9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 3 May, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Achieving goal of Viksit Bharat in the next 25 year
Source-This post on Achieving goal of Viksit Bharat in the next 25 year has been created based on the article “S Jaishankar writes: How India is making friends and influencing the world” published in “The Indian Express” on 3 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 article enlists the requirement for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat in the next 25 years.
What are some of the important international trends in economy and diplomacy?
1) The international economy is now rebuilding its supply chains and ensuring more reliable manufacturing especially in competitive domains like semiconductors, electric mobility and green technologies.
2) Conflict and climate change are changing how countries connect with each other. Supply chains and logistics are aiming to be more resilient. Recent events like tension in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal blockage highlight this.
What are the key requirements for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat in the next 25 years?
1) International Environment-The international environment plays a significant role, presenting both opportunities and challenges for Viksit Bharat. Formulating foreign policy to leverage global resources, markets, technologies, and best practices is important.
2) National Strengths– Expanding manufacturing and adopting critical and emerging technologies are crucial for India to become a leading power by building strong national capabilities.
3) Diplomacy-Effective diplomacy is important for international collaboration and ensuring India’s integration into global networks especially in competitive domains like semiconductors, electric mobility, and green technologies.
4) Strategic Autonomy- In the post-Covid world, it’s crucial for India to have strategic autonomy to safeguard national security and economic strength. Initiatives like ‘Make in India’ are essential for both the economy and national security.
5) Skills and Talent- It’s important to recognize and use Indian skills and talent, especially in digital areas. India needs to expand education and training and ensure they align with Indian values and practices.
Read more- Pathways to a Viksit Bharat
6) Connectivity and Security– It’s important to deal with the effects of conflict and climate change on connectivity and logistics. In this backdrop, initiatives like the IMEC corridor, INSTC, and Trilateral Highway that help in improving connectivity and security are steps in the right direction.
7) International Engagements– It’s important for India to be actively involved in international initiatives like Quad, BRICS, I2U2, SCO, and East Asia Summit to protect its interests and maintain balance.
8) Leadership-Effective leadership, represented by a Vishwa Bandhu approach, is essential for carrying forward initiatives and partnerships to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.
Question for practice
What are the key requirements for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat in the next 25 years?
India’s healthcare system on right track.
Source-This post on India’s healthcare system on right track has been created based on the article “Good news for India’s healthcare system” published in “The Indian Express” on 3 May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Context-The article highlights the progress made by India in providing quality health care facilities in last few years. This improvement also demonstrates India’s commitment to achieve its goal of providing quality and affordable healthcare for all, as outlined in the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017.
What are some of the recent trends in India’s healthcare spending?
1) Government health expenditure (GHE) as a proportion of GDP has increased by 63%, rising from 1.13% in 2014-15 to 1.84% in 2021-22.
2) Per capita government expenditure on health has nearly tripled from Rs 1,108 in 2014-15 to Rs 3,156 in 2021-22.
3) Spending on government-funded insurance has increased, rising 4.4 times from Rs 4,757 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 20,771 crore in 2021-22. This increase reflects higher investments in programs like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY).
What trend has been observed in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) as a share of total health expenditure?
There has been a consistent decline in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) as a share of total health expenditure, dropping from 62.6% to 39.4% between 2014-15 and 2021-22.
What are the reasons behind this trend?
1) Utilization of services-Free ambulance services, improved government secondary and tertiary services, and the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme have all played significant roles in reducing out-of-pocket expenditure.
2) Free Drugs and diagnostics–
A) Free drugs and diagnostics services in facilities, including those at over 1,69,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs, Health and Wellness Centres) have led to major financial savings for families.
B) More than 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras sell over 1,900 quality generic medicines and nearly 300 surgical items at affordable prices across districts. Since 2014, this scheme has saved consumers an estimated Rs 28,000 crore.
3) Price Regulation– Regulating prices of coronary stents, orthopedic knee implants, cancer drugs, and other vital medicines has saved people Rs 27,000 crore each year.
What is the impact of access to safe drinking water on health?
