Daily Prelims Notes 2 March 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

2 March 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Special leave petition was supposed to be narrow-slit: Dhankhar
2. What were the objections to the new Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025?
3. 23 Ahmadis arrested for offering Friday prayers in Pakistan
4. PKK declares truce with Turkiye after 40 years of conflict
5. CBSE reinstates 14 languages in draft policy after protests
6. The Drying Springs of Kashmir: A Looming Water Crisis
7. Gene Therapy Breakthrough for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
8. High Selenium Levels in Wheat Linked to Hair Loss
9. Need $8000 Per Capita Income for Full Capital Convertibility

1. Special leave petition was supposed to be narrow-slit: Dhankhar

Sub: Polity

Sec: Judiciary

Context:

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted concerns regarding the extensive use of Article 136 of the Indian Constitution and its impact on arbitration.
• The discussion took place at a colloquium on ‘International Arbitration: Indian Perspective’ organized by the India International Arbitration Centre in New Delhi.

Article 136 of the Constitution

• Discretionary Power: Article 136 provides the Supreme Court with discretionary authority to grant special leave to appeal against decisions from any court or tribunal within India, except those related to the Armed Forces. This power is not a right of the litigant but a privilege granted by the Court.
• Plenary Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 136 is plenary, allowing it to hear appeals against any judgment, decree, determination, sentence, or order from any court or tribunal in India, irrespective of other specific provisions for appeal in the Constitution or other laws.
• Scope of Application: This article enables the Supreme Court to intervene in cases where substantial questions of law or gross injustices are evident, serving as a residual power to ensure justice

Concerns Raised by the Vice President

• Originally a narrow provision: Article 136 intervention was intended to be a “narrow-slit” but has now expanded significantly.
• Overuse of SLPs: The provision is being used to challenge decisions at all levels, including those of magistrates, session judges, district judges, and high courts.
• Negative impact on arbitration: The wide use of Article 136 is affecting the arbitral process by making it more complex and time-consuming.

Need for Domain Experts in Arbitration

• Vice President Dhankhar stressed the importance of domain experts in handling arbitration cases.
• Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had earlier remarked that arbitration has become an “old boys club,” indicating the dominance of retired judges.
• Dhankhar clarified that while retired judges are valuable to arbitration, certain fields require subject-matter experts.
• Experts in fields like oceanography, aviation, and infrastructure should supplement arbitral tribunals.

2. What were the objections to the new Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025?

Sub: Polity

Sec: Judiciary

Introduction

• The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed to amend the Advocates Act, 1961, to address contemporary challenges and align the legal profession with global best practices.
• The Bill was withdrawn on February 22, 2025, following strong opposition from the legal fraternity, especially the Bar Council of India (BCI).

Key Objectives of the Bill

• Address contemporary challenges in the legal profession.
• Align India’s legal framework with global best practices.
• Bring structural reforms to the Advocates Act, 1961.

Objections to the Bill

• Ban on Lawyers’ Strikes and Boycotts
• Increased Executive Control over Bar Council of India
• Centralization of Disciplinary Proceedings
• Impact on Corporate Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms

Way Forward

• The withdrawal of the Bill is seen as a positive step toward inclusive dialogue on legal reforms.
• Legal experts emphasize the need for consultations with High Courts, as Section 34 of the Advocates Act, 1961, empowers them to regulate the practice of advocates before them.
• Any future amendments should ensure judicial independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies.

Bar Council: Roles and Responsibilities

Introduction

The Bar Council of India (BCI) is a statutory body established under the Advocates Act, 1961, to regulate the legal profession and legal education in India. It functions as the supreme regulatory authority for advocates and law institutions across the country.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Bar Council

• Regulation of Legal Profession
  • Lays down standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates.
  • Enforces disciplinary actions against erring advocates.
• Regulation of Legal Education
  • Prescribes standards for legal education in consultation with universities and law colleges.
  • Recognizes law degrees for enrollment as advocates.
• Protection of Rights and Interests of Advocates
  • Promotes and safeguards the rights, privileges, and interests of advocates.
  • Provides financial assistance for welfare schemes, medical aid, and insurance.
• Conducting Bar Examinations
  • Conducts the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), which is mandatory for law graduates to practice.
• Supervision of State Bar Councils
  • Acts as an appellate authority over State Bar Councils.
  • Guides and monitors the functioning of State Bar Councils.
• Framing of Rules
  • Frames rules regarding legal practice, including dress code, standards of professional behavior, and disciplinary procedures.
• Legal Aid and Public Interest Matters
  • Promotes legal aid for the underprivileged.
  • Participates in matters of public interest litigation (PIL).

Definition: Advocate vs. Lawyer

Advocate

•  Defined under Section 2(1)(a) of the Advocates Act, 1961 as a person enrolled with a State Bar Council and entitled to practice law in courts.
• An advocate has the right to represent clients in court and plead cases.

Lawyer

• A general term for anyone who has a law degree (LLB).
• A lawyer may or may not be enrolled as an advocate.

3. 23 Ahmadis arrested for offering Friday prayers in Pakistan

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• In Punjab, Pakistan, 23 members of the Ahmadiyya community were arrested for offering Friday prayers, a practice prohibited for them under Pakistani law.
• The incident occurred at a worship place in Daska, Sialkot, located about 100 km from Lahore.

Legal Background:

• The arrested individuals were charged under Section 298 C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which criminalizes Ahmadis referring to themselves as Muslims or engaging in Islamic practices.
• Pakistan’s Parliament declared the Ahmadi community as non-Muslims in 1974, and in 1984, additional restrictions were placed on them, including prohibiting them from using Islamic symbols or terminology associated with Islam.

Ahmadiyya community:

• The Ahmadiyya community is a religious group within Islam, founded in the late 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in British India (now part of Pakistan).
• Ahmadis, despite considering themselves Muslims, are denied the right to practice certain aspects of Islam, including offering prayers or using Islamic phrases publicly.
• The persecution of Ahmadis has been a longstanding issue, with restrictions on their religious practices, including bans on constructing mosques with minarets or writing Quranic verses publicly.
• There is a Lahore High Court ruling which states that places of worship built prior to the 1984 ordinance are legal and should not be altered or demolished. However, this ruling is often ignored, and Ahmadi mosques are frequently targeted by local authorities and religious extremists.
• Despite persecution, the Ahmadiyya community has a significant global presence, with millions of followers spread across countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. The largest population of Ahmadis is in Pakistan.

Key Beliefs and Practices:

• Ahmadis believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, an important figure in Islamic tradition. He is considered to be a spiritual reformer, sent to revive the teachings of Islam.
• Mainstream Islam holds that Prophet Muhammad is the final prophet, with no prophets to come after him. In contrast, Ahmadis interpret the concept of the “seal of prophethood” as referring specifically to the final law-bearing prophet, while allowing for the existence of non-law-bearing prophets.
• Ahmadis interpret jihad (struggle in the way of God) not as violent warfare but as a spiritual and peaceful endeavour. They advocate for peaceful propagation of Islam and reject violence as a means of spreading faith.

4. PKK declares truce with Turkiye after 40 years of conflict

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) declared a ceasefire with Turkey following a call from its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, urging the group to disband and end its armed struggle.
• Analysts suggest that a peace deal between Turkey and the PKK could pave the way for greater stability in neighbouring Syria.

Background of the conflict:

• The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been waging an insurgency since 1984.
• The primary goal of the PKK was initially the creation of an independent Kurdish state in Turkey. However, over time, their objectives have evolved. The PKK now seeks greater autonomy and cultural and linguistic rights for Kurds within the framework of Turkey’s state institutions.
• The group is composed mostly of Kurds, an ethnic group that makes up approximately 20% of Turkey’s population of 85 million people.

Kurdistan Workers’ Party:

• The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK has been involved in an on-and-off armed insurgency against Turkiyesince 1984.
• It was founded by the Marxist revolutionary Abdullah Ocalan in 1978 to create an independent Kurdistan.
• PKK is labelled a “terror organisation” by Turkiye, the United States and European Union.
• PKK has bases in northern Iraqfrom where it launches attacks into Turkiye.

The Kurd issue:

• The Kurdish people are indigenous to a region known as Kurdistan, which spans parts of southeastern Turkey, northern Syria, northern Iraq, and western Iran.
• Over the years, this region has been split by the borders of several countries, leaving the Kurds as a stateless minority in each.
• The modern Kurdish issue traces its origins to the early 20th century after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The Kurds were promised an independent state by the Western powers following World War I in the Treaty of Sevres (1920), but this was not realized.
• Instead, the Kurdish population was incorporated into the new states of Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran, where they faced political, cultural, and legal suppression.

5. CBSE reinstates 14 languages in draft policy after protests

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Education

Context:

• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) reinstated several regional languages, including Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, and others, after strong objections were raised about their exclusion from the list of regional languages in a draft policy on Class 10 board examinations.
• The draft, released on February 25, included English and Hindi but omitted several major languages, especially from southern states.

NEP-2020 and the Two-Examination System:

• The controversy arose in the context of the recommendations made by the National Education Policy (NEP-2020). The policy advocates for conducting two board examinations for Class 10, with English included as Language-1 and Hindi as Language-2.
• Several other languages were included in the list of regional and foreign languages.
• However, it had dropped 14 languages, including major south Indian languages like Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu-Andhra Pradesh and other Indian languages like Punjabi, Odia and Assamese.

Context of the Controversy:

• This issue comes amidst the broader debate surrounding the imposition of Hindi and the implementation of the three-language formula in education.
• The three-language formula, which mandates the learning of Hindi, English, and a regional language, has been a contentious issue, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where there has been strong opposition to the inclusion of Hindi as a mandatory language.
• The controversy over the exclusion of regional languages has also highlighted concerns about the promotion of Hindi and Sanskrit in the education system, with critics alleging that such moves undermine the diversity of languages spoken across the country.

NEP’s three-language formula:

• The Three-Language Formula is an educational policy in India that aims to promote multilingualism and national integration by having students learn three languages during their schooling years.
• Students are encouraged to learn three languages, with at least two being native to India.
• The NEP 2020 revisited the Three-Language Formula with a more flexible approach and now the choice of languages is left to the states, regions, and students, ensuring that no language is imposed.

Opposition to three-language formula:

• Tamil Nadu has a history of anti-Hindi agitations and has consistently opposed the imposition of Hindi. It follows a two-language formula, teaching Tamil and English, and has resisted the inclusion of Hindi as a mandatory subject.
• here are concerns that the policy might undermine regional languages and cultures.

6. The Drying Springs of Kashmir: A Looming Water Crisis

Sub : Geo

Sec: Indian Physical geography

Why in News

• The Kashmir Valley is witnessing an alarming decline in its natural springs, which are critical water sources for local communities, agriculture, and ecosystems. Climate change, human activities, and environmental degradation are accelerating their depletion, leading to concerns about long-term water security in the region.

Role of Springs in Water Supply:

• Springs serve as primary sources of freshwater, contributing significantly to drinking water supply, irrigation, and groundwater recharge.
• In Kashmir, these springs are locally known as Chasma and Naag, while in other regions they have different names, such as Chhumik in Ladakh, Panihar and Baori in Himachal Pradesh, and Naula and Dhara in Uttarakhand.
• Springs emerge from underground aquifers and function through three key zones:
  • Recharge Zone: Where precipitation or surface water replenishes the aquifer.
  • Transition Zone: Where water moves from the source to the outlet.
  • Discharge Zone: Where water emerges as a spring.
• Major sources of spring water include:
  • Rainwater and melting snow in mountainous regions.
  • Surface water from rivers and streams.
  • Geological formations such as faults or porous rocks that allow groundwater to flow naturally to the surface.

Karst Springs in Kashmir:

• Karst springs, formed in soluble limestone bedrock, play a crucial role in Kashmir’s water system.
• Major Karst springs include Kokernag, Sheerbag, Panzathnag, Malaknag, Verinag, Aripal, Martandnag, and Achabal.
• Around 258 different types of springs have been reported in the Kashmir Valley.

Threats to Kashmir’s Springs:

• Climate Change: The Himalayan region is home to 60% of the world’s five million springs, yet nearly half are drying up or becoming seasonal.
  • Over the past four decades, water levels in most streams and rivers have declined by two-thirds.
  • In Jammu & Kashmir, the spring-fed River Tawi, which serves 3 million people, has seen its lean season discharge decrease by 0.64 cubic meters per second annually.
  • A 65% depletion of water sources has been reported in the region, exacerbating the crisis.

• Human-Induced Factors: Erratic rainfall, seismic activity, and ecological degradation due to infrastructure development disrupt water cycles.
  • Deforestation reduces groundwater recharge, while over-extraction of groundwater intensifies seasonal drying.
  • Unregulated urbanization, road construction, and mining near water sources further strain the aquifers.

Drying Springs of Kashmir:

• This winter, springs have exhibited reduced flow or have dried up completely. Illegal mining in nearby streams and riverbed excavation are further exacerbating the crisis.
• Achabal Spring: Anantnag district
  •  Developed into a royal garden by Empress Nur Jahan in the 17th century. For the first time, the spring has dried up, attributed to prolonged dry spells and minimal rainfall.
• Bulbul Nag Spring: Newa, Pulwama district
  •  Once yielding about six lakh gallons daily, its flow has reduced to less than one lakh gallons due to prolonged dry spells.
• Panzath Spring: Qazigund area. Reports indicate a reduced flow, raising concerns among local residents.
• Aripal Spring: Tral area
• Verinag Spring: Anantnag district. Source of the Jhelum River and a notable Mughal Garden. Facing reduced water levels, affecting the Jhelum’s flow.
• Sheerbag Spring: Anantnag district. Notable reduction in water flow, impacting local agriculture.
• Vaishav Stream: Kulgam district. Significant decrease in water levels, affecting irrigation.
• Rambiara Stream: Shopian and Pulwama districts. Experiencing reduced flow, impacting local water supply schemes.
• Doodh Ganga Stream: Budgam district. Notable decline in water levels, affecting both agriculture and potable water supply.

Government Initiatives and Policy Measures:

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Focuses on Source Sustainability to enhance water security.
• Springshed Rejuvenation Initiative under PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY 2.0): Aims to revive critical water sources.
• NITI Aayog Working Group on Spring Conservation: Established to create an Inventory and Revival Strategy for Himalayan Springs.
• The NITI Aayog report stresses the need for a comprehensive Spring Inventory and proposes a Web-enabled platform for mapping and monitoring springs.

7. Gene Therapy Breakthrough for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

• Scientists have developed a promising gene therapy for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a rare and severe genetic disorder.

What is Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)?

• MSUD is a rare genetic metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down certain amino acids.
• It results from mutations in three genes that encode the branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex.
• BCKDH is a mitochondrial enzyme complex responsible for breaking down branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—into energy.
• The inability to break down amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine leads to the accumulation of toxic substances in the body.
• The disease gets its name from the characteristic sweet-smelling urine of affected individuals.
• Current Treatment Approaches:
  • Strict Low-Protein Diet: Patients must avoid high-protein foods to prevent toxic amino acid buildup.
  • Liver Transplantation: The most effective long-term treatment, but access to transplants remains limited.

How Does the New Gene Therapy Work?

• The therapy utilizes an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to deliver functional copies of two key genes—BCKDHA and BCKDHB.
• These genes restore the function of the BCKDH complex, enabling proper breakdown of amino acids.
• The therapy was successfully tested in knockout cells and wild-type mice, demonstrating safety and efficacy.
• Scientists identified a farm where calves were dying from classic MSUD. A single dose of the gene therapy carrying bovine BCKDHA and BCKDHB genes was administered to an affected calf.
• Over two years, the treated calf grew normally and was able to consume a high-protein diet without complications.

8. High Selenium Levels in Wheat Linked to Hair Loss

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) submitted an interim report to the Health Ministry, revealing that the consumption of wheat with high selenium levels led to significantly elevated selenium concentrations in the body, causing sudden hair loss.

Key Findings of the ICMR Report:

• The ICMR-AIIMS investigation found that affected individuals had selenium levels 31 times higher than control subjects.
• Selenium toxicity, known as selenosis, is characterized by symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, and neurological issues.
• The study confirmed that wheat from Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets was the primary source of excess selenium.

About Selenium:

• Selenium is a nonmetal with the chemical symbol Se and atomic number 34.
• It exhibits several allotropic forms, including a brick-red powder, a vitreous black solid, and a metallic grey form.
• Selenium is rarely found in its elemental state or as pure ore compounds in the Earth’s crust. It is typically obtained as a byproduct during the refining of metal sulphide ores.
• Selenium is vital for many organisms, including humans, as it plays a crucial role in the function of certain enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase, which protects cells from oxidative damage.
• Selenium is present in various foods, including Brazil nuts, seafood, meats, cereals, and grains.

Applications of Selenium:

• Glassmaking: Selenium is used to decolorize glass and to produce red-coloured glasses and enamels.
• Electronics: Due to its photovoltaic and photoconductive properties, selenium has been utilized in photocells, light meters, and solar cells. However, its use in electronics has declined with the advent of silicon-based devices.
• Pigments: Selenium compounds are employed as pigments in ceramics, paints, and plastics to impart a red colour.
• Rubber Production: Selenium is used in the vulcanization of rubber to enhance its resistance to abrasion.

Selenium Toxicity (Selenosis):

• Excessive selenium intake can occur through overconsumption of selenium-rich foods, supplements, or exposure to environments with high selenium levels.
• Chronic selenium toxicity, known as selenosis, can manifest as:
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea)
  • Hair loss and brittle nails
  • Skin rashes
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Neurological abnormalities
  • Garlic-like odor in breath
• There is no specific antidote for selenium toxicity; treatment focuses on supportive care and eliminating exposure to selenium sources.
• The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for selenium varies by age, sex, and life stage. For most adults, it is 55 micrograms per day.

9. Need $8000 Per Capita Income for Full Capital Convertibility

Sub: Eco

Sec : National income

Why in News?

• Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, stated that India should not rush into full capital account convertibility at its current per capita income level and suggested that this reform should only be considered when per capita income reaches $8,000-$10,000.