27-July-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

SC TO EXAMINE IF GOVERNORS ARE ‘SUBVERTING’ FEDERALISM

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

The Supreme Court agreed to examine whether Governors, by indefinitely withholding assent to crucial Bills and eventually referring them to the President, are subverting federalism.

• The court’s intervention follows a petition from Kerala concerning its Governor’s actions.

Petition by Kerala:

• Kerala’s petition highlights the Governor’s withholding of assent for over two years for seven Bills, eventually sending them to the President.
• The petition argues that this action allows Union interference in State legislative matters, undermining federalism.

Governor’s Actions and State’s Concerns:

• Kerala’s Governor reserved the Bills for the President’s consideration without providing reasons for his objections or communicating the time-lapse involved.
• The President withheld consent for four of the seven Bills, none of which involved Centre-State relations.

Specifics of the Bills:

• The withheld Bills pertained to State cooperative societies, the Lokayukta, and university laws.

Kerala’s Legal Arguments:

• The Governor’s power to reserve a Bill for the President is limited and should be used under specific circumstances defined in the Constitution (Article 213).
• Federalism Concerns: The core issue is whether the actions of Governors, potentially influenced by the Centre, disrupt the autonomy and legislative authority of State governments.
• Constitutional Provisions: The examination will involve interpreting the constitutional provisions related to the Governor’s powers and the limits of such powers to ensure they do not infringe upon State rights.
• Judicial Intervention: The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case underscores the judiciary’s role in maintaining the balance of power between the Centre and States.

LEGISLATIVE POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR IN INDIA The Governor of a state in India has several important legislative powers. These powers must generally be exercised based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Chief Minister. Summoning and Proroguing the State Legislature: ·       The Governor can summon and prorogue the sessions of both houses of the state legislature and has the power to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. Addressing the State Legislature: ·       The Governor addresses the first session of the state legislature after general elections. Appointments to the Legislature: ·       The Governor appoints one-sixth of the members of the State Legislative Council in states with a bicameral legislature. ·       The Governor nominates one member from the Anglo-Indian community to the State Legislative Assembly if they believe the community is not adequately represented. ·       Under Article 192, the Governor can disqualify a member of the state legislature based on the recommendation of the Election Commission if the member no longer complies with Article 191. Assent to Bills: ·       The Governor must assent to all bills passed by the state legislature. The Governor can: ·       Give assent to the bill. ·       Withhold assent. ·       Return a bill (other than a money bill) for reconsideration by the legislature. ·       Reserve the bill for the President’s consideration if it conflicts with constitutional provisions, union powers, the larger interest of the country, or the state’s high court’s position. Ordinance Making Power: ·       When the state legislature is not in session, the Governor can promulgate ordinances that have the same force as laws. These ordinances must be submitted to the state legislature when it reconvenes and remain valid for no more than six weeks unless approved earlier. Other Powers: ·       The Governor can ask the Advocate General to attend the proceedings of both houses of the state legislature and report any unlawful activities as per Articles 165 and 177.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s examination of Governors’ actions in withholding assent to State Bills and referring them to the President is a significant step in addressing concerns about the subversion of federalism. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Centre-State relations and the functioning of State legislatures in India.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Governor’s powers related to giving assent to bills in a state legislature:
2. The Governor can withhold assent to a bill passed by the state legislature.
3. The Governor can return a money bill to the state legislature for reconsideration.
4. The Governor can reserve a bill for the consideration of the President if it conflicts with the Constitution.
5. Once a bill is returned by the Governor and re-passed by the state legislature, the Governor has no option but to give assent to the bill.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

The Governor can withhold assent to a bill passed by the state legislature.

The Governor cannot return a money bill to the state legislature for reconsideration.

The Governor can reserve a bill for the consideration of the President if it conflicts with the Constitution, union powers, or other specified conditions.

Once a bill is returned by the Governor and re-passed by the state legislature, the Governor has to give assent to the bill.

A NEW CREDIT ASSESSMENT MODEL FOR MSMES ANNOUNCED IN THE BUDGET

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Finance Ministry is advancing the development of a new credit assessment model for home loans, inspired by a similar initiative for MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises). This new model aims to improve accessibility to credit for individuals with limited traditional credit documentation by leveraging digital footprints.

New Credit Assessment Model for Home Loans

• Objective: Enhance access to home loans for individuals whose creditworthiness is difficult to assess through conventional means.
• Current Scenario: Traditional home loans require salaried status or tax returns, which excludes many potential borrowers.
• Proposed Change: Banks will use digital footprints, such as spending and consumption patterns, to evaluate creditworthiness.
• Implementation Timeline: The model is expected to be developed within a quarter.

MSME Credit Assessment Model

• Current System: MSMEs are currently assessed based on balance sheets and account statements, which can be challenging for smaller enterprises.
• New Approach: Credit assessment will rely on digital footprints, such as employment records and financial transactions.
• Benefits: This model will facilitate easier access to loans for MSMEs by using available digital data, potentially improving the approval process for smaller businesses.

Conclusion

The shift to digital-based credit assessments for both home loans and MSMEs aims to democratize access to financial resources. By incorporating digital footprints into the credit evaluation process, the Finance Ministry seeks to simplify and broaden loan accessibility, particularly for those without traditional credit documentation.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following criteria are used to categorize Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India?
2. Investment in plant and machinery for manufacturing enterprises.
3. Annual turnover for service enterprises.
4. Number of employees in the enterprise.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Investment in Plant and Machinery:  MSMEs are classified based on the investment in plant and machinery for manufacturing enterprises and equipment for service enterprises.

Annual Turnover:  Recent revisions to the classification criteria include annual turnover for categorizing MSMEs.

Number of Employees: The categorization is based on investment and turnover, not the number of employees.

“CHEAPER CANCER DRUGS”

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The government’s decision to make three crucial cancer drugs cheaper, providing much-needed relief for patients amid the rising number of cancer cases in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced customs duty exemptions on trastuzumab deruxtecan, osimertinib, and durvalumab, reducing costs by about 10%.

Targeted Cancer Drugs:

• Trastuzumab deruxtecan: An antibody-drug conjugate used for breast cancer and specific gastrointestinal cancers.
• Osimertinib: Targets genetic changes in cancers, approved for lung cancer with the EGFR mutation.
• Durvalumab: An immunotherapy drug targeting lung cancer, trains the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Impact of Decision:

• These drugs have better outcomes and fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
• Customs duty exemptions will help reduce financial burdens on patients, improving access to these drugs.

Statistics:

• Incidence and mortality rates of cancer in India have been rising, with lung cancer being the most common.

Expert Opinions:

• Abhishek Shankar of AIIMS highlights the significance of making these drugs affordable, emphasizing their targeted and effective nature.
• This move is expected to assist many patients, allowing them to access advanced treatments at lower costs.

“USING CHILDREN’S PERSONAL DATA LEGALLY AND SECURELY”

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

The article addresses the challenges and strategies of managing children’s personal data within the Indian education system, emphasizing legal and secure handling of data.

Collection of Information:

• The Ministry of Education launched the UDISE+ platform in 2018 to collect and exchange real-time data on school infrastructure, teachers, student enrolment, and academic performance.
• The platform aims to enhance resource allocation and monitor educational progress.

Integration with APAAR:

• The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) was introduced in 2020 to provide a unique identifier for each student, aiding in managing academic credentials.

Data Privacy Concerns:

• The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, will regulate data privacy, requiring parental consent for minors’ data and ensuring data is used only for legitimate purposes.
• There are significant pressures to comply with these regulations to protect children’s sensitive data.

Need for Specific Protocols:

• Clear guidelines are needed to manage data sharing with third parties and ensure data integrity and accuracy.
• The article highlights the importance of adhering to data privacy principles and minimizing data use to protect children’s personal information.

Legal Framework:

• The Supreme Court’s judgment in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2018) reinforces the right to privacy and necessitates strict compliance with data protection laws.
• The Ministry is developing protocols for data authentication and grievance redressal to address potential data breaches and privacy concerns.
• The article emphasizes the critical need for stringent data protection measures and legal compliance to safeguard the personal data of children in India’s education system.

Right to Privacy in India

Definition and Legal Framework:

The right to privacy is widely regarded as the right to be left alone. The Supreme Court of India, in the landmark case K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), affirmed that the right to privacy is a fundamental, inalienable right inherent to every individual.

• This right encompasses all personal information and the choices made by an individual. It is protected under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, as well as other freedoms outlined in Part III of the Constitution.

Restrictions on the Right to Privacy:

The right to privacy can be limited by state actions that meet the following criteria:

• The action must have a legislative basis.
• It must aim to achieve a legitimate state objective.
• The action must be proportionate, meaning it should be necessary in a democratic society and be the least intrusive measure available to achieve the intended purpose.

Government Measures to Protect Privacy:

• B N Srikrishna Committee: The government formed a committee of experts on data protection, led by Justice B N Srikrishna, which submitted its report in July 2018. This committee was tasked with recommending measures to safeguard data privacy.
• Information Technology Act, 2000: The IT Act includes provisions to protect against breaches related to data in computer systems. It aims to prevent unauthorized access and use of computers and the data stored within them.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. With reference to the Right to Privacy in India, consider the following statements:
2. The Right to Privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
3. The Right to Privacy can be restricted by state action that passes the tests of legislative mandate, legitimate state purpose, and proportionality.
4. The Supreme Court of India first recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right in the case of K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: D

EXPLANATION:

The Right to Privacy is recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

The Supreme Court in the K.S. Puttaswamy case laid down that any restriction on the Right to Privacy must pass the tests of having a legislative mandate, pursuing a legitimate state purpose, and being proportionate.

The Supreme Court recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right in the landmark case of K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India in 2017.

“WHY RETAIN CASTE REFERENCES IN NAMES OF GOVT. SCHOOLS: HC”

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

The Madras High Court questioned the necessity of using caste-based terms in the names of government schools in Tamil Nadu. The court expressed concern that such terms might cause stigma to students.

Court’s Stance:

• The Division Bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and C. Kumarappan suggested avoiding names like “Government Kallar Reclamation School” and “Government Tribal Residential School.”
• The court emphasized that Tamil Nadu, known for its social justice initiatives, should not use stigmatic words as prefixes or suffixes in school names.

Hearing Context:

• The observations were made during a suo motu public interest litigation focused on improving the lives of tribals in the Kalvarayan hills in Salem and Kallakurichi districts.
• The court disapproved of the use of the word ‘tribal’ in the names of schools established exclusively for tribal communities.

Comparative Context:

• Justice Subramaniam highlighted that caste names had been removed from street name boards, questioning why they should continue to be used in government school names.

Next Steps:

• The suo motu petition was adjourned for the State government to file a further status report.
• The court’s remarks underscore the need to avoid caste-based nomenclature in public institutions to prevent stigmatization and promote social justice.

UNION BUDGET 2024: ON AGRICULTURE, A LACK OF VISION

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Union Budget 2024, despite its focus on fiscal consolidation, has been criticized for lacking innovative ideas, particularly in the agricultural sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized “productivity and resilience in agriculture” as a key priority, but the proposals seem to lack novelty and ambition.

Repetition of Previous Promises

• Natural Farming: The budget plans to initiate one crore farmers into natural farming over the next two years, a virtual repetition of past budget promises.
• Digital Infrastructure: Building a digital public infrastructure for agriculture was mentioned in last year’s budget as well.
• Cluster Development: Large-scale clusters and supply chains for vegetables were discussed in the 2018-19 budget.

Lack of Substantive Reforms

• Fear of Opposition: Political opposition has deterred substantive agricultural reforms, such as rationalizing urea prices and redirecting subsidies.
• Marginal Budget Increase: The budget for agricultural research and education saw only a marginal increase to Rs 9,941 crore.

Need for Long-term Strategy

• Historical Investments: The Green Revolution was successful due to significant investments in agricultural research and infrastructure in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Future Requirements: To meet the food demands of a growing population and cope with climate change, a long-term agricultural plan is necessary.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2024 falls short in addressing the long-term needs of the agricultural sector. A visionary approach, akin to the investments made during the Green Revolution, is essential to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity and resilience.

BOLIVIA JOINS MERCOSUR AS A FULL MEMBER

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Bolivia recently became a full member of MERCOSUR to enhance trade with member countries.

What is MERCOSUR: The Southern Common Market (Mercosur in Spanish) is a significant economic and political bloc in Latin America.

Key Information:

• Members:

• Originally included Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
• Bolivia and Venezuela later joined, though Venezuela has been suspended since December 1, 2016.

• Formation: Created in 1991 with the signing of the Treaty of Asunción, aiming for the free movement of goods, services, and production factors among member countries.

Objectives and Aims:

• Economic Integration: Promotes economic integration among member countries.
• Free Trade: Facilitates free trade and movement of goods, services, and people.
• Political Coordination: Provides a platform for high-level coordination of foreign and economic policy through the Common Market Council, the bloc’s highest decision-making body.

Language and Governance:

• Languages: The official languages are Spanish and Portuguese.
• Governance: The Common Market Council is the key decision-making body, ensuring coordination of policies.

India and MERCOSUR:

• Trade Agreement: India signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with MERCOSUR in 2004, strengthening economic ties with this significant trade bloc.

Headquarters:

• Location: Montevideo, Uruguay.

DARK OXYGEN

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Scientists recently discovered a phenomenon called “dark oxygen” in the deep sea.

Dark oxygen refers to oxygen being produced in complete darkness thousands of feet below the ocean surface.

Significance of the Discovery:

• Traditional Understanding: Previously, it was believed that oxygen was only created through photosynthesis, which requires sunlight.
• Photosynthesis: Oceanic plankton, algae, and some bacteria produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
• Deep Sea Production: At such depths, photosynthesis is impossible due to the lack of sunlight, meaning plants cannot produce oxygen there.

Mechanism of Dark Oxygen:

• Non-Plant Source: In this case, oxygen is produced not by plants but by polymetallic nodules.
• Polymetallic Nodules: These nodules, resembling lumps of coal, are composed of metals like manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium.
• Electrochemical Activity: They generate oxygen through electrochemical processes, splitting H2O molecules into hydrogen and oxygen even in the absence of light.

Key Facts about Polymetallic Nodules:

• Composition: Polymetallic nodules, also known as manganese nodules, are small, rounded accumulations found on the deep ocean floor.
• Metal Content: They contain a mixture of metals, including manganese, iron, nickel, copper, cobalt, and valuable elements like platinum, rare earth elements, and lithium.
• Formation: These nodules form over millions of years, developing as concentric layers around a nucleus, which could be a shell fragment, shark tooth, or basaltic rock.
• Economic Importance: The metals in these nodules are crucial for producing lithium-ion batteries, used in electric vehicles, mobile phones, wind turbines, solar panels, and more.
• Locations: Polymetallic nodules are primarily found in the north-central Pacific Ocean, southeastern Pacific Ocean, and northern Indian Ocean.
• Clarion-Clipperton Zone: This area in the Pacific Ocean is said to have enough polymetallic nodules to meet global energy demands for decades.