1) Access to safe drinking water and sanitation significantly improves health. When the Jal Jeevan Mission launched in 2019, only 17% of rural households had tap water. Now, about 76% have access to functional household tap connections. As per a WHO report, once tap water is made available in every rural household, it would save four lakh lives over five years.
2) The WHO predicts that the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Grameen, which made rural India open defecation free (ODF), could have prevented over 300,000 deaths from diarrhea and malnutrition between 2014 and October 2019.
Mention some of the important healthcare schemes to embolden health infrastructure in India?
1) Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana-This is aimed at creating medical colleges and new AIIMSs.
2) Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure Mission– This aims to strengthen the public health infrastructure in cities and villages so it can effectively handle health crises or outbreaks.
Read more- PM ABHIM (Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission)
3) Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package –This is aimed at developing pediatric and adult ICUs.
4) 15th Finance Commission grants– The health grants, totaling Rs 70,000 crore under the 15th Finance Commission award, are being injected into the primary health system.
The rising trends in public health expenditure and a steady decrease in OOPE alongside increasing shares of GHE and social security schemes on healthcare, indicate a move towards a more progressive health system.
Question for practice
Highlight the factors that have contributed to decline in out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) as a share of total health expenditure in India?
Issues in implementation of PM-JAY
Source-This post on Issues in implementation of PM-JAY has been created based on the article “Does PMJAY need a design change?” published in “The Hindu” on 2 May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Context-The article highlights the challenges faced by the PM-JAY and analyses the need to bring changes in its design from an expert point of view.
What is Ayushman Bharat Scheme?
Ayushman Bharat is the government’s flagship program aimed at achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in India, launched in 2018.
Read more- Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
What are the issues faced by PM-JAY?
1) Hospital Dues– Certain hospitals in particular states have raised grievances about being owed large sums of money by PM-JAY.
2) Issues with design– PM-JAY was not intended to provide complete universal health coverage or cover all healthcare costs, as it currently makes up less than 2.5% of total health spending in India.
3) Misuse of resources-There is misuse of government resources which increases inefficiencies in the public healthcare system
4) Demand-side perspective-People often choose private hospitals over public hospitals due to the perception of better-quality care due to issues like capacity constraints, delays in claim payments, claim rejections etc. In public hospitals.
5) Performance Disparity among States– The performance of states under PM-JAY varies significantly in terms of coverage, dispersion of hospitals, governance processes. This is because of factors like hospital capacity, network adequacy, and the role of the public sector in ensuring healthcare access in underserved areas.
What should be the way forward?
1) Design change– There is an urgent need to make potential design changes to make PM-JAY more sustainable and effective in achieving its objectives.
2) Strengthen public health sector– There is a need to improve the public health sector by dealing with limited resources and creating systems that encourage healthcare providers and patients to support universal health coverage.
3) Enhancing Government Healthcare Spending- There is a need to include pooling government healthcare expenditures and separating the roles of payers and providers in healthcare.
4) Diverse Approaches to Influence Healthcare Behavior– Rather than just focusing on pricing, there needs to be an emphasis on other mechanisms to influence the behavior of healthcare providers and patients. Additionally, state government programs that can complement and support the goals of PM-JAY should be explored
5) Addressing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure– There is a need to develop system where outpatient care, diagnostics, and drugs can be covered to reduce out-of-pocket expenses further.
Question for practice
Highlight the issues faced by PM-JAY? What steps can be taken to address this?
Issues in India’s spices export
Source-This post on Issues in India’s spices export has been created based on the article “Why are Indian spices facing the heat?” published in “The Hindu” on 3 April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Context– Several countries, like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S., are investigating potential contamination in spice mixes sold by Indian brands MDH and Everest. The concern is that these spice mixes may contain higher than allowed levels of ethylene oxide, a toxic chemical used to preserve food.
What are some of the health concerns regarding India’s export of spices?
1) Ethylene oxide is used as a sterilizing agent in food products, including spices, to reduce microbial contamination and extend shelf life.However,its improper and excessive use can leave behind toxic and carcinogenic residues.
MDH and Everest’s spice mixes are allegedly contaminated with high levels of EtO, which is associated with cancers like lymphoma and leukemia.
What are the steps taken by Spice Board of India to address this issue?
1) The Spice Board in India has initiated mandatory testing of consignments shipped to Singapore and Hong Kong, gathered analytical reports from relevant agencies, and proposed corrective measures to exporters.
2) Guidelines have been issued to exporters on preventing EtO contamination, including norms for testing, storage, and the use of alternative methods.
3) The FSSAI has directed state regulators to collect samples of major spice brands, including MDH and Everest, to test for EtO.
4) Activists have called for stringent safety checks and proper implementation of regulatory norms.
Read more- On India’s Agricultural Export Sector – Export potential
What are some of food safety challenges faced by India?
1) Operational challenges– This includes India’s diverse food landscape, lack of standardized record-keeping, intentional food fraud, and difficulties in tracing ingredients and assessing potential risks.
2) Logistic Barriers-This includes a lack of government or private notified food testing labs in at least 10 States/Union Territories as mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.As per FSSAI Annual Report of 2021-22, there is uneven distribution of labs, insufficient food safety officers, and resource constraints.
3) Lack of transparency-FSSAI’s operations often lack transparency. This hinders efforts to meet safety standards, build accountability, and trust.
What is the potential impact of these investigation on Indias food exports?
1) India’s spice export industry that is worth around $700 million may get negatively impacted due to the current controversy over safety concerns.
2) If regulators in China, ASEAN countries, and the European Union also raise similar concerns, it could hurt Indian spice exports worth over $2.5 billion, which is around 58.8% of India’s total global spice exports.
3) Small companies, co-operatives, and farmers could face potential losses due to reduced prices by companies.
What should be the way forward?
1) The issue demands urgent attention to uphold the reputation of the entire spice trade ecosystem in India.
3) A recent CUTS report suggested updating India’s food safety standards to match international practices and providing better information to food companies to help them follow regulations more effectively.
Question for practice
What can be the potential impact of recent investigations on India’s food export? What steps should be taken by the government to address this issue?
GS PAPER - 3
Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) for Blue Economy
Source: This post Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) for Blue Economy has been created based on the article “Needed: An underwater PM Gati Shakti”, published in the Business Standard on 3rd May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy – Blue Economy
Context: The article highlights the vast economic opportunities offered by the oceans for India, which remain largely untapped despite holding immense wealth and resources. Focussing on Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) can be a game changer.
The development of good Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is crucial for exploiting these economic opportunities. UDA technology involves underwater and space-based sensors for providing the information on availability of resources in the ocean.
Significance of Blue economy for India
First, India’s maritime domain is nearly as vast as its land area and contains 80% of the nation’s resources but contributes only 4% to its GDP.
Second, the potential for growth through the blue economy, encompassing fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, offshore energy, and deep-sea mining, is substantial.
Third, it could propel India towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy by generating millions of jobs and trillions in revenue.
Fourth, Deep-sea minerals, including polymetallic nodules and rare earths, hold boundless value, with advancing technology making their sustainable extraction feasible in the near future. The nation quickest to harness the opportunities in open maritime territories may control the resources and territory in the long run.
What are the challenges in acquiring Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) technology?
Protected technology: These technologies are closely guarded by developed countries. India must focus on indigenous development of underwater sensor technology to overcome challenges related to cost.
Unique oceanic conditions: Present technologies are suitable for cold and temperate oceans, which differs completely to the tropical conditions of the Indian Ocean.
Expensive: Lastly these technologies are costly.
How India can develop Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA)?
First, India’s approach should include strengthening its domestic capabilities in sensor technology and chip development.
Second, UDA requires use of thousands of datasets to work properly. The design of data gathered by government are not suitable. An open-API framework could facilitate data sharing and enable the development of AI applications in maritime domain awareness.
Third, A strategic initiative similar to the PM Gati Shakti plan for terrestrial development should be established for economic UDA. This would organize and enhance the efficiency of data collection and usage across various maritime sectors.
The concept of “Smart Maritime Zones”, like smart cities could be advanced under the Gati Shakti plan. These zones would use technology-driven maritime spatial planning to ensure the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
Significance of Submarine Capabilities for India
Source: This post Significance of Submarine Capabilities for India has been created based on the article “Filling the submarine gap”, published in the Business Standard on 3rd May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security of India – Maritimes security
Context: India’s 30-Year Submarine Building Plan is not running as per the expectations.
India’s 30-Year Submarine Building Plan was launched in 1999. It was aimed at creating a fleet of 24 conventionally powered submarines to secure India’s maritime interests. However, there is a delay.
As of now, even the initial phase of this plan, termed Project 75, has not been completed, with subsequent phases also lagging behind schedule.
What is the significance of Submarine Capabilities for India?
1) Maritime Security
To deny hostile submarines freedom in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the northern Indian Ocean.
To protect India’s 5,600 km coastline, 1,800 km of island territories, and 2.37 million sq km exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The region’s hydrological conditions and the presence of strategic chokepoints like the Straits of Malacca amplify the need for a capable naval force to secure these waters.
2) Economic Importance
Two-thirds of global trade, including oil, gas, and commodities, passes through Indian waters, necessitating submarine capabilities to secure maritime trade routes.
What are the challenges faced in the Submarine acquisition?
To tackle hostile conditions: The shallow waters off the western coast limit operations of larger submarines near critical areas like Karachi. Whereas the eastern seaboard’s steep descent into the Bay of Bengal is more suitable for large nuclear-powered submarines. This uneven terrain necessitates a mixed fleet of conventional and nuclear submarines to address varied operational demands effectively.
Lack of indigenous expertise in submarine design and construction, leading to dependence on foreign partners.
Strategic partners: In 2020, the Strategic Partner (SP) model was introduced under the Defence Acquisition Proposition. Submarine acquisition requires involving Indian firms like Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and L&T in collaboration with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The model requires indigenous procurement of 45 per cent for the first boat, incrementally stepping up to 60 per cent for the sixth and last. It discourages foreign companies from participating.
Judicial Activism and its impact on manufacturing sector
Source-This post on Judicial Activism and its impact on manufacturing sector has been created based on the article “The judiciary’s shadow over standard essential patents” published in “The Hindu” on 3 May 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Science and tech- issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
Context– There’s a problem emerging in India where some tech companies are using standard essential patents (SEPs) against the telecom manufacturing sector. This directly affects India’s goal of building its own cell phone manufacturing industry.
What are standard essential patents (SEPs)?
Description-SEPs are patents that cover technologies adopted by the industry as “standards.” For ex-technologies such as CDMA, GSM, LTE are all industry standards in the telecom sector.
Control-Private tech companies mostly control the process of setting standards through organizations called Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs)
Significance-They are important for ensuring interoperability of cellular phones manufactured by different companies.
What are the challenges that arise from the ownership of SEPs by certain companies?
1) Limited Influence in Standard Setting– Countries like India, which don’t innovate much in the telecom sector, have little say in how standards are established or how SEPs are licensed.
2) “Patent holdup” problem– Without other options, SEP owners can demand high royalties from manufacturers, which can stifle competition. This is known as the “patent holdup” problem in economics.
3) Anti-competitive practice-The technology industry has been found to be guilty of engaging in anti-competitive practices due to the secretive nature of operating. This is evidenced by the hefty fines some SEP owners had to pay worldwide for unfair competition.
For ex-the largest of these SEP owners, Qualcomm, has been fined $975 million by China (2015), $873 million by South Korea (2017) etc.
4) Impact on creation of job-While the government helps manufacturers with programs like “production linked incentives,” SEP owners are criticized for taking money out of the country without creating jobs.
Read more- Patent Rules 2024- Significance and Challenges
What has been the response of the Indian judiciary to this issue?
The Indian response to the issue involves judicial lethargy and activism at the Delhi High Court
1) In 2013, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated whether Ericsson abused its dominant position by demanding high royalties for its SEPs.
2) Ericsson challenged CCI’s power before the Delhi High Court, resulting in a lengthy legal battle.
3) Despite pending competition law issues, the Delhi High Court proceeded with lawsuits filed by SEP owners against cellular phone manufacturers.
4) The court granted “interim” remedies requiring manufacturers to deposit money, impacting their working capital.
