Second Voice of the Global South Summit

For Prelims: Voice of the Global South Summit, G20 summit, G-77, Brandt Line, Loss and Damage Fund, United Nations, IMF, World Bank, SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC

For Mains: Resurgence of Global South, Challenges for India as a Voice of the Global South.

Source: IE

Why in News?

India recently concluded its second ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ (VOGSS), held virtually. This summit follows the inaugural summit in January 2023, signaling India's commitment to fostering solidarity among nations and consolidating its leadership in the Global South.

What are the Key Highlights of Second VOGSS?

• Themes: The inaugural session centered around ‘Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust’, while the concluding session emphasized ‘Global South: Together for One Future.’
• Objectives of the Summit: Disseminating outcomes of the G20 summit hosted by India and ensuring sustained momentum for effective implementation of G20 decisions, with a specific focus on the interests of developing countries.
• Key Outcomes:
  • Global South Center of Excellence 'DAKSHIN': Indian PM inaugurated this initiative, aimed at fostering collaboration among developing nations by serving as a knowledge repository and think tank.
  • Thematic Discussions: Ministerial sessions delved into a wide array of topics, including Sustainable Development Goals, energy transition, climate finance, digital transformation, women-led development, counter-terrorism, and global institution reforms.
  • Call for Restraint Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict: India articulated deep concern regarding the plight of civilians affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
    • He emphasized the urgent need for all involved parties to exercise restraint, prioritize the safety of innocent civilians, and work towards de-escalation.
  • 5 ‘Cs’ for Global South: India also called for 5 ‘Cs’ for the Global South: consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity and capacity building.

What is Global South?

• About:
  • The Global South, often misconceived as a purely geographical concept, encompasses diverse countries, drawing upon geopolitical, historical, and developmental factors.
    • While it is not solely defined by location, it broadly represents nations facing developmental challenges.
    • Many countries included in the Global South are in the northern hemisphere, such as India, China and all of those in the northern half of Africa.
      • Whereas, Australia and New Zealand, both in the southern hemisphere, are not in the Global South.
• Historical Context:
  • Brandt Line: The line was proposed by former German Chancellor Willy Brandt in the 1980s as a visual depiction of the north-south divide based upon per-capita GDP.
    • This line symbolizes the global economic divide, zigzagging across continents, encompassing parts of Africa, the Middle East, India, and China, excluding Australia and New Zealand.

 

• G-77: In 1964, the Group of 77 (G-77) countries came into existence when they signed a Joint Declaration during the first session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva.
  • The G-77 became the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries at the time.

• Resurgence of Global South:
  • Economic Dynamics:
    • Economic Imbalances Exposed by Covid-19: The pandemic amplified existing economic disparities, disproportionately impacting Global South countries due to limited healthcare infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, and heavy reliance on sectors vulnerable to lockdowns.
    • Shifts in Trade and Supply Chains: Reevaluations of global supply chains post-pandemic and in context of recent geopolitical conflicts like Russia-Ukraine war, opened discussions on repositioning production centers, providing an opportunity for some Global South economies to restructure and enhance their roles.
  • Geopolitical Realities:
    • The Global South's collective voice gained traction in international forums like G20, altering power dynamics and prompting greater consideration of their perspectives and interests.
  • Environmental and Climate Impact:
    • Vulnerability to Climate Change: The Global South is disproportionately affected by climate change, driving discussions on climate adaptation, resilience-building, and the need for equitable global climate action.
    • Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development: Emphasis on sustainable development goals, renewable energy investments, and environmental conservation initiatives within the Global South attracted global attention and support.

What Evidence Showcases the Escalating Influence of the Global South?

• The establishment of the 'Loss and Damage Fund' during COP27 in Egypt highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by the Global South.
• Japan's G7 summit made a commendable effort to include countries like India and Brazil, fostering a more inclusive dialogue.
• The expansion of BRICS to 11 members emphasized increased engagement with the Global South.
• The G-77 summit in Cuba successfully brought together numerous developing nations to address critical issues.
• The inclusion of the 55-nation African Union in the G20 signifies a growing recognition of African nations' global significance and their valuable contributions to shaping the global order.

What are the Challenges for India as a Voice of the Global South?

• Addressing Divergent Interests: The Global South comprises countries with varied political ideologies, economic structures, and geopolitical ambitions. Harmonizing these differences to present a unified stance on global issues like trade, climate change, and security can be challenging.
• Overcoming Power Asymmetry: The Global South includes both emerging powers like India, Brazil, and South Africa, alongside least developed countries.
  • Balancing power dynamics within this group and ensuring equitable representation can be challenging, as stronger nations might overshadow the concerns of smaller, less influential countries.
• Negotiating with Global Powers: Advocating for the interests of the Global South amidst the dominance of global powers demands strategic negotiation skills. India must navigate its relationships with established powers like the US and the EU, ensuring that the voice of the Global South is heard and considered in global decision-making processes.
• Resource Constraints: India needs to balance its own developmental needs with its role as a representative of the Global South. Limited resources and competing domestic priorities within Global South countries often pose challenges for India.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Regional Alliances: Forge stronger alliances within regional blocs such as SAARC, ASEAN, and BIMSTEC to collectively address regional challenges, foster economic cooperation, and enhance regional stability.
• Facilitate South-South Cooperation: Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among Global South nations, leveraging each other's strengths in areas like technology, healthcare, education, and sustainable development.
• Advocate for Equity in Global Governance: Push for reforms in global governance structures such as the United Nations, IMF, and World Bank to ensure fair representation and greater decision-making power for the Global South.
• Address Climate Change and Sustainability: India can lead by example in adopting sustainable practices, investing in renewable energy, and advocate for global efforts to combat climate change while considering the developmental needs of Global South nations.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (2020)

(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
(c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea

Ans: (a)

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Mains

Q. ‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (2019)

Transit Anticipatory Bail

For Prelims: First Information Report (FIR), Anticipatory Bail,Bail and its Types, Code Of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, Article 21

For Mains: Protection of Fundamental Rights in Criminal Justice Process, Judiciary, Constitutional Protection, Types of Bail.

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) of India in the case of Priya Indoria vs State of Karnataka and Ors, 2023 ruled that a Sessions Court or the High Court in a state can grant transit anticipatory bail to an accused though the First Information Report (FIR) is registered outside their jurisdiction.

• The SC emphasizes the constitutional imperative of protecting citizens' right to life and personal liberty as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Note:

• Transit anticipatory bail serves as a form of protection for the accused against arrest until they can reach a court with territorial jurisdiction for the alleged offense.
  • The term "transit anticipatory bail" is not explicitly defined in the Code Of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) or any other legislation.
  • The SC introduced the concept of transit anticipatory bail in the case of State of Assam v. Brojen Gogol in 1998.
• This type of bail provides equitable and interim relief, particularly for individuals residing in a different state, allowing them to seek anticipatory bail.

What is the SC’s Ruling on Transit Anticipatory Bail?

• SC rules that the High Court/Sessions Courts should grant transit anticipatory bail in the form of interim protection under Section 438 of the Code Of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 in the interest of justice concerning FIR registered outside the territorial jurisdiction of the said court,
  • SC highlighted that an absolute bar on jurisdiction could lead to unjust consequences, especially for bona fide(genuine) applicants facing wrongful, mala fide, or politically motivated prosecution.
• The SC noted transit anticipatory bail should be granted in "exceptional and compelling circumstances only" to prevent irreparable harm to the applicant.
• The SC Laid Down Conditions for Interim Protection:
  • Notice to the investigating officer and public prosecutor is mandatory during the first hearing.
  • The order granting limited relief must explicitly record reasons explaining why the applicant anticipates an inter-state arrest and the potential impact of such protection on the ongoing investigation.
  • The applicant must satisfy the court regarding their inability to seek anticipatory bail from the court with territorial jurisdiction over the FIR.
    • The satisfaction could be based on apprehension of threats to life or personal liberty in the jurisdiction where the FIR is registered, concerns about arbitrariness, or medical reasons.
• The ruling acknowledges the possibility of accused individuals choosing a favourable court for interim protection.
  • To prevent abuse, the court highlights the importance of a territorial connection between the accused and the court's jurisdiction.

