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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 01/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01/03/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01/03/2024

GDP growth forFY24 pegged at 7.6%

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The National Statistical Office (NSO) has made significant revisions to India’s economic growth estimates, indicating a more optimistic outlook.

  • This includes an upward adjustment of the real GDP growth estimate for the current year to 7.6%, surpassing the previous projection of 7.3%.
  • Conversely, the growth estimate for 2022-23 has been scaled down from 7.2% to 7%, and the 2021-22 estimate increased from 9.1% to 9.7%.

Key Highlights

  • Gross Value Added (GVA) Projections
    • The Gross Value Added (GVA) in the economy is anticipated to increase by 6.9% this year, with a revision of last year’s GVA growth from 7% to 6.7%.
    • Notably, GDP growth for the first two quarters of the current year has been revised to 8.2% and 8.1%, with a further rise to 8.4% projected for the October to December 2023 quarter (Q3).
  • Concerns in Economic Indicators
    • Persistent concerns are raised about private consumption, which grew 3.5% in Q3 compared to 2.4% in Q2.
    • The full-year growth estimate for private consumption is downgraded to 3% from the earlier 4.4% forecast in January.
    • Challenges in the Farm Sector
      • The farm sector faces challenges as GVA growth contracted by 0.8% in Q3, and a meager 0.7% rise is expected for the full year, significantly lower than the 4.7% recorded in 2022-23.
      • Chief Economic Advisor V. AnanthaNageswaran expects a recovery in the farm sector next year, attributing this year’s growth to industrial expansion.
    • Contributions from Key Sectors
      • The acceleration in GVA growth is attributed to three key sectors: construction, showing a substantial increase of 10.7%; manufacturing, rebounding from a 2.2% dip in 2022-23 to 8.5% growth; and mining, with growth at 8.1% compared to 1.9% the previous year.
    • Q4 Growth Projection Concerns
      • Concerns has been raised over the unexpected dynamics in the Gross Value Added (GVA) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth figures.
      • Despite a 6.9% GVA growth, the GDP growth is being revised upward to 7.6%.
      • Notably, the average GDP growth for the first three quarters stands at 8.2%, implying a potential dip in the fourth quarter to 5.9%.
      • The data exhibits considerable noise, evident in significant swings in discrepancy numbers for both the current and previous years.
      • This suggests a level of uncertainty or volatility in the economic indicators.

What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA)?

  • Gross Value Added (GVA):
    • Definition: GVA represents the total value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders, minus the value of goods and services used up in production.
    • Calculation: GVA can be calculated using the formula: GVA = GDP – Taxes on Production + Subsidies on Production.
    • Significance: GVA provides a measure of the contribution of different sectors of the economy (such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services) to the overall economic output. It focuses on the value generated at each stage of production.
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
    • Definition: GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced within the borders of a country in a specific time period, regardless of whether the production is carried out by domestic or foreign entities.
    • Calculation: GDP can be calculated using three approaches: the production approach (GDP = GVA + Taxes on Production – Subsidies on Production), the expenditure approach (GDP = Consumption + Investment + Government Spending + (Exports – Imports)), and the income approach (GDP = Compensation of Employees + Gross Profits + Gross Mixed Income + Taxes on Production and Imports – Subsidies).
    • Significance: GDP is a comprehensive measure that reflects the overall economic health of a country. It is often used to compare the economic performance of different countries and to track the growth or contraction of an economy over time.

ZSI names a newly discovered sea slug after President Murmu

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has identified and named a novel marine species of head-shield sea slug, featuring a distinctive ruby red spot.

  • This discovery was made along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, and the species has been officially named Melanochlamysdroupadi after the President of India, DroupadiMurmu.

Key Highlights

  • Identification and Characteristics
    • The newly discovered sea slug, belonging to the Melanochlamys genus, was found in Digha on the West Bengal coast and Udaipur on the Odisha coast.
    • It is unique to these regions and has not been identified anywhere else globally.
    • Species within the Melanochlamys genus are characterized by a short, blunt, and cylindrical body, along with a smooth dorsal surface featuring two dorsal shields – the anterior cephalic and posterior shields.
  • Distinct Features of Melanochlamysdroupadi
    • Melanochlamysdroupadi is a small invertebrate, reaching a maximum length of 7 mm.
    • Its coloration is brownish-black, with a noteworthy ruby red spot in the hind end.
    • This head-shield sea slug carries a shell inside its body, is hermaphroditic, and is commonly found crawling on intertidal zones, leaving crawl marks on sandy beaches.
  • Distribution of Melanochlamys Genus
    • According to the ZSI, species of the Melanochlamys genus are generally found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Oceanic realm.
    • However, three species, including Melanochlamysdroupadi, are truly tropical in distribution.
    • Notably, Melanochlamysbengalensis is found along the West Bengal and Odisha coast.
  • Scientific Observations
    • A scientific paper details that live Melanochlamysdroupadi animals secrete transparent mucus continuously.
    • This mucus forms a sheath preventing sand grains from entering the parapodial space.
    • The sea slug is observed to crawl beneath smooth sand, creating a moving capsule where the body is rarely visible.

What is a sea slug?

  • A sea slug is a type of marine invertebrate, often referred to as a sea snail without a protective shell or with a significantly reduced or internal shell.
  • Sea slugs are soft, squishy creatures that belong to the group of opisthobranchs within the phylum Mollusca.
  • They are commonly known for their vibrant colors and unique characteristics.
  • Sea slugs, also called nudibranchs, can be found in seas worldwide, ranging from the Arctic to tropical regions and even the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.
  • They are predominantly saltwater creatures, although some species can inhabit lower salinities in brackish water.
  • Sea slugs live at various depths in the ocean and play essential roles in marine ecosystems.
  • One fascinating aspect of sea slugs is their ability to exhibit aposematism, where their bright colors serve as a warning to predators about their toxicity or defenses.
  • Some sea slugs have developed unique defense mechanisms, such as stealing weapons from other organisms like hydroids to protect themselves.
  • These interactions showcase the intricate adaptations and behaviors of these marine creatures.

About the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

  • Establishment and History:
    • The ZSI originated from the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum in Calcutta in 1875 and was officially founded in 1916 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of India.
    • Over the years, it has expanded its research programs and strengthened its staff to enhance its contributions to zoological science.
  • Director and Structure:
    • Dhriti Banerjee, an entomologist specializing in Diptera, is the current Director of ZSI.
    • The headquarters of ZSI is located in Kolkata, with 16 regional centers across India housing approximately 300 scientists.
    • These regional centers play a crucial role in conducting research and conservation efforts related to various fauna species.
  • Publications and Contributions:
    • ZSI has been actively involved in publishing valuable resources such as newsletters, annual reports, and animal discoveries since its inception.
    • These publications serve as authentic sources for faunal discoveries in India.
    • Additionally, ZSI’s library holds a vast collection of approximately 135,000 volumes comprising books, journals, monographs, reports, and other literature on Zoology.
  • Taxonomy Summit:
    • The Annual Taxonomy Summit hosted by ZSI provides a platform for exploring breakthroughs in zoological taxonomy.
    • This event showcases advancements in understanding and classifying fauna species, contributing to the field of zoological science.

Understanding the world of the informal waste picker

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

On March 1, the world observes International Waste Pickers Day, commemorating waste pickers in Colombia who were tragically murdered in 1992.

  • This occasion sheds light on the often-overlooked, hyper-marginalized workforce in the informal waste sector, highlighting their crucial yet invisible role in waste management systems globally.

Key Highlights

  • Understanding the Informal Waste Picker
    • The International Labour Organization defines the informal sector in waste management as individuals or small enterprises operating without formal registration, yet actively contributing to waste management services.
    • Informal waste pickers engage in collecting, sorting, trading, and reintegrating recyclable waste into the economy.
    • Despite their essential role, they face systemic marginalization, lacking recognition, representation, and access to social security and legal protection.
  • Estimates of Informal Waste Pickers
    • Reliable estimates of informal waste pickers are challenging, but the Centre for Science and Environment suggests that globally, the informal waste economy employs around 0.5%–2% of the urban population.
    • In India, the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 indicates nearly 1.5 million waste pickers in the urban workforce, with half a million being women.
    • These workers, often women, children, and the elderly, face violence, sexual harassment, and are among the urban poor’s most impoverished.
  • Working Conditions and Health Risks
    • Waste pickers, on average, collect 60 kg to 90 kg of waste daily during hazardous work without safety equipment.
    • Their health issues include dermatological and respiratory problems, along with injuries.
    • Existential precarity is exacerbated by low income, irregular work, and their subordinate position in the caste hierarchy.
  • Impact of Private Sector Participation
    • Private sector involvement in municipal solid waste management further marginalizes waste pickers, stripping them of their rights.
    • Private actors employing expensive machinery sideline informal pickers, compelling them into more hazardous roles, such as scavenging dump sites.
    • This intensifies health risks, compromises income, and diminishes social status.
    • Private players, along with municipal authorities, often seal off dump sites, pushing waste pickers into heightened vulnerability.
    • Dump site closures exacerbate their precarious situation, impacting health, income, and social standing.
  • Purpose and Relevance in Plastic Waste Management
    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has emerged as a crucial strategy in India to address the challenges of plastic waste management.
    • This approach shifts the responsibility for waste management from municipal authorities to commercial waste producers, aiming to enhance accountability in the disposal and recycling processes.
    • EPR holds the potential for fostering social inclusion, particularly for informal grassroots actors such as waste pickers.
    • The concept suggests a departure from traditional waste management practices and envisions a system where commercial waste producers take an active role in managing the life cycle of their products.
  • Concerns and Realities of EPR Implementation
    • Despite its promising outlook, the implementation of EPR in practice poses challenges, particularly for informal waste pickers.
    • Reports from Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) highlight that EPR initiatives can divert waste away from the informal sector, potentially leading to the displacement of a significant number of informal waste pickers.
    • The Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers (AIW) has raised concerns about the representation of stakeholders in EPR guidelines.
    • While several entities, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), producers, brand owners, industry, industry associations, civil society organizations, and citizens are identified as stakeholders, there is ambiguity regarding the inclusion of informal waste pickers or their representative organizations in this framework.
    • Despite the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 mandating the inclusion of waste pickers in municipal solid waste management systems, there appears to be a notable gap in prioritizing their role in EPR initiatives.
    • The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in 2022 have been criticized for neglecting the crucial contribution of informal waste pickers to waste management and recycling.
  • Global Contribution of Waste Pickers
    • Waste pickers globally play a pivotal role in the collection and recovery of plastic waste, contributing to the recycling of up to 60% of all plastic, as highlighted in the 2022 World Economic Forum report.
    • Despite their significant impact on sustainable recycling, the efforts of waste pickers often go undervalued, and they face challenges in earning a decent livelihood.
    • Reports from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Pew underscore the substantial contribution of informal waste pickers.
    • In 2016 alone, these workers collected 27 million metric tonnes of plastic waste, accounting for 59% of all plastic material collected for recycling.
    • Their efforts are crucial in preventing plastic from entering landfills or the ocean.
    • Despite their valuable contribution, waste pickers encounter challenges such as exposure to burning plastic fumes and consumption of water and air contaminated by microplastics.
  • The Call for a Plastic Treaty and Just Transition
    • As the global community endorses the United Nations resolution to end plastic pollution and work towards a legally binding agreement by 2024, there is a growing recognition of the need for a just transition for waste pickers.
    • The Plastic Treaty should address the fair treatment and well-being of these workers who play a vital role in sustainable plastic management.
  • India’s Plastic Overshoot Day and the EPR Mechanism
    • India faces challenges in plastic waste management, with its per capita plastic waste generation on the rise.
    • According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), January 6 marks the plastic overshoot day for India.
    • The country is among the top 12 responsible for 52% of the world’s mismanaged waste.
  • Limitations of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
    • While the EPR mechanism holds producers accountable for plastic pollution, it primarily involves large recycling units, sidelining the informal workforce responsible for transforming waste into recyclable material.
    • The existing EPR framework misses the opportunity to leverage the traditional knowledge possessed by waste pickers in handling waste effectively.
  • Rethinking EPR Norms and Integrating Waste Pickers
    • Given the valuable traditional knowledge held by waste pickers, there is a call to rethink the formulation of EPR norms.
    • The current framework could benefit from a more inclusive approach that acknowledges and integrates the expertise of millions of informal waste pickers.
    • Waste pickers’ traditional knowledge can strengthen the implementation of the EPR system, contributing to its effectiveness.
    • Integrating waste pickers into the new legal framework ensures a more comprehensive and impactful approach to plastic waste management.

Note: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach that places the responsibility for the end-of-life management of a product on the producer rather than the consumer or local government. The concept recognizes that producers have a significant role to play in the entire life cycle of their products, including disposal and recycling.

What is Plastic Overshoot Day?

  • Plastic Overshoot Day is the date when the amount of plastic waste produced worldwide exceeds the capacity to safely manage it.
  • This day is calculated by comparing the amount of plastic waste generated with the capacity to recycle or manage it effectively.
  • The first Plastic Overshoot Day was recognized internationally on July 28, 2023, by the Swiss-based research consultancy Earth Action.
  • Plastic Overshoot Day highlights the point at which global waste management systems can no longer handle the plastic waste produced annually.

On cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The recent Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka witnessed instances of cross-voting, sparking concerns about the integrity of the election process.

  • Cross-voting involves members of legislative assemblies voting against the directives of their respective parties.

Key Highlights

  • Rajya Sabha Elections Process
    • Constitutional Provision: Article 80
      • Rajya Sabha representatives from each state are indirectly elected by the members of their Legislative Assembly, as outlined in Article 80 of the Constitution.
      • Elections are held only if the number of candidates exceeds the available vacancies.
    • Historical Context: Till 1998
      • Historically, Rajya Sabha elections were often predetermined, with candidates nominated by parties being elected unopposed according to their strength in the Assembly.
      • However, the scenario changed with the June 1998 Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra, which saw unexpected cross-voting resulting in the loss of a Congress party candidate.
    • Amendment to Address Cross-Voting
      • In 2003, an amendment to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, aimed to curb cross-voting.
      • Section 59 was amended to mandate open ballot voting in Rajya Sabha elections.
      • Political party MLAs are required to show their ballot paper to their party’s authorized agent, with failure to do so leading to disqualification of the vote.
      • Independent MLAs are prohibited from showing their ballots to anyone.
    • Role of the Tenth Schedule
      • The Tenth Schedule, introduced through the 52nd constitutional amendment in 1985, encompasses the ‘anti-defection’ law.
      • It specifies that a member who voluntarily gives up party membership or votes against party instructions faces disqualification from the respective House.
      • Applicability to Rajya Sabha Elections
        • The Tenth Schedule’s provisions related to voting against party instructions are not applicable to Rajya Sabha elections.
        • The Election Commission clarified in July 2017 that elections to the Rajya Sabha are not considered proceedings within the Legislative Assembly.
        • Therefore, the ‘whip’ and disqualification provisions do not extend to Rajya Sabha elections.
        • Political parties are barred from issuing a ‘whip’ to their members for such elections.
      • Supreme Court’s Decision in KuldipNayar versus Union of India (2006)
        • In the case of KuldipNayar versus Union of India (2006), the Supreme Court upheld the open ballot system for Rajya Sabha elections, citing transparency as a means to combat corruption.
        • The court ruled that secrecy, if used for corrupt practices, can be eliminated through transparency.
        • However, the court clarified that voting against the party candidate in a Rajya Sabha election does not lead to disqualification under the Tenth Schedule.
        • Elected MLAs may face disciplinary action from their party but are not subject to disqualification.
      • Interpretation of Voluntarily Giving up Membership
        • The Supreme Court, in the case of Ravi S. Naik and Sanjay Bandekar versus Union of India (1994), emphasized that voluntarily giving up membership under the Tenth Schedule is not limited to formal resignation from the party.
        • The conduct of a member both inside and outside the house can be examined to determine if it qualifies as voluntarily giving up membership.
      • Recent Disqualification in Himachal Pradesh
        • In the recent cross-voting incident in Himachal Pradesh, six Congress MLAs were disqualified under the Tenth Schedule for defying the party whip and being absent during the passage of the Budget in the Assembly.
      • Challenges and the Way Forward
        • Despite the intent behind the open ballot system to ensure free and fair elections, instances of cross-voting in the last decade have undermined this procedure.
        • Further amendments to strengthen constitutional or legal provisions against such practices may be challenging, as ruling parties often benefit from unprincipled tactics.
      • Judicial Intervention as a Safeguard
        • The Supreme Court, however, has demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding democracy.
        • In a case related to the Chandigarh Mayoral election, the court emphasized its role in preventing the murder of democracy.
        • Cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections poses a serious threat to democracy, prompting the court to consider suo moto Public Interest Litigation or intervene when the disqualification order of the six MLAs from Himachal Pradesh comes up on appeal.
        • Reevaluation of the KuldipNayar Case
          • The court may revisit its own order in the KuldipNayar case in light of its judgment in the Ravi Naik case.
          • Voting against one’s political party in a Rajya Sabha election could be construed as a strong reason to infer voluntary relinquishment of party membership.
          • If the court decides so, it could serve as a deterrent against future instances of cross-voting.

About the Election to the Rajya Sabha

  • The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament of India, and its members are not directly elected by the public through a general vote.
  • Instead, they are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories.
  • Composition of the Rajya Sabha:
    • The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, and one-third of its members retire every two years.
    • Members are elected for a term of six years.
  • Representation of States and Union Territories:
    • Members of the Rajya Sabha are chosen to represent the States and Union territories of India.
    • The number of representatives from each State or Union territory is determined based on its population.
  • Election by Members of Legislative Assemblies:
    • Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union territories.
    • The method of election is by means of a single transferable vote, a proportional representation system.
  • Nomination by the President:
    • The President of India can also nominate members to the Rajya Sabha, especially in cases where individuals have excelled in fields such as literature, science, art, social service, and others.
    • The President can nominate up to 12 members.
  • Representation of Anglo-Indians:
    • The Constitution of India originally provided for the representation of the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha (lower house) and the Rajya Sabha.
    • However, this provision was abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
    • As a result, members of the Anglo-Indian community are no longer nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
  • Vacancies and By-Elections:
    • If a Rajya Sabha seat becomes vacant due to reasons such as resignation or death, a by-election is held to fill the vacancy.
    • However, the term of the newly elected member will be only for the remainder of the term of the member who vacated the seat.

Is NATO membership in the cards for Ukraine?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

Western powers, along with Ukraine, marked the two-year anniversary of Russian aggression on Ukrainian territory.

  • Growing concerns revolve around the potential for the conflict to escalate into Europe.
  • NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the inevitability of Kyiv joining the military bloc, although member states may not reach a consensus on this matter anytime soon.

Key Highlights

  • Reason for Russian Invasion: Opposition to NATO Expansion
    • In 2008, NATO leaders expressed their intention to admit Georgia and Ukraine to the alliance, provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin, staunchly opposed to NATO expansion into the former USSR heartland.
    • In response, Putin sent tanks into Tbilisi in 2008.
    • The situation escalated in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, and in 2022, a full-scale war on Ukraine ensued.
    • Admission of Kyiv to NATO would trigger Article 5, the mutual defense provision, offering security guarantees to Ukraine, which relinquished its nuclear arsenal for such assurances.
  • Status of the War: Depletion of Ukrainian Artillery Ammunition
    • The immediate concern is Ukraine’s severe depletion of artillery ammunition on the battlefield, posing challenges in holding back Russian troops along a 1,500 km frontline.
    • Ukraine’s Defence Minister RustemUmerov notes a significant shortfall, leading to increased casualties.
    • Russia achieved a breakthrough when Ukraine withdrew from the strategic city of Avdiivka, attributed to shortages in Kyiv’s artillery firepower.
    • This withdrawal marks a significant victory for Russian forces since capturing Bakhmut city.
  • S. Role in the Conflict: Largest Arms Contributor and Aid Bill Stall
    • The United States, the largest arms contributor to Ukraine’s war effort, has faced challenges in pushing a $60 billion aid bill through Congress.
    • The Republican-controlled House of Representatives, influenced by former President Donald Trump’s pressure, has resisted approving the financial package.
    • Some Republicans argue for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its security, emphasizing equal partnership with the U.S.
  • EU’s Contribution: Overcoming Hurdles and Ongoing Disputes
    • The European Union (EU), overcoming obstacles posed by Hungary, has committed to a €5 billion deal over four years to support Ukraine’s economy.
    • However, internal disputes within the 27-nation bloc hinder additional funding for the European Peace Facility (EPF), a €12 billion initiative supporting Ukraine’s war effort.
    • Disagreements revolve around incorporating the value of weapons supplied bilaterally by Germany into common contributions, with concerns about potential impacts on the fund’s volume.
    • Some countries also advocate for EPF expenditure to support the bloc’s defense industry.
  • The Road Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainties
    • Ukraine’s full NATO membership remains off the table for now.
    • Instead, NATO seeks to address Ukraine’s concerns by formalizing cooperation mechanisms, granting Kyiv the ability to call emergency meetings and ensuring increased participation.
    • The potential re-election of President Putin and the return of Donald Trump to power pose significant challenges and uncertainties for Ukraine’s future.

About the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

  • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance of 31 member states, comprising 29 European countries and two North American countries.
  • Establishment:
    • NATO was established in the aftermath of World War II with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949, in Washington, D.C.
  • Membership:
    • NATO has grown from its original 12 founding members to include 31 countries.
    • The alliance has expanded its membership nine times, with Finland being the most recent addition in April 2023.
    • NATO also collaborates closely with partner countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Colombia.
  • Mission:
    • NATO’s fundamental purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.
    • The alliance promotes democratic values, encourages cooperation on defense and security issues, and aims to prevent conflict through diplomacy and military deterrence.
  • Collective Defense:
    • Central to NATO’s mission is the principle of collective defense outlined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.
    • This article states that an attack against one member is considered an attack against all members, leading to a collective response if necessary.
  • Structure:
    • NATO’s structure includes civilian administrative bodies like the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and military executive bodies like the Military Committee (MC).
    • The organization’s headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium, with military headquarters near Mons, Belgium.

Stay orders of HCs won’t lapse automatically: Supreme Court

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The Supreme Court, on February 29, emphasized its reluctance to intervene unnecessarily with well-considered interim orders of High Courts that stay criminal and civil proceedings.

  • A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud stated that the apex court lacks the authority to automatically declare that a High Court’s stay order, issued after due consideration, would expire within six months.

Key Highlights

  • Background and Reference Decision
    • The Constitution Bench addressed a reference on the correctness of the 2018 judgment in Asian Resurfacing of Road Agency Vs CBI.
    • In the 2018 ruling, a three-judge Bench had determined that interim stay orders without specified time limits would automatically lapse after six months unless their duration was periodically extended.
  • High Court Jurisdiction and Basic Structure
    • Justice A.S. Oka, authoring the lead opinion, highlighted that imposing constraints on the High Court’s power would infringe on its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution—a fundamental aspect of the Constitution’s basic structure.
    • Justice Pankaj Mithal, concurring with the lead opinion, affirmed that a reasoned stay order, unless explicitly time-bound, would endure until a decision in the main matter or until an application for vacation is filed and a speaking order is issued.
  • Supreme Court’s Limitation on Fixing Time Bound Schedules
    • The recent verdict by a five-judge Supreme Court Bench clarified that the apex court cannot ordinarily establish time-bound schedules for High Courts or trial courts to resolve pending cases.
    • The court recognized that the reasons for case pendency vary, considering factors such as the workload on different courts.
    • It stressed that setting outer limits for case disposal should only occur in exceptional circumstances to address extraordinary situations.
    • The judgment underscored that the Supreme Court does not wield absolute hegemony over High Courts.
    • While Article 142 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to deliver complete justice, this authority should not be employed to excessively interfere with orders issued by High Courts after due deliberation.
    • The Supreme Court clarified that Article 142 should not be invoked to override a multitude of lawfully passed interim orders by various High Courts without affording the contesting parties an opportunity to present their case.
    • justice or harm the substantive rights of a significant number of people.
    • The judgment reinforces the principle that Article 142’s invocation should be circumspect and reserved for addressing exceptional circumstances in the pursuit of complete justice.

About the Article 226 of the Indian Constitution

  • Article 226 of the Indian Constitution empowers the High Courts in India to issue certain writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and for other purposes.
  • Scope and Purpose:
    • Article 226 empowers the High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed by Part III of the Constitution.
    • These writs include:
      • Habeas Corpus: Orders for the release of a person who is unlawfully detained.
      • Mandamus: Orders directing a public official or authority to perform a legal duty.
      • Prohibition: Orders prohibiting a lower court or tribunal from exceeding its jurisdiction.
      • Quo Warranto: Orders inquiring into the legality of a person holding a public office.
      • Certiorari: Orders quashing the decision of an inferior court or tribunal.
    • Wide Jurisdiction:
      • The jurisdiction of High Courts under Article 226 is not limited to the enforcement of fundamental rights but extends to any other purpose as well.
      • This gives the High Courts a broad scope to intervene in matters of public interest or injustice.
    • Territorial Jurisdiction:
      • The territorial jurisdiction of a High Court extends throughout the territories for which it exercises jurisdiction.
      • Additionally, the power to issue writs against any Government, authority, or person may be exercised by any High Court, irrespective of the location of the seat of the government or authority.
    • Parallel Authority with Supreme Court:
      • Article 226 operates concurrently with Article 32, which grants similar powers to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of fundamental rights.
      • However, while Article 32 is a fundamental right itself, Article 226 is a discretionary power of the High Courts.
    • Discretionary Power:
      • The power under Article 226 is discretionary, and the High Courts may choose not to exercise it in certain cases.
      • However, the courts have used this power as a tool for protecting the rights of individuals and addressing issues of public importance.

About Article 142 of the Indian Constitution

  • Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court of India the unique power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing complete justice in any case or matter pending before it.
  • This allows the court to take necessary steps, even beyond existing legal provisions, to achieve justice.
  • Enforceability of Decrees and Orders:
    • Decrees or orders passed by the Supreme Court under Article 142 are enforceable throughout the territory of India.
    • The manner of enforcement may be prescribed by laws enacted by Parliament or, until such laws are made, as prescribed by the President through orders.
  • Wide Jurisdiction:
    • The scope of Article 142 is wide and allows the Supreme Court to issue orders on various matters, including those not explicitly covered by existing laws.
    • This enables the court to address unique or exceptional situations where the existing legal framework may not provide a sufficient remedy.

India’s leopard population rises to 13,874; M.P. on top

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The Environment Ministry released a report revealing an 8% growth in India’s leopard population, rising from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.

  • The survey covered 20 states, focusing on approximately 70% of the leopards’ anticipated habitat, including tiger reserves and protected forest areas.

Key Highlights

  • Unlike tigers, leopards exhibit adaptability and are found in various landscapes, including villages and cities.
  • The report highlighted the highest leopard numbers in Madhya Pradesh (3,907), with Maharashtra (1,985), Karnataka (1,879), and Tamil Nadu (1,070) as the only other states reporting over 1,000 leopards each.
  • Uttarakhand experienced a 22% decline, attributed to poaching and human-wildlife conflicts, while Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal collectively saw a 150% increase to 349 animals.
  • Leopard Habitat Conservation
    • Approximately one-third of the leopard population resides within protected areas.
    • The report emphasized the correlation between tiger reserve conservation and the preservation of leopard habitats.
    • While tigers are mainly confined to forest reserves, leopards demonstrate adaptability, sometimes inhabiting urban and rural environments, contributing to conflicts and higher mortality rates.
  • Survey Scope and Findings
    • The analysis, conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India, focused on forest areas previously surveyed in 2018.
    • The Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains reported a 3.4% yearly decline, while Central India and the Eastern Ghats, the Western Ghats and hills of the northeast, and the Brahmaputra flood plains recorded growth rates of 1.5%, 1%, and 1.3%, respectively.
    • The overall leopard population remained stable, indicating minimal growth, and the report noted potential impacts from human activities in multiple-use areas compared to tigers.
    • A decline in leopard numbers was observed in Ramnagar forest division (Uttarakhand), where tiger numbers showed significant growth.
    • Approximately 65% of the leopard population exists outside protected areas in the Shivalik landscape.
  • Regional Variances and Uttar Pradesh
    • The northeastern States reported a sharp rise in leopard numbers, attributed to a “sampling artefact,” suggesting limited systematic surveys and fewer installed cameras in previous years.
    • Uttar Pradesh saw an increase in both leopard and tiger numbers.
  • Survey Methodology
    • Forest surveyors covered 641,449 km to estimate carnivore signs and prey abundance.
    • Camera traps were set up at 32,803 locations, capturing 470,818,881 photographs.
  • Analysis of Population Trends
    • The overall leopard population showed stability in the last four years.
    • The report indicated minimal growth compared to tigers, emphasizing the potential impact of human activities on leopard populations in multiple-use areas.
    • Human-Wildlife Conflict
      • The report suggested potential impacts from human activities highlighting challenges in managing human-leopard conflicts in multiple-use areas.
    • Impact on Conservation Strategies
      • Understanding regional variances in leopard populations is crucial for conservation strategies, especially in areas facing human-wildlife conflicts.
      • The report emphasizes the need for targeted measures to address specific challenges in different regions.

About Leopards

  • Leopards are a species of big cats native to various regions in Asia and Africa.
  • In India, there are three distinct leopard species:
    • the Common Leopard, the Clouded Leopard, and the Snow Leopard.
    • These species are known for their unique rosette spots, which are used to identify individual leopards.
  • Common Leopard (Pantherapardusfusca):
    • Conservation Status: Vulnerable
    • Size: Male 203-243 cm, Female 180-208 cm
    • Weight: Male 45-77 kg, Female 30-45 kg
    • Habitat: Found in almost all landscapes except the trans-Himalayas and the extremely dry arid western region
    • Diet: Various herbivores, including large deer, small rodents, and even livestock
    • Behavior: Solitary, nocturnal, and skilled hunters
    • Threats: Poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict
  • Clouded Leopard (Neofelisnebulosa):
    • Conservation Status: Vulnerable
    • Size: 60-100 cm
    • Weight: 10-20 kg
    • Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia
    • Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles
    • Behavior: Solitary, arboreal, and nocturnal
    • Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Snow Leopard (Pantherauncia):
    • Conservation Status: Vulnerable
    • Size: 100-150 cm
    • Weight: 25-70 kg
    • Habitat: High-altitude mountain ranges in Central and South Asia
    • Diet: Wild ungulates, including sheep, goats, and deer
    • Behavior: Solitary, nocturnal, and skilled climbers
    • Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and climate change
  • Leopards are known for their stealthy hunting skills and their ability to climb trees.
  • They are also known for their unique rosette spots, which are used to identify individual leopards.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these species from threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

Note: In India, leopards are also listed as “Vulnerable” under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Lancet study shows obesity rates going up across world

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

A new study published in The Lancet reveals a significant increase in obesity rates among children, adolescents, and adults worldwide.

  • The research, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) in collaboration with the World Health Organization, involved over 1,500 researchers in more than 190 countries.
  • The study analyzed weight and height measurements of over 220 million people aged five years or older, examining changes in obesity and underweight from 1990 to 2022.

Key Highlights

  • Rising Obesity Rates
    • The study indicates a fourfold increase in obesity rates among children and adolescents and more than a twofold increase among adults from 1990 to 2022.
    • Obesity has now surpassed underweight as the most common form of malnutrition in many countries.
    • The total number of individuals living with obesity globally has exceeded one billion, including 159 million children and adolescents and 879 million adults in 2022.
  • India’s Obesity Trends
    • In India, the study’s co-authors from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation noted the coexistence of obesity and underweight.
    • The prevalence of both abdominal and generalized obesity is increasing, with variations observed in rural areas.
    • In 2022, India ranked 174th highest in the world for obesity rates among girls and boys.
    • The obesity rate in girls increased from 0.1% in 1990 to 3.1% in 2022, while for boys, it rose from 0.1% to 3.9%.
    • Among adults in India, the obesity rate in women increased from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022, and in men, it increased from 0.5% to 5.4%.
  • Global Implications
    • The study highlights the global health challenge posed by rising obesity rates and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policies to address this public health issue.
    • The coexistence of obesity and underweight in some regions underscores the complexity of nutritional challenges faced by populations.