A LESSON FROM TAIWAN IN QUAKE RESILIENCE
TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT– SOURCE: THE HINDU
Recent seismic activity in Taiwan offers valuable lessons for enhancing earthquake resilience, showcasing proactive measures that vulnerable regions like India can adopt to minimize future seismic impacts.
Earthquakes in Taiwan:
- Taiwan sits on the convergence of the Philippine Sea and Eurasian plates, experiencing frequent earthquakes.
- 1999 Chi-Chi Earthquake Devastated Taiwan, leading to administrative reforms and the implementation of stringent building codes.
- 2024 Hualien Earthquake Despite similar magnitude, caused minimal damage due to improved infrastructure and adherence to building codes.
- Preparedness Measures: Taiwan invested in advanced earthquake monitoring, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns.
- Technological Solutions: Utilized seismic dampers and base isolation systems in construction, as seen in Taipei 101 building.
Lessons for India:
- Regional Bands: Earthquakes occur in specific regions due to plate movements along convergent boundaries.
- Example of Himalayas: Powerful earthquakes concentrate along convergent plate boundaries like the Himalayas, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
- Infrastructural Expansion: India experiencing growth in tectonically unstable regions necessitates strict adherence to seismic safety regulations.
- Enforcement of Codes: Emphasizes the importance of following seismic codes, constructing safer structures, and enhancing enforcement.
- Regional Adaptations: Recognizes the need for seismic designs tailored to local earthquake activity, building types, and construction materials.
- Promotion of Traditional Architectural Styles: Encourages rediscovery and promotion of earthquake-resistant traditional architectural styles in susceptible regions.
PLATE TECHTONICS
The Earth’s outer layer, called the lithosphere, is divided into several large and small pieces called tectonic plates.
- Plate Movement: These plates are not fixed but are constantly moving very slowly, floating on the semi-fluid layer beneath them known as the asthenosphere.
- Types of Boundaries: Plates interact along their boundaries, which can be divergent (moving apart), convergent (moving together), or transform (sliding past each other).
- Divergent Boundaries: At divergent boundaries, plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust through volcanic activity and the creation of features like mid-ocean ridges.
- Convergent Boundaries: Convergent boundaries occur when plates collide. Depending on the type of plates involved, this can result in subduction zones, mountain ranges, or volcanic arcs.
- Transform Boundaries: Transform boundaries involve plates sliding past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes along fault lines such as the San Andreas Fault in California.
Impact: Plate tectonics drive geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, the formation of mountain ranges, and the movement of continents over millions of years.
RESTORING EARTH’S RIGHT TO ‘GOOD HEALTH’
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU
European Court of Human Rights found Switzerland guilty of violating women’s rights due to inadequate emission control measures.
Supreme Court of India ruled that people have the right to be free from adverse climate change impacts under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Climate change refers to significant and long-term alterations in Earth’s climate patterns, including temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other factors, primarily resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
These activities release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, which trap heat and lead to the warming of the planet.
Global Climate Crisis:
- World Meteorological Organization’s report highlights record-breaking climate indicators in 2023, making it the hottest year recorded.
- Climate change severely impacts the planet’s health, affecting people’s right to live a healthy life.
India’s Climate Challenges:
- India has made progress in decoupling emissions from economic growth but remains vulnerable to climate change.
- Over 80% of the population lives in districts at risk of climate-induced disasters, leading to socio-economic inequalities.
Legal Precedent for Climate Action:
- Courts recognize climate change impacts as a violation of fundamental rights, paving the way for legal accountability.
- Adoption of an overarching regulation on climate change can enhance state capacities and drive climate action.
Empowering Civil Society and Citizen Groups:
- Rights-based dialogue fosters consensus on environmental policy and resolves tensions between conservation and development goals.
- Judicial recognition of nature’s rights, like ‘Mother Nature’ as a legal person, reinforces the need to protect the environment.
Initiatives by india
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) (2008)
- Panchamrit (Five Nectar Elements): Announced at COP26 (2021)
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP)
- Amendment to Energy Conservation Act (2022)
- National Hydrogen Mission: Launched in 2021
- Green Grid Initiative
- Ujjwala Bharat Scheme
Utilizing legal judgments and observations can help restore Earth’s right to ‘good health’ and protect people’s future from climate change impacts
WHAT ARE RULES AROUND STAR CAMPAIGNERS?
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU
The Election Commission (EC) issued an advisory urging parties to maintain decorum and focus on issue-based debates.
Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, regulates the expenditure of ‘star campaigners’, leaders of political parties, during election campaigns.
In January 2020, during the Delhi Assembly election campaign, the EC removed Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma of the BJP from the list of star campaigners for making inflammatory remarks, demonstrating the EC’s commitment to fair campaigning practices.
Legal Provisions:
- Political parties can appoint up to 40-star campaigners (for recognized parties) or 20 (for unrecognised parties), to be communicated to the Election Commission (EC) within seven days of election notification.
- The RP Act exempts the expenditure of star campaigners on travel for campaigning from being counted towards candidates’ election expenses.
Benefits:
- Expenditure incurred by star campaigners on travel for general party campaigning does not count towards candidates’ expenditure limits.
- This allows parties to deploy prominent figures to attract votes without exceeding expenditure limits.
Issues:
- The EC has advised parties to maintain decorum in campaigning, warning star campaigners of violations.
- Instances of star campaigners using inappropriate language and making unsubstantiated allegations have been reported.
- In some cases, the EC revoked star campaigner status for violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
Proposed Actions:
- Amend the law to empower the EC to revoke star campaigner status for serious violations, depriving candidates of expenditure relief.
- Improve the assessment and apportionment of expenses incurred during star campaigners‘ rallies to ensure fair accounting.
REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT (RPA), 1951
Provisions of RPA 1951
Eligibility to contest
- Citizen of India.
- 30 years old for Lok Sabha (Parliament) and 25 years old for State Assembly.
- Sound mind and not disqualified by law.
How can a candidate be Disqualified:
- Holding certain government offices.
- Undischarged bankruptcy.
- Criminal conviction (certain types).
Authotrity of ECI in Registration of Voters:
- Universal Adult Franchise (18+).
- Electoral Rolls maintained for each constituency.
Reservation of Seats:
- Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) for better representation.
- Election Process:
Nomination by candidates.
- Scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations.
- Polling at designated booths.
- Counting of votes and declaration of results.
Election Petitions:
- Mechanism to challenge election results in court.
ACCUSED IN CRIMINAL CASES WON MORE SEATS IN 17TH LS’.
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU
An amicus curiae report in the Supreme Court highlighted the prevalence of lawmakers with criminal backgrounds winning seats in the 17th Lok Sabha.
- It reveals that 18% of candidates had criminal cases filed against them, with 12% facing serious criminal charges.
Right to Information and Voter Awareness:
- The report emphasizes that voters have a fundamental right to know about the criminal histories of lawmakers, including the status of ongoing trials and reasons for delays.
- It suggests the establishment of dedicated tabs on State High Courts’ websites to provide detailed information about criminal trials against legislators, district-wise.
Pending Cases and Recommendations:
- The report highlights the large number of pending criminal cases against lawmakers, with a substantial portion pending for more than five years.
- Recommendations include the creation of a model website similar to the National Judicial Data Grid to provide real-time information on cases against MPs and MLAs, with the formation of a committee chaired by a Supreme Court judge for oversight.
Way forward for decriminalising of politics
Arguments for:
- Clean Governance: Reduce influence of money & muscle power in elections.
- Better Representation: Attract competent candidates without criminal record.
- Public Trust: Restore faith in democratic institutions.
Challenges:
- Vague Definition: Defining “criminal” for disqualification remains contentious.
- Pending Cases: Disqualification based on pending cases can be misused.
- Alternative Leadership Pool: Limited pool of non-criminal candidates initially.
Possible Solutions:
- Fast-Track Courts: Expedite trial for criminal cases against politicians.
- Stringent Electoral Funding: Stricter regulations on campaign finance.
- Inner-Party Democracy: Encourage ethical candidate selection within parties.
SC ALLOWS 14-YEAR-OLD RAPE SURVIVOR TO UNDERGO PREGNANCY TERMINATION
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES
Supreme Court invoked its exceptional authority under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure “complete justice” by allowing the medical termination of pregnancy for a 14-year-old rape survivor in Maharashtra.
- The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act usually limits termination to 24 weeks for various categories, including rape survivors and minors.
- In this case, the FIR for the crime was filed after the 24-week limit, posing a legal barrier to abortion.
- A medical board recommended termination, stating that continuing the pregnancy against the minor’s will could harm her physical and mental well-being.
- The survivor is nearly 30 weeks pregnant, and she became aware of her pregnancy only at a very advanced stage.
MTP ACT AMENDMENTS 2021
- Expanded Access: Allows qualified nurses to perform MTPs, potentially improving accessibility.
- Increased Limit: Raised permissible termination limit with specialist opinion from 20 to 24 weeks for substantial fetal abnormalities.
- Confidentiality: Protects women’s identity by penalizing disclosure of personal details by medical practitioners.
- Medical Board: Established for approval of terminations beyond 24 weeks in exceptional cases.
- Focus on Special Categories: Addresses specific needs of women like those in marital discord or victims of sexual assault.
Way forward in protecting rape survivors.
- Legal Safeguards: Push for stricter laws and reforms for speedy justice. Analyze current laws and propose amendments for better protection.
- Government Initiatives: Assess support schemes, rehab programs, and awareness drives. Critique effectiveness and suggest enhancements.
- Law Enforcement: Evaluate police responsiveness and coordination in safeguarding survivors. Recommend sensitivity training and improved protocols.
- Healthcare: Review accessibility and quality of medical services. Propose infrastructure upgrades and survivor-cantered care.
- Psychological Support: Stress the need for counselling services. Call for trained professionals and holistic mental health support.
- Community Engagement: Analyse NGO and community roles. Enhance grassroots support and involvement.
MOUNT EREBUS
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA
Mount Erebus, a live volcano located in Antarctica, has gained attention for ejecting gold dust valued at $6000 per day consistently.
- Mount Erebus, located on Ross Island, Antarctica, is Earth’s most southerly active volcano, discovered in 1841 by British explorer Sir James Clark Ross. Named after his ship, the Erebus
- Type: It’s a stratovolcano, which means it has a conical shape with layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.
- Lava Lake: Known for its persistent lava lake, active since at least 1972.
- Eruptions: Occasionally erupts with Strombolian eruptions, spewing bombs of molten rock.
- Monitoring: Researchers monitor it remotely using satellites due to its remote location.
STRATOVOLCANO
- A stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano, is a type of volcano characterized by its steep, conical shape and explosive eruptions.
- These volcanoes are built up over time by layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and other volcanic materials.
- The eruptions of stratovolcanoes can be highly explosive and are often accompanied by pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and ashfall. Examples of stratovolcanoes include Mount Fuji in Japan,
RAMPAGE
TOPIC: (GS3) INTERNAL SECURITY– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS
Israel deployed the Rampage, a highly effective air-to-surface missile, during an assault on an Iranian military facility.
Rampage missile:
- Type: It’s a long-range, supersonic air-to-ground missile designed for precise strikes.
- Developers: Created by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems.
- Purpose: Made to destroy well-protected targets like communication centers and infrastructure.
- Size and Weight: Measures 4.7 meters (15.4 feet) long and weighs 570 kilograms.
- Speed and Range: Travels at supersonic speeds with a range of over 190 miles.
- Payload: Carries 150 kilograms of explosives with options for blast fragmentation or general-purpose warheads.
- Guidance System: Utilizes GPS/INS navigation and anti-jamming capabilities for accuracy.
- Flexibility: Can be launched from aircraft or as a standalone system.
- Mid-flight Adjustment: Capable of altering its trajectory during flight for precise targeting.
- All-Weather Operation: Works in any weather condition, day or night
EXERCISE POORVI LEHAR (XPOL)
TOPIC: (GS3) INTERNAL SECURITY– SOURCE: PIB
Exercise Poorvi Lehar was recently conducted by the Indian Navy on the East Coast.
- Purpose: It’s a maritime exercise led by the Indian Navy along the East Coast to assess their readiness for maritime security challenges.
- Leadership: Eastern Naval Command.
- Participants: Involves ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces.
- Phases: Includes combat training in realistic scenarios during the Tactical Phase and various firings during the Weapon Phase.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Maintained by operating aircraft from different locations, ensuring continuous monitoring of the area.
- Interoperability: Assets from the Indian Air Force, Andaman & Nicobar Command, and Coast Guard also participated, highlighting strong cooperation between services.
- Lessons Learned: Provides valuable training under realistic conditions, enhancing readiness to respond to maritime challenges effectively.