GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli recently visited China, marking a significant development for Nepal’s infrastructure and its relations with both China and India. The visit led to agreements that will affect regional connectivity and Nepal's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This has direct implications for India due to the geographical and strategic positioning of Nepal.

Key Developments from Nepal-China Agreements:

• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a mega connectivity project that connects China with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe. Currently, 139 countries are involved in the BRI, accounting for 40% of global GDP.
• During the visit, Nepal agreed to strengthen its participation in China’s BRI, a global infrastructure project. This was formalized in a Joint Statement between Nepal and China, where both countries agreed to enhance development cooperation and pursue a Trans-Himalayan Connectivity Network. This means Nepal will develop rail links and other infrastructure with China.
  • The Jilong-Kathmandu railway project, which would connect Nepal to China via Tibet, is one of the major initiatives under this cooperation. A feasibility study for this project is underway.
• Rail Connectivity: Nepal already has several rail links with India (like Raxaul-Birgunj and Jayanagar-Bijalpura), and it plans to expand its network. Nepal is working to connect Kathmandu (its capital) with India and China through railways.
  • Southern Link: India and Nepal are working on a 140 km rail link from Birgunj to Kathmandu (Birgunj is already connected to India). The survey for this project is complete, but financing and construction remain issues.
  • Northern Link: Nepal is also working to connect Kathmandu to Gyirong (in China) via Shigatse and Lhasa. This rail link will connect Nepal to the larger Chinese rail network.
• Financing and Partnerships: Nepal is exploring various financing options for these cost-intensive rail projects. The BRI framework will likely help fund the Kathmandu-Gyirong railway link, while India may be involved in the Birgunj-Kathmandu link through its line of credit.
  • For its East-West rail link, which will connect multiple districts of Nepal, Nepal is seeking funds from multilateral institutions and public-private partnerships (PPP).

Shift in Nepal’s Diplomatic Calculus

• Nepal’s decision to formally align itself with China and the BRI signals a significant pivot in its foreign policy.
• Historically, Nepal has maintained close ties with India, a neighbor with which it shares a long, porous border.
• For years, India was Nepal’s primary foreign partner, with Nepalese leaders often making New Delhi their first foreign visit upon assuming office.
• But Prime Minister Oli’s decision to visit Beijing first highlights a shift in Nepal’s diplomatic calculus.
• Nepal’s decision to formally align itself with China and the BRI signals a significant pivot in its foreign policy.
• Historically, Nepal has maintained close ties with India, a neighbor with which it shares a long, porous border.
• For years, India was Nepal’s primary foreign partner, with Nepalese leaders often making New Delhi their first foreign visit upon assuming office. But Prime Minister Oli’s decision to visit Beijing first highlights a shift in Nepal’s diplomatic calculus.

Impact on India:

• India's Role in Nepal’s Rail Network: India is already ahead of China in providing rail connectivity to Nepal. India has completed surveys for important rail links like Birgunj-Kathmandu, while China is still developing its northern connection.
  • India is also supporting rail projects in the region through its Look East Policy, aimed at improving ties with neighboring countries like Nepal. India is involved in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) cooperation and regional frameworks like BIMSTEC.
• Strategic Implications: Nepal’s growing ties with China, particularly through the BRI, have implications for India’s security and regional influence. However, India's rail links with Nepal ensure that Nepal remains connected to India’s broader rail network. This is crucial for both trade and geopolitical balance.
  • India is keen on completing the Birgunj-Kathmandu rail link as soon as possible, which will provide Nepal with easier access to the Indian market and ensure smoother trade between the two countries.
• Challenges: The rail projects are expensive, and financing remains a challenge for both India and Nepal. The Birgunj-Kathmandu link, costing around $4 billion, will require significant funding, which may involve both Indian credit and international loans.
  • There are also challenges related to the difficult terrain of Nepal, especially in the hilly regions, which make construction more expensive and time-consuming.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) released its Social Dialogue Report. The report emphasizes the importance of governments maintaining basic rights at work, particularly freedom of association (the right to join unions) and the right to collective bargaining (negotiating work conditions collectively with employers).

Key Findings and Recommendations:

• Decline in Labor Rights (2015-2022): The report found that between 2015 and 2022, there was a 7% decline in countries’ compliance with the freedom of association and right to collective bargaining.
  • This decline was attributed to increased violations of the rights of workers, employers, and their representative organizations.
• Focus on Peak-Level Social Dialogue (PLSD): The report stressed the importance of Peak-Level Social Dialogue (PLSD), a process that brings together governments, employers, and workers to discuss labor and social policies.
  • PLSD includes bipartite dialogue (between employers and workers) and tripartite dialogue (including the government).
  • The ILO encouraged countries to improve their social dialogue institutions (NSDIs), providing them with better resources and technical support to ensure effective participation.
• Recommendations for National Social Dialogue Institutions (NSDIs): NSDIs should work to include underrepresented groups and conduct regular evaluations to see how effective they are in socio-economic decision-making.
• Role of Social Dialogue in Economic Development: Social dialogue was highlighted as a way for countries to balance economic development with social progress.
  • The ILO believes that social dialogue can help ensure fair transitions during low-carbon and digital transformations of the economy, which are being driven by technological changes, climate change, and demographic shifts.

Role of Trade unions in emerging sectors:

• Compared to conventional industries such as manufacturing, public utilities, and conventional financial sectors such as traditional banking and insurance, forming unions in modern and emerging sectors is much more difficult.
• Long ago, Freeman and Medoff examined the effect of trade unionism on the exit behaviour of workers in the context of the ‘exit-voice-loyalty’ model of Albert Hirschman.
• It is believed that IT employees do not need trade unions as they have competitive compensation pay packages, supposedly good conditions of work and a mechanism to address grievances. And so, they stay on and are loyal to the company and the industry.
• If these conditions are violated, they switch to other organisations as they have the required skill sets (exit); hence, labour turnover in this sector has been rather high.
• They do not collectively bargain or strike or resort to legal action as middle-class employees who go to court would be stigmatised (voice). And many survive by simply keeping quiet (loyalty).

What is the Framework Regarding Labours in India?

• Constitutional Framework: Under the Constitution of India, Labour as a subject is in the Concurrent List and, therefore, both the Central and the State governments are competent to enact legislations subject to certain matters being reserved for the Centre.
• Judicial Interpretation:In the case of Randhir Singh vs Union of India, the Supreme Court stated that “Even though the principle of ‘Equal pay for Equal work’ is not defined in the Constitution of India, it is a goal which is to be achieved through Article 14,16 and 39 (c) of the Constitution of India.
  • Article 14:It provides for equality before the law or equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
  • Article 16: It talks about the right of equal opportunity in the matters of public employment.
  • Article 39(c):It specifies that the economic system should not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the detriment of the entire society.
• Legislative Framework: There have been several legislative and administrative initiatives taken by the government to improve working conditions and simplify labour laws. Most recent is the consolidated sets of 4 labour codes which are yet to be implemented.
• Labour Codes:
  • Code of Wages, 2019
  • Industrial Relations Code, 2020
  • Social Security Code, 2020
  • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

The Indian government launched the ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) initiative to improve access to research journals for public education and research institutes. This plan aims to address the high costs of subscribing to scientific journals, which many public institutions struggle to afford.

Purpose of ONOS:

• Scientific journals are used to publish research findings. These journals usually charge fees for access. Subscription-based journals charge readers to access published papers, while open-access journals (OA) allow free access but often charge researchers to publish.
• Before ONOS, India had around 10 consortia that helped public institutes subscribe to journals at a collective cost.
• ONOS will replace these consortia with a single platform to provide more than 13,000 journals from 30 international publishers, like Springer-Nature, Wiley, and Taylor & Francis, to all government-funded educational and research institutes in the country.

Criticism of ONOS:

When ONOS was first announced, it faced several criticisms:

• Lack of clarity: The government did not specify which journals would be included, how the Rs 6,000 crore budget would be used, or how ONOS would support open-access publishing.
• Domestic vs foreign journals: Experts questioned if the funds allocated for foreign journals could have been better used to support Indian publishing.
• Open access concerns: It was unclear whether ONOS would support Article Processing Charges (APCs) for publishing in open-access journals.

