JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
1. Context
Opposition MPs on Tuesday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on the “gross violation of parliamentary code of conduct” by Chairperson Jagdambika Pal at the meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
2. Key Points
- A meeting called by the Congress ahead of the day's proceedings in the Parliament saw participation by 13 other parties, including those that have been known to stay away from Congress-led initiatives, such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
- Before this, the Opposition had sought JPC probes into the Rafale deal and demonetisation, but the demand was not granted.
- Ever since the BJP came to power in 2014, no JPC has been set up.
3. About Joint Parliamentary Committee
- A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is set up by the Parliament for a special purpose, like the detailed scrutiny of a subject or Bill.
- It has members from both the Houses and from both the ruling parties and the opposition.
- It is dissolved after its term ends or its task has been completed.
3.1. Set up of JPC
- A JPC is set up after one House of Parliament has passed a motion and the other has agreed to it.
- Members of the JPC are decided by the Parliament.
- The number of members can vary there is no fixed number.
3.2. Functions of JPC
- The mandate of a JPC depends on the motion constituting it.
- For example, The terms of reference for the JPC on the stock market scam asked the committee to look into financial irregularities, to fix responsibility on persons and institutions for the scam, to identify regulatory loopholes and also to make suitable recommendations.
|
To fulfil its mandate, a JPC can scrutinise documents and summon people for questioning.
It then submits a report and makes recommendations to the government.
|
3.3. Powers of JPC
- While the recommendations of a JPC have persuasive value, they are not binding on the government.
- The government can choose to launch further investigations based on what the JPC has said, but it can't be forced to do so.
- The government is required to report on the follow-up action taken based on the recommendations of the JPC and other committees.
- The Committees then submit "Action Taken Reports" in parliament based on the government's reply.
3.4. JPCs set up so far
There have been six JPCs set up so far. These are
- JPC to examine matters relating to the Allocation and Pricing of Telecom Licenses and Spectrum
- JPC on Pesticide Residues in and Safety Standards for Soft Drinks, Fruit Juice and other Beverages
- JPC on Stock Market Scam and Matters Relating thereto
- JPC to enquire into irregularities in Securities and Banking Transactions
- JPC to enquire into Bofors Contract
- Joint Committee to Examine the Constitutional and Legal Position Relating to Office of Profit.
For Prelims & Mains
|
For Prelims: Joint Parliamentary Committee, Bofors, Lok Sabha, Stock Marker Scam, Action Taken Reports, Rafale,
For Mains:
1. What is Joint Parliamentary Committee and discuss its powers and functions. (250 Words)
|
Source: The Indian Express
CHINA-CANADA
1. Context
In A sharp escalation of the row between the two countries, India on Monday ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, while also announcing its decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and “other targeted diplomats”, citing security concerns after Ottawa identified them as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
2. Background
- On May 9th, 2013, China declared a Canadian diplomat as persona non grata following Canada's announcement that it would expel a Chinese diplomat on account of allegations of involvement in a campaign to intimidate a Canadian politician.
- According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the decision to declare the consul of the Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai as persona non grata is a reciprocal countermeasure in reaction to the Canadian government's decision to expel a Chinese diplomat, Zhao Wei accused of participating in an intimidation campaign against a Canadian politician who has accused China of human rights abuses.
- The Globe and Mail, a local newspaper, published a report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service which revealed that Wei was involved in information gathering on the Canadian Opposition Politician, Michael Chong to deter him from adopting anti-China positions.
- Canada claimed that it would not tolerate any foreign interference in its internal affairs and that the expulsion decision had been taken after careful consideration of all involved factors.
3. What is Persona non Grata?
- Persona non grata is a Latin phrase that means an unwelcome person.
- In diplomacy and foreign affairs, it refers to a diplomat or foreign person who has been prohibited by a country from entering or remaining in that country.
- The designation received diplomatic meaning at the Vienna Convention for Diplomatic Relations which was held in 1961.
- Article 9 of the treaty mentions that a country can declare any member of a diplomatic staff persona non grata at any time without explaining or explaining its decisions.
- In a normal case, the person declared persona non grata returns to their native country, and if they fail to do so within a reasonable period, the country may refuse to recognize the person as a member of a diplomatic mission.
- Article 9 also mentions that a person can be designated as a persona non grata even before arriving in the country.
4. Vienna Convention
The Vienna Convention for Diplomatic Relations was adopted on 14th April 1961 by the United Nations Conference on Diplomatic Intercourses and Immunities, held in Vienna.
It entered into force in 1964 and has been ratified nearly universally with Palau and South Sudan being the only exceptions.
5. Provisions of the Vienna Convention
- It outlines the Special rules, privileges, and immunities available to diplomatic missions to enable them to perform their duties without fear of coercion or harassment through the enforcement of local laws and to enable them to communicate securely with their governments.
- It provides for the withdrawal of a mission on economic or physical security grounds and breach of diplomatic relations due to the abuse of immunity or severe deterioration in relations between the states.
- The Convention also provides a framework for the protection of the interest of the sending state in the receiving state by a third state.
- It asserts the "inviolability" of a diplomatic mission, a cornerstone of international diplomacy that prohibits officials of the receiving state from entering the mission without the consent of the head of the mission.
- This provision also provides diplomats with diplomatic immunity from prosecution.
- The security of a High Commission or Embassy is the host nation's responsibility although diplomatic missions can also employ their security forces.
- Asides from diplomats, military and civilian personnel from the military departments who are present in the nation at the direction of the head of the diplomatic mission are also covered by the Vienna Convention.
- India acceded to the Convention in 1956 and enacted the Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention) Act, 1972 to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.
6. What has led to strained CanadaChina ties?
- Diplomatic ties between China and Canada have been unsteady for the past few years, especially after Canadian police arrested Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou on charges of fraud in 2018.
- A few days after her arrest, China detained two Canadians on spying charges a move then called "hostage diplomacy".
- After years of a standoff, all three were freed by their respective nations in 2021 after a deal was reached to release Ms. Meng.
- During that period, China suspended imports of canola from Canada, alleging pests in the shipment. The ban was, however, lifted last year amid a global shortage of food in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. Since then, the rift has widened.
- Canada alleged that the Chinese government attempted to interfere in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections a charge Beijing vehemently denies.
- The two countries are also engaged in a technology battle. While Canada has limited the presence of Chinese firms in its communications infrastructure, Beijing believes the restrictions were imposed without any solid evidence.
- The tension between the leadership was also visible at the G20 summit in Indonesia last year when Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Canadian PM exchanged barbs over leaked details of their meeting about Chinese interference in domestic affairs.
|
For Prelims: Persona non-Grata, hostage diplomacy, Vienna Convention, Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
For Mains: 1. What is Persona non Grata? Discuss the Provisions of the Vienna Convention. (250 Words).
|
Source: The Hindu
COMMUNALISM
1. Context
A day after a 22-year-old man was killed amid communal clashes, police in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district Monday detained 30 persons in connection with the violence and murder. In the Maharajganj area, ground zero of the clashes, streets were empty — apart from police personnel who conducted flag marches. Internet services have, meanwhile, been suspended in Bahraich.
2. About communalism
- Communalism is a form of groupism that is based on religious or ethnic identity.
- It is characterized by intolerance and division between different groups.
- An example of communalism would be a situation where members of one religious community exhibit hostility or prejudice towards another religious community, based on their religious beliefs or identities.
- This can manifest in various forms, such as religiously motivated violence, discrimination, or the promotion of religious exclusivity. Some examples of communalism include:
- The partition of India in 1947, which was a result of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
- The Gujarat riots in 2002, were a result of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
- The Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013, were a result of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
3. Main Features of Communalism
Divisiveness: Communalism promotes divisions and tensions between different religious communities.
Identity-based Politics: It exploits religious identities to gain political mileage or create vote banks.
Prejudice and Stereotyping: Communalism fosters negative stereotypes and prejudices about other religious groups.
Propagation of Hatred: It encourages the spread of hate speech and animosity towards other communities.
Violence: In extreme cases, communalism can lead to communal violence and clashes.
4. Religious Communalism
- Communal violence refers to violent conflicts and clashes between different religious communities.
- It involves acts of aggression, rioting, destruction of property, and sometimes loss of life, driven by religious differences and animosity.
- The most common form of communalism is religious communalism.
- This is the belief that one's own religion is superior to other religions.
- It can lead to intolerance and violence against people of other religious faiths.
- Communalism and communal violence are interconnected in several ways.
- Communalism can create an atmosphere of intolerance and division that makes communal violence more likely.
- Communal violence, in turn, can reinforce communalist beliefs and further divide society.
- The rise of communalism in India can be traced back to the colonial period.
- The British Raj divided Indian society into religious communities for administration.
- This created a sense of separateness between different religious groups, which laid the foundation for communalism.
5. Main Causes of Communalism in India
Historical Grievances: Past conflicts and grievances between religious communities have left lingering tensions.
Political Exploitation: Some politicians use religious identity for their electoral gains, leading to communal polarization.
Socio-economic Factors: Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities can create competition and tension between communities.
Religious Fundamentalism: The rise of religious fundamentalism can fuel communalism.
Lack of Intercommunity Understanding: Lack of communication and understanding between communities can breed suspicion and hostility.
6. Significant Instances of Communalism in India
Communalism has been a major problem in India for centuries. Here are some of the most significant instances of communalism in India:
The Partition of India in 1947: The partition of India was a result of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims. Millions of people were killed or displaced in the violence, and the partition led to the creation of two separate countries, India and Pakistan.
The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992: The Babri Masjid demolition was the destruction of a 16th-century mosque in Ayodhya, by a Hindu mob in 1992. The demolition sparked widespread communal violence across India, leaving hundreds of people dead.
The Gujarat Riots in 2002: The Gujarat riots were a series of communal riots that took place in Gujarat, in 2002. The riots were triggered by the burning of a train carrying Hindu pilgrims in Godhra, Gujarat. Over 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the riots.
The Muzaffarnagar Riots in 2013: The Muzaffarnagar riots were a series of communal riots that took place in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, in 2013. The riots were triggered by a minor dispute between two groups of people, but they quickly escalated into violence. Over 60 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the riots.
The Dadri lynching in 2015: The Dadri lynching was the killing of a Muslim man, Mohammad Akhlaq, by a mob in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, in 2015. Akhlaq was accused of storing beef in his house, which is considered taboo in Hindu culture. The lynching sparked outrage across India and highlighted the growing problem of communal violence in the country.
7. Difference between Communalism and Secularism
Communalism: It is the promotion of religious identities and divisions, leading to hostility and prejudice between religious communities.
Secularism: It advocates the separation of religion and state, treating all religions equally and ensuring religious freedom for all citizens without discrimination. It promotes harmony and tolerance among different religious groups.
|
For Prelims: Communalism, Secularism, Riots, the partition of India, the Gujarat riots, the Babri Masjid demolition, Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, The Muzaffarnagar riots, religious communalism,
For Mains:
1. What are the main causes of communalism in India? Discuss the socio-economic factors and religious fundamentalism contributing to communal tensions in the Country. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. The Deccan Riots Commission was concerned with: (UPSC CAPF 2014)
A. indebtedness of the peasant
B. lack of law and order in the Deccan
C. problems with the Ryotwari system
D. communal riots in the Deccan
Answer: A
2. Librehan Commission was appointed by the Union Government to enquire into: (Kerala SET 2017)
A. Indira Gandhi Assassination case
B. Babri Masjid Demolition case
C. Educational Reforms
D. Centre-State Relations
Answer: B
3. Who is the present President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad? (HSSC Police SI 2021)
A. Vishnu Sadashiv B. Kokje Alok Kumar C. Pravin Togadia D. None of them
Answer: D
|
Source: The Indian Express
SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION
1. Context
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This two-day summit has attracted leaders from member states and is taking place under heightened security measures due to recent militant activity in the region.
2. About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organisation.
- It is the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population, covering approximately 60% of the area of Eurasia, and 40% of the world's population. Its combined GDP is around 20% of global GDP.
- The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
2.1. Structure
The SCO has several bodies that oversee its activities, including
- The Council of Heads of State, which is the supreme decision-making body of the SCO.
- The Council of Heads of Government, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the decisions of the Council of Heads of State.
- The Council of Foreign Ministers, which is responsible for coordinating the foreign policies of the SCO member states.
- The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which is responsible for combating terrorism, separatism and extremism in the SCO region and
- The SCO Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organization.
2.2. Members
- The SCO has eight full members China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
- It also has six observer states Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Mongolia, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
- And six dialogue partners Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
2.3. Goals
- Political and security cooperation, including the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism
- Economic cooperation, including trade, investment, energy and transportation
- Cultural and humanitarian cooperation and
- Coordination of positions on major international issues.
3. Criticism
- The SCO has been criticized by some for being a tool of Chinese and Russian imperialism.
- However, the organization has also been praised for its role in promoting stability and security in Central Asia.
4. The Way Forward
- The SCO has been expanding its membership in recent years, and it may continue to do so in the future.
- The organization is seen by some as a potential rival to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and its growing influence is being watched closely by the United States and its allies.
|
For Prelims: SCO, NATO, India, Central Asia, United States, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, terrorism,
For Mains:
1. Examine the potential challenges and opportunities for India as a full member of the SCO, highlighting its implications for India's political, economic, and security interests. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit was held on 10th November, 2020 in the video conference format. The Summit was hosted by: (OPSC OAS 2021)
A. Russia B. India C. Kazakhstan D. Uzbekistan
Answer: A
2. The Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was hosted by which country from 15-16 September 2022? (Rajasthan CET 2023)
A. Kazakhstan B. Tajikistan C. Uzbekistan D. India
Answer: C
3. The area known as 'Golan Heights' sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to (UPSC 2015)
A. Central Asia B. Middle East C. South-East Asia D. Central Africa
Answer: B
4. Siachen Glacier is situated to the (UPSC 2020)
A. East of Aksai Chin B. East of Leh C. North of Gilgit D. North of Nubra Valley
Answer: D
|
Source: SCO
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY
1. Context
Weeks after a final-year student died allegedly by suicide in his hostel room at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, the institute’s students’ council has demanded setting up of a committee to probe into the circumstances surrounding the death.
2. National Suicide Prevention Strategy
- As per Ministry, the policy will set the stage for the promotion of mental health & prevention of suicides in the coming decade.
- The goal of the strategy is to reduce suicide mortality in the country by 10% by 2023.
- The strategy provides a framework for multiple stakeholders to implement activities for the prevention of suicides in the country.
- The aim is to synthesise stakeholder efforts with the motto of "energise to synergise".
3. NSPS-Objectives
- It seeks to establish effective surveillance for suicide within the next three years.
- It seeks to establish psychiatric outpatient departments that will provide suicide prevention services through the District Mental Health Program in all districts within the next 5years.
- It aims to integrate a mental well-being curriculum in all educational institutions within the next eight years.
- To strengthen surveillance of suicide & further generation of evidence through evaluation, which will ensure improvement in the programme quality.
4. Need of NSPS
- Data from WHO 2018, shows that nearly 8,00,000 people die by suicide every year.
- Nearly one-third of all suicides occur among young people.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds & second leading cause of death for females aged 15-19 years.
- In India, suicide has become the number one cause of death among those aged 15-29 years, exceeding deaths due to road traffic accidents & maternal mortality.
- India's contribution to global suicides increased from 25.3% in 1990 to 36.6% in 2016 among women; 18.7% to 24.3% among men.
- More than one lakh lives are lost every year to suicide in India.
- The suicide rate has increased from 10.2 to 11.3% per 1,00,000 population over the past 3 years.
- The COVID pandemic has brought unprecedented times with various disruptions, impacting people's mental health, and requiring specific interventions.
- The most common reasons for suicides include family problems and illnesses which account for 34% & 18% of all suicide-related deaths in India.
- Other common reasons include marital conflicts, love affairs, bankruptcy or indebtedness, substance use & dependence.
- In Approximately 10% of the suicides, the cause is not documented.
5. Implementation Framework
- The implementation framework of the NSPS envisions five key stakeholders responsible for realising the objectives.
- These include national-level ministerial stakeholders, state-level governmental stakeholders, district-level governmental stakeholders, NIMHANS & other top mental health institutes & strategic collaborators.
- Reinforcing leadership, partnerships & institutional capacity in the country.
- Enhancing the capacity of health services to provide suicide prevention services.
- Developing community resilience & societal support for suicide prevention & reduce the stigma associated with suicidal behaviours.
- Among the ministries that are to be involved in implementing the strategy are agriculture, home affairs, information & broadcasting, social justice & empowerment, education, labour, women & child development, information technology, youth affairs & sports.
- The National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) will play an anchoring role, offering support to the implementation.
6. Suicide Prevention Initiatives in India
- The National Mental Health Policy (2014) observes the prevention of mental disorders, reduction of suicide & attempted suicide as core priority areas.
- The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 brought in some necessary changes.
- The Act that came into force in May 2018 effectively decriminalised attempted suicide, which was punishable under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.
- It ensured that the individuals who have attempted suicide are offered opportunities for rehabilitation from the government as opposed to being tried or punished.
7. Final Word
- Experts point out that the priority areas would be to reinforce leadership, establish partnerships & institutional capacity, enhance health services to provide suicide prevention, strengthen surveillance & ensure that provisions are made for evidence generation.
- Co-opting the various State governments in this massive venture will be essential to ensure success in lowering the suicide rate in the country.
For Prelims & Mains
|
For Prelims: National Suicide Prevention Strategy, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, World Health Organization, National Mental Health Policy, Mental Healthcare Act 2017
For Mains:
1. What are the reasons for the growing suicide rate in the country Discuss the Suicide prevention initiatives adopted by the Government. (250 Words)
|
Source: The Hindu and the Indian Express
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA)
1. Context
IN A first, the government has undertaken a comprehensive scientific study using ancient and modern genomics to “conclusively” find the population history of South Asia, amid conflicting theories about the origin of ancient Indian communities. The study is being undertaken through the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), which functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
2. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviated DNA) is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism.
- DNA is made of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder a shape known as a double helix.
- Each strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups.
- Attached to each sugar is one of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T).
- The two strands are connected by chemical bonds between the bases: adenine bonds with thymine, and cytosine bonds with guanine.
- The sequence of the bases along DNA’s backbone encodes biological information, such as the instructions for making a protein or RNA molecule. 
Image Source: National Human Genome Research Institute
3. DNA Structure and Function
- DNA is the information molecule. It stores instructions for making other large molecules, called proteins.
- These instructions are stored inside each of your cells, distributed among 46 long structures called chromosomes.
- These chromosomes are made up of thousands of shorter segments of DNA, called genes. Each gene stores the directions for making protein fragments, whole proteins, or multiple specific proteins.
- DNA is well-suited to perform this biological function because of its molecular structure, and because of the development of a series of high-performance enzymes that are fine-tuned to interact with this molecular structure in specific ways.
- The match between DNA structure and the activities of these enzymes is so effective and well-refined that DNA has become, over evolutionary time, the universal information-storage molecule for all forms of life.
- Nature has yet to find a better solution than DNA for storing, expressing, and passing along instructions for making proteins.
3.1 Molecular structure of DNA
- In order to understand the biological function of DNA, you first need to understand its molecular structure.
- This requires learning the vocabulary for talking about the building blocks of DNA, and how these building blocks are assembled to make DNA molecules.
3.2 DNA Molecules are Polymers
- Polymers are large molecules that are built up by repeatedly linking together smaller molecules, called monomers.
- Think of how a freight train is built by linking lots of individual boxcars together, or how this sentence is built by sticking together a specific sequence of individual letters (plus spaces and punctuation).
- In all three cases, the large structure of a train, a sentence, and a DNA molecule is composed of smaller structures that are linked together in non-random sequences boxcars, letters, and, in the biological case, DNA monomers.
3.3 DNA Monomers are called Nucleotides
- Just like the sentence “polymer” is composed of the letter “monomers,” a DNA polymer is composed of monomers called nucleotides.
- A molecule of DNA is a bunch of nucleotide monomers, joined one after another into a very long chain.
4. Four Nucleotide Monomers
- The English language has a 26-letter alphabet. In contrast, the DNA “alphabet” has only four “letters,” the four nucleotide monomers.
- They have short and easy-to-remember names: A, C, T, G. Each nucleotide monomer is built from three simple molecular parts: a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nucleobase. (Don’t confuse this use of “base” with the other one, which refers to a molecule that raises the pH of a solution; they’re two different things.)
5. The sugar and acid in all four monomers are the same
- All four nucleotides (A, T, G, and C) are made by sticking a phosphate group and a nucleobase to a sugar.
- The sugar in all four nucleotides is called deoxyribose. It’s a cyclical molecule most of its atoms are arranged in a ring structure.
- The ring contains one oxygen and four carbons. A fifth carbon atom is attached to the fourth carbon of the ring.
- Deoxyribose also contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the third carbon in the ring.
6. Four Nucleotide Monomers are distinguished by their bases
Each type of nucleotide has a different nucleobase stuck to its deoxyribose sugar.
- A nucleotide contains adenine
- A nucleotide contains thymine
- G nucleotide contains guanine
- C nucleotide contains cytosine
All four of these nucleobases are relatively complex molecules, with the unifying feature that they all tend to have multiple nitrogen atoms in their structures. For this reason, nucleobases are often also called nitrogenous bases.
7. DNA Fingerprinting
- It is known that every individual has unique fingerprints. These occur at the tips of the fingers and have been used for identification for a long time but these can be altered by surgery.
- A sequence of bases on DNA is also unique for a person and information regarding this is called DNA fingerprinting. It is the same for every cell and cannot be altered by any known treatment.
- DNA fingerprinting is now used (i) in forensic laboratories for the identification of criminals. (ii) to determine the paternity of an individual. (iii) to identify the dead bodies in any accident by comparing the DNAs of parents or children. (iv) to identify racial groups to rewrite biological evolution.
8. Recombinant DNA
- Recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecules are DNA molecules formed by laboratory methods of genetic recombination (such as molecular cloning) to bring together genetic material from multiple sources, creating sequences that would not otherwise be found in the genome.
- Recombinant DNA is possible because DNA molecules from all organisms share the same chemical structure. They differ only in the nucleotide sequence within that identical overall structure.
- In most cases, organisms containing recombinant DNA have apparently normal phenotypes. That is, their appearance, behavior, and metabolism are usually unchanged.
|
For Prelims: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T), RNA molecule, Polymers, Nucleotide, Nucleotide Monomers, DNA Fingerprinting and Recombinant DNA (rDNA).
For Mains: 1. What is Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)? Discuss the structure and function of the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and explain how it is different from RNA.(250 Words)
|
Previous year Question
|
1. Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred (UPSC 2013)
1. across different species of plants
2. from animals to plants
3. from microorganisms to higher organisms
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
2. With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2019)
A. Functional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.
B. Pieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.
C. A piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.
D. Cells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory Petri dishes.
Answer: A
3. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:
1. assess the age of a plant or animal.
2. distinguish among species that look alike.
3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 3 only
C. 1 and 2
D. 2 and 3
Answer: D
|
Source: Down to Earth
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS (NCPCR) DRAFT GUIDELINES
1.Context
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, asking it to ensure that over-the-top (OTT) platforms display disclaimers in “English, Hindi, and local/regional languages before showing any adult content”.
2.Juvenile justice act
- Earlier, all children under the age of 18 were considered minors by the law, but through an amendment in 2015, a provision was added to the JJ Act for trying a child in conflict with the law as an adult.
- Under this, a child in the age group of 16-18 years could be tried as an adult in case of heinous offences
- Section 15 (1) of the Act states that the Juvenile Justice Board shall conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether to try such a child as an adult or a minor
- The Act directs that the Board shall consider the mental and physical capacity of the child for committing the alleged offence, the ability to understand the consequences of the offence, and the circumstances in which the offence was committed
- It states that the Board can take the assistance of experienced psychologists or psychosocial workers or other experts
- The Act also gives a disclaimer that the assessment is not a trial, but is only to assess the capacity of the child to commit and understand the consequences of the alleged offence
- After the assessment, the Board can pass an order saying there is a need to try the said child as an adult and transfer the case to a children’s court with the relevant jurisdiction
- If tried as a minor, the child could be sent to a special home for a maximum of three years
- If tried as an adult, the child can be sentenced to a jail term, except being sentenced to death or life imprisonment without the possibility of release
3.NCPCR guidelines
3.1.Physical capacity of the child:
To determine the child’s ‘locomotor’ abilities and capacities, particularly with regard to gross motor functions such as walking, running, lifting, throwing…such abilities as would be required to engage in most antisocial activities.
3.2.Mental capacity:
To determine the child’s ability to make social decisions and judgments. It also directs assessments pertaining to mental health disorders, substance abuse, and life skills deficits
3.3.Circumstances in which the offence was allegedly committed:
Psychosocial vulnerabilities of the child. This is to include life events, any trauma, abuse, and mental health problems, stating that the offence behaviour is a cumulative consequence of a lot of other circumstances.
3.4.Ability to understand the consequences of the alleged offence:
To determine the child’s knowledge or understanding of the alleged offence’s social, interpersonal and legal consequences
These include what others will say or perceive him, how it might affect his personal relationships and the knowledge of relevant laws, respectively.
4.About NCPCR
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights is a statutory body constituted under Section 3 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 to protect the child rights and other related matters in the Country
- The Commission is further mandated to monitor the proper and effective implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012; Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009
- In one of the functions laid down under Section 13 of the CPCR Act, 2005, the Commission has been assigned with the function to examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the time being in force for the protection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation
- The Commission also has the powers of Civil Court trying a suit under Section 14 of CPCR Act, 2005 and Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
|
For Mains:
1. What are changes in JJ Act for juvenile offenders and District Magistrates?
|
Source:indianexpress, pib
SUB-CATEGORISATION OF CASTES
1. Context
It is distressing that arguments used against reservation earlier are being used now to oppose sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes.
2. Sub-categorisation of castes
- The sub-categorisation of castes refers to the process of dividing the broad category of Castes into smaller sub-groups, to provide more targeted benefits and representation to the most marginalized communities within the group.
- Scheduled Castes (SCs), also known as Dalits, are officially designated as the most disadvantaged and socially ostracized community in India. They are a diverse group with varying customs, languages, and traditions, but they share a common history of discrimination and marginalization.
- The sub-categorization of SCs and STs is due to various complexities. Unlike OBCs, SCs and STs do not have a creamy layer, and addressing backwardness among them involves dealing with untouchability issues.
- Sub-categorization may exacerbate differences within these communities and lead to competition for affirmative action. There is already a demand for OBC status from groups like Marathas, Patels, and Jats, making the situation more challenging.
- Some SC communities, like Madigas in Telangana, feel marginalized and seek a separate quota.
- According to the 2011 census, SCs constitute about 16.6% of India's population. They are predominantly found in rural areas, where they face significant challenges in accessing education, employment, and healthcare. Despite progress in recent decades, SCs continue to be among the poorest and most vulnerable groups
3. Legal Implications
- The question of whether SC sub-categorization is legally permissible has been debated for over two decades.
- Several states, including Punjab, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu, have attempted to implement state-level reservation laws to sub-categorize SCs and allocate separate quotas within the existing SC reservation framework.
- However, these plans have been stalled in court as the Supreme Court awaits the formation of a larger Constitution Bench to address the matter.
- The issue first arose in 1996 when the Andhra Pradesh government established a one-man Commission headed by Justice Ramachandra Raju.
- The Commission recommended sub-categorizing SCs in the state based on evidence of significant disparities in backwardness and representation among different SC communities.
- The state government's attempt to implement this recommendation led to a legal challenge that ultimately reached the Supreme Court.
- In 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that states lacked the unilateral authority to sub-categorize communities within the SC or Scheduled Tribes (ST) lists.
- The Constitution mandates that these lists can only be amended by Parliament and notified by the President.
- However, in a 2020 judgment, a five-judge Bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra held that determining the quantum of benefits within the existing SC/ST lists did not constitute "tinkering" with the lists and that states could undertake such measures.
- This judgment contradicted the 2004 ruling, and the matter has been referred to the larger Bench for a definitive resolution.
4. Government Efforts
- Despite the ongoing legal uncertainty, the 2004 judgment prompted the Union government to explore legal avenues for SC sub-categorization.
- The government initiated discussions with the Law Ministry, and in 2005, the Attorney-General of India (AGI) opined that sub-categorization could be permissible under specific conditions.
- The AGI emphasized the need for "unimpeachable evidence" to demonstrate the necessity of such a measure.
- The AGI also suggested the possibility of a constitutional amendment to facilitate sub-categorization.
- Based on the AGI's opinion, the Union government formed a National Commission to examine the feasibility of SC sub-categorization in Andhra Pradesh.
- The then Cabinet recommended an amendment to Article 341 of the Constitution to enable sub-categorization.
- However, both the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) advised against a constitutional amendment.
- They maintained that Article 16(4) of the Constitution already empowered states to enact special laws for any backward classes deemed to be under-represented.
5. Arguments For and Against Sub-Categorization
- The primary argument in favour of SC sub-categorization centres on the existence of graded inequalities among SC communities.
- Proponents argue that even within the marginalized SC category, there are groups with limited access to basic amenities.
- As a result, the more advanced SC communities have consistently benefited from reservation policies, while the more backward ones have been marginalized.
- Sub-categorization, they argue, would address this issue by providing separate reservation quotas for the more backward SC communities within the overall SC reservation framework.
- However, both the NCSC and the NCST have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of sub-categorization in addressing the root causes of inequality.
- They argue that allotting separate reservations within SC categories would not adequately address the underlying disparities.
- The internal note prepared by the NCST explained that the most backward SCs are so far behind their more advanced counterparts that a separate quota would be insufficient.
- The NCST emphasized the need for broad-based measures to ensure representation at all levels, arguing that even with separate quotas for higher-level positions, the most backward SCs would still lack the candidates to fill these positions.
- Both commissions recommended focusing on ensuring that existing schemes and government benefits reach these marginalized groups before considering sub-categorization.
6. The Way Forward
Legal experts underscore the need for concrete data to support SC sub-categorization. There is nothing that prohibits the Parliament from being competent to do this. But what is primarily needed is concrete population numbers of each community and sub-community and their respective socio-economic data, which are the only thing that can provide a reasonable ground to decide how castes can be categorised, how much percentage should be given, etc."
|
For Prelims: sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Article 16(4), Article 341, one-man Commission
For Mains:
1. Discuss the challenges in navigating the roles of state governments and the central government in implementing sub-categorization. How can a balance be achieved to address regional concerns while ensuring national consistency? (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
Prelims
1. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both? (UPSC 2013) A. State Forest Department
B. District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
C. Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer
D. Gram Sabha
Answer: D 2. Based on the Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution, with respect to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram Which of the following can the Governor of a State do? (DSSSB PRT General Section Officer 2019)
1. Can create a new autonomous district
2. The area of atonomous district can be increased
A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
3. If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (UPSC 2022)
A. This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
B. This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
C. This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
D. The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.
Answer: A
4. Article _____ of the Constitution of India deals with provisions related to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. (SSC CGL 2020)
A. 222(1) B. 244(1) C. 244(2) D. 222(2)
Answer: B
5. The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was formed by insertion of Article ______ in the Constitution of India. (SSC CGL 2020)
A. 328B B. 338A C. 338B D. 328A
Answer: B
6. National Commission of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been replaced by National Commission of Scheduled Castes and National Commission of Scheduled Tribes by which of the following amendment? (KPSC AE 2017)
A. 37th Amendment
B. 88th Amendment
C. 89th Amendment
D. 92nd Amendment
Answer: C
7. Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/ tribes? (UPSC 2014)
(a) Bhutia and Lepcha Answer: B 8. The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to (UPSC 2015) (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes Answer: A 9. Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void? (UPSC 2019) (a) Third Schedule Answer: B 10. The provisions of reservation for O.B.C. is made in the Constitution under which Articles? (UKPSC 2016)
A. Article 13 (II) & 14 B. Article 14 & 15 C. Article 15 (IV) & 16 (IV) D. Article 17 & 18 Answer: C
11. The constitutional authority, vested with the power of declaring castes and tribes as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, is the (UPPSC 2016)
A. President of India B. Prime Minister of India
C. Minister of Social Welfare C. Chairman, SC / ST Commission
Answer: A
Mains
1. In 2001, RGI stated that Dalits who converted to Islam or Christianity are not a single ethnic group as they belong to different caste groups. Therefore, they cannot be included in the list of Scheduled Castes (SC) as per Clause (2) of Article 341, which requires a single ethnic group for inclusion. (UPSC 2014)
2. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC 2018)
3. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (UPSC 2017)
|
Source: The Hindu
