9 PM Daily UPSC Current Affairs Brief – January 17th, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Mumbai’s Urban Development Model Issues With Atal Setu
Source: This post on the Issues with Mumbai’s Urban Development Model has been created based on the article “Atal Setu is bad for Mumbai – its people and ecology” published in “Indian Express” on 17th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Urbanisation – their problems and their remedies.
News: The article discusses the issues with Mumbai’s urban development model as exemplified by the construction of Atal Setu.
Background:
Last week, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link bridge, the Atal Setu was inaugurated. It has been advertised as a symbol of the city and the country’s development.
However, according to the author, this development model (involving the construction of bigger concretised roads and paving over open spaces) belongs to the 1960s. It does not take into account the importance of urban ecology and is hence outdated.
Mumbai’s Urban Development Model Issues With Atal Setu
This mode of development based on the Concretisation and Infrastructure Development of the city with roads, highways and tunnels creates several problems:
- This mode of development produces more traffic (by encouraging car transit).
- It harms open spaces, wetlands, gardens and playgrounds that perform vital climate mitigation and adaptation services.
- Increases toxic air quality levels in the city.
- The increasing extent of rainwater runoff in the streets.
- The city’s trees are cut down on account of infrastructure projects.
What Should Be Done?
1) A different mode of development that takes into account urban ecology and dissuades car transit should be followed.
2) Urban planning should address and mitigate the air quality crisis and the lack of open spaces, intertidal regions and mangroves performing critical services.
Question for practice:
What are the issues with the urban development model in India? Discuss in the context of the construction of Atal Setu in Mumbai.
GS PAPER - 2
Issues with the Tenth Schedule- Understanding the Tenth Schedule
Source: The post Issues with the Tenth Schedule has been created, based on the article “Understanding the Tenth Schedule” published in “The Hindu” on 17th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- polity- Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
News: The article explains the application of India’s Tenth Schedule, an anti-defection law, in a recent dispute within Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena party. It also highlights the need for reforms in the law to better address political defections and related challenges.
What is the Tenth Schedule?
Introduction and Purpose: The Tenth Schedule, added to the Indian Constitution in 1985, is an anti-defection law. It was introduced to address political instability caused by frequent defections of legislators during the 1960s and 70s.
Key Provisions: It mandates the disqualification of Members of Parliament or state legislatures if they voluntarily give up their party membership or defy party directives during voting.
Enforcement by the ‘Whip’: Party discipline and voting instructions are enforced through a party-appointed ‘whip’.
Amendments for Strength: Originally, it allowed a one-third faction to split without disqualification (paragraph 3). This was removed in 2003 (91st Constitutional amendment act) to strengthen the law against defections.
For more information read here
What are the Issues with the Tenth Schedule?
Misuse for Political Gains: The Tenth Schedule is often manipulated by lawmakers to defect without facing disqualification. For instance, in Rajasthan in 2019 and Goa in 2022, entire groups of MLAs from one party merged with another, essentially defecting but evading disqualification under the anti-defection law. This tactic undermines the purpose of the Schedule.
Ambiguity in Definition: The law’s criteria for what constitutes defection can be interpreted in various ways, leading to confusion and manipulation. The recent case in Maharashtra illustrates this, where the Speaker recognized the Eknath Shinde faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena, despite claims from the rival Uddhav Thackeray group.
Speaker’s Biased Role: The Speaker’s role in disqualification decisions is criticized for potential partiality. The Speaker, expected to be neutral, often makes decisions favoring the ruling party. The Maharashtra case again serves as an example, where the Speaker’s decision favored one faction over the other.
For more information on challenges associated with the Tenth Schedule read here
What should be done?
Establish an Independent Tribunal: To ensure unbiased decisions on disqualification, an independent tribunal, possibly led by judges, should replace the Speaker’s authority, as recommended in the K.M. Singh vs Speaker of Manipur case (2020).
Strengthen Inner Party Democracy: Implementing regular, transparent inner-party elections, monitored by the Election Commission, can reduce defections. This addresses the root cause, as lack of democracy within parties often leads to dissatisfaction and defections.