Clarifications

• Access to journals: Students and staff at all public institutions can now access papers from participating journals for free.
  • The initiative will include journals from major publishers, and negotiations are underway to add more journals to ONOS.
  • Institutes will not have to pay any additional fees to access these journals.
• Phased Implementation:
  • Phase I: Merge existing consortia to facilitate access to journals in all public institutes.
  • Phase II: Expand the plan to include private institutions.
  • Phase III: Provide universal access to all citizens through public libraries.
• Open Access (OA):
  • Pilot for OA: Rs 150 crore annually will be allocated to support APCs for publishing in open-access journals. The government has also negotiated discounted APCs for Indian researchers.
  • Currently, about 60-70% of the journals included in ONOS are subscription-based.
  • Officials acknowledged that open-access models are evolving and ONOS will adapt to support them as the system matures.
• Support for Domestic Publishers: The government acknowledged the need to support Indian publishers. While India has five digital repositories for researchers to upload papers for free access, they are not being used widely enough.
  • A new research evaluation framework will be developed to focus more on the merit of researchers’ work rather than just the prestige of the journals they publish in.
• Global Context: The officials clarified that ONOS is not meant to promote one publishing model over another but is a practical solution tailored to India’s needs. The aim is to bridge the gap until a more sustainable open-access model is globally achieved.

The case of Bengaluru Techie who died by suicide citing alleged harassment by his estranged wife has opened up a debate on misuse of anti-dowry law. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the rampant misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which penalises cruelty by husbands and their relatives against married women.

Purpose of Laws

• India has made significant progress in protecting women's rights through various laws. These laws aim to promote gender equality, and ensure social, political, and economic justice for women.
• However, some women misuse these laws for personal gains, leading to serious concerns about the misuse of the legal system.
• This misuse is referred to as the "weaponization of laws."
• Laws Misused: Several laws meant to protect women have been misused:

• Dowry Laws (Section 498-A of IPC): These laws aim to stop dowry-related harassment but have been misused for extortion and false accusations against husbands and their families.
• Domestic Violence Act: Although meant to protect women from domestic abuse, it has been used to harass innocent family members, including elderly relatives, during family disputes.
• Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) Act: Some women have falsely accused colleagues or superiors to settle personal scores.
• Rape Laws: There are cases where women have falsely accused men of rape to gain personal benefits or seek revenge.
• Child Custody Laws: Some women misuse these laws in divorce cases to gain sole custody of children, even when it's not in the child's best interest.

NCRB Data on False Cases

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a significant number of cases are found to be false:

• In 2022, out of 650,033 cases investigated, 36,715 (5.65%) were found to be false.
• The false cases were particularly high in certain categories:
  • Rape: 9.69% of rape cases were false.
  • Attempt to Commit Rape: 15.23% were false.
  • Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage Modesty: 5.93% were false.

Factors Behind Misuse

Several factors contribute to the misuse of laws:

• Lack of Legal Consequences: There's often no severe punishment for those who file false cases, making it easy for them to misuse the system.
• Societal Pressure: There’s societal pressure on authorities to favor women in such cases, leading to bias against the accused.
• Economic Motives: In some cases, women misuse laws for financial gains, such as seeking alimony or property.
• Emotional Turmoil: Disputes, particularly in family matters, can drive people to misuse legal provisions out of anger or revenge.
• Difficulty for Accused to Prove Innocence: The person accused in a false case often struggles to prove their innocence due to the burden of proof being on them, causing them to suffer financially, emotionally, and mentally.

Impact on Men

The psychological toll on men falsely accused of crimes is immense. It can ruin their reputation, harm their mental health, and even lead to acts of revenge. The social stigma that comes with being falsely accused can last for a long time, affecting not just the individual but also their family and future generations.

Key ethical aspects related to the misuse of laws:

• Moral Responsibility of Individuals: The act of filing false cases or misusing the legal system is not only legally wrong but also ethically irresponsible. Ethics emphasizes personal responsibility and honesty. Misuse of laws to harass innocent people violates moral principles of fairness and justice.
• Trust in Legal Systems: For a society to function ethically, the rule of law must be upheld with integrity. The misuse of laws erodes public trust in the legal system, causing long-term societal harm. Ethical governance requires ensuring that laws are applied correctly and that those who misuse them are held accountable.
• Ethical Dilemmas of False Allegations: When false accusations are made, they lead to ethical dilemmas for all involved—judges, police, and society at large. Legal professionals are ethically bound to ensure justice is done, but false claims complicate their ability to do so. This puts them in situations where they must balance empathy for the victim with a duty to protect the accused.
• Prevention of Abuse of Power: Misuse of laws is also an abuse of power. Ethical governance requires checks and balances to prevent individuals from using their power within the legal system for personal or malicious purposes.
• Equity vs. Equality: While laws protecting women’s rights are essential for gender equality, misuse of these laws presents a conflict between equity and equality. Ethical principles highlight the need to balance the protection of vulnerable groups with fairness to all individuals, regardless of gender. Misuse of laws for personal gain undermines the very principles of gender equality that such laws are meant to protect.
• Empathy and Compassion: Ethics also stresses the importance of empathy and compassion in handling sensitive issues like domestic violence or sexual harassment. While the law is meant to protect, it should also be used in a manner that fosters genuine concern and empathy for those who truly need help, rather than being manipulated for personal motives.

Japan is facing a crucial decision regarding its long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts with Russia’s Sakhalin-2 project, which will start expiring between 2026 and 2033. This project, managed by Gazprom, is important because it provides 9% of Japan’s LNG supply (about 6 million metric tons per year). However, Japan is now reconsidering its reliance on Russian LNG due to geopolitical issues and its shift towards cleaner energy sources.

Key Points of the Situation:

• Japan’s LNG Dependency on Russia: Japan depends on Russia for 9% of its LNG, sourced primarily from Sakhalin-2, located near Japan. The project has strong connections with Japanese companies like Mitsui and Mitsubishi, who own a 22.5% stake.
  • Sakhalin-2 has a major advantage: it's geographically close to Japan, allowing for faster delivery of LNG compared to suppliers from places like Australia, Canada, and the U.S., which are farther away.
• Geopolitical and Energy Policy Shifts: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made Russian energy less popular in the global market, especially among Western countries. Japan is under pressure from its allies to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, even though Sakhalin-2 is exempt from U.S. sanctions.
  • Japan is also focusing on reducing its reliance on gas. It aims for gas to make up only 20% of its power generation by 2030, down from 33% in 2023. At the same time, renewable energy is set to increase from 26% to 38% by 2030. This shift makes Japan’s demand for LNG less urgent.
• Impacts of Rising Geopolitical Tensions: Japanese buyers are concerned about continuing with long-term contracts from Sakhalin-2 due to the potential geopolitical risks of buying energy from Russia. Many Japanese companies have already started securing LNG from other countries like the S., Australia, Malaysia, and Oman to reduce reliance on Russian supplies.
  • Alaska, Canada, and the U.S. are looking to fill the gap left by Russian LNG. Alaska’s LNG project is particularly appealing, as its distance from Japan is similar to Sakhalin-2’s, but without the geopolitical risks.
• Sakhalin-2’s Future and Potential Shortages: Sakhalin-2's gas field, Lunskoye, is nearing depletion. This means that Gazprom might not be able to maintain stable gas production from the field much beyond 2033.
  • Russia has been trying to develop another gas field, Yuzhno-Kirinshoe, but U.S. sanctions have delayed its development.
  • This uncertainty about future production means some Japanese companies may not want to renew contracts with Sakhalin-2, though others may have to because supply from nearby sources like Sakhalin-2 is crucial for energy security.

Challenges for Japan’s LNG Buyers:

• Japan’s LNG buyers, such as JERA and Tokyo Gas, are unsure whether to renew contracts. They are weighing the benefits of Sakhalin-2’s proximity to Japan against the political risks associated with Russian gas.
• These buyers are also aware that Japan can import LNG from other countries in the future, though at potentially higher prices. A move away from Russian LNG may lead to increased energy costs for Japanese consumers.

Japan's LNG Trading Flexibility:

• Japan has become increasingly active in LNG trading. This gives it the ability to source LNG from different countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, without compromising its energy security.
• However, utilities still prefer the cheapest source of gas, and Russia’s Sakhalin-2 has traditionally been a reliable and cost-effective supplier.

As the world increasingly depends on space technologies for vital functions like climate monitoring, concerns about the environmental impact of space activities are growing. The rapid rise in the number of satellites and space missions is leading to two main issues:

• Pollution from rocket emissions
• Orbital debris

Environmental Impact of Space Activities

Space activities, particularly rocket launches, have environmental consequences:

• Rocket emissions: Every rocket launch releases gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), black carbon, and water vapour into the atmosphere. Black carbon is particularly harmful as it absorbs sunlight and contributes more to global warming than CO2.
• Ozone depletion: Some rocket propellants, especially chlorine-based chemicals, damage the ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This leads to increased UV exposure and disruptions in atmospheric circulation, affecting global climate.
• Satellite production: Building satellites is an energy-intensive process that involves extracting and processing metals, which contributes to carbon emissions. Satellites also use propulsion systems that emit additional pollutants.
• Space mining: While not yet active, extracting resources from asteroids could further increase industrial activities both in space and on Earth, adding to environmental concerns.

Risks of Orbital Debris (Space Junk)

Orbital debris refers to defunct satellites, rocket stages, and broken-up pieces of satellites floating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

• As of September 2024, there are about 19,590 satellites in orbit, with 13,230 still in space. Around 10,200 of these are functional.
• Space debris poses risks to both active satellites and space missions. Even small pieces of debris, traveling at speeds up to 29 km/s, can damage satellites, disrupting services like communication, navigation, and climate monitoring.
• The increasing amount of debris makes it harder to avoid collisions, adding costs to space missions due to the need for protective measures like shielding satellites and performing costly manoeuvres.

Barriers to Space Sustainability

Currently, there are no clear international regulations on space emissions or debris, which complicates efforts to ensure sustainability:

• Lack of regulation: Space activities are not covered by agreements like the Paris Agreement, which addresses climate change. Without clear regulations, emissions from rockets and satellites could worsen global warming.
• Crowded orbits: The growing number of satellites and debris in LEO increases the risk of collisions, which raises the costs of future missions and makes space less accessible.
• Need for international cooperation: Bodies like the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) can help create global standards, but current efforts lack enforceability.

Solutions for Sustainable Space Exploration

Achieving sustainability in space requires technological advancements and regulatory changes:

• Reusable rockets: Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have developed rockets that can be reused, reducing manufacturing waste and mission costs. However, these rockets are heavier and consume more fuel, which complicates scaling the technology.
• Clean fuels: Using liquid hydrogen or biofuels could reduce harmful emissions. However, hydrogen is currently produced using non-renewable energy, which limits its environmental benefits. Cryogenic fuels offer more power but are expensive and complex to use.
• Biodegradable satellites: Designing satellites with materials that can disintegrate when they re-enter Earth's atmosphere could help reduce space debris. However, these materials are not yet durable enough for space conditions.
• Autonomous debris removal: Technologies like robotic arms and laser systems could help remove space junk, but they are expensive and need clearer legal frameworks before they can be used effectively.
• Space traffic management: A global system to track satellites and debris could help avoid collisions and optimize the use of orbits. However, data-sharing challenges, particularly due to security and commercial concerns, hinder progress.

What Needs to Be Done?

• Regulations and international agreements: Governments must create binding agreements to set limits on emissions, manage debris, and improve data-sharing. This can be done through COPUOS and other international bodies.
• Funding for green technologies: Governments and private companies should invest in clean technologies, debris removal systems, and biodegradable satellites to reduce space's environmental footprint.
• Incentives for sustainable practices: Financial rewards, subsidies, or penalties could encourage companies to adopt more sustainable practices.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day amid massive uproar from Opposition and the ruling BJP over George Soros' Congress link and the Adani issue.

Adjournment Motion

• An Adjournment Motion is a parliamentary procedure used to suspend the work of a sitting for a specific period of time, which can be for hours, days, or even weeks. However, the suspension is for a sitting, not for the entire session of the House. The presiding officer (e.g., the Speaker in the Lok Sabha) has the authority to adjourn the House.
• Adjournment Motion vs. Adjournment Sine Die
  • Adjournment: This refers to the suspension of the sitting for a specified period. The House is expected to reassemble after the designated time.
  • Adjournment Sine Die: This refers to the indefinite suspension of the sitting, meaning there is no specified time for reassembly. The presiding officer holds the power to adjourn sine die.

Sessions of the Indian Parliament

• Part-V (Articles 79–122) of the Constitution outlines the organization, composition, duration, officers, procedures, privileges, and powers of Parliament.
• A session of Parliament is the period during which the House meets continuously to conduct its business.
• There are three main sessions each year:
  1. The Budget Session: February to May
  2. The Monsoon Session: July to September
  3. The Winter Session: November to December
• A sitting of Parliament can be terminated through:
  1. Adjournment
  2. Adjournment Sine Die
  3. Prorogation
  4. Dissolution
• Recess: This is the period between the prorogation of a House and its reassembly in the next session.

