9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 17^th September, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Women in Indian medicine

Source: The post women in Indian medicine has been created, based on the article “Express View on women outnumbering men in medicine: Whole numbers, dark truths” published in “Indian Express” on 17th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses the rise in the number of women studying and working in medicine in India. However, it highlights ongoing challenges like sexism, lack of facilities, and security issues, calling for improvements as more women join the medical field.

What is the historical context of women in Indian medicine?

1. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, few women in India studied medicine.
2. Early female doctors like Anandi Bai Joshi, Kadambini Ganguly, and Haimabati Sen were rare and seen as exceptions.
3. The situation has improved in recent decades, with more women pursuing medical education.
4. According to the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), the number of women enrolled in medical colleges rose significantly. In 2011-12, there were 88 women for every 100 men; by 2019-20, this increased to 110 women per 100 men.

What are the challenges women face in the medical profession?

1. Sexism: Women in medicine face sexism in both the classroom and workplace.
2. Lack of facilities: Many hospitals lack basic facilities like separate changing rooms and washrooms for women.
3. Security issues: There are inadequate security measures for women working late-night shifts. The R G Kar incident in Kolkata highlights the dangers women face.
4. Workplace bias: The medical system is built on a masculine model, making it harder for women.

What can be done to improve the situation for women doctors?

More women in leadership roles can help address these issues. The focus should be on improving workplace safety and eliminating sexism, so women don’t have to worry about late-night shifts or other security risks.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced by women in the medical profession in India and the potential solutions to improve their situation.

Concerns with India’s surrogacy laws

Source: The post concerns with India’s surrogacy laws has been created, based on the article “Why Supreme Court must look into compensation for surrogates” published in “Indian Express” on 17th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: The article discusses concerns over India’s surrogacy laws, particularly the prohibition on payments to surrogates. It highlights debates about fair compensation for surrogate mothers, contrasting it with existing practices, and anticipates the Supreme Court’s review of these issues.

For detailed information on the debates around the Surrogacy Act read this article here

How Have Surrogacy Arrangements Changed Over Time?

1. Earlier, payment to surrogates was common in private healthcare, with surrogacy seen as part of infertility treatment.
2. The 2016 Surrogacy Bill, now the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, banned commercial surrogacy, allowing only altruistic surrogacy.
3. The Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Regulation) Act, 2021 also regulates fertility treatments, further limiting payments to surrogates.
4. Surrogates can now only receive medical expense coverage and insurance, not compensation for their labor.

What are the key concerns with India’s surrogacy laws?

1. Ban on Payments: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act prohibits payments to surrogates, limiting compensation to medical expenses and insurance, which may not fully address exploitation concerns.
2. Commercial to Altruistic Shift: Earlier, surrogates were paid, but now they can only provide “help.” This shift has made it harder for people to find surrogates, and some arrangements have gone underground, leading to illegal activities.
3. Exploitation Risks: Poor women may still be exploited despite the ban on payments, as intermediaries can take advantage of their vulnerable situation without regulated compensation.
4. Underground Surrogacy: Since the ban, illegal surrogacy arrangements have been reported, with surrogacy rackets being busted.

What did the Parliamentary Committee recommend?

The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, in its 102nd Report of the Rajya Sabha, made the following recommendations for the 2016 Surrogacy Bill:

1. Reasonable Compensation: Surrogates should receive “reasonable compensation” beyond medical expenses and insurance.
2. Regulated Compensation: Compensation should be regulated by appropriate bodies, not determined by the bargaining power of the parties involved.
3. Comprehensive Coverage: Compensation should include lost wages during pregnancy, medical screenings, and psychological counseling for the surrogate.
4. Additional Support: Compensation should also cover childcare for the surrogate’s own children, dietary supplements, maternity clothing, and post-delivery care.

Question for practice:

Examine the concerns and recommendations regarding the shift from commercial to altruistic surrogacy in India’s Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.

Constitution allows the central government to intervene in state affairs during emergencies

Source: The post Constitution allows the central government to intervene in state affairs during emergencies has been created, based on the article “How do emergency provisions impact Centre-State relations?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Indian Polity – Issues related to federal structure

Context: The article explains India’s federal system and how the Constitution allows the central government to intervene in state affairs during emergencies. It highlights the situation in Manipur, where despite severe violence, central intervention under Article 356 has not yet occurred.

For detailed information on Emergency read Article 1, Article 2

What is India’s Federal Structure?

India is a federation with two levels of government: the Centre and the States. The Constitution’s Seventh Schedule distributes power between these levels. Maintaining law and order is primarily the responsibility of State governments.

What are emergency provisions?

1. Emergency provisions are outlined in Part XVIII of the Indian Constitution.
2. Articles 355 and 356 are key provisions dealing with the Centre’s role in State governance.
3. Article 355 imposes a duty on the Centre to protect States from external aggression and internal disturbance.
4. Article 356 allows the imposition of the President’s rule if a state government cannot function according to the Constitution.
5. This provision has been misused in the past to remove elected governments for political reasons.

What has the judiciary ruled on Articles 355 and 356?

1. Article 356 was often misused to remove State governments for political reasons, leading to its controversial application.
2. In the S.R. Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court restricted the misuse of Article 356, ruling that it should be invoked only in cases of a constitutional breakdown, not merely due to law-and-order issues.
3. The Court also established that the imposition of the President’s rule is subject to judicial review, preventing arbitrary use.
4. Article 355 was initially narrowly interpreted in the State of Rajasthan vs Union of India (1977), linking it to Article 356’s justification.
5. Later rulings, such as Naga People’s Movement (1998) and Sarbananda Sonowal (2005), broadened the scope of Article 355, allowing more comprehensive actions to protect States and ensure their governance aligns with the Constitution.

What recommendations have been made?

Use of Article 356 as Last Resort: The Sarkaria Commission (1987), National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002), and the Punchhi Commission (2010) recommend that Article 356 be used only in cases of extreme urgency and as a last resort.

Article 355 Duties and Powers: These commissions recommend that Article 355 not only imposes a duty on the Union to protect States but also grants it the authority to take necessary actions to fulfill this duty.

Question for practice:

Discuss the role of Articles 355 and 356 in India’s federal structure and how the judiciary has limited their misuse.

GS PAPER - 3

Issues with Project Cheetah

Source: The post Issues with Project Cheetah has been created, based on the article “What is the current status of the introduction of African cheetahs?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- ecology, and environment-conservation

Context: The article discusses India’s plan to reintroduce African cheetahs to restore ecosystems and conserve the species. However, many cheetahs have died due to captivity and health issues, raising concerns about the project’s long-term success and habitat suitability.

For detailed information on Project Cheetah read this article here

What is Project Cheetah?

1. Project Cheetah is India’s effort to introduce African cheetahs into its ecosystems.
2. It aims to conserve the species and restore savanna habitats.
3. The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) mentions that this project also seeks to help Iran conserve the Asiatic cheetah and expand its distribution.
4. Cheetahs are intended to be a flagship species to promote ecosystem restoration and eco-tourism. 5. The project is expected to take 15 to 40 years to reach its goals.
5. An expert committee led by Rajesh Gopal, under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), oversees the project.
6. The Wildlife Institute of India provides technical support, and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department handles field implementation.

Where are the Cheetahs Located?

1. The cheetahs are mainly located in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, chosen due to its habitat suitability and prey base.
2. Despite this, most cheetahs have been in captivity for nearly 12 months, not released into the wild as planned.
3. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary has an 80 sq. km fenced area where cheetahs were to be released by early 2024, now delayed to late 2024 or early 2025.
4. A captive breeding facility is being built in Banni grasslands, Gujarat, where some cheetahs will be housed.
5. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is another potential release site.

Will Project Cheetah succeed?

1. The CAP outlines short- and long-term goals.
2. In the short term, it aimed for a 50% survival rate, successful reproduction, and economic benefits through eco-tourism. These targets are not being met due to extended captivity.
3. Long-term success depends on cheetahs establishing stable populations and improving ecosystem health. The project will require consistent management for at least 25 years.

What are the Issues with Project Cheetah?

1. Extended Captivity: The cheetahs have been kept in captivity for nearly 12 months, which makes them unfit for release, against the intended timeline of 1-2 months.
2. High Mortality Rates: Several cheetahs died due to health issues like kidney disease, heart failure, and heatstroke. Three cubs died from heatstroke, and another from drowning.
3. Mismanagement: Cheetah deaths occurred due to improper selection and management. For example, a female died from injuries after being introduced to a male coalition.
4. Unsuitable Habitat: There are concerns about whether India has enough suitable habitat (4,000 to 8,000 sq. km) to support a viable free-ranging population of cheetahs.
5. Missed Targets: Short-term goals like a 50% survival rate and successful reproduction are not being met due to prolonged captivity and management issues.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by Project Cheetah in achieving its short-term goals, including extended captivity and high mortality rates.

Climate Justice for future generations

Source: The post Climate Justice for future generations has been created, based on the article “Rights of future generations must guide climate debate” published in “The Hindu” on 17th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment – Climate Change

Context: The article discusses the upcoming 2024 UN Summit, focusing on future generations’ rights, climate justice, and the need to protect the planet. It highlights legal debates on responsibilities towards future generations and calls for sustainable, equitable global actions.

