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2023 08 19

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

  1. Suspensions of Members of Parliament (MPs)
  2. Gaps in Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Amendment Act
  3. Piped Water Connection

Content for Mains Enrichment

  1. Bengaluru: India’s first 3D-printed post office

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

  1. Kalka-Shimla Railway (KSR)
  2. Kanniyakumari’s Matti Banana
  3. Third-longest monsoonal break in this century has ended
  4. North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA)
  5. University Grants Commission releases draft for foreign educational institutes
  6. India has started manufacturing 38 APIs
  7. Pig kidney in a human body

Mapping

  1. Wildfires in Canada and Spain

Suspensions of Members of Parliament (MPs)

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: GS2- Parliament and State Legislatures

Source: IE

Context: Recent suspensions of Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised concerns about the legality, rationale, and constitutionality of such actions (as per the author).

  • Example: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s recent suspension in LS; Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha (in Rajya Sabha)

Method of Suspending Members in India’s Parliament:

General Principle of Presiding Officers

The fundamental principle is that the Presiding Officer, i.e., the Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, is responsible for maintaining order to ensure the smooth functioning of the House. To uphold proper proceedings, the Speaker/Chairman can compel a member to leave the House if necessary.
Method Process and Rule Used
Lok Sabha Under Lok Sabha Rule 373, the Speaker has the authority to instruct a member to leave the House immediately. On the Non-compliance of the instruction, the chair names members causing disruptions under Rule 374
Government introduces suspension motion
The motion seeks approval of the House. If passed, the member is suspended.
Rajya Sabha Chair identifies disruptive members under Rule 256
A suspension motion was presented to the House.
The motion requires House approval. On approval, the member is suspended. The House may, however, by another motion, terminate the suspension.
Rule for Suspending Rules framed under Article 118 of the Constitution. Suspension is based on either Rule 374 (Lok Sabha) or Rule 256 (Rajya Sabha).
The suspension follows the established procedure. It usually lasts until the end of the ongoing session.

Differences in powers of Speaker and Chairman of Rajya Sabha:

  • Like the Speaker in Lok Sabha,the Chairman of Rajya Sabha is empowered under Rule Number 255 of its Rule Book to “direct any Member whose conduct is in his opinion grossly disorderly to withdraw immediately” from the House.
  • Unlike the Speaker, however, the Rajya Sabha Chairman does not have the power to suspend a Member.

Implications of Suspending Members from India’s Parliament

  • Disruption to Proceedings: Suspended members can’t participate, potentially hampering legislative activities.
  • Legal Implications: The Supreme Court’s 2022 Ashish Shelar vs Maharashtra Legislative Assembly ruling declared suspensions beyond rule-prescribed periods unconstitutional.
  • Deviation from Rules: Recent cases (e.g., Sanjay Singh, Raghav Chadha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury) show suspensions exceeding typical limits or pending investigations, departing from traditional norms.
  • Challenge to Democracy: Excessive reliance on suspensions might silence opposition voices, impacting democratic debates.
  • Conflict Resolution Need: Such suspensions underscore the necessity for improved methods to handle disagreements within Parliament.

Actions for Addressing Parliamentary Suspensions:
Actions Description
Adhere to Established Rules Follow Rules 374 (Lok Sabha) and 256 (Rajya Sabha) meticulously when suspending members.
Avoid Extended Suspensions Ensure suspensions don’t exceed the duration of the ongoing session; prolonged suspensions undermine democratic norms.
Review Recent Changes Reevaluate recent indefinite suspensions, like Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s, to ensure they align with constitutional norms.
Seek Judicial Guidance Refer to the Ashish Shelar vs Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (2022) decision to clarify the legality of suspension durations.
Promote Dialogue Prioritize dialogue and negotiation among political leaders to address disagreements, reducing the need for suspensions.

Conclusion:

There is a need to strike a balance between deliberate disruption and raising the important issue.

Insta Links:

Suspension of MPs from Parliament

Prelims Links:

Q.A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which

(a) all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government

(b) off the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it

(c) the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them

(d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before the completion of a fixed term

Answer: B

A parliamentary system or parliamentary democracy is a system of democratic governance of a state where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the support of the legislature, typically a parliament, to which it is accountable.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, Suspensions of Members of Parliament (MPs), Today's Article

Gaps in Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Amendment Act

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Government Policies and Intervention

Source: TH

Context: We already discussed the act before, here we do an analysis of the act 

Critical analysis of the Act:
Aspects Description
National and State Databases The necessity of a centralized national-level database is questioned, as State-level databases with data flow could serve the purpose.
Aadhaar Number Collection While the Bill mandates collecting Aadhaar numbers of parents during birth registration, it lacks provisions for collecting Aadhaar numbers of deceased individuals.

This omission creates challenges in updating databases and achieving transparent service delivery.
Role of Registrar General The Bill adds maintaining the central database to the Registrar General of India’s functions.

However, some argue that the role of coordination and unification of registration should be the primary responsibility of State governments, rendering a national database unnecessary.
Database Usage and Updates The Bill states that the centralized database will update various national-level databases like NPR, electoral rolls, Aadhaar, and more.

However, the need for parliamentary approval and the potential risks of adding databases over time are concerns.
Cause of Death Certificate The Bill mandates medical institutions to provide a cause of death certificate.

Issues arise from instances where a definite diagnosis isn’t possible before death or where alternative medicine practitioners may not classify causes according to international standards.
Birth Certificate for Proof The Bill suggests using the birth certificate as proof for various purposes such as admissions, passports, and Aadhaar.

However, some argue that this could be achieved through amendments in rules rather than the Act itself.
Missing Persons in Calamities The Act lacks provisions for registering “presumed deaths” when natural calamities or accidents occur, causing delays in issuing death certificates.

Inserting such provisions could aid families in getting death certificates earlier in such cases.

About The Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969

The act makes it compulsory to register births and deaths in India based on the location of the event. State governments are responsible for the registration process and have established facilities for this purpose. A Chief Registrar in each state oversees the Act’s implementation, with officials at different levels handling the registration process. The Registrar General of India (RGI) coordinates and unifies the Act’s implementation.

Insta Links:

Amendments to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act 

Mains Links: 

Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (UPSC 2021) (200 WORDS, 10 MARKS)

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Amendment Act, Today's Article

Piped Water Connection

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Government Policies and Intervention

Source: HT

Context: Over two-thirds (66%) of rural households in India now have piped water connections, a significant leap from the 2019 baseline of 17%.

  • This achievement was highlighted on the dashboard of India’s flagship drinking water programme, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Jal Jeevan Mission Overview

Other aspects of JJM’s Performance:

  • States Achieving 100% Tap Connectivity: Goa, Telangana, Haryana.
  • Union Territories Achieving 100% Tap Connectivity: Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.
  • States with over 90% FHTC Coverage: Punjab, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar
  • States with Least FHTC Coverage: Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh

About Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban):

It was introduced in Budget 2021-22 under the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. It aims to achieve universal water supply through functional taps in all statutory towns, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal-6

Objectives: Ensure tap and sewer connections; Revive water bodies; Promote circular water economy

Insta Links:

Practice Questions

The Jal Jeevan Mission will be a major step towards improving our people’s ease of living and meeting their aspirations of a New India. Analyse. (250 words)

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, Jal Jeevan Mission, Piped Water Connection, Today's Article

Bengaluru: India’s first 3D-printed post office

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: IE

It has been inaugurated in Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout. The post office was constructed in just 43 days, ahead of schedule, with technological support from IIT Madras and guidance from Professor Manu Santhanam.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, involves creating three-dimensional objects layer by layer using a computer-created design. This process is used in various industries, and its popularity has grown due to advancements that have reduced errors and increased efficiency.

The technology has been used in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and healthcare, enabling the creation of objects ranging from simple items to complex moving parts.

Usage: The example can be used in the S&T question on Additive Manufacturing

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, Bengaluru, India's first 3D-printed post office, Today's Article

Kalka-Shimla Railway (KSR)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The over 120-year-old Kalka-Shimla Railway (KSR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been severely damaged by heavy rainfall and landslides in Himachal Pradesh.

About KSR: 

The Kalka-Shimla railway line (about 96km line; built between 1898-1903 under the direction of Herbert Septimus Harington and dedicated by Lord Curzon), designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008 under “Mountain Railways of India,” has been a popular tourist attraction. This railway network includes two other scenic routes:

  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in West Bengal
  • Nilgiri Mountain Railways in Tamil Nadu.

The Indian Railways introduced a luxurious seven-coach Vistadome train named Him Darshan Express in 2019 on the historic Kalka-Shimla route.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, Kalka-Shimla Railway (KSR), Today's Article

Kanniyakumari’s Matti Banana

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Matti banana variety, native to the Kanniyakumari district was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and is known for its unique characteristics that thrive only in the specific climate and soil conditions of its native region.

  • The Matti banana flourishes due to the area’s special conditions, producing a slightly larger-than-human finger-sized fruit with a sweet fragrance and honey-like taste that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
  • There are six known types of Matti bananas, each with unique attributes like colour, aroma, and taste.
  • A hybrid, Semmati, is a mix of Matti and Red banana, possessing qualities beneficial for child growth and even suitable for diabetics.

The uniqueness of the Matti banana is attributed to a combination of factors including humidity, water, temperature, soil composition, and nutrient balance.

Experts highlight the significance of the Genotype-Environment-Microbiome interaction (G×ExM) for gene expression, underscoring the importance of the environment in shaping genetic traits. The distinctiveness of the Matti banana arises from a complex interplay of factors, making it difficult to reproduce its qualities in other areas with a single factor.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, Arts and Culture, GI tag, GS1, Kanniyakumari’s Matti Banana, Today's Article

Third-longest monsoonal break in this century has ended

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: This year marked the third-longest monsoon break of the 21st century, following breaks in 2002 and 2009.

  • The recent break had a significant impact, causing the all-India cumulative monsoon rainfall anomaly to drop from seven per cent above normal to six per cent below normal within a short period.

About Monsoonal Break:

  • A monsoonal break occurs when the monsoon trough shifts northward, leading to increased rainfall along the Himalayan foothills and parts of eastern India while suppressing rainfall in other regions.
  • While meteorologically defined, climatologically, a monsoonal break is declared when the normalized rainfall anomaly index drops below -1 and persists for at least three consecutive days.

The current monsoon break was influenced by the developing El Niño and the absence of sub-seasonal weather patterns that support rainfall.

This prolonged monsoon break is concerning, especially as it coincides with a ban on rice exports, a crucial Kharif crop.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, geography, GS1, Monsoonal Break, Third-longest monsoonal break in this century has ended, Today's Article

North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The U.K. plans to conduct more fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea, sparking concerns about its alignment with climate goals. The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) is conducting offshore oil and gas licensing, with over 100 licenses expected to be awarded. This move aims to enhance energy independence.

What is the North Sea?

Geographically, the North Sea lies between England and Scotland on its west, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France on its south, and Norway, Denmark, and Germany on its East.

Why is the North Sea important?

Almost the entire seabed of the North Sea is a continental shelf  (depth of only about 200 meters). The geological formations beneath the North Sea, such as porous rocks and structural traps, provide suitable environments for the collection of oil and gas reserves.

Why is offshore drilling problematic?

Offshore drilling is problematic due to its environmental risks, including threats to marine life, biodiversity, climate change, and ocean ecosystems.

The 1958 Geneva Convention (which came into force in 1964) on the Continental Shelf was the first international legislation to establish the rights of countries over the continental shelves adjacent to their coastlines and paved the way for exploration in the North Sea.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, offshore drilling, Today's Article

University Grants Commission releases draft for foreign educational institutes

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TOI

Context: The [University Grants Commission (UGC)](https://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/06/24/insights-editorial-making-unmaking-ugc/#:~:text=The%20University%20Grants%20Commission%20(UGC,Aligarh%2C%20Banaras%20and%2C%20Delhi.) has introduced new criteria for assessing and accrediting degrees obtained from international universities.

  • These criteria include restrictions on degrees acquired through distance learning, online learning, and franchise agreements.
  • The guidelines come as foreign universities establish campuses in India and Indian universities collaborate with international institutions for dual or joint degree programs.

The UGC’s draft “Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2023” covers various aspects such as internationally relevant curricula, academic collaboration with foreign universities, and credit recognition under twinning arrangements.

The conditions for recognizing the equivalence of qualifications obtained from foreign institutions include:

  • The foreign institution should be duly recognized in its home country.
  • The program must have been pursued through regular, in-person instruction (not online or distance learning).
  • Entry-level requirements for admission should be similar to corresponding programs in India.
  • The similarity of entry criteria will be evaluated based on factors like program duration, credit requirements, and evaluation processes.
  • Equivalence of credit definition (contact hours, self-study hours, etc.) will be established first.

Qualifications obtained from offshore campuses under dual or joint degree programs will be recognized if they meet accreditation requirements in both the host country and the country of origin.

Qualifications obtained through franchise arrangements will not be considered for recognition or equivalence. School-level qualifications obtained from schools affiliated with foreign boards will be recognized if pursued through regular mode and meet specific criteria.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, EDUCATION, governance, GS2, Today's Article, University Grants Commission releases draft for foreign educational institutes

India has started manufacturing 38 APIs

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: ET

Context: India’s Union Health Minister, has stated that the country has initiated the domestic production of 38 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the past 1.5 years

India’s dependence on a single country for the import of 95% of these APIs was reevaluated after the 2017 border standoff with China at Doklam. The move towards self-reliance in producing active pharmaceutical components is seen as a strategic shift to reduce dependency on a single source for critical medical supplies.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, active pharmaceutical ingredients, economy, GS3, India has started manufacturing 38 APIs in the past 1.5 years, Today's Article

Wildfires in Canada and Spain

Mapping

Source: DTE

Context: Massive wildfires have wreaked havoc in Canada’s Northwest Territories (town of Yellowknife) and Spain’s Tenerife. In Spain, over 3,000 people were evacuated due to a wildfire that flared up in Tenerife National Park, charring a substantial area of the island.

Overall, wildfires have ravaged various parts of the world, including Northern Africa, Hawaii, Canada, and Europe.

Why Canada and other countries in mid to higher latitudes are prone to wildfire?

Countries like Canada and those at mid to higher latitudes are prone to wildfires due to factors such as dry conditions, warmer temperatures, and a buildup of flammable vegetation. These regions experience seasonal variations, including hot and dry summers, which create the ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread. Additionally, climate change can exacerbate these conditions, making wildfires more frequent and intense.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, Today's Article, Wildfires

Pig kidney in a human body

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: BS

Context: Surgeons at NYU Langone Health have successfully transplanted a pig’s kidney into a brain-dead man, and the kidney has functioned normally for over a month.

  • This achievement represents the longest duration a pig kidney has survived and worked inside a human recipient, even though the patient was deceased.
  • In contrast to past challenges where human immune systems rejected animal organs, genetically modified pigs are now being used to address this issue.

In 2022, surgeons at the University of Maryland transplanted a gene-edited pig heart into a terminally ill man, which lasted for two months before failing.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering permitting controlled studies of pig heart and kidney transplants in volunteers, rather than relying solely on high-risk attempts.

August 19, 2023 /19 August 2023, GS3, Pig kidney in a human body, SCIENCE, Today's Article