13-February-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

NUCLEAR ENERGY: CONCERNS OVER LIABILITY CONCESSIONS

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

The Indian government plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, raising concerns over potential exemptions for nuclear suppliers. While this move may benefit U.S. corporations, it could compromise nuclear safety and increase risks for Indian citizens.

Key Concerns Over Liability Concessions

Nuclear Accidents and Their Impact

• Nuclear reactors carry the risk of catastrophic accidents, such as the Fukushima disaster in Japan (2011).
• The consequences affect victims, plant operators (NPCIL in India), and equipment suppliers.
• The financial burden of nuclear accidents can be enormous, often exceeding the compensation limits set by laws.

India’s Liability Law and Its Limitations

• The 2010 Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) channels primary liability to the operator, capping it at ₹1,500 crore.
• The cost of nuclear accidents can be significantly higher, as seen in Fukushima, where cleanup costs were estimated between ₹20 lakh crore and ₹46 lakh crore.
• This law undermines victims’ rights by limiting compensation, shielding suppliers from financial responsibility.

Right of Recourse Against Suppliers

• The law includes a “right of recourse,” allowing NPCIL to claim compensation from suppliers if accidents occur due to defective equipment or substandard services.
• Many countries indemnify suppliers completely, benefiting large corporations rather than public safety.
• Historical accidents like Fukushima and Three Mile Island highlight supplier negligence in reactor design flaws.

U.S. Influence and Government’s Shift in Stance

• U.S. suppliers oppose any liability and have pressured the Indian government to remove the “right of recourse.”
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs has downplayed this provision, attempting to bypass it through contractual arrangements.
• U.S. officials continue lobbying to amend the law, prioritizing corporate profits over public safety.

Economic Concerns Over Nuclear Imports

• The AP1000 reactor, promoted by U.S. companies, has faced severe cost overruns and delays in the U.S.
• Projects in South Carolina were abandoned after spending over $9 billion, while completed reactors in Georgia cost $36.8 billion, much higher than initial estimates.
• Nuclear energy from these reactors would be significantly more expensive than alternative energy sources.

Safety vs. Corporate Interests

• Westinghouse claims its reactors have an extremely low probability of accidents, yet suppliers insist on complete indemnity.
• If the risk is so low, why do suppliers seek immunity while Indian citizens face potential hazards?

Conclusion

The government’s move to amend the liability law raises serious concerns about public safety and financial risks. Prioritizing corporate interests over the rights of Indian citizens could have long-term consequences for nuclear security and economic stability.

Practice Question:

1. Consider the following pairs of Nuclear Power Plants and their locations in India:

Nuclear Power Plant	State
1. Tarapur Nuclear Plant	Gujarat
2. Kudankulam Nuclear Plant	Tamil Nadu
3. Kakrapar Nuclear Plant	Maharashtra
4. Kaiga Nuclear Plant	Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 2, 3, and 4 only
4. 1, 2, and 4 only

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Tarapur Nuclear Plant is located in Maharashtra, not Gujarat.
• Kudankulam Nuclear Plant is correctly matched in Tamil Nadu.
• Kakrapar Nuclear Plant is in Gujarat, not Maharashtra.
• Kaiga Nuclear Plant is correctly matched in Karnataka.

BUDGETING FOR A GENDER-INCLUSIVE ‘VIKSIT BHARAT’

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Union Budget 2025-26 highlights the government’s commitment to inclusive growth by prioritizing the well-being of marginalized groups, including women. With a focus on gender-responsive budgeting, the budget aims to increase women’s participation in economic activities and boost their access to resources.

Key Highlights of the Gender Budget Allocation

• The gender budget has increased to 8.8% of the total budget, up from 6.8% last year, marking the highest allocation in 20 years.
• A total of ₹4.49 lakh crore has been distributed across 49 Ministries and departments to support women’s empowerment.
• 12 new Ministries, including railways, ports, and pharmaceuticals, have incorporated gender budgeting, ensuring a whole-of-government approach to gender equality.

Enhancing Women’s Workforce Participation

• India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has risen from 33% in 2021-22 to 42% in 2023-24, nearing the global average of 47%.
• The target of 70% women’s participation in economic activities by 2047 requires increased investment in:

• Skill development through initiatives like Skill India Programme, ESDP, and National Skill Training Institutes.
• Employment generation under MGNREGS, PM Employment Generation Programme, and DAY-NRLM.
• Entrepreneurship promotion through schemes like PM Vishwakarma and Krishonnati Yojana.

• Budget allocation for these programs has increased from ₹1.19 lakh crore to ₹1.24 lakh crore, with 52% directed towards women.

Formalizing Women Gig Workers

• 90% of working women in India are employed in the informal sector, including gig work.
• The Budget proposes: Issuing identity cards to gig workers. Registering them on the e-Shram portal to provide access to social security benefits.
• The move aims to formalize informal work and ensure financial inclusion for women workers.

Promoting Women in AI and Digital Economy

• A Centre of Excellence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for education has been established.
• The India AI Mission includes a ₹600 crore gender budget to enhance women’s participation in AI-driven industries.
• Investments in digital education, enterprise training, and technology skills will help women adapt to the future workforce.

Strengthening Financial Access for Women

• Women play a vital role in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and employment.
• Financial institutions need to: Simplify loan processes by delinking Kisan Credit Cards from land ownership. Provide collateral-free loans and alternative credit scoring models for women entrepreneurs.
• 20.5% of MSMEs in India are women-owned, employing 27 million people.
• Studies indicate that adding 30 million more women-led businesses could create 150-170 million jobs by 2030.

Conclusion:

The Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for gender-inclusive development. Achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat requires continued policy efforts, improved infrastructure, and societal shifts to support women’s economic empowerment. With sustained investment, India can move towards the 70% women workforce participation goal by 2047.

SHOULD CONVICTED PERSONS CONTEST ELECTIONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The issue of whether convicted individuals should be allowed to contest elections raises concerns about political integrity and governance. Legal provisions exist to disqualify candidates with criminal records, but debates continue over the need for stricter measures, including a lifetime ban.

Legal Provisions on Conviction and Disqualification

• Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act, 1951) governs the eligibility of candidates.
• Section 8(3): Disqualifies individuals sentenced to two or more years of imprisonment from contesting elections during their sentence and for six years after release.
• Section 8(1): Permanently disqualifies candidates convicted under laws related to severe crimes, including:
  • Rape
  • Unlawful activities under UAPA
  • Corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act
  • Practicing untouchability under the PCR Act

Supreme Court Judgments on Decriminalisation of Politics

• Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) Case (2002): Mandated the disclosure of candidates’ criminal records.
• CEC vs Jan Chaukidar (2013): Ruled that prisoners, including undertrials, are not ‘electors’ and cannot contest elections. This was later overturned by a 2013 amendment.
• Lily Thomas Case (2013): Declared Section 8(4) of the RP Act unconstitutional, ensuring immediate disqualification of legislators upon conviction.

Election Commission’s Role in Removing Disqualification

• Section 11 of RP Act, 1951: Grants the Election Commission (EC) power to reduce or remove disqualification.
• Case of Prem Singh Tamang (2019): EC reduced his disqualification period from six years to 13 months, allowing him to contest elections.
• Concerns: Such decisions contradict efforts to curb criminalisation of politics.

Current Petition for Lifetime Ban

• Calls for a permanent ban on convicted individuals from contesting elections.
• Petitioners argue that if convicted individuals are ineligible for government jobs, they should not be lawmakers either.
• Government’s Stand (2020): MPs and MLAs are not bound by the same rules as government employees, and the current six-year disqualification after serving a sentence is sufficient.
• Supreme Court’s Action: Seeking responses from the Centre and EC on the petition.

ADR REPORT (2024):

• 46% of MPs have criminal cases.

• 31% face serious charges (rape, murder, etc.).
• Candidates with criminal records have a higher chance of winning (15.4%) compared to those with clean records (4.4%).

LAW COMMISSION REPORTS (1999, 2014) & EC RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Suggested barring candidates facing charges for offences punishable by over five years in prison.
• Political parties oppose this due to potential misuse.

Way Forward

• Lifetime ban for heinous crimes (murder, rape, corruption) could improve public trust.
• Judicial review of EC’s power to reduce disqualification periods to prevent misuse.
• Reforms in election laws to promote clean governance and reduce criminal influence in politics.

By enforcing stricter laws and ensuring accountability, India can move towards a more transparent and corruption-free political system.

Practice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the election rights of a preventive detention candidate:

1. A person detained under preventive detention laws is barred from contesting elections unless the detention is revoked.
2. Preventive detention laws violate the fundamental right to participate in public life as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
3. A candidate under preventive detention is not allowed to cast their vote but can still be nominated and contest elections.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

• A person detained under preventive detention laws can contest elections, but only if their detention has been revoked or if they are allowed to take part in the election process. Preventive detention does not automatically disqualify someone from contesting elections unless a specific law prohibits it.
• Preventive detention laws do not necessarily violate the fundamental right to participate in public life under Article 21. The Supreme Court has upheld preventive detention as constitutional in certain cases, stating that it is a reasonable restriction on individual liberty in the interest of national security or public order.
• A person under preventive detention is generally allowed to contest elections, but whether they can cast their vote depends on the conditions of their detention (e.g., they may be restricted from leaving the detention facility to vote).

IMPACT OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON INDIAN STOCK MARKETS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Indian stock markets have been facing a downturn due to multiple global and domestic factors. U.S. trade policies, foreign investor withdrawals, and economic uncertainties have contributed to market volatility.

Reasons for Market Decline

U.S. Trade Policies and Tariffs

• The U.S. government has reinstated tariffs on steel and increased aluminium tariffs to 25%.
• These measures aim to protect American industries from unfair competition and oversupply in global markets.
• Indian markets reacted negatively, fearing an influx of cheap Asian exports, which could lower domestic steel prices.
• Indian steel producers, such as JSW Steel, have already seen a decline in profits due to price reductions.
• India’s Directorate General for Trade Remedies (DGTR) is investigating alleged dumping of steel imports.

Foreign Investor Sell-Off

• Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have been shifting funds from Indian equities to U.S. bonds.
• The reasons include: Slower growth in Indian corporate earnings. Overvalued mid-cap and small-cap stocks. Inflation consistently exceeding the RBI’s 4% threshold. Uncertainty in trade policies and tariffs.

• Higher U.S. bond yields attract investors, leading to capital outflows from India. This strengthens the U.S. dollar and weakens the Indian rupee.

• Market sentiment is further affected by consistent FII withdrawals. In 2024, FIIs have sold Indian equities worth nearly ₹93,907 crore.
• Domestic investors are trying to counterbalance FII outflows, but investor confidence remains low.

Market Performance of Mid and Small-Cap Stocks

• Mid and small-cap stocks have been significantly affected by the ongoing sell-off.
• Dollar-denominated returns of Indian equities have not been attractive, leading to reduced foreign investments.

Future Market Outlook

• Potential trade wars, geopolitical instability, and slowing global growth could continue affecting Indian markets.
• FIIs are expected to return, but the timing remains uncertain.

Factors that may bring back FIIs include:

• Signs of economic recovery in India.
• Improvement in corporate earnings.
• A decline in the U.S. dollar.

• Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are expected to remain strong, helping absorb some of the selling pressure.

Conclusion

The Indian stock market is currently experiencing a challenging phase due to global economic trends, trade policies, and investor sentiment. While uncertainties remain, a stable economic recovery and improved domestic fundamentals could attract foreign investments in the long run.

AI IN DRUG TESTING: ENHANCING PRECISION AND HUMAN RELEVANCE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Traditional drug testing relies on animal models, but their limitations in predicting human responses have prompted the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Regulatory bodies like the FDA are now exploring AI-based methods to improve drug safety and effectiveness before human trials.

The Need for AI in Drug Testing

• Animals process drugs differently than humans, requiring adjustments in test results.
• Genetic diversity in human populations affects drug responses, unlike homogenous lab-bred animals.
• Success rates for drugs developed through conventional methods remain low (around 14%).

Advantages of AI in Drug Research

• AI enables faster identification of promising drug candidates.
• Helps predict drug effects on vulnerable populations like children.
• Reduces reliance on animal testing, improving ethical considerations.

Role of AI in the Drug Development Process

• Discovery Phase: AI scans large chemical databases to shortlist potential drug compounds.
• Preclinical Testing: Predicts human drug responses using computational models. Assesses risks of adverse effects before human trials.
• Clinical Trials and Approval: AI enhances patient selection for trials based on genetic and medical data. Ensures better safety and efficacy predictions.
• Post-Marketing Surveillance: Monitors real-world drug effects and flags safety concerns.

AI’s Potential in Predicting Drug Risks

• Safety Monitoring: AI-based models assess unintended side effects of drugs. New computational tools can evaluate toxicity risks before human trials.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Agencies like the FDA are developing guidelines to standardize AI use in drug safety assessments. Transparency and data reliability remain key concerns.

Challenges in AI-Based Drug Testing

• Data Quality Issues: AI predictions depend on diverse and unbiased training data.
• Transparency and Accountability: AI decision-making processes are often not open to scrutiny.
• Continuous Monitoring: AI models evolve, requiring ongoing regulation and oversight.

Global Efforts and India’s Progress

• The FDA, European Medicines Agency, and ICH are drafting AI guidelines.
• India’s 2023 amendment allows AI-generated data to support drug approvals, reducing dependence on animal testing.

Conclusion

AI-driven drug testing offers a faster, more ethical, and human-relevant alternative to traditional methods. While challenges like data accuracy and regulatory oversight exist, structured frameworks can enhance AI’s role in safe drug development.

CURBING CORRUPTION IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM: A NECESSARY REFORM

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Corruption in the education system undermines its credibility and affects the future of students. Addressing this issue requires strong leadership, transparency, and systemic reforms to ensure fairness in academic institutions.

The Issue of Corruption in Education

• Recent reports highlight cases where vice-chancellors, professors, and accreditation officials were arrested for accepting bribes in exchange for better rankings.
• Such practices diminish the integrity of academic institutions and impact students’ trust in the system.
• Though digital processes were introduced to improve transparency, loopholes still exist that allow unethical practices.

Challenges in the Accreditation System

• Accreditation bodies like the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and National Board of Accreditation (NBA) play a key role in assessing educational institutions.
• Previously, all approvals were digitized to reduce human intervention and prevent bribery.
• However, some institutions continue to manipulate rankings by finding ways to bypass regulations.
• The involvement of private institutions in corrupt practices also adds to the challenge.

Why Corruption Persists?

• Regulatory bodies have discretionary powers, which create opportunities for corruption.
• Institutions benefit financially from higher rankings, as they can charge higher fees.
• Lack of strong monitoring mechanisms allows corruption to continue unchecked.
• Societal pressure for success often pushes institutions and individuals towards unethical means.

Need for Reform and Systemic Changes

• Strict governance and transparency must be implemented across all regulatory bodies.
• Digital verification of academic records through platforms like Digi Locker can reduce fraudulent activities.
• Third-party audits should be made mandatory for all accreditation processes.
• Data monitoring in real-time can ensure authenticity and prevent manipulation of rankings.

Creating an Ethical Educational Environment

• Institutions should promote ethical values and integrity among students and faculty.
• Anti-corruption policies must be enforced with strict penalties for violations.
• Training programs for regulators and faculty can help in developing an accountable education system.
• Public awareness about corruption’s impact on education should be raised to encourage collective action.

Conclusion

Corruption in education must be curbed to protect students’ futures and ensure a fair academic environment. While complete elimination of corruption may be difficult, strong reforms, digital transparency, and ethical leadership can significantly reduce its impact.

EINSTEIN RING DISCOVERED AROUND A NEARBY GALAXY

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Scientists have discovered a rare astronomical phenomenon known as an Einstein ring around the galaxy NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years away. This finding, made using the European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope, provides valuable insights into gravitational lensing and dark matter.

What is an Einstein Ring?

• An Einstein ring is a circular pattern of light formed due to gravitational lensing, where a massive celestial object bends and magnifies light from a distant galaxy behind it.
• This effect was predicted by Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which stated that gravity can bend light.
• The body causing the distortion is called a gravitational lens, which could be a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies.
• Einstein rings are extremely rare, with fewer than 1% of galaxies displaying this phenomenon.
• They cannot be seen with the naked eye and require powerful space telescopes like Euclid for observation.

Recent Discovery of an Einstein Ring

• The Euclid telescope captured images of an Einstein ring in September 2023, which were released in February 2025.
• The ring was observed around NGC 6505, a galaxy first identified in the 19th century.
• The distant galaxy behind NGC 6505 is located 4.42 billion light-years away and its light is bent and magnified by the gravitational field of NGC 6505.

Scientific Significance of Einstein Rings

• Understanding Dark Matter: Dark matter is believed to make up 85% of the universe’s total matter, but it does not emit or absorb light, making it undetectable by traditional methods.
• Since gravitational lensing is influenced by mass, including dark matter, studying Einstein rings helps scientists map and analyze dark matter’s presence.
• Studying Distant Galaxies: These rings magnify and enhance the visibility of galaxies that are otherwise too faint or distant to be studied. They offer insights into galaxy formation and evolution across the universe.
• Measuring Universe Expansion: The stretching of space between galaxies due to cosmic expansion affects light bending, allowing researchers to better understand how fast the universe is expanding.

Conclusion

The discovery of an Einstein ring around NGC 6505 is an exciting development in astrophysics. It not only confirms Einstein’s theory but also helps in unravelling the mysteries of dark matter, distant galaxies, and the universe’s expansion.

Practice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding Einstein’s theory of relativity:

1. The Special Theory of Relativity states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.
2. The General Theory of Relativity explains gravity as a force between masses.
3. The concept of time dilation is a key prediction of Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The Special Theory of Relativity, proposed by Einstein in 1905, asserts that the laws of physics are invariant and the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames of reference, no matter how fast an observer is moving relative to one another.
• The General Theory of Relativity (1915) describes gravity not as a force between masses, but as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy.
• Time dilation, the phenomenon where time slows down for an object moving at a high speed relative to a stationary observer, is a key prediction of Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity.

CASTE SURVEY AND RESERVATION CHALLENGES IN TELANGANA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Telangana government recently released the caste survey data, revealing the population distribution among different communities. This data will play a crucial role in reshaping reservation policies, particularly regarding the promised 42% quota for OBCs in local body elections.

Key Findings of the Caste Survey

• The survey found that non-Muslim OBCs make up 46.25%, while Muslim OBCs account for 10.08% of the population.
• Scheduled Castes (SCs) constitute 17.43%, and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are 10.45%.
• General category (non-OBC, non-SC/ST), including Muslims, makes up 15.79% of the population.
• The rise in tribal population is attributed to the concentration of Lambadas and forest tribes like Gonds and Koya’s.

Implications of the Survey

Impact on Reservation Policies

• The Telangana government must now implement 42% OBC reservation in local elections.
• The state will also need to address sub-categorization of SC reservations based on new data.

Political and National Relevance

• Telangana is the first Congress-led state to conduct such a caste survey.
• The move aligns with Rahul Gandhi’s call for a nationwide caste census.
• The Congress sees the survey as a way to counter BJP’s OBC support base.

Challenges from Upper Castes

• Historically, upper castes have opposed caste-based data collection due to fears of political shifts.
• The BJP has largely avoided caste surveys, fearing a realignment of voter dynamics.

OBC Demand for Increased Quotas

• OBC leaders argue that with new data, the 27% OBC reservation cap should be revised.
• The Supreme Court had previously upheld 10% EWS reservation for general castes, raising questions about the fairness of the OBC quota limit.
• Bihar’s caste survey showed OBCs at 63.14%, but a court ruling stopped an increase in their reservation.

Legal Hurdles for Telangana

• Any increase in reservations beyond the 50% cap set by the Supreme Court could face legal challenges.
• The government may have to justify OBC and SC/ST sub-classifications with strong legal backing.
• Previous cases, like Bihar’s OBC quota push being struck down, indicate potential legal battles for Telangana.

Conclusion

The caste survey in Telangana is a significant step in shaping reservation policies. However, legal and political challenges may hinder its implementation, requiring careful legal navigation by the government.