25-July-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

BUDGET 2024: LONG ON INTENT, SHORT ON DETAILS

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The 2024 Budget presented by the Union Finance Minister focuses on three main aspects: intentions and vision for “Vikist Bharat@2047”, addressing unemployment, and specific initiatives for generating employment. However, it lacks specific details on how these goals will be achieved.

Fiscal Management

• Continuity and Fiscal Consolidation: The budget aims for continuity in fiscal consolidation efforts, targeting a fiscal deficit reduction to 4.9% from 5.1% in the interim budget.
• Reduction in Debt/GDP Ratio: Emphasis on reducing the fiscal deficit/GDP ratio below 4.5% by FY2026, leveraging funds from the Reserve Bank of India.

Expenditure and Employment

• Marginal Increase in Expenditure: A marginal increase in overall expenditure for 2024-25, with some sectors like commerce, industry, and energy experiencing a decrease.
• Social Welfare Spending: Decline in social welfare and scientific departments’ budgets.
• Capital Expenditure: Effective capital expenditure decreased with revised estimates for 2023-24 indicating a reduction in capital asset grants.

Economic Growth and Employment

• Boost to Private Consumption: Budget aims to increase private consumption through minor changes in the income-tax regime and enhanced disposable incomes.
• Employment Initiatives: Introduction of a direct internship scheme and revival of the MSME sector through credit support without collateral.
• Support to States: Financial assistance to states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand for indirect employment support.

Challenges

• Implementation Difficulties: The internship scheme may create temporary employment but not long-term solutions.
• MSME Challenges: Need for MSMEs to have access to non-collateral credit and a conducive environment for growth.
• Policy Omissions: Lack of mention of the PLI scheme, Gati Sakthi, and the Census. The absence of initiatives for education and health sectors and no clarity on dividend distribution tax.

Conclusion

While the 2024 Budget lays out ambitious goals for economic and employment growth, it falls short on providing specific strategies and detailed implementation plans. The success of these initiatives will depend heavily on the effectiveness of their execution and addressing the underlying challenges.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. The Finance Minister submits various documents to Parliament along with the Budget, including the ‘Macro Economic Framework Statement.’ This submission is mandated by which of the following?
2. Long-standing parliamentary tradition
3. Article 112 and Article 110(1) of the Constitution of India
4. Article 113 of the Constitution of India
5. Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003

ANSWER: D

EXPLANATION: refer above article

AN OUTLINING OF URBAN TRANSFORMATION STRATEGIES

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The rapid urbanization in India, accounting for about 36% of the population and growing at a pace of 2% to 2.5% annually, has prompted the government to outline various strategies for urban development in its latest budget. The focus is on housing, infrastructure, and solid waste management.

Housing Initiatives

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban):

• Since 2015, 85 lakh housing units for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Middle Income Groups (MIG) have been completed with an investment of ₹8 lakh crore.
• Proposed construction of an additional one crore housing units in urban areas with an investment of ₹10 lakh crore, including ₹2.2 lakh crore in central assistance over five years.
• Migrant housing with dormitory-type accommodations under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with 20% central government funding.
• Affordable Housing Loans: Interest subsidy to facilitate affordable housing loans.

Infrastructure Development

• Investment in Capex: ₹11.1 lakh crore for infrastructure, including highways and other sectors.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Enhanced funding of ₹8,000 crore for the Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) projects.
• PPP Model for Urban Infrastructure: Encourages private sector participation to speed up development.
• Smart Cities Mission: Scaled down budget of ₹8,000 crore in 2023-24, reduced to ₹2,400 crore for 2024-25, focusing on the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) for digitization of urban management.

Solid Waste Management (SWM)

• SWM Challenges: Addressed through the announcement of bankable projects in collaboration with state governments and financial institutions.
• Funding and Financial Support: Special thrust on interest-free loans for SWM infrastructure.
• Street Vendors Act 2014: Emphasis on regulating street vendors and creating designated vending zones to promote a healthy and safe environment.

Urban Planning and Citizen Participation

• Municipal Finance Commission Grants: ₹25,653 crore for urban development, including ₹500 crore for new cities.
• Transit Systems: Emphasis on efficient transit systems for economic and transit planning.
• Citizens’ Role: Participation of citizens seen as crucial for successful urban strategies.

Conclusion

The outlined urban transformation strategies reflect the government’s determination to support urban growth through housing, infrastructure, and waste management. However, the effectiveness of these strategies will depend on proper implementation, efficient financial management, and active citizen participation.

WHY SC COULDN’T AGREE ON ENVIRONMENTAL RELEASE OF GM MUSTARD

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The development of genetically modified (GM) mustard in India has been a significant scientific and regulatory journey. It started with the proposal for its release and has seen debates, environmental concerns, and judicial scrutiny.

Development and Proposal

• September 15, 2015: The Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at Delhi University sought the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee’s (GEAC) approval for the environmental release of a GM mustard hybrid, DMH-11.
• GM Mustard Characteristics: Mustard flowers are typically self-pollinating.

GM mustard includes two foreign genes:

• Bernese gene: Induces male sterility in the plant.
• Barstar gene: Blocks the barnase gene, allowing cross-pollination with fertile mustard, resulting in higher yields.

Judicial Challenge

• Supreme Court Case: Environmentalist Aruna Rodrigues and Gene Campaign challenged the approval before the Supreme Court.

Judicial Opinions

• Criticized GEAC for reversing its stance without proper reasoning.
• Highlighted the failure to conduct field tests and long-term effect studies.
• Ruled that the process violated the precautionary principle and the right to a safe environment.

Justice Karol:

• Supported the GEAC’s decision as consistent with scientific advancement and the precautionary principle.
• Emphasized the need for field trials to assess environmental and health impacts.
• Acknowledged the support from the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education for the release.

GM Mustard Development

• Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (CMS): A gene from wild mustard is introduced into cultivated mustard to prevent pollen formation.
• Male Fertility Restoration: Another gene from wild mustard is introduced to reverse male sterility in a different mustard variety.
• Hybrid Creation: Crossing the male-sterile and male-fertile varieties creates a hybrid.
• Gene Insertion: A desired gene is inserted along with genetic material for expression.
• Marker Genes: Used to identify expressed new traits.
• Herbicide and Antibiotic Resistance: Used to identify transformed plants.

DMH-11 Mustard

• Developed by Delhi University’s CGMCP with NDDB and Department of Biotechnology.
• Hybrid of Indian mustard variety Varuna and East European ‘EH-2’.
• Uses Barnase-Barstar system for genetic male sterility.
• Barnase gene hinders pollen production, making the plant male sterile.
• Barstar gene blocks Barnase action, restoring male fertility.

High-yielding and produces pure seeds.

• Showed 30% higher yield than traditional varieties in field trials.

Necessity of GM Mustard

• India’s high edible oil imports.
• Mustard’s potential to increase domestic oil production.
• Low average mustard yield in India.
• GM mustard’s potential to increase yield significantly.
• GEAC approval for environmental release of DMH-11.

Advantages of GM Mustard

• Increased yield with less water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Potential for further genetic research.
• Herbicide tolerance for better weed control.
• Pest management through herbicide resistance.

Concerns about GM Mustard

• Impact on honeybees due to mutated flowering and pollen production.
• Potential health risks from new proteins introduced through genetic modification.
• Increased herbicide use leading to superweeds and reduced labor.

Conclusion

The approval and environmental release of GM mustard in India have been contentious, balancing scientific innovation with environmental and safety concerns. The split decision by the Supreme Court highlights the ongoing debate over the precautionary principle and the appropriate regulatory approach to genetically modified crops.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Regarding the Genetically Modified (GM) mustard (DMH-11) created in India, evaluate the following assertions:
2. GM mustard incorporates genes from a soil bacterium that bestow the plant with pest resistance against numerous pests.
3. GM mustard includes genes that facilitate cross-pollination and hybridization.
4. GM mustard was co-developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and Punjab Agricultural University.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION: refer above article

IMMUNITY FOR THE PRESIDENT AND GOVERNORS

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Article 361 of the Indian Constitution grants immunity to the President and Governors from legal proceedings while they are in office. However, the extent and nature of this immunity have raised significant legal and moral questions, especially in cases involving criminal charges.

The Case at Hand

• Issue: A contractual female employee at the Raj Bhavan accused West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose of sexual harassment and molestation.
• Petitioner’s Argument: The woman argued that the “absolute immunity” provided to the Governor is outdated and unjust. She claimed the police have dismissed her complaint citing this immunity and feared justice would be denied if she had to wait for the Governor to leave office for the investigation to commence. She requested the court to mandate an investigation by the State of West Bengal and to frame guidelines on the extent of the immunity.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 361(1): The President and Governors are not answerable to any court for actions performed in the exercise of their powers and duties.
• First Proviso: Allows the President’s conduct to be reviewed by a designated body of Parliament in case of impeachment.
• Second Proviso: Does not prevent a person from suing the Centre or State.
• Article 361(2): “No criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President, or the Governor of a State, in any court during his term of office.”
• The Supreme Court aims to interpret this clause to determine the exact timing and conditions under which criminal proceedings can be initiated against a President or Governor.

Historical Context

• During the Constituent Assembly debates on Article 361 in 1949, concerns were raised about the vague language of clause (2), specifically regarding the phrase “during the term of his office.” It was questioned if this meant the President or Governor could indefinitely evade criminal charges by remaining in office. This issue was left unresolved.

Legal Arguments

Petitioner’s Stand:

• The bar on criminal proceedings under Article 361(2) should not extend to acts that infringe upon fundamental rights, such as the right to life under Article 21.
• Immunity should not impair police powers to investigate or name the perpetrator in a complaint or FIR.
• The Governor’s powers do not include the right to commit illegal acts like sexual abuse.
• Reference to Rameshwar Prasad vs. Union of India: Civil immunity under Article 361(4) does not prevent challenges to actions based on malafides; a similar interpretation should apply to criminal immunity.
• Cited Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling in Ram Naresh vs. State of Madhya Pradesh: Immunity does not impair police powers to investigate, including recording the Governor’s statement.

IMMUNITIES UNDER ARTICLE 361 Non-Answerable to Courts: Article 361(1) specifies that the President or the Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise of their powers and duties, or for any acts done in the exercise of those powers and duties. This provision creates an exception to Article 14 (Right to Equality). ·       Protection from Criminal Proceedings: According to Article 361(2), no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the President or the Governor of a State in any court during their term of office. ·       No Arrest: Article 361(3) stipulates that no arrest or imprisonment processes can be issued against the President or Governor during their term of office. ·       Protection from Civil Proceedings: Article 361(4) provides that no civil lawsuits can be filed against the President or Governor of a State during their term of office for any personal acts until two months after giving written notice.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision to examine Article 361(2) will address the balance between constitutional immunity and the fundamental rights of individuals. It will determine whether this immunity is indeed “unfettered or unbridled” and whether it undermines fairness, constitutional morality, and the right to equal protection under the law. This case has the potential to set significant precedents regarding the legal accountability of high constitutional offices in India.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following are discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?
2. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing President’s Rule.
3. Appointing the Ministers.
4. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President of India.
5. Making rules to conduct the business of the State Government.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Discretionary Powers: These are special powers exercised by the Governor in certain situations where they have the freedom to act independently of the advice of the State Cabinet.

Sending a Report to the President: The Governor can independently report to the President if they believe that the state government cannot function properly and suggest imposing President’s Rule.

Reserving Bills: The Governor can withhold certain bills and refer them to the President for further consideration.

Not Discretionary Powers:

Appointing Ministers: This is done based on the advice of the Chief Minister, not at the Governor’s discretion.

Making Rules for Conducting Business: This is a routine function and not considered discretionary.

A BUDGET THAT PLACES HEALTH ON THE MARGINS

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

With the most challenging phase of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, the recent Union Budget shifted its focus towards economic growth through infrastructure and employment. However, the crucial role of health in supporting and sustaining this growth appears to be marginalized.

Health Spending and Budget Analysis

Focus Shift: While economic growth drivers like infrastructure and employment received emphasis, essential health investments were not as prominently featured.

Unfulfilled Promises: The Interim Budget had highlighted plans for HPV vaccination, a U-WIN programme for immunization, and inclusion of ASHA and Anganwadi workers in the PMJAY health insurance scheme. Unfortunately, these plans were not detailed in the main Budget.

Comparative Analysis:

• Budgetary Estimates (BE) vs. Revised Estimates (RE): Comparing this year’s BE with last year’s RE is misleading. The BE reflects planned spending, whereas the RE shows actual expenditure, which often reveals inefficiencies rather than true needs.
• Modest Increases: The increase in health budget allocations from 2023-24 to 2025-25 is only 1.98% overall, with marginal increases for NHM and PMJAY. This is inadequate given the rising health challenges and the need for expanded coverage.

Challenges and Missed Opportunities

• National Health Mission (NHM): NHM, crucial for strengthening primary care and district hospitals, received minimal funding increases. This limits its capacity to tackle issues like child immunization, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases.
• PMJAY Programme: The minimal increase in PMJAY’s budget undermines efforts to expand its coverage, including recent plans to include all elderly persons.
• Healthcare Workforce: Despite the need for a larger, multi-skilled healthcare workforce, the Budget did not address this critical area. Expanding employment and skill-building opportunities in health is essential.
• Drug Pricing and Procurement: Although customs duties on anti-cancer drugs were waived, the Budget missed opportunities to reduce drug prices further through pooled procurement and price controls.

Agricultural Investments

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: The Budget’s commitment to climate-resilient agriculture is commendable. Diversifying crops to withstand global warming will enhance nutrition security and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

The Budget’s limited focus on health investments, despite the pressing needs and opportunities, highlights a missed chance to strengthen the health sector. Greater attention to healthcare funding, drug pricing, and workforce development is essential for improving health outcomes and supporting sustainable economic growth.

REVIEW OF MATERNITY LEAVE RULE FOR THIRD CHILD: DELHI HC

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Delhi High Court has recommended that the Centre review Rule 43 of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, which denies 180 days of maternity leave to women government employees who have more than two children.

Court’s Observations

• Legal and Constitutional Considerations: Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Girish Kathpalia highlighted that while the two-child policy is intended for population control, it must comply with Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.
• Policy Implications: The court acknowledged the importance of population control but criticized the rule for penalizing children, rather than addressing the issue solely to parents.

Case Details

• Appeal Rejected: The court dismissed an appeal from the Delhi police, which had challenged a decision by the Central Administrative Tribunal. The Tribunal had ordered the police to grant maternity leave to a woman constable with three children.
• Constable’s Background: The woman joined the Delhi police in 2006, had two children from a previous marriage that ended in divorce, and had a third child with her second husband in 2018. Her request for maternity leave was initially denied based on Rule 43.

Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) Opinion

• Rule 43: According to Rule 43, a woman government servant is entitled to 180 days of maternity leave if she has fewer than two surviving children. The DoPT supported this interpretation, leading the Delhi police to reject her application.

Court’s Ruling

• Rights of the Child: The court emphasized that once a third child is born, even if conceived under the existing rule, the child’s rights should be protected.
• Broader Implications: The court reminded that government servants are not solely responsible for population control, and the policy should not adversely affect their rights.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s suggestion to review Rule 43 reflects a need to balance population control measures with constitutional rights. The current rule’s impact on women with more than two children, especially in the context of maternity leave, is under scrutiny for its fairness and legal standing.

DRDO TESTS PHASE-II BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: CNBC TV18

On Wednesday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. This test demonstrated India’s indigenous capability to defend against ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km.

Details of the Test

• Previous Phase: Phase-I of the BMD system, which has been deployed, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles with a range of up to 2,000 km.
• Phase-II Test: The maiden test of Phase-II took place in November 2022. It involved launching a target missile from LC-IV Dhamra, which simulated an adversary’s ballistic missile.
• Detection and Interception: The target missile was detected by weapon system radars positioned both on land and at sea. This led to the activation of the Air Defence (AD) interceptor system to neutralize the threat.

Significance

The successful test of Phase-II enhances India’s missile defense capabilities, providing a higher range of protection against long-range ballistic missile threats.

INDIAAI MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: CNBC TV18

Goals:

• Establish computing capacity of over 10,000 GPUs.
• Develop foundational AI models with over 100 billion parameters.
• Focus on priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
• Enable startups to plug into the infrastructure for AI development.

Funding:

• Total allocation: Rs 10,372 crore.
• Government funding: Rs 4,564 crore.
• Public-private partnership model for computing infrastructure.
• Viability gap funding for private sector participation.

Key Components:

• Procurement of 300-500 GPUs for domestic computing capacity.
• Development of an IndiaAl Datasets Platform for quality, accessible datasets.
• Establishment of the IndiaAl Innovation and Research Centre for foundational model development.
• Funding for 4,000 BTech, 400 MTech, and 600 PhD students in AI.
• Focus on Large Multimodal Models and domain-specific foundational models.

Challenges:

• High cost of GPUs and computing infrastructure.
• Need for high-quality datasets.
• Potential overregulation of AI development.

the IndiaAI Mission aims to boost India’s AI capabilities by providing essential infrastructure, resources, and talent development. It seeks to bridge the gap between research and commercialization, fostering innovation and growth in the AI ecosystem.