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal has shown a strong connection between long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution and deaths in India. The study found that about 1.5 million deaths occurred every year from 2009 to 2019 due to this pollution.

About PM 2.5

• 5 refers to fine particles smaller than 2.5 microns that can easily enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health issues like respiratory and heart problems.
• They're a mix of various chemicals and can be partly liquid, unlike solid dust particles. When these particles are mainly liquid, they're called aerosols.
  • Natural kinds of aerosolsinclude dust, sea salt and volcanic ash
  • Man-made sourcesinclude factory and auto emissions, coal combustion and biomass burning for clearing land or farming.
• PM 2.5 particles are especially harmful as they can bypass our body's defenses like nose hairs and mucus. They can penetrate deep into our lungs, reach the alveoli, and even enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks.
• WHO’s safety limit: The WHO recommends an annual average of 5 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter of air.

Key findings from the study:

• Exposure to PM2.5 Pollution: The entire population of India (around 1.4 billion people) lives in areas where PM2.5 levels are higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Around 82% of India's population (about 1.1 billion people) live in areas where PM2.5 levels exceed India’s own air quality standards (40 micrograms per cubic meter annually).
• Impact on Mortality: The study found that a 10-micron per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 pollution leads to an 8.6% higher annual mortality rate.
  • This means the more polluted the air, the higher the number of deaths, especially from diseases caused by air pollution, such as heart disease, stroke, and lung disorders.
• Data and Methodology: The study used death data from the Civil Registration System and PM2.5 levels measured through satellite data and over 1,000 ground-based monitoring stations.
  • The team looked at yearly data from 2009 to 2019 to understand the trends in pollution and death rates.
• Variation in Pollution Levels:5 levels vary widely across the country. The lowest levels were found in Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh, with 11.2 microns per cubic meter in 2019.
  • The highest levels were recorded in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, which had PM2.5 levels of 119 microns per cubic meter in 2016, showing the huge variation in pollution from one region to another.

Scientists in India have successfully used gene therapy to treat severe hemophilia A, a rare genetic disorder that causes spontaneous and potentially life-threatening bleeding due to a missing blood clotting factor.

How Gene Therapy Works?

• Traditionally, severe hemophilia A is treated by injecting a clotting factor called Factor VIII into the body regularly to prevent bleeding.
• However, gene therapy offers a one-time treatment. It involves introducing a new gene into the patient's body, which then teaches the body to produce enough Factor VIII on its own. This reduces the need for frequent injections.
• Comparison with Global Treatments: The only gene therapy approved for hemophilia A globally is Roctavian, which was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2023.
  • It has shown to reduce bleeding incidents from 5.4 per year to 2.6 per year over a 3-year follow-up.
  • However, Roctavian requires the use of corticosteroids to suppress the immune system for the therapy to work, and it uses an adenovirus to deliver the therapeutic gene.
• In contrast, the Indian trial used a different method. The gene was delivered using a lentivirus (a safer option than the adenovirus), and the therapy focused on fusing stem cells from the patients with the clotting factor gene.
• This approach is considered safer and might even be suitable for children, as it avoids the use of immunosuppressive drugs.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the INS Tushil at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning is seen as a significant milestone in the longstanding India-Russia defense partnership and highlights India’s growing maritime power.

Key Features of INS Tushil:

• INS Tushil is a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, part of the Krivak III class (Project 1135.6) of ships. It is the seventh ship in the series, with six earlier ships (Talwar and Teg classes) delivered between 1999 and 2013.
• Construction: The ship was laid down in July 2013 and launched in October 2021. The commissioning followed extensive trials, including weapon system tests, and the ship will be delivered in near combat-ready condition.
• Engine: The ship is powered by engines from Zorya Mashproekt, a Ukrainian company known for producing marine gas turbines. This company has provided engines for about 30 Indian naval ships.
• Capabilities of INS Tushil:
• Dimensions: The frigate is 125 meters long and weighs 3,900 tons.
• Weapon Systems:
  • Surface-to-Air Missiles: It carries 24 medium-range and eight short-range surface-to-air missiles.
  • Defensive Weapons: The ship has a 100mm gun, two close-in weapons for defense against incoming missiles, and two double torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare. It also has a rocket launcher for dealing with submarines.
  • BrahMos Missiles: The ship is equipped with eight BrahMos vertically launched anti-ship cruise missiles.
  • Radar and Electronic Systems: The ship is equipped with advanced radars, sonar, navigation aids, electronic warfare suites, and fire control systems.
• Helicopter Capability: INS Tushil can accommodate Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters, enhancing its anti-submarine and early-warning capabilities.
• Speed: Powered by a modern gas turbine propulsion system, it can reach speeds in excess of 30

