Daily Prelims Notes 9 November 2024

November 9, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

9 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Sustainable Cooling Initiatives for Climate Resilience and Global Collaboration

Sub: Env

Sec: Int conventions

Why in News

Global warming has intensified the demand for sustainable cooling solutions, which are vital for vulnerable populations worldwide. On September 21, 2024, the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) issued the Wilmington Declaration, emphasizing a commitment to high-efficiency cooling systems. This aligns with the India-U.S. roadmap for resilient clean energy supply chains. The declaration reinforces the global urgency for affordable, energy-efficient cooling systems to mitigate the climate crisis, highlighting India’s significant role in advancing clean cooling technologies.

The Wilmington Declaration: A Global Commitment to Sustainable Cooling

The Wilmington Declaration emphasizes deploying high-efficiency cooling systems to aid climate-vulnerable regions in the Indo-Pacific.
Quad nations committed to climate-friendly cooling solutions that align with the Kigali Amendment’s aim to phase down HFCs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Quad’s focus on sustainable cooling includes significant investment by India in solar and cooling infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific.

More About the Wilmington Declaration:

The declaration emphasized a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, directly addressing concerns about actions that disrupt the region’s status quo. This was partly in response to rising tensions and aggressive activities from certain regional actors
Quad members pledged to collaborate on critical technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and 5G, aiming to secure democratic values and economic growth. This technological partnership aims to counterbalance influences from countries with contrasting political systems
A notable new initiative is the Quad Cancer Moonshot, which focuses on cancer prevention and treatment in the Indo-Pacific, beginning with cervical cancer. Member nations have committed resources, including medical equipment and financial support, to address health disparities in the region
The declaration highlighted enhanced maritime security measures, including joint military exercises and intelligence sharing. This aims to strengthen defences against maritime threats and ensure open and secure sea lanes crucial for international trade
The Quad leaders announced increased efforts in disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance. This includes funding for immediate disaster response resources, such as relief supplies positioned in key areas across the Indo-Pacific to assist in natural disasters.

Global Frameworks on Cooling and Emissions:

The Montreal Protocol, and its 2016 Kigali Amendment, set precedents for global action on cooling-related emissions. The Kigali Amendment targets the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases in cooling devices.
Unchecked, HFCs could contribute to 0.52°C of global warming by 2100. Aligning HFC reduction with energy efficiency improvements could deliver about two-thirds of cooling-related greenhouse gas reductions, cutting electricity use and lowering air pollution.
At COP28 in Dubai, 63 countries committed to a 68% reduction in cooling-related emissions by 2050. The Global Cooling Pledge aims to extend cooling access to 3.5 billion people and potentially save $17 trillion in energy costs by mid-century.
To build on COP28, COP29 should aim to broaden participation in the Global Cooling Pledge, focusing on partnerships across sectors to enhance commitments and deliver sustainable cooling solutions worldwide.

India’s Approach to Cooling Solutions:

With parts of India recording temperatures above 50°C in 2024, cooling is critical for public health, food preservation, and industrial processes.
India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): India’s ICAP aims for a 20%-25% reduction in cooling demand and 25%-40% energy savings, with a shift to low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021, committing to an 85% reduction in HFC use by 2047.
National Cooling Mission: India needs a mission-mode approach with focused leadership and collaboration across ministries to achieve sustainable cooling. This includes establishing inter-ministerial working groups, budgeting, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure long-term success.

2. Supreme Court’s Historic Verdict on AMU’s Minority Status

Sub :Polity

Sec : Constitution

Why in News

The Supreme Court of India recently overturned its 1967 decision regarding Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) minority status. This verdict, passed by a 4:3 majority from a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice, reinstated AMU’s classification as a minority institution.

Minority Status and Legal Recognition:

The court clarified that an institution founded by a minority community does not lose its minority status after obtaining statutory recognition.
Chief Justice emphasized that an educational institution’s minority status is retained if it was originally established by a minority community to protect and preserve its cultural heritage.
The ruling overturns the 1967 S. Azeez Basha v. Union of India case, where the Supreme Court held that AMU could not claim minority status as it was established by legislative action as a central university.
Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution grants religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions. The new verdict clarifies that this right remains intact even after formal recognition by the state.
The court’s ruling thus safeguards the autonomy of these institutions under Article 30.
According to the judgment, any legislative or executive action that discriminates against minority communities in establishing or managing their institutions violates Article 30(1).

Dual Interpretation of Article 30:

Chief Justice provided a dual interpretation of Article 30, describing it as both a shield against discrimination and a means of granting minorities enhanced autonomy in managing their institutions.
This dual interpretation reinforces the constitutional protection afforded to minorities, granting them greater freedom to operate educational institutions that reflect their cultural values.

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: Article 30 of the Indian Constitution states the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
It says: “All minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.”
Article 30(1A) deals with the fixation of the amount for acquisition of property of any educational institution established by minority groups.
Article 30(2) states that the government should not discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language, while giving aid.

3. Lokpal Seeks Explanation from SEBI Chief Amid Conflict-of-Interest Allegations

Sub: Polity

Sec: National body

Why in News

The Lokpal of India has recently requested a response from Madhabi Puri Buch, the chief of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), regarding allegations of a potential conflict of interest. This request follows a report by U.S.-based Hindenburg Research, which has raised questions about regulatory oversight in the Adani Group investigation.

Background:

The Lokpal has directed the head of SEBI to address conflict of interest allegations related to a report by a U.S.-based short-seller, which questioned SEBI’s handling of the Adani Group investigation.
A procedural order issued by the Lokpal Bench requires a detailed affidavit response to these charges within four weeks.
The complaints, filed between August and October 2024, raise concerns over SEBI’s transparency and alleged regulatory bias.
The case brings attention to regulatory accountability, especially regarding SEBI’s oversight in financial probes involving major corporate entities.

About Lokpal:

The Lokpal is an anti-corruption body that is authorised to investigate corruption charges against top public functionaries including the prime minister, Cabinet ministers, members of Parliament and Group A officials at the Centre.

Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013:

The Act allows for setting up of anti-corruption ombudsman called Lokpal at the Centre.
Composition: The Lokpal will consist of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members.
Chairperson should have been a Chief Justice of India, or is or has been a judge of the Supreme Court, or an eminent person who fulfils eligibility criteria as specified.
50% of the members are to be judicial members provided that not less than 50% of the members belong to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, minorities, and women.
Inquiry Wing: Lokpal will have an Inquiry Wing for conducting preliminary inquiry into any offence alleged to have been committed by a public servant punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Prosecution Wing: It will also have a Prosecution Wing for the prosecution of public servants in relation to any complaint by the Lokpal under this Act.

Powers:

The Lokpal will have the power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them by the ombudsman.
As per the Act, the Lokpal can summon or question any public servant if there exists a prima facie case against the person, even before an investigation agency (such as vigilance or CBI) has begun the probe. Any officer of the CBI investigating a case referred to it by the Lokpal, shall not be transferred without the approval of the Lokpal.
An investigation must be completed within six months. However, the Lokpal or Lokayukta may allow extensions of six months at a time provided the reasons for the need of such extensions are given in writing.
Special courts will be instituted to conduct trials on cases referred by Lokpal.
Jurisdiction of Lokpal: It covers a wide range of public servants — from the Prime Minister (PM), ministers and MP, to groups A, B, C, D officers of the central government including the chairperson and members of the Lokpal. However, there are some exceptions for PM:
Lokpal cannot inquire allegations against the PM relating to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and space.
Also, complaints against the PM are not to be probed unless the full Lokpal bench considers the initiation of inquiry and at least 2/3rds of the members approve it.

Such an inquiry against the Prime Minister (if conducted) is to be held in camera and if the Lokpal comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves to be dismissed, the records of the inquiry are not to be published or made available to anyone.

