UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 March 2024

InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

• Power of withholding Bills passed by State Assembly

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• UNESCO’s tentative list

• Model Code of Conduct

• Bharatiya Adim Jati Sevak Sanghathan (BAJSS Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024

• ‘2+2’ defence and foreign ministerial dialogue

• Private Placement of Securities

• India’s first Oil Palm Processing Unit

• Biomining

• Ghost particles

• Nausena Bhawan (New Delhi)

Mapping

• Kshipra River (Madhya Pradesh)

Power of withholding Bills passed by State Assembly

#### GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Polity

Source: TH

Context: Kerala will challenge President Droupadi Murmu’s withholding of assent for Bills passed by the Kerala Legislature, opening a constitutional debate on the scope of judicial review of the President’s decisions.

What is the case about?

The Kerala Assembly passed (in 2022) University Laws (Amendment) Bills to amend laws governing State universities. The Bills aimed to end the Governor’s oversight and appointment role in state universities and empower the government to appoint Vice Chancellors (instead of the Governor).

Critics feared that it would lead to the erosion of university autonomy and political influence in appointments.

Subsequently, the governor referred the bill to the President in 2023. The President has since then withheld assent to Kerala University Laws (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2022, University Law Amendment Bill, 2022, and the University Law Amendment Bill, 2021.

Governor’s and President’s powers related to universities:

• State Universities: While as Governor he functions with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as Chancellor he acts independently of the Council of Ministers and makes his own decisions on all University matters.

• Central Universities: The President of India serves as the Visitor. President appoints Chancellors who preside over convocations.

The procedure for appointing a Vice-Chancellor under UGC rules involves the following steps:

• Recommendation by Search cum Selection Committee: A panel of three to five names is recommended by the Search cum Selection Committee.

• Approval by Visitor/Chancellor: The VC is appointed by the Visitor/Chancellor from the recommended panel.

• Option for Fresh Names: The Visitor/Chancellor has the authority to request a new set of names if dissatisfied with the provided panel.

• Differences Across Universities: While the President of India serves as the ex-officio Visitor for Central Universities and Governors serve as Chancellors for state universities, procedures can vary among universities across India.

Governor’s Power Regarding Bills:

Article 200 of the Constitution provides the Governor with four options when presented with a Bill passed by a State Legislature:

• Give assent to the Bill.

• Withhold assent, leading to the Bill’s failure to become law.

• Return the Bill (if not a Money Bill) for reconsideration by the State Legislature. If passed again, with or without amendments, the Governor must give assent.

• Reserve the Bill for the President’s consideration.

When can the Governor Reserve the bill for the President’s consideration?The Governor can reserve a bill for the President’s consideration if:

• It endangers the position of the state high court.

• It is ultra vires (against the Constitution).

• It opposes the Directive Principles of State Policy.

• It goes against the larger interest of the country.

• It pertains to matters of grave national importance.

• It involves the compulsory acquisition of property under Article 31A of the Constitution.

Options for President on Bills reserved by Governor

When a bill passed by a state legislature is reserved by the governor for consideration by the President, the President can:

• Give his assent to the bill, or

• Withhold his assent to the bill, or

• Direct the governor to return the bill (if it is not a money bill) for reconsideration by the state legislature.

• It is not obligatory for the President to give his assent even if the bill is again passed by the state legislature and sent again to him for his consideration.

The President’s power to withhold assent to a state bill is derived from the Constitution of India, particularly Article 201, which outlines the process. According to Article 200, when a bill is passed by the state legislature, it is presented to the Governor for assent, who then forwards it to the President for consideration. The President has discretionary authority to either approve or withhold assent to the bill, based on factors such as:

• Constitutional violations

• Conflicts with central legislation

• Public interest

State Government’s Arguments in this case:

• Bills’ subject matters were confined to the State List of the Constitution, where the State has powers to legislate.

• None of the Bills conflicted with any Central legislation.

• Bills did not belong to special categories requiring prior Presidential assent.

• Bills followed Ordinances cleared by the Governor and should not have been sent for Presidential assent.

• The reasons for the President’s withholding assent were unknown, and judicial review is necessary.

Implications of President Withholding Assent to a State Bill:

Implications | Description

1.Legislative Stalemate | Withholding assent effectively prevents the bill from becoming law, leading to a legislative stalemate.
2.Impact on State Governance | The inability to enact the bill hinders governance and delays policy implementation, affecting the state’s administration and residents.
3.Constitutional Conflict | The action may spark conflicts over the division of powers between the Centre and states, raising questions about the President’s authority.
4.Political Implications | It may strain relations between the state and central governments, especially amid political tensions or differing ideologies.

Sarkaria Commission Recommendations:

• The Sarkaria Commission recommended that the Governor’s discretionary power to reserve bills for the President’s consideration should be limited to rare cases of unconstitutionality.

• It suggested that the President should dispose of such bills within six months and communicate reasons for withholding assent to the State Government where possible.

Conclusion:

The Constitution empowers governors to reserve bills for the President’s consideration, a crucial discretionary power to ensure state laws align with the Constitution. However, allowing governors to act against the advice of the Council of Ministers creates a parallel administration. There is a need to clearly define the roles of the governor, president and the state government related to State bills.

Mains Links:

Whether the Supreme Court Judgment (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and the elected government of Delhi? Examine. (UPSC 2018)

Discuss the essential conditions for the exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of the re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. (UPSC 2022)

Prelims Links:

Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? (UPSC 2014)

• Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule

• Appointing the Ministers

• Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India

• Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: B

UNESCO’s tentative list

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Hindustan Times

Context: Madhya Pradesh celebrates a significant achievement as six of its heritage sites are included in UNESCO’s tentative list.

• The sites included are Gwalior Fort, the Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara in Burhanpur, and God Memorial of Ramnagar in Mandla.

Site | Description

Gwalior Fort | Completed in the 8th century AD by Raja Surya Sena, includes Man Mandir Palace, Gujari Mahal, Sas Bahu temples, etc.

Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur | The underground water management system was built by Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan during Jahangir’s reign, based on the Persian qanat approach.

Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley | Rock art in hilly areas of Vindhyan, Satpura, and Kaimur ranges.

Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur | Lord Shiva temple built during the 11th century under Raja Bhoj, was built in Bhumija style.

Gond Monuments of Ramnagar, Mandla | Architectural complexes built by Gond rulers consisting of Moti Mahal, Raibhagat ki Kothi, Begum Mahal, etc.

The Historical Ensemble of Dhamnar | A rock-cut site consisting of 51 monolithic Buddhist caves (5th-7th century CE) and a Hindu temple complex (Dharmarajeshwara temple).

UNESCO’s Tentative List is a list of properties that a state party intends to nominate for inscription on the World Heritage List. These properties are considered to be cultural and/or natural heritage of outstanding universal value. The World Heritage Centre (WHC) publishes the Tentative Lists on its website and in working documents. States Parties should submit their Tentative Lists to the WHC at least one year before submitting any nomination.

Model Code of Conduct

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, beginning from the announcement of the election schedule until the declaration of results.

• This code regulates the behaviour of political parties and candidates during the election period, aiming to ensure free and fair elections.

• It includes provisions regarding general conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling booths, observers, the party in power, and election manifestos.

• Key restrictions imposed by the MCC include prohibiting the announcement of policy decisions by the ruling party, using official positions for campaigning, combining official visits with election work, using government resources for campaigning, and making ad-hoc appointments that may influence voters.

• The MCC is not legally binding but is enforced through moral sanction or censure by the ECI.

Bharatiya Adim Jati Sevak Sanghathan (BAJSS)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, virtually laid the foundation stone for a ‘Centre for Preservation and Promotion of Tribal Culture & Heritage’ in, Jharkhand.

• The centre aims to showcase the rich legacy of the tribal community in Jharkhand and serve as a knowledge centre for tribal development.

• Renovated National Tribal Museum, e-Library, and ST Girls’ hostel at Bharatiya Adim Jati Sevak Sanghathan (BAJSS) in New Delhi was also inaugurated.

• The museum, established by Shri Amritlal Vithaldas Thakkar, is being revived with an allocation of over Rs. 3 crores from the Union Ministry for Tribal Affairs.

The initiative aims to conserve tribal artefacts, digitize the library, and provide interactive digital kiosks for information dissemination.

Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: HT

Context: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced new Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, replacing the old rules from 1983.

• These rules stem from the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, which amended the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Aim: These rules aim to address various concerns in film certification and have been revamped to align with online certification processes, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Key aspects of the new rules include:

• New Age-based certification: The UA category now includes sub-categories based on age – UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16 +, to help parents decide if a film is suitable for their children Older category of certification will continue: U (Universal), A (Adult Only) and S (for specific classes of persons) This is in line with the Shyam Benegal committee’s (2017) recommendations.

• Older category of certification will continue: U (Universal), A (Adult Only) and S (for specific classes of persons)

• This is in line with the Shyam Benegal committee’s (2017) recommendations.

• Reduced certification time: Digital processes will expedite certification, with provisions for priority screening in urgent cases, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

• Increased representation for women: The CBFC Board and Advisory Panels will have greater female representation, with one-third of members on the Board being women

• Accessibility features: Films will be required to include accessibility features for certification to ensure inclusivity for disabled persons.

• Perpetual validity: CBFC certificates will have perpetual validity, removing the previous 10-year restriction, with recertification required only for television broadcasts of edited films.

Cinematograph (Amendment) Act 2023 was passed (amended the Cinematograph Act 1952) and includes stricter punishments for piracy, ranging from minimum three-month imprisonment and a fine of three lakh rupees to up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to five per cent of the audited gross production cost

Significance of the Bill:

• Enhances the certification process to align with modern standards.

• Combats film piracy, fostering rapid industry growth and job creation.

Concerns: Relies on self-regulation for age-appropriate content, placing responsibility on parents and guardians.

About CBFC:

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) (founded 1951; HQ: Mumbai) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, responsible for regulating film exhibition in India according to the Cinematograph Act 1952. It certifies films for public screening in cinemas and on television, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

‘2+2’ defence and foreign ministerial dialogue

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: ET

Context: India and Brazil held their first ‘2+2’ defence and foreign ministerial dialogue in Delhi.

What is ‘2+2’ defence and foreign ministerial dialogue?

The ‘2+2’ defence and foreign ministerial dialogue involves high-level meetings between the defence and foreign ministers of two countries. It aims to enhance cooperation and coordination on defence and foreign policy matters between the participating nations. India has ‘2+2’ dialogues with the US, Australia, Japan, Brazil etc.

In the ‘2+2’ Dialogue, India and Brazil discussed expanding cooperation in energy, critical minerals, technology, and counter-terrorism.

India-Brazil Relations:

Bilateral relations between India and Brazil have been strategic partners since 2006, with cooperation in various multilateral forums like the UN, G20, BRICS, and IBSA. They support each other for permanent seats in the UNSC as part of the G4 alliance. They also collaborate in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and MERCOSUR. India is Brazil’s 5th largest trading partner, and ISRO launched Brazil’s satellite Amazonia-1 in 2021. Brazil’s expertise in biofuels complements India’s initiatives, including the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Private Placement of Securities

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Sebi has decided to repeal certain circulars related to the private placement of securities, which provided relaxation for allotment.

What is Private Placement of Securities?

Private Placement of Securities refers to the process of selling stocks, bonds, or other securities directly to a select group of investors, rather than making them available to the general public. This method is often used by companies to raise capital without having to go through the extensive regulatory requirements associated with a public offering.

Private placement includes preferential allotment and qualified institutional placement (QIP):

• Preferential allotment involves issuing new shares to existing shareholders or a specific group at a price below market rate, often to reward or retain them. It’s regulated by SEBI and the Companies Act, requiring shareholder approval.

• Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) is for listed companies, allowing them to issue shares to institutional buyers like mutual funds and banks without a public offering. It’s used to raise capital swiftly for expansion or other corporate needs, following SEBI guidelines.

India’s first Oil Palm Processing Unit (Arunachal Pradesh)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: ET

Context: India’s first integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit by 3F Oil Palm has commenced operations in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards self-reliance in edible oils.

About Palm oil:

• Derived from the fruit of oil palms, used in cooking, cosmetics, processed foods, biofuel, etc.

• Indonesia and Malaysia produce 90% of global palm oil, with Indonesia leading at over 45 million tonnes in 2021.

• Used in food, detergents, cosmetics, and biofuel.

• Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala contribute 98% of production in India

Issues: Oil Palm plantations are criticized for unsustainable production and exploitative labour practices.

NMEO-OP:

• Launched in 2021 to promote oil palm cultivation.

• Targets by 2025-26: Increase oil palm area to 10 lakh hectares and crude palm oil production to over 11 lakh tonnes

Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)

• The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.

• The Government does not impose any customs duty on all imported edible oils as a special case.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Food Processing Industries, unveiled a new dwarf coconut variety called ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ and two hybrid cocoa varieties developed by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI).

• The new cocoa varieties, VTL CH I and VTL CH II, are high-yielding and one of them is tolerant to black pod rot, particularly beneficial in regions with high rainfall.

• ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ is recommended for tender coconut and copra production.

• Both cocoa varieties have high fat and nutrient contents, suitable for cultivation in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat

Feature | Description

Cocoa Varieties (VTL CH I and VTL CH II) | High-yielding varieties; one tolerant to black pod rot, especially advantageous in high rainfall regions. Both varieties have high fat and nutrient contents, suitable for cultivation in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.

‘Kalpa Suvarna’ Coconut Variety | Recommended for tender coconut and copra production.

Both varieties have high fat and nutrient contents, suitable for cultivation in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.

The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) is a research institute in India that focuses on plantation crops. It was established in 1970 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) by combining the Central Coconut Research Stations at Kasaragod and Kayamkulam, and the Central Arecanut Research Station at Vittal, along with its five substations.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Hindustan Times

Context: The biomining project aimed at clearing Delhi’s landfill sites in Ghazipur and Bhalswa is likely to miss the 2024 deadline due to slow progress.

• Biomining is also known as bioleaching. It involves digging up waste, segregating it, and treating and separating the toxins.The soil is then treated with bacteria and pathogens to cleanse it.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Google DeepMind has unveiled SIMA (Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent), a new AI gaming agent capable of understanding and executing natural language instructions to perform tasks across various video game environments.

• Unlike AI models trained on specific datasets, SIMA functions as a generalist AI agent, able to process instructions and take actions independently.

• It learns and improves over time through interactions with users, becoming smarter and better at fulfilling requests.

• SIMA has been trained on a variety of video games in collaboration with game developers, demonstrating its ability to understand diverse gaming worlds and follow instructions like a human player.

This breakthrough paves the way for AI agents that can intelligently collaborate with humans not only in games but also in real-world tasks.

Ghost particles

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Astronomers analysing data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica have potentially detected the first evidence for astrophysical tau neutrinos, nicknamed “ghost particles” due to their elusive nature.

• These subatomic particles interact minimally with matter, allowing them to travel vast distances without disturbance, making them valuable for tracing their origins in the universe.

• Astrophysical neutrinos, including tau neutrinos, originate from distant cosmic sources and are challenging to detect.

IceCube Neutrino Observatory

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a distinct detector spanning a cubic kilometer of Antarctic ice with 5,000+ light sensors. It identifies high-energy neutrinos, with energies millions to billions of times greater than those from stellar fusion reactions.

Nausena Bhawan (New Delhi)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Defence Ministry inaugurated the Indian Navy’s first independent headquarters, Nausena Bhawan, in Delhi Cantonment.

The building, designed through a nationwide competition, consolidates the Navy’s operations previously spread across 13 locations. Achieving Green Rating IV features a robust three-tier security system with cutting-edge technologies.

The Indian Navy ( founded on 26 January 1950 as current service; and on 5 September 1612 as East India Company Navy) under the Supreme Commander, the President of India, is led by the Chief of Naval Staff. It operates as a blue-water navy in regions like the Persian Gulf, the Horn of Africa, and the Strait of Malacca, conducting anti-piracy operations and partnering with regional navies. The Navy comprises 67,252 active and 75,000 reserve personnel, along with a fleet of 150 ships, submarines, and 300 aircraft. It boasts 2 active aircraft carriers, 1 amphibious transport dock, and various other vessels, establishing itself as a multi-regional blue-water navy.

Navy in Ancient India:

Kshipra River (Madhya Pradesh)

#### Mapping

Source: TNIE

Context: CAG conducted a performance audit on the degradation of the Kshipra River in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting multiple issues including pollution from untreated sewage and industrial waste, reduced river flow due to improper management, and deficient action against violators.

About the River:

The Shipra River in Madhya Pradesh is considered sacred in Hinduism, with Ujjain situated on its east bank. It hosts the Sinhastha fair every 12 years and yearly celebrations of the river goddess. Once perennial, its flow diminishes after the monsoon. Symbolizing purity, it is linked to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Varaha. The Narmada Shipra Sihastha Link Pariyojana, connecting it to the Narmada River, was completed in 2015 as part of a larger project.

The Shipra River originates from Kakri-Tekdi hill in the Vindhya Range, north of Dhar and 11km from Ujjain, this river spans 195km in length, with 93km passing through Ujjain. It traverses the Malwa Plateau before merging with the Chambal River.