Daily Prelims Notes 2 November 2023

Daily prelims Notes

2 November 2023

1. UPSC tightens rules for appointment of State police chiefs

Subject: Polity

Section: Executive

Context:

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has tightened its guidelines for the appointment of State Directors General of Police (DGPs).

Key Highlights of the guidelines:

1. Minimum Service Left

• The UPSC guidelines now mandate that candidates eligible for the position of DGP must have at least six months of active service left before their retirement.
• This ensures that the appointed DGP will have a reasonable period to serve in the position, preventing short tenures and promoting stability in the leadership of state police forces.
• It allows the DGP to effectively implement policies and initiatives without the imminent pressure of retirement.

2. Central Deputation

• The new guidelines state that if an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer is serving on a central deputation and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informs the respective State government that it cannot relieve the officer, that individual will not be considered for the position of DGP.
• This change strikes a balance between state and central requirements. It ensures that officers serving in crucial national-level roles are not abruptly withdrawn, preserving the functioning of essential institutions at both state and central levels.

3. Experience Requirement

• The previous requirement of 30 years of service for DGP eligibility has been reduced to 25 years.
• This alteration acknowledges that officers can gain significant and diverse experience within 25 years, making them well-qualified for the responsibilities associated with the DGP role.
• It broadens the pool of potential candidates, allowing competent officers with varied experiences to be considered for the position.

4. Shortlisted Candidates

• The guidelines limit the number of shortlisted officers to a maximum of three candidates.
• This limitation ensures a competitive selection process. Having a manageable number of candidates allows decision-makers to thoroughly evaluate each contender, promoting a fair and merit-based selection.

5. Willingness of Officers

• Officers must express their willingness to be considered for the DGP position under the new guidelines.
• This requirement ensures that officers who genuinely desire the role and are prepared for the responsibilities associated with it are included in the candidate pool.
• It prevents officers from being appointed to a position they might not be interested in or fully committed to, ensuring a higher level of dedication and engagement in the role.

Conclusion

These changes in the UPSC guidelines aim to enhance the transparency, fairness, and efficiency of the process of appointing DGPs in Indian states. By setting clear criteria, ensuring a competitive selection process, and considering officers’ willingness, these guidelines promote the appointment of qualified and dedicated leaders, ultimately strengthening the professionalism and effectiveness of state police forces across the country.

2. Impacting a woman’s freedom to reproductive choices

Subject: Polity

Section: Constitution

Context

On October 16, in X vs Union of India, the Supreme Court of India declined permission to a woman who was seeking to terminate a 26 week-long pregnancy.

About

 A Bench presided over by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), D.Y. Chandrachud, held that the woman’s case fell outside the scope of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. The Court said the statute permitted the termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks only in cases where the fetus exhibited substantial abnormality, or where the woman’s life was under direct threat.

Viable foetus versus woman’s right

• The judgment falls short of bestowing any explicit rights to the unborn. But the upshot of its conclusion is just that, when a foetus becomes viable, and is capable of surviving outside the mother’s uterus, the woman’s right to choose stands extinguished, barring circumstances where the specific conditions outlined in the MTP Act are met.
• In so holding, the judgment suffers from at least two errors. The judgment does not engage with these questions and, as a result, places the rights of a fetus at a pedestal, above that of the rights of a pregnant woman to her privacy and dignity.
• Second, the Court fails to examine whether the MTP Act is merely an enabling legislation. Had these questions been posed and answered, the Court may well have considered whether a woman ought to be allowed to terminate her pregnancy outside the terms spelled out in the legislation. If the right to freely make reproductive choices is fundamental, flowing from the Constitution, the Court ought to scarcely feel injuncted from issuing directions beyond the MTP Act’s remit.

Fetuses and rights

• Even more damaging, though, is the judgment’s implicit assertion that foetuses have constitutional rights. Our jurisprudence on abortion has been built on a converse premise. The guarantees of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution — the rights to equal protection and life are conferred on persons, and the Constitution decidedly does not award personhood to a foetus. As it happens, even the MTP Act makes no such assertion. For if it did, it could not plausibly create an exception from the timelines it stipulates to cases where a pregnant woman’s life is under immediate and direct threat.

Salient features of the “Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 2021”:

• Abortions before 20 weeks of pregnancy: Terminating a pregnancy up to 20 weeks will only require the medical advice of one doctor.
• Abortions up to or beyond 24 of pregnancy: Abortion is legal for women in certain circumstances up to 24 weeks. It would include:
• Survivors of rape, victims of incest and other vulnerable women (like differently-abled women, minors) etc.
• Opinion of 2 doctors is required for termination of pregnancy of 20-24 weeks of gestation.
• A state-level medical board will be set up to decide:
• if pregnancy may be terminated beyond 20 months till 24 months. Such a decision can be taken by the medical board only after due consideration and ensuring that the procedure would be safe for the woman.
• The time frame available to the Medical Board is 3 days.
• The upper gestation limit does not apply in cases of substantial fetal abnormalities diagnosed by the Medical Board.
• Anonymity: Name and other particulars of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated shall not be revealed except to a person authorized in any law for the time being in force.
• Marital and age criteria:
• Unmarried women can also access abortion under the above-mentioned conditions because it does not mention the requirement of spousal consent.
• If the woman is a minor, however, the consent of a guardian is required.
• Intentionally causing a miscarriage: Section 312 of the Indian Penal Code holds intentionally causing a miscarriage as a criminal offense.

