23-November-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

HARYANA’S PRIVATE SECTOR DOMICILE RESERVATION LAW

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Haryana’s contentious private sector domicile reservation law, guaranteeing 75% local reservation in jobs, faced a significant setback as the Punjab and Haryana High Court declared it unconstitutional. This law, enacted in 2021, was a crucial electoral promise by the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) in the 2019 Assembly election. The court’s decision has political implications for the BJP-JJP coalition government in Haryana, setting the stage for a potential legal battle in the Supreme Court.

Background and Legislative Intent:

• Enacted in 2021, the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020, mandated 75% reservation for locals in private sector jobs.
• Originating as an electoral pledge, the law aimed to address rising unemployment and prioritize local candidates.

Legal Framework and Challenges:

• The law faced challenges primarily on constitutional grounds, violating Article 19 (freedom to reside and settle) and Article 14 (equality before the law) of the Constitution.
• Industry associations contested the law, arguing that it infringes on the right to practice any profession, impacting productivity and competitiveness.

State Government’s Defense:

• The State government justified the law, citing the need to protect local livelihoods and curb issues like slums and environmental concerns caused by migrant influx.
• Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala asserted that the law was crucial for youth employment and industry growth.

Supreme Court Intervention:

• Initially stayed by the High Court, the law faced scrutiny. However, the Supreme Court set aside the stay, directing an expeditious decision and refraining from coercive actions against non-compliant companies.

High Court’s Decision and Constitutional Concerns:

• On November 17, 2023, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed the law, declaring it unconstitutional and violative of fundamental rights.
• The court emphasized that such domicile-based reservation creates ‘artificial walls’ and goes against the spirit of the Constitution, undermining the oneness of the nation.
• Article 35 of the Constitution, governing matters within Article 16(3) (equality of opportunity in public employment), was cited to highlight the legislative overreach.

Conclusion:

The quashing of Haryana’s private sector domicile reservation law by the High Court poses significant legal and political challenges. The decision’s repercussions extend beyond the state, prompting a reevaluation of domicile-based employment reservations and raising constitutional concerns. The impending Supreme Court appeal by the State government adds another layer to this complex legal saga.

‘AGNI’ INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE INNOVATIONS BY AYURVEDA PRACTITIONERS

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – PIB

The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has initiated the ‘Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative’ (AGNI) to promote research and innovation among Ayurveda practitioners. This project aims to document successful therapeutic practices, foster evidence-based reporting, and encourage scientific validation of Ayurveda interventions.

Objectives of AGNI:

• Provide a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to report innovative practices and experiences in various disease conditions.
• Cultivate a culture of evidence-based practice within the Ayurveda community.
• Document successful therapeutic regimens involving single drugs, formulations, or procedures for educational purposes.

Collaboration and Capacity Building:

• Identify interested Ayurveda practitioners for collaboration in creating a comprehensive database.
• Conduct training programs in research methods and good clinical practices to enhance practitioners’ capacity.

Research and Mainstreaming:

• Undertake research to validate pragmatic Ayurveda practices through scientific methods.
• Collaborate with Ayurveda practitioners and relevant institutes for further studies and scientific validation.

Expression of Interest:

• Qualified Ayurveda practitioners interested in participating can submit their Expression of Interest by December 15, 2023, through the CCRAS website.

Conclusion:

With over 500,000 registered Ayurveda practitioners, AGNI marks a significant step towards mainstreaming and scientifically validating Ayurveda practices. This initiative aligns with CCRAS’s commitment to promoting research and fostering excellence in Ayurveda interventions.

WHAT IS THE RULING AGAINST THE U.K.’S RWANDA DEAL?

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The U.K.’s initiative, the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), designed to transfer asylum seekers to Rwanda, has faced legal scrutiny, leading to a ruling by the U.K. Supreme Court deeming it unlawful. This ruling has raised questions about the legality and ethical implications of the U.K.’s asylum transfer mechanism.

The Rwanda Deal – MEDP:

• Launched in April 2022 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
• Aims to create a mechanism for transferring asylum seekers, not considered by the U.K., to Rwanda.
• Utilizes an inadmissibility clause to categorize individuals entering the U.K. through irregular journeys, such as the English Channel.

Why Rwanda?:

• Rwanda provides three options for those sent by the U.K.: return to their country of origin, relocation to a third country, or settlement in Rwanda with housing, health insurance, and work rights.
• Historical context: Aligns with the colonial-era practice of dispersing migrant labor to specific territories.

Unlawful Ruling Reasons:

• Two main issues: Court of Appeal’s entitlement to intervene and examination of the real risk for asylum seekers in Rwanda.
• Supreme Court found the High Court’s decision flawed for neglecting evidence of the risk of refoulement, violating the U.K.’s responsibility to protect refugees.
• Real risk of ill-treatment from refoulement supported by Rwanda’s human rights record and non-compliance with assurances.

Mixed Domestic Responses:

• Uncertainty over the arrangement’s legality and refugee treatment in Rwanda.
• Civil society organizations argue against the possibility of double voluntarism, emphasizing the U.K.’s ongoing responsibility for refugee safety.
• Concerns about setting a precedent for other EU nations, potentially leading to a decline in humanitarian standards and increased risks for refugees in third-party countries.

Conclusion:

The U.K.’s Rwanda deal, aimed at transferring asylum seekers, faces legal challenges as the Supreme Court deems it unlawful. The ruling sheds light on ethical concerns, emphasizing the need for clarity in asylum policies and adherence to humanitarian standards.

2ND INDIA-AUSTRALIA 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE HELD IN NEW DELHI

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The 2nd India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in New Delhi marked a significant milestone in the defense partnership between the two nations. Co-chaired by India’s Defence Minister and External Affairs Minister along with their Australian counterparts, the meeting emphasized the strategic convergence and shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region.

Strategic Convergence:

• Both nations boast pluralistic societies and market economies.
• Share a vision for an Indo-Pacific characterized by a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order.
• Collaboration through the Australia–India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership (AIIPOIP) and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.

Shared Interests and Initiatives:

• Mutual interest in balancing China’s assertiveness.
• Membership in the Quad, alongside Japan and the U.S.
• Bilateral strategic partnership elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.

Key Defense Cooperation:

• Military Logistics Support Agreement facilitates advanced logistic cooperation.
• Defence Science & Technology Implementing Arrangement promotes collaboration between defense research organizations.
• Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) liaison officer enhances maritime situational awareness.
• Joint Military Exercises include AUSINDEX, Malabar, AUSTRAHIND, and PITCH BLACK.

Diverse Cooperation Areas:

• Extends beyond defense to encompass cybersecurity, ocean-born trade security, and more.
• Demonstrates commitment to fostering a resilient and cooperative Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion:

The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue underscored the depth of the India-Australia defense partnership, emphasizing strategic alignment, shared initiatives, and multifaceted cooperation. This collaboration contributes to the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region.

CHINA SETS UP NEAR-SPACE COMMAND FOR HYPERSONIC WEAPONS FORCE

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

China’s establishment of a Near-Space Command for its Hypersonic Weapons Force has stirred discussions about the strategic importance of this region, positioned between the Earth’s surface and outer space. With a recent incident involving the U.S. shooting down a Chinese spy balloon, the militarization of near space is gaining prominence.

Near-Space Command Setup:

• Near space encompasses the region between 18 km and 160 km above sea level.
• Establishment of the Near-Space Command indicates the growing belief that near space could become a future battleground.

Significance of Near Space:

• Near space is currently considered a “no man’s land” due to its unique characteristics.
• Systems in this region can operate for extended periods compared to traditional unmanned air vehicles.
• Cost-effective satellites in near space offer advantages in communication, reconnaissance, and surveillance.

Advantages and Limitations:

• Near-space systems serve as surrogate satellites with shorter transmission distances and enhanced capabilities.
• Radar and thermal characteristics make near-space equipment less vulnerable to tracking and targeting.
• Challenges include turbulence in the lower atmosphere and the potential diplomatic ramifications of near-space militarization.

Hypersonic Weapons:

• Hypersonic weapons, flying at speeds of Mach 5 or more, exhibit high maneuverability and the ability to alter their course during flight.

Conclusion:

China’s strategic move to establish a Near-Space Command highlights the evolving nature of warfare, emphasizing the importance of this region for military operations. The advantages and challenges associated with near-space operations contribute to the complex dynamics of modern defense strategies.

INS SUMEDHA MISSION DEPLOYED AT MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

As part of the Extended Operational Deployment to Africa, Indian Naval Ship Sumedha arrived at Maputo, Mozambique, on November 21, 2023, fostering diplomatic ties and maritime collaboration. This deployment aligns with India’s commitment to international cooperation and friendship.

Diplomatic Objectives:

• The port call aims to strengthen diplomatic relations between India and Mozambique.
• It seeks to reinforce maritime cooperation and enhance interoperability between the Indian and Mozambican navies.

Scheduled Interactions:

• Planned activities include professional interactions, cross deck visits, planning conferences, and Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance from November 23-25, 2023.
• Courtesy Calls by the Commanding Officer on Mozambican dignitaries and officials are part of the engagement.

Bilateral Relations:

• Mozambique and India share warm bilateral relations rooted in common values of democracy, development, and secularism.
• Regular high-level exchanges and interactions occur across various fields, including defense cooperation through Joint Defence Working Group meetings.

 INS Sumedha Overview:

• INS Sumedha, part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, operates under the Eastern Naval Command.
• The ship is equipped with advanced weapon systems, sensors, navigation, and communication systems.
• Past missions include fleet support, patrolling, ocean surveillance, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

GAMBUSIA (MOSQUITOFISH)

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

A recent study highlights the invasive presence of two mosquitofish species, Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki, in diverse ecosystems across India, posing ecological concerns.

Characteristics of Gambusia:

Biological Mosquito Control: Gambusia is globally introduced for mosquito control, preying on mosquito larvae.

Native Origin: Originally from the U.S., it has spread worldwide due to intentional introductions.

Habitat: Thrives in shallow waters, navigating dense vegetation where mosquito larvae and pupae are abundant.

Invasive Alien Species: Recognized as a prominent invasive species, its introduction often disrupts local ecosystems.

Historical Context:

Introduction to India: Gambusia was first introduced in India in 1928 during British rule as a measure for mosquito control.