9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 13th, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Issues related to UAPA – An anti-terror law and its interference with liberty
Source: This post on issues related to UAPA is created based on the article “An anti-terror law and its interference with liberty”, published in The Hindu on 13th December 2023.
Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Criminal Justice System of India
News: The article focuses on a judgment by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court which cleared the way for bail to journalist Fahad Shah. He was facing charges under various laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The High Court, in its judgment, partially set aside the charges. It found insufficient grounds for charging him under UAPA except for Section 13, and under the FCRA.
This case highlights the broader issue of how UAPA, India’s primary anti-terror statute, is applied. It emphasizes the need for careful interpretation and application of UAPA in matters of personal liberty.
What is UAPA and what are its sections 13 and 18?
UAPA aims at effective prevention of unlawful activities and associations in India.
Section 43-D (5) of UAPA, places an embargo on courts from granting bail if they find that the police materials establish the accusations as ‘prime facie true’.
Section 18 of the UAPA provides for the Punishment for conspiracy. It also includes punishment for any act preparatory to the commission of a terrorist act. This section has been used to justify the newspaper article as the preparatory material in the present case.
Section 13 of the UAPA also covers the activity which advocates, abets, advises or incites the commission of any unlawful activity.
What were the observations of the High Court?
Defamation as terrorism: treating allegations of defaming the country as terrorism will create a new category of offence. It will have wider implications for criminal laws.
Differentiation in implementation of UAPA: The Court highlighted the importance of judicial prudence in enforcing anti-terror laws. It emphasized that liberty should not be compromised without evidence of ‘clear and present danger’.
Issue of bail under UAPA: The Court critiqued the procedural aspects of UAPA, particularly Section 43-D (5). It argued that the section was meant to prevent the easy release of persons, who are actual threat, like a bomber and not the individuals, who don’t have any direct link the act.
What are issues highlighted by this case associated with UAPA?
Arrests of individuals unconnected to actual incidents of violence, or individuals who are not directly connected with such incidents. For example, in the present case, government argued that publication of the article was an act of terror, as it sought to harm ‘property’ in the form of India’s reputation.
Read the last article on this topic for more information.
There is a lack of discussion on compensation or state accountability for wrongful arrest in the judgment.
GS PAPER - 3
On ethanol blending scheme of government – Food versus Fuel
Source: The post on ethanol blending scheme of government has been created based on the article “Food versus Fuel: What’s happening with Centre’s ethanol blending scheme” published in “Business standard” on 13th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Indian economy- Food processing and related industries in India.
News: The Indian government directed mills not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for ethanol production. This is to increase domestic sugar availability.
Why has the government directed not to use sugar cane juice for making ethanol?
Reduced Sugar Stocks: The decision comes in the context of low sugar stocks at the end of the 2022-23 sugar year, which stood at just over 57 lakh tonnes. This is the lowest since 2016-17 and significantly below the record 143.3 lakh tonnes in 2018-19.
Uncertainty Over production: This year’s sugar production is estimated by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories at 291.50 lakh tonnes. This marks a decrease from 330.9 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 and 359.25 lakh tonnes in 2021-22.
Food Over Fuel Policy: The government is prioritizing sugar for consumption over its use for producing ethanol, a fuel additive.
What is the impact of this decision?
Challenges for Ethanol Producers: Companies set up for producing ethanol from cane juice/syrup, like Balrampur Chini Mills and Shree Renuka Sugars, could face issues due to this change. For example, it could affect the supply of around 135 crore litres of ethanol, previously expected from sugarcane juice/syrup for 2023-24.
Potential Shift to Other Feedstocks: There could be a shift toward using alternative feedstocks such as rice, broken/damaged food grains, and maize, which yield higher ethanol quantities (380-480 liters per tonne), potentially impacting industry dynamics.
Stabilize rising Sugar Prices: This decision is expected to bring about 15 lakh tonnes more sugar into the market. The influx of this additional sugar will not only increase its physical availability but also help stabilize rising sugar prices.
What is ethanol?
Terminology used
EBP programme: The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) in India, launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, aims to blend ethanol with petrol. This initiative is designed to reduce pollution, conserve foreign exchange, and provide benefits to farmers by enhancing the value in the sugar industry. The implementation of this programme is being carried out through Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Question for practice:
Examine why the Indian government stopped using sugarcane juice for ethanol and its impact.
Madras HC decision on Section 3 of the Indian Patent Act- Patent exclusions
Source: The post Madras HC decision on Section 3 of the Indian Patent Act has been created on the article “Patent exclusions” published in The Hindu on 13th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy- Trade (patent issue)
News: This article discusses two recent court decisions in India about what can and cannot be patented in the pharmaceutical field. These decisions help clarify the rules for patenting medicines and processes, which are important for balancing innovation, accessibility, and public health interests.
Background
Section 3 of the Indian Patent Act, 1970 outlines what cannot be patented, serving as a filter for determining an invention’s patentability. Notably, the Supreme Court of India’s landmark Novartis judgment addressed an exclusion under section 3(d), focusing on the need for enhanced therapeutic efficacy in patents. However, Indian courts have not yet provided clear guidelines for interpreting other exclusions in the Act.
In this context, two recent judgments by Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy of the Madras High Court have shed light on these issues, significantly contributing to the discussion of pharmaceutical patent law in India.
What are the recent decisions of the Madras High Court in Indian pharmaceutical patent law?
Novozymes vs Assistant Controller of Patents and Designs (Section 3(e) of the Indian patent Act, 1970):
Case Focus: This case examined whether a composition that is simply an aggregation of known components can be patented.
Court’s Decision: The Madras High Court ruled that such compositions can indeed be patented if any of their individual ingredients independently meet the patent eligibility criteria.
Hong Kong and Shanghai University vs Assistant Controller of Patents (Section 3(i)of the Indian patent Act, 1970):
Case Focus: This case dealt with the patentability of processes used for medicinal, surgical, curative, prophylactic, diagnostic, therapeutic, or other treatments of humans or animals.
Court’s Decision: The court clarified that not all processes in these categories are excluded from patentability. Specifically, a process is not patentable if it directly diagnoses or treats a disease. However, if a process is involved in such treatments or diagnostics but does not itself directly diagnose or treat a disease, it may be patentable.
What are the benefits of these decisions?
Clear Guidelines for Patentability: The decisions provide specific guidelines on what can be patented, particularly regarding pharmaceutical compositions (as seen in the Novozymes case) and diagnostic processes (illustrated in the Hong Kong and Shanghai University case).
Reduction in Legal Ambiguity: The clear interpretation of sections 3(e) and 3(i) reduces ambiguity, aiding in more straightforward legal decisions regarding patent applications.
Beneficial for Stakeholders: The clarity from these decisions assists various stakeholders, including inventors, pharmaceutical companies, and civil society groups, by delineating the boundaries of patentable inventions in healthcare.
What should be done?
According to Madras HC suggestions:
Develop Bright-Line Rules- Implement clear, straightforward rules for patentability, to aid consistent decision-making.
Simplify the patent office’s decision process to reduce the burden of lengthy patent prosecution.
Ensure patent laws balance pharmaceutical innovation with public health needs and medicine accessibility
Judicial Contribution in Legislative Gaps- Encourage judiciary roles, like that of the Madras High Court, in suggesting legislative changes for areas not adequately covered by existing laws.
Question for practice:
Discuss the recent decisions of the Madras High Court in Indian pharmaceutical patent law and their implications for patentability in the pharmaceutical field.
EU AI Law impact- Intelligent regulation- Much to learn from EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act
Source: The post EU AI Law impacts has been created on the article Intelligent regulation- Much to learn from EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act” published in “Business standard” on 13th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Science and Technology -Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
News: The article discusses the EU’s new AI regulation law, setting a global example. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit is considering similar global AI regulations.
What are the key provisions of the EU AI Law?
How does the EU AI law impact AI usage?
Risk-Based Regulation: EU law categorizes AI systems based on their risk level. High-risk AI, including applications in medical devices and public services, faces stricter controls and must undergo registration and continuous assessment.
Transparency Obligations: It requires AI systems, especially those generating or manipulating content like deepfakes, to disclose their AI usage to users.
Ban on Manipulative AI: The law prohibits AI that can manipulate behavior or perform social scoring. Examples include toys that encourage dangerous behavior and social scoring systems that classify people based on behavior, socio-economic status, or personal characteristics.
Controlled Use of Surveillance Tools: Surveillance AI, such as real-time facial recognition, is restricted and requires court approval for criminal identification.
Global Regulatory Influence: This EU legislation is seen as a potential benchmark at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit, influencing global AI regulations.
How does EU AI law impact India?
Model for Regulation: The EU AI law serves as a potential model for India to develop its own AI regulations. For example, India might consider similar risk-based categorization and strict controls for high-risk AI systems.
Terminology used:
Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI): It is a multi-stakeholder initiative that includes 28 member countries and the European Union. India became a founding member of the GPAI in 2020. It’s important to note that China is not part of the GPAI.
GPAI Summit for 2023 was held from December 12th to 14th, in New Delhi, India. This event was particularly significant as India assumed the role of Lead Council Chair for GPAI and will continue to be the lead chair in 2024.
For more information on GPAI read here
Question for practice:
Examine how the EU’s AI law may influence India’s approach to AI regulation and its role in shaping global standards.
On gene therapy – Game-changer
Source: This post on gene therapy is created based on the article “game changer”, published in The Hindu on 13th December 2023.
Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and technology
News: Recently, the UK drug regulator and the U.S. FDA approved the gene therapies Casgevy and Lyfgenia for treating sickle cell disease in patients over 12 years.
This marks a significant advancement in gene therapy using the CRISPR-Cas9 tool for diseases traditionally treated through bone marrow transplantation.
Read more about the technology
What are the advantages of Using CRISPR-Cas9?
Patient’s Own Blood Cells: The use of the patient’s own blood cells for gene editing is a major advantage, potentially allowing treatment for a large number of patients without the need for donor matching.
Innovative Approach: The application of CRISPR-Cas9 in these therapies is a significant leap forward in genetic medicine, offering hope for many hereditary conditions.
What are the challenges and considerations of using the CRISPR-Cas9?
Cost and Accessibility: Despite the potential, these treatments are expected to be extremely expensive, limiting their accessibility.
Hospital Capabilities: Only certain hospitals equipped with specific technologies can administer these therapies, further restricting access.
Safety and Efficacy Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for unintended genetic modifications and side effects is crucial due to the novel nature of these therapies.
Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:
For 7 PM: How India can become the bank for the Global SouthCreate a separate article, but include all the points in our yesterday’s 7 PM Article:
C Raja Mohan writes: A chance for India to permanently end external meddling in Kashmir
Extra articles
An anti-terror law and its interference with liberty
Game-changer – It discusses the recent approval of gene therapies Casgevy and Lyfgenia by the UK and U.S.
7 PM Article
Article Link- How India can become the bank for the Global South
7 PM Article - India and Global South- Explained Pointwise + Infographic
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
The Reintroduction of Cheetahs in Banni grassland
Source– This post is based on the article “Cheetahs to return to Gujarat as Centre approves breeding centre in Banni grassland” published in “The Indian Express” on 9th December 2023.
Why in the News?
The central government has approved a proposal to set up a cheetah conservation breeding centre in Banni grasslands of Kutch district in Gujarat.
What is Project Cheetah?
1) Project Cheetah is India’s ambitious cheetah relocation program aimed at establishing a self-sustaining population of cheetahs, which had become extinct in 1950s in the country.
2) It is the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project.
3) Under this, 20 cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa were introduced in the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
4) With the setting up of a cheetah conservation breeding centre in Gujarat, cheetahs brought from Africa could start roaming Banni grasslands in the near future.
For more information on Project Cheetah Click Here to read |
What are the Key Features of Banni Grassland?
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Specification | Details |
Location | Kutch district of Gujarat |
Size | 1) Covering 2,618 km², it represents nearly 45% of Gujarat’s grazing land. 2) It is considered to be the largest Grassland in Asia. |
Ecosystem | Wetlands and grasslands coexist in Banni. |
Vegetation | Features sparse growth dominated by low forbs and graminoids, including salt-tolerant varieties, along with scattered trees and scrub. |
Flora and Fauna | The area is rich in flora and fauna with 192 species of plants, 273 species of birds, several species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. |
Protection Efforts | 1) In 1955, the court notified the grassland will be a reserve forest. 2) In 2019, the NGT ordered to demarcate the boundaries of the Banni grassland and restricted non-forest activities. |
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About Maldhari Tribe
1) The Maldharis is a pastoralist tribal group, living in the Gir National Park, in the Banni Grasslands Reserve area.
