9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 15th July, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Financial struggles of Indian municipal corporations

Source: The post financial struggles of Indian municipal corporations has been created, based on the article “Financial drought strains municipal bodies” published in “Business standard” on 15th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-polity- devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Context: The article discusses the financial struggles of Indian municipal corporations, highlighting their limited budgets, dependence on government transfers, and challenges in generating their own revenue. It suggests expanding property taxes and other funding methods to better prepare for monsoons and other needs.

For detailed information on Challenges faced by Urban Local Bodies in India read this article here

Why are Indian municipalities facing financial challenges?

1. Low Revenue Generation: Municipalities generate less than 1% of India’s GDP from their revenues, with about one-third of this coming from their own taxes like property taxes. The rest mostly comes from state and central government transfers. A study by ICRIER showed that total municipal revenue as a percentage of GDP declined from 0.49% in 2012-13 to 0.45% in 2017-18, indicating a decrease in their ability to raise funds independently.
2. Heavy Dependence on Government Transfers: Municipalities rely extensively on transfers from state and central governments. The 15th Finance Commission recommended ₹4.36 trillion for local governments until 2025-26, but most of this is earmarked for rural areas.
3. Impact of GST: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) took away some taxes that municipalities used to collect, like Octroi. This change has made municipalities even more dependent on government transfers.
4. Inadequate State Support: Many states have delayed or failed to set up State Finance Commissions (SFCs), which hinders proper allocation and management of resources at the municipal level.

What should be done?

1. Expand the scope: Municipalities should expand the scope of property tax, enhance non-tax revenues by going for user charges for various services.
2. Utilize Municipal Bonds: More municipalities could issue bonds to raise funds, as demonstrated by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, which raised ₹495 crore, and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, which secured ₹400 crore.
3. Increase Capital Expenditure: Boost funding for capital expenditures critical for urban development and disaster preparedness. For example, Mumbai’s projected capital expenditure of ₹31,775 crore, representing a significant portion (53%) of its total expenditure.

Question for practice:

Examine the financial challenges faced by Indian municipalities and suggest methods to improve their revenue generation.

Supreme Court upholds the right of divorced Muslim women to claim maintenance

Source: The post Supreme Court upholds the right of divorced Muslim women to claim maintenance has been created, based on the article “SC judgment on the Muslim women’s right to maintenance: The battle in court, from 1980 to 2024” published in “Indian Express” on 15th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-governance- mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court judgment in Mohd Abdul Samad vs The State of Telangana. The judgment upholds the right of divorced Muslim women to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, despite the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act of 1986, resolving longstanding legal confusion.

For detailed information on SC verdict on right to maintenance of Muslim Women read this article here

What Did the Supreme Court Decide?

The Supreme Court’s decision in Mohd Abdul Samad vs The State of Telangana can be summarized as follows:

1. Upheld Rights: The Court upheld the divorced Muslim woman’s right to seek maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, asserting that this right remains unaffected by the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act of 1986.
2. Rejection of Contrary Arguments: It rejected the husband’s argument that after the enactment of the 1986 Act, maintenance could only be claimed under this Act.
3. Clarification of Law: The judgment resolved ambiguity stemming from varied High Court decisions, providing clarity that Section 125 still applies to divorced Muslim women.
4. Secular Provision: This decision reinforces the applicability of Section 125 as a universal, secular provision for maintenance, ensuring all women have equal access to this legal remedy.

What Was the Existing Precedent?

The existing precedent was established by the Supreme Court in the 2001 case Danial Latifi and Another vs Union of India:

1. Background: Danial Latifi was Shah Bano’s lawyer in her case, Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum, where the Supreme Court initially upheld her right to maintenance, leading to the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.
2. Ruling: The Court ruled that the 1986 Act is constitutionally valid and interpreted Section 3(a) to secure divorced Muslim women’s financial future.
3. Specifics: It required the husband to provide maintenance during the iddat period and plan for the wife’s future needs within that period, ensuring her long-term financial stability.
4. Impact: This interpretation upheld the simultaneous applicability of Section 125 of the CrPC, confirming that the new Act did not negate these rights.

What is the significance of Section 125 of the CrPC?

1. Section 125 is a socially beneficial provision that applies to all women, regardless of religion. It ensures that women who cannot maintain themselves receive maintenance from their husbands.
2. Justice V R Krishnaiyer, in Fuzlunbi vs K Khader Vali and Another (1980), emphasized that this section enforces maintenance as a secular obligation for social welfare, benefiting the entire community of women.
3. The Supreme Court clarified that denying maintenance rights under Section 125 to divorced Muslim women would violate their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution.
4. The Court’s ruling ensures that divorced Muslim women have the same maintenance rights as other women in India.

Question for practice:

Examine the Supreme Court’s decision in Mohd Abdul Samad vs The State of Telangana regarding maintenance rights for divorced Muslim women under Section 125 of the CrPC.

Supreme Court’s guidelines for the portrayal of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in visual media

Source: The post Supreme Court’s guidelines for the portrayal of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in visual media has been created, based on the article “Why the film ‘Srikanth’ gets disability — and ‘Aankh Micholi’ did not” published in “Indian Express” on 15th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-governance- mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s guidelines for the portrayal of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in visual media, prompted by criticisms of the film “Aankh Micholi” for perpetuating stereotypes. It highlights the need for sensitive representations, as seen in the movie “Srikanth.”

For detailed information on Persons with Disabilities: Rights, Challenges and Solutions read this article here

What are the fundamental principles on disability rights laid down by the Supreme Court order?

The nine-point guidelines outlined by the Supreme Court cover a range of aspects aimed at improving the representation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in media:

1. Model Emphasis: The Court highlighted the human rights model of disability, which builds upon and extends the social and medical models. The medical model views disability primarily through the lens of medical conditions, while the social model sees disability as a product of societal barriers. The human rights model, central to this ruling, asserts that disability is a part of human diversity and that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are rights holders entitled to full participation in society.
2. Obligations of Private Parties: The Supreme Court discussed the responsibilities of private entities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It noted these obligations while also recognizing their limits, as evidenced in the refusal to compel Sony Pictures to create awareness films, akin to the principles outlined in the Vikash Kumar vs UPSCcase.
3. Stereotypes and Discrimination: The ruling emphasized that stereotypes contribute to discrimination against PwDs. Previous cases like Navtej Johar vs Union of India and Anuj Garg vs Union of India have demonstrated how stereotypes around gender and other characteristics can lead to unconstitutional indirect discrimination.
4. Distinction Between Cinematic and Hate Speech: The Supreme Court differentiated cinematic speech from hate speech. It specified that expressions that marginalize based on group membership and reinforce societal prejudices do not qualify as protected speech under the free speech provisions. This is aligned with the reasoning in cases such as the Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan vs Union of India.

For detailed information on Important Judgments by Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities read this article here

What is the impact of this ruling?

1. The Supreme Court’s guidelines aim to ensure that films portray PwDs more respectfully and accurately.
2. The guidelines advise consultation with disability advocacy groups and careful language use to foster a sensitive portrayal of disability.
3. The effectiveness of these guidelines will be evaluated in the coming years.

Question for practice:

Discuss the Supreme Court’s guidelines on the portrayal of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in visual media and their impact on fostering more respectful and accurate representations.

Debate over CBI’s Jurisdictions

Source-This post on Debate over CBI’s Jurisdictions has been created based on the article “On the jurisdiction of the CBI” published in “The Hindu” on 15 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper 2- issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure

Context– The Supreme Court upheld West Bengal’s lawsuit against the Union government. The suit claims the Centre committed “constitutional overreach” by allowing CBI investigations in the state even after the state withdrew its general consent in November 2018.

The framers of the Constitution expected conflicts between the Centre and the States, so they gave the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to resolve these issues under Article 131.

In State of Karnataka vs. Union of India (1977), the Supreme Court stated that Article 131 is an essential part of federalism and should be interpreted broadly to achieve justice. In State of Rajasthan vs. Union of India (1977), the Court warned against a narrow or overly technical interpretation of State rights.

What is general Consent?

Requirement- This is required under Section 6 of the DSPE Act for the CBI to investigate in a state. This consent is important because “police” and “public order” fall under state authority. States grant this consent to allow the CBI to investigate corruption cases involving central employees within their territories.

State Withdrawal: Several states, including West Bengal, have revoked their general consent, fearing that the CBI is being misused against opposition parties.

What are the arguments made by the union government against the lawsuit filed by the West Bengal Government?

1) Article 131 Suits:– Original suits under Article 131 of the Constitution only involve the Union and States. Although the CBI registered the cases, it cannot be a defendant in this suit because it is not considered a “State” under Article 131.

2) CBI’s Independence from Union Control -The CBI is an “independent agency” and does not operate under direct control of the Union government. The Union does not oversee the CBI’s actions, including registering offenses, conducting investigations, or filing charges.

What are the observations made by the supreme court?

1) Central Government’s Role in the CBI -A review of the DSPE Act indicates that the Central government plays a major role in the CBI’s formation, the offenses it investigates, and its powers.

2) Supervision of Cases Under Section 4 -Under Section 4, the Central government supervises most cases, except those under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which are overseen by the Central Vigilance Commission.

3) CBI Independence and Control- The court ruled that while the CBI can investigate independently, this does not reduce the Central government’s control over the agency. As a result, the Solicitor General’s claim that the CBI is an “independent agency” was found unconvincing.

A detailed article on General consent for CBI: The law, and political reasons for its denial can be read here.

What are the long-term Implications of allowing CBI investigations without state consent?

1) Strain Centre-State Relations -Allowing the CBI to investigate in states that have revoked their general consent would undermine federalism. This could harm Centre-State relations since police matters fall under state authority.

2) Future Cases –The Supreme Court has only considered the initial objections to West Bengal’s suit. However, as per the experts, the final ruling will significantly affect other similar cases

Question for practice

What arguments does the union government present against the West Bengal Government’s lawsuit? What could be the long-term effects of allowing CBI investigations without state consent?

GS PAPER - 3

Principles to make the National Security Advisor (NSA) more effective

Source: The post Principles to make the National Security Advisor (NSA) more effective has been created, based on the article “Basic principles for an effective national security set-up in India” published in “Live Mints” on 15th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Security

Context: The article discusses principles to improve India’s national security management. It emphasizes the importance of the National Security Advisor (NSA) having the prime minister’s trust and being advisory without operational duties, and the need for clear roles and structures.

For detailed information on National Security Strategy of India read this article here

What principles should be followed to make the National Security Advisor (NSA) more effective?

1. Prime Minister’s Trust: The NSA must have the trust of the prime minister, as this role is crucial and requires high competence. The prime minister should have the freedom to choose the NSA based on ideological and political considerations if deemed necessary.
2. Advisory Role: The NSA should strictly be an advisor without operational or command responsibilities. This separation ensures that operational tasks are executed by dedicated agencies, such as intelligence or security forces, which are designed for such roles. This principle helps avoid the misuse of the NSA position as a shortcut for operational commands.
3. Flexible Ranking: The rank of the NSA should not be fixed; it has varied from cabinet rank to minister-of-state and principal secretary in different administrations. This flexibility allows the prime minister to assign a rank that fits the strategic needs of the time.
4. Open Eligibility: The position should be open to capable individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those outside the traditional civil service paths. This inclusivity has historically enabled individuals from various services like the IAS, IFS, and IPS to bring a wide range of experiences to the role.
5. Direct Reporting and Briefings: The NSA should conduct daily security briefings for the prime minister and maintain direct access along with other key security leaders like the CDS and service chiefs. This direct line of communication ensures that the prime minister is well-informed and can make timely decisions, highlighted by past events like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which underscored the need for clear and direct communication channels during crises.

Question for practice:

Discuss the principles that enhance the effectiveness of India’s National Security Advisor (NSA).

Need for Regulatory Balance

Source-This post on Need for Regulatory Balance has been created based on the article “Maintaining regulatory balance” published in “Business Standards” on 15 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Context– The article stresses the need for balanced bank regulation to protect both depositors and investors. While regulators are often conservative and risk-averse, banks need operational flexibility to compete and innovate.

Why is there a need for a differentiated regulatory framework for banks?

Banks operate with high leverage ratios, accept public deposits, and rely on central bank support as lenders of last resort. This necessitates a specialized regulatory framework to ensure stability and trust in the banking system.

What are the challenges in regulation of banks?

1) RBI’s Control Over Private-Sector Banks – The RBI strictly regulates private-sector banks by approving board appointments, tenures, and salaries, often rejecting candidates or changing recommendations

2) Credibility Crisis – Seven of the top 10 private-sector banks by market capitalization have chairpersons who are former RBI officials or civil servants. This creates a board structure like public-sector banks. Such close ties can lead to moral hazard, making it difficult for regulators to maintain independence in challenging situations. This process may even risk the credibility of banks.

3) Lack of Concern for Investors Interest-

A) Many listed banks do not provide complete or timely disclosures, leaving investors uninformed about their true situation.

B) If the regulator acts suddenly against a bank, investors may be left confused. The RBI often doesn’t provide clear explanations, making it hard for investors to understand what’s happening.

C) The ₹8,400 crore litigation over AT-1 bonds issued by YES Bank, written off by the RBI’s administrator, exposes problems with the bond structure that prioritize equity over debt holders. This goes against standard financial principles.

Read More- RBI Surplus Transfer to Government

What should be the way forward?

1) The RBI should reconsider its appointment policy and limit its role to appointing chairpersons and directors only for systemically important banks.

2) RBI should improve transparency in its regulatory actions to better serve all stakeholders in the banking sector.

3) AT-1 bonds should be restructured so that they are written down only after wiping out common equity Tier-I capital.

Question for practice

What are the challenges in regulation of banks?

Issues faced by Gig workers

Source-This post on Issues faced by Gig workers has been created based on the article “The problem with the Karnataka gig workers Bill” published in “The Hindu” on 15 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

Context -The Karnataka government has introduced the draft Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill. Similarly, Rajasthan passed the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023. Both laws use a welfare board model, focusing on self-employed informal workers rather than employment relationships.

The number of gig workers, particularly in app-based transportation and retail delivery, is rising. NITI Aayog projects the gig workforce will reach 23.5 million by 2030, offering livelihood opportunities amid low overall employment growth.

What are the challenges faced by Gig Work?

1) They face issues like revenue sharing, working hours, and working conditions. This results in accidents involving overworked app cab drivers during late-night or early-morning shifts, putting their lives and those of passengers at risk.

2) Existing legal frameworks struggle to address these issues due to complicated or non-existent employment relations in the gig economy.

3) Aggregators consider themselves technology providers and gig workers as independent contractors.

4) Workers see aggregators as employers because they set service conditions and terms of employment. For ex- in app-based cab services, the aggregator determines ride prices and overall working conditions.

5) In India, gig workers are considered informal self-employed under the Code on Social Security 2020 but are not covered by other labor codes. In contrast, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Uber is an employer, applying labor laws to its drivers.

What are the issues with recently introduced bills?

1) Lack of Employment Definition -The Karnataka Bill and Rajasthan Act, like the Code on Social Security 2020, avoids defining employment relations in gig work by using “aggregator” instead of “employer,”. This prevents the application of protective labor laws to gig workers.

Read More– Labour Reforms

2) Unresolved Issues -Issues such as minimum wage, occupational safety, working hours, leave entitlements, and collective bargaining rights remain unresolved. For ex- Section 16 of the Karnataka Bill addresses payment deductions but does not guarantee a minimum income or wage entitlement.

3) Limitations of Welfare Board Model –

A) The model provides some welfare schemes but doesn’t replace institutional social security benefits like provident fund, gratuity, or maternity benefits.

B) Historically, welfare board models have been poorly implemented, as shown by the Construction Workers Welfare Act of 1996 and the Unorganized Workers Social Security Act, where available funds were underutilized.

Way ahead-There is a need to recognize aggregators as de facto employers and establish clear employment relations to ensure protection and benefits for gig workers.

Question for practice

What are the challenges faced by Gig Work? What are the issues with recently introduced bills?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Valorization of Dredged Sediments

Source-This post on Valorization of Dredged Sediments has been created based on the article “MoPSW Approves Research Proposal on “Valorization of Dredged Sediments” published in “PIB” on 15 July 2024.

Why in the news?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has recently approved a research project on Valorization of Dredged Sediments, funded at ₹46,47,380.

About Research Project on Valorization of Dredged Sediments

Description-It refers to the process of transforming dredged material, often considered waste from the waterway, into valuable resources.

Techniques-This can involve techniques like recycling, reusing, or repurposing the sediments for construction, land reclamation, or environmental restoration.

Implemented By– IIT Bombay

What is the significance of the project?

1) This research initiative represents a key step in sustainable maritime practices.

2) By converting dredged sediments into useful construction materials, it effectively tackles environmental issues and improves resource use.

Read More-Circular Economy

UPSC Syllabus-Schemes & Programmes.

NITI GearShift Challenge

Source-This post on NITI GearShift Challenge has been created based on the article “NITI Aayog Unveils GearShift Challenge to Accelerate Zero-Emission Truck Adoption in India” published in “PIB” on 15 July 2024.

Why in the news?

NITI Aayog, along with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, has launched the NITI GearShift Challenge as part of the e-FAST India initiative.

About NITI GearShift Challenge

Objective-To encourage innovative business models for adopting zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, tackling key economic and environmental challenges.

Features-

A) It invites students, transport professionals, academics, and researchers to create innovative business models that tackle financial, technical, and operational issues in adopting electric trucks.

B) It has attracted participation from e-FAST India partners, financial institutions, and industry groups.

Structure-

Round 1:-Participants present initial business plans that tackle specific technical, operational, or financial challenges hindering the widespread use of zero-emission trucks (ZETs), supported by research.

Round 2:-Shortlisted teams refine their proposals into complete business models with detailed implementation plans and additional research. Industry experts provide guidance to enhance the feasibility and impact of these ideas.

What is the significance of NITI GearShift Challenge?

1) India’s freight sector plays a crucial role in delivering goods to more than 1.4 billion people. Since road freight accounts for 55% of diesel use and nearly 40% of CO2 emissions, it’s important to shift towards sustainable solutions.

2) Electrifying freight transportation can significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security.

3) By harnessing participants’ creativity and expertise, the hackathon will provide practical solutions to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks. This will benefit both the economy and the environment.

Read More-e-FAST India

UPSC Syllabus-Schemes & Programmes.

Patriot Air Defence System

Source-This post on Patriot Air Defence System has been created based on the article “U.S., allies announce additional air defence systems for Ukraine” published in “The Hindu” on 15 July 2024.

Why in the news?

The United States and its allies will send Ukraine five more air defence systems, including Patriot missile batteries and components.

About Patriot Air Defence System

Description-It stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target. This is a versatile surface-to-air missile defence system designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft in any weather and altitude. It is the U.S. Army’s most advanced air defence system.

Deployment-It was first used in combat during the 1991 Gulf War and later during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. Recently, it has been deployed in Ukraine (2023) to counter Russian missile attacks.

Features-

Mobility	It can be moved on trucks or trailers, deployable in less than an hour
Components	A) Radar system for detection and tracking B) Engagement Control Station (ECS) C) Launching stations D) Interceptor missiles
Range	Average range of 150 km
Altitude	interceptor missiles can reach an altitude of more than 24 kilometers and hit targets up to 160 kilometers away

Read More- Iron Dome Defence System

UPSC Syllabus-Defence

Wolbachia Bacteria

Source- This post on ‘Wolbachia Bacteria’ has been created based on the article ‘Scientists find that a bacteria tricked a wasp to get rid of its males‘ published in ‘The Hindu’ on 15th July 2024.

Why in News?

The researchers of the Shenyang Agricultural University have made the observation that, Encarsiaformosa wasps almost never produced males. According to the researchers, the Wolbachia bacteria has manipulated the wasp Encarsia formosa to entirely get rid of its males.

About the Wolbachia bacteria Characteristics

a. Produce more females than males- Wolbachia bacteria are present in insect eggs, but they are absent in the sperm. Females can transmit Wolbachia to their offspring, whereas males cannot transmit the wolbachia bacteria to their offspring. This signals an evolutionary dead end to the bacteria. Hence, the Wolbachia bacteria have evolved ways to manipulate their insect hosts to produce more female than male progeny.

b. Leads to the extinction of male varieties- Wolbachia bacteria can induce unfertilised eggs to double the chromosome number and enable development of female wasps. The Wolbachia bacteria renders males superfluous.

About the Research

The scientists have discovered that wolbachia bacteria is ticking the wasps to get rid of its males. According to the researchers, the Wolbachia bacteria has manipulated the wasp Encarsia formosa to entirely get rid of its males.

Why is E. formosa of interest to the scientists?

E.formosa wasps are of interest to agricultural scientists because they provide an efficient way to control whiteflies. Whiteflies feed on the sap of plant leaves, causing productivity losses, and are thus a major agricultural pest.

UPSC Syllabus- Science and technology

Opening of the Treasury of Jagannath temple after 46 years

Source- This Post on ” Treasury of Jagannath temple in Puri opened after 46 years” is based on the article “Treasury of Jagannath temple in Puri opened after 46 years” published in “The Hindu” on “15th July 2024”.

Why in News?

Recently, the treasury of the famous Jagannath Temple located in Puri was opened after 46 years. These 46 years saw legal battles, controversies, and debates, on the Ratna Bhandar, or sacred treasury, of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

About the Jagannath Temple Ratna Bhandar

The Jagannath Puri Temple Ratna Bhandar consists of two chambers- Bahar Bhandar (outer chamber) and Bhitar Bhandar (inner chamber). These chambers contain the jewels of the three sibling deities- Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Devi Subhadra.

Last Inventory Efforts- The inventory list was last prepared in 1978. It recorded a total of 454 gold articles with a net weight of 12,838 Bharis (128.38 kg) and 293 silver articles weighing 22,153 Bharis (221.53 kg).

Need for Opening the Ratna Bhandar- Concerns were raised about the structural stability of the Ratna Bhandar and the safety of ornaments.

High Level Committee- The newly elected Government of Odisha constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of former Orissa High Court judge Justice Biswanath Rath (retd.) to supervise the process of cataloguing the valuables. The committee suggested different standard operating procedures and cataloguing of ornaments and safety of valuables.

About the Jagannath Temple

a. The Jagannath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Jagannath, a form of Vishnu in Hinduism.

b. It is located in Puri in the state of Odisha, situated on the eastern coast of India.  As per temple records, King Indradyumna of Avanti built the main temple of Jagannath at Puri.

c. The temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated raths, or temple cars.

d. Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath is made of wood, and is ceremoniously replaced every 12 or 19 years by an exact replica.

e. The temple is sacred to all Hindus, and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions. Many great Vaishnava saints, such as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya and Ramananda were closely associated with the temple.

UPSC Syllabus- Art and Culture

Tirzepatide weight loss Drug- Working and Side Effects

Source- This post on ‘Tirzepatide Weight loss Drug- Working and Side Effects’ has been created based on the article “India could soon allow ‘game-changing’ weight-loss drug tirzepatide: How it works, its side effects” published in “The Indian Express” on 15th July 2024.

Why in News?

With the development of various weight loss drugs emerging as a game changer for obesity treatment in recent years, the demands for commercial availability of these drugs have been increasing in India. An expert committee of India’s drug regulator has given its approval for the launch of tirzepatide– a weight loss drug.

Genesis of the weight loss drugs

The US FDA approved a drug- containing semaglutid– as an active ingredient to treat type 2 diabetes. The US doctors observed an interesting side-effect of the drug- weight loss. This made the pharmaceutical companies explore semaglutide as a weight loss drug for people without diabetes. These drugs led to significant weight loss and are in soaring demands.

Other pharma giants used tirzepatide as the active ingredient in these drugs. These drugs also led to signigificant weight losses and are in extreme demand worldwide.

About Tirzepatide and semaglutide

Aspect	Description
About	Semaglutide and tirzepatide are polypeptides. These are small proteins that boost the levels of naturally-occurring hormones in the body. These specifically boost the level of glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1), which control weight through the brain and digestive tract.
Functioning	a. These polypeptides lead to higher GLP-1 levels.  These GLP-1 when released in the gut, spark a reaction by stimulating neurons that alter gut function, leading to a sense of fullness/satiety without having eating a lot. b. These also help to manage glucose levels, making them an effective treatment for diabetes. c. While semaglutide only targets GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide boosts a second hormone- glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The GIP also regulates weight through receptors in brain and fat cells.
Prescribed For	These drugs can be prescribed to those who are a. Obese (with a body mass index of over 30), or overweight (with a BMI between 27 and 30) b. Have at least one other health condition related to their weight (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes).
Side Effects	The side effects include a. Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, injection-site reactions, fatigue, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and heartburn. b. Risk of thyroid tumours, including thyroid cancer. c. Risks of weight gain back if drug is stopped

UPSC Syllabus- Science and Technology (Health)

US Secret Service- Mandate and Functioning

Source- This post on “US Secret Service- Role and Mandate ” is based on the article ” Donald Trump shot: What is the US Secret Service, tasked with protecting US Presidents, current and former” published in the ” The Indian Express” on “15th July 2024”.

Why in the News?

With the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, calls have been made for the US Secret Service and other security agencies to explain the major security breach.

About the US Secret Service

About	Details
Founded	The United States Secret Service was founded in 1865. It is one of the oldest federal investigative law enforcement agencies.
Initial Mandate	Its initial mandate was to combat the counterfeiting of US currency.
Change of Mandate	After the assassination of then-US President William McKinley in 1901, the Secret Service assumed full-time responsibility for the safety of the President. The US Secret Service assumed full time responsibility in 1902.
Structure and Department	US Secret Service comes under the Department of Homeland Security. It employs approximately 3,200 special agents, 1,300 Uniformed Division officers, and more than 2,000 technical, professional and administrative support personnel.
Other Protection Mandate	The US secret Service is mandated to protect the following- a. Vice president, the president-elect, their immediate families b. Former presidents and their spouses (except when the spouse remarries) and children of former presidents until age 16 c. Major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses within 120 days of a general presidential election. (Eligible candidates are identified by the Secretary of Homeland Security after consultation with an advisory committee)
Functioning and Powers	a. It consists of two teams- The Counter sniper team and the counter assault team. The counter-sniper team uses long-range binoculars and has sniper rifles, while the counter-assault team works to eliminate threats so that other agents can shield and take away the person they are protecting. b. Before large-scale events like campaign rallies, US secret service agents scan the venue for bombs or other threats. The US Secret service is supported in this task by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and communications resources of the Military. c. Secret Service has the permission to carry firearms and to make arrests without warrants for any offence or felony under ‘reasonable grounds’.

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations