Daily Prelims Notes 10 August 2023

Daily Prelims Notes

10 August 2023

Table Of Contents

1. Chinese economy falls into deflation
2. Belem Declaration: Amazon countries fail to agree on protection goals
3. Number of elephants in Karnataka goes up by 364 from last census, touching 6,395
4. Why was J&K Constitution never brought ‘within the fold’ of the Indian Constitution, SC asks
5. International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
6. India takes first step to remove animals from drug testing
7. Develop indigenous Web browser, grab cash prizes
8. Can SMRs help India achieve net zero?
9. Change state’s name to keralam, assembly resolution urges centre

1. Chinese economy falls into deflation

Subject: Economy

Section: Inflation

Context: Chinese economy in deflation as consumer prices fell for the first time in more than two years in China, signalling further weakening demand.

Key Points:

• China’s economy has been facing multiple headwinds such as sluggish consumer spending, the unravelling of the real estate crisis, and weakening exports, which have pushed its economy into deflation.
• The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.3 per cent in July from a year ago. The cost of food, transportation, and household goods all declined.
• Signs of deflation have become more prevalent in the world’s second-biggest economy in recent months, sparking concerns that China could enter a prolonged period of stagnation.
• China did not undertake massive COVID-era support as seen in developed economies. While this helped it avoid the rampant inflation shock seen elsewhere, disposable household income fell as wages and property asset values simultaneously stalled.

What is deflation?

• Deflation is a decrease in the general price of goods and services. As the purchasing power of currency rises over time, consumers can buy more with this money, but that won’t translate into profit for businesses, and they will have to sell their products or services for less.

What are the causes of deflation?

1. The first cause is a decrease in aggregate demand, which is the total amount of goods and services that consumers and businesses are willing to buy. This can happen during a recession, when people are less confident about the economy and are less likely to spend money.
2. An increase in aggregate supply, which is the total amount of goods and services that businesses are willing to sell. This can happen when businesses become more efficient and are able to produce more goods and services at a lower cost.
3. A decrease in the money supply, which is the amount of money in circulation. This can happen when central banks raise interest rates or sell government bonds.

What are the impacts of deflation?

• With the decrease in economic growth, businesses may also see their profits fall, which would hurt their investment and hiring plans. This could also lead to an increase in unemployment, as businesses may have to lay off workers in order to cut costs.
• The lower demand also results in lower demand for capital goods with an overall fall in investments, this will result in lack of demand for bank credit.
• A decrease in asset prices, such as stocks and real estate, as people becomes less willing to pay high prices for assets that are expected to lose value in the future. This may lead to a decrease in consumer spending, as people may delay purchases in the hopes of prices getting lower in the future.

How can China come out of deflation?

• Beijing must roll out more forceful plans to restore confidence and stimulate consumer spending. This can be done through a combination of fiscal and monetary policy, along with structural reforms. (see box below)

2. Belem Declaration: Amazon countries fail to agree on protection goals

Subject: Environment

Section: International Conventions

Context:

• Leaders from the eight countries across the Amazon, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, failed to agree on the goal to protect the rainforest at the ongoing Amazon Summit organised by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO).

Details:

• A clear joint goal, such as the protection of 80 per cent of the forest to avoid the tipping point, is absent in the declaration and leaders couldn’t even agree on zero deforestation.
• Scientists have warned that if the combined deforestation and degradation of the Amazon crosses a 20-25 per cent threshold, the forest could reach an irreversible tipping point that may result in the dieback of the entire ecosystem.
• Under the Global Biodiversity Framework, member countries had agreed to protect at least 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030.

Belem Declaration:

• The Belem Declaration released during the Amazon Summit recognises Indigenous knowledge as a condition for biodiversity conservation and calls for ensuring full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making and public policy formulation processes.
• Indigenous People are under constant threats and land rights will not only give them better protection, it will also prevent deforestation and protect the rich biodiversity within these territories.