For detailed information on Climate Justice read this article here

What is the Summit of the Future?

1. The Summit of the Future is scheduled for September 22-23, 2024, at the United Nations in New York.
2. It aims to find ways to solve global problems like conflict, climate change, pandemics, pollution, income inequality, and discrimination.
3. The main theme is protecting the rights of future generations to a safe and secure world.

What Are the Legal Debates Around Future Generations’ Rights?

1. Stephen Humphreys’ Argument: He argues that the focus on future generations is unclear and diverts attention from immediate obligations toward present generations. He believes governments prioritize current generations, sometimes following environmentally harmful paths to ensure higher living standards.
2. Wewerinke-Singh’s Counter: She and her co-authors argue that future generations’ rights have the potential to reshape international law, based on justice and solidarity. They refer to the wisdom of indigenous groups, where responsibility toward future generations is considered a sacred duty, extending four to seven generations ahead.
3. Maastricht Principles: These principles emphasize that human rights apply to all generations, without time limits. They link sustainable development and climate justice to the rights of future generations, stating that these rights must consider our dependence on and responsibility to the Earth.

How Have Courts Addressed Environmental and Future Generations’ Rights?

1. Courts in various countries have recognized the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
2. Colombia’s court ordered the government to create an “intergenerational pact” to safeguard the Amazon.
3. The Supreme Court of Pakistan banned cement plants in fragile zones, emphasizing the need for climate justice to protect future generations.
4. India’s National Green Tribunal upheld intergenerational equity in environmental protection.
5. Kenya’s High Court mandated the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
6. South Africa’s High Court stressed considering long-term pollution impacts on future generations.

Why is Earth’s ‘Overshoot Day’ Important?

1. Earth’s ‘Overshoot Day’ marks when humanity’s resource consumption exceeds Earth’s ability to renew them in a year.
2. In 1970, Overshoot Day was on December 30; by 2024, it had moved to August 1, showing a concerning trend.
3. This shift highlights overuse of natural resources, risking future generations’ ability to live sustainably.
4. Eight out of nine planetary boundaries needed for Earth’s survival have already been breached.
5. If this continues, future generations may inherit a planet unable to support life, reinforcing the need for urgent global action to protect Earth’s resources.

Question for practice:

Discuss the legal debates around the rights of future generations and how courts have addressed environmental protection in this context.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Siddha Drugs

Source- This post on Impact of Siddha Drugs in Lowering Anaemia in Adolescent Girls is based on the article “‘Siddha’ drugs combination lowers anaemia in adolescent girls, says study” published in Economic Times on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, a study was conducted under the Public Health Initiative aimed to mainstream the use of Siddha drugs for combating anaemia in adolescent girls.

The combination of Siddha drugs, referred to as ABMN (Annapeticenturam, Bavana katukkay, Matulai manappaku, and Nellikkay lekiyam), was found to significantly improve haemoglobin levels and packed cell volume in anaemic adolescent girls.

About Siddha drugs

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Cascade Frog (Amolops formosus)

Source- This post on Cascade Frog (Amolops formosus) is based on the article “Assam cascade frog test for Himachal stream water flow impact” published in The Hindu on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have gained insights into how water flow influences the presence and abundance of Cascade frog species.

About Cascade Frog (Amolops formosus)

1. Location: Cascade Frog are found in India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam), Northern Bangladesh, and much of Nepal.

2. Characteristics:

a. The Assam Cascade Frog has a slender body and long legs, which make it highly adept at jumping across rocks and swimming in strong currents.
b. It has smooth skin, and its skin colouration is a blend of earthy browns and greens, providing excellent camouflage against the rocky and leafy surroundings of its habitat.
c. Some individuals have light stripes or patterns on their backs or limbs.

3. Habitat: This species thrives in hilly, forested areas where there are streams and waterfalls. These frogs are often found near the water’s edge, where they lay their eggs.

4. Species Behaviour: Assam Cascade Frogs are mainly nocturnal and are active during the rainy season when the water flow in their habitats is high. They are insectivores, feeding on small insects and other invertebrates they find near the water or on the forest floor.

5. Conservation status:
a. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
b. It is not listed under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA). It is also not included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

6. Major Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation and alterations in water management, such as dam construction.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Law Governing Assembly Elections in India

Source- This post on Law Governing Assembly Elections is based on the article “Arvind Kejriwal wants early elections to Delhi Assembly. What does the law say?” published in Indian Express on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

Arvind Kejriwal is likely to resign as Chief Minister during a meeting with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Kejriwal has requested that Assembly elections in Delhi be held alongside those in Maharashtra, where a new House must be elected by November 26. However, the term of the Delhi Assembly is set to end on February 23, 2025.

