GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The Supreme Court of India is set to hear petitions challenging the use of the Money Bill route by the Centre to pass contentious amendments in Parliament.

Key-highlights of the Issue

• Referred to Seven-Judge Bench: The five-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, referred the Money Bill question to a seven-judge Bench in November 2019.
• Article 110 of the Constitution: A Money Bill is deemed to contain only provisions dealing with specified financial matters under clauses (a) to (g) of Article 110(1), including the appropriation of money and taxation.

Provisions and Implications

• Legal Questions: The reference includes legal questions concerning amendments made since 2015, particularly those in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), passed as Money Bills.
• Impact on Tribunals: The 2017 Finance Act, also passed as a Money Bill, altered appointments to 19 key judicial tribunals, including the National Green Tribunal and the Central Administrative Tribunal.
• Executive Control over Tribunals: Petitioner Jairam Ramesh argued that categorizing the 2017 Act as a Money Bill was intended to extend executive control over tribunals by altering selection committees and downgrading qualifications for staff.

Reason behind the Situation

• Circumventing Rajya Sabha: The core issue is whether the Money Bill route was used to bypass the Rajya Sabha, violating Article 110 of the Constitution.
• Amendments via Money Bills: Since 2015, several contentious amendments have been passed using the Money Bill classification, raising constitutional and legal concerns.

Impact of Such Actions

• Judicial Review: The classification of laws as Money Bills impacts the judiciary's ability to review and check executive actions.
• Separation of Powers: Using the Money Bill route can undermine the separation of powers by limiting the Rajya Sabha's role in scrutinizing significant legislative changes.
• Precedent for Future Laws: The outcome of these petitions could set a precedent for the classification of future laws and the scope of executive powers.

Required Measures

• Clarification on Money Bills: There is a need for a clear definition and guidelines on what constitutes a Money Bill to prevent misuse.
• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Legislative and judicial measures are necessary to ensure that the Money Bill route is not used to circumvent parliamentary scrutiny.
• Ensuring Checks and Balances: Effective checks and balances should be maintained to uphold the constitutional provisions and the role of the Rajya Sabha in legislative processes.

Mains Practice Question

Q: "Discuss the implications of passing laws as Money Bills on the separation of powers and the role of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian parliamentary system."

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has issued a report highlighting the potential disruptions that AI-based and autonomous weapons could cause globally over the next four to six years.

Key-highlights of the Report

• Report Title: Navigating New Horizons — A Global Foresight Report on Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing
• Use of AI in Conflicts: AI has been deployed in conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, indicating its rising presence on the battlefield.
• Autonomous Weapons: These weapons operate without human direction, selecting and destroying targets independently.
• Expert Opinions: 25% of experts believe disruptions due to AI and automated weapon systems are "very likely," with another 34% considering them "likely."
• Perceived Impact: Experts scored the intensity of the impact at 2.6 out of 3, with a perception score of 4 when compared to 17 other potential signals of change.

Examples of AI Deployment

• Israel’s ‘Lavender’ AI System: Used to classify civilians and military operations in Gaza.
• Ukraine’s AI-equipped Drones: Deployed to strike Russian oil refineries.
• Reason behind the Situation
• Lack of Human Oversight: AI systems can recommend pro-escalation tactics without human intervention, increasing the risk of rapid and intensified warfare.
• Environmental Damage: AI-driven conflicts can lead to long-term soil and groundwater contamination through the release of hazardous materials.

Impact of AI-based Weapons

• Civilian Casualties: Autonomous weapons could result in massive civilian casualties.
• Environmental Harm: Targeted areas can suffer extensive ecological damage.
• Accelerated Warfare: The speed and intensity of conflicts could increase, leading to broader and more severe impacts.

Required Measures

• Regulation of AI Technologies: As AI continues to advance, regulation becomes critical to prevent misuse.
• International Agreements: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres advocates for a legally binding instrument to prohibit lethal autonomous weapon systems by 2026.
• Addressing Biosecurity Risks: The convergence of AI and synthetic biology could lead to new biological weapons, necessitating urgent action and updated frameworks.

Mains Practice Question

Q: "The integration of artificial intelligence in autonomous weapon systems poses significant risks to global security and the environment." Discuss.

