Daily Prelims Notes 20 December 2024

December 20, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

20 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. RBI Highlights the Need for States’ Sustained Fiscal Prudence

Sub: Eco

Sec: Fiscal Policy

RBI’s Key Observations on State Finances:

Fiscal Deficit Management:
- States successfully contained Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) within 3% of GDP during 2022-23 and 2023-24.
- For 2024-25, GFD is budgeted at 3.2% of GDP.
Revenue Deficit:
- Revenue deficit was maintained at a low 0.2% of GDP for 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Capital Expenditure Improvement:
- Increased from 2.4% of GDP in 2021-22 to 2.8% in 2023-24.
- Budgeted to rise further to 3.1% of GDP in 2024-25.
Outstanding Liabilities:
- Declined from 31.0% of GDP (March 2021) to 28.5% (March 2024).
- However, liabilities remain higher than the pre-pandemic level (25.3% in March 2019).

Strengthened Fiscal Discipline:

Fiscal Responsibility Legislations (FRLs):
- State-specific FRLs and reforms in tax and expenditure contributed to stronger state finances over the past two decades.
Key Recommendations for Improvement:
- Adoption of a risk-based fiscal framework.
- Provisions for counter-cyclical fiscal policy actions.
- Establishment of a medium-term expenditure framework.
- Transparent and time-bound debt consolidation plans, including:
  - Reporting of outstanding liabilities.
  - Off-budget borrowings.
  - Guarantees.

Need for Sustained Fiscal Prudence:

High debt levels, contingent liabilities, and rising subsidies pose challenges to fiscal stability.
Emphasis on prioritizing growth-enhancing capital expenditure while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Counter-Cyclical Fiscal Policy

A counter-cyclical fiscal policy involves increasing government spending or reducing taxes during economic slowdowns to stimulate growth and reducing spending or increasing taxes during economic booms to control inflation and prevent overheating.
Purpose: To stabilize the economy by smoothing out fluctuations in the business cycle.

Off-Budget Borrowings

Off-budget borrowings are loans raised by public sector entities or special purpose vehicles on behalf of the government.
These borrowings are not directly reflected in the government’s budget or fiscal deficit figures, leading to reduced fiscal transparency.
Typically used to fund schemes or projects without formally increasing the fiscal deficit.

Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD)

Gross Fiscal Deficit refers to the excess of the government’s total expenditure (including loans, grants, and interest payments) over its total revenue (excluding borrowings). It is a critical indicator of the financial health of the government and reflects its borrowing requirements.

2. Centre Sets June 2026 Deadline for Solar Firms to Use India-Made Solar Cells

Sub: Eco

Sec: Msc

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has mandated that starting June 2026, solar companies participating in government procurement programs must exclusively use India-made solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.

This move is part of a larger effort to reduce reliance on imports, particularly from China and Southeast Asia, and promote domestic manufacturing in the renewable energy sector.

Domestic Manufacturing Focus:
- Solar firms will need to source PV cells from manufacturers listed under the Approved List of Module Manufacturers (ALMM).
- MNRE is set to issue List-II, specifically for solar PV cell manufacturers, effective from June 1, 2026.
Current Manufacturing Capacity:
- India’s installed solar PV cell capacity: 5.8 GW.
- Installed solar module capacity: 63 GW.
- Solar capacity installed in India: 92 GW.
Projected Growth:
- By FY27, the solar module capacity is expected to reach 80 GW, while solar cell capacity is projected to rise to 60 GW, with an estimated investment of ₹30,000 crore.
Impact on Solar Costs:
- Indian solar cells are 1.5 to 2 times costlier than imported counterparts.
- Higher costs could increase capital investment by ₹5-10 million per megawatt and raise tariffs by 40-50 paise per unit, according to Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics.
Government Subsidy Programs:
- Schemes such as the PM Rooftop Solar Program and PM-KUSUM will require participants to use domestically manufactured solar panels to avail subsidies.
Dependence on Imports:
- While India is boosting its solar manufacturing capabilities, it still depends on China and Southeast Asia for critical components like wafers and ingots.

Challenges and Implications

Cost Implications:
- Relying on domestic solar cells may make solar power projects more expensive, potentially impacting tariff affordability and adoption rates.
Manufacturing Gaps:
- India currently lacks the infrastructure to produce essential solar cell components like wafers and ingots, necessitating continued imports in the near term.
Market Dynamics:
- Increased domestic production could stimulate investment in the sector but may also face hurdles such as price competitiveness and technology upgrades.
Strategic Push for Self-Reliance:
- This mandate aligns with India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and boost local industries.

