14-April-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

GOVERNOR’S CONDUCT AND SUPREME COURT VERDICT

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

A recent Supreme Court ruling clarified that Governors must follow constitutional procedures and cannot withhold Bills passed by the State Assembly indefinitely. This decision came after a dispute involving delays in giving assent to 12 State Bills.

Background of the Issue

• A Governor failed to act on several Bills passed by a State Legislative Assembly, some of which dated back to 2020.
• These included important legislation, such as those reducing the Governor’s control over university appointments.
• The State government approached the Supreme Court in 2023 after prolonged inaction.

Supreme Court’s Key Observations

• Governor Not Independent: The Court emphasized that the Governor is not an autonomous power centre or a representative of the Union Government.
• Must Follow Constitution: The Governor must act according to the Constitution and advice from the State’s Council of Ministers, except in specific exceptions.

Article 200 – Explained

• When a Bill is passed by a State Assembly, the Governor has three options:
  • Give assent
  • Return the Bill for reconsideration
  • Reserve the Bill for the President’s consideration
• The Union argued the Governor could withhold assent indefinitely (like a “pocket veto”), but the Court rejected this.

Court on Limited Discretionary Powers

The Governor can act without advice only in rare cases:

• When a Bill affects High Court powers.
• If the Bill requires the President’s approval under constitutional rules (e.g., Article 31C).
• If the Bill violates the Constitution’s core values.

• Even in such cases, courts can review the Governor’s decision since Article 361 only gives personal immunity, not protection for their decisions.

 

Use of Article 142 – Court’s Action

• The Court used Article 142 to bring closure without confrontation.
• It declared that the 10 Bills were considered approved from the date they were re-submitted, avoiding direct enforcement on the Governor.

Significance of the Judgment

• Reinforced cooperative federalism and democratic governance.
• Sent a clear message that Governors must not delay legislation for political reasons.
• Ensured that the Governor’s role remains within constitutional limits, not as an obstructionist.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision strengthens India’s federal structure by ensuring Governors act as constitutional heads, not political agents. It reinforces that their duty is to support democracy, not hinder legislative processes.

Mains Practice Questions:

1. “The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the Governor’s delay in assenting to State Bills highlights the importance of cooperative federalism and the need for constitutional responsibility. Critically analyze this in light of Article 200 and the discretionary powers of the Governor.” (150 WORDS)

WILL TRUMP’S TARIFFS BRING IN A RECESSION?

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The United States has announced a new trade policy that imposes a minimum 10% tariff on all imports. This has raised concerns globally, with experts warning it may trigger a recession due to disrupted trade relations.

Change in U.S. Trade Policy

• The U.S., traditionally a supporter of free trade, has shifted to protectionism.
• From April 2, 2025, a 10% tariff will apply to all imports into the U.S.
• For some countries, tariffs are even higher:

• European Union – 20%
• India – 27%
• Vietnam – 46%

Impact on Major Trade Partners

• Mexico and Canada: Already facing 25% tariffs from February.
• China: Most affected, with a steep 145% tariff on its goods starting April 11.
• China accounts for nearly 1/6th of all U.S. imports.

Global Reaction

• The announcement led to uncertainty in global financial markets.
• Stock markets saw a sharp decline due to fears of a trade war.
• China retaliated with 125% tariffs on U.S. exports.
• This tariff battle has raised alarms about a possible global economic slowdown.
• The U.S. has temporarily paused tariffs (except on China) for 90 days from April 9.

Understanding the U.S. Trade Deficit

• The U.S. imported $1,311 billion more than it exported in 2022, nearly 5% of its GDP.
• It has continued imports thanks to the global use of the U.S. dollar.
• China buys U.S. treasury bonds, linking both economies deeply.

China’s Strategy to Counter Tariffs

• Reduced dependence on exports and U.S. trade.
• Exports-to-GDP ratio fell from 35% in 2012 to 19.7% in 2023.
• Shifted focus to:

• Technology and innovation
• Electric vehicles
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Relocated factories to Southeast Asia to bypass tariffs.

How This Affects India

• India exported $91 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2022.
• Higher tariffs may reduce India’s export earnings, but:Pharma and services exports are mostly safe.

• Exports contribute 8% of India’s GDP, limiting damage.

Challenges:

• Weak manufacturing sector. Limited success of PLI (Production Linked Incentive)

• India must strengthen industrial policy and increase foreign and domestic investments.

Conclusion

The U.S. tariff hike signals a shift away from globalisation, affecting trade dynamics worldwide. While India may not face severe immediate harm, it must prepare through stronger industrial development to adapt to changing global trade policies.

Mains Practice Question:

1. “With the United States moving away from free trade towards protectionist measures, global trade patterns are undergoing a major shift. Analyze how this change could impact India’s economy and propose appropriate policy strategies to address these challenges.” (150 WORDS)

INDIA AS A GLOBAL TALENT HUB

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India has a unique chance to become a major global talent supplier due to rising labour shortages across developed nations. Experts suggest that India can gain both economically and socially by sending more skilled and semi-skilled workers abroad.

India’s Opportunity in Global Labour Markets

• Countries like the U.S., Europe, and Japan are facing a growing shortage of workers, especially in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and logistics.
• By 2030, global labour shortages could reach 50 million, and by 2040, up to 160 million.
• India has a young population and a growing skilled workforce, which can help fill these gaps.
• Despite receiving $125 billion in remittances, only 1.3% of Indians live abroad, indicating large untapped potential.

Leveraging the Demographic Dividend

• India can pair its “Make in India” initiative with a new strategy: “India for the World”—exporting talent globally.
• Sending skilled workers abroad can reduce unemployment and increase remittances.
• A 10% increase in remittances can cut poverty by around 3.5%, as seen in studies across low-income nations.

Policy Steps to Expand Overseas Workforce

• Building an Institutional System: Strengthen the Migration Division under the Ministry of External Affairs. Create state-level departments to manage worker welfare.
• Matching Global Skills Needs: Align India’s skill training and certification with global standards. Encourage foreign language training and mutual recognition of qualifications.
• Easing Financial Burden: Many workers face high migration costs (Rs 1–10 lakh). Follow models where employers or recruitment agencies cover major expenses.
• Simplifying Government Agreements: Sign bilateral labour pacts with more countries to ease migration rules. Include visa relaxation, cultural support, and qualification recognition.
• Creating a National Mobility Body: Form a central organisation to regulate recruitment, set ethical standards, and coordinate training.

Conclusion

India’s demographic strength can be turned into a global advantage by becoming a trusted exporter of skilled labour. A structured migration system will not only boost the economy but also enhance India’s global standing as a responsible provider of talent.

GENOME INDIA PROJECT

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Genome India Project has completed the first phase of decoding the DNA of 10,000 people from 83 diverse communities in India. This genetic data will help improve healthcare, create customized treatments, and offer clues about ancestry and population history.

About the Genome India Project (GIP):

• Launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
• Aims to create an Indian reference genome by studying diverse population groups.
• It focuses on collecting, sequencing, and analyzing genetic data from various ethnic and regional backgrounds.

Healthcare and Personalized Medicine:

• GIP can revolutionize disease treatment by identifying genetic traits linked to illness and drug response.
• Enables custom treatment plans by understanding how individuals’ genes affect their health.
• Helps detect inherited diseases early, reducing treatment delays.
• Especially useful for chronic conditions like diabetes, which have strong genetic patterns in India.

Mapping India’s Genetic Diversity:

• Human DNA is mostly the same (99.9%), but small variations (0.1%) influence health, looks, and behavior.
• This variation, around 3–4 million genetic changes, is what GIP focuses on.
• Closed or isolated communities tend to have less variation, while mixed populations have more.
• GIP identifies the 1–2% key mutations that may affect disease risk and drug effectiveness.

Building a National Genetic Blueprint:

• The project uses blood samples to analyze germline DNA, which is inherited from parents.
• These gene maps can explain why some patients react differently to the same medicine.
• It lays the foundation for population-specific healthcare policies and early identification of rare diseases.

Discovering Ancestral and Evolutionary History:

• GIP helps understand the migration and evolution of Indian communities by comparing genetic data over time.
• This sheds light on population mixing, adaptation to environments, and historical movements.
• Supports research in anthropology and deepens knowledge of cultural and ethnic identities.

India’s Step Towards Global Genomics:

• The global Human Genome Project lacked Indian representation. GIP fills that gap.
• India’s rich genetic diversity makes it a key player in global DNA research.
• The project will build a national gene database for research and innovation in science and healthcare.

Conclusion:

The Genome India Project is a major leap in science and medicine for India. It not only helps create better treatments for Indians but also uncovers vital clues about the country’s rich ancestral past, making India a vital contributor to global genomic studies.

BATECHOMON

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

India has launched its first automated system to monitor bats using echolocation. The tool, named BatEchoMon, helps track bat activity in real-time and supports ecological and conservation research.

What is BatEchoMon?

• BatEchoMon stands for Bat Echolocation Monitoring.
• Developed at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), Bengaluru by Kadambari Deshpande and Vedant Barje.
• It captures, analyses, and identifies bat calls automatically using ultrasonic technology.
• Combines Audiomoth (ultrasonic detector) with Raspberry Pi (data processor).
• Uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially a convolutional neural network, to detect and classify bat calls.

Key Features

• Real-time Analysis: Processes bat echolocation signals immediately as they are recorded.
• Solar-Powered: Can work without sunlight for up to 8 days, making it ideal for remote locations.
• Modular and Portable: Easy to install in different ecosystems like forests, cities, and rural areas.
• Efficient: Greatly cuts down on the time needed to manually process bat sound data.
• Data Generation: Produces spectrograms and statistical data on bat activity, such as frequency of calls and active time periods.

Applications and Benefits

• Species Identification: Currently recognizes 6–7 common bat species; database will grow with more usage.
• Behaviour Monitoring: Helps researchers study when, where, and how bats are active.
• Ecological Insights: Supports conservation work by understanding changes in bat populations.
• Research Tool: Aids scientific studies on urban and forest biodiversity.
• Reference Database: Contributes to building sound records of lesser-known bat species in India.

Conclusion

BatEchoMon is a pathbreaking innovation in wildlife research in India. By enabling quick and reliable bat monitoring, it strengthens conservation science and helps protect vital species that play crucial ecological roles.

ESA’S BIOMASS MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch its Biomass Mission on April 29, 2025, using the Vega C rocket. This mission will gather important global data on forests and their role in the carbon cycle, helping improve climate science and deforestation monitoring.

Why This Mission Matters:

• Forests absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and store carbon, yet global data on forest height and biomass is incomplete.
• ESA’s Biomass mission will bridge these data gaps by measuring above-ground forest biomass and tracking how it changes over time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advanced Technology in Use:

• The mission will be the first satellite to use P-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which uses long 70 cm radar waves that can pass through forest canopies.
• It includes a 12-meter antenna to produce 3D forest images, helping measure tree mass from canopy to base.

Benefits for Climate Action:

• Helps assess how much carbon forests store and how deforestation affects global carbon emissions.
• In 2023, tropical forest loss reached 3.7 million hectares, contributing to 6% of CO₂ emissions globally.
• The mission supports accurate climate models and policy decisions by improving knowledge of carbon flow between forests and the atmosphere.

Other Uses Beyond Forests:

• Will also help track ice sheet movements in Antarctica.
• Can produce terrain maps of dense vegetation, assisting in climate and topographic research

Part of a Bigger Initiative:

• This is ESA’s seventh Earth Explorer mission, following projects like GOCE (2009) for ocean data and EarthCARE (2024) for climate study.
• The Earth Explorer programme aims to enhance understanding of the planet’s land, water, and atmosphere.

Conclusion:

ESA’s Biomass mission marks a crucial step in using space technology to monitor forests, fight climate change, and support science-based environmental policies.

NEW HOPE FOR RARE SRCC COLORECTAL CANCER TREATMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Indian scientists have developed lab-based models to better understand Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma (SRCC), a rare and fast-spreading form of colorectal cancer. These models have helped identify a promising new drug combination, offering hope for improved treatment.

Why This Issue is Important:

• SRCC is a rare and deadly type of colorectal cancer that spreads quickly and responds poorly to regular treatments.
• It is 10 times more common in India compared to global averages, especially among young patients.

What is SRCC (Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma)?

• A rare cancer type named for its ring-shaped cancer cells seen under a microscope.
• Known for late diagnosis, fast spread to the peritoneum, and poor survival rates.

Breakthrough by Indian Scientists:

• Researchers at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, created lab-grown tumor models from patients using:

• • Patient-Derived Organoids (PDOs)
  • Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDXs)

• These models mimic real human tumors and are among the first SRCC biobanks in the world.

Key Discoveries:

• Identified molecular reasons behind SRCC’s resistance to traditional chemotherapy.
• Discovered a new three-drug combination that significantly reduced tumor size and spread in lab studies.

What Lies Ahead:

• The findings pave the way for personalized medicine targeting SRCC.
• Researchers plan to move forward with Phase 1 clinical trials to test the treatment in humans.

Conclusion:

This research marks a major step toward treating one of the most aggressive cancers affecting young Indians, offering new treatment pathways and better survival chances.

KERALA TEMPLE OPENING INNER SANCTUM TO ALL CASTES

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

A historic temple in Kerala has taken a progressive step by allowing people of all castes to enter its inner sanctum for the first time. This move promotes social equality and religious inclusivity.

Background of the Temple

• The Pilicode Rayaramangalam Temple is located in Kasaragod district, Kerala.
• It is a centuries-old temple with deep cultural and spiritual significance.
• Traditionally, only specific communities like Brahmins, Marars, and Warriers could enter the Nalambalam (inner sanctum).
• Others were allowed access only during special festival occasions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Reforms and Activism

• A local reformist group, Pilicode Ninav Purush Swayaamsahaya Sangham, led the movement for equal access.
• The group created the Janakiya Samithi, a people’s committee, to push for change.
• They gained support from socio-cultural and political organisations.
• Formal petitions were submitted to the Tantri (chief priest), Devaswom Minister, and the temple board.

Symbolic Change on Vishu

• On the eve of Vishu, a major festival in Kerala, 16 devotees from different communities were allowed into the inner sanctum.
• Many others followed them in, marking a historic first for the temple.
• This act was not symbolic alone—permanent caste-free entry has now been permitted.

Significance and Social Impact

• The decision is a milestone in the fight against caste-based discrimination in religious spaces.
• It reflects changing social attitudes and the growing call for inclusive religious practices.
• Encourages other temples and religious institutions to reconsider traditional caste-based restrictions.

Conclusion

The opening of the Pilicode temple’s inner sanctum to all communities is a progressive and inclusive step. It promotes equality and sets an example for other religious institutions across India to follow.

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