What is the impact of this judicial activism on India’s manufacturing sector?
1) Fund Availability-The court ordered manufacturers to deposit money temporarily. This has affected their available funds for business.
2) Hamper investment-This judicial activism has negatively impacted the government’s attempts to attract investment in the manufacturing sector.
What should be the way forward?
Indian government should intervene to regulate SEPs, like the European Parliament.This will safeguard India’s manufacturing interests.
Question for practice
What are the challenges that arise from the ownership of SEPs by certain companies? What has been the response of the Indian judiciary to this issue?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Bima Vistaar
Source-This post on Bima Vistaar is based on the article “All-in-one insurance product: Irdai prices Bima Vistaar at Rs 1,500 per policy” published in “The Indian Express” on 3rd May 2024.
Why in the News?
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has proposed Bima Vistaar. Bima Vistaar is an ambitious all-in-one affordable mass product which aim to target the rural areas of the country.
About Bima Vistaar
1. About Bima Vistaar: It is a comprehensive insurance product that combines life, health, accident, and property coverage. It is provided by both public and private insurance companies.
2. Initiated by: This is initiated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) as part of its Vision 2047.
3. Aim: The policy aims to address the essential insurance needs of India’s rural population with a single, affordable product. It has been made accessible at Rs 1,500 per policy.
4. Features:
a) This product forms part of IRDAI’s Bima Trinity initiative. It includes:
i) Bima Sugam which includes online insurance marketplace
ii) Bima Vistaar which is a comprehensive bundled policy
iii) Bima Vaahak which works as a distribution channel
IRDAI is banking on the troika to help further its goal of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047.
b) It is a benefit-based policy: This means that if the event were to occur, the pre-decided amount (the sum insured) will be paid out to the policyholder, or her nominees and the policy will cease to exist.
c) Policy cost: The policy offers life cover for Rs 820, health cover for Rs 500, personal accident cover for Rs 100, and property cover for Rs 80. If taken as a family floater, it costs Rs 2,420, with an extra Rs 900 for additional family members.
d) Benefits of the Bima Vistaar Policy:
i) Increased Insurance Penetration: The policy facilitates the expansion of insurance coverage in rural areas of India, promoting financial security among underserved populations.
ii) Affordable Insurance: With competitive pricing, the Bima Vistaar policy offers accessible insurance solutions to individuals and families and thus ensuring reliable coverage at reasonable costs.
iii) Promotion of Financial Inclusion: By encouraging insurance investment and accessibility, this initiative contributes to broader financial inclusion, empowering more people to safeguard their financial future.
iv) Enhanced Distribution and Adoption: The policy incentivizes agents to promote and sell Bima Vistaar policies to wider distribution and adoption of insurance products particularly in rural and underserved communities.
State of Insurance Sector in India:
1. According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, India’s life insurance density increased from USD 11.1 in 2001 to USD 91 in 2021.
2. The Indian insurance market is poised to emerge as one of the fastest-growing globally in the coming decade. India is currently the 10th largest insurance market globally and is expected to rise to the 6th position by 2032.
Read more: All-in-one policy plan to spread insurance in India
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Red Colobus Monkey
Source- The post on Red Colobus is based on the article “Red Colobus: Conserving these Old World primates could help save Africa’s tropical forests, says study” published in “Down to Earth” on 3rd May 2024.
Why in the News?
With the increasing biodiversity crisis, Conservationists have suggested Conservation of red colobus monkey species. Their conservation could have cascading net positive impacts on African tropical forest health.
About red colobus monkey
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Aspect | Details |
About | The world monkey family consists of two major groups- Colobines and Cercopithecine. Colobines- Are primarily leaf-eaters. Red Colobus monkey belongs to this group. This Group also includes langurs from South and Southeast Asia. Cercopithecine- These are onmivores and include animals in their diet. It includes macaques of south and southeast Asia and the mangabeys, mandrills, drills and baboons of Africa. |
Habitat and Location | Location- They are primitive monkey species native to western, central, and eastern Africa. They are found from Senegal in the west to the Zanzibar Archipelago in the east. Habitat- Their habitats include humid forests, coastal thickets, and scrub. |
Vulnerability Status | They have been listed as one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates by the IUCN. |
Features | 1. Appearance- They have brown and orange coat, white whiskers and a black scalp. 2.Distinctive feature- Unlike other monkey species, colobus monkeys do not have thumbs. Instead of thumbs, they have a small remnant bump. 3. Nature- They are primarily arboreal and are mostly restricted to humid forests. 4. Diet- They are mainly herbivores and thus feed upon young leaves, flowers, and unripe fruit. They are also known to eat charcoal or clay which help them to combat the cyanide some leaves may contain. |
What are the Threats to the Red Colobus Monkey
There have been various threats to the survival of the primitive species:
a) Habitat loss- It is the primary threat to colobus monkeys today due to expansion of human populations.
b) Hunting- They have been hunted for their beautiful fur and skin as it has been used to make dance costumes, hats, and capes.
c) Predators- They are often preyed upon by other predators such as chimpanzee, leopard etc.
What Conservation efforts are required
Being an indicator species, red colobus monkey needs conservation measures such as:
a) Financial support-More economic investment to create and manage protected areas for red colobus monkeys.
b) Community engagement- There is need to provide support to and engaging with communities that live in proximity to these primates.
c) Survey based study-Survey should be carried out to estimate the exact populations of these monkeys and creating awareness about their conservation value.
d) Legal safeguard- They require legal safeguards and should be designated as priority species for conservation in national legislations and international agreements.
UPSC Syllabus: Species in news
Hindu Marriage Act 1955
Source- The post on Hindu Marriage Act is based on the article “Supreme court says mere registration in absence of ceremony not a valid marriage under hindu marriage act” published in “Deccan Herald” on 3rd May 2024.
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has held that mere registration of marriage, in absence of a proper ceremony, would not be valid under the Hindu Marriage Act. Through this judgement, the supreme court has recognized the practice of ‘samskara’, which is a sacrament that must be followed in a Hindu marriage.
The court considered that marriage is sacred under the Hindu Marriage Act for it provides a lifelong, dignity-affirming, equal, consensual and healthy union of two individuals.
About Hindu Marriage Act (HMA)1955
1. About Hindu Marriage Act (HMA): It is legislation that regulates Hindu marriages and divorce by codifying laws concerning these aspects within the Hindu community.
2. Applicability: The HMA applies to individuals who are Hindu by birth or through conversion. It also includes Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
3. Provisions:
a) Marriageable Age: Under the HMA, the minimum age for marriage is set at 21 for the bridegroom and 18 for the bride. Marrying minors is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.
b) Recognition of Customs and Ceremonies: The HMA respects customary practices, including the essential ritual of Saptapadi, where the bride and groom take seven steps before the sacred fire.
c) Prohibition of Bigamy and Polygamy: The Act prohibits bigamy, polygamy, or polyandry. Section 5 declares having two living spouses simultaneously illegal and punishable under Sections 494 and 495 of the Indian Penal Code.
d) Mental health as a ccriterion for void marriage: Under the act, Marriages are deemed void if one or both parties are mentally unfit. Legal consent is required in such cases.
e) Registration provision: Registration is subject to state laws. However, lack of an official certificate does not invalidate a marriage.
f) Divorce provision: Divorce is permitted through mutual consent or judicial separation. Special circumstances may warrant divorce before one year of marriage. Various grounds for divorce are specified, including those allowing wives to seek divorce from their husbands.
g) Restitution of Conjugal Rights: The HMA includes provisions for restitution of conjugal rights, which allows a spouse to seek legal intervention if the other unjustifiably leaves.
i) Legal Procedures: Family courts handle matters concerning Hindu marriages and divorce. Cases are heard in courts of territorial jurisdiction based on the place of marriage, residence, or last cohabitation.
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation
Diplomatic Passport
Source-This post on Diplomatic Passport is based on the article “The flight of Prajwal Revanna: How diplomatic passports, visa regimes work” published in “The Indian Express” on 3rd May 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the issue of diplomatic passports and the associated visa exemptions has come to the fore in the case of an expelled JDS leader accused in cases of sexual abuse.