PM-KUSUM Scheme

Launched: 2019
Objective: De-dieselization of the farm sector, energy security for farmers, and income enhancement.
Commitment: Aligns with India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to achieve 40% non-fossil fuel electric power capacity by 2030.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Eligible Beneficiaries:

Individual farmers.
Groups of farmers.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Panchayats.
Co-operatives.
Water User Associations.

3. Understanding ‘Never Events’ in healthcare

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

The concept of “Never Events” has been a critical area of focus in patient safety protocols, particularly in Western countries like the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

“Never Events”:

Term coined by the National Quality Forum (NQF) in the U.S. in 2002.
Meaning: Serious and preventable incidents that should never occur in healthcare if proper safety protocols are followed.
Prominent in countries like the U.S., U.K., and Canada, with organizations maintaining specific lists of never events.

Examples of Never Events:

Operating on the wrong side of a patient.
Administering an insulin overdose.
Performing mismatched blood transfusions.
United Kingdom (NHS): Updated 2021 list includes 16 never events.
United States: Recognizes 29 never events.

Indian Context:

The term “Never Events” is not officially recognized in India. Similar incidents are dealt with under medical negligence laws.
Medical Negligence: Failure of healthcare providers to meet expected standards of care, evaluated using the Bolam Test.
Examples: Administering incorrect medication.

ALARP?

As Low as Reasonably Practicable.
A risk management framework aimed at reducing risks to a level where further reduction would be disproportionate to the effort, cost, or resources required.
Balances safety measures with practicality, ensuring risks are minimized without being entirely eliminated.
In Healthcare: ALARP is proposed as a pragmatic approach to address “Never Events” given the complexity of healthcare systems.

Related Terms:

Latrogenic Events: Harm caused directly by medical interventions.
Examples:
- Acceptable Harm: Hair loss during chemotherapy.
- Negligence-Linked Harm: Retained surgical items like sponges or pads post-surgery.
Some latrogenic events are unavoidable, but others signify medical negligence.
Medical Maloccurrences: Outcomes that cannot be prevented even with appropriate care and procedures.
Examples:
- Rib fractures during CPR.
- Recanalization of fallopian tubes post-sterilization (rare cases).
While undesirable, these outcomes are not indicative of negligence or error.

4. Crimes Against Humanity: A Global Perspective and India’s Position

Sub: IR

Sec: Int conventions

Why in News

On December 4, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution approving the text of a proposed treaty on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity (CAH). This marks the commencement of negotiations among member states for concluding a treaty aimed at combating impunity for CAH.

What are Crimes Against Humanity (CAH)?

Grave offenses such as murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, torture, imprisonment, and rape committed as part of a systematic attack on civilians.
Codified first in the 1945 London Charter for prosecuting Nazi war crimes during the Nuremberg Trials.
Governed under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Unlike genocide and war crimes, CAH lacks a dedicated treaty akin to the Genocide Convention of 1948 or the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

Why is a Dedicated CAH Treaty Needed?

The ICC’s reach is restricted to its member states, leaving perpetrators in non-member states unaccountable.
Unlike the Rome Statute, a treaty could impose obligations on states to prevent and address CAH, akin to the Genocide Convention.
Example: In 2019, The Gambia filed a case against Myanmar for genocide before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) under the Genocide Convention.
Suggestions to include acts like starvation of civilians, gender apartheid, forced pregnancy, use of nuclear weapons, terrorism, exploitation of natural resources, and crimes against indigenous populations.

India’s Position on the CAH Treaty:

India is not a party to the Rome Statute due to concerns over:
- ICC prosecutor’s powers.
- Role of the UN Security Council.
- Exclusion of nuclear weapons as war crimes.
Prefers defining CAH as crimes committed only during armed conflicts, not peacetime.
Opposes the inclusion of “enforced disappearance” as CAH.
Advocates inclusion of terrorism as a CAH category.
Argues that domestic courts and legislations are better suited for addressing CAH.
India has consistently called for an in-depth study before adopting a CAH treaty.

Challenges for India:

Absence of Domestic Legislation: India lacks laws criminalizing international offenses like CAH and genocide. In 2018, Justice S. Muralidhar emphasized this legal gap in the case of State vs Sajjan Kumar.
Missed Opportunities: Recent amendments to India’s criminal laws did not address CAH, reflecting a lack of domestic policy debate.

About 1945 London Charter:

Established the legal basis for the Nuremberg Trials to prosecute major Nazi war criminals after World War II.
Codified crimes against humanity (CAH), war crimes, and crimes against peace.
Introduced individual criminal responsibility for state officials.
Laid the foundation for modern international criminal law.
Jurisdiction over crimes committed during war.
Prohibited acts like extermination, enslavement, and deportation.

About International Criminal Court (ICC):

ICC was created in 2002 under the Rome Statute.
Purpose: Prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
Rome Statute (1998): Treaty signed by 123 states (India is not a signatory).
- Defines the four international crimes.
- ICC operates based on the principle of complementarity: intervenes only when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute.
Challenges: Limited jurisdiction, dependency on state cooperation, and allegations of bias.

About Geneva Conventions (1949):

A series of four treaties and additional protocols that establish international legal standards for humanitarian treatment during war.
Protects non-combatants, prisoners of war, and wounded soldiers.
Codifies the principle of humanity in armed conflicts.
First Convention: Protection of the wounded and medical personnel.
Second Convention: Protection for those at sea.
Third Convention: Treatment of prisoners of war.
Fourth Convention: Protection of civilians during wartime.

5. Polar Sundial at VSSC: A Marvel of Science and Precision

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has unveiled a polar sundial with analemmatic correction at its Space Museum in Thumba, Kerala. This unique sundial accurately provides Indian Standard Time (IST) and the date, making it a significant addition to India’s space science initiatives.

Polar Sundial:

Unlike conventional sundials, the VSSC polar sundial uses analemmatic correction to provide IST along with the date.
Conventional sundials only show local solar time, which can differ from standard clock time.
The sundial incorporates inverted analemma curves instead of straight hour lines, allowing it to automatically convert local solar time to mean solar time.
The sundial is configured based on the latitude of Thumba, ensuring precise alignment with the true north-south direction.
The sundial plate is parallel to the Earth’s polar axis, while the style (shadow-casting element) is aligned with the Earth’s equatorial plane.
The style of the sundial is a 1.6 ft tall, 3D-printed replica of the Rohini series RH200 sounding rocket, symbolizing ISRO’s contributions to space exploration.
The sundial was developed by VSSC’s Space Physics Laboratory, Technology Transfer and Documentation Group, and Construction Management Group.
Officially installed in November 2024 in the Rocket Garden of VSSC’s Space Museum.

Analemmatic Correction:

The sundial incorporates analemma curves, accounting for the Earth’s tilt and elliptical orbit.
This ensures year-round accuracy by converting local solar time to mean solar time.
An additional longitude correction is applied to align with IST, based on Thumba’s geographical location.

Indian Standard Time (IST):

IST is the time observed across India and Sri Lanka, set at GMT+5:30.
Based on the 5° East longitude passing near Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
Ensures a single time zone for the entire country despite its longitudinal span.
Introduced in 1906 during British rule to unify timekeeping in India.
IST is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC):

Founded in 1963; named after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program.
Situated in Thumba, Kerala, near the Arabian Sea coast.
ISRO’s lead centre for the development of launch vehicle technology.
Major Contributions:
- Development of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
- Creation of sounding rockets like the Rohini series.

Thumba:

A coastal village in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Known for the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), established in
Geographical Advantage:
- Close to the Earth’s magnetic equator, ideal for studying atmospheric and ionospheric conditions.
- Enables efficient rocket launches for scientific experiments.
Previously housed the Mary Magdalene Church, converted into ISRO’s space museum.
Site of India’s first rocket launch (Nike-Apache) in 1963.

6. Russia’s Upcoming mRNA Cancer Vaccine

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

Russia has announced the development of a personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine, scheduled for free distribution to patients starting early 2025.

Key Points:

Unlike traditional vaccines, this mRNA cancer vaccine is tailored to individual patients, aiming to treat existing cancers rather than prevent them.
Mechanism of Action: The vaccine utilizes genetic material from a patient’s tumour to produce specific antigens, prompting the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Developed by the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, preclinical studies have indicated the vaccine’s potential to suppress tumour growth and prevent metastasis.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to harness mRNA technology for cancer treatment, with various mRNA cancer vaccines currently undergoing clinical trials worldwide.
Russia’s plan to provide the vaccine free of charge could enhance accessibility to advanced cancer treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes.

What is mRNA?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded RNA essential for protein synthesis.
It is synthesized from DNA during transcription.
Role of mRNA: Transports genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Helps the cellular machinery translate codons (three-base sequences) into amino acids for protein production.
Acts as a mediator between the DNA code and the cellular mechanisms responsible for protein synthesis.

About mRNA Vaccines:

Introduce a segment of mRNA corresponding to a specific viral protein (often a protein from the virus’s outer membrane).
Mechanism:
- Cells produce the viral protein based on the mRNA instructions.
- The immune system identifies this protein as foreign and generates antibodies.
- Antibodies remain in the body to provide long-term immunity.
- Antibodies recognize and bind to the virus if exposed in the future, marking it for destruction before it causes illness.
- The vaccine does not contain the live virus, so it cannot infect the recipient.

How mRNA Vaccines Are Made:

Target Protein Identification: Scientists identify a unique viral protein that triggers an immune response (different from the body’s proteins).
DNA to mRNA Conversion: The DNA coding for the target protein is used to synthesize the mRNA.
Purification: After producing the mRNA, the DNA is broken down to ensure only the mRNA is included in the vaccine.

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Key Highlights:

WHO scientists have endorsed a new class of medicines, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), for weight loss.
GLP-1 RAs mimic a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, aiding obesity management.
Drugs in this class include semaglutide and tirzepatide, with potential to be “transformative.”

Global Obesity Statistics:

As of 2022, 1 in 8 people globally were obese.
Efforts to combat obesity through diet and exercise have largely failed to address the “obesity pandemic.”

Drug Development and Impact:

GLP-1 RAs were originally approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes but gained popularity as weight-loss drugs.
The drugs are already used in some countries like India and Brazil, and large-scale trials are underway.
Notable drugs: Wegovy (approved in the US) and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (approved in 2023).

WHO’s Guidelines:

WHO is drafting guidelines on the clinical use of GLP-1 RAs, expected by July 2025.
Focus: clinical indications, application, and cost concerns.

Semaglutide vs tirzepatide:

The FDA has approved Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management in adults.
These drugs can be prescribed to those who are obese (with a body mass index of over 30), or overweight (with a BMI between 27 and 30), and have at least one other health condition related to their weight (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes).
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are polypeptides, small proteins that boost the levels of naturally-occurring hormones in the body, including that of glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1), which control weight through the brain and digestive tract.
Higher GLP-1 levels, released in the gut, spark a reaction by stimulating neurons that alter gut function, leading to a sense of fullness.
This process also taps into a brain mechanism that lights up neural pathways, triggering the sensation of satiety – the feeling of being satisfied and having had enough to eat.
They also help manage glucose levels, making them an effective treatment for diabetes.
Semaglutide only targets GLP-1 receptors. On the other hand, tirzepatide also boosts a second hormone: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
The GIP also regulates weight through receptors in brain and fat cells.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide injection is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy.
Novo Nordisk is the sole patent holder of semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Novo’s diabetes drug Ozempic, which are not yet approved for sale in India
Wegovy, Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound belong to a class of therapies known as GLP-1 receptor agonists originally developed to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. But they also slow digestion, helping patients feel full longer.
Indian law allows drugs approved in foreign countries to be imported and sold in the country after obtaining an import license from the drug regulator by the original drug manufacturer’s partner in India.
Novo aims to officially launch Wegovy in India in 2026 after securing regulatory approvals
Certain provisions of the law also allow drugs that have not been formally approved by the Indian drug regulator to be imported for individual use, provided patients make an appeal with valid prescriptions and proof of identity.

8. Punjab govt to restore Jahaz Haveli: The story of Todar Mal, and what he did for Guru Gobind Singh’s sons

Sub : History

Sec: Medieval India

Context:

Jahaz Haveli, a 17th-century structure in Sirhind, was the residence of Todar Mal.
It is being restored by the Diwan Todar Mal Heritage Foundation with support from the Punjab government, SGPC, and the Tourism and Archaeology Department.

Who was Diwan Todar Mal:

Diwan Todar Mal was a wealthy merchant and a prominent figure from Sirhind, Punjab, who lived during the 17th century.
Initially serving as a revenue official under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, he was later removed from his post by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.

Role in Sikh History:

Diwan Todar Mal is best remembered for his pivotal role in the aftermath of the execution of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh.
Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, aged 9 and 7, were bricked alive in Sirhind on December 13, 1704, under the orders of Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor of the region.
When their bodies were left without rites due to fear of retribution from Wazir Khan, it was Todar Mal who stepped forward to claim and cremate the bodies of the young martyrs.
Wazir Khan demanded that Todar Mal purchase the land for cremation by covering it with gold coins, placed vertically. Todar Mal fulfilled this demanding condition, spending a fortune to secure the land, which became the site for their cremation.
Later, Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala built a gurdwara at this location and the region was renamed from Sirhind to Fatehgarh Sahib in honour of the martyrdom and gurdwara.

Commemoration of martyrdom:

The sons of Guru Gobind Singh were subjected to immense torture and ultimately bricked alive for refusing to convert to Islam.
Six years later, 1710, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur avenged their martyrdom by attacking Sirhind and killing Wazir Khan in the Battle of Chappar Chiri.
In honour of the bravery and sacrifice of Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, the Government of India declared December 26 as “Veer Baal Diwas” in 2022.

Confusion about the date of execution:

There is a confusion regarding the date of execution because historians of the time used the lunar calendar, which is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
The British adopted the Gregorian calendar in September 1752, by which time the difference between the two systems had grown to 11 days.

Jahaz Haveli:

Jahaz Haveli was the residence of Diwan Todar Mal in Sirhind, built in the 17th century.
The structure is notable for its unique design, resembling a ship, and is constructed with Nanakshahi bricks.
In 2009, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took possession of the haveli.

9. SC stays Kerala HC directives on jumbo parades at festivals

Sub: History

Sec: Art and culture

Context:

The Supreme Court on Thursday intervened in a dispute between the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu devaswoms, which organize the annual Thrissur Pooram festival, and the Kerala High Court.

About the case:

In November 2024, the Kerala High Court issued orders concerning the management of elephants at the festival, which included a directive that elephants should maintain an exact three-meter distance from each other during the procession.
The devaswoms argued that the High Court had overstepped its judicial role by issuing festival-specific directives that went beyond the Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012 issued by the Kerala Government.
The Supreme Court stayed the High court’s directions, emphasizing that they were impractical, as elephants cannot maintain such a distance during the procession.

Thrissur Pooram:

Thrissur Pooram is one of the most famous and grand annual temple festivals in Kerala, celebrated in the city of Thrissur. It involves a grand procession of elephants, traditional music, and a large number of devotees.
It is held in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May).
Thrissur Pooram was first celebrated in 1798 by Raja Rama Varma, famously known as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin.
The festival was conceived as a unifying event to bring together the two rival temples of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi.

10. Should legislatures in India have fixed tenures?

Sub : Polity

Sec: Legislature

Context:

The Constitution (One Hundred Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the Lok Sabha recently.

Key aspects of the Bill:

The bill proposes fixed five-year terms for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, with elections synchronized to this cycle.
If a legislature is dissolved before completing its term, mid-term elections would only be held for the remainder of the term.

Tenure of Lok Sabha:

Article 83(1) states that the Lok Sabha has a term of five years from the date of its first meeting unless dissolved earlier.
The Lok Sabha can be dissolved by the President before the completion of its full term, in which case a new election is held.
The newly elected Lok Sabha does indeed stay for a full five-year term and not just for the remainder of the term.
In certain circumstances, such as during a national emergency, the tenure of the Lok Sabha can be extended for a maximum period of one year at a time, beyond the five-year term.
However, the total extension period cannot exceed one year after the emergency is lifted.

Tenure of Legislative Assemblies:

Like the Lok Sabha, the State Legislative Assemblies also have a five-year term from the date of their first meeting, as per Article 172(1).
A State Legislative Assembly can be dissolved by the Governor of the respective state before the end of its term, in the same way the Lok Sabha can be dissolved by the President.
A fresh election is then held. The newly elected assembly gets a full five-year term and not just for the remainder of the term.
In the case of a national emergency, the tenure of a State Legislative Assembly can also be extended by one year at a time by the Governor. However, the total extension period cannot exceed one year after the emergency is lifted.

Flexibility of tenure:

The Constitution allows for flexibility by permitting the dissolution of the legislature before the expiry of the fixed term.
Both the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies can be dissolved before the completion of their tenure if the respective governments lose their majority or political instability arises.