknotes in other denominations to meet currency requirements.

Clean Note policy of RBI: The Clean Note Policy seeks to give the public good-quality currency notes and coins with better security features, while soiled notes are withdrawn out of circulation. 

– The RBI had earlier decided to withdraw from circulation all banknotes issued prior to 2005 as they have fewer security features as compared to banknotes printed after 2005. However, the notes issued before 2005 continue to be legal tender. 

Will the Rs 2000 banknotes continue to be legal tender?

The Rs 2000 banknote will continue to maintain its legal tender status. Members of the public can continue to use Rs 2000 banknotes for their transactions and also receive them in payment.

However, they are encouraged to deposit and/ or exchange these banknotes on or before September 30, 2023.

What is the value of Rs 2000 notes in circulation currently?

About 89% of the Rs 2000 denomination banknotes were issued prior to March 2017, and are at the end of their estimated 4-5-year lifespan. 

The total value of these banknotes in circulation has declined from Rs 6.73 lakh crore at its peak of March 31, 2018 (37.3% of notes in circulation) to Rs 3.62 lakh crore, constituting only 10.8% of notes in circulation on March 31, 2023.

Tax waived on annual forex spends up to ₹7 lakh: FinMin

Source: The post is based on the article “Tax waived on annual forex spends up to ₹7 lakh: FinMin” published in The Hindu on 20th May 2023

What is the News?

The Finance Ministry has clarified that payments using international debit or credit cards up to Rs 7 lakh per financial year will be excluded from the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits and, therefore this will not attract any Tax Collected at Source(TCS).

What is the issue?

Recently, the Government amended rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, bringing in international credit card spending outside India under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

As a consequence, the spending by international credit cards will attract a higher rate of TCS at 20 per cent effective July 1,2023.

At present, a TCS levy of 5% will come into effect on such transactions till July 1 (except for medical and education-linked sectors), which would then increase to 20 per cent after July 1.

Prior to this, the usage of an international credit card to make payments towards meeting expenses abroad was not covered under the LRS.

This move has raised concerns about the applicability of TCS to small transactions under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme(LRS).

What has the government done to address concerns?

The government has clarified that payments using international debit or credit cards up to Rs 7 lakh per financial year will be excluded from the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limits and, therefore this will not attract any Tax Collected at Source(TCS).

Moreover, existing beneficial TCS treatment for education and health will also continue.

India has allocated $29bn to cut disaster risk: PM aide in UN

Source: The post is based on the article “India has allocated $29bn to cut disaster risk: PM aide in UN” published in TOI on 20th May 2023

What is the News?

At the review meeting of the Sendai Framework at the UN General Assembly, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India highlighted the steps taken by India against Disasters.

What is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?

Click Here to read

What are the steps taken by India against disasters?

India has significantly increased funding for disaster risk reduction (DRR) — $6 billion towards Disaster risk reduction(DRR) mitigation over the five-year period (2021-2025) and $23 billion meant for preparedness, response and recovery.

In just over a decade, India has been able to reduce the loss of lives from cyclones to less than 2%.

India is also developing ambitious mitigation programmes to reduce the risk of losses from all hazards — landslides, glacial lake outbursts, earthquakes, forest fires, heat waves and lightning.

India has been the first responder against disasters across continents. It had recently sent its National Disaster Response Force to Turkey and Syria during earthquakes, dispatching field hospitals and search and rescue teams and medical relief material.

Under India’s presidency, G20 members have agreed to establish a working group on Disaster risk reduction(DRR). The five priorities identified by the G20 working group are: 1) early warning for all, 2) resilient infrastructure, 3) improved financing of DRR, 4) systems and capacities for response and ‘build back better’ and 5) ecosystem based approaches to DR

Even limited arsenic exposure can mar cognitive ability: study

Source: The post is based on the article “Even limited arsenic exposure can mar cognitive ability: study” published in The Hindu on 20th May 2023

What is the News?

A study has found that even low levels of arsenic consumption may impact cognitive function in children, adolescents and young adults.

What is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a natural component of the earth’s crust and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. However, it is highly toxic in its inorganic form.

People are exposed to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated water, using contaminated water in food preparation and irrigation of food crops among others.

Long-term intake of arsenic-contaminated water leads to arsenic poisoning or arsenicosis, with cancer of skin, bladder, kidney or lung or diseases of the skin (colour changes, and hard patches on palms and soles), or blood vessels of legs and feet.

In India, the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Chhattisgarh are reported to be most affected by arsenic contamination of groundwater above the permissible level.

What was the study conducted on Arsenic?

A study was conducted to understand how a range of environmental and biological factors affect neurological and cognitive development in young people.

It found that those people exposed to arsenic had reduced grey matter (brain tissue that is vital to cognitive functions) and weaker connections within key regions of the brain that enable concentration, switching between tasks and temporary storage of information.

Chronic exposure to arsenic could be creating a ‘silent pandemic’ affecting large portions of the global population.