UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 May 2024

InstaLinks : Insta Links 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 in 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 : Insta Links 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 in 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:

• Issues with India’s Food Regulatory System

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• #PlayTrue Campaign

• 30 years since apartheid ended in South Africa

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Kutch Ajrakh GI Tag

• Article 39(b) of the Constitution

• Hindu Marriage Act

• Election Rights of Prisoners

• Draft new Explosives Bill

• Diplomatic Passports

• Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)

• The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) Project

• Red Colobus Monkeys

Mapping

• Shaksgam Valley of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Issues with India’s Food Regulatory System

#### GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Governance

Source: IE

Context: Controversies surrounding food safety in India have put the spotlight on the country’s regulator, FSSAI.

Recent cases of food issues in India:

• Allegations against Nestle’s baby food products for unhealthy sugar content.

• Concerns over carcinogenic additives in powdered spices, including MDH and Everest brands.

• US customs declined entry to 31% of MDH spice-related shipments due to salmonella contamination.

• Indian food exports face scrutiny in international markets like the EU, indicating global apprehensions regarding the safety and quality of Indian food products.

India’s response:

• Spices Board announced corrective measures including mandatory testing of consignments to Singapore and Hong Kong.

• Collaborating with exporters to address issues and propose corrective measures.

• Issued guidelines to exporters on preventing Ethylene Oxide (ETO) contamination.

• FSSAI directed state regulators to test major spice brands for ETO presence.

• Planning nationwide surveillance in 2024-25 for various food products.

• Nearly one-fourth of samples tested in the last three years failed regulatory standards.

Operational Food Safety Regulations in India:

• Regulator: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the autonomous body overseeing food safety under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

• Role: FSSAI regulates the manufacturing, processing, distribution, sale, and import of food to ensure safe consumption.

• Key Regulations: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Establishes FSSAI and State Food Safety Authorities, aiming for a single reference point for food safety standards. Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011: Includes provisions for the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal, Organic Food standards, and regulates Food Advertising. Covers Licensing, Registration, Packaging, Labelling, Food Product Standards, and Food Additives Regulation.

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Establishes FSSAI and State Food Safety Authorities, aiming for a single reference point for food safety standards.

• Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011: Includes provisions for the Food Safety Appellate Tribunal, Organic Food standards, and regulates Food Advertising. Covers Licensing, Registration, Packaging, Labelling, Food Product Standards, and Food Additives Regulation.

• Covers Licensing, Registration, Packaging, Labelling, Food Product Standards, and Food Additives Regulation.

Challenges to Food Safety in India:

Challenges | Examples

1.Rampant Adulteration | Milk is adulterated with diluted water, detergent, fat, and urea.

Adulteration of spices and edible oils. Synthetic sweeteners in cakes lead to fatalities.

1.Feeding of ’empty calories’ | Packed food products containing high levels of added sugar. Leading to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity.
2.Weak Enforcement and Accountability | Many food businesses operate without proper licenses.
3.Corrupt practices by FMCG players | Violation of labelling requirements (e.g., Maggi noodles). Ban due to high levels of lead, and MSG.
4.Limited Public Awareness | Unawareness of food safety practices among the populace.

Overuse of pesticides and fruit ripening agents.

1.Complex Regulatory Framework | Difficulties for small and medium enterprises to comply.

Regulatory gaps, inconsistencies in enforcement.

1.Operational Challenges | Lack of standardized recordkeeping, and intentional food fraud.

Difficulty in tracing ingredients, and assessing risks.

1.Logistical Barriers | 10 States/UTs lack notified food testing labs.

Uneven distribution, and insufficient number of food safety officers.

1.Lack of Transparency | Non-disclosure of testing results to the public.

Surveys not effectively addressing adulteration practices.

1.Issues with FSSAI | Staff and Infrastructure Shortages: FSSAI faces persistent challenges with staffing and infrastructure, hindering its monitoring and regulatory capabilities.

Perceived as Paperwork: Many businesses see FSSAI regulations as bureaucratic hurdles rather than opportunities for guidance and inspection.

Procedural Shortcomings: Instances like the Vital Neutraceuticals case reveal procedural errors in FSSAI’s actions, undermining its enforcement credibility.

FSSAI initiatives:

Initiative | Description

Eat Right India Movement | Launched to transform the food system for safe, healthy, and sustainable food aligned with the National Health Policy 2017, focusing on preventive and promotive healthcare.

Eat Right Station Certification | Awarded by FSSAI to railway stations meeting food safety benchmarks under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, ensuring safe and wholesome food for passengers.

Food Hygiene Rating Scheme | Developed by FSSAI for certifying food businesses supplying food directly to consumers, on or off-premise, indicating their hygiene standards.

Food Safety Mitra scheme | Aims to create a network of Food Safety Mitras (FSM) to assist Food Business organisations (FBO) with licensing, registration, training, auditing hygiene, and other food safety measures.

State Food Safety Index | Developed by FSSAI to measure states’ performance on compliance, human resources, food testing infrastructure, training, and consumer empowerment, providing insights into food safety practices across regions.

World Food Safety Day | To raise awareness about food safety issues and promote actions to ensure safe and nutritious food globally.

Eat Right Mela | Events organized under the Eat Right India Movement to educate people about healthy eating habits, food safety, and nutrition.

RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) | Initiative promoting the conversion of used cooking oil into biofuel to prevent its reuse in food, reducing health hazards and environmental pollution.

100 Food Streets | Initiative to ensure food safety standards in street food by training vendors, improving hygiene practices, and monitoring compliance, enhancing consumer confidence in street food.

Proposed Amendments in Food Safety and Standard Regulations:

• Elimination of Multiple Certifications: Aim to abolish BIS and AGMARK certification requirements, mandating only FSSAI certification.

• Facilitation of Ease of Doing Business: Align with ‘One Nation, One Commodity, One Regulator’ vision to simplify regulations.

• Expansion of Standards: Include standards for Mead, Alcoholic RTD beverages, and introduce standards for the ‘Haleem’ dish.

Way forward:

• Strengthen Infrastructure and Resources: Increase investment in labs, training facilities, and regulatory bodies.

• Simplification of Regulations: Make regulations more accessible and business-friendly.

• Strict Enforcement and Accountability: Ensure rigorous enforcement with penalties for violations.

• Enhancement of Public Awareness: Launch a comprehensive awareness campaign on food safety.

• Encouragement of Responsible Agricultural Practices: Promote sustainable farming to reduce contamination risks.

Mains Links:

Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (UPSC 2021)

Prelims Links:

Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)

• The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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

#PlayTrue Campaign

#### Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: PIB

Context: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India recently wrapped up its #PlayTrue Campaign, attracting over 12,133 participants.

What is the #PlayTrue Campaign?

The #PlayTrue Campaign, organized by NADA India, aims to raise awareness about clean sports and anti-doping practices. Through activities like quizzes and awareness sessions, it promotes fair play and integrity in sports, aligning with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) vision.

Sports ethics essentials include promoting fair play, and integrity, and rejecting doping. It emphasizes the importance of clean competition and upholding anti-doping regulations to ensure a level playing field for all athletes.

30 years since apartheid ended in South Africa

#### Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: Th

Context: South Africa prepares to commemorate 30 years of freedom amidst ongoing challenges of inequality, poverty, and a tense upcoming election.

What was Apartheid?

It was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the South African government from 1948 to 1994. Under apartheid, non-white South Africans, particularly black people, were systematically oppressed and denied basic rights, including the right to vote and access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

For example, the apartheid government enforced laws such as the Group Areas Act, which designated specific residential areas for different racial groups, leading to forced removals of non-white communities from their homes to segregated townships.

The apartheid regime in South Africa was characterized by numerous ethical issues:

• Racial Discrimination: Apartheid systematically oppressed non-white South Africans, denying them basic rights solely based on their race.

• Segregation: The regime enforced strict segregation laws, which led to the forced removal of non-white communities from their homes to designated areas, resulting in the disruption of families and communities.

• Violence and Oppression: The apartheid government employed violence and repression to maintain control over the non-white population, including the use of police brutality, torture, and imprisonment of political dissidents.

• Inequality: Apartheid institutionalized economic and social disparities between racial groups, with non-white South Africans facing limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and housing opportunities compared to their white counterparts.

• Denial of Political Rights: Non-white South Africans were denied the right to vote and participate in the democratic process, further marginalizing them politically and reinforcing white minority rule.

Kutch Ajrakh GI Tag

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TOI

Context: The traditional artisans of ‘Kutch Ajrakh’ from Gujarat’s vibrant region of Kutch have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM).

About Kutch Ajrakh:

It is a traditional textile craft of Gujarat, particularly in regions like Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch. It involves meticulous hand-block printing on treated cotton cloth, resulting in intricate designs rich in symbolism and history. The name “Ajrakh” derives from ‘Azrak,’ meaning indigo, a key dye used in the process. Traditionally, Ajrakh prints feature blue, red, and white colours representing the sky, land/fire, and stars, respectively.

Introduced over 400 years ago by Sind Muslims, Ajrakh is commonly worn by nomadic pastoralist and agricultural communities such as the Rabaris, Maldharis, and Ahirs, in various forms like turbans, lungis, or stoles.

Article 39(b) of the Constitution

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DH

Context: The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on whether private properties can be considered ‘material resources of the community’ under Article 39(b) of the Constitution.

About the case:

The case stems from petitions, including one by the Mumbai-based Property Owners’ Association, challenging provisions in the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority Act. The verdict’s implications could shape the balance between individual rights and societal welfare in property ownership and distribution.

About Article 39(b):

Article 39(b) directs the state to distribute material resources for the common good, while Article 31C empowers the state to take over such resources. Additionally, Article 39(c) aims to prevent wealth concentration.

Hindu Marriage Act

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Supreme Court clarified that mere registration without a proper ceremony doesn’t constitute a valid marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act, emphasizing marriage’s sacredness and practice of ‘Samskara’.

About the Hindu Marriage Act:

The Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) of 1955 regulates Hindu marriages and divorce within the Hindu community and applies to Hindus by birth or conversion, as well as Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. It sets the minimum marriageable age at 21 for the groom and 18 for the bride, prohibits bigamy and polygamy, recognizes customary practices, and considers mental health as a criterion for void marriage.

The Act allows for marriage registration, permits divorce through mutual consent or judicial separation, and includes provisions for restitution of conjugal rights. Family courts handle legal matters concerning Hindu marriages and divorce, based on territorial jurisdiction.

Election Rights of Prisoners

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Accused persons in prison can contest polls but are barred from voting. The legal status distinguishes between the right to vote and the right to be elected.

Why can accused persons in prison contest polls but not vote?

Accused persons in prison can contest polls due to the legal distinction between the right to vote and the right to be elected. While they can seek election until convicted, they are barred from voting, as per the Representation of People Act, unless released on bail or acquitted.

The difference between the Right to Vote and the Right to be Elected

Right to Vote | Right to Be Elected

Statutory right, not fundamental | Statutory right, not fundamental

Can be regulated by Parliament | Can be regulated by Parliament

Citizens exercise the right to choose. However, Those confined in prison cannot vote (Section 62(5) of the RPA, 1951), under sentence of imprisonment, transportation, or in lawful police custody. | Citizens exercise the right to stand for election. However, Convicted individuals sentenced to 2 years imprisonment cannot contest elections (Section 8(3) of the RPA, 1951)

Preventive detainees have the right to vote (Section 62(5) of the RPA, 1951 and Rule 18 of Conduct of Elections Rules 1961) | Even if on bail, convicted persons cannot contest.

Allows citizens to participate in elections | Allows citizens to be candidates in elections

Subject to statutory limitations | Subject to statutory limitations

Can be revoked or restricted by law | Can be revoked or restricted by law

Ensures representation in governance | Enables individuals to represent constituents

Draft new Explosives Bill

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: ET

Context: The government has proposed a new Explosives Bill to replace the outdated Explosives Act of 1884.

The bill is aimed at regulating the manufacture, possession, use, sale, transport, import, and export of explosives. It also aims to increase fines for violations and streamline the licensing process for explosives such as gunpowder and nitroglycerine.

Key highlights of the bill include:

• Definition of explosives: The bill defines explosives, including substances used to produce practical or pyrotechnic effects by explosion.

• Licensing authority: The Central Government will prescribe the authority competent to grant, suspend, or revoke licenses. Currently, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) oversees these functions.

• Punishment for contravention: Violating the Act may result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of Rs 1,00,000, or both.

• Power of Central Government: The Central Government can make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act.

About the PESO:

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) (est. 1898; HQ: Nagpur; under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry), was established during British rule as the Department of Explosives. It oversees the administration of various acts including the Explosives Act, 1884, and the Petroleum (Production) Act, 1934. PESO regulates the import, export, transport, storage, and usage of petroleum products, explosives, and flammable materials. It operates autonomously under the Chief Controller of Explosives. PESO frames rules and regulations for various sectors such as cinematography, gas cylinders, petroleum, and explosives. Its officers are selected through the Union Public Service Commission into the Indian Petroleum and Explosives Safety Service cadre.

Diplomatic Passports

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: After sexual abuse allegations surfaced against Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, he fled to Germany using a diplomatic passport.

Aspect | Details

About | Diplomatic and Official passports are issued to individuals holding diplomatic status or deputed by the Government of India for official duty abroad. They have maroon covers and are valid for five years or less.

Benefits | Holders enjoy specific privileges and immunities, including exemption from arrest, detention, and certain legal proceedings within the host country.

Issued To | Those with diplomatic status or Government-appointed individuals on official business abroad or Officers working under branches A and B of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Relatives and immediate family of IFS and MEA officers or Selected individuals authorized for official government travel.

Grounds of Revocation | Revocation grounds under the Passport Act 1967 include wrongful possession, suppression of material information, interests of India’s sovereignty and integrity, friendly relations with foreign countries, and more.

Exemption of Visa Requirements | India has operational visa exemption agreements with 34 countries for diplomatic passport holders, including Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, agreements with 99 other nations allow visa exemption for stays up to 90 days

Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The judiciary’s involvement in standard essential patents (SEPs) poses challenges for India’s telecom manufacturing sector.

What are Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)?

Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) are patents that cover technologies adopted as industry standards, crucial for ensuring interoperability among different products and systems. These patents are essential for implementing a particular standard, and companies that own SEPs commit to licensing them to others on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.

For example, in the telecom sector, technologies like CDMA, GSM, and LTE are industry standards. Any company manufacturing products compliant with these standards must use technologies covered by SEPs. This ensures that devices from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly, benefiting consumers and promoting innovation in the industry.

Issues with SEPs?

The significance of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) in the telecom sector lies in ensuring compatibility among different cellular phone brands. However, private Standard Setting Organisations (SSOs) largely control the standard-setting process, limiting India’s influence. Consequently, SEP owners can demand high royalties, leading to the “patent holdup” problem.

How judiciary is dealing with it?

Despite competition law enforcement efforts initiated by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in 2013, legal battles, particularly against Ericsson, have led to prolonged litigation. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court’s judicial activism in patent infringement cases has resulted in unprecedented “deposit” orders, burdening manufacturers and raising questions about procedural fairness.

These prolonged legal battles and judicial interventions have eroded investor confidence and market stability, hindering India’s manufacturing dreams.

The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) Project

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: space.com

Context: The completion ceremony for the TAO telescope site was held in Santiago, Chile.

The TAO Project aims to build a 6.5-meter optical-infrared telescope at the summit of Cerro Chajnantor in the Atacama Desert. It will be the world’s highest astronomical site, offering clear observation conditions due to the region’s high altitude and arid climate. Equipped with instruments like SWIMS and MIMIZUKU, it will facilitate studies on galaxy evolution and planet formation.

Atacama’s high altitude, thin atmosphere, and arid climate make it ideal for infrared observations.

Red Colobus Monkeys

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: Conserving, is crucial for protecting the continent’s tropical forests, according to a recent study. red colobus monkeys, spread across Africa

About the Red Colobus monkey:

It is a member of the Colobine group, primarily feeds on leaves and is native to western, central, and eastern Africa, ranging from Senegal to the Zanzibar Archipelago. Found in habitats like humid forests and coastal thickets, they are listed as one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates by the IUCN. They have distinctive brown and orange coats, lack thumbs, and mainly consume young leaves, flowers, and unripe fruit, with charcoal or clay aiding in digestion.

Shaksgam Valley of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

#### Mapping

Source: Th

Context: India protests Chinese road construction in the Shaksgam Valley of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, claiming it as part of its territory and raising concerns over territorial integrity

India has never accepted the 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement and protests against any attempts to alter the situation.

Shaksgam Valley (also called Trans-Karakoram Tract) is an area of about 5,200 km2 north of the Karakoram watershed, administered by China, but claimed by India. While under Pakistan’s control since 1947, Pakistan recognized Chinese sovereignty over it in the 1963 Sino-Pakistan Agreement. India disputes this claim, asserting it is part of the Kashmir region. The Shaksgam Valley is strategically important due to its proximity to the Siachen glacier, a critical area amidst India-China tensions.