There are 34 countries with whom India has signed operational visa exemption agreements for holders of diplomatic passports. Hence, the holders of diplomatic passports do not need Visa clearances for travelling to these countries.
About Diplomatic passport
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About | Diplomatic and Official passports are issued to people holding diplomatic status or deputed by the Government of India for official duty abroad. It has maroon covers and is valid for five years or less. |
Benefits | Diplomatic passport holders enjoy specific privileges and immunities. These include- a. Exemption from arrest, detention b. Exemption from certain legal proceedings within the host country. |
Issued To | It is issued by the MEA’s Consular, Passport & Visa Division. It is issued to the following five categories of people- a. Those with diplomatic status b. Government-appointed individuals travelling abroad for official business c. Officers working under the branches A and B of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) d. Relatives and immediate family of officers employed in IFS and MEA. e. Selected individuals authorized to undertake official travel on behalf of the government. |
Grounds of revocation of passport | The Passport Act 1967 provides for the ground of revocation of diplomatic passports. The grounds are mentioned as follows- a. if the holder is in wrongful possession b. if it was obtained by the suppression of material information c. Interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, or friendly relations of India with any foreign country. d. Conviction by a court in India and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years, after the issue of the passport. e. Orders from a court during proceedings with respect to an offence allegedly carried out by the passport holder before a criminal court |
Difference between diplomatic passport and regular passport
Aspects | Normal passport | Diplomatic passport |
Issuance to | It is granted to general citizens and VIPs. | It is granted to high-ranking government officials. |
Validity of the passport | Adults receive the passport with 10 years of validity, while minors receive it with 5 years of validity. | It is issued with 5 or lesser years of validity. |
Purpose | It is generally used for foreign trips for personal as well as business purposes. | It is used for official government-associated foreign trips. |
Exemption of Visa requirements in case of Holding Diplomatic Passport
There are 34 countries with whom India has operational visa exemption agreements for holders of diplomatic passports. These countries include Germany, France, Austria, Afghanistan, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Iran, and Switzerland.
Furthermore, India has signed agreements with 99 other nations where holders of service and official passports, in addition to diplomatic passport holders, can enjoy visa exemption for stays up to 90 days. Countries in this list include Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Hong Kong, Oman, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation
Kutch Ajrakh
Source- The post on Kutch Ajrakh is based on the article “Ajrakh from Kutch gets GI” published in “Economic times” on 3rd May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, The traditional artisans of ‘Kutch Ajrakh‘, were bestowed the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM). This art form has originated from the culturally rich Kutch region in Gujarat.
This recognition serves as a testament to the exceptional artistry and cultural significance of the age-old craft practised by the artisans in the region.
About Kutch Ajrakh
Specifications | Details |
Origin of the Art Form | The name ‘Ajrak’ finds its roots in ‘Azrak’, which denotes Indigo. Indigo is widely used as a potent dye to produce a blue hue. |
Key Details of the art Form | 1. The art form involves hand-block printing of elaborate designs on treated cotton fabric. 2. Natural vegetable and mineral colours are used in this printing. 3. Predominantly dominated by three colours- a. Blue– Symbolizing the sky b. Red– Symbolizing earth and fire c. White– Symbolizing the stars |
Centres of practice of the art Form | The art work is predominantly practised in the Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch regions of Gujarat. Ajrakhpur is the epicenter of Ajrakh work in Gujarat. |
Prominent users | Nomadic pastoralist and agricultural communities like the Rabaris, Maldharis, and Ahir’s are the prominent users of the products derived from these artform. They wear Ajrakh printed cloth as turbans, lungis, or stoles. |
What is the significance of the Kutch Ajrakh?
1. Historic significance- This craft holds historical significance as it was introduced to Ajrakhpur region over 400 years back by the Sind Muslims.
2. Socioeconomic significance- Kutch Ajrakh provides a platform for artisans to showcase their craftsmanship on a global stage.
3. Promotion of Sustainability- The award of GI tag to Kutch Ajrakh will promote sustainable livelihoods within the community of weavers belonging to this region.
UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture