National Parks – II

National Parks – I

National Parks - III

Ladakh’s Demand of Sixth Schedule

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) constituted a high-powered committee for the Union Territory of Ladakh to “ensure protection of land and employment” for the people of Ladakh.

• According to a few members of the committee, the MHA's order is vague and does not address their demand for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
• In September 2019, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes recommended the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, noting that the new UT was predominantly tribal (more than 97%) and its distinct cultural heritage needed preservation.

Why was the Committee Formed?

• Background:
  • Civil society groups in Ladakh have been demanding protection of land, resources and employment for the past three years after the special status of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was revoked by Parliament in 2019.
  • The fear of big businesses and conglomerates taking away land and jobs from the local people have contributed to this demand.
• Purpose:
  • To discuss measures to protect the region’s unique culture and language taking into consideration its geographical location and strategic importance.
  • To strategize inclusive development and discuss issues related to the empowerment of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill District Councils of Leh and Kargil.

What is the Government’s Stand?

• As far as special status for Ladakh is concerned, the government is not very eager to give it.
  • The MHA informed a parliamentary standing committee recently that the objective for inclusion of tribal population under the sixth schedule is to ensure their overall socio-economic development, which the UT administration has already been taking care of and that sufficient funds are being provided to Ladakh to meet its overall developmental requirements.
• According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule would be difficult.
  • The Constitution is very clear, Sixth Schedule is for the Northeast. For tribal areas in the rest of the country, there is the Fifth Schedule.
• According to a recent report tabled in Rajya Sabha, Ladakh administration recently increased the reservation for the Scheduled Tribes in direct recruitment from 10% to 45% which will significantly help the tribal population in their development.
• However, it remains the prerogative of the government — it can, if it so decides, bring a Bill to amend the Constitution for this purpose.

What is the Sixth Schedule?

• Article 244: The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 provides for the formation of autonomous administrative divisions — Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) — that have some legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within a state.
  • The Sixth Schedule contains special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the four north-eastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• Autonomous Districts: The tribal areas in these four states have been constituted as autonomous districts. The governor is empowered to organise and re-organise the autonomous districts.
  • The acts of Parliament or the state legislature do not apply to autonomous districts or apply with specified modifications and exceptions.
  • The power of direction, in this regard, lies either with the President or Governor.
• District Council: Each autonomous district has a district council consisting of 30 members, of whom four are nominated by the Governor and the remaining 26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise.
  • The elected members hold office for a term of five years (unless the council is dissolved earlier) and nominated members hold office during the pleasure of the governor.
  • Each autonomous region also has a separate regional council.
• Powers of the Council: The district and regional councils administer the areas under their jurisdiction.
  • They can make laws on certain specified matters like land, forests, canal water, shifting cultivation, village administration, the inheritance of property, marriage and divorce, social customs and so on. But all such laws require the assent of the Governor.
  • They can constitute village councils or courts for trial of suits and cases between the tribes. They hear appeals from them. The jurisdiction of the high court over these suits and cases is specified by the governor.
  • The district council can establish, construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, roads and so on in the district.
  • They are empowered to assess and collect land revenue and to impose certain specified taxes.

Source: IE

Delegated Legislation

Why in News?

In the Supreme Court judgement on the Central Government’s decision of demonetisation, the majority ruling upheld the validity of the delegated legislation while the dissenting verdict noted that excessive delegation of power is arbitrary.

What is Delegated Legislation?

• About:
  • Since the Parliament cannot deal with every aspect of the governance system by themselves, they delegate these functions to the authorities established by law. This delegation is noted in statutes, commonly called delegated legislations.
  • E.g. - Regulations and by-laws (law made by a local authority which applies only in its area) under legislations.
• SC’s View on Delegated Legislation:
  • The SC in Hamdard Dawakhana v Union of India (1959) case struck down delegation of powers on the grounds that it was vague.
    • It held that the Centre’s power of specifying diseases and conditions under Drug and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954 is ‘uncanalised’, ‘uncontrolled’, and going beyond the permissible boundaries of valid delegation. Hence, the same was deemed unconstitutional.
  • The Supreme Court in a 1973 ruling held that the concept of delegated legislation has evolved out of practical necessity and pragmatic needs of a modern welfare State.
• Delegated Legislation in Demonetisation Case:
  • As per the RBI Act, 1934 (Section 26(2)) the Central govt. is empowered to notify ceasing a particular denomination of currency as legal tender.
    • Parliament, here, has delegated the power to alter the nature of legal tender to the central govt. which the latter exercised by issuing a gazette notification (legislative basis).
  • This delegation of power to the Centre was challenged on the basis that Section 26(2) contains no policy guidelines on how the Centre can exercise its powers, thus it is arbitrary (and unconstitutional).

What is the Significance and Criticism of Delegated Legislation?

• Significance:
  • It allows flexibility and adaptability in the law-making process. By delegating certain powers, the legislature can respond more quickly and efficiently to changing circumstances and emerging issues.
  • Delegated authorities with extra skills, experience, and knowledge (in fields like technology, environment etc. where the Parliament may not always have an expertise) are more suitable for making law.
• Criticism:
  • It can lead to a lack of accountability/transparency in the law-making process as laws made by executive agencies/administrative bodies are not subjected to the same level of public scrutiny and debate as laws made by legislature.
  • Additionally, it can also lead to a concentration of power in the executive and administrative branches of government, which may undermine the principle of separation of powers.
    • However, certain types of delegated legislation, such as ordinances must be approved by the legislature.

Way Forward

• Parliamentary control over delegated legislation in India is not as effective, there are no statutory provisions regarding ‘laying’ of delegated legislation.
  • It is necessary to strengthen the committees of the Parliament and a separate law providing for uniform rules for delegating powers be enacted.
• Moreover, the citizens can ensure accountability and transparency in delegated legislation by staying informed about the laws and regulations being proposed and implemented by executive agencies and administrative bodies.
  • They can also participate in public consultations and comment periods and hold the government accountable through their elected representatives.
• Additionally, the media can play a vital role in bringing attention to any issues with delegated legislation and providing a platform for public discourse.

Source: IE

Reports on Child Mortality and Stillbirths

Why in News?

Recently, two global reports on child mortality (Levels and Trends in Child Mortality) and stillbirths (Never Forgotten) were released by United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME).

What are the Findings of the Report?

• Levels and Trends in Child Mortality:
  • Data Related to Mortality:
    • Globally, 5 million children died before their fifth birthday (under-five mortality) in 2021.
    • Over half of these (2.7 million) occurred among children aged 1-59 months, while the remainder (2.3 million) occurred in just the first month of life (neonatal deaths).
    • India’s share in these child mortalities was estimated around 7 lakhs under-five deaths; 5.8 lakhs infant deaths (death before first birthday); and 4.4 lakhs neonatal deaths.
  • Decline in Mortality Rate:
    • The global under-5 mortality rate fell by 50% since the start of the century, while mortality rates in older children and youth dropped by 36%, and the stillbirth rate decreased by 35%.
    • This can be attributed to more investments in strengthening primary health systems to benefit women, children and young people.
    • However, gains have reduced significantly since 2010, and 54 countries will fall short of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals target for under-5 mortality.
  • Region Wise Analysis:
    • Sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia continue to have the highest rates of child mortality, with children born in sub-Saharan Africa having the lowest chances of surviving.
  • Access to Quality Health:
    • Access to and availability of quality health care continues to be a matter of life or death for children globally.
    • Most child deaths occur in the first five years, of which half are within the first month of life.
    • For these youngest babies, premature birth and complications during labour are the leading causes of death.
  • Rising Infectious Disease:
    • For children that survive past their first 28 days, infectious diseases like pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria pose the biggest threat, the global health agency found.
• Report on Stillbirth:
  • Globally, an estimated 1.9 million stillbirths happened in 2021.
  • In 2021, the absolute estimated number of stillbirths in India (2,86,482) was greater than the death amongst children in 1-59 months of age (2,67,565).

What is the Root of Many Child Deaths?

• Preterm Births (Children born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed):
  • This is a challenge because these ‘preterm babies’ are two to four times at higher risk of death after birth in comparison to those born after 37 weeks of gestation.
  • Globally, one in every 10 births is preterm; in India, one in every six to seven births is preterm.
  • India has a high burden of preterm births, which means newborns in the country are at greater risk of complications and mortality.
• Stillbirths:
  • The rates and number of both preterm births and stillbirths are unacceptably high and drive the neonatal, infant and child mortalities upwards in India. Thus, they demand urgent interventions.
    • A baby who dies any time after 22 weeks of pregnancy, but before or during the birth, is classified as a stillborn.
  • One of the reasons preterm births and stillbirths do not get due attention is lack of granular and reliable data.

What can be done to Prevent Stillbirths and Preterm Births?

• Scaling up Known and Proven Interventions:
  • For reducing both stillbirths and preterm births, the focus must be on:
    • Increasing access to family planning services;
    • Improving antepartum services such as health and nutrition, including the intake of iron folic acid by pregnant mothers;
    • Providing counselling on the importance of a healthy diet, and optimal nutrition;
    • Identification and management of risk factors.
• Effective Implementation of Guidelines:
  • The interventions can be best delivered if data on preterm births and stillbirths are better recorded and reported.
  • The maternal and perinatal deaths surveillance guidelines need to be effectively implemented and the International Classification of Diseases’ definition for perinatal mortality must be adopted.
    • The use of this classification will help standardise the causes of stillbirth reporting.
  • Alongside, India needs to identify the hot spot clusters of stillbirths and preterm births for local and targeted interventions.
• Allocate more Funding:
  • In the National Health Policy of 2017, the government had committed to investing 2.5% of the GDP on health by 2025.
    • Six years since then, the government’s allocation for health has increased only marginally.
  • The two recent reports are reminders that it is time for the government to allocate more funds for health, starting with the upcoming Budget.

Source: TH

Cold Wave

Why in News?

Delhi and other parts of northwest India have been reeling under a Cold Wave since the beginning of 2023.

• The lowest minimum temperature recorded this month was 1.9 degrees Celsius on January 8, the second-lowest minimum temperature in January in 15 years.
• Fog and low cloud coverage brought severe cold day conditions to the region, when temperatures remained below normal over parts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

What Factors are Responsible for this Cold Wave?

• Large Scale Fog:
  • One of the major factors contributing to colder than normal temperatures over north India in January 2023 is the large-scale fog cover, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).
  • Fog has been lasting for longer durations, preventing sunlight from reaching the surface and affecting the radiation balance. There is no heating in the day time, and then there is the impact of the night.
• Foggy Nights:
  • Foggy or cloudy nights are usually associated with warmer nights, but if the fog remains for two or three days, cooling begins even at night.
  • Light winds and high moisture near the land surface have been contributing to the formation of a blanket of fog over large swathes of the Indo-Gangetic plains in the morning.
• Westerly Winds:
  • Since there has not been any significant impact of western disturbances over the region, cold northwesterly winds have also been contributing to low temperatures.
  • Westerly and northwesterly winds of around 5 to 10 kmph in the afternoon have also been contributing to the dip in temperature

What is Cold Wave?

• About:
  • A cold wave is a rapid fall in temperature within 24 hours to a level requiring substantially increased protection to agriculture, industry, commerce, and social activities.
• Cold Wave Conditions:
  • For the plains, a cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or below and is 4.5 degrees Celsius (C) less than normal for two consecutive days.
    • A "severe" cold day is when the maximum temperature is at least 6.5 notches below normal.
  • For coastal stations, the threshold value of minimum temperature of 10 degree Celsius is rarely reached. However, the local people feel discomfort due to the wind chill factor which reduces the minimum temperature by a few degrees depending upon the wind speed.
    • A wind chill factor is a measure of the cooling effect of the wind on the temperature of the air.
• India’s Core Cold Wave Zone:
  • India’s ‘core cold wave zone’ covers Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana.
• Causes of Cold Wave in India:
  • Absence of Cloud Cover in the Region: Clouds trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation and radiate it back downward, warming the ground.
  • Snowfall in the upper Himalayas that has blown cold winds towards the region.
  • Subsidence of Cold Air over the Region: Subsidence is the downward movement of cold and dry air closer to the surface.
  • La Nina: Prevailing La Nina conditions in the Pacific Ocean. La Nina is the abnormal cooler sea surface temperatures reported along the equatorial Pacific Ocean and it is known to favour cold waves.
    • During La Nina years, the severity of cold conditions becomes intense. The frequency and area covered under the grip of a cold wave becomes larger.
  • Western Disturbances: Western disturbances can cause cold waves in India. Western disturbances are weather systems that originate in the Mediterranean Sea and move eastward, bringing cold winds, precipitation and cloud cover to the northwest regions of India. These disturbances can lead to a drop in temperature and cause cold wave conditions. However, not all western disturbances bring cold wave conditions.

Source: IE

Prithvi-II Missile

Why in News?

Recently, India carried out a successful test launch of tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from a test range off the Odisha coast.

What are the Key Highlights about Prithivi-II Missile?

• About:
  • Prithvi-II is an indigenously developed Surface-to-Surface Missile Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), which has a range of around 350km and can carry a one tonne payload.
  • Prithvi II class is a single-stage liquid-fueled missile that has warhead mounting capability of 500 kg-1000kg.
  • The missile is a proven system and is capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision.
  • The state-of-the-art missile uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.
  • It was initially developed for the Indian Air Force as its primary user and was later inducted into the Indian Army as well.
  • While the missile was inducted into India's Strategic Forces Command for the first time in 2003, it was the first missile developed under the IGMDP.
• Developed by:
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India under its Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

What are the Prithvi Missiles?

• The Prithvi missile system comprises various tactical Surface-to-Surface Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM).
• Its development began in 1983, and it was India’s first indigenous ballistic missile.
• It was first test-fired in 1988, from Sriharikota, SHAR Centre.
  • It has a range of from 150 to 300 km.
• The naval variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi III class missiles have the code-name Dhanush.
• The propulsion technology was likely based on the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile.
  • Soviet SA-2 Surface-to-Air Missile:
    • Developed in the mid-1950s, the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile was the first effective Soviet Union surface-to-air missile.
    • Developed as a missile for the battlefield, it could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a tactical nuclear weapon.
• The Prithvi I missiles have been in service with the Indian Army since 1994.
  • Reportedly, Prahar missiles are replacing with Prithvi I missiles.
• Prithvi II missiles have been in service since 1996.
• Prithvi III having a more extended range of 350 km, was successfully test-fired in 2004.

Source: IE

Indian Skimmers

Why in News?

As per the Asian Waterbird Census 2023 (recommended dates for the AWC are 7 – 22 January) which has been started recently, the Godavari estuary in Andhra Pradesh has become a prime and safe habitat for the Indian Skimmer ( Rynchops albicollis).

• Around 250 Indian Skimmers, were sighted in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

What are Indian Skimmers?

• About:
  • Another common name for Indian skimmers is Indian scissors bill.
  • They are more widespread in winter; the Indian skimmer is found in the coastal estuaries of western and eastern India.
    • The species can be sighted near the Chambal River in Central India, in few parts of Odisha and in Andhra Pradesh.
• Major Threats:
  • Habitat degradation, excessive and widespread increases in disturbances near the rivers.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
  • CITES: Not listed

Source: TH

White Tufted Royal Butterfly

Why in News?

Recently, a team of butterfly observers and researchers have found the White Tufted Royal Butterfly, a rare butterfly species in Kannur, Kerala which was earlier spotted in Agasthyakoodam in 2017 and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018.

• The butterfly is protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

What are the Key Facts About Butterflies?

• About:
  • Butterflies are insects from the order Lepidoptera of phylum Arthropoda which also includes moths.
  • Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight.
  • Recently, a Himalayan butterfly known as Golden Birdwing (Troides aeacus) has been discovered as India’s largest butterfly after 88 years.
• Significance:
  • Rich Biodiversity: The abundance of butterflies in any area represents rich biodiversity.
  • Indicator Species: The butterfly acts as an indicator species.
    • An indicator species provides information on the overall condition of the ecosystem and of other species in that ecosystem. They reflect the quality and changes in environmental conditions as well as aspects of community composition.
  • Pollinator: It acts as a pollinator by helping in pollination and conserving several species of plants.

Source: TH

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

Indian Song wins Golden Globe Award

Recently, music composer M M Keeravani accepted the award for Best Original Song for Telugu film RRR (directed by SS Rajamouli) at the 80^th Golden Globe Awards. ‘Naatu Naatu’ becomes the first Asian song to win the coveted award.

Golden Globe Award, presented annually by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), is a recognition of outstanding achievement in motion pictures and television during the previous year. The Golden Globes are considered second in importance both to the Academy Awards (or Oscars) for films.

Read More - India’s Film Award

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Swami Vivekananda and National Youth Day 2023

Every year 12^th January is celebrated as National Youth Day (NYD) to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. NYD was declared by GoI in 1984. Theme for 2023 - ‘Viksit Yuva - Viksit Bharat’.

Swami Vivekananda was a key figure in the introduction of the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, and he is credited with bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19^th century.

He was also a strong advocate for social justice and worked to uplift the status of women and lower castes in Indian society. He was the chief disciple of the 19^th-century mystic Ramakrishna Paramhansa and he established Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.

Read More - Swami Vivekananda, National Youth Day

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Uganda's Worst Ebola Outbreak Ends: WHO

After 4 months and 55 deaths, the latest Ebola epidemic in Uganda (worst in 2 decades) was declared over by the WHO. The outbreak was caused by the Sudan strain of the virus.

Ebola virus disease is a hemorrhagic fever that is transmitted through body contact with sick or dead people or animals (a “viral hemorrhagic fever” is a condition that damages the overall cardiovascular system, and reduces the body's ability to function on its own). Its symptoms include fever, fatigue and headaches, followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, and internal and external bleeding. Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in DRC.

While there are existing Ebola vaccines (Ervebo vaccine), they do not protect against the Sudan strain.

Read More - Ebola Virus Disease

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Swadesh Darshan Project

Beypore and Kumarakom are the (only) two tourism destinations Kerala has included in the detailed project report (DPR) to be submitted to the Centre for Phase-2 of the Swadesh Darshan Project.

Beypore has historic importance as a port town. It is also globally famed for its Beypore Uru (boat) and the beautiful seashore, which could boost its tourism sector in a big way.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme was first launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 moves away from theme-based tourist circuits and focuses on reviving up destination tourism. The govt. has identified 15 States under this scheme to be promoted as part of India’s new domestic tourism policy.

Read More - Swadesh Darshan 2.0, GI Tag for Beypore Uru