GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh recently ruled to abolish most quotas on government jobs, triggering widespread protests that have turned violent and resulted in casualties. The protests initially erupted in response to the High Court's decision to reinstate the quota system, which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had previously abolished in 2018.

Reasons for Protests:

• Quota System Reinstatement: Students began protesting when the High Court revived the quota system for government jobs. This decision was seen as favoring specific groups, such as family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 independence war.
• Government Appeal and Supreme Court's Decision: Following the protests and government's appeal, the Supreme Court suspended the High Court's order.
  • Recently, it dismissed the order entirely and mandated that 93% of government jobs should be based on merit.
  • Only 5% of jobs will now be reserved for family members of independence fighters, and 2% for people from backward groups and the disabled.

Implications and Concerns:

• Criticism of Quota System: Critics argue that the quota system, which reserved 56% of government jobs before its abolition, unfairly limited opportunities based on merit. Students demanded the complete abolition of all categories except those for indigenous communities and the disabled.
• Economic and Social Context: The protests reflect broader concerns about high youth unemployment, stagnant job growth in the private sector, and economic challenges. Bangladesh's economy, once thriving, has slowed down with high inflation and shrinking dollar reserves, exacerbating frustrations among the youth seeking employment.

The issue of job reservations for local candidates in the private sector has sparked debate and legal challenges in India, particularly following recent legislative actions by states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana. These states have attempted to mandate quotas for local residents in private sector jobs, raising constitutional questions and facing opposition from various quarters.

Domicile-based reservations&Challenges

In India, the debate over job quotas for local candidates in the private sector has stirred legal and constitutional discussions:

• Constitutional Guarantees and Affirmative Action:
  • The Indian Constitution upholds fundamental rights such as freedom to move and settle anywhere within the country (Article 19).
  • Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, forming the basis for affirmative action laws.
• Affirmative Action Laws under Article 16:
  • Article 16 ensures equality of opportunity in public employment and allows states to reserve posts for backward classes not adequately represented.
  • States can prescribe residence requirements, but not based solely on place of birth, to ensure fair representation in state services.
• Legal Challenges and Court Views on Domicile Quotas:
  • Courts have consistently struck down laws imposing domicile quotas in public employment beyond permissible limits.
  • Recent cases in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana attempting to enforce domicile quotas in the private sector have faced constitutional scrutiny.
  • The Supreme Court has highlighted concerns that such quotas may foster regionalism over national unity and have populist appeals.

The U-WIN (Universal Immunisation Programme Web Interface) has emerged as a significant initiative in India’s healthcare agenda, aimed at digitizing and improving childhood vaccination efforts across the country.

About U-WIN:

• The U-WIN portal, a replication of the Covid-19 vaccine management system Co-WIN, captures every vaccination event for pregnant women and children under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
• Registration and Digital Records:
  • Children up to six years old and pregnant mothers are registered using government IDs like Aadhaar and their mobile numbers.
  • The platform records all 25 vaccinations for children and two for pregnant mothers, generating a digital vaccination certificate.
• It also facilitates the creation of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs for comprehensive health record maintenance.

Benefits and Functionality:

• Portability: It allows vaccinations to be administered anywhere in India, facilitating continuity for migrant children.
• Reminders: It sends SMS alerts to parents for upcoming vaccine doses, enhancing compliance and reducing missed vaccinations.
• Decision Support: It acts as a safeguard against administering incorrect doses by alerting healthcare workers in real-time.
• Integration: Linked with eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) for inventory management, ensuring efficient vaccine distribution and monitoring.

Impact on Immunization Efforts:

• Individualized Data:It provides detailed, individual-level vaccination data nationwide, aiding in targeted interventions and reducing errors.
• Policy Insights: It centralizes data to inform better policymaking and implementation strategies, potentially reducing the number of zero-dose children and improving overall vaccination coverage.

Kerala is on alert following a confirmed case of Nipah virus in a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram district.

About Nipah Virus (NiV)

• Nipah virus is zoonotic, transmitted from animals to humans, often through fruit bats of the Pteropus genus.
• It can also spread through contaminated food or directly between people.
• Natural Hosts:Fruit bats, particularly those of the Pteropus genus, serve as the natural hosts for Nipah virus.These bats do not show apparent signs of illness from the virus.
• Symptoms and Severity:In humans, NiV can cause a range of illnesses, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory problems and fatal encephalitis (brain inflammation).
  • Case fatality rates vary between 40% to 75%, depending on clinical management.
• Treatment:Currently, there are no specific treatments or vaccines available for either humans or animals.Supportive care remains the only option for managing NiV infections.
• WHO lists Nipah virus as a priority disease under its Research and Development Blueprint due to its potential for outbreaks.
• Monoclonal antibodies from Australia have shown promise in neutralizing NiV and are being stored in Pune's National Institute of Virology for emergency use.

The Health Department of Kerala has issued special guidelines for Amoebic Meningoencephalitis after three deaths and two infections among children in the state, marking the first such technical release for the disease in India.

About Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

• Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is caused by NaegleriaFowleri, a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater sources.
• The infection occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain.
• It is a rare disease, infecting approximately one in 26 lakh people who come into contact with contaminated water.
• The disease primarily affects children and young people, mostly in their early to mid-20s, during warmer months.
• Symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness, appearing within nine days of infection.
• Diagnosis involves a PCR test of spinal cord fluid, distinguishing it from bacterial meningitis.
• Treatment involves a combination of five drugs effective against amoebas.
• Preventive Measures:

• Avoid diving or jumping into stagnant freshwater.
• Use nose plugs or pinch the nose shut when in contact with freshwater.
• Keep the head above water while swimming.
• Use boiled, filtered, or sterile water for nasal irrigation.
• Maintain cleanliness and proper chlorination in swimming pools and water bodies.

Apple recently approved a PC emulator for its iOS App Store, marking a significant shift in its policies towards emulation software. This move allows users to run classic software and games on iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices.

What is a PC Emulator?

• A PC emulator is software that enables a computer or device to mimic the functionality of another system.
• It allows software designed for one platform to run on another that it was not originally compatible with.
• Emulators are commonly used for testing software across different operating systems, running applications from older systems, and playing games from retro consoles.
• Why Did Apple Allow Emulators on the iOS App Store?
  • Previously, Apple had strict guidelines prohibiting emulators on its platform. However, recent updates to the App Store guidelines now permit retro game console emulators, mini games, and HTML5 mini apps.
  • The approval of UTM SE, a computer emulator app, follows Apple's efforts to address antitrust concerns and accusations of monopolistic practices related to its App Store policies.
  • Allowing emulators could prevent users from resorting to third-party app stores for downloading emulation software in regions like the European Union, where Apple has faced regulatory scrutiny.
• Legal Status of Emulators
  • Emulators themselves are legal tools used for software testing and development, as they do not infringe on proprietary codes. However, distributing or downloading copyrighted ROMs (Read Only Memory) without ownership rights is illegal. Users must own the software they emulate to comply with copyright laws.
  • In India, for instance, while emulators themselves are not banned, using them to run pirated software or distribute ROMs without proper ownership can lead to legal consequences.
• Risks Associated with Emulators
  • Using emulators downloaded from unofficial sources can pose security risks, including malware infections that compromise system security.
  • Emulators, being resource-intensive, may also affect device performance, leading to CPU strain, overheating, and reduced battery life. Compatibility issues with ROMs or software can result in data corruption or system instability.

Rogue waves, which are unusually large and unpredictable compared to surrounding waves, pose significant risks to ships, coastal infrastructure, and human safety. Despite their known dangers, forecasting rogue waves has historically been challenging and lacked effective methods. However, researchers have trained an AI programme to distinguish wave patterns that preceded rogue waves.

Understanding Rogue Waves

• Rogue waves typically occur in oceans, defying average sea state conditions.
• These waves can be twice the size of surrounding waves and often result from the convergence of distant swells or compression of ocean currents.
• Consequences: The unpredictability of rogue waves has resulted in numerous fatalities and ship sinkings.

Advancements Using AI

• Researchers have developed a breakthrough using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict rogue waves.
• The AI program analyzedand identified specific wave patterns preceding rogue waves, distinguishing them from regular wave patterns recorded during non-rogue wave periods.
• The AI achieved a prediction accuracy of approximately 75% for rogue waves one minute in advance and about 73% five minutes in advance.
• This capability was demonstrated across different buoy locations and depths, indicating potential universal applicability.

The ongoing protests in Bangladesh against the quota system in public-sector jobs and higher education have sparked significant political and social unrest. This issue has deep roots in Bangladesh's historical and ideological divisions, highlighting broader tensions between principles of equality and social justice.

Historical and Ideological Divisions

• Legacy of Independence and Dichotomies: Bangladesh's political landscape has long been shaped by dichotomous choices, such as democracy versus economic development and pro-liberation versus anti-liberation forces. These divisions trace back to the country's struggle for independence and subsequent governance challenges, influencing policies and societal perceptions.
• Role of Students in Political Movements: Students in Bangladesh have historically played pivotal roles in political movements, advocating for linguistic rights in the Language Movement and supporting the liberation struggle. Today, they continue to mobilize against perceived injustices, including the quota system, reflecting a legacy of activism and engagement in national issues.
• Contemporary Political Dynamics: The current protests are driven by left-wing and liberal student groups, supported by opposition parties like the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). The government's response and the reinstatement of quotas have exacerbated tensions, leading to violent clashes and a volatile political environment.

Quota System Controversy and Legal Implications

• Origins and Evolution of Quotas: Introduced in 1972 to benefit freedom fighters and their descendants, the quota system reserved significant percentages of public-sector jobs and educational seats. Over time, additional quotas were added for women, candidates from backward districts, tribal communities, and persons with disabilities, totaling 56%.
• Constitutional and Judicial Challenges: The protests hinge on constitutional principles of equality under Article 29(1) versus provisions for special considerations under Article 29(3)(a). The High Court's decision to reinstate quotas, seen as favoring pro-government groups, has been contentious, sparking widespread criticism and further unrest.
• Impact and Government Response: The government's appeal to the Supreme Court reflects ongoing legal battles over the quota system's validity. Meanwhile, calls for legislative reforms highlight broader demands for fair employment practices and merit-based opportunities in public institutions.

