1. Four Years After Galwan: India-China Border Tensions Remain Unresolved Amid Diplomatic and Strategic Maneuvers

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 18)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

Context:

The border standoff between India and China remains unresolved four years after the Galwan clashes on June 15, 2020. With approximately 50,000 to 60,000 troops still deployed on each side, managing the relationship with China has emerged as a critical challenge for the Narendra Modi government in its third term. The Prime Minister’s potential meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana on July 3-4 could provide a platform for diplomatic engagement, although the outcome remains uncertain.

Analysis of News:

Diplomatic Efforts and Statements:

• In recent weeks, diplomatic efforts have provided some context for the Astana summit.
• Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of stable and peaceful relations between India and China and expressed a desire to urgently address the prolonged border situation.
• The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded positively, acknowledging the significance of bilateral relations beyond the boundary dispute and expressing hope for continued constructive engagement.
• Similarly, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the focus on resolving issues related to “patrolling rights” and “patrolling abilities” in Ladakh, suggesting a nuanced shift in India’s position.

Complicating Factors: Taiwan and Tibet:

• Despite these diplomatic overtures, other developments have complicated the situation. A public exchange of messages between Prime Minister Modi and Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te on the social media platform X angered China, which views such interactions as provocations.
• China’s strong reaction underscored its sensitivity to perceived deviations from the ‘One China’ policy.
• Additionally, a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation’s meeting with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, followed by discussions with Indian leaders, further strained relations.
• China’s sharp response to these interactions highlights the persistent challenges in managing the bilateral relationship.

Strategic Implications and Future Prospects:

• These developments underscore the complexity of the India-China relationship. While India’s leadership has signaled a desire to resolve the border dispute, actions such as engaging with Taiwan and hosting U.S. delegations meeting the Dalai Lama suggest a multifaceted approach to leveraging diplomatic and strategic assets.
• The forthcoming SCO summit in Astana could be a critical juncture for potential diplomatic breakthroughs or continued stalemate.
• Analysts suggest that the government might have shifted its approach post-election, balancing the need for stable borders to focus on economic growth with caution against perceived concessions to China.

Lessons from Australia-China Relations:

• The ongoing engagement between Australia and China offers relevant insights for India.
• Australia’s recent shift towards a more diplomatic approach under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while maintaining core interests, has led to improved bilateral dialogue.
• The first visit by a Chinese Premier to Australia in seven years resulted in candid and constructive talks, highlighting the potential benefits of managed diplomatic engagement.
• For India, this model suggests possibilities for balancing assertiveness on core issues with strategic diplomacy, although success would require alignment of multiple factors, including Xi Jinping’s political will.

Conclusion:

• The four-year mark since the Galwan clashes finds India and China still grappling with unresolved border tensions.
• Diplomatic efforts, strategic maneuvers, and lessons from other international relationships highlight the intricate balancing act required to manage this critical bilateral relationship.
• As the upcoming SCO summit approaches, the potential for diplomatic engagement and resolution remains uncertain, underscoring the need for a carefully calibrated approach to India’s China policy.

PYQ: ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017)

Practice Question:  Examine the ongoing challenges and implications of the unresolved India-China border standoff four years after the Galwan clashes. How should India balance its diplomatic engagements and strategic interests to manage this critical bilateral relationship? (250 words/15 m)

2. Patna High Court Overturns Bihar’s 65% Reservation Increase: Legal and Social Implications

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 18)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice

Context:

The Patna High Court recently set aside notifications by the Bihar government to increase reservations in government jobs and educational institutions from 50% to 65%. This decision underscores ongoing debates and legal challenges regarding the 50% ceiling on reservations, a principle established by the Supreme Court in the landmark Indra Sawhney ruling. This analysis delves into the historical context, legal precedents, and current debates surrounding this contentious issue.

Analysis of News:

The 50% Ceiling for Reservations:

Historical Context

• The 50% ceiling for reservations was established by the Supreme Court in the 1992 Indra Sawhney v. Union of India case.
• This ruling aimed to balance the need for reservations to address social and educational backwardness with the principle of merit in public administration.
• The court deemed this limit necessary to prevent the total effacement of merit and maintain administrative efficiency.

Legal Precedents

• Prior to Indra Sawhney, the 50% limit was articulated in earlier judgments such as MR Balaji v. State of Mysore (1963) and Devadasan v. Union of India (1964).
• The Supreme Court reiterated this limit, allowing exceptions only in “exceptional circumstances.”
• This principle has since been reaffirmed in numerous cases, solidifying the 50% ceiling as a cornerstone of reservation policy in India.

The Indra Sawhney Ruling and Its Implications:

Key Takeaways

• The Indra Sawhney ruling upheld the 27% quota for socially and economically backward classes (SEBC) and set two significant precedents: the criteria for reservations should be social and educational backwardness, and the 50% limit on vertical quotas must be adhered to unless exceptional circumstances justify otherwise.

Ongoing Challenges

• Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, various states have attempted to breach the 50% limit.
• This has led to frequent litigation and political debates, with some advocating for higher reservations to address persistent inequalities. The recent Bihar government notifications are part of this broader trend.

Legal Challenges to the 50% Ceiling:

Recent Developments

• The 50% ceiling is currently under challenge before the Supreme Court. The 2019 introduction of the 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) was upheld by the Supreme Court in a 2022 verdict, which stated that the ceiling applied only to SC/ST and OBC quotas, not to separate quotas like EWS.

Divergent Opinions

• The majority opinion in the 2022 verdict suggested that the 50% limit is not inflexible, while the minority opinion cautioned against breaching this limit, warning it could lead to further infractions and compartmentalization.
• Critics argue that the 50% ceiling is arbitrary, while proponents believe exceeding it undermines the principle of equality.

Reservations and Equality:

Differing Perspectives

• There is an ongoing debate about whether reservations should be seen as an exception to the rule of equality or as a fundamental aspect of the right to equality.
• Some argue that unrestricted reservations could undermine equality, while others believe they are essential for achieving substantive equality and addressing historical injustices.

Supreme Court’s Stance

• The Supreme Court has upheld the notion that reservations can further the principle of merit by promoting distributive justice.
• This view was reinforced in its 2022 ruling upholding the 27% OBC quota in NEET, suggesting that reservations are compatible with the goal of substantive equality.

Reservations in Other States:

Tamil Nadu’s Example

• The 76th Constitutional Amendment in 1994 allowed Tamil Nadu to insert its reservation law exceeding the 50% limit into the Ninth Schedule, protecting it from judicial review.
• This amendment provides a “safe harbour” for laws that might otherwise be challenged for violating fundamental rights.

Recent Challenges

• In 2021, the Supreme Court struck down a Maharashtra law providing reservations to the Maratha community, holding that the quota limit could not exceed 50%.
• Similar issues have arisen with demands for reservations by Patels in Gujarat, Jats in Haryana, and Kapus in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting ongoing tensions and the need for a balanced approach to reservation policies.

Conclusion:

• The Patna High Court’s decision to set aside Bihar’s reservation increase highlights the enduring debate over the 50% ceiling on quotas.
• While legal precedents have consistently upheld this limit, ongoing political and social pressures continue to challenge it.
• As India grapples with these issues, the balance between merit and social justice remains a complex and evolving aspect of its constitutional framework.

Constitution and Reservation

77th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1995: The Indra Sawhney verdict had held there would be reservation only in initial appointments and not promotions. However, addition of the article 16(4A) to the Constitution, empowered the state to make provisions for reservation in matters of promotion to SC/ST employees, if the state feels they are not adequately represented.   81st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000: It introduced Article 16(4B), which says unfilled SC/ST quota of a particular year, when carried forward to the next year, will be treated separately and not clubbed with the regular vacancies of that year.   85th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001: It provided for the reservation in promotion that can be applied with ‘consequential seniority’ for the government servants belonging to the SCs and STs with retrospective effect from June 1995.   103rd amendment to the Constitution (2019): 10% reservation for EWS (Economically Weaker Section).   Article 335: It says that the claims of SCs and STs shall be taken into consideration constituently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.

PYQ: Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSCJ) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2018)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of the 50% ceiling on reservations in India as established by the Supreme Court. Examine the challenges and implications of attempts by various states, including Bihar, to breach this limit. How do recent judicial decisions and legislative actions impact the balance between social justice and the principle of equality? (250 words/15 m)

3. The elderly are ailing, alone and struggling without the means to support themselves

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

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Vulnerable sections

Context

HelpAge India’s survey of over 5,000 elders and 1,300 caregivers across 20 cities in 10 states reveals stark realities.Only 15% of elders have income, 79% rely on government hospitals, and 31% possess health insurance. The study underscores the need for enhanced elder support policies and facilities in India.

Analysis of the news:

• HelpAge India conducted a survey across 10 states and 20 cities, interviewing 5,169 elders and 1,333 caregivers.
• Only 15% of elders had a source of income; among them, 24% were men and 7% were women.
• 29% relied on financial support from their children.
• 79% used government hospitals, while only 31% had health insurance.
• Awareness of exclusive geriatric facilities was low at 15%.
• Social security coverage, including pensions and provident funds, was reported by 29%.
• 54% of elders had two or more non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with high rates of hypertension (48%) and diabetes (43%).
• Caregivers faced physical and financial challenges, with only 7% involved in social organisations.
• Calls were made for state-level elder policies based on survey findings, emphasising the need for better support and facilities.

Elderly population in India

Challenges: Healthcare Access: Limited access to affordable and specialised healthcare services. Financial Security: Dependence on pensions and lack of sufficient savings. Social Isolation: Loneliness due to changing family structures and migration. Elder Abuse: Vulnerability to physical, emotional, and financial abuse.Employment Opportunities: Few opportunities for continued or part-time work post-retirement. Way Forward: Healthcare Reforms: Improve access to geriatric care and affordable medications. Financial Support: Strengthen pension schemes and promote financial literacy. Social Programs: Foster community engagement through senior citizen clubs and activities. Legal Protection: Enforce laws against elder abuse and create support systems. Employment Initiatives: Encourage age-friendly workplaces and skill enhancement programs for older adults. Steps taken by the Indian government: National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Provides financial assistance to elderly individuals. Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP): Supports community-based healthcare and social services. National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) 1999: Ensures rights and welfare of senior citizens.Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: Provides free assistive devices to elderly below poverty line. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007): Protects elderly against abuse and neglect. SAGE initiative:  SAGE initiative supports start-ups developing innovative solutions for elderly welfare, offering up to Rs.1 crore equity support per project.

Practice Question:  Discuss the challenges faced by India’s elderly population in accessing healthcare, financial security, and combating social isolation. Suggest policy measures to improve their quality of life. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. How dangerous is methanol poisoning?

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

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health

Context

In Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district, at least 38 deaths occurred due to consumption of spurious liquor containing methanol alongside ethanol. The incident prompted government action, including police deployment and inquiries, highlighting ongoing issues with illicit alcohol production and regulation.

Analysis of the news:

• Spurious liquor, often homemade or illegally produced, contains methanol alongside ethanol, unlike regulated alcohol.
• Methanol, a toxic alcohol, is metabolised in the body to formaldehyde and then formic acid, causing severe metabolic acidosis.
• Symptoms of methanol poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and potential blindness due to optic nerve damage.
• Treatment involves administering pharmaceutical-grade ethanol or fomepizole to inhibit methanol metabolism.
• Dialysis may be necessary to remove methanol and formic acid from the bloodstream.
• Folinic acid helps neutralize formic acid, reducing its toxic effects.
• Early treatment is crucial as symptoms can rapidly progress to organ failure and death.
• Prevention includes strict regulation of alcohol production and distribution to avoid incidents like those in Tamil Nadu.

Practice Question:  Discuss the socio-economic implications and governance challenges posed by incidents of spurious liquor consumption, citing recent events in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi district. Suggest measures to effectively curb the production and distribution of illicit alcohol. (150 Words /10 marks)

PRELIMS FACTS

1. India Pushes for Yoga’s Inclusion in 2036 Olympics Amid Bid to Host the Games

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

Context:

India’s sports administrators are making a significant push to include yoga in the 2036 Olympic Games, viewing it as a key element of the country’s soft power. This initiative comes as part of India’s broader efforts to host the 2036 Olympics. The Mission Olympics Cell (MOC), a body under the Sports Ministry, has identified six sports for potential inclusion in the Olympics: Twenty20 cricket, kabaddi, chess, squash, kho-kho, and yoga.

Analysis of News:

India’s 2036 Olympic Bid

• India’s intention to host the 2036 Olympics has been explicitly mentioned in the BJP’s election manifesto, underscoring the government’s commitment. Efforts are being intensified, with plans to set up an ‘India House’ in Paris next month to lobby for the bid.
• The Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry have already held preliminary talks with the IOC, although a final decision on the host is expected to take at least a year or two.

Addressing Key Challenges

• One of the major challenges highlighted by the MOC is the doping menace. India ranks high on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of offenders.
• To tackle this, the MOC recommends a robust doping control program, including unannounced out-of-competition tests and investment in state-of-the-art laboratories.
• An extensive campaign is proposed to educate athletes, coaches, parents, and sports administrators about the dangers of doping.

2. Hooch Tragedy in Tamil Nadu: 38 Dead, 100 Hospitalized After Consuming Illicit Liquor

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page; Page: 11)

Context:

At least 38 people died, and around 100 were hospitalized in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi after consuming hooch, an illicitly produced alcoholic beverage.

Analysis of News:

What is Hooch?

• Hooch, also known as illicit liquor, differs significantly from branded alcohol. While factory-produced liquor undergoes rigorous quality control and is manufactured with sophisticated equipment, hooch is often produced in rudimentary, unregulated settings.
• The primary goal of hooch is to intoxicate, and it can be disagreeable in taste. However, when prepared improperly, it can be fatal.

How is Hooch Made?

The production of all alcohol involves two fundamental processes: fermentation and distillation.

• Fermentation: In this process, yeast reacts with sugar (sourced from grains, fruits, sugarcane, etc.) to produce alcohol. The reaction is triggered by heating. Beverages like beer and wine are made through fermentation. However, fermentation has a limitation; the alcohol produced eventually becomes toxic to the yeast, halting the process when the mixture reaches roughly 15% alcohol by volume.

• Distillation: Distillation separates alcohol from the fermented mixture by exploiting the different boiling points of the mixture’s constituents. Distilled beverages, or spirits, are much stronger than fermented ones. Hooch is made by distilling a fermented mixture, typically using locally available yeast and sugar or fruit (often fruit waste). To increase potency, multiple distillation rounds are often conducted.

Why Can Hooch Be Dangerous?

• The rudimentary setup used for distilling hooch poses significant risks. Typically, this involves a large vat for boiling the mixture, a pipe to capture the alcoholic fumes, and a pot where concentrated alcohol condenses. Unlike regulated alcohol production facilities, there is no mechanism for precise temperature control, leading to several dangers.
• Fermentation produces both consumable alcohol (ethanol) and toxic methanol. During distillation, methanol, which has a lower boiling point (64.7°C) than ethanol (78.37°C), is collected first and must be discarded. Only the alcohol collected after the mixture reaches 78.37°C is safe for consumption.
• However, hooch makers lack the accuracy needed for safe distillation. Often, they err on the side of caution by keeping temperatures high and resort to adulteration to enhance potency. Dangerous substances like organic waste and battery acid are sometimes added, making hooch not only more intoxicating but also potentially deadly in high concentrations.

How Does Hooch Impact the Body?

• Methanol ingestion can lead to severe health issues, including impaired vision, high toxicity, and metabolic acidosis—a condition where the body produces excessive acid that the kidneys cannot eliminate.
• The treatment for methanol poisoning is intravenous administration of fomepizole, which inhibits methanol’s conversion into toxins. However, fomepizole is expensive and not widely available in many parts of India. In such cases, a mixture of ethanol and water (in a 1:1 ratio) is administered.
• Ethanol inhibits the toxic conversion of methanol and aids in its elimination from the body, either naturally or through dialysis.

3. Karnataka govt. clears Centre’s proposal on reviving gold mining at Kolar Gold Fields

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)

Context

The Karnataka government approved the revival of gold mining at the historic Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), authorising the auction of 13 tailing dumps covering 1,003.4 acres by Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML). These dumps, containing 33 million tonnes of extraction waste, have the potential to yield one gram of gold per tonne upon processing.

Kolar Gold Fields (KGF):

• Historical Significance: Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) is one of the oldest gold mines in India, dating back over 120 years.
• Location: Situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka, about 100 kilometers from Bangalore.
• Ownership: The mines are owned by Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML), a public sector undertaking established in 1972.
• Production Peak: During its peak, KGF was known as the deepest and richest gold mine in India, producing significant amounts of gold.
• Depth: The mines reached a depth of over 3 kilometers, making them some of the deepest in the world.
• Economic Impact: The mining operations at KGF provided employment and economic growth to the region for many decades.
• Closure: Mining operations ceased in 2001 due to a decline in gold production and rising costs.
• Revival Efforts: Recent proposals aim to revive gold extraction by processing 33 million tonnes of tailing dumps estimated to yield one gram of gold per tonne.

4. Bhartruhari Mahtab appointed pro tem Speaker of Lok Sabha

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

Context

President Droupadi Murmu appointed Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha, which stirred controversy as Opposition leaders argued that the senior-most MP, Kodikunnil Suresh, was overlooked for this customary role.

Analysis of the news:

• A Pro-tem Speaker is a temporary position appointed to preside over the proceedings of a Lok Sabha, typically during its initial sessions until a regular Speaker is elected.

Here are the key points about a Pro-tem Speaker:

• Appointment: Appointed by the President based on convention or recommendation from the ruling party.
• Role: Conducts the oath or affirmation ceremony of newly elected members.
• Duties: Presides over the election of the regular Speaker and facilitates the smooth functioning of the House until a Speaker is elected.
• Duration: Usually serves until a permanent Speaker is elected by the members of the legislative body.
• Seniority: Often appointed based on seniority or parliamentary experience, though political considerations and consensus play a significant role.
• Powers: Exercises similar powers as a regular Speaker during their tenure, ensuring parliamentary rules are followed and maintaining order.

5. Limbless amphibian found in Kaziranga for first time

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Context

In a recent survey at Kaziranga National Park, herpetologists identified the striped caecilian, an elusive limbless amphibian rarely seen due to its subterranean habits. This discovery emphasises the park’s role in conserving diverse wildlife, particularly vulnerable species like caecilians, amidst ongoing environmental challenges such as climate change.

Analysis of the news:

• Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, spanning 1,307.49 sq. km in Assam, recently added the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp) to its fauna.

• This limbless amphibian was discovered during a rapid survey conducted by herpetologists from June 14-17.
• The park’s ecosystem, including flood plains, wetlands, grasslands, and hills, provides an ideal habitat for diverse herpetofauna.
• Kaziranga is known for its rich biodiversity, hosting 24 amphibian species and 74 reptile species, including 21 out of 29 species of Indian tortoises and freshwater turtles.
• Caecilians are ancient and poorly studied amphibians that primarily live underground.
• The discovery underscores the park’s importance for conservation, especially amidst climate change challenges.

6. IIT-Delhi’s project wins joint 2nd prize in global competition

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Context

IIT-Delhi’s project ‘AMRsense’ has secured joint second place in Trinity Challenge’s competition focused on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Led by Tavpritesh Sethi, the initiative aims to empower ASHA workers in India with AI tools for better AMR data collection and management, addressing gaps in awareness and training at the community level.

AMRsense: empowering communities with a proactive one health ecosystem:

• Objective: Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a community-centric approach in India, focusing on ASHA workers’ empowerment.

Components:

• Community Engagement: Equips ASHA workers with AI-assisted tools for accurate data collection on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Data Integration: Integrates antibiotic sales, consumption data, and WHONet-compliant surveillance data via open-source tools and APIs.
• Predictive Analytics: Uses federated analytics to derive integrated insights across the OneHealth ecosystem, aiding in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) management.
• AMRaura Scorecard: Implements a monitoring tool to evaluate and track AMR trends and the impact of interventions.

Impact: Aims to improve antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness, training, and data-driven management at the grassroots level, enhancing healthcare outcomes and policy formulation.

Innovation: Integrates technology and community health initiatives to bridge gaps in AMR data collection and evidence-based healthcare practices.

5. 3,000-year-old shipwreck found off north coast: Israel

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

Context

A 3,000-year-old shipwreck, discovered off Israel’s northern coast by Energean, yielded hundreds of intact amphorae. The find underscores the Late Bronze Age’s maritime trade and ancient navigational prowess, showcasing how vessels operated far from shore using celestial navigation.

Analysis of the news:

• A 3,000-year-old shipwreck was discovered off Israel’s northern coast by Energean, a London-listed energy firm.
• The wreck, found over a mile deep, contained hundreds of amphorae, vessels used for storing goods like wine or olive oil during the Late Bronze Age.
• Experts believe the ship sank during a crisis, possibly due to a storm or piracy attempt.
• Dating to the 14th or 13th century BC, the find illustrates booming maritime trade of the Bronze Age.
• The discovery highlights ancient mariners’ navigational skills using celestial cues, away from coastal visibility.

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

7. French-Chinese spacecraft to hunt down universe’s most powerful explosions

Context

A joint French-Chinese satellite named SVOM is launching to investigate gamma-ray bursts, the universe’s most powerful explosions. Scheduled from China’s Xichang launch site, SVOM aims to unravel mysteries dating back to the Cold War when gamma-ray bursts were first observed by U.S. satellites.

Analysis of the news:

• A French-Chinese satellite named SVOM is set to launch to study gamma-ray bursts, powerful cosmic explosions.
• These bursts, originating billions of light years away, offer insights into the early universe.
• SVOM will orbit 625 kilometres above Earth equipped with Chinese and French instruments.
• It aims to locate and analyse gamma-ray burst sources using X-ray detection.
• The mission symbolises continued scientific cooperation amid strained China-West relations.
• Gamma-ray bursts were first observed accidentally during the Cold War, initially mistaken for terrestrial nuclear explosions.
• Previous missions like NASA’s Swift telescope have contributed to understanding these phenomena.