Conclusion

There is no place within our constitutional structure to see a foetus as anything but dependent on the mother. To see it as a separate, distinct personality would be tantamount to conferring a set of rights on it that the Constitution grants to no other class of person. Such a reading would efface altogether a jurisprudence that grants primacy to a woman’s freedom to make reproductive choices — a right that is intrinsic in Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

3. AI and the issue of human-centricity in copyright law

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Awareness in IT

Context:

• The emergence of AI has raised questions about copyright in the digital age.
• Global leaders are adapting to regulate AI use to safeguard humanity.

Recent Case in the USA:

• In a US District Court case, Stephen Thaler claimed copyright for art created autonomously by his AI system, ‘Creativity Machine.’
• The US Copyright Office rejected the application, stating that human authorship is essential for copyright protection.
• The court upheld this position, in line with the US Copyright Office’s stance.

Case in India:

• In 2020, the Indian Copyright Office initially accepted an application where the AI system, “RAGHAV Artificial Intelligence Painting App,” was listed as the sole author.
• When the matter stirred controversy, the Copyright Office sent a notice to the human co-author, indicating its intent to withdraw the registration. However, as of the available data, the work remains registered without withdrawal.
• This scenario in India is contrasted by the 161st Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce in July 2021, which suggested reviewing the Copyright Act 1957 and the Patent Act 1970 to integrate emerging technologies like AI into their framework. However, the recommendations of the report did not seem to address the potential consequences for the startup ecosystem or the challenges of AI-related creations in copyright law.

Issue of Granting Copyright to AI-Generated Content:

• Determining authorship: Identifying the true author of AI-generated work is complex.
• Legal clarity: Ambiguity surrounds whether AI can hold copyright and how it relates to human authorship.
• Ethical considerations: AI lacks personal motivations or moral responsibilities, raising ethical dilemmas in copyright ownership.
• Impact on existing laws: Adapting current copyright laws to accommodate AI-generated content poses significant challenges.
• International harmonization: Establishing unified global standards for AI-related copyright laws is a considerable challenge.

Way Forward:

• Policymakers and courts need to be cautious about diluting the human-centricity in copyright law, especially concerning AI-generated content.
• The 161st Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce recommended reviewing copyright and patent laws to incorporate AI-related technologies.
• Policymakers should consider the implications of extending traditional copyright protections to AI-generated work and the potential impact on the startup ecosystem.
• Continued discussions and studies on AI-related IP challenges are essential for shaping future copyright regulations.

4. Hemoglobin isn’t used only in blood, scientists discover

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Health

Context:

A breakthrough discovery has revealed that hemoglobin isn’t used by red blood cells  alone. In a study, scientists from China reported that chondrocytes i.e cells that make cartilage, the connecting tissue between bones, also make hemoglobin and seems to  depend on it for their survival.

About Haemoglobin (Hb):

• It is an iron-containing protein found in the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
• It is made up of four protein molecules (globulin chains) that are connected together.
• Haemoglobin forms an unstable, reversible bond with oxygen. In the oxygenated state, it is called oxyhemoglobin and is bright red; in the reduced state, it is purplish blue.
• It also plays an important role in maintaining the shape of the RBCs. In their natural shape, RBCs are round with narrow centers resembling a donut without a hole in the middle. Abnormal hemoglobin structure can, therefore, disrupt the shape of RBCs and impede their function and flow through blood vessels.
• Hemoglobin levels vary from person to person. Men usually have higher levels than women.

New Breakthrough: Hemoglobin Bodies (Hedy)

• Pathologists in China researching bone development, stumbled upon spherical structures resembling RBCs within chondrocytes.
• These structures, termed “hemoglobin bodies” or Hedy, contained hemoglobin and formed large, membraneless blobs, akin to phase separation in oil and water.

Functionality of Hemoglobin Bodies 

• Essential for Survival: Experiments on genetically modified mice revealed that chondrocytes without hemoglobin experienced cell death, emphasizing Hedy’s vital role.
• Oxygen Transport: Similar to RBCs, hemoglobin in chondrocytes likely serves as an oxygen store and supplier, preventing hypoxic stress (low-oxygen conditions) in cartilage cells.

Haemoglobin’s Broader Implications

• New Research Avenues: The discovery bridges gaps between hematology and skeletal biology, paving the way for further exploration into the relationship between hemoglobin and stem cell fate in growth plates.
• Potential for Joint Disease Insights: Functional hemoglobin in cartilage raises possibilities of its involvement in joint diseases and bone deformities, offering fresh insights into disease mechanisms.

5. Dino-killing asteroid kicked up mountains of dust

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Space technology

Context:

• Researchers on October 30 revealed the potent role that dust from pulverized rock ejected into the atmosphere from the impact site may have played in driving extinctions, choking the atmosphere and blocking photosynthesis.

More About News:

• An asteroid smacked Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula 66 million years ago, causing a  global calamity that erased three quarters of the world’s species and ended the  age of dinosaurs.
• The immediate effects included wildfires, quakes, a massive shockwave in the  air, and huge standing waves in the seas. But the coup de grâce for many species may have been the climate catastrophe that unfolded in the following

years as the skies were darkened by clouds of debris and temperatures plunged.

• The total amount of dust was about 2,000 billion tonnes exceeding 11­ times the weight of Mt. Everest.
• The researchers ran palaeoclimate simulations based on sediment  unearthed at a North Dakota palaeontological site that preserved evidence of  the post­ impact conditions.
• The simulations showed this fine grained dust could have blocked photosynthesis for up to two years by rendering the atmosphere opaque to sunlight and remained in the atmosphere for 15 years.
• While prior research highlighted two other factors, sulfur released after the impact and soot from wildfires. This study indicated dust played a larger role than previously known.
• The dust ­ silicate particles measuring about 0.8­8.0 micrometers ­ that formed a global cloud layer were spawned from the granite and gneiss rock  pulverized in the violent impact that gouged the Yucatan’s Chicxulub  crater, 180 km wide and 20 km deep.
• In the aftermath, the earth experienced a drop in surface temperatures of  about 15 degrees Celsius. It was cold and dark for years.
• Earth descended into an “impact winter,” with global temperatures plummeting and primary productivity ­the process land and aquatic plants and other organisms use to make food from inorganic sources ­ collapsing, causing a chain reaction of extinctions. 
• As plants died, herbivores starved. Carnivores were left without prey and  perished. In marine realms, the demise of tiny phytoplankton caused food  webs to crash.
• Royal Observatory of Belgium planetary scientist says- While the sulfur  stayed about eight to nine years, soot and silicate dust resided in the atmosphere for about 15 years after the impact.

6. Debut of 50-year ultra long term India bonds

Subject: Economy

Section: External sector

In News: Government plans to sell ₹10,000 crore of 50-year bond that matures in 2073.

Key Points:

• 40-year bond that matures in 2063 is currently the longest-duration bond sold by India. Government now plans to sell ₹10,000 crore of a 2073 bond.
• The bonds are likely to be sold at a yield that will only be one-to-two basis points higher than the yield on the 40-year bond at around 7.54%.
• Strong demand for the bonds is anticipated as insurers try to lock in higher yields to take care of long-term commitments.
• Why ultra long term bonds?
  • Over one-third of the government’s fiscal second-half bond supply is in papers maturing in 30-50 years.
  • The Reserve Bank of India said last month it plans to add the 50-year bond in response to market demand for ultra-long papers, extending the nation’s yield curve.
  • Government may be trying to increase the tenure of debt sold and expect yields to decline once India’s sovereign bonds get included to JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s emerging market index next year.
• The anticipated strong demand for the 50-year bond will likely lead to a flat yield curve, elongating the maturity of the government’s debt while keeping its overall interest costs in check.
• The issuance of longer-maturity debt will also extend the weighted average maturity of outstanding bonds.
• Changing trend in holding of government bonds?
  • Between 2018 and 2022 Insurers’ holdings of government bonds rose to 26% at the end of March 2022, up from over 23% in 2018, reflecting their growing heft in the local debt market.
  • Meanwhile Bank’s ownership fell to 38% from 43% in the period.
• Why are insurance companies the bigger takers of long term bonds?
  • India’s first-ever issuance of 50-year government bonds can be easily absorbed by insurance companies and provident funds, which are keen and have been looking for avenues to park long-term funds.
  • Long-term investors like insurers will have a natural demand for the 50-year paper.
  • Most insurance companies require longer-duration bonds for their asset-liability management.

7. India Exim Bank lists $1 billion sustainability bond at London Stock Exchange

Subject: Economy

Section: External sector

Key Points:

• Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) has  listed its maiden 10-year $1billion sustainability bond on the Sustainable Bond Market (SBM) platform at the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
• What are sustainability bonds?
  • Sustainability bonds are issues where proceeds are used to finance a combination of green and social projects.
• The listing will give India Exim Bank access to a deeper pool of capital and a wider investor base.
• India Exim Bank, which finances and facilitates India’s international trade, had in January raised $1 billion issuing 10-year Sustainability Bond under its Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Framework.
• Apart from the LSE, the India Exim Bank has listed its maiden 10-year $1 billion sustainability bond on the India International Exchange (INX), the country’s first international exchange located at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
• The bond is also listed on AFRINEX Ltd. (Afrinex)’s AFEX Green platform dedicated to social, green, and sustainable financing on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST).

8. India clears the deck for direct listing of companies in the overseas market

Subject: Economy

Section: Capital market

Key Points:

• Indian companies can now list on foreign stock exchanges, according to a Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) notification of Section 5 of the Companies Amendment Act, 2020.
• The plan is to initially roll-out overseas listings through the GIFT City’s International Financial Services Centre (IFCS), followed by a broader direct listing.
• Which companies can get listed on foreign exchanges?
  • The government might come out with clear guidelines and norms for the types of securities and companies that will be eligible for this direct listing.
  • Even as the recent notification speaks only about public companies, the government can also consider allowing such direct listing for unlisting private companies.
  • MCA and the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) are in the advanced stages of creating the eligibility norms for such direct overseas listings of Indian companies.
• Importance of the move:
  • This notification brings us one step closer to permitting Indian companies to list abroad.
  • This could particularly be beneficial for new-age companies and start-ups looking to list abroad, where valuations and investor appetite/understanding may differ.
• One of the key aspects to consider is the tax implications in India for foreign shareholders who trade such shares on overseas exchanges
• Currently, Indian companies can access the overseas equity markets only through depository receipts or by listing their debt securities on foreign markets.

9. G20 regulators’ meet on standards to focus on sustainability, inclusivity

Subject: International Relations

Section: International Organisation

Context: G20 regulators’ meet on standards to focus on sustainability, inclusivity

More about the news:

• The G20 Standards Dialogue, taking place in New Delhi, is a two-day event coordinated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and focuses on inclusive standardization and good regulatory practices
• The event, part of India’s ongoing G20 presidency, aims to facilitate discussions and best practice sharing among important regulatory bodies from various countries to streamline actions, reduce costs, and benefit the MSME sector.
• The dialogue brings together industry leaders, government officials, standards professionals, regulators, and policymakers to drive progress in standardization and global regulatory practices.
• It explores how sustainability can be achieved through inclusive standardization and good regulatory practices, promoting the concept of “zero defect and zero effect.”
• The event features three main sessions, addressing topics like standards for sustainability, technical regulations, and good regulatory practices, and stakeholder engagement in standardization.
• It seeks to tackle challenges such as resource constraints, technical knowledge gaps, and cultural differences in standardization processes
• India will continue to hold the G20 Presidency till November 30 after which Brazil will take over.

What is G20 Summit:

• G-20 was a group of finance ministers and central bank governors from 19 individual countries and the European Union.
• It was established in 1999 and was elevated to a forum of Heads of Government in 2008 to effectively respond to the global financial crisis of 2008.
• G-20 is a forum, not a legislative body and its agreements and decisions have no legal impact, but they do influence countries’ policies and global cooperation..
• The G20 membership accounts for
  • Two-thirds of the world’s population, 
  • 85% of global gross domestic product,
  • 80% of global investment 
  • 75% of global trade.
    Contribute 79% of the world carbon emissions
• G20 does not have any permanent secretariat or headquarters.
• The G20 Summit is formally known as the “Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy”.

10. Israel deploy missile boats in red sea after Houthis’ attack

Subject: International Relations

Section: Places in news

Context: Israel deploy missile boats in red sea after Houthis’ attack

More about the news:

• The Israeli military deployed missile boats in the Red Sea as reinforcements after the Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed to have launched missile and drone attacks on Israel.
• Images from the military showed Saar-class corvettes patrolling near Eilat port in the Red Sea, marking this region as a new front for potential conflict.
• The Houthi movement announced three drone and missile attacks on Israel since the start of the Hamas-Israel war on October 7, pledging more attacks to support the Palestinians.
• Israel intercepted an “aerial threat” over the Red Sea, suggesting a new attack from the Houthi movement.

Who are the Houthis:

• The Houthis are a large Zaidi Shia clan that began a movement against the dictatorship of Ali Abdullah Saleh in the 1990s.
• Today, they are a faction in the bloody civil war that has raged in Yemen since 2014.
• The Houthis are backed by Iran and control territory in the west and northwest of Yemen, including the capital Sana’a. 
• They are fighting against the Sunni-led internationally recognised Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Why have they attacked Israel:

• The Houthi attack on Israel is part of a series of attacks by groups belonging to the “Axis of Resistance” against Israel and the United States, both of which are strong allies of Israel.
• Reuters reported that Iran-backed Iraqi militias have been targeting U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, while Hezbollah has engaged in clashes with Israeli forces along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
• The Houthi movement has consistently held anti-Israel and anti-West sentiments, as evidenced by their long-standing slogan: “God is the greatest, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam.”
• Houthi spokesperson Saree blamed Israel for contributing to instability in the Middle East, expanding the “circle of conflict” through its ongoing actions.
• The Houthi movement pledges to continue launching attacks until they perceive an end to Israeli aggression.

Why is this a concerning development for the conflict in the Middle East:

• The Houthi movement has demonstrated its missile and drone capabilities, notably in the 2019 attack on Saudi oil installations, temporarily reducing Saudi Arabia’s oil output by over 50%.
• However, in the current situation, where the Houthis are about 2,000 km away from Israel, they pose limited actual danger to the Israelis.
• Houthi missiles and drones have been intercepted during recent hostilities, leading experts to view their attacks more as a form of messaging than a substantial military threat.
• The potential danger lies in the risk of these attacks escalating into a larger conflict in the Middle East.
• Israel’s actions have not prompted a military response from its Muslim neighbors so far, but Houthi attacks present a dilemma for Saudi Arabia.
• The flight path for drones or missiles launched from Yemen passes over western Saudi Arabia, putting Saudi Arabia in a sensitive position.
• Saudi Arabia may not want to be perceived as supporting Israel by condemning the Houthi attack, but they also want to avoid openly siding with the Houthis, who are backed by Iran, Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical rival.
• Saudi Arabia has issued strong statements against Israel but hasn’t taken direct military action. However, they might be pushed to escalate if Israel responds by targeting Sana’a, potentially using Saudi airspace.
• Saudi involvement in the conflict could lead to a broader escalation and potentially trigger a larger war in the Middle East.

11. Government  put donor privacy over voter right to know:

Subject: Polity

Section: Constitution

Context: Government  puts donor’s privacy over voter’s right to know, and gives itself a waiver during Supreme Court hearing on electoral bonds

More about the news:

• Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, argues that protecting a citizen’s right to privacy when donating to a political party is essential because the donation reflects the donor’s “political affiliation,” a core element of privacy.
• This argument forms the basis of the Indian government’s defense of the opacity in the electoral bond scheme.
• The government contends that the donor’s right to privacy takes precedence over the voter’s right to know, even if this means the state grants itself an exemption.
• Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud pointed out during the hearing that the donor’s identity is not entirely anonymous, as the State and the State Bank of India possess this information.
• A citizen’s fundamental rights are protected against the state, as per Article 13 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits the state from making laws inconsistent with or infringing on fundamental rights.
• The electoral bond system does not disclose the buyer’s or payee’s name to protect the citizen’s right to privacy regarding their political affiliation and choice of funding a political party.
• Mehta states that this approach aligns with the state’s positive obligation to safeguard citizens’ privacy, including their right to informational privacy and political affiliation.
• The government’s stance heavily relies on the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling in KS Puttaswamy v Union of India, which unanimously affirmed the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution.
• It’s ironic that the government initially argued against elevating the right to privacy to the status of a fundamental right, as it did not specifically find mention in the Constitution.
• In the 2021 Pegasus spyware case, the Supreme Court refused to accept the government’s national security argument to violate the fundamental right to privacy.
• Government transparency and openness are considered important values under the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the need for information flow in legal proceedings.

What is the issue all about:

• A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court presided by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud will hear petitions challenging the 2018 Electoral Bonds Scheme
• The bench will also comprise Justices Sanjeev Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
• A batch of petitions was filed by various parties, including the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, CPI(M), Congress leader Jaya Thakur, and an individual named Spandan Biswal.
• On October 16, a three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Chandrachud referred the petitions to a Constitution bench and scheduled the hearing for October 31.
• The decision to refer the case to a Constitution bench was based on the significance of the issue and Article 145(3) of the Constitution, which requires at least five judges to hear cases involving substantial constitutional questions.
• The electoral bond scheme, introduced in the 2017 Union Budget, allows for anonymous donations to political parties. The government claims it is a step toward electoral reform, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• The petitioners argue that the scheme makes political funding less transparent, as it allows political parties not to disclose their annual contribution reports to the Election Commission of India (ECI) or reveal the identities of bond donors.

What was Supreme Court previous judgements:

• In April 2019, a three-judge Supreme Court bench directed political parties that received donations through electoral bonds to submit details of the bonds to the ECI.
• The Supreme Court had previously dismissed a request to halt the sale of new bonds in March 2021, disputing the claim that the bond scheme provides complete anonymity to donors. The court noted that it had already ordered certain safeguards in its April 2019 interim order.
• The court also mentioned that the Election Commission had received details of contributions made through bonds as per the April 2019 order.
• The Supreme Court expressed uncertainty regarding the extent of anonymity in political party financing by corporate houses, both within India and abroad, under the scheme. The court questioned whether the allegation of complete anonymity was sustainable at this stage.

What has the ECI’s stance been

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) expressed strong objections to amendments in the Representation of the People Act (RPA) that exempted political parties from disclosing donations received through electoral bonds in May 2017.
• They considered this exemption as a regressive step and urged the government to reconsider and modify these amendments.
• Additionally, in March 2019, the ECI highlighted concerns about changes in the law that allowed political parties to accept contributions from foreign companies.
• They believed this could lead to unchecked foreign funding of political parties and the potential influence of foreign companies on Indian policies

What are the features of Electoral Bonds Scheme:

• A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. 
• The bonds are like banknotes that are payable to the bearer on demand and are interest-free.
• Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and which secured not less than one percent of the votes polled in the last General Election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.
• The Finance Act(s) of 2016 and 2017 amended four separate legislations to make way for the electoral bonds scheme, including the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010; the RPA, 1951; the Income Tax Act, 1961; and the Companies Act, 2013.

What is the procedure to purchase the electoral bond:

• The State Bank of India  has been authorized to issue and encash Electoral Bonds through its 29 Authorized Branches.
• The bonds are sold by the SBI in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore.
• One can purchase these bonds only digitally or through cheques.
• The Electoral Bonds can be encashed by an eligible Political Party only through a Bank account with the Authorized Bank.
• The Electoral Bond deposited by an eligible Political Party in its account is credited on the same day.
• Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen calendar days from the date of issue and no payment is being made to any payee Political Party if the Electoral Bond is deposited after expiry of the validity period.

12. Coffee Around the World

Subject: Geography

Section: Economic geography

1. World Bank’s commodity markets outlook predicts a likely decrease in global coffee prices in 2024 due to increased supplies from key producing countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia.
2. Arabica coffee prices declined by 14% in the third quarter of 2023, representing a 30% drop from the same period the previous year.
3. Prices for Robusta coffee experienced a minor increase of about 2% in the same quarter, marking a 17% rise from the previous year.
4. The robusta market is expected to remain tight, with decreases in production from Indonesia and Uganda outweighing the increase in Vietnam’s output.
5. The World Bank anticipates arabica prices to soften slightly in 2024 and remain relatively stable in 2025, whereas robusta prices are projected to decline by nearly 8% in 2024.
6. The intensification of El Niño and a severe downturn in the global economy pose both upward and downward price risks, respectively.
7. In India, arabica prices have decreased by over a third from their peak levels, while robusta parchment prices remain firm.
8. Current farmgate prices for Arabica parchment hover around ₹10,900-11,200 per 50 kg bag, whereas Arabica cherry prices are around ₹6,450-6,650. Robusta parchment prices are around ₹10,000-10,400, and robusta cherry prices range from ₹5,900-6,200.

About Commodity Markets Outlook Report

World Bank publishes the Commodity Markets Outlook report biannually, in April and October each year. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of major commodity groups, including energy, metals, agriculture, precious metals, and fertilizers. It also provides price forecasts for 46 key commodities, serving as a valuable resource for investors and stakeholders seeking insights into global commodity market trends.

Comparison between Robusta and Arabica coffee:

Robusta coffee and Arabica coffee are the two primary species of coffee beans that dominate the global coffee market. Each has its own unique characteristics and is used in various coffee blends, offering different flavor profiles and growing conditions.

Robusta Coffee:

1. Flavor Profile: Robusta coffee is known for its strong and harsh taste, often described as grain-like, with a distinct earthy or woody flavor. It tends to have a higher caffeine content and is more bitter than Arabica.
2. Cultivation Conditions: Robusta plants are hardy and can be grown at lower altitudes, making them suitable for regions with warmer climates. They are more resistant to pests and diseases compared to Arabica plants.
3. Caffeine Content: Robusta beans typically contain around 2.2-2.7% caffeine, which is almost double the amount found in Arabica beans.
4. Usage: Robusta beans are commonly used in espresso blends and instant coffee due to their strong flavor and crema-enhancing properties. They are also used as a filler in various coffee blends.
5. Production: Robusta coffee is primarily produced in countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia, which have suitable low-altitude tropical climates.

Arabica Coffee:

1. Flavor Profile: Arabica coffee is known for its milder and more nuanced flavor profile, often characterized by its sweetness, acidity, and aromatic It can offer a wide range of flavors, from fruity and floral to sugary and tangy notes.
2. Cultivation Conditions: Arabica plants are more sensitive to environmental factors and require specific conditions to thrive, such as higher altitudes, cooler temperatures, and ample rainfall.
3. Caffeine Content: Arabica beans contain approximately 1.2-1.5% caffeine, which is significantly lower compared to Robusta beans.
4. Usage: Arabica beans are commonly used for specialty coffee and gourmet blends, renowned for their complex flavors and aromatic qualities.
5. Production: Arabica coffee is cultivated in various countries, including those in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, known for their high-altitude regions and suitable climates for growing Arabica plants.

Summary of the coffee production and distinct characteristics from different regions around the world:

North America & The Caribbean:

• Hawaii: Kona coffee is famous for its rich, aromatic flavor, cultivated in the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano.
• Mexico: Known for its sharp and pronounced flavor, often used in blends, especially dark roasts.
• Puerto Rico: Features balanced body and acidity, with fruity aroma, from regions like Grand Lares and Yauco Selecto.

Central America:

• Guatemala: Offers a distinctive taste with spicy or chocolatey notes, influenced by microclimates in regions like Antigua, Coban, and Huehuetanango.
• Costa Rica: Recognized for its balanced medium body and sharp acidity, produced through careful wet-processed Arabicas.

South America:

• Colombia: Maintains a high standard of excellence, providing consistently good, mild coffees with balanced acidity, despite challenges in transportation.
• Brazil: Produces a clear, sweet, and medium-bodied coffee, grown in large plantations under varying climate and soil conditions.

East Africa:

• Ethiopia: Known for full-bodied and down-to-earth flavors, often wet-processed from regions like Sidamo, Harrar, and Kaffa.
• Kenya: Grown on the foothills of Mount Kenya, featuring sharp fruity acidity and rich fragrance, emphasizing quality through controlled processing.

West Africa:

• Ivory Coast: A major producer of strongly aromatic Robusta coffee, suitable for dark roasts and often used in espresso blends.

The Arabian Peninsula:

• Yemen: Home to ancient coffee cultivation practices, yielding a distinctive deep, rich taste, historically associated with the term “Mocha.”

Asia:

• Indonesia: Known for its aged coffees, offering a rich full-bodied flavor with mild acidity, often dry processed in the warm, damp climate.
• Vietnam: A rapidly growing producer, specializing in Robusta coffee with a light acidity and mild body, frequently used for blending.

Coffee from these diverse regions carries distinct flavors and characteristics, influenced by the environment, soil, altitude, and unique processing techniques specific to each area.

Coffee Producing Countries:

1. Brazil: The largest global producer of coffee.
2. Vietnam: Second largest coffee producer worldwide.
3. Colombia: A major coffee producer known for its high-quality Arabica beans.
4. Indonesia: Renowned for its distinct and rich coffee varieties.
5. India: Among the top coffee producing countries, with a significant production contribution.

Coffee Producing Regions in India:

1. Karnataka: Largest coffee producing state, with Chikmagalur, Kodagu, and Hassan being major coffee production regions, contributing nearly 71% of India’s coffee production.
2. Kerala: The Malabar region accounts for 21% of India’s coffee production.
3. Tamil Nadu: Nilgiris District in Tamil Nadu contributes approximately 5% to the overall coffee production in India.
4. Andhra Pradesh: Araku Valley Hill station is a notable coffee-producing region.
5. North-eastern States: States like Tripura and Nagaland are also involved in coffee production.

13. Wildlife trafficking, organized crime linked: Nonprofit’s report sheds new light

Subject :environment

Section: biodiversity

Context:

• New evidence on the convergence of wildlife crime in tandem with other forms of organized crime has been found in a new report by nonprofit Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).

Details of the report:

• Report title: Convergence of wildlife crime with other forms of organised crime: A 2023 Review

Key Findings:

• There are close links of wildlife trade with protection rackets, extortion, murder, money laundering, illicit drugs, tax evasion and corruption.
• The report noted sand-mining as a form of environmental crime.
• Sand, a raw material and second-most-used resource in the world, is used to make concrete, asphalt and glass. About 40-50 billion tonnes of sand resources are exploited each year, but their extraction is managed and governed poorly in many countries.
• Sand mining causes:
  • Erosion, negative impact on aquifers, reduces protection against storm surges, shrinks deltas, freshwater and marine fisheries, land-use changes and biodiversity.
• There are no global treaties governing sand extraction.
• Sand-mining killings from Indonesia, Kenya, Gambia, South Africa and Mexico were reported.
• Globally traded wildlife commodities:  Pangolin scales, illegal sand mining, elephant ivory, seafood including sea cucumber and sharks.

Wildlife crime:

• Wildlife crime refers to acts committed contrary to national and international laws and regulations intended to protect natural resources and to manage their sustainable use. It poses a serious threat to the survival of migratory animals such as birds, elephants, big cats, antelopes, cetaceans, fish and marine turtles.
• Wildlife trafficking has grown to become a more serious and profitable crime in recent decades and increasing evidence of links between organized crime networks and wildlife crime is observed where the crimes are committed in conjunction with other forms of organized crime.

Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC):

• Created in 2015
• Aim: It is working to dismantle organized crime.
• Focus area: South east Asia and Africa.

Source of this article: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/wildlife-trafficking-organised-crime-linked-nonprofit-s-report-sheds-new-light-92572

14. India’s cotton yield may be lowest in 15 years, to drop by 20%

Subject : Geography

Section: Economic Geography

Context:

• The first estimates by the Cotton Association of India (CAI) showed production would be around 29.51 million bales. A bale of cotton amounts to 170 kilogrammes.

Details:

• The cotton production in India for 2023-24 is projected to be the lowest in the last 15 years.
• In 2022-23, the production was 31.89 million bales and if the predictions come true, the cotton production will register a low of 7.49 per cent.
• In India, the lowest cotton production was recorded in 2008-09 with 29 million bales.
• Causes of decline in production:
  • Reduction in total area in cotton sowing:
  •  El Nino conditions
  • Pink bollworm attack on cotton crop
• State Wise cotton production for 2023-24:
  • 8.5 million bales in Gujarat, 7.6 million bales in Maharashtra, three million bales in Telangana, 1.85 million bales in Karnataka, 1.8 million bales in Madhya Pradesh, and 1.6 million bales in Haryana.

Cotton Association of India (CAI):

• Established in 1921
• Engaged in providing a wide range of services to the entire cotton value chain
• All segments of the cotton trade and textile industry of the country including Mill Buyers, Growers & Growers Co-operatives, Ginners, Brokers, Merchants, Importers and Exporters, etc. are represented in CAI
• 17 Regional Cotton Associations and 4 Co-operative Marketing Societies representing all upcountry cotton producing regions of the Country are affiliated with CAI and represented on its Board as Associate Directors
• Represented on various International Cotton Fora i.e. ICAC, ICA, CICCA, IFCP, ITMF and several other International Cotton Associations
• Activities of CAI:
  • Cotton testing services at various locations
  • Maintains Indian Cotton Grade Standards
  • Fixes Daily Spot Rates for all major growths of Indian cotton
  • Arbitration and Conciliation mechanism for speedy resolution of disputes relating to cotton trade
  • Cotton developmental activities through its research wing, COTAAP Research Foundation along with farmers in various cotton growing States
  • Issues Certificates of Origin to Indian cotton exporters
  • Training Programmes on various topics of interest to Cotton trade through its ‘Learn with CAI’ series of One-day Seminars
  • Disseminates data through its bulletin, ’Cotton Statistics & News,’ ‘Indian Cotton Annual’ and website, ‘www.caionline.in’
  • Monthly estimates of Cotton Crop
  • Philanthropic and Religious activities through its various Trusts

Source of this article: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/india-s-cotton-yield-may-be-lowest-in-15-years-to-drop-by-20–92591

15. In FSSAI index, nearly all major states slip on food safety compared to 2019

Subject : Polity

Section: National Body

Context:

• 19 out of 20 large states — including Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh — recorded a drop in their 2023 scores from 2019, in the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) index.

Details:

• The steepest fall in scores over five years was seen in Maharashtra (45/100 in 2023 compared to 74/100 in 2019), followed by Bihar (20.5 in 2023 compared to 46 in 2019), and Gujarat (48.5 in 2023 compared to 73 in 2019).
• Over five years, the worst drop has been recorded in the ‘Food Testing Infrastructure’ parameter, where the average score for all large states dropped to 7 points out of 17 in 2023 from 13 points out of 20 in 2019.
  • States including Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh all recorded lower scores for this parameter.
• Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand recorded lower scores for the ‘Compliance’ parameter.
• The only parameter which recorded significant improvement was ‘Training and Capacity Building’.

Performance of states in previous years:

• In 2020, the average of total scores given to all large states improved marginally to 56 points out of 100 from 52 points in 2019.
• In 2021 and 2022 the average score dropped to 51 points for both years.
• In 2023, the average score dropped to 40 points.

State Food Safety Index (SFSI):

• Released by FSSAI in 2019.
• It is released annually on 7 June on the occasion of World Food Safety Day.
• It serves as a tool to propel States and Union Territories to enhance their performance and establish robust food safety ecosystems within their jurisdictions.
• It is calculated on the basis of five parameters with different weightages — ‘Human Resources and Institutional Data’, ‘Compliance’, ‘Food Testing Infrastructure’, ‘Training and Capacity Building’, and ‘Consumer Empowerment’.
• In the 2023 index, a new parameter called ‘Improvement in SFSI Rank’ was added.
• The ‘Compliance’ parameter was given the highest weightage of 28 per cent in 2023 (30 per cent in previous years).
  • It measures licensing and registration of food businesses, inspections conducted, special drives and camps organized, and other such compliance-related tasks carried out by each state’s food safety authority.
• The ‘Consumer Empowerment’ parameter was given the second highest weightage of 19 per cent in 2023 (20 per cent in previous years).
  • It measures a state’s performance in various consumer empowering initiatives of FSSAI including participation in Food Fortification, Eat Right Campus, BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God), Hygiene Rating of Restaurants, and Clean Street Food Hubs.
• The ‘Human Resources and Institutional Data’ parameter was given the third highest weightage of 18 per cent in 2023 (20 per cent in previous years).
  • It measures availability of human resources including number of Food Safety Officers, Designated Officers, and facility of adjudications and appellate tribunals in each state.
• The ‘Training and Capacity Building’ parameter was given the least weightage of 8 per cent in 2023 (10 per cent in previous years).

Source of this article: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/epfo-in-process-of-crediting-8-15-interest-for-fy23-9009855/

16. Namibia hosted Africa’s 1st community-led conservation congress. Where will it lead?

Subject : Environment

Section: international conventions

Context:

• Communities and conservation stakeholders from across the African continent gathered in Windhoek, Namibia, to attend the first Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ Conservation Congress.

About Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ Conservation Congress:

• Organized by: Alliance for Indigenous People and Local Communities for Conservation in Africa (AICA) and the U.S.-based organization RRI.
• The event hosted local community members, policymakers, representatives of regional and international conservation organizations and NGOs.
• Mission: To follow up on the 2022 Africa Protected Areas Congress in Kigali, which was itself a first congress. It ended with  Kigali call to action that highlighted the role of Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in conservation and the goal to end the displacement of communities for the creation of protected areas.
• Vision of the alliance: To be a body that unites the voice of Indigenous peoples and local communities and mobilizes resources for community conservation projects, capacity building and the creation of country chapters in order to develop action plans.
• Challenges faced by IPLCs:
  • Indigenous peoples and local communities have been subject to human rights violations in the name of conservation, such as forced displacement and the loss of traditional land.
  •  In Africa, local communities manage or legally own only 6% of registered protected areas.

Alliance for Indigenous People and Local Communities for Conservation in Africa (AICA):

• It is an independent, Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs) led and centered Pan-African alliance that harnesses and amplifies the collective voice of Africa’s IPLCs and to prioritize their engagement in all policy arenas relevant to their land and land-based resources, territories and conservation.
• It is an outcome of the first Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC) in Kigali (Rwanda) in July 2022.
• AICA derives its mandate from the IPLC declaration.
• The Alliance is hosted by Indigenous Movement for Peace and Conflict Transformation (IMPACT, Kenya).
• It is governed by a steering committee with representatives from all regions in Africa.

Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI):

• established in 2005
• Aim: To catalyze greater strategic coordination between organizations to support the recognition of the forest land rights of local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and Afro-descendant Peoples.
• It was created to address historical injustices and help transform rural areas across the world.
• The Rights and Resources Group (RRG) was established as the coalition’s coordinating mechanism.
• RRI was created by the leaders of Forest Trends, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Regional Community Forestry Training Center for Asia and the Pacific (RECOFTC) -The Center for People and Forests, ACICAFOC (Central American Indigenous and Peasant Coordinating Association for Community Agroforestry), and the Foundation for People and Community Development (FPCD).

Source of this article: https://news.mongabay.com/2023/11/namibia-hosted-africas-1st-community-led-conservation-congress-where-will-it-lead/