Clear Guidelines for Faction Recognition: The Supreme Court, in Sadiq Ali vs. Election Commission of India (1971), proposed a three-test formula—consisting of the party’s aims and objectives, adherence to the party constitution, and majority in legislative and organizational wings—to strictly determine the legitimacy of political factions.
Question for practice:
Examine the issues related to the Tenth Schedule of India’s Constitution and suggest potential reforms or solutions to address these issues.
Taiwan’s elections and the Indo-Pacific
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Taiwan’s elections and the Indo-Pacific” published in “Business Standard” on 17th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
News: The article discusses the reactions of major world powers after the recent Taiwan election results. It also highlights why Taiwan is an important player in global geopolitics and India’s stance on the same.
Background:
Lai Ching-te, the candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emerged as the winner of the Taiwan elections. It has now won 3 presidential elections in a row with its stance of independence (rejecting China’s assertion of sovereignty and unification).
It also rejects the 1992 consensus which declares that both entities accept that there is only one China but referred to as the PRC and the other as the Republic of China.
What has been the reaction of the major powers to the election result?
China: Chinese Foreign Minister reiterated that it cannot change that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is a part of China.
USA: It has welcomed the elections as a demonstration of Taiwan’s vibrant democracy but also reiterated that it does not support the island’s independence. It emphasises the need to maintain peace and security in the Taiwan Strait.
Japan: It has also congratulated Taiwan on its democratic polity and the shared values between the two countries.
Why is Taiwan an important player in global geopolitics?
- Economic Weight: Taiwan is a major trading power and the world’s 16th largest economy.
- Major Source of Semiconductors: It is the source of 92% of the world’s most advanced logic chips and it fabricates 55% of the semiconductors embedded in vehicles, laptops, tablets and smartphones all over the world.
- Major Maritime Trading Route: Any conflict in the Taiwan Strait would affect critical digital supply chains and the nearly 60% of global maritime trade that moves through the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
What is India’s changing stance with respect to Taiwan?
India has a stake in the maintenance of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, with Taiwan at its centre. It maintains non-official relations with Taiwan. Lately, the following changes have occurred with respect to its stance on the Taiwan issue:
1) Expansion of Economic Relations: Trade and investment relations between the two countries have recently expanded significantly.
2) Direct Criticism of China: India for the first time in 2022, criticised China for its “militarisation of the Taiwan Strait”.
3) Not Affirming the One-China Principle: India has lately stopped reaffirming the one-China principle. Its stance is now more aligned with its partners in the QUAD.
Question for practice:
Taiwan is an important player in global geopolitics, especially when it comes to the Indo-Pacific. Discuss.
On India’s Multi-Alignment Policy – Express View on Modi-Putin call
Source: This post on India’s Multi-Alignment Policy has been created based on the article “Express View on Modi-Putin call: The new multi-alignment” published in “Indian Express” on 17th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
News: The article discusses the state of the current global geopolitics and how India is navigating its relations amidst these challenges through its Multi-Alignment Policy.
What is the state of the current global geopolitics?
The current geopolitical scenario is marked by increasing power rivalries. For instance:
- Conflicts in Europe and West Asia – between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas.
- Rivalry between the US and China on economic, technological and strategic fronts.
How is India dealing with these developments?
India has managed to engage with diverse partners who are often against each other. Its current “multi-alignment” policy is guided by national interest and the need to forge bilateral relationships. For instance:
1) Engaging with Russia: Recently, India’s PM and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation. They reportedly discussed the “special and privileged strategic partnership”, the Ukraine conflict and a deepening of bilateral ties.
2) Engaging with Iran: Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister visited Iran where he finalised cooperation on developing the Chabahar Port.
3) Maintaining Ties with USA: The US put considerable pressure on India to take a stronger position against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. However, India maintained its relations with both the major powers.
4) Maintaining Ties with West Asia: India has deep partnerships with Israel and Saudi Arabia, even though they are in a regional cold war with Iran.
At the same time, India hasn’t compromised on its core principles: that war cannot be a solution (in context of the Ukraine conflict) and zero tolerance for terror (in context of the Houthi attacks).
What are the factors which have allowed India to maintain this stand?