2) In 2021, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recognized their right to conserve the community forests in the Banni Grasslands area under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
UPSC Syllabus- Environment
IEPFA and NCAER jointly organize workshop on ‘Investor Education and Protection Policy in India
Source: The post is based on the article “IEPFA and NCAER jointly organize workshop on ‘Investor Education and Protection Policy in India” published in “PIB” on 12th December 2023
Why in the News?
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) have jointly organized a workshop on “Investor Education and Protection Policy in India: Claiming the Unclaimed”.
What is the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)?
Specifications | Details |
Established in | 2016 under the Companies Act, 2013 |
Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Corporate Affairs |
Functions | 1) To administer the Investor Education and Protection Fund 2) Make refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, matured deposits/debentures etc. to investors. 3) To promote awareness among investors. |
What is the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)?
1) Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) has been established under Companies Act, 1956 by way of Companies (Amendment) Act,1999.
2) The amounts such as dividends, applications money, matured deposits etc which have remained unpaid or unclaimed for a period of 7 years are required to be transferred to the IEPF.
3) The amount credited to IEPF is maintained under the Consolidated Fund of India (Article 266 of the Constitution).
4) IEPF is to be utilized for-
a. Refund of unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, debentures, etc.
b. Promotion of investor’s education. awareness and protection.
c. Distribution of any disgorged amount among eligible and identifiable applicants for shares or debentures, shareholders, debenture-holders or depositors who have suffered loss due to wrong actions by any one person, in accordance with the ordered made by the court which had ordered disgorgement.
What is the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER)?
Established in 1956, NCAER is India’s oldest and largest independent, non-profit, economic policy research institute.
Click here to read more on NCAER
UPSC Syllabus: Organisations in News
India’s extreme rainfall ‘corridor’
Source: The post is based on the article “India’s extreme rainfall corridor” published in “The Hindu” on 13th December 2023
Why in the News?
Researchers have discovered a stable “highway” over India where large-scale extreme rainfall events occur simultaneously during monsoons.
What are the Key Findings of the study related to Indian Monsoon?
1) Global warming has affected various aspects of the Indian monsoon leading to a decreasing trend in total seasonal rainfall over several decades.
2) This change has resulted in longer but lower intensity of dry spells, more intense wet spells and alterations in the dynamics of the monsoon.
3) Despite these changing monsoon patterns due to global warming, a stable “highway” exists where extreme rainfall events occur simultaneously.
4) This highway extends from parts of West Bengal and Odisha to parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This corridor has remained unchanged from 1901 to 2019.
What is the significance of this study?
1) Challenges existing beliefs about climate change: This study contradicts the notion that stationary elements no longer exist in climate systems due to global warming. This finding also suggests that the Indian monsoon may be more resilient to climate change than previously thought.
2) Improved understanding of monsoon dynamics: This study can help researchers understand the underlying mechanisms of extreme rainfall and potentially improve forecasting models.
3) Benefit to various sectors: The ability to better predict extreme rainfall events can help mitigate risks in various sectors like agriculture, water management, energy, transportation, and health.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment/ Geography in News
Food Security and Nutrition Report 2023: 74% Indians could not afford healthy diet in 2021
Source: The post is based on the article “Food Security and Nutrition Report 2023: 74% Indians could not afford healthy diet in 2021” published in “The Hindu” on 13th December 2023
Why in the News?
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released a report titled “Asia Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends”.
What is the Asia Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023 Report?
Released by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Aim: To inform stakeholders on progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition.
– The report is a glimpse of the progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals and World Health Assembly (WHA) Global Nutrition Targets 2025.
Key Findings of the report:
Asia-Pacific Region:
1) During the pandemic and the “5Fs” crisis (food, feed, fuel, fertiliser, and finance), the Asia Pacific region experienced troubling statistics.
2) About half of the world’s undernourished people live in the Asia-Pacific region, with more women than men being food insecure.
3) Southern Asia has highest prevalence of undernourishment at 15.6 percent.
India:
1) Affordability of Healthy Diet: In 2021, over 74% of Indians (76.2% in 2020) could not afford a healthy diet.
2) Undernourishment: 16.6% of India’s population is undernourished, facing economic and social costs.
3) Prevalence of Child Malnutrition:
a. Stunting (low height for age): 31.7% of children under the age of five.
b. Wasting (low weight for height): 18.7% (the highest rate in the region)
c. Overweight: 2.8%.
