9Th Feb 2021 Current Affairs Analysis by Iastoppers' Editorial Team | 2021-02-09 17:00:00

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9th Feb 2021 Current Affairs Analysis By IASToppers' Editorial Team | 2021-02-09 17:00:00

Polity & Governance State Election Commission

Recently, Andhra Pradesh High Court has strikes down State Election Commission (SEC) order.

The order was related to confining Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Minister to his residence to prevent him from vitiating the process of Gram Panchayat (GP) elections.

High court’s finding:

SEC’s action was beyond its jurisdiction and it is violating Art-14 and Art-21 of the Indian Constitution. Art-14: Provides equality before the law or equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. Art-21: Guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty to every individual.

About State Election Commission:

Constitutional Mandate

The 73rd & 74th amendment acts, 1992 provide for setting up of the SECs and each SEC is governed by a separate state Act. (Appointed by the respective state governments). Art-243K deals with the election to the Panchayats under the provision of 73rd amendment act, 1992. Art-243ZA deals with the election to the Municipalities under the provision of 74th amendment act, 1992. The SECs enjoy the same status as the Election Commission of India.

Duties of SECs

The superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to the panchayats and municipalities shall be vested in the state election commission. The state legislature may make provision with respect to all matters relating to elections to the panchayats and municipalities.

Composition

SECs consists of a state election commissioner to be appointed by the governor. Qualifications: Judge of a High Court; or Served the Government in the rank of a Commissioner for a minimum period of five years; or Served the State Government in a higher rank such as Financial Commissioner. Age: Shall not be below 55 years. Conditions of service and tenure of office: Determined by the governor. [Shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.] Salary: Equal to the salary as he was drawing at the time of his retirement; or At the time of his appointment as State Election Commissioner. Removal: On the same grounds as prescribed for the removal of a judge of the state high court. Tenure: 5 Years Bar to appointment under the government: The State Election Commissioner shall not be eligible for any further appointment under the Government. On request of the SEC, the Governor shall make available such staff to the SEC as may be necessary for the discharge of the functions conferred on the SEC by clause (1).

[Ref- The Hindu]

Telangana issues GO to implement 10% quota for EWS

Telangana Chief Minister announced to implement 10 per cent reservations in jobs and educational institutions for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

Key highlights:

Quota in education, jobs: The State govt has decided to implement 10% quota for the EWS for admissions into all educational institutions and also in initial appointments to the posts in services under the State. With this, total reservations percentage is expanded to 60 percent. 50 per cent quota already being implemented for the benefit of various castes.

What does Reservation Mean?

Reservation is an act of withholding certain things for being enjoyed by the particular person/community and no other person/community has the right to enjoy the reserved thing.

Rationale for Reservation:

The reason for incorporating the provision of reservation in the constitution of India was to promote social justice i.e., there shall be no discrimination against any person on grounds of backwardness and equal opportunity shall be provided to every person. The constitution framers never intended to include the provisions of reservation for the elimination of poverty.

Constitutional provision for reservation:

Part XVI deals with reservation of SC and ST in Central and State legislatures. Article 15(4) and 16(4) enabled the State and Central Governments to reserve seats in government services for the members of the SC and ST. The Constitution was amended by the Constitution (77th Amendment) Act, 1995 and a new clause (4A) was inserted in Article 16 to enable the government to provide reservation in promotion. Later, clause (4A) was modified by the Constitution (85th Amendment) Act, 2001 to provide consequential seniority to SC and ST candidates promoted by giving reservation. 81st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2000 inserted Article 16 (4 B) which enables the state to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for SCs/STs in the succeeding year, thereby nullifying the ceiling of 50 percent reservation on total number of vacancies of that year. Article 330 and 332 provides for specific representation through reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Parliament and in the State Legislative Assemblies respectively. Article 243D provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Panchayat. Article 233T provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Municipality. Article 335 of the constitution says that the claims of STs and STs shall be taken into consideration constituently with the maintenance of efficacy of the administration.

[Ref: The Indian Express]

NITI Aayog orders study on ‘economic impact’ of judicial decisions

NITI Aayog has asked Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International to conduct a study on the “economic impact” of various judgments delivered by Supreme Court, the high courts, and quasi- judicial bodies and the “judicial activism” of such courts and tribunals.

About the study:

Objective: Narrative building for sensitizing the judiciary on the economic impact of their decisions. The study is also a part of the larger umbrella project undertaken by NITI Aayog under which it wants to establish a judicial performance index. CUTS International has been asked to study the economic impact of five different decisions by the SC and the NGT which have either stalled or completely stopped projects in various parts of the country. In 2017, CUTS International had also conducted an assessment study on the economic impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to impose a ban on the presence of liquor shops within 500 m of any highway.

[Ref: Indian Express]

Government Schemes & Policies Govt has included 21 new disciplines under sports quota

The Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports has recently included 21 new sports disciplines including ‘Mallakhamb’ and ‘Sepak Takraw’ in the list of sports disciplines.

Mallakhamb:

History:

The origin of Mallakhamb can be traced to the 12th century, where it is mentioned in Manasolhas (written by Someshvara III), a classic by Chalukya in 1135 A.D. For seven centuries, the art lay dormant till it was reintroduced in the 19th C during the tenure of the Peshwa Bajirao II by his fitness and sports instructor Balambhatt Dada Deodhar.

Features:

It is a form of ancient Indian martial art. The word ‘Mallakhamb’ comes from coalescing two words- ‘malla’ meaning wrestler and ‘khamb’ meaning pole. In this, a gymnast performs aerial yoga or gymnastic postures and wrestling grips in concert

with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope. Maharashtra is the centre of this this martial art.

Types:

Pole Mallakhamb:

It is a traditional form of it. A free-standing pole made of teak or rosewood and smeared with castor oil is used as the prop. The height of the pole ranging from 2.6 metres above the ground.

Cane Mallakhamb:

The length of the pole in Cane Mallakhamb is shorter than the Pole Mallakhamb. The pole is left hanging from a hook leaving a gap between the end of the pole and ground.

Rope Mallakhamb:

The postures are exercised on a 5.5 metres long rope suspended from the top.

Sepak Takraw:

History:

It was originated in Malaysia around 500 years ago. In the 15th century, it was mostly played by the royal court. In Indonesia it is called as Sepak Raga. Its popularity is also spreading in other parts of the world including European as well as American countries.

Features:

It is also known as kick volleyball. ‘Sepak’ is the Malay word for kick, and ‘takraw’ the Thai word for woven ball. The ball is spherical and made out of synthetic fibre. It is similar to volleyball as two teams of players try to control the ball by touching it using only their feet, chest, knee or head and try to kick the ball past the net to the opposition side. The court is similar in size to a badminton court. The game can be played indoors or on the beach, just like volleyball. It also figures in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games. It is not yet an Olympic event.

Key Facts:

The list of sports disciplines which qualify for recruitment of meritorious sports persons to any post in Group ‘C’ in Ministries/Department of Government of India includes: Baseball, Cycle Polo, Fencing, Mallakhamb, Net Ball, Pencak Silat, Roll Ball, Sepak Takraw, Deaf

Sports, Tenpin Bowling, Tug-of-war, Tennis Ball Cricket, Body-Building, Kudo, Motor Sports, Para Sports (for sports discipline included in para-Olympics and Para Asian Games), Shooting Ball, Rugby, Soft Tennis, Triathlon, and Wushu.

[Ref: PIB]

Issues related to Health & Education Minister of Health presides overdistribution of masks by Indian Red Cross Society

Recently the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society presided over the distribution of masks and soaps to various Transport Unions.

History of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement:

It has its origin from the Franco - Austrian war in Italy in 1859. International Red Cross Movement was established by Geneva Convention of 1864. Aim: To serve as an International humanitarian movement for protecting human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The name and the emblem of the movement are derived from the reversal of the Swiss national flag. World Red Cross Red Crescent Day is celebrated on 8 May each year. It is the birth anniversary of the Henry Dunant, founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

Indian Red Cross Society:

History:

During World War I, India had no organization for relief services to the affected soldiers, except a branch of the St. John Ambulance Association and by a Joint Committee of the British Red Cross. Thus, a bill to constitute the Indian Red Cross Society, independent of the British Red Cross, was introduced in 1920 by Sir Claude Hill. In 1920, it was constituted with the first Managing Body and Sir Malcolm Hailey as Chairman.

Composition:

President: President of India Chairman: Union Health Minister Managing Body: The National Managing Body consists of 19 members. The Chairman and 6 members are nominated by the President. The remaining 12 are elected by the state and union territory branches through an electoral college. It is responsible for governance and supervision of the functions of the society through a number of committees.

The Secretary General is the Chief Executive of the Society.

Features:

It is a voluntary humanitarian organization having a network of over 1100 branches throughout the country. It provides relief in times of disasters/emergencies and promotes health and care of the vulnerable people and communities. It is a member of the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement (largest independent humanitarian organization in the world). The movement has 3 components: The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) 192 National Societies International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

[Ref: PIB]

Environment, Ecology & Disaster Management Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve in TN approved

The Central government has recently given its approval for the creation of a fifth tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu.

Key highlights:

The new tiger reserve was approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). It will encompass Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary and Tirunelveli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Need:

According to the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON): Direct and indirect evidence of tigers is restricted to the Western plateau of the landscape. Severe interruption of local residents for cattle grazing increased the chance of spreading diseases from cattle to wild animals.

Significance:

It will lead to wildlife protection of the country’s flagship species. It will result in the rejuvenation of the Vaigai river by protecting the river’s origins in these forests.

Periyar Tiger Reserve:

Location:

It is a protected area located in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala. It is situated: In the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the South Western Ghats. It is drained by 2 important rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and the Pamba. The highest peak in the park is the Kottamala. It surrounds the Periyar Lake.

Features:

Its conservation started in 1934 by the Maharaja of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma as Nellikkampatty Game Reserve. It was consolidated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950. It is considered as International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Category II national park. Vegetation: Tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, grasslands. Fauna: Bengal tiger, Asian elephants, white tigers, gaur, sambar, wild pig, Indian giant squirrel, Travancore flying squirrel etc. Avian species: Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri flycatcher, crimson-backed sunbird, and white-bellied blue flycatcher.

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve:

It was created in 1988 by combining Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. It is the second-largest protected area in Tamil Nadu (behind only Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary in Erode). It is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. Agasthiyamalai Hills (1681 m) is in the core zone of the reserve. Fauna: Tigers, leopards, elephants, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, wild boar, chithal, sambar, leopard cat, jungle cat, etc.

Meghmalai Wildlife Sanctuary:

Meghmalai also known as the High Wavy Mountains, is a mountain range located in the Western Ghats in the Theni district, Kerala. It is located at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and acts as a buffer zone for Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Fauna:

It is famous for the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Great Indian Hornbill etc. Wood snake is only found in that sanctuary and nowhere else.

Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary:

It is also known as Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Virudhunagar, Srivilliputtur and Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1988 to protect the Near threatened grizzled giant squirrel. This sanctuary is contiguous to Periyar Tiger Reserve on the Southwestern side and the Megamalai Reserve Forest on the Northwestern side. It is bordered by the Palghat Gap. Fauna: Bengal tiger, bonnet macaque, common langur, elephants, flying squirrels, gaur, etc.

It is recognised as an Important Bird Area. It includes the critically endangered Oriental white- backed vulture, long-billed vulture, etc.

[Ref: The Hindu]

Guidelines issued by NDMA on glacial burst

Recently, a glacier break is suspected to have caused the flash floods in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had issued detailed guidelines on how to reduce and deal with disasters caused by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in 2020.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines:

The risk reduction has to begin with identifying and mapping such lakes, taking structural measures to prevent their sudden breach, and establishing mechanism to save lives and property in times of a breach. Potentially dangerous lakes can be identified based on field observations, records of past events, geomorphologic and geotechnical characteristics of the lake/dam and surroundings, and other physical conditions. Use of Synthetic-Aperture Radar imagery to automatically detect changes in water bodies, including new lake formations. Methods and protocols could be developed to allow remote monitoring of lake bodies from space. To manage lakes structurally, reduce the volume of water with methods such as controlled breaching, pumping, or siphoning out water, and making a tunnel through the moraine barrier or under an ice dam. A robust early warning system, and a broad framework for infrastructure development, construction and excavation in vulnerable zones need to be developed. There are no uniform codes for excavation, construction and grading codes in India. Emphasised on the importance of land use planning. There are no widely accepted procedures or regulation in India for land use planning in the GLOF/LLOF (Landslide Lake Outburst Flood) prone areas.

Approaches to building awareness, strengthening preparedness and priorities of different target groups such as women, children, disabled, elderly, and marginalised communities. Efforts to develop capacities should focus both on training of professionals and practitioners, and strengthening academic education in relevant disciplines from natural and social sciences. A well drafted techno-legal regime focused on urban and rural areas located downstream of GLOF hazards in the Himalaya is necessary to prevent future developments in the hazardous areas and protect the existing ones. Comprehensive National GLOF Mitigation Project (CNGMP): The NDMA has proposed to take up a CNGMP for- The assessment and mapping of risks and vulnerabilities Reduction in severity Establishment of monitoring and EWS systems Capacity development Implementation of R&D programs Mitigation and preparedness associated with GLOFs hazardous disasters.

About National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

NDMA is the apex body for Disaster Management in India. It is a statutory body under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is headed by the Prime Minister of India. It is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management. Vision: To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-active, technology driven and sustainable development strategy that involves all stakeholders and fosters a culture of prevention, preparedness, and mitigation.

[Ref- The Indian Express]

Indian History Prime Minister’s visit at venues of historical significance

PM visited the Jerenga Pothar and the historic “martyr” town of Dhekiajuli, associated with the Quit India Movement of 1942.

What is Dhekiajuli’s connection to the Quit India movement?

Dhekiajuli was home to the youngest martyr of the Indian freedom struggle. On September 20, 1942, as part of the Quit India movement, processions of freedom fighters marched to various police stations across several towns in Assam. These squads, were known as ‘Mrityu Bahini’, or death squads. It had wide participation of women and children, set out to unfurl the tricolour atop police stations, seen as symbols of colonial power. The British administration came down heavily on them.

A 17-year-old Kanaklata Barua and others fell to bullets. And in Dhekiajuli, at least 15 people were shot dead, three of them women, including the 12-year- old Tileswari Barua.

Significance of the Dhekiajuli event:

Patriotic fervour was at its peak and a lot of women were coming to the fore and visibly participating in the movement. They were not just picketing but leading ‘death squads’, presiding over meetings. Before the Assam Agitation (1979-85), it was only the Quit India Movement that saw mass participation of women. A number of children too, joined the freedom struggle.

Soti Joymoti:

Soti Joymoti, also known as Joymoti Konwari, is a celebrated princess for the native Assamese, who honour her courage and endurance. The state of Assam, then under the Ahom rulers was undergoing a defeating period between the years of 1671 to 1681. It was King Gadapani, who came into power and reclaimed the region of lower Assam and Guwahati from the hands of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. But his ascent to the throne would not have been possible without the selfless surrender of his wife, Joymoti. The Prime Minister had ordered for all the princes of the Ahom dynasty to be mutilated; a period known as the Purge of the Princes of 1679 to 1681. The aim was to keep his king on the throne, and so would his power over the ruling of the state. In a situation like this, all the princes of were fleeing for their lives. Prince Gadapanis’s escape caused a huge ruckus in the court and troops were sent to trace him. When the king’s men failed to find Gadapani’s whereabouts, his wife, Joymoti was called upon. She was tortured for a period of fourteen days, ultimately dying at the hands of Lora Raja’s men. The tremendous sacrifice of Joymoti for her state brought about a ‘renaissance’ in the history of Assam.

[Ref: The Indian Express]

Science & Technology IIT-Delhi finds way for low-cost cleaner fuel

Researchers have come up with a way to generate clean fuel hydrogen from water at a low-cost.

About the findings:

The researchers have successfully split water by a process known as Sulphur-Iodine (SI) thermochemical hydrogen cycle to generate low-cost, clean hydrogen fuel for industrial consumption. Hydrogen gas, a viable choice as a renewable substitute for fossil fuels, can help mitigate emissions.

Sulphur-Iodine (SI) Cycle:

The SI cycle is a pure thermochemical water splitting process consisting of three steps. HI (Hydroiodic acid) is separated by distillation or liquid/liquid gravitic separation. The water, SO2 (sulphur dioxide) and residual H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) must be separated from the oxygen byproduct by condensation. Iodine and any accompanying water or SO2 are separated by condensation, and the hydrogen product remains as a gas. All other chemicals are recycled. The SI process requires an efficient source of heat. It does not require hydrocarbons like current methods of steam reforming but requires heat from combustion, nuclear reactions, or solar heat concentrators. The sulfur-iodine cycle has been proposed as a way to supply hydrogen for a hydrogen-based economy.

Application of hydrogen fuel cells:

Hydrogen fuel cells are cleaner and more efficient than traditional combustion-based engines and power plants. Hydrogen and fuel cells can also be used in mobile applications to power vehicles and mobile power packs. The benefits of fuel cells are: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions High Reliability Flexibility in installation and operation Development of renewable energy resources Reduced demand for foreign oil Improved environmental quality.

[Ref: The Hindu]

Prelims Key Facts Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently approved the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) for the period of next four years starting from 2021-22.

Key Highlights:

It was announced under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package. Aim: To provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. It will be implemented with effect from 1st April 2021. It will be implemented with effect from 1st April 2021. It has the corpus of Rs. 945 Crore which will be divided over the next 4 years for providing seed funding to eligible startups through eligible incubators across India. The scheme is expected to support about 3600 startups.

[Ref: PIB]

Einsteinium

Recently, a team of scientists has reported some of the properties of Einsteinium.

About Einsteinium

Einsteinium is the 99th element in the periodic table, named after Albert Einstein. It was discovered in 1952 in the debris of the first hydrogen bomb [the detonation of a thermonuclear device called “Ivy Mike” in the Pacific Ocean]. Prominent isotopes: Einsteinium-254: One of the more stable isotopes (Half-life: 276 days) Einsteinium-253: Most common isotope (Half-life: 20 days) Half-life is the time required for a quantity to reduce to half its initial value. In radioactivity, Half-life is the interval of time required for one-half of the atomic nuclei of a radioactive sample to decay. Characteristic: Not visible to the naked eye. Reason for extinction (was present on Earth during its formation): Decayed due to high radioactivity and short half-life of all einsteinium isotopes.

Software Defined Radio Tactical (SDR-Tac)

Recently, Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have signed a contract for procurement of Software Defined Radio Tactical (SDR-Tac).

About Software Defined Radio Tactical (SDR-Tac)

The SDR-Tac is jointly designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy.

It is a four Channel Multi-mode, Multi Band, ship borne Software Defined Radio system. It will serve the wireless communication needs of the Armed Forces. It is intended to serve ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and ship-to-air, voice and data communication for network centric operations. It can be used for narrow band and wide band applications.

Dhauliganga river

Dhauliganga is a left tributary of the Alaknanda river. It arises on the Raikana glacier at an altitude of 4700 meters. The river valley separates the Kamet group in the west from the Nanda Devi group in the east. Dhauliganga merges into the Alaknanda at Vishnuprayag. Length: 82 Km

Chui or Piper chaba

Chui or Piper chaba is a flowering vine that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It grows profusely in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Unlike black pepper — where the dried fruit is used — in the case of Chui, the stems and roots impart the flavor. It is a creeper plant that spreads on the ground or grow around large trees. The fruit looks similar to other varieties of long pepper, with an elongated shape that can grow up to 3 inches long. In Bangladesh, the stems of the plant are used as a spice in meat and fish dishes.