- Economic Rise: The size of India’s market as well as its potential for future growth gives it both strategic and diplomatic weight.
- Counterbalance to an Aggressive China: As China has grown more aggressive in Asia and beyond, the US and the West see India as a crucial regional counterbalance.
- Democratic Credentials: Its credentials as a liberal, pluralist democracy make India an attractive partner.
Hence, to navigate the current delicate geopolitics and geoeconomics to secure its interests, India must ensure it does well on all these fronts.
Question for practice:
India is navigating the current global geopolitics through a multi-alignment policy. Elaborate.
Status of multidimensional Poverty in India
Source: The post status of multidimensional Poverty in India has been created, based on the article “Multiple-count poverty: Let’s try to eliminate it” published in “Live mints” and “Development debate: The policy must now go beyond poverty numbers” published in ““Business standard” on 17th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – governance – mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
News: As per the NITI Aayog discussion paper titled ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’, approximately 248.2 million individuals in India emerged from poverty over nine years. It also addresses the challenges encountered in tackling multidimensional poverty.
What is multidimensional poverty?
Historically, poverty estimation was done by mainly focusing on one-dimensional measures – usually based on income. However, there was criticism that monetary and consumption-based poverty measures fail to capture the impact of lack of other non-monetary factors on standard of living.
It has been recognized that poverty has multiple dimensions that affect individuals’ experiences and quality of life. Qualitative aspects of life such as access to basic services like water and sanitation that may not be directly related to household income, constitute an important part of poverty measurement.
For more information on multidimensional poverty read here
For information on National multidimensional Poverty read here
What is the status of multidimensional Poverty in India?
Multidimensional poverty in India has substantially decreased.
In 2013-14, 29.2% of the population was in multidimensional poverty, which dropped to 11.3% in 2022-23.
Approximately 248.2 million people have escaped extreme poverty since 2013.
Niti Aayog’s data shows a decline in poverty from 55.3% in 2005-06 to an anticipated level below 10% by 2024.
Similarly, World Bank figures indicate a drop in India’s poverty rate from roughly 19% in 2015 to 11.9% in 2021.
The Indian government’s goal is to further reduce this poverty metric to 1%.
For more information read here
How did India achieve this reduction in multidimensional poverty?
Digital Integration: The ‘JAM’ trio – Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar identities, and mobile phones – played a crucial role in streamlining welfare distribution.
Direct Cash Transfers: These transfers ensured efficient coverage of various benefit schemes, reducing leakages significantly.
Expanded Welfare Budgets: Economic growth enabled increased funding for welfare programs, contributing to poverty alleviation.
Targeted Measures: Focused efforts on health, education, and living standards addressed key aspects of deprivation.
Multidimensional Approach: Adoption of the multidimensional poverty index (MPI), similar to the United Nations Development Program’s method, helped in better targeting and measuring poverty.
Data-Driven Decisions: Use of National Family Health Surveys for accurate assessment and strategy formulation.
What are the challenges in countering multidimensional poverty?
Data Quality Concerns: The rejection of the 2017-18 consumer expenditure survey by the government due to data quality issues highlights challenges in obtaining reliable data.
Regional Disparities: There are significant disparities in poverty levels across different states, indicating uneven development and the need for region-specific policies.
Educational Outcomes: The index includes education but does not fully address the quality of education. For example, the learning outcomes in India are not at the desired level.
Policy Direction and Spending: The report questions the efficiency of current government expenditure, such as free food distribution and cash transfers, suggesting a need for more focused spending on development areas like education quality.
Way forward
To further reduce poverty, India needs sustained economic growth and targeted policies for inclusive development. Accurate data collection and a shift in government spending towards areas like education quality are crucial. Addressing regional disparities and focusing on not just the quantity but also the quality of services will aid in balanced and inclusive progress.
Question for practice:
Examine how India achieved a substantial reduction in multidimensional poverty and the challenges it faces in countering this issue.
Judicial contradiction in Delhi Chief Secretary’s extension
Source: The post Judicial contradiction in Delhi Chief Secretary’s extension has been created, based on the article “Judicial contradiction in Delhi Chief Secretary’s extension” published in “The Hindu” on 17th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Indian Polity- Issues pertaining to federalism
News: The article discusses a decision by the Supreme Court of India allowing the central government to extend the tenure of Delhi’s Chief Secretary for six months.
