UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 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:

• PRS Legislative Research’s Annual Review of State Laws 2023

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• Social Construction of Technology Theory

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Mullaperiyar dam Issue

• Supreme Court Bar Association

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

• Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)

• Thirthahalli Arecanut

• Goldene

• Peptide

• Bhadra Tiger Reserve

Mapping

• Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani (Nepal)

PRS Legislative Research’s Annual Review of State Laws 2023

#### GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Parliament and State legislature

Source: TH

Context: PRS Legislative Research (an Indian non-profit organisation established in September 2005 as an independent research institute) has released its “Annual Review of State Laws 2023,” providing a detailed analysis of State legislatures’ performance across India.

Status of Bills Passed by States:

On average, states passed 18 bills each in 2023. Maharashtra passed 49 bills, while Delhi and Puducherry passed only 2 each.

Issues with the Working of the State Legislatures:

Issues | Examples

Budget Passage Without Discussion | In 2023, around 40% of the over Rs 18 lakh crore budget across 10 states was passed without discussion.

Madhya Pradesh passed 85% of its over Rs 3 lakh crore budget without discussion. Kerala, Jharkhand, and West Bengal followed with 78%, 75%, and 74% respectively

Poor functioning of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) | In 2023, PAC held 24 sittings on average and tabled 16 reports.

In five states, including Bihar and Delhi, PAC didn’t table any reports. Maharashtra’s PAC neither convened nor released any report throughout the year

Hurried Legislative Action | 44% of bills in all the states in 2023, were passed on the same or the next day of introduction.

Gujarat, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Puducherry, and Punjab passed all bills on the same day. – Kerala and Meghalaya took longer than five days to pass over 90% of their bills.

Ordinances Route | Uttar Pradesh issued 20 ordinances, followed by Andhra Pradesh (11) and Maharashtra (9)

Poor Evaluation of Law-Making | Only 23 out of over 500 bills were referred to legislative committees for deeper examination.

Assent by Governor | While the Constitution requires the Governor to give assent to Bills at the earliest, only 59% of the Bills received assent within a month of being passed. Delays were seen in states like Assam, Nagaland and West Bengal.

Committee recommendations for improving State Assembly functioning:

• Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1988): Emphasized timely decisions on bills by establishing a legislative framework with time limits for the Governor’s assent. Recommended that State Finance Commission recommendations be considered in legislative budget discussions to ensure thorough debates.

• Emphasized timely decisions on bills by establishing a legislative framework with time limits for the Governor’s assent.

• Recommended that State Finance Commission recommendations be considered in legislative budget discussions to ensure thorough debates.

• National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution: Recommended subjecting parliamentarians/assembly members to public scrutiny through a parliamentary ombudsman. Suggested minimum annual meeting requirements for State Legislatures based on the number of members.

• Recommended subjecting parliamentarians/assembly members to public scrutiny through a parliamentary ombudsman.

• Suggested minimum annual meeting requirements for State Legislatures based on the number of members.

Way forward:

• Strengthening PAC: Standardize PAC operations with clear guidelines on sitting frequency, reporting requirements, and timelines.

• Expedited Decision-Making: Mandate the Governor to provide transparent and specific reasons for any delay in granting assent.

• Legislative Review: Advocate for thorough discussions and debates on budgets before passage, with consideration of State Finance Commission recommendations.

• Strengthen the role of State Finance Commissions in legislative budget discussions.

• Establish minimum session days for the assemblies to enhance legislative functioning.

Conclusion:

These recommendations aim to standardize PAC operations, expedite decision-making processes, promote transparency in legislative functioning, and ensure substantive discussions on important matters before their passage in the State Assemblies.

About the State Legislative Assembly (also known as Vidhan Sabha)

It is the primary legislative body in Indian states and certain union territories. It comprises directly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) serving 5-year terms. In 22 states and 3 union territories, it’s unicameral, while in 6 states, it’s the lower house of a bicameral legislature. Each assembly must have 60 to 500 members, with exceptions granted by Parliament. The assembly can be dissolved in emergencies, by the Governor on the Chief Minister’s request, or by a motion of no confidence against the ruling majority.

Mains Link:

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)

Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent”. Discuss their relationship in the context of India. (UPSC 2016)

Public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. (UPSC 2019)

Prelims Link:

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 by 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

Social Construction of Technology Theory

#### Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: BS

What is SCOT Theory?

Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) theory posits that technological development is influenced by social factors rather than being solely driven by inherent technological capabilities.

It emphasizes that technologies are not inherently good or bad but are shaped by the values, interests, and needs of society. SCOT examines how various social groups influence the design, development, and implementation of technologies, highlighting the role of power dynamics, cultural norms, and user preferences in shaping technological outcomes.

Usage: The theory can be used in Indian society/Sociology to demonstrate the interaction of Society with evolving technology.

Mullaperiyar dam Issue

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Tamil Nadu accuses Kerala of obstructing Mullaperiyar dam work while expressing safety concerns. Kerala allegedly delays routine maintenance, hindering strengthening efforts.

About the Dam:

The Mullaperiyar Dam, a 126-year-old structure in Kerala’s Idukki district, is owned and maintained by Tamil Nadu for various purposes like irrigation and hydro-power.

Disputes over its safety and water levels have led to ongoing litigation. While the Supreme Court allowed a rise in water levels to 142 feet in 2014, Kerala has advocated for decommissioning the dam and building a new one. Tamil Nadu seeks to complete strengthening work and restore levels to 152 feet.

About the Periyar River:

The Periyar River, stretching 244 km, is Kerala’s longest river, earning the title “Lifeline of Kerala” due to its perennial flow. Originating from the Sivagiri hills in Tamil Nadu and passing through Periyar National Park, its main tributaries include Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, and Perinjankutti

Supreme Court Bar Association

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Supreme Court has reserved one-third of the seats in the Supreme Court Bar Association’s executive committee for women.

• This means at least 3 out of 9 positions in the committee and 2 of 6 senior executive member posts will be reserved for women.

Status of women in the higher judiciary:

Out of 268 judges ever appointed in the Supreme Court since independence, only 11 have been women. Justice Fathima Beevi was the first woman judge appointed to the Supreme Court in 1989. According to the India Justice Report 2022, women make up 35% of judges in subordinate courts but only 13% in High Courts. Additionally, only 15% of practising lawyers are women.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) is an Indian bar association representing practising lawyers of the Supreme Court of India.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TOI

Context: A study in Chhattisgarh revealed that despite the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), out-of-pocket spending (OOPE) on health remains high, particularly in private hospitals, due to the widespread practice of dual billing

PMJAY Overview:

• Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

• Genesis: Launched in 2018 as part of Ayushman Bharat scheme

• Benefit: Offers Rs. 5 lakhs/year/family for secondary and tertiary care in public and private hospitals, without restrictions on family size, age, or gender.

• Coverage: Includes pre and post-hospitalization expenses, covering all pre-existing medical conditions.

Challenges with PMJAY Implementation:

• High Out-of-Pocket Spending: Despite PMJAY, significant out-of-pocket expenditure persists, particularly in private hospitals.

• Dual Billing: Private hospitals engage in dual billing, charging patients and claiming reimbursement from the government, leading to fraudulent practices.

• Disparities in Cost: Medical expenditure in private hospitals is substantially higher compared to public hospitals, exacerbating financial burdens on patients.

• Catastrophic Health Expenditure: Utilization of private hospitals under PMJAY often results in catastrophic health expenditure for vulnerable groups.

• Poor Regulation: Lack of effective regulation allows private hospitals to overcharge patients, undermining the affordability goal of PMJAY.

• Limited Access for Vulnerable Groups: Vulnerable sections like scheduled tribes and women predominantly rely on public hospitals, limiting their access to private sector benefits promised by PMJAY.

• Capacity Deficit: Some states face capacity issues with a high number of people per empanelled healthcare provider.

• Delayed Claim Settlements: Despite clear guidelines, there are delays in settling claims.

• Validation Control Issues: Lack of essential validation controls in beneficiary registration, with instances of linking multiple beneficiaries to a single mobile number.

• Grievance Disposal: The delayed resolution of grievances, with only around 10% addressed within the 15-day turnaround time, as per the CAG report.

• Whistleblower Policy Non-Adoption: Several states, including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, have not adopted a whistleblower policy.

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: A new provision in the Income-Tax Act aimed to ensure timely payments to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has led to unintended consequences.

The Finance Act 2023 introduced an amendment to the Income Tax Act, stipulating that payments owed to MSMEs must be resolved within 45 days to qualify for tax deductions.

This applies to transactions involving goods or services from MSMEs registered under the MSMED Act, 2006. Effective from April 1, 2024, the amendment has led to unintended consequences, including large companies shifting orders to unregistered MSMEs (to avoid tax liabilities) and smaller entities surrendering their registration to sustain business operations. Tax experts suggest extending payment timelines to alleviate the issue.

Thirthahalli Arecanut

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Tirthahalli variety of areca has been identified as the best quality among those grown in Karnataka.

About Areca :

The Areca palm, also known as the yellow palm or butterfly palm, is characterized by clustered slender stems and ascending leaves. Originating from Madagascar, it thrives in tropical climates and can also be grown indoors in temperate zones. It’s valued as a horticultural and commercial crop domestically and internationally.

Optimal growing conditions include temperatures between 14ºC and 36ºC, rainfall ranging from 750 mm to 4500 mm, and gravelly laterite soil.

Karnataka dominates arecanut production in India, contributing approximately 80% of the country’s output, with Kerala and Assam following suit. India imports arecanut mainly from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Indonesia. To combat illegal imports, the government has imposed a Minimum Import Price.

Farmers face challenges such as the import of cheaper varieties, crop damage from excessive rainfall, and diseases like yellow leaf disease and fruit rot disease, leading to significant losses in recent years.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Researchers (at Sweden’s Linköping University) have successfully created a groundbreaking material called Goldene, a one-atom-thick sheet of gold, marking the first time a metal has been developed into a freestanding 2D sheet.

What is Goldene?

Goldene is a one-atom-thick sheet of gold. It marks the first instance of a metal being formulated into a freestanding 2D sheet.

Goldene is made by sandwiching silicon between titanium carbide layers, depositing gold atoms on top, and then etching away the titanium carbide layers (using a chemical called Murakami’s reagent), resulting in the creation of a free-standing, one-atom-thick layer of gold.

Applications of Goldene include:

• Electronics: Goldene holds promise as a catalyst in electronics due to its economic viability and efficiency. It requires fewer gold atoms for the same function compared to thicker, three-dimensional gold materials. This property could potentially revolutionize electronics by reducing the amount of gold needed for electronic components.

• Catalysis: Goldene’s unique properties make it suitable for catalytic applications, such as carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen-generating catalysis, and selective production of value-added chemicals. Its high surface area and unique atomic structure offer advantages in catalytic reactions.

• Hydrogen Production: Goldene could play a role in hydrogen production processes, contributing to the development of clean energy technologies.

• Water Purification: The material’s properties may also be utilized in water purification technologies, enhancing the efficiency of water treatment processes.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: ScienceTech

Context: A peptide derived from cows shows promise in treating deadly drug-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.

About the Klebsiella pneumoniae:

It is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines, typically harmless but can cause severe infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections when it enters other parts of the body. Vulnerable populations, such as seniors and those with health conditions like diabetes or cancer, are particularly at risk.

About the Peptides:

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, that are naturally found in the body. They are linked together by peptide bonds and play essential roles in various biological functions. Peptides can have diverse functions in the body, such as reducing inflammation, aiding in muscle building, and acting as hormones to regulate different bodily processes.

Bhadra Tiger Reserve

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Chikkamagaluru is attracting more tourists, scientists, and photographers.

About Bhadra Tiger Reserve:

Situated in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, Bhadra Tiger Reserve is unique for being nestled within several hill ranges. It has served as both an Elephant Reserve and the 25th Project Tiger Reserve of India since 1998, boasting a substantial tiger population.

Well-drained by the river Bhadra and its tributaries, it features a variety of vegetation including dry-deciduous, moist-deciduous, shola, and semi-evergreen patches. Other Tiger Reserves in Karnataka include Bandipura, Nagarahole, Dandeli-Anshi, and Biligiriranga Tiger Reserve.

Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani (Nepal)

#### Mapping

Source: BT

Context: Nepal plans to introduce a new Rs 100 currency note featuring disputed territories with India, including Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani.

• Previously, in 2020, Nepal passed its second Constitution Amendment Bill which provided legal status to its claims over these territories

India has objected to this move, considering it an “artificial enlargement” of territorial claims.

About the territories:

Kalapani is the largest territorial dispute between Nepal and India, situated at a tri-junction with Tibet (China). The disagreement stems from the origin of River Kali, demarcated in the Treaty of Sagauli (1816). Nepal claims the river west of Kalapani as the main River Kali, originating at Limpiyadhura or Lipulekh pass, while India argues it originates from a rivulet named Pankhagad, defining the border differently.