The centenary of the Vaikom Struggle, a landmark socio-political movement that sought the right of backward caste Hindus to walk on streets adjacent to the Vaikom Mahadeva temple, is being commemorated on December 12, 2024. This event marks a significant moment in South India's social reform trajectory, which saw leaders like Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and B.R. Ambedkar driving transformative changes. The struggle set the stage for future mass movements focused on religious reform and egalitarianism, facilitated in part by constitutional changes introduced by Ambedkar.

The Vaikom Struggle and the Rise of Social Justice Movements

• Initial Struggle: The Vaikom Struggle, initiated against the exclusion of backward caste Hindus from walking on public streets near the Vaikom temple, began as a protest led by Kerala State Congress and other social activists.
• Periyar’s Involvement: In 1924, Periyar E.V. Ramasamy joined the struggle, transforming it into a mass movement. This culminated in November 1925 with the lifting of restrictions, signaling a shift toward social justice activism across India.
• Nationwide Impact: The Vaikom Struggle inspired similar movements across India, such as Ambedkar’s protests for Dalit entry into temples like Ambadevi and Kalaram Mandir, setting a precedent for broader religious reforms.

The Role of Legislative and Constitutional Reforms

• Pre-Independence Reforms: South India saw progressive reforms, including the Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation (1936) and the Madras Temple Entry Authorization Act (1947), which allowed backward castes to enter temples, paving the way for broader temple access.
• Ambedkar’s Constitutional Clause: During the Constituent Assembly debates in 1948, Ambedkar inserted a crucial clause in the Constitution: ‘subject to public order, morality and health,’ enabling state intervention in religious matters when necessary.
• Legal Basis for Reform: This clause formed the legal foundation for future religious reforms, allowing constitutional courts to intervene in cases where fundamental rights, such as equality, clashed with religious practices.

State Regulation of Temples and Contemporary Reforms

• State Regulation of Religious Affairs: The state’s role in regulating temples has been upheld by several laws, including the Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act (1927) and the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act (1959), ensuring secular management of temples in line with public order.
• Court’s Stance on Secular Management: The Shirur Mutt case (1954) affirmed the state’s right to regulate secular matters of temples, particularly when it concerns equality and public access, even allowing non-Brahmin priests to be appointed.
• Recent Challenges and Reforms: Modern reforms, such as the appointment of non-Brahmin archakas in temples, have faced resistance but reflect a stronger push for social reform, challenging orthodox beliefs and traditional caste-based practices.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the significance of the Vaikom Struggle in shaping the social and religious reforms in India. How did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions to the Constitution aid the advancement of these reforms, and what challenges persist in implementing state regulation of religious practices in contemporary India?

The British House of Commons passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25, also known as the Assisted Dying Law, which allows terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with less than six months to live, the right to seek assistance in ending their life. The bill was introduced by Member of Parliament Kim Leadbeater, and passed after intense debates with sharp divisions. The bill now moves to the Public Bill Committee for further scrutiny.

Arguments in Favor of Assisted Dying Law

• Personal Autonomy: Supporters argue that individuals facing intolerable pain due to terminal illness should have the right to make decisions about their own death. The law grants terminally ill adults the ability to end their suffering with the approval of medical professionals and the judiciary.
• Carefully Tailored Provisions: Proponents emphasize that the law restricts eligibility to adults with less than six months to live, requiring assessment by two doctors and approval by a High Court judge, ensuring strict safeguards.
• Human Dignity: The law is framed around the concept of human dignity and personal liberty, respecting the decision to alleviate pain and suffering while preserving the individual’s right to live and die on their own terms.

Opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill

• Slippery Slope Concern: Critics argue that the law could lead to a broadening of criteria beyond terminal illness, citing the example of Canada, where the law expanded over time to include those with "grievous and irremediable medical conditions."
• Vulnerability of Certain Groups: Opponents also worry that the law may place undue pressure on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled, who may feel compelled to choose assisted death due to societal or familial expectations.
• Philosophical and Religious Objections: Many oppose the law on philosophical grounds, claiming it undermines the sanctity of life. They argue that the law is an infringement on the right to life, especially from a religious or moral standpoint.

Broader Implications and Global Lessons

• Legal Precedents in India: The debate on assisted dying echoes in India, where the Supreme Court has recognized the right to passive euthanasia and advance medical directives. The Common Cause vs Union of India (2018) case established the right to make end-of-life decisions in cases of terminal illness, echoing similar concerns around personal autonomy.
• Balancing Rights and Ethics: The discussions in Britain underscore the balance between individual rights and the ethical concerns of allowing assisted death. It raises questions about the role of law in regulating deeply personal decisions about life and death.
• Global Importance of Regulation: The UK’s debate presents a critical global **lesson on the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure that assisted dying laws do not lead to exploitation or abuse while safeguarding individual dignity and freedom.

Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the ethical, legal, and social implications of the Assisted Dying Law passed by the British House of Commons in 2024. Discuss its potential global impact and lessons for countries like India in framing their own laws on euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Recent statements made by the Commerce and Finance Ministers of India regarding the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) monetary policy have raised concerns about government interference in the central bank’s functioning. The ministers have expressed concerns about high-interest rates, with an implication that these rates could be contributing to slowing growth. The ministers’ suggestions reflect the government’s anxiety over economic growth, particularly manufacturing, as quarterly growth rates have been declining since April.

The Role of the RBI and Government Interference

• Independence of the RBI: The RBI, as India’s central bank, must remain independent in its decision-making process, particularly in terms of monetary policy. The government should refrain from advising or exerting pressure on the bank, as this undermines the separation of powers and compromises the central bank’s credibility.
• Mandate of RBI: Since 2016, the RBI is primarily tasked with controlling inflation, with a target inflation rate of 4%. The RBI has the autonomy to vary interest rates to achieve this target, and the government should not influence these decisions in public.
• Ministers' Interventions: Both the Commerce and Finance Ministers have suggested actions that could lead to a reduction in interest rates. The Commerce Minister advocates excluding food-price inflation from the inflation index, while the Finance Minister is concerned about insufficient credit availability, both implying a desire for lower interest rates.

Can the RBI Impact Growth in the Current Economic Situation?

• Manufacturing Sector Concerns: The growth of the manufacturing sector has slowed significantly in the first half of 2024-25 (from 9.6% in 2023-24 to 4.5%), which could be contributing to government concerns. However, short-term fluctuations in growth are not a compelling reason for immediate policy changes.
• Government Investment and Consumption: Growth in the economy in recent years has largely been driven by public investment. Despite this, there are signs of slow growth in private consumption, which is exacerbated by declining real wages over the past six years.
• Limitations of Interest Rate Cuts: If demand remains sluggish, reducing interest rates is unlikely to spur significant economic growth. Firms need expanding demand to justify increasing production and borrowing, and low interest rates will not drive expansion if sales expectations remain unchanged.

Flaws in Proposals to Address Inflation and Growth

• Commerce Minister's Proposal: The proposal to exclude food inflation from the official inflation index is flawed. Food inflation, which exceeded 10% in October 2024, directly impacts consumer budgets, especially in terms of non-agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Ignoring food inflation without a policy to control it would be an ineffective approach to managing inflation.
• Impact on Consumer Budgets: High food prices reduce the purchasing power of households, making it harder for consumers to spend on non-essential goods and services. This weakens demand, which is already under pressure from declining real wages.
• Supply-side vs. Demand-side Solutions: Pressuring the RBI to reduce interest rates is proposing a supply-side solution to a demand-side problem. Interest rate cuts are unlikely to help when the core issue is slow growth in consumer demand, not the cost of borrowing.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the implications of government interference in the functioning of the Reserve Bank of India with respect to its monetary policy. Discuss whether reducing interest rates can effectively address the current economic slowdown, particularly in the context of demand-side challenges.