16 April 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as the analysis provides insights into the principles of rule of law, constitutional rights, and legal procedures governing preventive detention in India.

• The Jammu and Kashmir High Court, in its recent ruling, quashed the detention of a Kashmir resident under the Public Safety Act (PSA) while asserting that India cannot be considered a police state.
• The court emphasized that in a democratic country governed by the rule of law, the police and magistracy cannot detain and interrogate individuals without registering a case against them.

• The Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978 is a preventive detention law, under which a person is taken into custody to prevent him or her from acting in any manner that is prejudicial to “the security of the state or the maintenance of the public order”.
• It is very similar to the National Security Act that is used by other state governments for preventive detention.
• It comes into force by an administrative order passed either by Divisional Commissioner or the District Magistrate and not by a detention order by police based on specific allegations or for a specific violation of laws.
• Issues with Public Safety Act
• Detention Without Trial:
• The PSA allows for the detention of a person without a formal charge and without trial.
• It can be slapped on a person already in police custody; on someone immediately after being granted bail by a court.
• Unlike in normal circumstances, a person who is detained under the PSA need not be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours of the detention.
• No Right to File Bail Application:
• The detained person does not have the right to move a bail application before the court, and cannot engage any lawyer to represent him or her the detaining authority.
• Limited legal remedies:
• The only way this administrative preventive detention order can be challenged is through a habeas corpus petition filed by relatives of the detained person.
• The High Court and the Supreme Court have the jurisdiction to hear such petitions.
• However, if the order is quashed, there is no bar on the government passing another detention order under the PSA and detaining the person again.
• Discretionary powers:
• The District Magistrate who has passed the detention order has protection under the Act, which states that the order is considered “done in good faith”.
• Therefore, officials are protected from any prosecutions or any legal proceedings.
• Section 8 of the PSA:
• It provides a vast number of reasons for detention, ranging from “promoting, propagating, or attempting to create, feelings of enmity or hatred or disharmony on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or region” to incitement, instigation, abetment and actual commission of such acts, and leaves it to district collectors or district magistrates to decide, giving a 12-day period within which an advisory board has to approve the detention.
• No Distinction Between Minor and Major Offences:
• It allows detention for up to 1 year for disturbance of public order and 2 years for actions “prejudicial to the security of the State”.
• All these actions bear an unsettling resemblance to the British response to protests against the Rowlatt Act of 1919.

1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances.

2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to person being held for preventive detention

3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Top of Form

(250 words/15 m)

GS3– Indian Economy

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding how global events, such as conflicts in West Asia, can affect India’s economy.

• The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel could have significant repercussions for India, particularly in terms of crude oil imports.
• This analysis delves into the potential implications of the conflict on India’s economy and energy security.

• Remain Unaffected: India has strategic ties with both Iran and Israel and for decades, it has been able to balance between the two sides. But if the conflict widens, it would be difficult for it to maintain an ambivalent position.
• A Testing Time: The emerging Israel-Iran conflict will test the Indian resilience in multiple domains be it political, diplomatic, economic or security.
• Concerning Consequences: An escalation between the two countries has direct and tangible consequences for India, mainly on three accounts: its people, its economic interests and strategic needs.
• Impact on People: There are about 18,000 Indians in Israel and about 5,000-10,000 Indians in Iran, about 90 lakh people are living and working in the Gulf and West Asia region. Any conflict that expands will end up posing a risk to the Indian community that is based in the region. Example: India asked its citizens not to travel to Israel and Iran.
• Impact on Strategic Needs: India has invested in a strategic relationship with major Arab countries, Iran, and Israel. India has been working in this region to push for the India-Middle-East-Europe Economic corridor, which has strategic as well as economic benefits for India. An escalating conflict could adversely impact the consensus that has been built.
• Impact on Economic Interests: Though imports from Russia have increased, Arab states account for two-thirds of India’s oil needs. Higher oil prices will push up inflation and delay any interest rate cuts critical to boost GDP growth. Merchandise exports, already slow, will drop further. Sensex and Nifty fell due to escalating Iran-Israel conflict, making investors risk-averse.

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding the economic structure and industrialization patterns of states like Tamil Nadu.

• Tamil Nadu (TN) emerges as India’s leading state in terms of economic complexity, as evidenced by the diversity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment landscape.
• The state boasts a robust economy with a well-balanced mix of sectors, including industry, services, and construction, which collectively contribute significantly to its GDP and employment generation.

• Contribution to Indian Economy: Tamil Nadu’s contribution of nine percent to the Indian economy showcases the state’s robust economic growth.
• GDP Ranking: Securing the second position in contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation, with a growth rate of 8.19 percent, surpassing the national average of 7.24 percent.
• Inflation Control: The state has effectively controlled inflation, with rates falling to 5.97 percent compared to the national figure of 6.65 percent.
• Export Preparedness: Topping the list of the Export Preparedness Index in the country, with a particular focus on leading in the export of electronic goods.
• Industrial Investment Climate: Creating a favorable climate for industrial investment, elevating Tamil Nadu to the third position in the country from its previous rank of 14.
• Education: Achieving the second position in the field of education and securing the first place in innovative industries.
• Empowerment Initiatives: Prioritizing the welfare of women, young people, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities, leading to significant improvements in their quality of life.
• Scheme Implementations: Extensive distribution of assistance to people amounting to ₹6,569.75 crore, including initiatives like the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, free bus travel for women, and healthcare schemes benefiting millions of citizens.

Critical for UPSC as it covers India’s agricultural outlook, weather forecasting, and understanding climate phenomena like El Nino.

●  Onset: The Southwest Monsoon typically begins in late May or early June, marking the arrival of rainy season in India.

●  Origin: The monsoon originates from the Indian Ocean, where warm, moisture-laden air masses are drawn towards the Indian subcontinent.

●Factors: Several factors influence the formation of the Southwest Monsoon, including the differential heating of land and sea, the presence of the Himalayas, and the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

● ITCZ Influence: The ITCZ, a belt of low pressure near the equator, shifts northward during summer, bringing moisture-laden winds from the southern hemisphere towards India.

● Impact of Himalayas: The Himalayan mountain range acts as a barrier, forcing the moisture-laden winds to ascend, cool, and release precipitation, leading to heavy rainfall in the region.

●  Regional Variability: The onset and intensity of the monsoon can vary across different regions of India, influenced by factors such as topography, proximity to the coast, and local wind patterns.

●  Importance: The Southwest Monsoon is vital for agriculture in India, as it provides the majority of the country’s rainfall, supporting crop cultivation and ensuring food security.

●  Monsoon Forecasting: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) employs various methods, including statistical models, dynamical models, and historical data analysis, to forecast the onset and progress of the Southwest Monsoon, aiding in preparedness and risk management.

Significance for Indian economy:

● Agricultural Backbone: The Southwest Monsoon is critical for India’s agricultural sector, as it provides around 70% of the country’s annual rainfall, supporting crop cultivation.

●  Food Security: The timely arrival and adequate distribution of monsoon rainfall are essential for ensuring sufficient water supply for crops, thereby maintaining food security for the nation.

●  Economic Contribution: Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of India’s GDP and employs a large percentage of the population, making the monsoon vital for sustaining rural livelihoods and economic stability.

●  Water Resources: Monsoon rains replenish reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater levels, serving as a primary source of water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes throughout the year.

●  Impact on GDP: The performance of the agricultural sector, heavily dependent on the monsoon, directly influences India’s GDP growth rate and overall economic health.

Significant for UPSC as it addresses environmental management, adherence to legal guidelines, and urban development challenges in India.

● Water Regulation: Floodplains play a crucial role in regulating water flow and reducing flood risk by acting as natural sponges, absorbing excess water during periods of high flow and releasing it slowly during dry seasons. This helps mitigate the impact of floods and droughts, ensuring water availability for both human and ecological needs.

●Nutrient Cycling: Floodplains facilitate nutrient cycling by trapping sediments and organic matter carried by rivers during floods. Decomposition of organic material enriches the soil, enhancing fertility and supporting plant growth. Nutrient-rich floodplain soils also sustain productive agricultural lands, benefiting local communities.

● Floodplain Agriculture: Floodplains support agriculture by providing fertile soils and ample water supply, enabling cultivation of crops such as rice, vegetables, and fruits. Traditional floodplain farming practices, such as paddy cultivation, utilise seasonal inundation cycles to enhance crop yields and maintain soil fertility.

● Fisheries and Aquatic Life: Floodplains are vital spawning and nursery grounds for fish and other aquatic species. The seasonal flooding creates diverse aquatic habitats, promoting fish breeding, growth, and migration. This supports local fisheries, sustains livelihoods, and ensures food security for riparian communities.

●Erosion Control: Vegetation in floodplains stabilises soil, reduces erosion, and prevents sedimentation in rivers. Root systems of plants bind soil particles, preventing them from being washed away during floods. This helps maintain riverbank integrity, safeguarding infrastructure and preventing land degradation.

●Recreational and Cultural Value: Floodplains offer recreational opportunities such as birdwatching, hiking, and nature photography. They also hold cultural significance for indigenous communities, providing spiritual connections, traditional fishing grounds, and ceremonial sites. Protecting floodplains preserves cultural heritage and promotes sustainable tourism.

Significant for UPSC due to its relevance to marine conservation, environmental sustainability, and innovative solutions for ecological restoration.

● Habitat and Shelter: Coral reefs provide habitat and shelter for numerous marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The complex structures of reefs offer hiding places, breeding grounds, and food sources for various organisms.

●  Coastal Protection: Coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and wave action. The physical structure of reefs dissipates wave energy, reducing the impact of storms and preventing coastal erosion.

● Carbon Sink: Coral reefs play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and storage. The calcification process by coral polyps removes carbon dioxide from the water, helping mitigate ocean acidification and climate change.

● Economic Importance: Coral reefs support important economic activities such as tourism, fishing, and pharmaceutical research. Reef-based tourism generates revenue through diving, snorkelling, and recreational activities, while fisheries rely on reefs for sustenance and livelihoods.

●  Cultural Value: Coral reefs hold cultural significance for many coastal communities, serving as sources of food, income, and inspiration for art and folklore. They are integral to the cultural identity and traditions of indigenous peoples and island nations.

●Threats and Conservation: Coral reefs face numerous threats, including climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing, pollution, and coral bleaching. Conservation efforts focus on mitigating these threats through marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation measures. Protecting coral reefs is essential for maintaining marine biodiversity, supporting coastal livelihoods, and preserving cultural heritage.

Crucial for UPSC due to its relevance to energy security, environmental sustainability, and geological processes in resource management.

Relevant to UPSC for understanding India’s entrepreneurial landscape, fintech growth, economic trends, and financial inclusion initiatives.

●     Coined by venture capitalist Aileen Lee in 2013, it represents rare and exceptional success in the startup world.

●     Unicorns are typically disruptive, innovative, and rapidly growing companies.

●     They attract substantial funding from venture capitalists, private equity firms, and other investors.

●     Examples include Uber, Airbnb, SpaceX, and Robinhood, known for transforming industries and generating significant wealth for investors and founders.

●       Some of the Indian Unicorn startups are – Flipkart, Ola, Cred, Policybazaar, BharatPay

●     Unicorn status signifies market dominance, scalability, and potential for high returns on investment.