10 December 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

1. On reforms in merchant shipping

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

The Government is introducing the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 and the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 to replace outdated legislation and modernise India’s maritime framework. Key features include easing vessel registration, expanding the definition of vessels, and aligning with global conventions. The reforms promote safety, investment, and sustainable development.

Key Features of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024

Ease of Registration

• The new Bill reduces Indian ownership requirements from 100% to 51%, enabling more flexibility and attracting foreign investment.
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can own and register Indian vessels.
• Provisions allow bareboat charter-cum-demise registrations, aiding capital-deficient entrepreneurs to acquire vessels.
• Temporary registration provisions address challenges in the ship recycling industry, bolstering hubs like Alang.

Enlarging the Scope of Vessels

• The Bill expands the definition of vessels to include mechanised and non-mechanised crafts, such as barges, submersibles, and drones.
• Comprehensive regulation of offshore vessels enhances safety and operational standards.
• Strengthened oversight addresses coastal security risks exposed by incidents like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Measures to Combat Marine Pollution

• Initiatives include reducing sulphur content in marine fuel to 0.5% and banning single-use plastics on ships.
• The Bill incorporates international conventions such as MARPOL and the Wreck Removal Convention, aligning with global standards.
• The introduction of the ‘Swachh Sagar’ online portal facilitates proper waste disposal, promoting sustainable shipping practices.

Welfare Provisions for Seafarers

• Indian seafarers have grown from 1,16,000 in 2015-16 to 2,85,000, with 85% employed on foreign-flagged vessels.
• The Bill extends welfare measures to seafarers on foreign-flagged ships, ensuring better working conditions and safety standards.
• Provisions align with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) for seafarer welfare.

Strengthening Maritime Training

• Maritime training, previously regulated through notifications, now gains a legal framework under the Bill.
• This ensures the elimination of unauthorised institutes and safeguards rural youth from fraudulent practices.

Focus on Coastal Shipping

• The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, separates technical regulation from commercial aspects of coastal waters.
• Initiatives align with the Sagarmala Program, promoting dedicated berths, hinterland connectivity, and integrated inland and coastal shipping.

Conclusion

• The proposed reforms aim to attract investment, enhance safety, support seafarers, and reduce marine pollution.
• These measures promise to unlock the full potential of India’s maritime sector while fostering bipartisan support for sustainable development.

Need for New Legislation in the Shipping Sector

The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and the Coasting Vessels Act, 1838 have become outdated and fail to address contemporary maritime needs. Regulatory gaps exist for offshore vessels, which constitute nearly 50% of Indian-flagged vessels. Maritime training, though liberalised, lacks a legal framework, and welfare provisions for Indian seafarers on foreign vessels are insufficient. The existing Acts do not facilitate the implementation of international conventions signed by India, hindering modernisation and the ‘ease of doing business.’

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, in addressing regulatory gaps and promoting India’s maritime sector. Highlight its provisions aimed at enhancing seafarer welfare, coastal security, and environmental sustainability. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. Antimatter idea offers scientists clue to cracking cosmic mystery

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

Antiparticles, theorized in 1928, reveal the symmetry of quantum mechanics but are scarce in the universe. Recent research suggests meson decay and hypothetical particles may partially explain matter’s dominance over antimatter, advancing progress on the Sakharov conditions.

Antiparticles and Their Mysteries

• Antiparticles are counterparts to particles, with the same mass but opposite charge, theorized by Paul Dirac in 1928 and observed by Carl Anderson in 1932.
• For instance, the antielectron (positron) is the antiparticle of the electron and carries a positive charge.

• They are a consequence of quantum mechanics and special relativity, traveling as if backward in time.

Scarcity of Antimatter in the Universe

• While antiparticles are present in cosmic rays and even generated by human bodies, antimatter is scarce in the observable universe.
• Matter dominates galaxies, with the early universe having a slight asymmetry: for every 1.7 billion proton-antiproton pairs, one extra proton existed.
• This asymmetry allowed matter to survive annihilation and form stars and planets.

Challenges in Explaining the Asymmetry

• The Standard Model of particle physics struggles to fully explain why matter dominates over antimatter.
• Any theory addressing this requires meeting the Sakharov conditions, which include CP symmetry violation, baryon number violation, and interactions out of thermal equilibrium.

Sakharov Conditions:

Baryon Number Violation: There must be a process where particles like protons (baryons) are created or destroyed in the early universe. CP Symmetry Violation: The laws of physics should behave differently for matter and antimatter under specific conditions, breaking a symmetry called CP symmetry. Out of Thermal Equilibrium: The universe’s early conditions should not allow particles and their antiparticles to convert back and forth equally; this imbalance helps matter survive. These three conditions explain how matter could dominate over antimatter after the Big Bang.

Recent Progress

• A 2024 study showed that meson decays could satisfy CP symmetry violation in the Standard Model, involving hypothetical particles.
• The new mechanism suggests these particles were prominent in the early universe but rare today, aligning with quantum field theory.

Path Ahead

• This finding addresses one Sakharov condition but challenges remain for the others, advancing understanding of the universe’s matter-antimatter asymmetry.

Practice Question:  Discuss the role of the Sakharov conditions in explaining matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe. Highlight recent developments and their implications for the Standard Model of particle physics. (150 Words /10 marks)

3. Opposition Plans No-Confidence Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar Over Alleged Partisanship

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Cover Page; Page: 01)

Topic: GS2 – Polity

Context:

The article discusses the Opposition’s decision to move a no-confidence or impeachment resolution against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing allegations of partisanship and misconduct.

Analysis of News:   

Vice President in India

The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country after the President of India.

• The Vice-President is accorded a rank next to the President in the official warrant of precedence. This office is modeled on the lines of the American Vice-President.
• The Vice President’s main role is to act as the President if the President cannot perform his or her duties, such as due to death, resignation, or impeachment.
• The Vice President also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

How is the Vice President of India elected?

The Vice-President, like the president, is elected not directly by the people but indirectly. 

• He is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both houses of Parliament. Thus, this electoral college is different from the electoral college for the election of the President in the following two respects:
• It consists of both elected and nominated members of the Parliament (in the case of the President, only elected members).
• It does not include the members of the state legislative assemblies (in the case of the President, the elected members of the state legislative assemblies are included).

• Vice-President’s election, like that of the President’s election, is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, and the voting is by secret ballot.
• All doubts and disputes concerning the election of the Vice-President are inquired into and decided by the Supreme Court, whose decision is final.

Opposition’s Move Against Rajya Sabha Chairman

• The INDIA bloc has decided to submit a no-confidence or impeachment notice against Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
• While the Opposition lacks the numbers to secure his impeachment, the move aims to send a political signal against alleged partisanship.
• MPs from the TMC, SP, and other INDIA bloc parties have already signed the notice under Article 67(b) of the Constitution, which requires a 14-day notice period before such a resolution can be moved.

Allegations of Partisanship and Parliamentary Misconduct

• The Opposition accuses Dhankhar of partisanship, citing his actions, such as naming Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi in relation to alleged financial misconduct and allowing BJP MPs to discuss topics unfavorable to the Congress.
• These actions, seen as favoring the ruling BJP, have fueled the Opposition’s dissatisfaction.
• TMC Deputy Leader Sagarika Ghose criticized the government for “misusing high constitutional offices,” framing the move as a defense of parliamentary democracy.

Historical Context of Similar Resolutions

• Although no Rajya Sabha Chairman has faced such a motion before, there is a precedent of a no-confidence resolution against Deputy Chairman Harivansh in 2020.
• That motion, driven by the Opposition’s dissatisfaction with his handling of farm Bill discussions, was ultimately negated.
• The INDIA bloc draws parallels to earlier instances of motions against Lok Sabha Speakers, all of which were also unsuccessful but served as symbolic protests.

Implications for Parliamentary Democracy

• The Opposition’s initiative highlights concerns over the integrity of constitutional offices and democratic processes.
• While unlikely to succeed, the motion underscores broader frustrations with perceived executive overreach and parliamentary conduct under the BJP-led government.
• The outcome will influence the political narrative, framing a larger debate on the balance of power and the role of constitutional authorities in safeguarding democratic principles.

What is the procedure for the removal of the Vice President of India?

The Vice President can also be removed from office before the completion of his term. A formal impeachment is not required for his removal. He can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha (Effective Majority) and agreed to by the Lok Sabha (Simple Majority). This means that this resolution should be passed in the Rajya Sabha by an effective majority and in the Lok Sabha by a simple majority. It must be noted here that the effective majority in India is only a type of special majority and not a separate one. Further, this resolution can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha and not in the Lok Sabha. But, no such resolution can be moved unless at least 14 days advance notice has been given.

PYQ: Consider the following statements: (2013) 1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House. 2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: b

Practice Question:  Evaluate the implications of the Opposition’s move to submit a no-confidence or impeachment resolution against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, considering constitutional, political, and procedural perspectives. (250 words/15 m)

PRELIMS FACTS

1. Supreme Court: Reservation Cannot Be Based on Religion, Questions Calcutta HC’s Decision on OBC Classification in West Bengal

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Govt & Politics; Page: 09)

Context:

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, emphasized that reservation cannot be granted solely on the basis of religion. This observation arose during the hearing of appeals against the Calcutta High Court’s decision nullifying the West Bengal government’s classification of 77 communities, predominantly Muslim, as OBC for reservation benefits. The court reaffirmed the need for constitutional and data-driven criteria for such classifications.

Analysis of News:   

Indian Constitution on Religion-based Reservations

• The IC of 1949 dropped the word ‘minorities’ from Article 296 of the draft constitution (Article 335 of the present IC).
• Article 16(4) enables the state to make “any provision for reservation in favour of any backward class of citizens which is not adequately represented in the services under the state”.
• Article 15 specifically prohibits the state from discriminating against citizens based on religion and caste (along with sex, race, and place of birth).
• The 1st Constitutional Amendment Act inserted Article 15(4); it empowered the state to make “any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or the SCs and the STs”.
• In Articles 15 and 16, “only” indicates that if a religious, racial, or caste group is considered a “weaker section” or backward class (BC) under Article 46, they’re entitled to special provisions.
• Certain Muslim castes received reservations as part of the BC, without reducing quotas for SCs, STs, and OBCs, by establishing a sub-quota within the OBCs, irrespective of their religion.                                           

Challenge to the Calcutta HC Ruling

• The West Bengal government approached the SC after the Calcutta HC invalidated OBC certificates issued since 2010, citing that religion appeared to be the sole criterion.
• State argued that the classification was based on backwardness, not religion, and supported by quantifiable data.
• However, the respondents highlighted the absence of proper surveys and bypassing of the state Backward Classes Commission in the decision-making process.

Constitutional and Legal Precedents

• The case touches upon broader constitutional questions pending before a Constitution Bench regarding the validity of religion-based quotas.
• The HC’s reliance on the Andhra Pradesh HC’s 2005 ruling, which quashed Muslim quotas, was a key point of contention.
• This decision was later stayed by the SC, highlighting the evolving jurisprudence around reservations.
• Additionally, Justice Gavai noted that the executive has the power to classify under statutes like the Indira Sawhney judgment.

Role of Commissions and Data

• The state referenced the Ranganath Mishra Commission’s recommendations favoring reservations for Muslims and Dalit Christians, along with the inclusion of 44 of these communities in the Central OBC list.
• The respondents, however, contended that the state’s actions lacked a procedural basis, with no quantifiable data or surveys justifying the classification.
• The bench raised concerns about bypassing statutory provisions, emphasizing that enabling powers under the law must be exercised through due process.

2. New National Manuscripts Mission

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2082387&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was launched in 2003 to document, conserve, and digitize India’s manuscript heritage. It operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, ensuring preservation through advanced technology and regional initiatives.

About New National Manuscripts Mission:

• The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was established in 2003 by the Ministry of Culture during the 10th Five Year Plan.
• Its primary goals include documenting, conserving, and promoting access to India’s vast manuscript heritage.
• The mission functions under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, with funding provided to the organization.
• NMM leverages technology, supported by IGNCA, for the preservation and digitization of manuscripts.
• Digitized manuscripts are made accessible through the website https://www.pandulipipatala.nic.in.
• Preservation methods such as lamination, restoration, and deacidification are employed to address manuscript deterioration.
• Training programs are offered to enhance skills in preventive conservation techniques.
• Manuscript Resource Centres and Manuscript Conservation Centres are established to address regional and thematic gaps in collection and conservation efforts.

3. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2082510&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The Prime Minister launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana to promote financial inclusion and empower rural women through microinsurance services. The initiative focuses on training women Self-Help Group (SHG) members as insurance agents to bridge the gap in rural financial services.

Bima Sakhi Yojana

• Launched to empower women as facilitators of financial services in rural areas.
• Aims to train rural women as insurance facilitators under the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI).
• Women act as intermediaries, creating awareness and assisting with documentation for life insurance policies.
• Provides income opportunities for women while ensuring the penetration of insurance in underserved regions.
• Encourages financial literacy and security for rural households.
• Focused on boosting women’s confidence and promoting their participation in financial decision-making.

Eligibility:

• Eligibility: Women aged 18–70 years with at least a Class 10 education.
• Support: Monthly stipends of ₹7,000 (Year 1) and ₹6,000 (Year 2).

Other Initiatives for Financial Inclusion of Women

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Over 55% of accounts under PMJDY are held by women, ensuring access to basic banking services.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Programs like NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission) promote women-led SHGs for microcredit access.
• Mudra Yojana for Women: Offers collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs.
• Stand-Up India Scheme: Provides loans for women setting up greenfield enterprises.
• Mahila E-Haat: A digital platform to support women entrepreneurs.
• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana: Focused on empowering women in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Financial Literacy Camps: Conducted by banks and NGOs to educate women on savings, credit, and insurance.

Achievements

Financial inclusion has increased from 35% in 2011 to over 80% in 2023.Women-owned 56% of Jan Dhan accounts, ensuring their integration into formal banking. SHGs have mobilized over ₹75,000 crore in credit, empowering women entrepreneurs. Mudra loans supported over 60% women beneficiaries. Financial literacy efforts led to increased awareness and use of digital banking tools by women.

PYQ: Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.(150 Words /10 marks) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2022)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of financial inclusion for women in India, highlighting the role of government initiatives empowering rural women. Suggest measures to further enhance women’s participation in the financial sector. (250 Words /15 marks)

4. STEPS TO ENCOURAGE NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2082374&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The Indian Government is accelerating efforts to increase domestic natural gas production through policies like HELP, infrastructural expansions, and fiscal incentives. This aligns with the target to enhance natural gas’s share in the energy mix to 15% by 2030.

Steps Taken to Increase Natural Gas Production in India

Expansion of Infrastructure

• National Gas Grid Pipeline: Expansion of the gas pipeline network to improve connectivity.
• City Gas Distribution (CGD): Increased focus on CGD networks for better urban and rural access.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminals: Setting up LNG terminals to enhance gas import capabilities.

Policy Initiatives

• Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP):
  • Shifted from Production Sharing Contracts to Revenue Sharing mechanisms.
  • Streamlined processes and approvals for ease of doing business.
• Policy Reforms (2019):
  • Fiscal incentives such as 7-year royalty holidays for deep and ultra-deep blocks.
  • Concessional royalty rates for specific blocks.

Pricing and Marketing Freedom

• Freedom for Producers:
  • Marketing and pricing freedom for gas from high-pressure, deep-water, and ultra-deep-water areas.
  • A 20% premium over Administered Price Mechanism (APM) prices for gas from new wells or interventions by ONGC and Oil India Limited.

Sustainable Energy Promotion

• SATAT Initiative: Promotion of Bio-CNG for alternative and cleaner transportation solutions.

These steps aim to boost natural gas production and promote India’s shift toward a cleaner energy future.

PYQ: Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of increasing indigenous natural gas production in reducing India’s dependence on imports. Highlight the steps taken by the Government to achieve this target. (150 Words /10 marks)

5. UN talks in Riyadh keep focus on land degradation

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

The UN report addresses the escalating issue of desertification and land degradation caused by climate change, highlighting the global impact of drier conditions on water, food security, and migration. Nations are discussing strategies to combat these challenges at a summit in Riyadh.

Global Drying Trends and Desertification

• A United Nations report highlights the increasing drying of Earth’s lands, with the ability of plant and animal life to survive being severely affected. This phenomenon is attributed to human-caused climate change, water scarcity, and deforestation.
• Over 75% of the world’s land has become drier from 1970 to 2020 compared to the previous three decades, with irreversible changes now affecting vast regions.
• Climate change is re-shaping life on Earth, and the land will not return to its previous condition.

Impacts of Drying Lands

• If global warming continues, nearly five billion people, including those in Europe, parts of the western U.S., Brazil, eastern Asia, and central Africa, will be impacted by drier conditions by the end of the century, up from a quarter of the global population today.
• The report warns that drier lands may lead to catastrophic effects, particularly in water access, pushing human and natural systems toward irreversible damage.

Risks to Farming and Migration

• Decreased water availability threatens farming productivity, which leads to food insecurity globally.
• Arid regions also face increased migration due to frequent water shortages and land degradation, hindering economic development.

Response to Droughts

• The ongoing UN talks are focused on addressing drought responses, with particular debate over whether wealthier nations should contribute funds to aid global drought efforts.

6. Frigate INS Tushil commissioned into the Indian Navy in Russia’s Kaliningrad

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Context

India and Russia are enhancing their cooperation in defense technology, including AI, cybersecurity, and space exploration, with the commissioning of INS Tushil, an advanced frigate. The ship highlights growing collaboration in naval defense and India’s progress in technological innovation.

INS Tushil – Overview:

• Type: INS Tushil is an upgraded warship of the Krivak III class.
• Construction: Built in Russia, with growing “Made in India” parts in the ship.
• Ship Series: It’s the seventh ship in a series of similar ones, with six already in service.
• Technology: The ship showcases India’s growing tech abilities through teamwork with Russia.
• Capabilities: Built for operations in all areas – air, sea, underwater, and electronic warfare.
• Weapons: Armed with modern weapons, including those for fighting submarines and aircraft.
• Helicopter Support: Can carry two types of helicopters, Kamov 28 and Kamov 31.
• Speed: Powered by advanced turbines, it can travel at speeds over 30 knots.
• Role: Helps in protecting maritime trade, fighting piracy, and providing emergency help in the Indian Ocean region.