About the Laws Governing Assembly Elections

1. Role of Election Commission of India (ECI): The ECI has the power to oversee and conduct elections under Article 324 of the Constitution. It ensures the election process is completed before the end of the Assembly’s five-year term by working backwards from the date the term expires.

2. Timing of Election Notification: Section 15(2) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951 specifies that an election cannot be announced less than six months before the Assembly’s term ends, unless the Assembly is dissolved early.

3. Chief Minister’s Authority: A Chief Minister cannot force the ECI to hold early elections. Under Article 174(2)(b), the Governor has the authority to dissolve the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister can recommend dissolution to the Governor, but the final decision rests with the Governor.

4. Dissolution of Assembly: Once the Assembly is dissolved, the ECI is required to hold fresh elections within six months. An example is Telangana in 2018 when the Chief Minister recommended early dissolution, and elections were conducted held ahead of schedule.

5. Specific Case of Delhi: Delhi, not being a full state, is governed by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991. While the Chief Minister can recommend dissolution, the final say rests with the Centre through the Lieutenant Governor (LG).

6. Election Commission’s Considerations for Scheduling: The ECI considers factors like weather, availability of security forces, festivals, and preparation of electoral rolls before scheduling elections. Elections are usually scheduled to ensure the new Assembly is formed before the current Assembly’s term expires.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation 

Lancet Report on Antibiotics Overuse

Source- This post on Lancet Report on Antibiotics Overuse is based on the article “Lancet alert on popping antibiotics: One-third of India’s 30 lakh sepsis deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance” published in Indian Express on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

According to a recent Lancet study, 60% of the 29.9 lakh sepsis deaths in India in 2019 were caused by bacterial infections.  Of these, 2.9 lakh sepsis deaths were directly attributed to AMR.

About Sepsis

1. Sepsis occurs when the immune system reacts dangerously to a bacterial infection. This potentially leads to organ failure without treatment.

2. Sepsis Deaths in India: Lower respiratory infections accounted for 27% of sepsis deaths in India. Among children under five, streptococcus pneumoniae was the deadliest bacterial infection.

About Antimicrobial resistance

1. Antimicrobial resistance- It occurs when microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) become resistant to antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics). As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.

2. Global Trends in AMR- Globally, deaths from methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has more than doubled.

3. AMR in India- India’s most prevalent drug-resistant bacteria includes E. coli which causes gut infections, Klebsiella pneumoniae which causes pneumonia and urinary tract infections and Acinetobacter baumannii which commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections

Read More- Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance in India- Explained Pointwise

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Gopalpur Port

Source- This post on Gopalpur Port is based on the article “Adani Ports enters agreement to acquire 95 per cent stake in Gopalpur port” published in The Telegraph on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Odisha government has approved the proposal of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) acquisition of 95 per cent of the equity shares of Gopalpur Port from Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Private Limited and Orissa Stevedores Limited.

About Gopalpur Port

Aspects	Details
Type of Port	Gopalpur Port is a deep-sea port located on the east coast of India in Odisha.
Location	It is positioned between Paradip and Visakhapatnam ports.
Significance and Strategic Advantages	a. It is close to bauxite-rich regions like Sundargarh, Balangir, Sambalpur, Kalahandi, and central Odisha’s steel clusters. b. The port’s hinterland includes the ib (Jharsuguda) and Talcher coal fields, which together hold about 25% of India’s coal reserves and 100% of Odisha’s reserves.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography (Places in News)

Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) Test

Source- This post on Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) Test is based on the article “India successfully test fires two short-range surface-to-air missile in 2 days” published in India Today on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

India successfully conducted back-to-back flight tests of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) on September 12 and 13, 2024, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.

About the VLSRSAM test

1. About: The test was executed using a land-based vertical launcher, targeting a high-speed aerial target flying at low altitude. The missile system accurately tracked and successfully engaged the target.

2. Objective: The primary objective of the test was to validate key updated components of the VL-SRSAM weapon system, including the Proximity Fuse and Seeker.

3. Performance of VLSRSAM in the test: In both tests, the VLSRSAM system successfully intercepted high-speed, low-altitude aerial targets that simulated challenging sea-skimming threats. These threats are considered particularly difficult for naval platforms.

Significance of the VLSRSAM

VLSRSAM Significance
a. The VLSRSAM is engineered to neutralise a variety of airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and incoming missiles.
b. It is equipped with advanced guidance systems and cutting-edge technology, enhancing its precision and agility.

The successful demonstration strengthens India’s maritime air defence capabilities, and addresses evolving aerial threats in naval operations.

Read more: Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM)

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology