2023 09 23
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 1:
- Vanadium discovered in the Gulf of Khambhat
GS Paper 2:
- Additional Points on Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 (Women Reservation)
GS Paper 4:
- Examples of Ethics (Personality Rights; Offensive Remark by Parliamentarian)
Content for Mains Enrichment
- Architecture and Landscape of Santiniketan
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Adi Shankaracharya
- Immunity of legislators from bribery charges
- All-women panel of 13 Vice-Chairpersons in the Upper House
- Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
- Basel-III capital framework
- Wilful defaulters
Mapping
- Bangkok (Thailand)
Vanadium discovered in the Gulf of Khambhat
GS Paper 1
Syllabus: Geography: Location of Minerals/ Critical Raw Material
Source: TOI
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted the research and reported this potential new source of vanadium, marking the first such discovery in offshore sediments in India. This finding adds to India’s growing interest in rare metals, following the discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, further supporting initiatives for sustainable energy and technology development.
What are Critical Raw Materials?
Critical raw materials are substances that are of high economic importance and are essential for the production of various goods, technologies, and industries. These materials are considered critical due to their potential supply chain risks, geopolitical concerns, and their importance for strategic sectors.
Examples of critical raw materials include:
| Examples | Description |
| Rare Earth Elements | Used in high-tech products like electronics, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries. Includes neodymium, europium, and dysprosium. |
| Lithium | Essential for lithium-ion batteries in EVs, smartphones, laptops, and renewable energy storage. |
| Cobalt | The key component in lithium-ion batteries, crucial for electric vehicles and portable electronics. |
| Vanadium | Used in aerospace, defence, and energy storage, including vanadium redox flow batteries |
| Platinum Group Metals | Critical for catalytic converters in vehicles and industrial processes. Includes platinum, palladium, and rhodium. |
| Graphite | An essential component in lithium-ion batteries and various industrial applications. |
| Antimony | Used in flame retardants, semiconductors, and as a hardening agent in lead-acid batteries. |
| Tungsten | Essential for high-temperature applications, particularly in aerospace and defence. |
| Rare Metals | Materials like tantalum and niobium, are used in electronic components and aerospace applications. |
Significance of finding Vanadium deposits in India:
| Significance | Examples |
| Economic Potential | Exploration and mining activities can generate revenue and create jobs in the region |
| Exporting vanadium can contribute to India’s foreign exchange earnings | |
| This discovery is significant because vanadium is scarce in India and is primarily found in only a few regions | |
| Reducing Import Dependency | India is a significant consumer of vanadium but relies on imports. |
| Strategic Importance | Vanadium is crucial for the defence and aerospace industries. |
| India can secure a stable supply for strategic applications. | |
| The use of vanadium in critical aerospace components can enhance national security. | |
| Technological Advancement | The presence of vanadium promotes technological advancements. |
| Research and development in vanadium-based technologies can lead to innovations. | |
| Advancements in vanadium batteries can benefit India’s energy storage infrastructure. | |
| Environmental Impact | Vanadium redox batteries are known for their low ecological impact. |
| Widespread adoption of VRBs can contribute to a more sustainable energy ecosystem. | |
| International Collaboration | Collaboration with countries like China, Russia, and South Africa with vanadium expertise. |
| Bilateral agreements can facilitate vanadium trade and investment opportunities. |
Other initiatives taken by India for Critical Minerals:
- India just joined the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP)as the newest partner, which aims to strengthen critical mineral supply chains.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI)is currently focused on exploring critical and deep-seated minerals to boost the growth of the mining sector.
- KABIL: A Joint Venture Company among NALCO, HCL and MECL named Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) was formed in August 2019 to ensure the supply of Critical Minerals.
About the Gulf of Khambhat (Gulf of Cambay)
It is a bay on the Arabian Sea coast of India, bordering the state of Gujarat just north of Mumbai and Diu Island.
Insta Links:
Prelims Links:
Which one of the following pairs of metals constitutes the lightest metal and the heaviest metal, respectively? (UPSC 2008)
(a) Lithium and mercury
(b) Lithium and osmium
(c) Aluminium and osmium
(d) Aluminium and mercury
Ans: B
Osmium is a hard metallic element which has the greatest density of all known elements. Lithium has an atomic number of 3 and is the lightest known metal.
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, Today's Article, Vanadium discovered at the Gulf of Khambhat
Additional Points on Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 (Women Reservation)
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Reservation
Source: TOI
Context: This is in continuation of the article published two days back. The author (Surjit Bhalla (an Indian economist, author and columnist) suggests further reforms to make women’s reservations meaningful.
Suggestions to further improve the women’s reservation in India:
| Recommendation | Description |
| Quotas for Political Parties | Every political party should nominate 33% or 50% women candidates for all types of elections, from local to national levels. |
| Countries like Rwanda, Norway, South Africa and Sweden have successfully implemented such quotas. | |
| Dual Member Constituencies | Dual member constituencies where some constituencies shall have two candidates, one being a woman |
| In the past, India had multi-member constituencies with SC/ST representation. In 1961, these constituencies were changed to single-member ones due to their large size, and this change was seen as a way to increase the significance of SC/ST members in reserved constituencies. |
Analysis of Reservation in Political Parties:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Provide more democratic choices to voters | No guarantee that a significant number of women will get elected |
| Allow more flexibility for parties in candidate selection | Political parties may assign women candidates to weak constituencies |
| Can promote women from minority communities strategically | Might lead to resentment if women are chosen over stronger male candidates |
Advantages of Dual-Member Constituencies:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Does not decrease the democratic choice for voters | Sitting members may have to share their political base |
| Does not discriminate against male candidates | Women may become secondary or add-on representatives |
| Easier for members to manage smaller constituencies | To achieve 33% women representation, half of the seats must be dual constituencies, increasing the total number of MPs by 50% and potentially complicating deliberations in Parliament. |
Additional Information:
Comparison of the key changes between the 2008 Bill and the Bill introduced in 2023:
| Aspect | 2008 Bill | 2023 Bill |
| Reservation in Lok Sabha | One-third of Lok Sabha seats in each state/UT to be reserved for women | One-third of seats to be reserved for women |
| Rotation of Seats | Reserved seats are to be rotated after every general election to Parliament/legislative assembly | Reserved seats are to be rotated after every delimitation exercise |
| Anglo-Indians | Reservation for SC/ST and Anglo Indian | Reservation for only SC and ST (not Anglo Indians) |
Errata: In the Infographic for Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 (released previously and not corrected), it was mentioned that “The Bill provide sub reservation for SC, ST and ANGLO INDIANS among women candidates”.
However, in the new version of the bill, the reservation for the ANGLO INDIANS has been dropped.
In January 2020, the Anglo-Indian reserved seats in the Parliament and State Legislatures of India were abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
September 23, 2023 /2023, 23 September 2023, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023, The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, Today's Article, Women’s Reservation Bill
Examples of Ethics (Personality Rights; Offensive Remark by Parliamentarian)
GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Application of Ethics
Source: IE
Example 1: Anil Kapoor Personality Rights Case
The Delhi High Court has granted Anil Kapoor protection for his personality rights, which include his name, images, and distinct features, from misuse by third parties.
What are Personality rights?
It refers to aspects of a celebrity’s identity that are easily recognized by the public. These rights are not explicitly defined in Indian law but are linked to the right to privacy and property
Amitabh Bachchan had a similar case in 2022 where the Delhi High Court protected his personality rights from unauthorized use.
Ethical Values highlighted in the case are:
| Ethical Values | Description |
| Right to Privacy | Protecting a celebrity’s right to privacy and control over their name, images, and distinct features from unauthorized commercial use. |
| Fair Use vs. Commercial Use | Distinguishing between fair use, such as news reporting or satire, and unauthorized commercial use, emphasizing that the latter is ethically problematic. |
| Honesty and Integrity | Upholding honesty and integrity in business and entertainment by preventing deception and unauthorized exploitation of a celebrity’s identity. |
| Prevention of Exploitation | Ethical responsibility to prevent the exploitation of a celebrity’s identity, which can result in financial loss and harm to their reputation. |
Example 2: Offensive Remark by Parliamentarian
Source: TH
On September 21, 2023, in the Lok Sabha, BJP member Ramesh Bidhuri used offensive and communal language against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) member Kunwar Danish Ali, sparking a major political controversy. Speaker Om Birla warned Bidhuri and expunged his words from the record, but Opposition MPs called for Bidhuri’s suspension and referred the matter to the Privileges Committee
| Ethical Issue | Description |
| Use of crude and communal slurs | Ramesh Bidhuri’s use of offensive language is ethically unacceptable and promotes hatred and discrimination. |
| Normalization of offensive language in politics | Such incidents are no longer surprising and highlight a potential ethical issue – the normalization of offensive language in political discourse. |
| Failure to maintain parliamentary decorum | The use of offensive language in the Lok Sabha undermines the ethical principles of maintaining decorum and respect in parliamentary proceedings. |
Constitutional Provisions regarding the use of offensive words in Parliament:
| Constitutional Provision | Description |
| Article 105(2) of the Constitution | MPs are immune from legal proceedings for anything they say or any vote they cast in Parliament or its committees. |
| Limitations on Freedom of Speech | Despite the legal immunity granted by Article 105(2), MPs are not entirely free to say anything within the House. Their speech is bound by the rules and discipline of Parliament, which restricts the use of defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified language. |
| Rule 380 – Handling Offensive Language | Rule 380 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha empowers the Speaker to act when defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified words are used in debate. |
| Rule 381 – Marking Expunged Content | Rule 381 outlines the process for handling expunged content. When words are removed from the proceedings, they are replaced with asterisks, and an explanatory footnote is added to indicate that the Chair ordered the removal. |
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, Anil Kapoor Personality Rights Case, Offensive Remark by Parliamentarian, Today's Article
Architecture and Landscape of Santiniketan
Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: DTE
Context: The architecture and landscape of Santiniketan emphasize a deep connection with nature, embodying principles of conservation and sustainability.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, Santiniketan, located in West Bengal, was founded by Rabindranath Tagore based on the idea of learning from and living in harmony with nature. Classes were conducted outdoors, under trees, reinforcing the belief in nature’s role as an educator.
The architecture and design of Santiniketan’s buildings, inspired by local tribal structures, reflect an environmentally conscious approach. The use of mud and thatched roofs provides natural insulation against extreme weather conditions.
Additionally, the incorporation of tall trees as natural buffers enhances the comfort of outdoor classrooms.
The campus reflects an aesthetic Pan-Asianism that adds to its unique character: Santiniketan’s architectural ensemble combines various global and local influences, notably, Far East Asian styles, including Japanese and Chinese influences.
Afforestation and preservation of sacred groves have been integral to the conservation of the environment around the ashram.
Usage: The example of Santiniketan’s architecture and landscape can be used in Essay/ Ethics (value of environmental sustainability)/ Environment/ Arts and Architecture (the idea of learning from and coexisting with nature) Questions.
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, Architecture and Landscape of Santiniketan, Today's Article
Adi Shankaracharya
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister recently unveiled a 108-foot-tall ‘Statue of Oneness’ dedicated to the Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
- This statue represents Adi Shankaracharya at the age of 12 when he is believed to have visited Omkareshwar.
About Omkareshwar:
Omkareshwar, located on the Mandhata island along the Narmada River, is home to two of the 12 Jyotirlingas, sacred to Lord Shiva. It is also near the Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga in Ujjain. The island hosts Shaivite, Vaisnavite, and Jain temples dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries.
About Adi Shankaracharya:
Adi Shankaracharya, who lived between 788 and 820 AD, was born in Kerala’s Kaladi and became a sanyasin at a young age. He travelled extensively, visiting important spiritual centres and authoring many works, including commentaries on the Upanishads, the Brahmasutra, and the Gita while advocating Advaita Vedanta.
Comparison between Adi Shankaracharya and Sri Ramanujacharya:
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, Adi Shankaracharya, Arts and Culture, GS1, Schools of Philosophy, Today's Article
Immunity of legislators from bribery charges
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Supreme Court of India has decided to revisit its 1998 Constitution Bench judgment in the P V Narasimha Rao case, which granted legislators immunity from criminal prosecution on bribery charges for their speeches or votes in Parliament.
- A 5-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, has referred the matter to a larger 7-judge Bench. This decision aims to reconsider the interpretation of Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution, which extend this privilege to members of Parliament and State Legislatures, respectively.
Background of the case:
- The P V Narasimha Rao case originated from the 1993 JMM bribery case, where some members of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party were accused of accepting bribes to vote against a no-confidence motion against the government led by P V Narasimha Rao. The Supreme Court had granted them immunity under Article 105(2) in that case.
Recent Issue:
- The recent revisit decision came up in a case involving bribery charges against JMM MLA Sita Soren, who was accused of accepting a bribe to vote for an independent candidate in the 2012 Rajya Sabha elections. The High Court of Jharkhand had rejected her plea to quash the charges based on Article 194(2). The matter reached the Supreme Court, where it was referred to a larger Bench due to its substantial public importance.
The 5-judge Bench, in its decision to refer the case, noted that the issue concerns the essence of parliamentary democracy and the freedom of legislators to speak and vote without fear of criminal consequences. The Court emphasized that the purpose of Articles 105(2) and 194(2) is to enable legislators to carry out their duties without fear, rather than granting them higher privileges and immunity from general criminal laws.
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, GS2, Immunity of legislators from bribery charges, Polity, Today's Article
All-women panel of 13 Vice-Chairpersons in the Upper House
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Newsonair
Context: In a historic move, the Rajya Sabha Chairman has formed an all-women panel of 13 Vice-Chairpersons in the Rajya Sabha in connection with the Women’s Reservation Bill, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023.
- Under the Rules of Rajya Sabha, the Chairman nominates from among the members a panel of VCs and any one of them can preside over the House in the absence of the Chairman/ Deputy Chairman.
Some of the notable members of this panel include P. T. Usha, Jaya Bachchan, Saroj Pandey, Dola Sen, Sulata Deo, and Dr. Fauzia Khan.
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, All-women panel of 13 Vice-Chairpersons in Upper House, Content For Mains Enrichment, Today's Article
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The Government of India has introduced a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation called “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.”
- These awards aim to acknowledge exceptional contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators, whether individually or in teams, across various domains of science and technology.
It is open to individuals working in government, private sector organizations, or independently, as well as to People of Indian Origin residing abroad whose contributions have benefited Indian society.
These awards are categorized as follows:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR) award: Recognizing lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS) award: Acknowledging distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award: Encouraging young scientists under the age of 45 who have made exceptional contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Team (VT) award: Presented to teams comprising three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators who have made exceptional contributions while working collaboratively in any field of science and technology.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar covers 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, Arts and Culture, Awards, GS1, Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, Today's Article
Basel-III capital framework
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Business Line
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new norms based on the Basel III capital framework for All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs), which will take effect from April 2024.
- India has five AIFIs under RBI regulation: Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), National Housing Bank (NHB), and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
The key provisions of the new norms are as follows:
- Capital Adequacy: AIFIs will be required to maintain a minimum total capital of 9 per cent by April 2024. This includes a minimum tier-I capital of 7 percent and common equity tier-I (CET-1) capital of 5.5 percent.
- Consolidation of Financial Subsidiaries: All financial subsidiaries, except those involved in insurance and non-financial activities (both regulated and unregulated), must be fully consolidated for the purpose of capital adequacy.
- Investment Caps: The RBI has imposed limits on AIFIs’ investments in capital instruments of banking, financial, and insurance entities, capping them at 10 percent of their capital funds.
- Equity Investment Limits: AIFIs’ equity investment in a single entity cannot exceed 49 percent of the equity of the investee.
- Capital Planning and Risk Management: AIFIs are advised to focus on effective and efficient capital planning and long-term capital maintenance.
About BASEL-III Norms:
Basel-III norms were adopted by financial regulators to improve the banking sector’s ability to absorb shocks arising from financial and economic stress.
It was developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2007-08. It mandates banks to maintain a CAR or Capital to Risk-weighted Assets (CRAR) of at least 8%.
CRAR is a ratio that compares the value of a bank’s capital (or net worth) against the value of its various assets weighted according to risk.
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, Basel-III capital framework, economy, GS3, Today's Article
Wilful defaulters
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: The Telegraph
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced stricter measures against wilful defaulters, aiming to prevent them from accessing additional credit facilities or credit restructuring.
- The RBI has also barred any lender from extending credit to entities associated with wilful defaulters.
Measures taken by RBI:
- Timeline for Identification: The RBI has set a timeline of six months, starting from the classification of an account as a non-performing asset (NPA), within which a lender must identify borrowers who should be categorized as wilful defaulters.
- Dissemination of Credit Information: The RBI’s proposed changes include the establishment of a system for sharing credit information about wilful defaulters.
- Identification Process: In cases of wilful default, an “Identification Committee” will examine the situation.
- Criminal Action: Based on the specific circumstances of each case, lenders have the discretion to assess whether criminal action against wilful defaulters is warranted.
Definition of Wilful Default:
The RBI defines a wilful default as a situation where a borrower fails to meet repayment obligations despite having the capacity to do so, diverting the loan for purposes other than its intended use, siphoning off funds that are no longer available in other forms, or disposing of assets securing a term loan without informing the lender.
September 23, 2023 /23 September 2023, economy, GS3, Today's Article, Wilful defaulters
Bangkok (Thailand)
Mapping
Source: PIB
Context: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Pollution-Control Vessel ‘Samudra Prahari’ conducted a Pollution Response Table-Top exercise and demonstration at Khlong Toei Port in Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing India’s maritime expertise and commitment to addressing shared challenges, particularly marine pollution.
The visit under the India-ASEAN initiative aligns with India’s commitment to regional security and growth (SAGAR) and the theme of India’s G20 Presidency ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
About Thailand:
Thailand (capital Bangkok) is a Southeast Asian country located on the Indochinese Peninsula. Thailand shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, and maritime boundaries with Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.
The history of Thailand includes the migration of Tai peoples from China, Indianized kingdoms, European contact in the 16th century, and the rise of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Despite Western imperialism in Asia, Thailand remained uncolonized, although it made concessions in unequal treaties.
September 23, 2023 /'Samudra Prahari', 23 September 2023, Bangkok, Thailand, Today's Article