Despite widespread efforts, plastic recycling has largely failed to curb the plastic pollution crisis, raising significant questions about its effectiveness as a sustainable solution.

Key-highlights

• Massive Production: Over 10 billion metric tonnes of plastic have been produced globally, with annual production currently around 460 million metric tonnes.
• Ineffective Recycling: Less than 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled, while 79% ends up in landfills or the environment.
• Downcycling Issues: Recycling often results in downcycled products of lesser quality and utility, contributing to environmental degradation and health risks.
• Toxicity Concerns: Recycled plastics often contain harmful chemicals, making them unsuitable for many applications, including food packaging.
• Global Inequities: The burden of plastic waste is often shifted to the Global South, leading to severe environmental and health impacts.

Reasons behind the Situation

• Design for Disposability: Historically, plastics were designed to be disposable, not recyclable, with the industry emphasizing disposability.
• Energy-Intensive Processes: Recycling requires significant energy and often involves adding virgin plastic and toxic additives.
• Toxic Chemical Leaching: Recycled plastics contain a mix of thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic and pose health risks.
• Inequitable Waste Trade: The export of plastic waste to developing countries exacerbates environmental injustice and health issues.

Impact of Ineffective Recycling

• Environmental Degradation: Recycling processes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, water contamination, and the creation of microplastics.
• Public Health Risks: Toxic chemicals in recycled plastics can leach into products, posing serious health risks.
• Economic Inequity: The plastic waste trade often exploits vulnerable communities in the Global South, leading to pollution and health problems.

Required Measures

• Policy Interventions: Implement policies to reduce plastic production, restrict single-use plastics, and promote reusable alternatives.
• Sustainable Practices: Support sustainable, reuse-based solutions and adopt plastic-free habits to reduce demand for disposable plastics.
• Equitable Waste Management: Develop equitable waste management practices and address the root causes of plastic pollution.
• Scientific and Indigenous Insights: Leverage scientific consensus and indigenous knowledge to minimize plastic use and protect human health and the environment.

Mains Practice Question

Q: "The notion that we can recycle our way out of plastic pollution is a dangerous illusion." Comment on the viability of plastic recycling as a sustainable solution to plastic pollution, highlighting the challenges and potential measures to address the crisis.

India and Russia have doubled their payments in national currencies (rupee-rouble) since last year despite sanctions by the U.S. and European Union, says Russia’s state-controlled and largest bank, Sberbank, which handles a majority of payments for Indian exports to Russia.

Key Highlights

• Increase in Transactions: According to Sberbank, the volume of payments processed from January to June 2024 doubled compared to the same period in 2023. The number of transactions increased by 80% in the first half of 2024.
• Rupee Deposits: Indian corporates' rupee deposits have increased sixfold in 2024, reflecting growing trust in the rupee.
• Economic Cooperation: The surge in rupee-rouble transactions is expected to rise further after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, which aimed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.

Reasons Behind the Surge

• Sanctions and Opportunities: The sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and the EU have created opportunities for Indian businesses. The exit of Western companies from the Russian market has left a vacuum that Indian businesses can fill.
• Enhanced Trust in Rupee: Sberbank reported an increase in trust towards the rupee among its clients, with rupee-denominated accounts and deposits becoming more prevalent.
• Strategic Visits and Agreements: Prime Minister Modi's visit to Moscow and the $100 billion trade target set for 2030 with Russian President Vladimir Putin have boosted confidence in bilateral trade.

Impact of the Increased Payments

• Trade Balance and Growth: The doubling of rupee-rouble payments is expected to contribute to a more balanced and substantial trade relationship between India and Russia.
• Sectoral Opportunities: Sectors such as auto and aviation components, chemicals, microelectronics, consumer electronics, machinery, medical devices, and agricultural products are highlighted as potential areas for Indian exports to Russia.
• Competitive Edge: Indian businesses have the potential to gain a competitive edge in the Russian market, which is currently being dominated by Chinese products.

Required Measures

• Government Support: The Indian government must provide robust support to businesses venturing into the Russian market, including secure payment mechanisms, insurance, and logistics.
• Filling Market Vacuums: Indian businesses should capitalize on the opportunities created by sanctions and fill the market vacuums with Indian products.
• Strategic Alliances: Strengthening strategic alliances and enhancing cooperation in key sectors will be crucial for achieving the trade targets and sustaining growth.

Mains Practice Question

Q: Discuss the significance of rupee-rouble payments in enhancing India-Russia trade relations in the context of current geopolitical challenges.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to launch its "one scientist, one product" programme and release 323 new varieties of 56 crops, including cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane, on its 96th foundation day.

Key Highlights

• Programme Launch: The "one scientist, one product" programme aims to improve research in agriculture and animal husbandry. It will be inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• New Varieties: ICAR will announce the release of 323 varieties, which include 289 climate-resilient and 27 bio-fortified varieties.
• Five-Year Plan: The programme requires each of the 5,521 ICAR scientists to develop a product, technology, model, concept, or publication, with progress monitored quarterly at the institute level and biannually at the headquarters level.

Reason Behind the Initiative

• Enhancing Research and Innovation: The initiative encourages scientists to focus on specific products or technologies, fostering innovation and improving the quality of research outputs.
• Climate Resilience and Nutrition: Developing climate-resilient and bio-fortified crop varieties addresses challenges posed by climate change and nutritional deficiencies.
• Government Prioritization: The government is prioritizing seed hubs for high-yielding oilseeds and pulses varieties as part of its broader agricultural strategy.

Impact of the Initiative

• Increased Production: The deployment of climate-resilient technologies has already led to enhanced production, even during abnormal weather conditions.
• Nutritional Security: Bio-fortified varieties contribute to improved nutritional security, with significant areas under crops like wheat, rice, pearl millet, lentil, and mustard being cultivated with these varieties.
• Innovation and Collaboration: The programme promotes collaboration among scientists and aligns research efforts with national priorities, ensuring that agricultural research addresses pressing issues effectively.

Required Measures

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring at both institute and headquarters levels ensures accountability and progress towards targets.
• Support for Scientists: Providing resources and support for scientists to develop innovative products and technologies is crucial for the success of the programme.
• Policy Integration: Integrating the outcomes of this programme into broader agricultural policies and initiatives will enhance its impact and sustainability.

Mains Practice Question

Q: Discuss the significance of ICAR's "one scientist, one product" programme in enhancing agricultural research and addressing challenges posed by climate change and nutritional deficiencies.

138 star tortoises were recovered from a Malaysia-bound air passenger in Chennai.

About

• Native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Shell size: 5-12 inches (13-30 cm) in length
  • Distinctive star-like patterns on their domed shells
  • Yellowish-brown to dark brown coloration
  • Males typically smaller than females
• Diet:
  • Herbivorous
  • Primarily consume grasses, leaves, flowers, and fruits
  • Occasionally eat small insects and carrion
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable

This year is the centenary of the first human EEG, produced by German physiologist Hans Berger.

About

• EEG stands for electroencephalography. ‘Electro’ pertains to electricity; ‘encephalo’ refers to the brain; and ‘graphy’ is a suffix meaning to show or to represent.
• Neurons in the brain perform various functions by moving electrically charged particles such as ions. The movement of these particles gives rise to electrical activity that a health worker can use an EEG test to visualise.
• How it works:
  • Electrodes placed on the scalp
  • Measures voltage fluctuations from ionic current flows within neurons
  • Amplifies and records these electrical signals
• Brain wave patterns:
  • Delta waves (0.5-4 Hz): deep sleep, unconsciousness
  • Theta waves (4-8 Hz): drowsiness, meditation
  • Alpha waves (8-13 Hz): relaxed, closed eyes
  • Beta waves (13-30 Hz): normal waking consciousness
  • Gamma waves (30-100 Hz): cognitive processing, learning
• Clinical applications:
  • Diagnosing epilepsy and seizure disorders
  • Evaluating brain injuries and tumors
  • Assessing sleep disorders
  • Monitoring depth of anesthesia
  • Diagnosing brain death

There is an opportunity to upgrade India-Nepal relations with Narendra Modi reclaiming the Indian Prime Minister position for a third term and Khadga Prasad Oli becoming the Prime Minister of Nepal.

Historical Challenges and Recent Turbulence:

• Constitutional Controversy: Bilateral relations deteriorated since 2015 due to India's opposition to Nepal's new Constitution and subsequent economic blockade.
• Inflammatory Statements: Controversial statements by Oli, including claims about Ayodhya's location and India's aggressive stance, further strained relations.
• Territorial Disputes: Territorial disputes arose following India's updated political map in 2019, leading to Nepal amending its Constitution to include the Limpiyadhura-Kalapani triangle.

India's Involvement and Hindutva Influence:

• Political Interference: Increased Indian involvement in Nepal's governance and politics, including covert activities and promotion of Hindutva ideology.
• Ideological Reshaping: RSS and BJP attempts to reshape Nepal in their vision of India.
• Future Concerns: Concerns in Kathmandu about Modi's third term and its implications for bilateral relations.

Opportunities for Resetting Relations:

• Policy Recalibration: Need for policy corrections in India's 'Neighbourhood First' initiative, starting with Nepal.
• Non-Interference Approach: Importance of adopting a hands-off policy to promote political stability and economic growth in Nepal.
• Economic Recognition: Recognition of Nepal's economic significance, including its status as the seventh-largest remittance-sending country to India.

UPSC Mains Questions:

Q. Evaluate the economic and strategic importance of Nepal for India. How can both countries leverage their geographical proximity for mutual benefit?

On Comparing India's economic growth strategy with China's, there is a need for India to focus on human capital development alongside infrastructure investment to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.

Macroeconomic Differences between India and China:

• Trade Balance: India has a consistent trade deficit, while China enjoyed an 8% net export surplus, accumulating massive foreign exchange reserves.
• Government Spending: India's state preempts large domestic savings for revenue spending, while China's state-owned enterprises generate additional fiscal resources.
• Private Sector Role: India's industrial expansion is primarily driven by the private sector, unlike China's state-led model.

Importance of Human Capital Investment:

• Skill Gap: India's skill gap is widening, exacerbated by AI and automation, with co-existing skill shortages and job scarcity.
• Education Challenges: ASER surveys reveal issues in school education quality, while higher education faces scale and affordability challenges.
• Public Spending: India needs to achieve 6% of GDP spending on education, pivoting public capital outlay from physical infrastructure to human capital development.

Opportunities for Economic Growth:

• Manufacturing Expansion: India's manufacturing sector accounts for only 17% of GDP, with potential for growth through policy reforms and ease of doing business initiatives.
• Unique Growth Model: India may pioneer growth through agro-based industries, green economy, digitalization, and large-scale service exports.
• Education Investment: Focused efforts to create world-class universities and develop a sizeable student-loans market can address higher education challenges.

UPSC Mains Questions:

Q. Compare and contrast India's economic growth strategy with China's. How can India leverage its unique strengths while addressing its challenges in human capital development?

Unequal Impact of Extreme Heat on Women:

• Urban Challenges: Women in informal settlements face higher heat exposure due to poor housing materials and inadequate ventilation.
• Time Poverty: Heat stress causes productivity loss, adding 90 minutes of extra care work per day for women in India.
• Occupational Vulnerability: Female informal laborers in urban areas are exposed to harsh weather conditions in various work settings.

Health and Physiological Impacts:

• Heat-Related Diseases: Women are at greater risk of heat stress due to physiological factors affecting heat tolerance and body temperature regulation.
• Maternal and Child Health: Extreme heat increases the risk of preterm delivery, miscarriage, and stillbirths, exacerbating India's high maternal mortality rates.
• Care Burden: Women bear a dual burden of being more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and shouldering the majority of care-giving responsibilities.

Rural Women's Experiences:

• Biomass Cooking:8% of rural Indian families cook with biomass, exposing women to additional heat and health hazards.
• Agricultural Impact: Heat waves affect crop yields, directly impacting poor rural women's food security and livelihoods.
• Gender Norms: Restrictive norms on mobility and clothing may force women to stay indoors or wear heat-unfriendly attire.

UPSC Mains Questions:

Q. Analyze the intersectionality of gender inequality, climate change, and socio-economic factors in the context of extreme heat's impact on women in India. Suggest policy measures to address these challenges.