What are the key points of conflict in recent SC decision?
Amendment Act of 2023: The Supreme Court’s decision aligns with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023, granting the central government more control over Delhi’s civil services. This Act conflicts with a previous judgment favoring Delhi Government’s control, creating a legal inconsistency.
For more information on National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023, read here
Charges Against the Chief Secretary: Naresh Kumar, the Chief Secretary, is accused of corruption and favoritism, leading Delhi’s Chief Minister to question the rationale behind extending his tenure and seek his removal.
Current SC decision vs Royappa case:
Relationship between the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister: In the Royappa case, the Supreme Court highlighted the need for a strong relationship between the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister for effective governance. However, the current decision to extend Naresh Kumar’s tenure, despite the Delhi Government’s opposition, disregards this principle, suggesting a lack of coordination with the Chief Minister.
Accountability and Democratic Functioning: The Royappa case emphasized the Chief Secretary’s crucial role in administration and the need for accountability to the elected government. The recent decision, however, undermines this accountability by allowing the central government to unilaterally extend the Chief Secretary’s tenure, thereby weakening Delhi’s democratic structure.
What impact does this have on Delhi’s government?
Constitutionality Questions: The decision raises concerns about constitutionality, particularly regarding the distribution of power between Delhi’s government and the central government as outlined in the Constitution.
Undermines Delhi Government’s Authority: The SC’s decision to extend the tenure of the Chief Secretary, despite opposition from the Delhi government, weakens the elected government’s control over its administration. Furthermore, it disrupts the democratic balance where Chief Secretaries should be accountable to the Delhi government, as per earlier rulings.
Affects Governance and Trust: The decision could lead to a breakdown of trust between the Delhi government and its bureaucracy, negatively impacting governance and decision-making processes in the capital.
Question for practice:
Discuss the key points of conflict and the impact of the recent Supreme Court decision on Delhi’s government and its democratic functioning.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
OPERATION AMRITH
Why in the News?
Recently, Kerala government has launched operation ‘AMRITH’ to tackle anti-microbial resistance.
AMRITH stands for Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention for Total Health.
What is Operation AMRITH?
Launched by- Kerala Drug Control Department to reduce the use of antibiotics.
Objective- To conduct unexpected inspections at retail pharmacies to detect over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, without prescription.
Pharmacies need to maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales and comply with prescription regulations. They should also display a poster which states, ‘antibiotics not sold without doctor’s prescription’.
Kerala’s plan reflected a multi-sectoral approach, which is aligned with India’s National Action Plan on AMR.
What is Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR)?
1) The ability of bacteria and other microbes to resist the drugs used to inhibit or kill them is known as AMR.
2) It is considered as ‘silent pandemic’ which is responsible for 5 million deaths worldwide in 2019.
Read more – Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance in India
What are the Causes of AMR?
1) Overuse of antibiotics.
2) Lack of access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.
3) Incomplete treatment as patients do not finish their course.
4) Inadequate infection control mechanism in hospitals.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government to control AMR?
1) National Action Plan For AMR.
2) Delhi Declaration on AMR – It is an inter-ministerial consensus among various ministries to render their full support in AMR containment.
3) Antibiotic Stewardship Program(AMSP)- Launched by Indian Council Of Medical Reserch(ICMR) to prevent the overuse of antibiotics in hospital wards and ICUs.
4) Ban on use of colistin as a growth promoter.
5) Advancing concept of ‘one health’ – This is an integrated and unifying approach to balance the health of people, animals and the environment.
National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)
Why in news?
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has started the process of revising the current National Essential Diagnostic List for the first time since its inception in 2019.
What is the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)?
Published by: ICMR
In 2018, WHO has recommended the development and implementation of NEDL to facilitate the availability of diagnostics across various tiers of healthcare pyramid. India was one of the first country to implement this and released its first NEDL in 2019.
NEDL lists the essential and most basic tests that should be available at various levels of healthcare facilities in a country.
These facilities include primary health centers, health and wellness centers, sub-health centers, and the village level.