Amazon fund:

• The Amazon Fund’s goal is to encourage Brazil and other tropical developing nations with forests to continue and expand voluntary reductions of greenhouse gas emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation.
• It serves as a REDD+ mechanism and oversees the Fund in addition to raising funds for investments in initiatives to stop, monitor, and fight deforestation as well as to advance the protection and sustainable use of forests in the Amazon Biome.
• The Amazon Fund’s primary focus areas are as follows:
  • Indigenous lands
  • Conservation units
  • Rural Environmental Registry – CAR
  • Settlement
  • Combating illegal fires and burn-offs
• The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), which is in charge of contracting and overseeing the projects as well as publicising activities, results, and impacts, manages the Amazon Fund.
• Government agencies (such as the Brazilian Forestry Service), NGOs, community groups, international organisations, and universities are examples of implementing institutions.
• Project monitoring is based on BNDES processes, with mechanisms designed to ensure that grant recipients spend their money on the activities specified.
• The organization is required to submit an Effectiveness Assessment Report two years after the project has been implemented.

Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO):

• Established: 25 February 1995
• Headquarters:Brasília, Brazil
• The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) is an international organization aimed at the promotion of sustainable development of the Amazon Basin.
• The Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT) was signed on 3 July 1978 and amended in 1998.
• Group members — Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

3. Number of elephants in Karnataka goes up by 364 from last census, touching 6,395

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Context:

• The number of elephants in Karnataka has increased by 346, from an estimated 6,049 in 2017 to 6,395 now, which is the highest in the country, according to an interim report on Asian Elephant population and demography estimates– 2023.

Details:

• Their population range is estimated to be between 5,914 and 6,877.
• World Elephant Day is observed on August 12 to create awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting these animals that are classified as endangered species.

Synchronised census:

• The census is conducted by the Karnataka Forest Department in collaboration with neighbouring Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Goa.
• The number of elephants in Karnataka that had risen from 5,740 in 2010 to 6,072 in 2012 had decreased to 6,049 in 2017 then increased to 6395 in 2023.

In 23 forest divisions:

• Census was taken up in 23 forest division.
• The State (Karnataka) has an average elephant density of 0.34 per sq km.
• Bandipur Tiger Reserve with 1,116 elephants has accounted for the highest density of 0.96 per sq km followed by Nagarahole Tiger Reserve that has 831 elephants with a density of 0.93.
• BRT Tiger Reserve with 619 elephants accounts for a density of 0.69, while MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary has a density of only 0.60 despite having 706 elephants.

Elephant numbers on the rise

To know more about Elephant, refer: https://optimizeias.com/elephant-conservation/ and https://optimizeias.com/states-fail-to-give-environment-ministry-details-on-elephant-reserves/

4. Why was J&K Constitution never brought ‘within the fold’ of the Indian Constitution, SC asks

Subject :Polity

Section :Constitution

Context:

• The Supreme Court asked why the Union of India, the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir or the political establishment in the rest of the country had never bothered to bring the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir within the fold of the Constitution of India.

Details:

• The court said the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution had, over the years, limited the executive powers of the Union of India and restricted the legislative reach of the Parliament.
• Jammu and Kashmir was the only State to have a separate Constitution. It was enacted on January 26, 1957 and abrogated by the President on August 5, 2019.

‘Complete authority’:

• The 1954 Constitution Order, by inserting Article 35A into the Indian Constitution, gave the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature “complete authority” to decide the ‘permanent residents’ of the State and grant them special rights and privileges in State public sector jobs, acquisition of property within the State, scholarships and other public aid and welfare programmes.
• The limitations enumerated in Article 35A were reflected in the J&K Constitution.

Background:

• On October 17, 1949, Article 370 was added to the Indian constitution, as a ‘temporary provision’, which exempted Jammu & Kashmir, permitting it to draft its own Constitution and restricting the Indian Parliament’s legislative powers in the state.
• It was introduced into the draft constitution by N GopalaswamiAyyangar as Article 306A.
• Under Article 370: The Constituent Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir was empowered to recommend which articles of the Indian Constitution should apply to the state,
  • The J&K Constituent Assembly was dissolved after it drafted the state’s constitution. Clause 3 of the article 370 gives the President of India the power to amend its provisions and scope.
• Article 35A stems from Article 370 and was introduced through a Presidential Order in 1954, on the recommendation of the J&K Constituent Assembly.
  • Article 35A empowers the Jammu & Kashmir legislature to define the permanent residents of the state, and their special rights and privileges.
• It appears in Appendix I of the Constitution.

Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019:

• The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 has replaced the Presidential Order of 1954.
• Subsequently, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, passed by Parliament divides the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two new Union Territories (UTs): Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• This is the first time that a state has been converted into a UT.
• Of the six Lok Sabha seats currently with the state of Jammu and Kashmir, five will remain with the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while one will be allotted to Ladakh.
• The UT of Jammu and Kashmir will have an Assembly, like in Delhi and Puducherry.
• Instead of 29, India will now have 28 states. Kashmir will no longer have a Governor, rather a Lieutenant Governor like in Delhi or Puducherry.

For more details: https://optimizeias.com/the-temporary-nature-of-article-370-and-its-constitutional-challenge/

5. International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

Subject: Schemes

Why in News?

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is observed on 9 August each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population

History of World Tribal Day

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is to be marked annually on August 9, according to a decision made by the UN General Assembly in December 1994. The day was picked in honour of the 1982 Geneva-based Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights inaugural meeting, which served as the inspiration for the date.

World Tribal Day 2023 theme

The theme of World Tribal Day in 2023 is “Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination.”

Significance of World Tribal Day

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples holds immense significance as it serves to spotlight the rich cultural diversity, heritage, and contributions of indigenous communities globally. The day is necessary since indigenous peoples are frequently among the most underprivileged racial and ethnic groupings in society. The UN estimates that although indigenous people make up less than 5% of the global population, they are responsible for 15% of the world’s poorest people.

‘Adivasi’ in India

In India, the term ‘Adivasi’ is used to encompass a diverse range of ethnic and tribal communities that are regarded as the original inhabitants of the country.

These tribal groups make up approximately 8.6% of India’s overall population, which amounts to around 104 million individuals as per the 2011 census.

Although the most substantial tribal communities are concentrated in central India, they constitute merely about 10% of the total population in that region.

6. India takes first step to remove animals from drug testing

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Biotechnology

Purpose of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023) Amendment:

• The amendment, passed by the Government of India, aims to eradicate animal usage in drug research, prioritizing non-animal and human-relevant approaches.
• Researchers are now empowered to employ technologies like 3D organoids, organs-on-chip, and advanced computational methods for drug safety and efficacy evaluation.

Traditional Drug Testing and Limitations:

• Conventional drug testing involves assessing candidate molecules in at least two animal species, including rodents and non-rodents.
• These methods often fail to capture human-specific responses due to intricate variations in genetics, age, sex, and pre-existing conditions.
• The drug development process exhibits high failure rates during human clinical trials, underscoring the discrepancy between animal testing and human outcomes.

Exploration of Alternative Testing Methods:

• Researchers are increasingly shifting focus towards technologies that more accurately emulate human biology and predict human responses.
• These advancements encompass organoids (miniaturized human organs),
  • organs-on-chip (microfluidic devices mimicking human physiological conditions), and 
  • 3D bioprinting of human tissues.
• Personalization of drug testing using patient-specific cells is a promising facet of these methods.

Global Regulatory Evolution Towards Non-Animal Testing:

• The European Union introduced an action plan to transition away from animal-based methods in research, regulatory testing, and education.
• The U.S. FDA Modernization Act 2.0 facilitates the use of non-animal systems for testing new drug safety and effectiveness.
• South Korea‘s ‘Vitalization of Development, Dissemination, and Use of Alternatives to Animal Testing Methods’ bill.
• Canada’s amendment to the Environmental Protection Act underscores global momentum.

India’s Embrace of Non-Animal Testing Methods:

• India amended the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules 2019 in March 2023 to incorporate non-animal methods.
• Public comments and consultation with the Drug Technical Advisory Board informed this decision.

Challenges Faced by India in Implementing Advanced Testing Methods:

• The development of organ-on-a-chip systems necessitates diverse expertise across fields like cell biology, materials science, fluid dynamics, electronics, engineering, pharmacology, and toxicology.
• Indian academia and industry require specialized training and human resources to bridge these interdisciplinary gaps.
• Proposals to establish institutes akin to the Wyss Institute in Boston could bolster India’s capability in emulating human biology.

Indigenous Resource Limitations Impacting Adoption:

• Import reliance for essential reagents, cell-culture materials, and instruments from the U.S., Europe, and Japan presents challenges.
• India has an opportunity to develop a self-sustaining ecosystem in areas related to cell culture, material science, and electronics.

Addressing Variability and Standards in Advanced Testing Methods:

• Variability in data outcomes stems from discrepancies in lab protocols and expertise.
• Guideline development for minimal quality criteria and standards is crucial to ensure consistency.
• Reevaluation of existing animal testing requirements is imperative in light of evolving cell-based and gene-editing therapeutics.

Explaining Key Concepts: Organoids, Organs-on-Chip, and 3D Bioprinting:

• Organoids:
  • Miniature 3D structures replicating specific organs from human cells.
  • Brain organoids for studying neural development and disorders like autism.
• Organs-on-Chip:
  • Microfluidic devices with human cells mimicking organ functions.
  • Lung-on-chip for studying lung diseases and toxin effects.
• 3D Bioprinting:
  • 3D printing using bio-inks of cells and fluids.
  • Printing functional liver tissue for drug testing and regenerative medicine.
• Advantages:
  • Better drug testing accuracy compared to animal models.
  • Personalized medicine potential based on individual characteristics.
• Challenges:
  • Refinement for accurate organ replication.
  • Standardization and validation for reliable results.
• Examples:
  • Heart-on-Chip: Simulates heart tissue behavior for disease and drug studies.
  • Kidney Organoids: Model kidney development, diseases, and drug toxicity.
  • Skin Bioprinting: Constructs for cosmetic testing and potential grafts.

Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB):

• DTAB serves as the supreme statutory decision-making authority concerning technical aspects of drugs within the nation.
• It is established in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.
• DTAB operates under the umbrella of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), which operates within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO):

• CDSCO is India’s top regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• Operates under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Mandate and Functions:
  • Ensures safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
  • Reviews new drug approvals, clinical trials, and import/export licenses.
  • Regulates manufacturing, sale, distribution, labeling, and packaging.
  • Monitors adverse reactions, conducts post-market surveillance.
  • Collaborates with state authorities, industry, global regulators.

7. Develop indigenous Web browser, grab cash prizes

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Awareness in IT and Computers

Context:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is providing cash incentives totaling ₹3.4 crore for developers who create an indigenous Indian web browser that holds global potential.

Challenges in Web Browsing Landscape:

• India’s lack of a trusted root certifying authority poses challenges for web browsers.
• The Indian government and private websites need to acquire SSL certificates from foreign certifying authorities due to this trust gap.

Trust Requirement in the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA):

• Browser ideas participating in the competition must establish trust in the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), 
  • which is the Indian government’s entity responsible for overseeing digital signatures, including SSL (Security Sockets Layer) certificates.
• The IT Act (Section 17) provides for the Controller of Certifying Authorities(CCA) to license and regulate the working of Certifying Authorities.

Understanding Root Certifying Authority:

• An entity entrusted with the highest level of authority to issue digital certificates, which are used to authenticate the identities of entities, such as websites, and encrypt communication.
• Root CAs areimplicitly trusted by web browsers and operating systems.
• Example: “DigiCert” is a well-known Root CA that issues certificates to intermediate CAs, allowing them to issue SSL certificates for various websites.

Understanding SSL Certificates and Website Security:

• SSL Certificates: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are digital documents that provide security for online communications. They serve two primary purposes:
  • Encryption: SSL certificates encrypt data exchanged between a user’s browser and a web server, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.
  • Authentication: SSL certificates verify the identity of websites, assuring users that they are interacting with legitimate and trusted sites.
• Example: When a user visits a banking website, an SSL certificate ensures that the communication between the user’s browser and the bank’s server is encrypted, protecting account information.

India’s Lack of Trusted Root Certifying Authority:

• India currently lacks a root certifying authority that enjoys trust from major web browsers.
• Consequently, Indian government and private websites are compelled to procure SSL certificates from foreign certifying authorities.

Role and Status of Root Certifying Authority of India (RCAI):

• The CCA has established the RCAI under section 18(b) of the IT Act to digitally sign the public keys of CAs in the country.
• The requirements fulfilled by the RCAI include the following:
  • The license issued to the CA is digitally signed by the CCA.
  • All public keys corresponding to the signing private keys of a CA are digitally signed by the CCA.
• However, SSL certificates issued by RCAI lack recognition from most web browsers, necessitating reliance on foreign authorities.

Security Incident involving an Indian Certifying Authority:

• The National Informatics Centre (NIC), an organization authorized by the CCA, encountered a security breach in 2014 when fraudulent certificates were issued.
• As a result, major operating systems and browsers lost trust in India’s CCA, affecting website security.

Reducing Foreign Dependency and Forex Outflow:

• The effort seeks to diminish the significant foreign exchange outflow spent on purchasing SSL certificates from foreign sources.
• Creating a browser that trusts Indian certifying authorities can help reduce the financial burden on the nation.

Collaboration and Support:

The competition is organized and financially supported through a collaboration between the IT Ministry’s Research and Development division and the National Internet Exchange of India.

8. Can SMRs help India achieve net zero?

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Nuclear Technology

What are the challenges of decarbonization in the power sector?

• Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy faces challenges due to existing infrastructures and energy demands.
• While solar and wind are essential, their intermittency and energy storage challenges need to be addressed.
• Ensuring grid stability, especially during peak demand, requires the integration of reliable power sources.
• According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the demand for critical minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements needed for clean-energy technologies will increase by up to 3.5x by 2030, posing supply chain challenges.

What is the role of nuclear power in decarbonization?

• Nuclear power plants (NPPs) generate 10% of the world’s electricity.
• Nuclear power significantly reduces CO2 emissions and provides a continuous electricity supply.
• The 24×7 generation capability of nuclear power plants makes them complementary to intermittent renewables.
• High-skill job creation and technological advancements are additional benefits of nuclear power.
• According to the World Nuclear Association, nuclear power prevented the release of about 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2020.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and how do they differ from conventional Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs)?

• SMRs are nuclear reactors with a maximum capacity of 300 MW, designed for modularity and flexibility.
• Unlike conventional NPPs, which have larger capacities, SMRs offer enhanced safety, scalability, and ease of deployment.
• SMRs often have passive safety features, simplified designs, and reduced potential for radioactive material release.
• Their smaller size allows for modular construction and potentially shorter construction timelines.
• SMRs can be installed at brownfield sites and repurpose existing infrastructure, reducing land acquisition challenges associated with larger NPPs.
• These differences make SMRs particularly suited for supporting grid stability, complementing intermittent renewables, and enhancing energy security.

What are the advantages of SMRs compared to conventional NPPs?

• SMRs boast improved safety through innovative design features, leading to a lower likelihood of core damage and contamination.
• The reduced amount of spent nuclear fuel generated by SMRs simplifies waste management and reduces long-term storage requirements.
• Higher capacity factors and extended operational lifespans enhance their economic viability.
• According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, SMRs can potentially operate for up to 60 years, maintaining high capacity factors.

How can India benefit from deploying SMRs?

• SMRs can supplement India’s growing energy demand while reducing carbon emissions.
• Repurposing existing thermal power plant sites for SMRs minimizes land usage and accelerates deployment.
• Local manufacturing of SMRs can contribute to job creation, technology transfer, and economic growth.
• SMRs can contribute to India’s energy mix diversification and help achieve its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

What is the importance of efficient regulation for SMRs?

• Robust regulations ensure safety, security, and environmental protection.
• Collaboration among countries’ regulators and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ensures global safety standards for SMRs.
• Streamline approval timelines and reduce uncertainty for investors.
• Create a conducive environment for private sector investment and technology adoption.
• An efficient regulatory regime balances safety concerns with encouraging technological innovation and investment.

How can SMRs contribute to India’s energy sector transformation?

• SMRs can augment India’s energy mix, helping meet coal-based power generation targets and boosting renewable capacity.
• Private sector investments in SMRs can catalyze innovation and attract financing for nuclear expansion.
• Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors can accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.
• India’s large population and growing energy needs make the development of diverse and reliable energy sources, including SMRs, imperative.

What legal and regulatory changes are required for SMRs in India?

• Amending the Atomic Energy Act to accommodate private sector involvement while maintaining governmental control over key aspects is crucial.
• Establishing an empowered regulatory board ensures oversight, safety, and adherence to international standards.
• Balancing private operations with government supervision safeguards security while promoting growth.
• Proper legal frameworks attract private sector investment and foster technology adoption.

How does the India-US ‘123 agreement’ support SMR development?

• The agreement’s provisions allow India to strategically manage nuclear fuel and develop reprocessing capabilities under IAEA safeguards.
• Collaborative ventures with foreign suppliers can enhance India’s nuclear capabilities and waste management strategies.
• International agreements provide avenues for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and collaborative research.

How can the public perception of nuclear power in India be improved?

• The Department of Atomic Energy should engage in proactive public outreach, providing comprehensive information on safety, benefits, and safeguards.
• Transparency in communication can dispel misconceptions and build trust in nuclear power.
• Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about the technological advancements and safety measures in modern nuclear power.

9. Change state’s name to keralam, assembly resolution urges centre

Subject: Polity

Section: Parliament

Context:

The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central government to officially change the name of the State from Kerala to Keralam.

The Resolution:

• The Kerala Assembly, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, passed a unanimous resolution urging the Central Government to rename the state as “Keralam” in both the official records and the Constitution.
• Remarkably, the resolution garnered unanimous support from the Assembly, with no proposed changes from the Congress-led Opposition.

Name Change Rationale:

• While the state’s name in Malayalam is “Keralam“, it’s designated as “Kerala” in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
• Tracing back to the days of the national freedom struggle, the resolution emphasizes the historical demand for a unified Kerala for all Malayalam-speaking communities.
• The Assembly calls upon the Union Government to take action under Article 3 of the Constitution to align the state’s name with its linguistic identity.

Name Origins:

• The term “Kerala” finds its historical roots in Emperor Ashoka’s Rock Edict II from 257 BC, where the local ruler is referred to as “Keralaputra“
• On the other hand, “Keralam” is believed by scholars to have derived from “Cheram,” a perspective proposed by Dr. Herman Gundert.
• Dr. Gundert pointed to the Kannada term “keram” which is akin to “cheram” suggesting the region between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari.

Demand for Unified Kerala:

• Emerging during the 1920s, the Aikya Kerala movement was a fervent call for the integration of Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore into a single administrative entity.
• The movement gained momentum due to the shared Malayalam language, cultural traditions, and historical bonds that unified the Malayalam-speaking populace.

Formation Post-Independence:

• The integration of Travancore and Kochi on July 1, 1949, marked the initial step towards the establishment of the Travancore-Cochin State.
• The State Reorganisation Commission’s recommendations led to the formation of Kerala, encompassing the district of Malabar and the Kasargod taluk.
• The state of Kerala was officially inaugurated on November 1, 1956.

Process of Renaming:

• Changing the name of a state involves obtaining approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) at the Central level, necessitating a Constitutional amendment.
• The procedure is instigated by the state government, and the MHA reviews the proposal after securing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various governmental agencies.
• If endorsed, the proposal is transformed into a legally binding act through a parliamentary Bill.

Steps in the Assembly’s Resolution:

• The resolution earnestly implores the Union Government to effectuate the name change from “Kerala” to “Keralam,” necessitating an amendment to the Constitution as per Article 3.
• Furthermore, the resolution advocates for the usage of “Keralam” across all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Significance of Article 3 and Schedule 1:

• Article 3 of the Constitution, which governs the creation of new states and the modification of existing states’ boundaries, serves as the bedrock for altering the state’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam.”
• Article 3
  • Formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States: Parliament may by law
  • (a) form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State;
  • (b) increase the area of any State;
  • (c) diminish the area of any State;
  • (d) alter the boundaries of any State;
  • (e) alter the name of any State;
  • Provided that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and
  • unless, where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the States, the Bill has been referred by the President to the Legislature of that State for expressing its views
• Schedule 1 of the Indian constitution contains the list of states and union territories and their extent and territorial jurisdictions.
• Schedule 1 of the Indian Constitution deals with
  • Names of the States and their territorial jurisdiction.
  • Names of the Union Territories and their extent.
• Amendment to Schedule 1
  • Whenever there is a change in the territory of a state/UT or formation of a new state/UT or merger of states/UTs Schedule 1 gets amended.
  • The first amendment of Schedule 1 was carried out by the 7th Constitutional Amendment 1956 with the formation of the Andhra Pradesh state.

The recent amendment to Schedule 1 was by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 which deleted the Jammu and Kashmir entry from the State list and added “Jammu and Kashmir” and “Ladakh” entries in the Union Territory list of Schedule 1.