What is Bail and What are its Types?

• Definition:
  • Bail is the conditional/provisional release of a person held under legal custody (in matters which are yet to be pronounced by the Court), by undertaking a promise to appear in the Court as and when required.
  • It signifies a security/collateral deposited before the Court for release.
    • In the Supt. and Remembrancer of Legal Affairs v. Amiya Kumar Roy Choudhry (1973) case, the Calcutta High Court explained the principle behind giving Bail.
• Types of Bail in India:
  • Regular Bail:
    • It is a direction given by the Court (any Court within the country) to release a person who is already under arrest and kept in police custody.
      • For such Bail, a person can file an application under Sections 437 and 439 of the Code Of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
  • Interim Bail:
    • Bail granted for a temporary and short period by the Court till the application seeking Anticipatory Bail or Regular Bail is pending before a Court.
  • Anticipatory Bail or Pre-arrest Bail:
    • It is a legal provision that allows an accused person to apply for bail before being arrested. In India, pre-arrest bail is granted under section 438 of the CrPc, 1973.
    • It is issued only by the Sessions Court and High Court.
      • The provision of pre-arrest bail is discretionary, and the court may grant bail after considering the nature and gravity of the offence, the antecedents of the accused, and other relevant factors.
      • The court may also impose certain conditions while granting bail, such as surrendering the passport, refraining from leaving the country or reporting to the police station regularly.
  • Statutory Bail:
    • The remedy of statutory bail, also known as default bail, is distinct from bail obtained in the ordinary procedure under CrPC Sections 437, 438, and 439.
    • As the name implies, statutory bail is given when the police or investigating agency fails to file its report/complaint within a certain time frame.
      • This is enshrined in Section 167(2) of the CrPC.

Legal Insights: Transit Anticipatory Bail

https://www.drishtijudiciary.com/en

Supreme Court Urges to Boost Adoption Pool

For Prelims: Supreme Court of India, Central Adoption Resource Authority, CARINGS Portal, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015

For Mains: Child Adoption in India and related issues, Issues Related to Children.

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India in a recent hearing of a petition filed by a Non-governmental Organization(NGO), has issued a series of directions to the Centre, the States, and the Union Territories to expedite and simplify the adoption process in the country.

• The Court has also expressed concern over the low rate of adoption and the large number of children living in childcare institutions (CCIs) without a permanent family.

What did the Supreme Court Say About Adoption?

• The Court said that children living in CCIs, whose parents have not visited them for over a year or have “unfit” parents or guardians, should be identified and brought into the adoption pool.
  • The Court defined an “unfit guardian” as someone who is “unable or unwilling for parenting, indulging in substance (drug) abuse, abuse or alcohol, known to have abused or neglected the child, having a criminal record, in need of care themselves, mentally unsound, etc”.
• The Court ordered States and Union Territories to begin a bi-monthly drive to identify children in the orphaned-abandoned-surrendered (OAS) category in CCIs.
• The Court also directed States and Union Territories to compile data on potential children for adoption, especially amongst those weaken in CCIs, and hand over the details to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• The Court said that the States must ensure registration of all OAS children in the district on the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System(CARINGS) portal, the online platform for adoption in India.

What is the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)?

• CARA, is a statutory body of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• It functions as a nodal body for the adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoption.
• CARA is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Conventions on Inter-Country Adoptions, 1993, ratified by the Government of India in 2003.
• CARA primarily deals with the adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its associated /recognised adoption agencies.

What are the Current Trends and Statistics of Adoption in India?

• According to CARA, there are only about 4,000 child adoptions annually in the country, while there are over 3 Crore orphans till 2021.
• There is also a huge mismatch between children available for legal adoption and the number of prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) according to CARA’s online portal, the CARINGS.
  • PAPs are individuals or couples who are in the process of becoming adoptive parents.
  • A State-wise break-up of the figures provided by CARA showed that 2,146 children were available for adoption as of October 2023.
  • As opposed to this, about 30,669 PAPs have been registered for in-country adoption as of October 2023.
    • PAPs have to wait for between three to four years to get ‘a healthy and young child’ due to the huge mismatch in the number of registered PAPs and children available for adoption.
  • CARA’s tabulation indicates that 69.4% of registered PAPs opt for children in the age group of zero to two years; 10.3% in the age group of two to four years; and 14.8% in the age group of four to six years.
• Further, out of 760 districts in the country, only 390 districts have Specialised Adoption Agencies.]

What are the Challenges Related to Adoption in India?

• Lengthy and Complex Adoption Process:
  • The adoption process in India, governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (which was later amended in 2021), and Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA), involves multiple intricate steps.
    • Steps include registration, home study, child referral, matching, acceptance, pre-adoption foster care, court order, and follow-up.
  • The extended timeline of the adoption process is influenced by factors such as the availability of children, the preferences of parents, the efficiency of authorities, and the legal formalities.
• High Rate of Child Returns:
  • Unusual upsurge in child returns reported by CARA between 2017-19 raises concerns.
    • According to the data, of the children returned, 60% were girls, 24% had special needs, and many were older than six.
    • Challenges arise as disabled and older children face extended adjustment periods in adoptive families, compounded by inadequate preparation and counselling from institutions on transitioning to a new family environment.
• Limited Adoption of Children with Disabilities:
  • Only 40 children with disabilities were adopted between 2018 and 2019, accounting for approximately 1% of the total number of children adopted in the year.
    • Annual trends reveal a decline in domestic adoptions of children with special needs, highlighting a disparity in the adoption landscape.
• Issues of Child Trafficking:
  • The diminishing pool of adoptable children has led to an increase in illegal adoption activities.
  • The threat of child trafficking during the pandemic, particularly affecting poor or marginalized families, raises ethical and legal concerns.
  • Child trafficking for adoption contributes to social disruption by undermining the integrity of legal adoption processes and eroding trust in the system.
• Traditional Family Norms and LGBTQ+ Parenthood:
  • Legal recognition challenges for LGBTQ+ families seeking adoption hinder their ability to become adoptive parents, prompting an increase in illegal adoptions within the queer community.
• Societal Stigma and Lack of Awareness:
  • Social stigma surrounding adoption, particularly for certain demographics, impacts adoption rates.
  • Limited awareness about the adoption process contributes to misconceptions and creates barriers for prospective adoptive parents.
• Corruption and Litigation:
  • Instances of corruption within the adoption process compromise its integrity and create challenges.
  • Legal disputes and litigation further slow down adoption proceedings, adding to the complexities of the overall process.

What are the Benefits of Adoption for Children and Society?

• Adoption can provide a loving and stable family environment for children who are deprived of parental care.
  • Adoption can also ensure the holistic development and well-being of the children, including their physical, mental, emotional, social, and educational needs.
• Adoption can also contribute to the social and economic development of the country, by reducing the burden on the state and the society, and by empowering the children to become productive and responsible citizens.
  • Cultivates a positive adoption culture, breaking down social stigmas and raising awareness about the benefits of adoption.

Way Forward

• Proactively identify children in CCIs with unfit parents or guardians, ensuring they are promptly brought into the adoption pool for a chance at a permanent family.
• Enhance institutional efforts to prepare and counsel children, especially older and disabled ones, for transitioning to new adoptive families.
• Develop comprehensive programs to address adjustment challenges, ensuring a smoother integration process.
• Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about the benefits of adoption, dispelling stigmas and misconceptions.
• Collaborate with international bodies to curb child trafficking for adoption and strengthen inter-country adoption regulations.
• Develop and promote foster care programs as an alternative to institutionalization, providing a temporary and nurturing environment for children awaiting adoption.

Climate Impact on Women in Agri-Food Systems

For Prelims: Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas, Loss and Damage Fund, Climate Change,

For Mains: Impact of Climate Change on Women Farmers, Role of Women in Agriculture, Employment & Output, Food Security

Source: DTE

Why in News?

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems highlights the unequal impact of the climate crisis on women engaged in agri-food systems across the globe.

• The research sheds light on the vulnerability of women in agricultural sectors and identifies hotspots where climate risks are most severe.

Note:

• Agri-food systems are the networks of people, activities, and resources that produce, process, distribute, and consume food.
  • They include farmers, traders, processors, retailers, consumers, and others, who are involved in the food value chain.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• Global Ranking of Climate Change Threats:
  • The study ranks 87 countries based on the climate change threat faced by women in agri-food systems.
    • India ranks 12^th, with other Asian nations like Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal also facing significant risks.
• Identification of High-Risk Regions:
  • Agri-food systems, encompassing production, post-harvest handling, and distribution, are particularly at risk.
  • Within African and Asian regions, central, east and southern Africa and west and south Asia emerge as regions with heightened vulnerability.
    • People living in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) are at heightened risk.
• Climate Agriculture Gender Inequality Hotspots:
  • The research combined insights on climate, gender and agri-food systems to map the regions as ‘climate–agriculture–gender inequality hotspots’.
  • The study calculated each country’s risk based on these indicators and plotted the score for each LMIC country on a color-coded map.
  • The hotspot maps can guide gender-responsive climate action, especially in upcoming climate conferences like Climate Conference (COP 28) and climate investments.
    • This is particularly relevant in ongoing negotiations around a loss and damage fund and other climate investments.

• Policymaking and Climate Action:
  • The study serves as a crucial entry point for policymaking by illustrating the unequal impact of hazards on women in agriculture.
  • Previous studies highlighted that women and girls are more likely to go hungry following natural disasters linked to climate change.
    • In India, twice the number of women compared to men reported eating less in response to a drought.
  • The hotspot maps can aid decision-makers and investors in targeting finance and investments to areas where women are hardest hit by climate change risks.

How does Climate Change Affect Women Engaged in Agri-Food Systems?

• Reduced Food Security and Income:
  • Climate change disrupts agricultural production, reduces crop yields and quality, and increases the risk of pests and diseases.
    • This affects the food security and income of women farmers, who often depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
    • Women farmers also face more challenges in accessing markets, credit, inputs, and extension services, which limits their ability to cope with climate shocks and stresses.
• Increased Workload:
  • Climate change increases the demand for water, labour, and natural resources, which adds to the workload of women farmers, who are often responsible for collecting water, fuelwood, and fodder, as well as performing household and care duties.
  • Women farmers also have to adapt to changing weather and rainfall patterns, which may require them to adopt new crops, technologies, or practices, or to migrate to other areas.
• Reduced Health and Well-being:
  • Climate change affects the health and well-being of women farmers, who are more exposed to heat stress, waterborne and vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and mental stress.
    • Women farmers also have less access to health care, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, which increases their vulnerability to climate-related health risks.
    • Climate change also exacerbates gender-based violence, especially in conflict and disaster situations.
• Limited Participation and Empowerment:
  • Climate change affects the participation and empowerment of women farmers, who are often excluded from decision-making processes and institutions related to agriculture and climate change.
  • Women farmers also have less access to information, education, and training, which limits their awareness and capacity to adapt to climate change.
    • Women farmers also face social and cultural norms and barriers that restrict their mobility, autonomy, and rights.

What are the Government Initiatives Related to Women in Agri-Food Systems?

• Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas(celebrated annually on October 15^th in India to recognize and appreciate the valuable contribution of women farmers in the agricultural sector).
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP).
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

Way Forward

• Enhance women’s access to and control over resources, services, and opportunities, such as land, water, credit, inputs, markets, extension, and social protection.
• Promote women’s involvement and leadership in decision-making and governance structures, such as farmer groups, cooperatives, committees, and policy platforms.
• Strengthen women’s knowledge and skills on climate-smart agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and climate information and early warning systems.
• Support women’s empowerment and agency, by addressing the underlying causes of gender inequality, such as social and cultural norms, legal and institutional barriers, and gender-based violence.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Mains:

Q. Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. (2014)

Civil War in Myanmar

For Prelims: Civil War in Myanmar, Foreigners Act of 1946, Refugees.

For Mains: Civil War in Myanmar, Security challenges and their management in border areas.

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, due to the ongoing Civil War in Myanmar, 1,500 nationals of Myanmar took refuge in Mizoram’s Champhai district following an intense gunfight between the Myanmar Army, and pro-democracy militias in the country’s western Chin State abutting Mizoram.

What is a Civil War?

• A civil war is a prolonged conflict between organized groups within the same country or nation.
• It involves armed confrontations between factions or groups with distinct social, political, or ideological differences, all vying for control or dominance over the nation's governance, territory, or resources.

What is Background of the Current Civil War in Myanmar?

• 2020 Elections and Military Coup:
  • In the November 2020 elections, Aung San Suu Kyi's party National League for Democracy (NLD) won the election. However, the military junta, known as the Tatmadaw, claimed electoral fraud without substantial evidence and rejected the election results.
  • In February, 2021, the military staged a coup, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other elected leaders, declaring a state of emergency, and seizing control of the government.
• Protests and Resistance:
  • The coup triggered widespread protests across Myanmar, with citizens demanding the restoration of democracy and the release of detained leaders.
  • Civil servants, activists, and various groups joined the civil disobedience movement, staging strikes and demonstrations.
• Formation of Resistance Forces:
  • As the Tatmadaw intensified its crackdown on dissent, opposition groups, including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and armed civilians, formed the People's Defence Forces (PDFs) to resist the military junta.
  • These groups aligned themselves with the National Unity Government (NUG), established by ousted lawmakers, aiming to challenge the military's authority.
• Current Scenario:
  • Fighting has also broken out elsewhere in the country, led by various local resistance forces — in the Rakhine State, Kayin State, Sagaing region bordering Manipur, and Chin State bordering Mizoram.

What does Ongoing Civil War in Myanmar Mean for India?

• Balanced Stance:
  • India has so far walked a fine line between expressing concern at the “interruption” of democracy in Myanmar, and engaging with the junta to protect its “vital interests”.
• Immediate Concern for India:
  • The influx of Myanmarese nationals in the border states of the Northeast.
  • This too at a time when the situation in Manipur remains volatile.
• Capturing of Two Important Towns by Rebels:
  • The anti-junta forces have captured two important towns close to the only two border crossing points between Myanmar and India. These are:
    • Rikhawdar, close to Zokhawthar in Mizoram, and
    • Khampat in Sagaing region, around 60 km from Moreh in Manipur.
  • The latter (Khampat in Sagaing region) is also part of the proposed India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway project.

What is the Current Legislative Framework in India to Handle Refugees?

• India treats all foreigners whether illegal immigrants, refugees/asylum seekers or those overstaying visa permits under
  • Foreigners Act of 1946: Under Section 3, the central government is empowered to detect, detain and deport illegal foreign nationals.
  • Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920: Under Section 5, authorities can remove an illegal foreigner by force under Article 258(1) of the Constitution of India.
  • Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939: Under this, there is a mandatory requirement under which all foreign nationals (excluding overseas citizens of India) visiting India on a long-term visa (more than 180 days) are required to register themselves with a Registration Officer within 14 days of arriving in India.
  • Citizenship Act, 1955: It provided provisions for renunciation, termination, and deprivation of citizenship.
    • Further, Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) seeks to provide citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Jain, Parsi, Sikh, and Buddhist immigrants persecuted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
• India issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by all concerned agencies while dealing with foreign nationals who claim to be refugees.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2016)

	Community sometimes mentioned in the news	In the affairs of
1.	Kurd	Bangladesh
2.	Madhesi	Nepal
3.	Rohingya	Myanmar

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

Ans- (c)

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Mains

Q. How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. (2014)

ICC Introduces Stop-Clock System and Revises Transgender Policy

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled groundbreaking measures aimed at revolutionizing the sport's regulations.

• Addressing persistent challenges in cricket, the ICC's introduction of a stop-clock system and a revised transgender policy has captured global attention and sparked discussions within the cricketing community.

What Major Actions have been Recently Initiated by the ICC?

• Stop-Clock System:
  • About: The introduction of a stop-clock system aims to address the persistent issue of time wastage between overs, enhancing the efficiency of gameplay.
    • This initiative is set to be implemented from 1^st December 2023 and will persist until April 2024.
    • As per the existing rule, if the fielding side is behind the clock by the time the innings is supposed to be finished, they have to bring in an additional fielder inside the 30-yard circle for those many overs.
      • But despite this, there were numerous instances where teams still lagged behind.
  • Mechanism: Once an over concludes, the fielding team is allotted a strict duration of 60 seconds to prepare for the subsequent over.
    • Match officials will activate the stop-clock upon the completion of an over.
    • Failure to comply within the stipulated time will result in a five-run penalty, imposed upon the third violation in a single innings.
• Revamped Transgender Policy:
  • About: Players transitioning from male to female, having undergone any form of male puberty, are now ineligible to participate in women’s international cricket, irrespective of surgical or gender reassignment treatments.
    • Previously, transgender women were required to maintain testosterone serum levels below 5 nanomoles for 12 months, in accordance with the International Olympic Committee's guidelines.
    • However, the ICC's revised stance now excludes individuals who have experienced male puberty from competing in women's international cricket.
  • Comparative Analysis with Other Sports Bodies: The ICC's revised policy echoes similar stances adopted by other sporting bodies:
    • World Athletics: Restricts transgender athletes who have experienced male puberty from competing in female world ranking competitions.
    • FINA (Swimming): Prevents transgender athletes who underwent any part of male puberty from participating in elite women's races.
    • World Rugby: Prohibited transgender women from competing at the elite and international levels of the women’s game, pioneering this stance among international sports federations.
• Other Notable ICC Updates:
  • Under-19 World Cup: In response to Sri Lanka Cricket's suspension due to government interference, the ICC relocated the Men's Under-19 World Cup to South Africa from Sri Lanka.
    • This decision significantly impacts Sri Lanka's economy, traditionally reliant on tourism and hospitality.
  • Pay Parity: The Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) endorsed a plan to expedite the development of female match officials, ensuring equal match day pay for ICC umpires across men’s and women’s cricket from January 2024 onwards.

What is the International Cricket Council?

• The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. Representing 108 members, the ICC governs and administrates the game and works with our members to grow the sport.
• The formation of the Imperial Cricket Conference(as the ICC was originally called) in 1909 marked the beginning of a structured international cricketing body, initially comprising England, Australia, and South Africa.
  • However, the West Indies (1928), New Zealand (1930) and India (1932) became Test nations before the Second World War and Pakistan (1952) soon afterwards.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship:

1. The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won.

2. New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Ans : (d)

Exp:

• The 2021–2023 ICC World Test Championship is the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship. It started on 4 August 2021 and is scheduled to finish on 31 March 2023.
• Revamped Point System
  • The ICC announced in 2020, that the finalists would be decided by percentage of points earned. The amount of points available per Test has been made uniform. This system allows the relative performance of teams to be compared at any point in time, meaning the cancellation of any matches or series for any reason does not directly impact the points table. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
  • New Zealand was the first team to qualify for the inaugural final. It was ahead of England due to its ratings, i.e., points (126) after playing 22 matches. On the other hand, England after playing 35 matches has got a 107 rating. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Ghol Fish

Source: IE

Why in News?

Gujarat recently declared the black-spotted croaker(Protonibea Diacanthus), locally known as the Ghol fish, as the state fish.

• The decision was based on various factors, emphasizing its uniqueness, economic value, and the need for conservation.

What are the Key Facts About Ghol Fish?

• Geographical Distribution:
  • The ghol fish is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Its habitat spans from the Persian Gulf to the expansive waters of the Pacific Ocean.
• Economic Significance:
  • The ghol fish has a substantial market demand in China and other Asian countries.
    • Ghol fish is also known as ‘Sea Gold’ for its high market value.
  • Its meat is exported to European and Middle-Eastern countries, while the dried air bladder is in high demand, especially in China.
  • A kilogram of ghol can fetch between Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 in Gujarat.
    • The dried air bladder, considered the costliest part, can reach amounts as high as Rs 25,000 a kilogram in the export market.
• Benefits:
  • Good for eye health and helps in maintaining eyesight.
  • Prevent ageing and wrinkles, the collagen content in the ghol fish prevents wrinkles and also keeps the elasticity of the skin intact.
  • Omega-3 content in ghol fish improves the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of infants if fed on a regular basis – it stimulates the growth of brain cells.
• Conservation:
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Near Threatened.

Note:

• Gujarat is one of the leading states in fisheries production in India, with a rich diversity of marine and inland fish species.
• In the year 2021-22, Gujarat recorded a total fish production of 8.74 lakh tonnes.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

43% Increase in Measles Deaths From 2021-2022

According to a new assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of measles deaths worldwide increased by 43 % from 2021-2022, due to falling vaccination rates.

• Low-income countries — where the risk of measles-related deaths is highest — have the lowest vaccination rate of 66%, indicating no recovery at all from the backslide during the pandemic.
• Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, spreads through respiratory droplets transmitted by the breath, sneeze or cough of an infected person.
• Measles is caused by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with 1 serotype. It is classified as a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family. Humans are the only natural hosts of measles virus.

Read More: Universal Immunization Programme, Mission Indradhanush

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Governor Can’t Withhold Re-passed Bills

Government of Tamil Nadu complained to the Supreme Court (SC)that Governor is holding back Bills indefinitely, defeating the rights of the people of Tamil Nadu to the benefits of crucial laws passed by the House.

• The SC took note of the Tamil Nadu government’s argument that the Constitution does not provide Governor “discretion” to withhold the Bills “re-passed” by the State Legislative Assembly.
• SC held that the first provision of Article 200 states: “if the Bill is passed again by the House or Houses with or without amendment and presented to the Governor for assent, the Governor shall not withhold assent therefrom”.
• The court also acknowledged the State’s submission that the Governor, having withheld assent and sent back the Bills once, cannot refer the reiterated Bills to the President.
• It was also observed by SC that withholding the Bill also implies sending it back to the Legislature for reconsideration as returning the Bills back to the House was a necessary corollary to the withdrawal of assent.

Read More: Article 356, Rajmannar Committee

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Israel Declares Lashkar-e-Taiba as Terror Organisation

Ahead of the 15^th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Israel declared the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a terror outfit, the move is in sync with Israel’s attempts to support a global war on terror.

• The announcement has come in the backdrop of Israel’s continued military operation in Gaza Strip that was launched immediately after the attack by Hamas on Israeli targets.
• Israel’s move comes at a time when it has asked India to proscribe Hamas as a terrorist outfit.
• Israel usually lists terrorist organizations that operate against it within or around its borders, similar to India's practice of listing groups recognized globally by the UNSC or the US State Department.
• USA, UK, European Union, Canada, Australia, Japan are among the countries and groupings that have designated Hamas as a terror outfit.

Read More: Six-Day War of 1967, UNSC 1267 Committee

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Kolkali Art of Kerala

Kolkali, a folk art of Malabar region of Kerala, is being performed in remembrance of St. Thomas’ (one of the disciples of Jesus Christ) arrival in India who landed in Muziris (Cranganore) on the Kerala coast in 52 AD.

• With a history of about 200 years, Kolkali art is said to have drawn elements from Kalaripayattu, a martial art practised in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• In Kolkali, each of the performers holds a stick and moves in circle, striking the sticks and keeping rhythm to the accompanying music.
• As the music gradually rises in pitch, the pace increases till the performance reaches its climax. The circle expands and contracts as the dance progresses.
• Kolkali is widespread among the Dravidians. It has exerted a great influence in the folk dance forms of Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab, and Maharashtra. In Tamil Nadu, this art form is referred to as Kolattam and in Andhra Pradesh, as Kolamu.

Read More: Martial Art Forms in India

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Online Coaching Platform: SATHEE

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• This collaborative initiative breaks the mold of traditional coaching centers by offering free, accessible coaching, leveling the playing field for aspirants from all backgrounds.
• Aligned with National Education Policy, SATHEE leverages AI to personalize learning experiences and provides a 45-day comprehensive crash course, preparing students for exams like JEE and NEET.

Read more: National Education Policy