About SEBI:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India, or Sebi, is expected to protect investor interests, promote the development of the securities market, and regulate it under the Sebi Act, 1992
Sebi has the authority to make rules, enforce them, and also adjudicate disputes under the Sebi Act, Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, the Depositories Act, 1996, the Companies Act, 2013 and others.
Sebi works for the development and regulation of the securities market in India, ensuring investor protection through awareness programmes, financial literacy initiatives, and addressing investor grievances.
Sebi also works on global securities standards as part of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

4. India sends Letter of Intent to host 2036 Games

Sub : IR

Sec : Int org

Context:

India has taken the first step in its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics by submitting a Letter of Intent to the Future Hosts Commission (FHC) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The push for hosting the Olympics is part of the government’s broader ambition to host major international sporting events, including the 2030 Youth Olympics.
India plans to include traditional sports like Yoga, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, and Chess in its 2036 Olympic bid, showcasing the country’s unique cultural contribution to global sports.

Significance of Hosting the Olympics:

If India wins the bid, it will become the fourth Asian country to host the Summer Olympics, following the examples of China (Beijing 2008), South Korea (Seoul 1988), and Japan (Tokyo 1964, 2020).
Hosting the Olympics would be an achievement for India, significantly raising its profile on the global stage. The Olympics would offer India a chance to showcase its rich cultural heritage, advanced technology, and growing economic power.
It would also boost infrastructure, tourism, and international diplomatic standing.

IOC’s Bid Selection Process:

The FHC engages in initial discussions with the countries or cities interested in hosting, but this stage does not focus on specific bids.
The FHC then moves into a more rigorous phase, where it evaluates key aspects of a potential host city, including infrastructure (stadiums, transport, etc.), accommodation and security. At this stage, the IOC also seeks guarantees from the bidding cities.
An advisory report is then prepared for the IOC Executive Board, which will take the final decision.

Challenges for India:

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been plagued by long-standing infighting, which has led to a standstill in its operations for several months. The IOA remains the official communication channel with the IOC. A unified IOA is crucial for presenting a strong bid.
While India has made substantial progress in developing sports infrastructure, the scale of the Olympics requires an extensive and world-class set of facilities and services, which may take time to fully prepare.

Other bidders:

India faces strong competition for the 2036 Olympics, with confirmed bids from Santiago (Chile), Jakarta, Bali, and Nusantara (Indonesia), and Istanbul (Turkey).
Additionally, cities like Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Doha (Qatar), backed by substantial financial resources, are also considering bids, intensifying the competition.

5. How Röntgen accidentally discovered x-rays & changed the world

Sub : Sci

Sec : Msc

Context:

In 1895, while studying how cathode ray tubes emit light, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen noticed a fluorescent screen glowing mysteriously, despite being too far from the tube. This led to his discovery of X-rays, a new form of invisible radiation.

What are X-rays:

X-rays are a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than visible light.
They can penetrate most materials, including the human body, to produce images of internal structures.
They are commonly used in medicine for diagnosing diseases, detecting bone fractures, and in industries like security for scanning luggage and identifying materials.

Initial Experiments and Discovery:

Röntgen discovered that these new rays had extraordinary penetrative power.
When he placed various materials including paper, wood, copper, and even metal between the cathode tube and the screen, the rays passed through, albeit at different intensities, suggesting their strong ability to penetrate matter.

Human Experiment:

Röntgen then tested the rays on human tissue. He photographed the bones in his wife’s hand, revealing the bones and her ring.
This experiment demonstrated the potential for the rays to photograph the internal structures of the human body, which would have significant medical applications.

Naming and Publication of Discovery:

Röntgen referred to the new rays as X-radiation (later shortened to X-rays) due to the “X” representing the unknown, as he had no idea about the exact nature of the rays at the time.
He wrote an article titled “On a New Kind of Rays,” which was submitted to the Proceedings of the Würzburg Physical-Medical Society. The paper described his experiments and findings, leading to widespread interest in his discovery.

Early use in Medicine:

In 1896, British physician Major John Hall-Edwards used X-rays to guide surgery, making it one of the first medical applications of the technology.
During the British Nile Expedition of 1896, the army took X-ray machines to Egypt to locate bullet wounds and diagnose bone fractures.

Max von Laue’s Contribution:

In 1912-1913, physicist Max von Laue discovered that X-rays could be diffracted by crystals, much like visible light. This finding won von Laue the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Electromagnetic Radiation:

X-rays were later identified as a form of electromagnetic radiation, with a frequency higher than visible light.
This breakthrough helped explain their ability to penetrate matter and their potential for various applications in medicine, biology, and physics.

Safety Concerns:

It took several decades for the medical and scientific communities to recognize the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to X-rays, including radiation burns and cancer.
In the mid-20th century, efforts were made to develop safety protocols and better shielding to protect patients and medical practitioners from excessive radiation.

6. Philippines President Marcos Jr. signs laws to demarcate South China Sea territories

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two significant laws that reinforce the country’s territorial claims and maritime rights in the South China Sea.

The laws are:

Philippine Maritime Zones Act: Establishes and affirms the boundaries of Philippine maritime territories, including its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and asserts its sovereignty over maritime resources in the disputed areas.
Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act: Defines the sea lanes through Philippine archipelagic waters and reaffirms the country’s control over navigation routes and associated resources in the region.

Significance of the Laws:

The legislation underscores the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its maritime resources.
The laws further oppose China’s nearly complete territorial claims over the South China Sea, which have been declared invalid by an international arbitral tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2016.
The laws introduce penalties, including jail terms and fines, for violators of the maritime provisions.

China’s Reaction:

China accused the Philippines of attempting to solidify the ruling of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration case, which favoured the Philippines.
It held that the new legislation infringes on its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

7. CCI Investigation Finds Zomato and Swiggy in Breach of Antitrust Laws

Sub: Eco

Sec: National income and Indian economy

Overview:

India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigation has found that food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy violated competition laws.
The investigation began in 2022 after a complaint by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which raised concerns about the platforms’ impact on restaurant competition.

Anti-Competitive Practices Identified:

Exclusivity Contracts: Zomato engaged in exclusive partnerships with select restaurants in exchange for reduced commissions, while Swiggy offered business growth guarantees to restaurants that agreed to list exclusively on its platform.
These exclusive arrangements led to reduced market competition by creating a bias towards certain restaurant partners.

Market Impact:

The exclusivity deals made it harder for other restaurants to compete, as the platforms’ practices favored certain businesses, impacting smaller and independent food outlets.
The CCI’s investigation arm reported that such practices hindered fair market competition in the food delivery space.
Antitrust Law in India: Antitrust Law (also known as Competition Law) aims to safeguard fair trade and commerce by preventing practices that hinder competition, such as monopolies, price-fixing, and unfair restraints. It ensures the existence of fair competition in an open-market economy, promoting consumer welfare and innovation.
The Competition Act, 2002: The Competition Act, 2002 is India’s primary antitrust law, enacted to replace the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act), based on the recommendations of the Raghavan Committee.

Key Provisions of the Competition Act, 2002

Prohibition of Anti-competitive Agreements: Agreements that result in price-fixing, market allocation, or output restriction are considered anti-competitive.
Abuse of Dominant Position: The law prevents businesses from abusing their market dominance to exploit consumers or eliminate competition.
Regulation of Combinations: Mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures are regulated to ensure they do not harm competition or create monopolies.
Competition Commission of India (CCI): The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the primary statutory body for enforcing the Competition Act. It is responsible for investigating anti-competitive practices, advising the government on competition-related matters, and ensuring that the market remains competitive.
Composition: The CCI is composed of a Chairperson and six members, all appointed by the Central Government.
Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) and NCLAT: Initially, the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) was established to hear appeals against the CCI’s decisions. However, in 2017, the government replaced COMPAT with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which now handles appeals related to competition law matters.

8. Lead in turmeric more than 200 times the limit in parts of India: Study

Sub: Env

Sec: Pollution

Lead levels in turmeric sold in India, Nepal and Pakistan were several times higher than the regulatory limit, according to a new study.
Samples from India’s Patna, and Pakistan’s Karachi and Peshawar had lead levels in turmeric exceeding 1,000 microgram/gram (μg/g), the study published in found. Guwahati and Chennai also saw levels exceeding the regulatory limit set by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The regulatory limit for lead in turmeric whole and powder is 10 μg / g, states FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
FSSAI’s rules require turmeric to be free from lead chromate, added starch and any other extraneous colouring matter.
Lead is a heavy metal known to mimic calcium, which is stored in bone. It interrupts metabolic processes in humans, impacting intelligence, and increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney failure and premature death.
Children having blood lead level of 10 µg / L is associated with a loss of 1 intelligence quotient point.
Globally, 815 million children are estimated to have blood lead levels greater than 50 µg / L and 413 million children have blood lead levels over 100 µg / L.
While there is no known safe blood lead concentration, even blood lead concentrations as low as 3.5 µg / dL (decilitre, a tenth of a litre) may be associated with decreased intelligence in children, behavioural difficulties and learning problems.

Lead:

Lead is a naturally occurring element and is found in the earth’s crust.
It is usually found in combination with other elements, such as sulfur and oxygen, in the form of lead sulfide or lead oxide.
Lead is also found in small amounts in the air, soil, and water.
It is highly malleable and ductile, meaning it can be easily shaped and stretched into thin wires.
It is also highly resistant to corrosion, making it useful in plumbing and other applications where it may be exposed to water or other corrosive substances.
However, lead is highly toxic and can cause a range of health effects, particularly in children and pregnant women.

Source of Lead Pollution:

Effects of Lead Pollution

Health effects: Lead exposure can cause a range of health effects, including damage to the central nervous system, developmental delays, cognitive impairment, and anemia. Lead exposure can also affect the cardiovascular, renal, and reproductive systems. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of lead exposure.
Environmental effects: Lead pollution can harm plants, animals, and ecosystems. Lead can accumulate in soil and water, and can be toxic to plants and animals. Lead pollution can also affect the quality of aquatic ecosystems, and can contribute to the decline of fish and other aquatic species.
Economic impacts: Lead pollution can have economic impacts, including costs associated with healthcare and lost productivity due to lead-related illnesses. The costs of cleaning up lead-contaminated sites and replacing lead-based products can also be significant.
Social impacts: Lead pollution can disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities, who may be more likely to live near sources of lead pollution, such as industrial sites or highways. Children in these communities may be at higher risk of lead exposure and the associated health effects.

Global initiatives to end Lead Pollution

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint: This initiative aims to eliminate lead paint in all countries by 2020. The initiative provides technical and financial support to countries to help them phase out lead paint.
World Health Organization (WHO) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programme: This initiative focuses on preventing childhood lead exposure and improving the diagnosis and treatment of lead poisoning. The WHO also works to raise awareness of the dangers of lead exposure and promote the use of lead-free products.
The Partnership for Clean Indoor Air (PCIA): The PCIA is a global alliance of public, private, and non-governmental organizations that work to reduce indoor air pollution. The PCIA provides technical assistance, training, and resources to help countries and organizations transition to cleaner, safer energy sources.
The Global Battery Alliance: This initiative aims to promote sustainable battery production and use, including the responsible recycling of batteries to prevent lead pollution. The alliance brings together stakeholders from across the battery value chain to collaborate on sustainable solutions.
The Basel Convention: The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal is a global treaty that aims to minimize the generation of hazardous waste and prevent its transboundary movement. The convention includes provisions for the environmentally sound management of lead waste and the prevention of lead pollution.

India’s initiatives to end Lead Pollution

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis and National Programme for Prevention and Control of Lead Poisoning: These programs were launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to prevent and control fluorosis and lead poisoning in high-risk areas. The programs focus on providing safe drinking water, promoting hygiene and sanitation, and conducting health education campaigns to raise awareness of the health effects of lead exposure.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) lead-free certification mark: In 2017, BIS introduced a new certification mark to indicate that products are lead-free. The mark is intended to help consumers identify lead-free products and promote the use of safer alternatives.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework: India has implemented an EPR framework for e-waste management, which requires producers to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. This framework helps to prevent lead pollution from electronic waste, which is a significant source of lead exposure in India.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) has passed a notification as “Regulation on Lead contents in Household and Decorative Paints Rules, 2016″ and has prohibited manufacture, trade, import as well as export of household and decorative paints containing lead or lead compounds in excess of 90 Parts Per Million (PPM).
In 2022, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. The new rules aim at reducing share of battery recycling in the informal sector and stress on extended producer responsibility.