4) Low Birth Weight: 27.4% (highest regional prevalence in the region)
5) Anaemia: 53% of women aged 15-49 had anaemia in 2019 (largest prevalence in the region)
6) Exclusive Breastfeeding: India has a higher prevalence (63.7%) of exclusive breastfeeding in infants (0-5 months) compared to the world average (47.7%).
UPSC Syllabus: Reports in News
Koya tribe
Source- This post is based on the article “Koya tribe rides the eco-friendly wave to help conserve the Indian Bison of Eastern Ghats” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2023.
Why in the News?
In an effort to conserve the Indian Bison, the Koya tribe of Andhra Pradesh, India, is switching from traditional bison horns to palm leaves for crafting their traditional flute.
What are the Key Features of Koya tribe?
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Aspect | Details |
Who are they? | 1) Koya tribe is a tribe found in the Papikonda hill range, near the Godavari and Sabari rivers in Andhra Pradesh. 2) They are also found in Telangana where they are the second largest tribal community. 3) The Koyas commonly refer to themselves as Dorala Sattam (Lords group) and Putta Dora (Original lords). |
Language | Telegu, Koya language (Koyi) |
Livelihood | 1) Earlier they were engaged in shifting cultivation. But have started practicing settled cultivation, cultivating crops such as Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets. 2) They also resort to hunting and foraging. |
Religion | 1) Many Koya deities are female, the most important being the “mother earth“. 2) They also worship a number of Hindu gods Lord Bhima, Korra Rajulu, Mamili, and Potaraju. |
Festivals | 1) Medaram Jathara – It is conducted in honour of the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma. Note- It is the second-largest fair of India, after the Kumbh Mela and the largest tribal festival in Asia. 2) Other major festivals include: a. Vijji Pandum (seed-charming festival) b. Kondala Kolupu (festival dedicated to appeasing Hill deities) c. Bhumi Panduga (commencement of the agricultural season) |
Traditional Dance | Permakok ata, also called the Bison Horn Dance, is practiced during festivals and marriage ceremonies. |
Permakore | It is the traditional flute made of Bison horn. Permakore is played at a designated time and place to give a call to the entire village to go hunting in the forest |
About Papikonda hill range
1) It is the habitat of the Indian Bison and hence is also known as the ‘Bison hill range’.
2) Papikonda National park- Declared in 2008, the Papikonda National Park is spread across East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. It lies on the left and right banks of the river Godavari.

UPSC Syllabus- Art and Culture/ Environment
Unveiling Anarcho-Capitalism: Navigating the Complex Debates and Controversies
Source- This post is based on the article “Understanding the debates around anarcho-capitalism” published in “The Hindu” on 13th December 2023.
Why in the News?
The term “Anarcho-Capitalism” has surged in prominence as Javier Milei, a self-professed anarcho-capitalist, secured victory in recent Argentina’s presidential elections.
What is Anarcho-Capitalism?
1) Anarcho-Capitalism is a political philosophy advocating for the elimination of the State and the delegation of law and order to private entities within a free-market system.
2) Coined by American libertarian economist Murray Rothbard, the ideology attributes its roots to Belgian political economist Gustave de Molinari, considered to be the first anarcho-capitalist.
3) David Friedman, Edward Stringham, and Michael Huemer stand among the contemporary proponents of anarcho-capitalism.
What are the Arguments made by Anarcho-Capitalists?
1) Private Companies Excelling in Policing and Legal Services: In a free market, private companies can effectively provide policing and legal services, often outperforming the state in both quality and affordability.
2) They give two reasons for this –
a. As private companies would depend on customer patronage for their survival, they would effectively serve the needs of their customers. This is in contrast to the current model of State run policing and legal services where citizens need to pay taxes regardless of the quality of these services.
b. Competition between different private police and courts would ensure that the quality of police and legal services is high and prices low
What are the Criticisms of Anarcho-Capitalism?
1) Armed Private Groups and the Threat of Chaos– Anarcho-capitalism critics argue that providing services like police and judiciary through multiple firms in a single region would lead to conflict among armed private groups, causing chaos.
2) Wealth Disparities in Private Justice– Critics also contend that market-driven police protection and legal adjudication would disproportionately benefit the wealthy, allowing them to escape justice by paying more to private entities and leaving the poor without recourse.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation