Daily Prelims Notes 27 December 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

27 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Over 10000 migrants died in 2024 trying to reach Spain by sea
2. Israel’s plan to boost settlements in Golan is met with conflicting emotions
3. Why is strengthening fisheries extension services crucial?
4. MHA asks Assam Rifles to share list of villages in Myanmar; facial recognition planned to track border residents
5. Panel to look into govt. request to exclude settlements from protected areas
6. Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Statesman who shaped India’s Economic and Global Trajectory
7. RBI’s Panel on AI Ethics in Financial Sector
8. India’s Plan to Cut Personal Income Tax
9. Should Assisted Dying Be Legalized?
10. Global Polio Resurgence and Reevaluating Basics
11. Local Clinical Trial Waiver for Selected Drugs: A Double-Edged Sword

1. Over 10000 migrants died in 2024 trying to reach Spain by sea

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• In 2024, over 10,000 migrants died while attempting to reach Spain by sea, with an average of 30 deaths per day, according to a report by the Spanish migration rights group Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders). This marks a 58% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.

Details of the report:

• Most of these deaths occurred along the dangerous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands, a key entry point to Europe from West Africa.
• Mauritania has emerged as a significant departure point for migrants traveling toward the Canary Islands.

Migration routes to Europe via sea:

• Western Mediterranean route: On the Western Mediterranean route, migrants primarily travel from Morocco and Algeria, often attempting to cross the Strait of Gibraltar or reach Spanish enclaves like Ceuta and Melilla.
• Atlantic route: On the Atlantic route, migrants mostly depart from West African countries such as Senegal and Mauritania, aiming for the Canary Islands.
• Both routes are perilous due to extreme weather, strong currents, and increased border controls.
• Atlantic crossing is especially hazardous, with long journeys of 1000-1500 km, often in small, overcrowded boats like inflatable rafts or fishing vessels, which are unsuitable for high seas travel.

Canary Islands:

• The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, approximately 100 kilometres west of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean.
• It consists of seven main islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, as well as several smaller islands and islets.
• Tenerife is the largest island and El Hierro is the smallest.
• The Canary Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.

2. Israel’s plan to boost settlements in Golan is met with conflicting emotions

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• In recent developments, Israel has been expanding its presence in the Golan Heights following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad after nearly 25 years in power.

Israel’s actions in the Golan Heights:

• After the ousting of Bashar Assad, Israeli tanks entered the Golan Heights’ demilitarized buffer zone in Syria, which was part of the 1974 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria. Israel stated that this was a temporary move to secure its border.
• Israel has approved an $11 million plan to double the population of Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights.

Legal Status of Golan Heights:

• The international community considers the Golan Heights to be occupied Syrian territory.
• In 2019, the US became the only country to officially recognize Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights, a move that has been widely criticized by other nations.
• The UN continues to regard Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights as illegal under international law.

Demographics:

• Approximately 50,000 people currently reside in the Golan Heights, roughly half of them Israeli settlers and the other half Arab Druze.
• The Druze, an Arab religious minority, live in several countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the Golan Heights. Many Druze in the Golan Heights consider themselves Syrians under Israeli occupation and have opted for Israeli residency rather than full citizenship.

Kibbutz:

• A kibbutz (plural: kibbutzim) is a collective community in Israel, traditionally based on agriculture and founded on principles of shared ownership, equality, and communal living.
• The kibbutz system was established in the early 20th century by Jewish immigrants with the aim of creating self-sustaining, socialist communities in Israel.

3. Why is strengthening fisheries extension services crucial?

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Agri

Overview:

• India boasts a rich and diverse fisheries sector, which provides livelihoods to approximately three crore fishers and fish farmers.
• The national fish production has grown significantly, registering an 83% increase since 2013-14, reaching a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23.
• The country is the second-largest fish and aquaculture producer globally, with 75% of this production coming from inland fisheries.

Fisheries Extension Services:

• Experts emphasize the need for fisheries and aquaculture extension services that provide request-based assistance to fishers and fish farmers. These services should focus on:
  • Life cycle management of improved species.
  • Water quality monitoring and disease management.
  • Training on rearing technologies and sustainable practices.
  • Addressing challenges faced by seed growers and hatcheries.
• Extension services should also aim at promoting sustainable practices and fisheries-based activities that have the potential to evolve into viable business models.

Role of Matsya Seva Kendras:

• Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs) are one-stop centres designed to provide a range of extension services to fishers and fish farmers.
• The government encourages MSKs to engage with start-ups, cooperatives, fish farmers’ producer organizations (FFPOs), and self-help groups to share best practices and adopt regenerative and conservation management practices in both inland and marine fisheries.
• The government offers 60% assistance for setting up MSKs for women and marginalized sections of society.
• Examples:
  • MSK in Thrissur, Kerala has a well-equipped lab for water, soil, and microbial analysis to conduct request-based disease tests.
  • MSK in Nasik and Sangli districts in Maharashtra focuses on capacity building for fishers/fish farmers on varied seed/feed inputs backed with the required technology infusion.

Role of Sagar Mitras:

• The government has deployed Sagar Mitras as vital interfaces between the government and sea-borne fishers.
• They compile information and data on daily marine catch, price fluctuations, and requisite marketing needs at fish landing centres/harbours.
• They disseminate information to fishers on local regulations, weather forecasts, natural calamities, hygienic fish handling, and potential fishing zones in the seas.

Improving Extension Services:

• To strengthen fisheries extension services, it is crucial to integrate these initiatives with the field extension machinery of over 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Promotion of Digital Outreach: The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has launched ‘AquaBazaar,’ a virtual learning platform, to enable experts to provide practical demonstrations and clarify concepts related to breeding and seed production of commercially important fish species.
• The Government of India, with support from the World Bank, is formalizing the fisheries and aquaculture sector. This project aims to:
  • Create work-based digital identities for all fishers and fish farmers in India.
  • Strengthen their extension services, capacity building, and awareness generation.

4. MHA asks Assam Rifles to share list of villages in Myanmar; facial recognition planned to track border residents

Sub : Geo

Sec: Indian geography

Context:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed the Assam Rifles to compile a list of Myanmar villages within 10 km of the Indian border to track entries into India.
• Face-recognition systems and biometric data collection will be implemented at 43 newly identified checkpoints along the 1,643-km border.
• The National Informatics Centre (NIC) will set up a portal to generate border passes and maintain a database for tracking entries, exits, and overstays.

Assam Rifles’ Role and Limitations:

• The Assam Rifles is India’s oldest paramilitary force, established in 1835 as the Cachar Levy. It has played a significant role in maintaining security, particularly in the northeastern region of India.
• Structure and Control
  • Administrative Control: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • Operational Control: Indian Army.
• Historical Significance:
  • Originally raised to protect British tea estates and settlements from tribal uprisings in Assam.
  • Participated in both World Wars and numerous internal security operations post-independence.

Changes in Movement Regime:

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR), established in 1968, allowed free movement within 16 km on either side of the border without passports or visas.
• New guidelines with QR code-enabled passes now regulate border movement, though FMR suspension hasn’t been formally ordered.
• The border pass is valid for seven days and allows entry for purposes such as visiting relatives, tourism, business, sports, medical treatment, border trade, and cultural exchanges.

Refugee Crisis and Security Measures:

• Since the 2021 Myanmar coup, over 40,000 Chin refugees have sought shelter in Mizoram and Manipur due to intensified armed conflict in Myanmar.
• State police in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur will conduct security checks at the places of stay of Myanmar residents.

5. Panel to look into govt. request to exclude settlements from protected areas

Sub : Env

Sec: Protected Areas

Context:

• A three-member team from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) will evaluate a request from the Kerala government to exclude certain human settlements from the protected areas.
• This includes the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and the Angel Valley and Pamba Valley settlements in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• Residents in these areas have faced restrictions due to wildlife protection laws and have been demanding exclusion from protected zones.

Team Composition

• R. Sukumar: Wildlife expert and NBWL member.
• R. Raghu Prasad: Inspector General (Wildlife), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Pramod G. Krishnan: Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:

• Located about 12 km from Kothamangalam (Kerala state, India).
• It was the first bird sanctuary in Kerala.
• Salim Ali, one of the best-known ornithologists, described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India.
• Thattekkad literally means flat forest, and the region is a deciduous but generally moist low-land forest surrounding the Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):

• The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a statutory body constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to oversee and promote wildlife conservation and sustainable development in India.

Key Features:

• Chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
• Vice-chairperson is the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Includes wildlife experts, ecologists, conservationists, and representatives from government and non-government organizations.
• Mandate and Role:
  • Advise the Government of India on policies and programs related to wildlife conservation.
  • Review and approve proposals for projects involving wildlife habitats, particularly in protected areas (national parks, sanctuaries, and tiger reserves).
  • Promote inter-agency coordination for the protection of wildlife and biodiversity.
• NBWL’s recommendations are binding for projects requiring environmental clearances within eco-sensitive zones and protected areas.

Functions of NBWL

• Develops guidelines for wildlife conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
• Advocates policies to address human-wildlife conflict and habitat degradation.
• Monitors compliance with wildlife laws.
• Advises on the declaration of protected areas and eco-sensitive zones.
• Evaluates and grants clearance for projects like dams, roads, and mining in protected areas, balancing development with conservation.
• Promotes scientific research and public awareness on wildlife conservation.

Source: TH

6. Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Statesman who shaped India’s Economic and Global Trajectory

Sub: Eco

Sec : External sector

Dr. Manmohan Singh, as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1995, played a pivotal role in transforming India’s economic landscape during a time of severe crisis. The reforms he introduced are often credited with liberalizing the Indian economy and setting the stage for sustained growth.

Here’s a summary of the historic reforms and the circumstances that led to them:

What Led to the Reforms?

• Balance of Payments (BOP) Crisis:
  • By mid-1991, India faced a severe BOP crisis, eroding confidence in its economic management.
  • Foreign exchange reserves plummeted from $3.1 billion in August 1990 to $896 million by January 1991, barely enough to finance a few weeks of imports.
  • The Gulf War caused a spike in oil prices, worsening the situation.
• Gold Reserves Sale:
  • In April 1991, India raised $200 million by selling 20 tonnes of confiscated gold to UBS.
  • In July 1991, 47 tonnes of gold were shipped to the Bank of England to secure $405–$450 million, staving off an immediate default.

Key Reforms Introduced

• Landmark 1991-92 Budget:
  • Dr. Singh unveiled a transformative Budget that laid the groundwork for liberalization.
• Rupee Devaluation:
  • The rupee was devalued in two tranches (9% and 10%) over three days, making exports more competitive and attracting foreign capital.
• New Industrial Policy:
  • Announced on July 24, 1991, alongside the Budget.
  • Dismantled the License Raj, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for industries.
  • Opened up sectors to foreign direct investment (FDI) and reduced areas reserved for public sector dominance.
• Currency Convertibility:
  • Full convertibility of the rupee on the current account was introduced, easing international trade and investment.
• Repeal of the MRTP Act:
  • The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act was repealed, removing the need for prior approvals for capacity expansion by companies.
• Banking Reforms:
  • Interest rate-setting by lenders was deregulated.
  • Licenses for private banks were introduced, and public sector banks were listed on stock exchanges.
  • Adoption of capital adequacy norms as recommended by the Narasimham Committee.
• Disinvestment in Public Sector Units (PSUs):
  • Mutual funds and private players were allowed to invest in PSUs, encouraging privatization.
• Market Reforms:
  • The creation of the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
  • Introduction of paperless trading and depositories for better transparency.
• Entry of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs):
  • FIIs were allowed to invest in Indian stock markets, attracting global capital.
• Empowering SEBI:
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was granted enhanced powers to regulate the capital markets effectively.

Impact

These reforms were instrumental in averting the crisis and transitioning India from a closed, state-controlled economy to a more market-driven one.

7. RBI’s Panel on AI Ethics in Financial Sector

Sub: Eco

Sec : Banking sector

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a committee to develop a framework for the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the financial sector.

Key Highlights

• Committee Name:
  • Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI (FREE of AI).
• Objective:
  • Establish ethical guidelines for AI adoption in the financial industry.
  • Ensure responsible use of AI technologies in banking and finance.
• Chairman:
  • Pushpak Bhattacharyya, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay.
• Focus Areas:
  • Assessing Current Adoption: Evaluate the level of AI implementation in financial services.
  • Establishing Principles: Develop ethical standards to prevent misuse and ensure fairness.
• Rationale:
  • With AI becoming integral to financial operations, concerns over data privacy, bias, and transparency are growing.
  • The framework aims to mitigate risks and promote trust in AI-driven solutions.

8. India’s Plan to Cut Personal Income Tax

Sub: Eco

Sec : Fiscal Policy

India is considering a personal income tax cut in the upcoming February 2024 Budget to support middle-class households and boost consumption amidst slowing economic growth.

Proposed Tax Cut Details

• Target Group:
  • Individuals earning up to ₹15 lakh annually under the new tax regime (2020).
• Current Tax Rates under the New System:
  • ₹3 lakh–₹15 lakh: Taxed between 5% to 20%.
  • Above ₹15 lakh: Taxed at 30%.
• Comparison of Tax Regimes:
  • Old Tax Regime: Allows exemptions (e.g., housing rentals, insurance premiums).
  • New Tax Regime: Offers lower rates but eliminates key exemptions.
• Objective:
  • Encourage taxpayers to opt for the new, simplified tax system.
  • Put more disposable income in the hands of the middle class to stimulate spending.

Potential Impact

• Economic Boost:
  • Higher disposable income could spur consumption, particularly in urban areas.
  • May help counter sluggish demand in sectors like FMCG, automobiles, and durables.
• Revenue Loss:
  • Exact figures remain unknown, but reduced tax rates could result in a lower revenue collection for the government.
• Political Relief:
  • Address concerns of the middle class burdened by high inflation and stagnant wage growth.

Economic Context

• Growth Concerns: India’s economy grew at its slowest pace in seven quarters (July–September).
• Inflation Impact: High food inflation has reduced spending power, affecting demand across sectors.
• Taxpayer Dynamics:
  • Majority of revenue is generated from high-income taxpayers earning over ₹1 crore annually.

Next Steps

• The final decision on tax rate changes will be made closer to the Union Budget announcement on February 1, 2024.
• A potential reduction in rates is likely to enhance the attractiveness of the 2020 tax regime, simplifying compliance and encouraging broader adoption.

This move is a critical fiscal strategy to balance relief for taxpayers, economic stimulation, and revenue sustainability.

9. Should Assisted Dying Be Legalized?

Sub : Polity

Sec: Constitution

Why in News

• On November 29, Britain’s House of Commons voted to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales. This significant decision, often referred to as assisted suicide, has sparked a profound societal debate. The new legislation, while supported by many as a compassionate step forward, has drawn criticism over its ethical, philosophical, and social implications.

Assisted Dying:

• Assisted dying refers to providing medical assistance to terminally ill individuals who wish to end their lives voluntarily.
• Advocates see it as a humane option to alleviate suffering, while critics warn of potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Legal Landscape in the U.K.

• Current Law: Suicide is not a criminal offense in England and Wales. Assisting or encouraging suicide, however, is punishable by up to 14 years of imprisonment under the 1961 Suicide Act.
• Proposed Law: Allows terminally ill, mentally competent adults with less than six months to live to opt for assisted dying. Requires approval from two doctors and a High Court judge to ensure the legitimacy of the request.

Ethical and Legal Challenges

• Petitioners have argued that the 1961 Act violates their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), particularly:
• Article 2: Right to life, interpreted as including the right to self-determination.
• Article 3: Prohibition of cruel and degrading treatment due to the denial of assisted dying.
• Articles 8 & 9: Rights to privacy and freedom of conscience.
• Article 14: Prohibition of discrimination against disabled individuals.

India’s Legal Stance:

• 2018 Judgment: The Supreme Court of India, in Common Cause vs. Union of India, affirmed that the “right to die with dignity” is integral to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Legalized passive euthanasia, allowing withdrawal of life support for terminally ill patients or those in a permanent vegetative state.
• Living Will: Individuals can create a living will, which must be executed in the presence of two witnesses and attested by a Judicial Magistrate.
• Simplified Guidelines (2023): The Supreme Court streamlined the process for passive euthanasia, introducing strict timelines and limiting the role of Judicial Magistrates.
• Health Ministry Draft Guidelines (2023): Proposed that doctors avoid initiating life-support measures when they offer no benefit and may cause undue suffering.

10. Global Polio Resurgence and Reevaluating Basics

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

• The resurgence of polio globally, with environmental samples and human cases detecting both wild poliovirus (WPV) and vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), highlights the fragility of global health achievements.

Current Situation:

• WHO reported poliovirus detection in wastewater in Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the UK (2024). No confirmed cases yet, but the findings emphasize vaccination and surveillance.
• Pakistan: 4 WPV1 cases, 8 positive samples.
• Africa: Cases detected in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, and Nigeria.

About Polio (Poliomyelitis):

• Polio is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus, primarily affecting children under the age of 5.
• The virus spreads predominantly through the faecal-oral route, often via contaminated water or food, and can also transmit through oral-oral contact.
• Symptoms:
  • Approximately 70% of infections are asymptomatic.
  • Around 25% present mild symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs.
  • A small proportion of cases lead to irreversible paralysis, typically in the legs. Among those paralyzed, 5–10% may die due to immobilization of breathing muscles.
• Prevention: Polio is preventable through vaccination. The two primary vaccines are:
  • Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV): Administered via injection; contains inactivated virus.
  • Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV): Administered orally; contains a live, attenuated (weakened) virus.

About Wild Poliovirus (WPV):

• Wild polioviruses are naturally occurring strains of poliovirus circulating in the environment.
• Serotypes:
  • Type 1: The only wild poliovirus strain still in circulation as of 2024.
  • Type 2: Declared eradicated in September 2015; last detected in India in 1999.
  • Type 3: Declared eradicated in October 2019; last detected in November 2012.
• As of 2024, wild poliovirus type 1 remains endemic in two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

About vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV):

• Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) refers to strains of poliovirus that originate from the oral polio vaccine (OPV).
• While OPV effectively protects against poliovirus, it contains live, attenuated (weakened) virus strains that can occasionally revert to a virulent form, leading to cases of paralysis.

Classification of VDPV:

WHO classifies VDPV cases into three categories:

• Circulating Vaccine-Derived Polioviruses (cVDPVs): Emerges in populations with low vaccination coverage, where the vaccine virus can spread among unvaccinated individuals.
• Immune-Deficiency Associated VDPV (iVDPV): Occurs in individuals with primary immunodeficiencies who may excrete the vaccine-derived virus for an extended period, sometimes years.
• Ambiguous Vaccine-Derived Polioviruses (aVDPVs): Cases where it is unclear if the virus is derived from vaccine strains or has characteristics of both wild and vaccine strains.

Polio in India:

• India was declared polio-free in 2014, marking a significant public health achievement.
• Prior to eradication, India conducted extensive vaccination campaigns, delivering around 1 billion doses of polio vaccine to 172 million children each year over four years leading up to the last reported case.
• Post-eradication, India continues to maintain high immunization coverage to prevent reintroduction of the virus.

11. Local Clinical Trial Waiver for Selected Drugs: A Double-Edged Sword

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

• The Central Licensing Authority (CLA) recently allowed a local clinical trial waiver for five categories of new drugs sourced from six countries under Rule 101 of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules (NDCTR), 2019. This move aims to expedite drug approvals in India, particularly for rare diseases and life-threatening conditions.

What is the Local Clinical Trial Waiver?

• The waiver allows new drugs from six specified regions — the US, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the European Union — to bypass local clinical trials during the approval process.
• It applies to five categories of drugs, including:

1. Orphan drugs for rare diseases.
2. Gene and cellular therapy products.
3. Drugs used during pandemics.
4. Drugs used for special defence purposes.
5. Drugs offering significant therapeutic advantages over existing treatments.

Benefits of the Local Clinical Trial Waiver:

• Ensures timely access to medications, especially for rare diseases and pandemic-related drugs.
• Reduces long waiting periods for treatment approvals.
• Reduces bureaucratic hurdles for launching new drugs in the Indian market.
• Encourages the introduction of innovative therapies in India.

New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules (NDCTR), 2019:

• The New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, were introduced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to streamline the drug approval process and ensure the ethical conduct of clinical trials in India.
• Reduced approval time for drugs in national interest, e.g., those required during pandemics.
• Defines new drugs to include:
  • Drugs not marketed in India.
  • Drugs with new indications or dosage forms.
  • Drugs undergoing clinical trials for a new use or formulation.
• Mandatory registration of ethics committees with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
• Ethics Committees are responsible for the approval and monitoring of clinical trials.
• Clear provisions for compensation to trial participants in case of:
  • Adverse effects or injuries.
  • Death due to the trial.
• Clinical Trials: Approvals must be granted within 30 days.
• New Drugs: Approvals must be granted within 90 days.
• Orphan drugs (for rare diseases) are exempt from clinical trials in India under certain conditions.