Mains Question:

Discuss the socio-political implications of the quota system protests in Bangladesh. How can the government balance constitutional principles of equality with the imperative for social justice in public-sector employment? Critically evaluate the role of student movements in shaping political discourse and reforms in Bangladesh.

India's strategic alignments in the Quad and BRICS have gained prominence amidst shifting global dynamics, marked by geopolitical rivalries, regional security concerns, and evolving multilateral frameworks. These engagements are crucial as India navigates its foreign policy amidst a changing international order, balancing security imperatives with multilateral cooperation and regional stability.

India's Strategic Engagement with the Quad

• Expanding Security Architecture:India's participation in the Quad underscores its strategic alignment with the United States, Japan, and Australia in countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad has broadened its agenda beyond military security to include technological cooperation and supply chain resilience, reflecting India's interest in shaping a comprehensive regional security framework.
• Divergent Security Priorities:Despite embracing Quad's strategic objectives, India maintains a nuanced approach, emphasizing that the Quad is not an Asian NATO and India is not a formal treaty ally. This stance aims to balance regional security concerns with India's independent foreign policy, particularly its relations with Russia and diplomatic engagements related to global issues like the Ukraine conflict.
• Impact on Regional Dynamics:India's proactive role in the Quad enhances its bilateral ties with partner countries, especially the U.S., while navigating divergent interests within the group and addressing regional challenges such as maritime security and the South China Sea dispute.

Challenges and Strategic Considerations

• AUKUS and Security Alliances:The formation of AUKUS by the U.S., Australia, and the U.K. highlights the evolving military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific aimed at countering Chinese influence. India's cautious approach towards purely security-focused initiatives like AUKUS reflects its strategic autonomy and concerns over militarization in the region.
• Geopolitical Dilemmas:India's engagement in Quad contrasts with its role in BRICS, where it collaborates with Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa on global economic issues and multilateral reforms. The differing agendas between Quad and BRICS pose strategic dilemmas for India in balancing security alignments with multilateral cooperation.
• Policy Imperatives:India's approach towards Quad and BRICS necessitates careful diplomacy to leverage benefits from both groupings while safeguarding its national interests. This includes managing perceptions of being instrumentalized within alliances like Quad and asserting leadership roles within BRICS amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Mains Question:

Discuss India's strategic engagement in the Quad and BRICS amidst evolving global dynamics. How can India leverage these groupings to advance its national interests while promoting regional stability and multilateral cooperation?

Recent studies and empirical data focusing on rural and urban dynamics, traditional occupations, and policy interventions showsthe evolving landscape of women's employment in India. Most importantly, it focuses on female employment to counter unemployment.

Trends in Female Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• Rural-Urban Disparities in LFPR: The female LFPR in India has shown contrasting trends between rural and urban areas. While rural female LFPR rose significantly by 12% from 2018 to 2022, indicating a shift towards economic participation, urban areas saw a more modest increase, suggesting limited opportunities outside traditional roles.
• Impact of Traditional Occupations: Many women prefer traditional occupations like bandhani and embroidery due to flexibility and the ability to work from home. This choice is influenced by societal norms and the perceived security of these roles, despite lower incomes compared to other opportunities.
• Role of Policy and Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Initiatives like SHGs and federations have supported women in traditional occupations by providing skill training and market linkages. These efforts aim to enhance earnings and empower women economically within their local contexts.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Barriers in Urban Employment: Urban areas present challenges such as limited gainful employment options for women outside traditional roles. This is compounded by gendered expectations and access to capital, which restricts entrepreneurial ventures among women.
• Need for Comprehensive Policies: Public policy should focus on enhancing women's access to resources like water and markets in rural areas to support agriculture and allied activities. In urban settings, mandated facilities like toilets and crèches in workplaces are crucial to improve working conditions.
• Economic Empowerment and Family Welfare: Women's economic participation not only contributes to family income but also enhances their status within the household. Studies have shown that women's earnings increase resilience during economic downturns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Policy Recommendations and Future Outlook

• Collectivization and Market Access: Collective efforts through SHGs and federations can amplify the impact of economic interventions for women. These platforms enable collective bargaining, skill development, and access to larger markets, thereby enhancing economic outcomes.
• Creating Enabling Environments: Developing a conducive work environment with safety measures and essential facilities is critical to encourage more women to enter and stay in the workforce. This includes provisions for safe workplaces, adequate sanitation facilities, and childcare support.

Mains Question:

Discuss the trends and challenges in enhancing female labor force participation in India. Analyze the role of traditional occupations, policy interventions, and urban-rural dynamics in shaping women's economic empowerment.