Daily Prelims Notes 22 October 2024

October 22, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

Daily Prelims Notes

22 October 2024

Table Of Contents

Sub: Eco

Sec: External sector

Context: GOI has clarified that spectrum for satellite communication (satcom) would be allocated “administratively”, rather than through an auction of airwaves, which was proposed by Reliance Jio earlier this month.

Auction vs allocation

It is important to understand the key difference between spectrum for terrestrial networks and satellite communication, and why the distinction between allocation and auctioning arises in the first place.
For terrestrial mobile services, spectrum is exclusive and is managed only by a single mobile operator in a given geographical area; therefore, this cannot be shared between or amongst operators.
In the case of satellites, the same spectrum is non-exclusive in nature — and can be used by multiple satellite operators to serve the same geographical area.
The general trend, therefore, is to allocate satellite spectrum administratively.

Why administrative allocation?

Given the nature of satellite spectrum, it is not feasible for any one country to auction it. Unlike terrestrial spectrum, which is used for mobile communication, satellite spectrum has no national territorial limits. Due to this international character, satellite spectrum is coordinated and managed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN).
Spectrum for satcom is part of the first schedule of The Telecommunications Act, 2023 (“Assignment of spectrum through administrative process”). Under Section 4(4) of the Act, telecom spectrum shall be assigned through auction “except for entries listed in the First Schedule for which assignment shall be done by administrative process”.
“Administrative process” under the Act “means assignment of spectrum without holding an auction”, and “‘auction’ means a bid process for assignment of spectrum”.

Size of satcom sector

Consulting firm KPMG in India has estimated in a recent report that the country’s satcom sector, which currently stands at $2.3 billion a year, will reach $20 billion by 2028.
India is ranked fourth in terms of investments in the sector globally. Investment bank Morgan Stanley has estimated roughly 290.4 million households in India are untapped with broadband, which present a strong market opportunity for satellite operators.

Satcom & its benefits

Satcom services use an array of satellites in orbit to provide connectivity on the ground thus they do not require wires to transmit data.
For end-users such as homes and businesses, satellite-based communication and broadband services offer two key benefits: wider coverage, and a more resilient network. Even though the latency of satcom services can at times be higher than terrestrial broadband networks, they can cover vast areas without needing to install much physical equipment.
The use of satellites allows communication networks to reach remote locations that mobile telephony cannot access. It is generally understood that when satcom services become more mainstream, low-lying and rural areas, and areas prone to natural disasters, will benefit from constant connectivity.

2. Emerging Economies Face Liquidity Crisis Amid Debt Challenges

Sub: Eco

Sec: External sector

Background:

Many emerging economies are grappling with a liquidity shortfall, with concerns rising that this could significantly impact development, climate change mitigation, and overall stability.

Key Issues:

Post-COVID Sovereign Defaults:
- Countries like Ghana, Sri Lanka, and Zambia have faced significant debt defaults, leading to painful debt restructuring.
- While the wave of defaults has slowed, concerns about liquidity shortfalls have grown, potentially affecting development projects and undermining trust in governments and Western institutions.
Rising Debt Service Costs:
- In 2022, 26 countries, including Angola, Brazil, Nigeria, and Pakistan, paid more to service external debts than they received in new financing.
- This trend continued into 2023, with data indicating a net negative flow of funds for many developing countries, highlighting a crisis where affordable refinancing options have become scarce.
Global Financial Safety Net Concerns:
- According to experts, the existing global safety net led by the IMF is not sufficient to handle the current financial distress.
- Calls for additional funding and improved liquidity support, as current measures do not adequately address the growing costs of debt for emerging economies.

Factors Contributing to the Crisis:

Western Countries’ Hesitation:
- Developed nations are showing a hesitation to increase their financial support to emerging markets, partly due to budget constraints and multiple global crises.
- This reluctance has been a major discussion point at the IMF-World Bank meetings, as it affects the ability of international bodies to provide sufficient liquidity support to struggling nations.
China’s Reduced Lending:
- China’s pull-back in lending has significantly affected emerging countries, turning a previously large source of cash into a net negative flow.
- The reduction in Chinese loans has forced countries to seek alternative financing, often at higher costs.
Rising Interest Rates:
- Over the past decade, many countries accessed bond markets, but as global interest rates have increased, refinancing has become less affordable.
- For example, Kenya recently borrowed at an interest rate of over 10%, a level that is widely considered unsustainable.

Current Efforts to Address the Crisis:

IMF and World Bank Initiatives:
- The IMF has cut surcharges, reducing the cost for the most stretched borrowers by $1.2 billion annually.
- The World Bank aims to increase its lending capacity by $30 billion over 10 years.
Development Banks’ Collaboration:
- Development banks like the Inter-American Development Bank and the African Development Bank are pushing for the donation of IMF reserve assets (Special Drawing Rights) to enhance lending capabilities.

Implications and Risks:

Development and Social Spending Cuts:
- Due to increased debt service, many countries are cutting back on education, health, and infrastructure, which can have long-term impacts on growth and development.
Social Unrest and Political Instability:
- The combination of economic stress and liquidity issues is leading to protests and social unrest in several nations, including Kenya and Nigeria.
- Experts warn that this trend poses a significant risk of political instability across the Global South, potentially leading to a broader crisis.

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

Overview:
- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is a regional development bank established in 1959 to promote economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, and provides financial and technical assistance to support projects that improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other areas critical for development.
Membership:
- The IDB has 48 member countries, including 26 borrowing members from Latin America and the Caribbean. The rest are non-borrowing members, mainly from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Key Focus Areas:
- Poverty reduction, sustainable development, infrastructure, regional integration, innovation, and digital transformation.

African Development Bank (AfDB)

Overview:
- The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a multilateral development bank founded in 1964, with the primary objective of spurring sustainable economic development and social progress in Africa.
- It is headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and operates across the continent.
Membership:
- The AfDB consists of 54 African member countries and 27 non-African member countries, including nations from Asia, Europe, and North America.
Key Focus Areas:
- Priority areas, also known as the “High 5s”, include: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

3. World lags on 2030 nature goals headed into UN COP16 talks

Sub: Env

Sec: Int Conventions

Context:

In 2022, the world reached its most ambitious agreement to halt the destruction of nature by 2030. Two years later, many countries are falling behind on their commitments. As nearly 200 nations gather for the COP16 U.N. biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia, the pressure is on to reaffirm their support for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and address key concerns, particularly around funding.

Key Points:

The destruction of nature through activities like logging and overfishing continues at an alarming rate.
COP16 Summit:
- This marks the 16th meeting of nations under the 1992 Convention on Biodiversity.
- The focus is on getting countries back on track to meet 2030 targets, including the “30 by 30” goal of preserving 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030.
Lagging Conservation Efforts:
- Most countries have yet to submit their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), though this was a key commitment before COP16.
- Only 31 out of 195 countries had submitted plans. Wealthier nations, like European countries, Australia, Japan, and Canada, have been quicker to act.
- The U.S. attends but is not obligated to submit a plan, as it never ratified the Convention.
- Developing countries face difficulties due to a lack of funding and expertise needed to draft their plans.
Funding for Conservation:
- A key priority for COP16 is finding new financial resources to help poorer countries meet biodiversity goals.
- During COP15 in 2022, countries set a target of $20 billion annually by 2025 for biodiversity funding in developing nations.
- However, current funding only reached $15.4 billion by 2022, and while the 2025 target is achievable, experts believe it could have been set higher.
Global Biodiversity Framework Fund:
- A new fund was created after COP15 to support conservation efforts, but only $238 million has been raised so far, far below expectations.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

CBD, also known as the Biodiversity Convention, is a multilateral treaty with three main objectives:

Conservation of biological diversity
Sustainable use of biodiversity components
Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources

Opened for signature: June 5, 1992 (Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro)
Entered into force: December 29, 1993
The United States is the only UN member state not to ratify the convention.

Supplementary Agreements

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Purpose: Governs movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) between countries
Adopted: January 29, 2000
Entered into force: September 11, 2003

Nagoya Protocol

Full name: Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)
Purpose: Provides legal framework for fair sharing of genetic resource benefits
Adopted: October 29, 2010 (Nagoya, Japan)
Entered into force: October 12, 2014

Strategic Initiatives

Biodiversity Decade and Strategic Plan

2010: International Year of Biodiversity
2011-2020: UN Decade on Biodiversity
Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 (includes Aichi Biodiversity Targets)

Conferences of the Parties (COP)

COP 1: 1994, Nassau, Bahamas
COP 15: 2021/2022, Kunming, China and Montreal, Canada
COP 16: Cali, Colombia

Current Focus Areas:

Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

Identification of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs)
Development of an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) for:
- Conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity
- Area-based planning and decision-making under UNCLOS
- Focus on areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ treaty/High Seas Treaty)

Source: TH

4. How policies shape high-performance building standards and climate goals

Sub: Env

Sec: Climate

High-performance buildings (HPBs):

High-performance buildings (HPBs) are emerging as vital solutions in addressing both urban and climate-related challenges within the construction sector.
These buildings are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize energy and water consumption, and cut operational costs while improving occupant well-being.
They are becoming increasingly attractive to businesses and residents alike due to their environmental and financial advantages

Key Features of HPBs:

Climate-Adaptive Design: Reduces energy use and operational costs.
Environmental Impact: Lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Well-Being: Enhances the comfort and health of occupants.
Financial Benefits: Offers higher property value, reduced utility bills, and access to carbon financing.

Global Support for HPBs:

Governments around the world are creating policies and financing mechanisms to promote HPBs by focusing on energy efficiency, resource management, and carbon neutrality.
Examples of International Policies:
European Union: The Green Deal targets climate neutrality by 2050 and mandates energy-efficient building designs and retrofits.
Germany: KfW Bank offers low-interest loans for energy-efficient projects.
Denmark: BR18 building codes incentivize sustainable construction.
United States: Programs like Energy Star and LEED certification provide tax credits for green-building initiatives.

India’s Role in Supporting HPBs:

India is actively promoting energy-efficient buildings through its National Action Plan on Climate Change. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), which aims to reduce energy demand by up to 30%. Other initiatives include:
- Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA): Over 3,000 registered projects focusing on sustainability.
- Indian Green Building Council (IGBC): Promotes energy-efficient designs with more than 14,000 certified projects.
- Incentives: Cities like Hyderabad, Noida, and Pune offer higher floor area ratios for ECBC-compliant buildings.
BEE aims for 30% of new buildings to achieve net-zero energy status by 2030.

Financial Advantages of HPBs:

As the cost of green technologies drops, the price gap between conventional and high-performance buildings is closing.
Key financial benefits include:
- Energy Savings: HPBs offer significant reductions in energy consumption, like Infosys’ energy-efficient campuses that cut energy use by 45%.
- Property Value: HPBs command higher property values due to lower operational costs, environmental benefits, and growing demand from eco-conscious buyers.
- Investment Appeal: HPBs lead to higher net operating incomes, lower vacancy rates, and longer leases, making them attractive to investors.

Financing HPBs:

HPBs can leverage various funding sources, including:
- Carbon Financing: HPBs can generate carbon credits by reducing emissions, which can be traded for financial gain in regions with carbon pricing (e.g., the EU and China).
- Green Bonds: In 2020, green bonds worth $269.5 billion were issued globally, helping to finance sustainable building projects.
- Climate Funds: Institutions like the World Bank and the Green Climate Fund provide financial support for HPBs.
These mechanisms offset the higher upfront costs of constructing HPBs, making them more affordable and promoting wider adoption.

5. What is the Z-Morh project in Kashmir, where 7 were killed by militants?

Sub: Geo

Sec: Mapping

Z-Morh Tunnel: Key Details and Importance:

The Z-Morh tunnel is a critical infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir, recently in the spotlight due to a militant attack on October 20, 2024.

What is the Z-Morh Tunnel?

Location: It connects the Sonamarg tourist destination with Kangan town in Ganderbal district, central Kashmir.
Purpose: Provides all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, situated on the Srinagar-Leh highway.
Length: 6.4 kilometers.
Name Origin: Derived from the Z-shaped road stretch near its construction site in Gagangir village, near Sonamarg.
Proposed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012.
The contract was initially awarded to Tunnelway Ltd., but later retendered and awarded to APCO Infratech.

Why Was the Z-Morh Tunnel Needed?

The tunnel is located at over 8,500 feet, a region prone to heavy snow and avalanches during the winter, leading to frequent road closures.
The road to Sonamarg remains closed for most of the winter due to adverse weather conditions, and the tunnel ensures year-round access.

Strategic Importance:

Part of a Larger Project: The Z-Morh tunnel is a key component of the Zojila tunnel project, designed to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.
Military Access: Crucial for India’s defense strategy, providing fast and reliable road access to Ladakh, particularly for military personnel stationed in sensitive areas like Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh, where Indian forces face both Pakistan and China.
Reduced Air Dependency: All-weather connectivity via the Z-Morh tunnel reduces the reliance on air maintenance for army supplies and troop movements, cutting costs and preserving aircraft life.

Connection to the Zojila Tunnel:

The Zojila tunnel, under construction at an altitude of around 12,000 feet, will connect Sonamarg in Kashmir to Drass in Ladakh. This strategic tunnel, expected to be completed by December 2026, combined with the Z-Morh tunnel, will provide year-round road connectivity for civilian and military use.

6. Egypt becomes 2nd country in 2024 to be declared ‘malaria-free’

Sub: Sci

Sec: Human health

Egypt Declared Malaria-Free by WHO

On October 20, 2024, Egypt was officially declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), becoming the second country in 2024 after Cabo Verde and the fifth African nation to receive this certification.
Egypt’s malaria-free status is the result of nearly a century of continuous efforts to eradicate the disease.

Historical Efforts Against Malaria:

4000 BCE: Malaria was present in Egypt, especially in Nile river communities.
1920s: Egypt began reducing human-mosquito contact, banning rice cultivation near homes.
1930s: Malaria became a notifiable disease, and control stations were established.
World War II: Malaria cases surged to over 3 million due to factors like population displacement and medical supply disruptions.
1950s-1960s: Environmental management, mosquito surveillance, and DDT campaigns reduced malaria significantly.
Aswan Dam (1969): New risks arose due to stagnant water, but joint efforts with Sudan controlled the threat.
2014: A brief outbreak in Aswan was swiftly contained, and no malaria case was diagnosed for two years after that.

Key Factors Behind Egypt’s Malaria-Free Status:

Egypt’s surveillance system, in collaboration with various stakeholders, allowed early detection of imported cases.
95% of Egypt’s population now lives within 5 kilometres of a primary health centre, with free diagnosis and treatment for all, including undocumented migrants.
Integrated Efforts: The High Committee for Integrated Vector Management was formed in 2016 to enhance coordination in fighting vector-borne diseases.
Cross-border Cooperation: Egypt continues close partnerships with endemic countries like Sudan to prevent the re-establishment of malaria.
Egypt’s success is seen as a model for other countries, particularly those in Africa, like Nigeria, which carries the highest global malaria burden.

Certification and Global Impact:

To achieve WHO’s malaria-free certification, a country must prove that no local malaria transmission has occurred for three consecutive years and that systems are in place to prevent its return.
With this announcement, 44 countries and one territory worldwide have now been certified malaria-free.

Malaria:

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Five species of Plasmodium can cause malaria in humans:

falciparum (most severe form)
vivax
ovale
malariae
knowlesi

Transmission:

Primary vector: Female Anopheles mosquitoes
Mosquitoes bite between dusk and dawn
Can also be transmitted through: Blood transfusions, Organ transplants, Shared needles, From mother to unborn child

Symptoms

Early Symptoms (typically appear 10-15 days after infection): Fever, Chills, Headache, Muscle aches, Fatigue, Sweating, Nausea and vomiting
Severe Malaria Symptoms: Severe anemia, Respiratory distress, Cerebral malaria, Organ failure, Abnormal blood coagulation

Diagnosis:

Blood tests (microscopy), Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), PCR testing for species identification, Antibody tests

Treatment

Medications
- Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)
- Chloroquine (where parasites remain susceptible)
- Primaquine (for P. vivax and P. ovale)
- Atovaquone-proguanil
Vaccines:
- RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) – first approved malaria vaccine
- R21/Matrix-M vaccine showing promising results
- Ongoing research for more effective vaccines

Prevention:

Personal Protection
- Insecticide-treated bed nets, Protective clothing, Insect repellent, Window screens, Air conditioning
Chemoprophylaxis (Preventive Medications)
- Atovaquone-proguanil, Doxycycline, Mefloquine, Chloroquine (in limited areas)
Community Prevention
- Indoor residual spraying, Environmental management, Mosquito breeding site elimination, Community Education

Global Impact:

Approximately 241 million cases annually
Over 600,000 deaths per year
Most deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa
Children under 5 most vulnerable

Source: DTE

7. Black Holes in Early Universe Data: Revisiting the Standard Cosmological Model

Sub : Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

Recent studies using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) raised questions about the standard cosmological model, suggesting that massive galaxies existed earlier than previously believed. A new study published on August 26 in the Astrophysical Journal provides a possible explanation, which could protect the standard model from being revised.

The Standard Model of Cosmology

The universe, originating from the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, gradually cooled and allowed the formation of matter into stars and galaxies.

According to the standard model, stars first appeared 100-200 million years post-Big Bang, and galaxies within a billion years. JWST’s data showing well-developed galaxies earlier posed a challenge to this understanding.

The study also highlights that massive black hole, often referred to as “little red dots” due to their faint light, significantly contribute to the total light emitted by galaxies.

Previous studies may have overestimated the mass of stars in these galaxies due to the additional light from black holes. When this factor was corrected in the new analysis, the galaxies were found to be less massive, aligning with the predictions of the standard model.

About Black Holes:

Black holes are mysterious cosmic objects, often misunderstood. They are not actual holes but incredibly dense concentrations of matter.

It is typically formed during supernova explosions.

A black hole’s event horizon, just beneath its surface, has such intense gravity that nothing, not even light, can escape it.

This event horizon contains all the matter that makes up the black hole.

Black holes are invisible to telescopes because they do not emit or reflect light. Scientists detect and study them through various means:

Accretion disks: Rings of gas and dust around black holes emit light, including X-rays.

Stellar orbits: Intense gravity from supermassive black holes causes stars to orbit them uniquely.

Gravitational waves: Massive objects create ripples in space-time when they accelerate, which scientists can detect.

Gravitational lensing: Black holes can bend and distort light from distant objects, revealing their presence.

Closest: The nearest known black hole, 1A 06200-00, is 3,000 light-years away.

Farthest: In the galaxy, QSO J0313-1806, is about 13 billion light-years away.

Biggest: TON 618, is 66 billion times the mass of the Sun.

Smallest: The lightest-known black hole is only 3.8 times the Sun’s mass and is paired with a star.

Spaghettification: The process by which (in some theories) an object would be stretched and ripped apart by gravitational forces on falling into a black hole.

It’s squeezed horizontally and stretched vertically, resembling a noodle.

Spin: All black holes spin, with the fastest-known, GRS 1915+105, rotating over 1,000 times per second.

Particle accelerators: Monster black holes at galaxy centers can launch particles to nearly light speed.

Not so rare: Most Milky Way-sized galaxies have supermassive black holes at their centers, such as Sagittarius A*, which is 4 million times the mass of the Sun.

About James Webb Space Telescope (JWST):

Largest and most powerful telescope in space.

It has a huge mirror that is five times bigger than that of its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope.

JWST was launched on Christmas Day in 2021 and arrived at its destination, the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 2 in January 2022

The telescope has been looking at the early epochs in the history of the Universe, when the first galaxies had barely formed.

Its images were, however, very different from what astronomers had thought they would see.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST or “Webb”) is a joint NASA–ESA–CSA space telescope that is planned to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope as NASA’s flagship astrophysics mission.

The JWST will provide improved infrared resolution and sensitivity over Hubble, and will enable a broad range of investigations across the fields of astronomy and cosmology, including observing some of the most distant events and objects in the universe, such as the formation of the first galaxies.

JWST will study various phases in the history of the universe, from the formation of solar systems to the evolution of our own Solar System.

The James Webb Space Telescope (sometimes called JWST or Webb) is an orbiting infrared observatory that will complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, with longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity.

8. Shadow Fleets, Sanctions, and Flags of Convenience: Understanding Global Shipping Complexities

Sub : IR

Sec: Int conventions

Why in News

The concept of “shadow fleets” has recently garnered attention due to the involvement of tanker ships carrying Russian crude oil, especially in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India, among other nations, has been accused of hosting shadow fleets that are allegedly helping in transporting and ‘laundering’ Russian crude oil, bypassing international sanctions.

What is Shadow Fleets?

The term “shadow fleet” refers to tanker ships that discreetly transport goods, particularly crude oil, from sanctioned nations like Russia, avoiding detection and regulations.

What are Flags of Convenience (FoC)?

Flags of Convenience refer to ships registered in countries other than those where their actual owners reside. This practice obscures the real ownership and origin of cargo, often used by large corporations to dodge sanctions and evade legal scrutiny.

About Flags Hopping: To avoid sanctions, ships often change their flags by registering in different countries. Panama and Liberia, for instance, are popular FoCs, known for tax avoidance and lenient regulations.

Large corporations establish multiple shell companies, each owning just one or two ships. This creates a web of ownership that makes it difficult to track the true owners of vessels and their cargo.

Sanctions and Global Shipping Industry

When countries like the U.S. impose sanctions, they target companies, individuals, and entities that violate these sanctions. Assets are frozen, and legal action is taken. For example, U.S. sanctions limit Russia’s oil sales to a cap of $60 per barrel, while market prices hover above this, ensuring that Russia cannot make significant profits to fund its war in Ukraine.

Role of Insurance in Sanctions

Ships are often insured through Protection and Indemnity (P&I) clubs, which cover risks such as loss of life and damage to property. Sanctioned entities may lose their insurance cover, but shipowners find ways around it, such as shifting management to a third-party country that is compliant with insurance regulations.

About Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs:

P&I clubs are mutual insurance groups providing coverage to shipowners, charterers, and operators.

They cover third-party liabilities such as damage to cargo, injury or loss of life, and environmental pollution.

Shipowners pool risks by becoming members of these clubs, sharing potential liabilities.

Many of these clubs are managed from London, with strong links to global maritime regulations and sanctions enforcement. Ships involved in violating sanctions risk losing P&I club coverage, affecting their operations globally.

9. Supreme Court Defends Regulatory Laws for Minority Institutions: No Violation of Secularism

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Why in News

The Supreme Court of India, while hearing a case concerning the regulation of madrasas under the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004, clarified that laws regulating religious or linguistic minority institutions do not inherently breach secularism. This observation followed a challenge to an Allahabad High Court decision, which had struck down the Act, claiming it violated secular principles.

Supreme Court’s Stand on Secularism and Minority Institutions:

The Supreme Court observed that regulating institutions run by religious or linguistic minorities does not automatically breach secularism.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) emphasized that a law regulating such institutions, by itself, does not violate the principle of secularism. He clarified that a State has the right to regulate minority institutions, especially when they are government-aided.

The CJI stressed that providing broad-based education in madrasas is essential for students to acquire knowledge beyond religious teachings and become productive citizens.

What is the definition of minority under Indian laws?

The expression “minorities” appears in some Articles of the Constitution, but is not defined anywhere.

In the exercise of its powers under the Section 2(c) of the NCM Act, the Centre on October 23, 1993, notified five groups — Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis — as ‘minority’ communities. Jains were added to the list in January 2014.

What does the Constitution say about minorities?

Article 29, which deals with the “Protection of interests of minorities”, says that “any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same”, and that “no citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them”.

Article 30 deals with the “right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions”. It says that all minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. It says that “in making any law providing for the compulsory acquisition of any property of an educational institution established and administered by a minority…, the State shall ensure that the amount fixed by or determined under such law for the acquisition of such property is such as would not restrict or abrogate the right guaranteed under that clause”, and that “the state shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language”.

Article 350(A) says there shall be a Special Officer for linguistic minorities to be appointed by the President. “It shall be the duty of the Special Officer to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities under this Constitution and report to the President upon those matters at such intervals as the President may direct, and the President shall cause all such reports to be laid before each House of Parliament, and sent to the Governments of the States concerned”.

Article 28 – Prohibition of Religious Instruction in State-Funded Educational Institutions

Article 28 deals with the issue of religious instruction in educational institutions, especially those funded or maintained by the state. It establishes clear boundaries between religion and education in India.

Clause (1): Prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions fully funded by the state.

Clause (2): Institutions with religious endowments can provide religious instruction even if maintained by the state.

Clause (3): No student in state-recognized or state-aided institutions can be forced to participate in religious instruction or worship without their consent.

Promotes secularism by preventing religious teachings in government-funded institutions while protecting individual freedom of religion in education.

About SECULARISM:

Secularism is defined as a separation of religious institutions from the institutions of state, and no domination of the political sphere by religious institutions.

It is the belief that religion should not influence or be involved in the organization of society, education, government, etc.

The following are the features of Indian secularism:

Equal respect and regard for all faiths by the nation.
No prejudice sponsored by the state between residents on religion basis.
India follows the policy of non-interference in the functioning of any faith by the state.
Moreover, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment of the Indian Constitution states that India is a secular country, thus, there is no relationship between religion and state. However, India pays respects to all religions but it did not recognize any national religion.

Indian philosophy of secularism is related to “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” which means equal respect to all religions.

India does partially separate religion and state. For example, it does not have an official state religion and state-owned educational institutions cannot impart religious instructions.

10. How the microscopic worm C. elegans won 4 Nobel Prizes

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Context:

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of microRNA (miRNA) and its crucial role in gene regulation.
In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Gary Ruvkun lauded the tiny worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), emphasizing its significant contributions to scientific discovery.

Nobel prizes involving C. elegans:

elegans has been involved in four Nobel Prize-winning research projects, highlighting its significant role in advancing our understanding of biology.
Understanding Cell Death: elegans has contributed to understanding how healthy cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). This research has provided crucial insights into various diseases, including AIDS, strokes, and degenerative diseases, and was recognized with the Nobel Prize in 2002.
Gene Silencing: In 2006, researchers were awarded Nobel Prize for discovering gene silencing using elegans, leading to the development of a new class of therapeutic drugs.
Cellular Imaging Techniques: The 2008 Chemistry Nobel Prize acknowledged scientists who utilized elegans to invent cellular lanterns, which enhance the ability to observe cellular processes.
microRNA: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation.

About C. elegans:

Caenorhabditis elegans is a free-living transparent nematode about 1 mm in length that lives in temperate soil
Life cycle: Rapid development, with a life cycle of about 3 days from egg to adulthood.
It is considered a model organism to study animal development and behaviour.

Unique Characteristics of C. elegans:

Simplicity:
- With only 959 cells, scientists find it manageable to study and understand fundamental biological concepts.
- Each cell’s fate has been meticulously mapped, and the transparency of the worms allows for easy observation of developmental stages.
- It completes all its developmental stages in about three days.
Genomic Advances:
- In 1998, C. elegans became the first animal to have its entire genome sequenced, well ahead of other model organisms like fruit flies and mice.
- The worm is inexpensive, easy to store and entirely self-sufficient in reproduction. Female C. elegans have functional sperm that allow them to inseminate themselves.
- Its ease of cultivation and self-sufficiency in reproduction make it an ideal model organism for laboratory studies.

Cooperation Among Scientists:

The success of research involving C. elegans can be attributed to the collaborative spirit among scientists working with this model organism.
Researchers often share resources and findings, which fosters innovation and progress.
The C. elegans research community comes together every other year at the International Worm Convention.

11. In mega tourism event, Saudi Arabia celebrates Indian diversity, pluralism

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Saudi Arabia recently hosted a fortnight-long celebration of Indian culture as part of the annual Riyadh Season festivities.

Details of the event:

This event is part of the Global Harmony Initiative launched by the Saudi government, aiming to promote cultural exchange and tourism.
Events included musical performances, outdoor culinary experiences, and participation from Indian performers and sportspersons.
The change in the Saudi society was reflected during the event with the widespread participation of Saudi women.

About Global Harmony Initiative:

The Global Harmony Initiative is a program launched by the Saudi government aimed at promoting cultural exchange between diverse cultures and nations.
It also aims to boost tourism in Saudi Arabia by showcasing its rich cultural heritage and to strengthen diplomatic ties and cooperation with other countries.
The initiative includes festivals, exhibitions, and performances that highlight the richness of various cultures.
It reflects the Kingdom’s vision of modernization and social reform, promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Indian Community in Saudi Arabia:

Currently, Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 4 million Indian workers, making the Indian community the second largest in the country, following the Bangladeshi community, which numbers around 2.7 million.
The growing Indian presence reflects the strong ties and collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia.

12. Rising polio cases shadow vaccination campaign in Pak.

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Polio cases in Pakistan have seen a concerning increase, with health officials confirming 39 new cases since January 2023.
This is a significant rise compared to only six cases reported in the same period last year.
The country is preparing for a new vaccination campaign starting on October 28, aimed at vaccinating at least 32 million children and making Pakistan a polio free state.

Challenges to vaccination:

Violence against health workers and the police tasked with protecting them has severely hampered vaccination efforts in Pakistan.
Health workers often face threats and attacks from militants who propagate false narratives about the vaccines being a western conspiracy to sterilize children. This hostility poses a significant barrier to eradicating polio.
The Taliban recently decided to halt a door-to-door vaccination campaign in Afghanistan. Given the close cross-border movement between the two countries, this decision could have severe repercussions for Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.

Geographical Concerns:

The majority of new polio cases have emerged from Balochistan and Sindh provinces, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
This shift in the geographic distribution of cases is alarming, especially since previous outbreaks were primarily concentrated in the northwest region bordering Afghanistan.

About Polio:

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus.
It primarily affects children under five and can lead to paralysis, disability, or even death.
There is no cure for the disease, but it can be prevented with the polio vaccine.
Symptoms: In most cases, mild symptoms like fever, fatigue or no symptoms. However, in severe cases it can lead to paralysis and death.
Transmission: The virus spreads through oral-faecal route. Direct person-to-person contact can also transmit the virus.
Prevention: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio. Two types of vaccines Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) and Oral polio vaccine (OPV) are available against polio virus.

Current Status:

Polio has been eradicated in most parts of the world, with only a few countries, notably Afghanistan and Pakistan reporting ongoing transmission.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are the two countries in which the spread of polio has never been stopped.