9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 13 May, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Clarifying Misconceptions Regarding Hindu Marriage Validity

Source-This post on Clarifying Misconceptions Regarding Hindu Marriage Validity has been created based on the article “Clearing the confusion over ‘saptapadi’” published in “The Hindu” on 12 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-1-Indian Society- Salient features of Indian Society

Context: This article discusses the misconceptions arising from a recent Supreme Court judgment in the case “Dolly Rani v Manish Kumar Chanchal,”. Misconceptions are particularly related to the requirement of the ‘saptapadi’ ceremony for the validity of Hindu marriages. Clarifying Misconceptions Regarding Hindu Marriage Validity

What is the case and judgement?

The case emerged from a transfer petition in the SC, related to a divorce. In this case petitioners are pushing for divorce with the argument that even though they had been issued marriage certificate, their marriage was invalid because they didn’t perform the traditional ‘saptapadi’.

In its judgement Supreme Court emphasized the importance of Saptapadi ceremony and held that a Hindu marriage cannot be recognized in the absence of a valid ceremony, such as saptapadi.

However, it has created a doubt whether this judgment made the Saptapadi ceremony an essential practice for the validity of the marriage.

NOTE-Saptapadi is a custom among certain sections of Hindus which involves taking seven steps around the sacred fire. But it is not universally practiced among all denominations.

What are the issues with this judgement?

1) The judgment didn’t mention other ways to validate the marriage or explore customs with simpler ceremonies like exchanging garlands.

2) SC didn’t state any special status for saptapadi. Therefore, this cannot be understood as the only form of solemnization of marriage.

3)  It also didn’t discuss the amendment in Tamil Nadu introducing the suya mariyadhai form of marriage.

What are the requirements of the Hindu Marriage Act regarding solemnization?

1) The Supreme Court stated that as per Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, a marriage is deemed complete and binding with the performance of customary rites, including ‘saptapadi’ where it is practiced.

Read more- Sapinda Marriage

2) Section 7(2) says that if the rituals include saptapadi, the marriage is complete and legally binding after the seventh step. However, this cannot be understood as the only form of solemnization of marriage.

What was the stand of the previous judgments and amendments in this regard?

In 1967, Tamil Nadu passed an amendment to simplify marriage ceremonies. Upholding this amendment’s validity, the Madras High Court ruled in S. Nagalingam v. Sivagami (2001) that a priest’s presence is not necessary for a valid marriage. Parties can marry in front of relatives or friends, exchanging vows and performing simple rituals like garlanding or exchanging rings.

2) In Balakrishnan v The Inspector of Police (2014) case, the Madras High court held that a marriage conducted in secrecy, called suya mariyadhai, is not valid.

3) In Ilavarasan v The Superintendent of Police and Others (2023), the court disagreed with its earlier ruling in Balakrishnan v The Inspector of Police (2014). It held that a public solemnization or declaration is not required for a valid marriage under Section 7A(1).

The Court argued that imposing a public declaration requirement, not mentioned in Section 7A (1), restricts the law’s broader purpose and violates Article 21 of the Constitution.

Question for practice

What are the requirements of the Hindu Marriage Act regarding solemnization? Highlight the misconception that arose after the Supreme Court’s recent judgement?

Understanding Fertility Rates in India

Source: This post on Understanding Fertility Rates in India has been created based on the article “Number of children has more to do with development than religion” published in “The Hindu” on 13 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-1– Society-Population and Associated Issues

News– In April 2023, data revealed that the fertility rate for Muslims was 2.36 from 2019 to 2021, nearing the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates population stability. However, the Economic Advisory Council noted recently that between 1950 and 2015, the Muslim population share rose by 43.15%, while the Hindu share decreased by 7.82%. Understanding Fertility Rates in India

What are the factors that Influence fertility rates in India?

It is influenced more by socio-economic parameters rather than religion. For ex-

Source – The Hindu

1) Regional Variations-The fertility rate of Muslim women varies significantly across regions. For ex- it was 3.6 in Bihar but only 2.0 in Maharashtra. This variation in fertility levels among Muslim women across regions is linked to the level of development, both economic and social, in a state.

2) Early Marriage and Literacy-

A) Chart 1 reveals a clear link: in states where more women aged 20-24 marry before adulthood, Muslim fertility rates tend to be higher.

B) Chart 2 indicates that in states with more literate women, Muslim fertility rates are lower, suggesting a negative connection between the two.

Read more- Falling Fertility Rate in India – Blessing in disguise for India

3) Awareness of Family Planning– Many Muslim women lack awareness about family planning. In 2019-21, around 30% of Muslim women and 25 % Muslim women had never encountered any family planning messages through media or newspaper etc. (Chart 3).

4) Unmet Demand for Family Planning- Even women who wanted to control the number and spacing of their children, could not do so because they didn’t have access to family planning methods.

NOTE– Unmet demand refers to the share of women who want to limit or space out children, but are unable to do so.

Chart 4 shows unmet family planning needs among Hindu and Muslim women in select states from 2019 to 2021. In several states, Muslim women had a greater unmet need than Hindu women. In high-fertility states like Haryana, Bihar, and Jharkhand, the gap between Muslim and Hindu women widened further

What should be the way forward?

1) There should be more emphasis on increasing awareness about contraceptive measures and enhancing access to them by the government.

2) The government should also focus on educating children and child marriages to reduce the fertility rates among all religious groups at a much faster rate.

Question for practice

How does socio-economic parameters influence fertility rates in India?

GS PAPER - 2

Prioritising Global Mobility in Economic Diplomacy

Source-This post on Prioritizing Global Mobility in Economic Diplomacy has been created based on the article “Migration matters” published in “Business Standard” on 13 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – International relations– Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.

Context– The article stresses the importance of prioritizing global labor mobility in India’s economic diplomacy to safeguard its interests in the backdrop of rising protectionism in some countries. Prioritising Global Mobility in Economic Diplomacy

What is the scale of Indian migration abroad, and which countries host the largest Indian diaspora?

In 2020, approximately 18 million Indians lived outside their country of birth. Countries like the UAE, US, and Saudi Arabia have the largest Indian diaspora.

What does the latest World Migration Report reveal about India’s migration patterns?

1) Migration Corridors– According to the World Migration Report by the International Organization for Migration, the top migration corridors include India to the UAE, the US, and Saudi Arabia, as well as Bangladesh to India.

2)  Gender Skew-The number of people emigrating from India remains the highest in the world, and external migration from India is gender-skewed, with nearly 65% of emigrants being male. This suggests that men migrate for work whereas women stay behind.

Read more- A retelling of the Indian migrant worker’s plight

What are the contribution and concerns regarding remittances in Indian economy?

1) Contribution–

A) Remittances are a major source of income for India. It receives over $111 billion in 2022, making it the top remittance recipient globally.

B) Remittances help narrow India’s current account deficit and boost household consumption and domestic demand.

2) Concerns–

A) It can cultivate a culture of dependency, potentially lowering productivity and slowing economic growth.

B) It can render the economy vulnerable to sudden changes in remittance receipts.

3) India’s Remittance Dependence– India’s dependence on remittances is fairly limited compared to other countries. While Tajikistan had a remittance-GDP ratio of 51% in 2022, the corresponding figure for India was about 3.3%.

How does India benefit from its large migrant population?

India benefits from a vast pool of migrants, both low-skilled and high-skilled. This contributes to various sectors of the economy.
However, the migration of low-skilled workers highlights the need for India to create more productive employment opportunities domestically.

What should be the way forward?

Economic Diplomacy-India must strengthen its capabilities to address problems faced by Indians living abroad that includes cases of discrimination, exploitation, repatriation, and keeping track of the whereabouts of Indians overseas.

Question for practice

Highlight the contribution and concerns regarding remittances in Indian economy? What are the challenges faced by Indian workers abroad?

Significance of India-EFTA trade deal

Source-This post on significance of India-EFTA trade deal has been created based on the article “Investment lessons from the India-EFTA trade deal” published in “The Hindu” on 12 May 2024/

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-2– International Relations-Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context-The negotiations with countries like the UK and European Union (EU) are currently stalled due to the ongoing parliamentary elections. However, before the elections, India secured a historic trade deal in March with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Significance of India-EFTA trade deal

What is India- European Free Trade deal?

Read more- India-EFTA trade deal.

This newly minted Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (FTA) between India and EFTA is expected to boost the low levels of existing trade between the two sides.

What is the significance of this FTA?

1) Inclusion of environment & labor-This FTA is significant because India has agreed to include issues like environment and labor, which it has traditionally opposed in trade agreements.

2) Investment Chapter-It is also unique as it includes a detailed investment chapter, which is missing in India’s other recent FTAs with countries like Australia, UAE, and Mauritius. The investment chapter focuses on investment facilitation, not merely protection.

3) Foreign Direct Investment– India persuaded EFTA countries to try to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) to India by $50 billion over 10 years, then another $50 billion in the next 5 years.

4) Employment Generation-It will facilitate the generation of 1 million jobs in India.

5) Obligation of conduct– These rules codify an “obligation of conduct,” which means EFTA countries must honestly try to reach these goals.However,they are not forced to achieve them. This sets a good example for negotiations with the UK, EU, and other countries.

What is India’s FTA 2.0 approach?

India’s earlier FTAs with countries like Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore included binding rules on both trade and investment. This approach demonstrated the inextricable linkage between trade and investment.

However, India has changed its approach recently. Instead of combining international trade and investment laws in its FTAs, it’s now separating them. For ex- with countries like Australia, Mauritius, and the UAE, India prefers to negotiate trade and investment agreements separately.

Thus India-EFTA trade deal that includes an investment chapter within the trade agreement, assumes great significance in this context.

What should be the way forward?

India needs a clear FTA policy, especially in dealing with international trade and foreign investment laws such as-

1) There is a need to negotiate trade and investment as part of one comprehensive economic treaty, rather than decoupling them.

2) There is a need to expand the scope of investment issues from mere facilitation to effective protection. Further, there must be an enforceable dispute settlement mechanism under international law.

3) In the backdrop of declining FDI levels in India, it is important to provide enforceable legal protection to foreign investors under international law. This move will boost their confidence.

Question for practice

What is the significance of India-EFTA trade deal?

GS PAPER - 3

Indian government’s plans to prioritize addressing unwanted calls and messages

Source: The post Indian government’s plans to prioritize addressing unwanted calls and messages has been created, based on the article “Ineffective Interventions–Spam calls must be stopped” published in “Business standard” on 13th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Economy-Infrastructure (telecommunication)

Context: The article discusses the Indian government’s plans to prioritize addressing unwanted calls and messages. It highlights ongoing issues with spam despite existing regulations and mentions new measures to improve control, such as technology upgrades and stricter enforcement policies, as part of a 100-day agenda by the new government. Indian government on unwanted calls and messages

What is the current situation with spam calls and messages in India?

Persistent Issue: Despite various regulations, India continues to struggle with a high volume of spam calls and messages.

Regulatory Efforts: Initiatives like the “Do Not Disturb Registry” and the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations have been implemented, but spammers and some telecom providers have been quick to find loopholes.

Truecaller Statistics: Truecaller reports India as its largest market, with 272.6 million users facing spam issues.

Currently, telecom service providers can be fined up to ₹34.99 crore if they fail to control spam on their networks.

What are the new plans?

100-Day Agenda: The Department of Telecommunications aims to prioritize tackling spam as part of the new government’s initial plans.

Inter-Ministerial Panel: A new panel is proposed to coordinate actions against spam across different sectors.

Chakshu Portal Updates: Enhancements to this portal are planned to improve monitoring and enforcement against unsolicited communications.

AI and Digital Consent: The implementation of AI technology for digital consent acquisition is on the agenda to reduce spam effectively.

Separate Numbering Series: Considering distinct series for transactional and marketing calls to clearly differentiate them.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Indian government’s current regulatory efforts and proposed new plans in addressing the issue of spam calls and messages in the country.

Consequences of Changes to exchange rate System In India

Source: The post a flexible exchange rate can help absorb economic shocks by adjusting when bad news occurs has been created, based on the article “Lost a shock absorber: The economy would be more stable if the exchange rate fluctuated more” published in “Business standard” on 13th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy -Effects of liberalization on the economy

Context: The article discusses how a flexible exchange rate can help absorb economic shocks by adjusting when bad news occurs.

For detailed information on Exchange rate flexibility is a key shock absorber for India read this article here

What is the role of exchange rate flexibility?

Absorbs Economic Shocks: Exchange rate flexibility allows the currency value to adjust during economic disturbances, reducing impacts on other areas like stock prices and real estate.

Supports Export Competitiveness: When the rupee weakens due to bad news, it makes Indian exports cheaper and more attractive on the global market, helping businesses involved in international trade.

Mitigates Pressure on Financial Markets: By adjusting the currency value, other financial elements like stock and real estate prices face less volatility during economic downturns.

Historical Example: Since late 2022, the rupee has been more controlled, impacting its role as a shock absorber. Before this change, fluctuations in the rupee could respond to international incidents, such as disruptions in the Red Sea, benefiting export sectors.

What are the various policy decisions that have impacted the exchange rate?

Fixed Exchange Rate Implementation: In late 2022, the exchange rate was largely fixed at $82.8 to the dollar, significantly reducing the rupee’s flexibility to respond to economic changes.

Restrictions on Exchange-Traded Derivatives: Starting in early 2024, derivatives could only be used for hedging purposes, limiting speculative activities that affect currency valuation.

Changes to the Liberalised Remittance Scheme: Adjustments in August 2022 and July 2023 tightened controls over capital outflows, impacting the volume and flow of foreign exchange and thus influencing the exchange rate stability.

What are the consequences of recent Indian monetary policies?

Loss of Flexibility: Since fixing the exchange rate at approximately $82.8 to the dollar in late 2022, India has lost a crucial economic shock absorber, leading to less adaptability in handling financial disturbances.

Increased Market Volatility: A controlled exchange rate has exacerbated volatility in financial markets. Notable examples include significant swings in stock prices following the election wins by the Congress party in 2004 and 2009, as the exchange rate remained stable during these times, amplifying the impact on stock prices.

Stagnation in Export Growth: The shift to a more controlled exchange rate regime coincided with a halt in the growth of exports. Specifically, non-oil non-gold exports have been flat at around $55 billion a month starting from 2022, reflecting the challenges of a less flexible exchange system.

Question for practice:

Examine how recent Indian monetary policies have impacted exchange rate flexibility and its consequences on economic shock absorption, export competitiveness, and financial market volatility.

Factors behind growth of India’s public sector enterprises (PSEs)

Source: The post Factors behind growth of India’s public sector enterprises (PSEs) has been created, based on the article “What we need is a farmer–friendly agri–export policy” published in “Indian express” on 13th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy – Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Context: The article discusses that successful management and growth of India’s public sector enterprises (PSEs), has led to their improved performance. Factors behind growth of India’s public sector enterprises (PSEs)

What improvements have been made in the public sector under the present government?

Increased Production and Profits: Key public sector enterprises like Oil India Ltd, IOCL, and BPCL have reached record levels in production and profits. For example, Oil India Ltd posted its highest-ever crude and natural gas output.

Banking Sector Recovery: Public sector banks have shown significant improvement, t in the fiscal year 2022-23, these banks achieved their highest-ever profits and lowest-ever levels of NPAs.

Strategic Divestment: The government’s divestment strategy includes the privatization of Air India due to its inefficiencies, while holding back on selling its stake in BPCL due to its strategic importance and significant profitability.

Stability in Crisis: During the crisis when international crude prices soared, the government-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) kept fuel prices unchanged to control inflation, a fact clearly stated in the article. This helped manage economic pressures without sacrificing the financial health of the OMCs.

How has the present government influenced the operation of PSEs?

Professional Autonomy: The government has provided PSEs with the freedom to make business decisions. This has resulted in enhanced performance metrics such as IOCL achieving its best refinery throughput and BPCL reporting its highest-ever profits.

Strategic Investment and Expansion: The government has enabled PSEs to undertake large capital expenditure projects. Oil and gas PSEs are currently implementing 275 projects with a total investment of over Rs 5.67 lakh crore, demonstrating significant commitment to strategic growth and national development.

Selective Divestment: The government’s calibrated approach to divestment, like privatizing Air India while retaining BPCL, shows strategic influence in decision-making to optimize national economic benefits.

Question for practice:

Discuss the improvements and operational influences on India’s public sector enterprises (PSEs) under the present government.

Challenges facing agriculture exports from India

Source: The post challenges facing agriculture exports from India has been created, based on the article “What we need is a farmer–friendly agri–export policy” published in “Indian express” on 13th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Agriculture – Marketing of agricultural produce.

Context: The article discusses the decline in India’s agricultural exports, which fell short of the government’s target. It explains that government policies, global prices, and trade restrictions have impacted exports. Challenges facing agriculture exports from India

For detailed information on How India’s agricultural exports fell read this Article here

What is the current state of India‘s agricultural exports?

The target for agricultural exports set by the Indian government was $60 billion in 2022. However, in 2023-24, exports only reached $48.9 billion, marking an 8% decline from $53.2 billion in the previous year.

Between 2004-05 to 2013-14, agricultural exports grew by almost 500%, from $8.7 billion to $43.3 billion. However, growth has slowed significantly Between 2014-15 to 2023-24, with only a 1.9% annual growth rate.

The main exports include rice ($10.4 billion), marine products ($7.3 billion), spices ($4.25 billion), bovine meat ($3.7 billion), and sugar ($2.8 billion).

What Factors Affect India‘s Agricultural Exports?

Global Market Prices: When global prices rise, Indian exports increase. For example, during the high growth phase, high global prices led to a surge in exports.

Domestic Export Policies: Restrictions and bans on commodities like wheat, rice, sugar, and onions affect exports. For instance, after banning wheat exports in May 2022 and imposing restrictions on rice and sugar, there was a notable impact on trade volumes and values.

Economic Measures: Imposing duties such as the 20% duty on non-basmati rice exports affects the export competitiveness and pricing in international markets.

What should be done to improve farmer incomes and make agriculture more competitive globally?

Modify Export Policies: Implement optimal export taxes instead of bans, such as a suggested 15% duty on rice. This approach helps balance domestic supply with export potential.

Invest in Agriculture: Invest in agricultural research and efficient farming practices like precision agriculture. These investments reduce costs and improve competitiveness.

Address Ecological Impacts: Focus on sustainable farming to preserve resources, particularly water, as rice cultivation is notably water intensive.

Rebalance Policies: Adjust policies like the high minimum export prices for onions, which currently disadvantage farmers, to better support farmer incomes and make domestic and export markets more equitable.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors contributing to the decline in India’s agricultural exports and propose strategies to improve farmer incomes and enhance global competitiveness.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Caenorhabditis elegans worm

Source-This post on Research on Caenorhabditis elegans worm is based on the article “This worm develops food habits and its offspring ‘inherit’ them” published in “The Hindu” on 12th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Researchers found that when Caenorhabditis elegans worms ate harmful bacteria, their offspring learned to avoid it for up to four generations.

About the Caenorhabditis elegans worm

About the ringworm	1. Caenorhabditis elegans is a microscopic (~1 mm) nematode (roundworm) that normally lives in soil. 2. It has become one of the “model” organisms in biology. 3. It is found in “higher” animals like mice and humans. 4. It was the first multicellular organism to have its full genome sequenced, and neural wiring mapped.
Characteristics	1. Rapid Development: It grows from fertilized egg to a millimetre-long adult in merely 3–5 days. 2. Accessibility: It offers a compact lifecycle which facilitates experimental manipulation and observation.
Significance	It is widely utilized to delve into neuronal and molecular biology due to its simplicity and genetic tractability.

About the research and its findings

1. Findings from C. elegans research have provided profound insights into human physiology and broader biological mechanisms.

2. Inheritance of Learned Behavior: Researchers unveiled a fascinating phenomenon wherein C. elegans inherit knowledge across generations.

3. Mechanism: After consuming disease-causing bacteria, the worms passed on the learned avoidance behaviour to their progeny for up to four generations, mediated by small RNA molecules (sRNA).

4. Role of sRNA: Pseudomonas vranovensis bacteria produce sRNA, altering the worm’s feeding behaviour. sRNA is ingested by worms, influencing gene expression and behavior, a process known as RNA interference.

5. Implications and Speculation: These finding raises intriguing questions about the potential for similar transgenerational behavioural modifications in humans.

It also provokes exploration into whether microbial RNA can influence human behavior and inheritance, potentially reshaping our understanding of genetics and behavior.

6. Scientific Legacy:

a) Nobel Recognition: Contributions from studies on C. elegans were acknowledged with Nobel Prizes in 2002, 2006, and 2008.

b) Medical Relevance: Insights gained from C. elegans research have extended to human genetics and disease mechanisms, underscoring its indispensable role in scientific advancement.

About DNA and RNA

1. DNA and RNA are fundamental components of genetic information transfer within cells.

2. DNA consists of two strands made of phosphate and deoxyribose sugar molecules, encodes genes, each providing instructions for protein synthesis.

3. The DNA bases (A, T, C, G) form complementary pairs (A-T, C-G) to create a stable double helix structure.

4. In contrast, RNA has ribose sugar units attached to bases (A, C, G, U). During transcription, a cell transcribes DNA gene sequences into messenger RNA (mRNA), where the base sequence (A-T, C-G) is transcribed into (U-A, G-C).

5. This mRNA directs protein synthesis at ribosomes based on its sequence.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Why Oleander flowers Banned by Kerala temple boards?

Source-This post on Why Oleander flowers Banned by Kerala temple boards is based on the article “Why Kerala has banned oleander flowers in temple offerings” published in “The Indian express” on 13th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Two temple boards in Kerala have prohibited the use of oleander flowers in offerings. This decision follows the tragic death of a 24-year-old woman who accidentally consumed oleander leaves.

About oleander flowers

 

1. About oleander flowers: Nerium oleander is commonly known as oleander or rosebay. It is a globally cultivated plant found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.

2. Use: It is renowned for its ability to withstand drought conditions. It is frequently used for ornamental and landscaping purposes. It is also used for medicinal purposes. 

3. Varieties and Names in Kerala: In Kerala, locally known as arali and kanaveeram. It is grown along highways and beaches, serving as natural green fencing. Different varieties of oleander exist, each with flowers of varying colours.

4. Traditional Medicinal Use: It is used in treatment of vrana (infected wounds), kustha (skin diseases including leprosy), krimi (microbes and parasites), kandu (itching).

5. Why Oleander flowers Banned by Kerala temple boards?

Despite medicinal use, oleander is toxic.

i) This is due to the properties of cardiac glycosides (a type of chemical) including oleandrin, folinerin, and digitoxigenin, which are present in all parts of the plant.

ii) Cardiac glycosides have therapeutic value in heart conditions but have a narrow therapeutic window, leading to frequent overdose and toxicity.

iii) Toxic effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, death. Ingestion or inhalation of smoke from burning oleander can also be intoxicating.

iv) Symptoms typically last for 1 to 3 days and may necessitate hospitalization. Fatalities are uncommon.

UPSC Syllabus: Species in News