Basis for inclusion of tests: Tests are listed after a careful consideration of the disease burden data across different states of India. List is aligned with National programs and adhere to Indian public health standards.
What is included in the National Essential Diagnostics list?
The list contains 117 general laboratory tests for diagnosis of a broad range of common conditions that include both communicable and non-communicable disease.
Why did India develop an Essential Diagnostic List?
India has had a national list of essential medicines for more than 20 years. However, there was not much emphasis on diagnosis, leading to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.
Thus, the recent revision may lead to increased demand, improved patient outcomes, and reduction in out-of-pocket expenses on diagnostics.
National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM): India developed its first NLEM in 1996. The NLEM plays an important role in ensuring accessibility of affordable, quality medicines at all levels of healthcare.
What is ‘prior approval’ before probing corruption allegations against public officials?
Source-This post is based on the article “What is ‘prior approval’, and why is it needed before investigating public officials accused of corruption?” published in “The Indian Express” on 17th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the Supreme Court issued a divided verdict on ex-Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu’s plea to dismiss an FIR in a purported skill development scam. Now, the matter has been referred to the Chief Justice of India to form a three-judge bench for a decisive ruling on corruption charges against Naidu.
What does the Supreme Court held?
1) Justice Bose held that prior approval was necessary before conducting an inquiry into the allegations against Naidu, which the CID did not have when it opened the inquiry.
2) Justice Trivedi held it was necessary to seek approval under Section 17A of the PCA Act only to investigate offences committed after 2018, the year this requirement was introduced.
What is the ‘Prior approval’ requirement?
1) In 2003, an amendment to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 (specifically Section 6A) was made.
2) It mandated that agencies like the CBI are required to seek central government approval before probing alleged offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988, if the implicated employee held a rank higher than joint secretary.
3) The Supreme Court eliminated this requirement in 2014.
4) In 2018, the PCA underwent an amendment, incorporating a comparable provision as Section 17A.
5) According to section 17A, if a public servant commits an offense under the Act during official duties, investigators must receive approval from the central/state government or a competent authority to initiate an inquiry or investigation.
What are the similar cases in which the Supreme Court addressed the prior approval issue?
CBI v R R Kishore- A Constitution Bench ruled that officials cannot assert immunity under Section 6A, even if the offense occurred prior to the annulment of this provision.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation
Why Kashmir and Ladakh are without snow this winter, its implications
Source-This post is based on the article “Why Kashmir and Ladakh are without snow this winter, its implications” published in “The Indian Express” on 17th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh which are the key tourist destinations in India have seen little rainfall or snow this winter, leading to a decline in tourist numbers this season.
What has been observed this year?
1) According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jammu and Kashmir recorded an 80% rainfall deficit in December and a 100% deficit (no rain at all) in January thus far.
Note- Typically, the region experiences its initial snowfall in the first half of December, extending through most of January.
2) The decline in snowfall is associated with reduced western disturbance events and rising temperatures, signaling the impact of climate change.
3) Scientists propose that the ongoing El Niño event in the eastern Pacific Ocean may also contribute to this year’s observed conditions.
What are the Western Disturbances and its Impact on India?
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1) These are large eastward-moving wind systems carrying rain that originate beyond Afghanistan and Iran.
2) They gather moisture from regions as distant as the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
3) These are the primary source of winter precipitation in the Himalayan region.
4) During the post-monsoon and winter months, Western Disturbances serve as the main rainfall source for north and northwest India.
5) Alongside the southwest monsoon (June to September) and the northeast monsoon affecting Tamil Nadu and other areas, they constitute the three major contributors to India’s annual rainfall.
What is El Nino and its impact on India ?
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1) It is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
2) This warming typically occurs every 2 to 7 years and can have significant impacts on weather patterns around the world.
3) El Niño is part of the larger El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern, which also includes its counterpart, La Niña.
For more information on El Nino and its impact Click here to read |
What are the implications of Less Snowfall in Kashmir and Ladakh region?
1) Long-term implications such as reduced hydroelectricity generation, accelerated glacier melting, and a negative effect on drinking water supply due to diminished snowfall for groundwater recharge.
2) In the short term, it can lead to more forest fires, agricultural drought, and a decline in crop production.
UPSC Syllabus- Geography & Places in News
Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR): Addressing Passenger Attacks on Pilots
Source-This post is based on the article “A passenger attacked a pilot. How are airlines expected to respond?” published in “The Indian Express” on 16th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, a passenger assaulted an IndiGo airline pilot following a prolonged delay caused by heavy fog in Delhi. This article explores the responses of airlines to such incidents of unruly passenger behavior.
How are airlines supposed to respond to incidents of unruly passenger behaviour?
The DGCA has issued guidelines known as ‘Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR)‘ to all airlines. It outlines procedures to be followed in handling varying degrees of unruly passenger behavior during and after incidents.
1) The airline should first notify passengers that unruly behavior, as per guidelines, may lead to possible arrest.
2) If the pilots and central control determine that cabin crew cannot manage the unruly passenger, they must promptly land at the nearest airport.
3) Upon landing, an airline representative will file an FIR (First Information Report) with the relevant security agency at the aerodrome, where the unruly passenger will be handed over.
4) There are different levels of unruly passenger behavior outlined in the guidelines:
Level 1 | Unruly behaviour, including physical gestures, verbal harassment, and unruly inebriation. |
Level 2 | Physically abusive behaviour, including pushing, kicking, hitting, and grabbing or inappropriate touching or sexual harassment. |
Level 3 | Life-threatening behaviour, including damage to aircraft operating systems, physical violence such as choking, eye gouging, murderous assault, and attempted or actual breach of flight crew compartment. |
What penalties can unruly behaviour by a flight passenger attract?
1) The airline can ban the unruly passenger for up to 30 days immediately after the incident.
2) If the Internal Committee doesn’t reach a decision within 30 days, the passenger will be allowed to fly.
3) Airlines must keep a database of unruly passengers, sharing it with the DGCA and other airlines to maintain a No-Fly List.
4) Level 1 and 2 offenses may result in flying bans of up to three months and six months, respectively.
5) Level 3 offense incurs a minimum 2-year ban with no maximum limit.
6) Appeal- Banned individuals can appeal within 60 days to an Appellate Committee led by a retired High Court judge. An appeal against the appellate panel’s decision shall be made to a High Court.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation(Governance)
Home Ministry cancels FCRA registration of Centre for Policy Research
Source-This post is based on the article “Home Ministry cancels FCRA registration of Centre for Policy Research ” published in “The Hindu” on 17th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) has been revoked by the Union Home Ministry.
Why was the FCRA registration of CPR cancelled?
1) According to the Home Ministry , the registration was revoked due to ‘violations‘ of FCRA regulations.
2) One of the reasons cited is that the institute published reports on “current affairs programmes”, which is a violation of the FCRA.
3) The Home Ministry highlighted instances where the CPR transferred foreign contributions to other entities, depositing them in non-designated accounts. It is a clear cut violation of Section 7 (Prohibition on transferring foreign contributions to other persons) of the FCRA.
Note- As per Section 3(1) in The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010, No foreign contribution shall be accepted by any association or company engaged in the production or broadcast of audio news or audiovisual news or current affairs programmes through any electronic mode, or any other electronic form.
What is Foreign Contribution Regulation Act(FCRA)?
Aspect | Details |
What is it? | It is an Indian legislation enacted to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions and foreign hospitality by individuals, associations, and companies in India. |
Enacted in | 1976 |
Amendments | 2010,2020,2022 |
Coverage | It is applicable to all associations, groups, and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations. |
Criteria | 1. It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA. 2. To open a bank account for the receipt of the foreign funds in State Bank of India, Delhi. 3. To use the funds solely for the intended purpose as received and specified in the Act. |
For more information on FCRA Click here to read |
What is the Centre for Policy Research (CPR)?
1) It is an Indian public policy think tank.
2) Established in 1973 and located in New Delhi.
3) Objective- To formulate policy options for the Indian polity, economy, and society, offer advisory services to governments and institutions, and disseminate policy-related information through various channels.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation(Bills and Acts)
Adi Shankara
Source: The article is based on “Who are the shankaracharyas — and who was Adi Shankara?” in “The Indian Express” on 16th January 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, the four Shankaracharyas have announced their decision not to participate in the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.
Who is Shankaracharya?
1) Shankaracharya means ‘teacher of the way of Shankara’.
2) According to tradition, they are religious teachers who belong to a line of teachers going back all the way to Adi Shankara himself.
3) It is a religious title used by the heads of the four cardinal mathas or peeths.
4) The four Hindu mathas (monasteries) in India are:
-
- Dwarka in Gujarat (West)
- Joshimath in Uttarakhand (North)
- Puri in Odisha (East)
- Sringeri in Karnataka (South)
5) Mathas founded by: Adi Shankara (c 788 CE-820 CE).
6) Presently, these mathas are intricate organizations encompassing religious shrines, temples, libraries, and residences. They are dedicated to preserving and advancing Shankara’s tradition.
Who was Adi Shankara?
1) Born: Kalady village on the bank of the River Periyar (Today Kerala’s Ernakulam district)
2) As per Shankara’s hagiographies, he was an extraordinary scholar-monk who was trained by Govindacharya.
3) Later he travelled extensively, visiting key spiritual centres, challenging established intellectual traditions, and establishing mathas and monastic organisations.
4) Travel history: Shankara is said to have travelled across India, from Kanchi in Tamil Nadu to Kamrup in Assam, and from the Himalayan temples of Kedar and Badri to Kashi on the Ganges’ banks and Puri on the Bay of Bengal to disseminate Advaita Vedanta teachings.
5) Writing: 116 works, comments on the 10 Upanishads, the Brahmasutra, and the Bhagavad Gita. However, the authorship of several of Shankara’s writings is still debated.
What is Advaita Vedanta?
1) It is a school of Hindu philosophy and spiritual discipline.
2) Core of Advaita Vedanta: Emphasis on the unity between atman, or individual consciousness, and brahman, the ultimate reality
3) Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta expresses a radical nondualistic ontological stance, asserting that everything we perceive is essentially illusory (maya).
- According to this philosophy, the sole true reality is the principle of brahman (distinct from the caste Brahmin), transcending empirical diversity.
4) Shanaka’s contribution: Shankara’s writings represented the first thorough exposition of this intellectual tradition.
- He attempted to express nonduality using systematic metaphysical, linguistic, and epistemological ideas.
- His thought and practices include a teaching tradition which aims at bringing to a direct, liberating awareness of non-duality, also known as liberation or freedom (moksha).
What is the legacy of Shankara?
1) Shankara’s influence extends beyond his contributions to metaphysics and theology.
2) His extended journeys are regarded as a quasi-nationalistic endeavour, in which faith, philosophy, and geography come together to imagine a Hindu India that transcends the political bounds of the era.
3) He established four cardinal mathas which are regarded as great examples of this vision.
4) These mathas are also regarded as the guardians of Hindu faith and customs.
UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture
Pench Tiger Reserve Marked as India’s first International Dark Sky Park
Source: The post is based on the article “Maharasta Pench Tiger Reserve becomes India’s First dark sky park” published in “Live Mint” on 13th January 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been marked as India’s first international Dark Sky Park.
Why Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) marked as Dark Sky Park?
1) A night observatory has been established and the area near Bagholi is designated for stargazing.
2) The park has replaced over 100 street and community lights with downward-facing lights in various villages, minimizing their impact on the night sky.
3) All these efforts helps in protecting the night sky, preventing light pollution and promoting astronomy.
The IUCN emphasizes preserving natural darkness for nature conservation, maintaining ecological integrity in protected areas, and ensuring the well-being of communities in healthy cities.
What is a Dark Sky Park?
1) Dark sky Park is an area surrounding a park or observatory that restricts artificial light pollution.
2) Purpose: Protection of night skies from light pollution, promote astronomy
3) Certified by: The International Dark-Sky Association
4) DSP certification focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach, education, and night sky monitoring.
5) India’s first dark-sky preserve: Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO)
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- Situated at: Hanle, Ladakh
- Operated by: The Indian Institute of Astrophysics
- Significance: world’s highest located sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes.
6) The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra is India’s first Dark Sky Park and Asia’s fifth Dark Sky park.
What is Pench Tiger reserve?
Specifications | Details |
Location | Maharashtra |
Geographical Features | 1. The sanctuary is located across two states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. 2. The portion of the reserve that is in Madhya Pradesh is located in the Satpura ranges. |
National Park | 1. The reserve comprises the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Pench Mowgli Sanctuary and a buffer. 2. The reserve is also among the sites notified as Important Bird Areas (IBA) of India. |
Significance | 1. Typical representation of the wilderness of great Central Indian Highland. 2. Excellent habitat to harbor the Tiger, the highly endangered species. 3. Catchment of river Pench that ultimately affects the storage of water in the Totladoh reservoir – the main source of water supplies to Nagpur and generation of electricity for Madhya Pradesh. |
Rivers | The Pench river flows through the middle of the park. |
Flora | 1) Combination of Southern dry broadleaf teak forests and tropical mixed deciduous forests. 2) Various shrubs, climbers, and trees, some of which are unique with medicinal and healing properties. 3) Bamboo plantations are also found near the water banks. |
Fauna | 1) It includes various mammals such as sloth bear, jackal, nilgai, wild dog etc. 2) Birds like peafowl, magpie robin, pintail, drongo, unia, myna etc. are also found. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
Recent judgement by HC held that foreigner cannot claim right to reside in India under Constitution
Source: This article is based on the article “Foreigner cannot claim right to reside in India under Constitution: Delhi HC” published in “The Indian Express” on 12th January 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, Delhi HC held in a judgement that foreigners cannot claim the right to reside in India under Article 19(1)(e) of the Constitution of India.
What is the judgement?
1) Delhi HC hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by a man claiming that his nephew, Azal Chakma, suspected to be a Bangladeshi national, was unlawfully detained by the Foreign Regional Registration Office.
2) Delhi HC dismissing the petition observed that foreigners cannot claim the right to reside and settle in India in terms of Article 19 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India as their fundamental rights are limited to the protection of life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
3) The bench made it clear that the prayer in the present writ petition is confined to habeas corpus relief. There is no indication that the detention of Mr. Azal Chakma is deemed illegal.
4) The bench also emphasized that his movement restrictions are imposed to facilitate his availability for deportation, and such restrictions cannot be considered unlawful.
5) The high court cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Hans Muller of Nurenburg Vs. Superintendent, Presidency Jail, Calcutta, highlighting that the apex court had emphasized the absolute and unlimited power of the Indian government to expel foreigners. The court noted that there is no provision in the Constitution restraining such discretion.
What does Article 19 (1) (d) and Article 19 (1) (e) states?
1) Article 19(1)(d) ensures the right to move freely within the country, encompassing the right to use roads and highways.
2) Article 19(1)(e) affirms the fundamental right of every citizen to reside and settle in any part of India.
3) Article 19(1)(d) and (e) complement each other, granting citizens the right to move freely and reside anywhere in India.
4) Article 19(5) allows reasonable restrictions on the right to freedom of movement and residence for the interests of the general public or the protection of any Scheduled Tribe.
What is illegal detention?
1) It is the unjustifiable imprisonment or the unlawful deprivation of liberty by the way of “arrest” for a wrongful cause or suspicion and continued restriction of freedom by such person in custody.
2) If a person is unlawfully detained by the police, the Constitution allows redressal by the filing of a habeas corpus petition under Article 32 or 226.
3) Habeas Corpus writ acts as a remedial measure for the person who is illegally detained.
UPSC Syllabus: Polity
Yen Denominated Green Bonds Successfully issued By REC
Source: This article is based on the article“REC Limited issues inaugural Yen Denominated Green Bonds aggregating to 61.1 Billion Japanese Yen” published in “PIB” on 16th January 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, State-owned REC Ltd has successfully issued its inaugural green bonds worth JPY 61.1 billion, under its US$ 10 billion global medium-term notes programme.
What are the salient features of the Yen Denominated Green Bonds?
Issued by: REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power
Purpose: To finance Eligible Green Projects, adhering to the Company’s Green Finance Framework and RBI’s External Commercial Borrowings Guidelines.
What is green bond?