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Editorials & Articles – 7 March 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 7 March 2024

The tale of ‘have money, buy miracle drug’

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health
Relevant to UPSC as it underscores health governance issues, ethics in medical practice, and regulatory challenges in India.
Context
  • The article addresses the concerning trend of administering unapproved weight loss drugs, specifically Semaglutide, in India.
  • It highlights the lack of clinical trials, ethical questions for doctors, and the government’s role in controlling drug imports.

 Introduction:

  • Newspapers regularly feature articles on ‘magic injections’ containing Semaglutide, a drug for Type 2 diabetes that promotes weight loss.
  • These injections are not approved for sale in India but are administered by doctors to affluent patients, raising ethical and safety concerns.
  • Global pharma companies issue warnings, but media fails to publicize them, and significant side effects remain unreported.

Approval Process and Exceptions:

  • In India, drugs are approved after clinical trials by the local subsidiary or licensee of the global brand owner.
  • Regulatory approval involves monitoring adverse events for two years.
  • Patients and hospitals can import unapproved drugs for personal use or special cases with regulatory approval.

Lack of Clinical Trials in India:

  • Unapproved weight loss drugs lack clinical trials in India, posing risks as the reaction in the Indian population remains unknown.
  • Potential interactions with drugs commonly prescribed in India, such as those for diabetes and hypertension, are uncertain.
  • The absence of clinical data poses a significant, unmitigated risk.

Questions for Doctors:

  • Doctors face ethical dilemmas regarding prescribing unapproved drugs.
  • Incentives for doctors prescribing these drugs raise concerns about their motivations.
  • The extent of doctors’ knowledge about the full effects and adverse events of these drugs is questionable.
  • The likelihood of clients using illegally imported drugs is high, given the lack of regulatory approval.

Imported Drugs Scandal:

  • The scandal involving spurious drugs like Adcetris highlights the issue of delayed alerts by regulators.
  • Doctors must ensure the authenticity of drugs before administering them, raising doubts about their due diligence.
  • The Semaglutide case reinforces concerns, as alerts from pharma companies suggest potential complicity in a scam.

Questions for Regulators:

  • Government and drug regulators must address the import control of unapproved drugs.
  • The potential for arrests and legal consequences may serve as a deterrent to doctors involved in administering these drugs.

Public Indifference:

  • The public’s indifference towards this issue is noted, portraying it as a problem for the affluent.
  • The government’s priorities are questioned, especially considering previous incidents like deaths from spurious cough syrup.

Conclusion:

  • The situation prompts reflection on the government’s responsibility and public apathy towards illegal and potentially harmful drugs.
  • The need for stringent measures to control the import and administration of unapproved drugs is evident.
  • The ethical dilemmas faced by doctors and the potential risks to patients highlight the urgency for regulatory intervention and public awareness.

The legislature should complement the judiciary in fighting corruption

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity
This topic is crucial for UPSC as it examines the synergy between legislature and judiciary in tackling corruption, a key national concern.
Context
  • The Tirukkoyilur Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu is declared vacant due to the conviction and disqualification of former Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy in a disproportionate assets case.
  • Section 8(1) mandates immediate disqualification upon conviction, but the delay in this case raises questions.
  • This calls for legislative support of the judiciary in anti-corruption cases involving lawmakers to maintain confidence in the democratic system.

Additional information on this news:

  • Tirukkoyilur Assembly constituency declared vacant due to the conviction and disqualification of former Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy in a disproportionate assets case in December.
  • Despite the Madras High Court’s conviction order not being stayed by the Supreme Court, there was a significant delay in declaring Tirukkoyilur vacant.
  • AIADMK General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, urged the Assembly Speaker to act impartially in declaring the seat vacant.
  • Ponmudy’s disqualification falls under Section 8(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, listing offenses under laws such as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Prevention of Corruption Act.
  • Section 8(1) mandates immediate disqualification upon conviction, but the delay in this case raises questions.
  • Calls for legislative support of the judiciary in anti-corruption cases involving lawmakers to maintain confidence in the democratic system.
  • Emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic values, protecting dissent, and avoiding any perception of authoritarianism or judicial overreach.
Legislature’s Role in Anti-Corruption:
Issues:

  • Political Interference: Legislators may be hesitant to pursue cases involving colleagues or party members, hindering investigations.
  • Weak Legislation: Loopholes and outdated laws can make prosecuting corruption difficult.
  • Lack of Oversight: Insufficient scrutiny of government spending and activities allows corruption to flourish.

Solutions:

  • Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies: Empowering independent bodies to investigate and prosecute corruption, free from political influence.
  • Whistleblower Protection: Enacting strong laws to protect individuals who report corrupt activities.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Mandating public disclosure of finances and assets for officials, and promoting citizen participation in public affairs.
  • Stronger Legislation: Regularly reviewing and revising laws to address new methods of corruption and close existing loopholes.
  • Effective Oversight: Implementing robust oversight mechanisms like parliamentary committees to scrutinize government activities.

By addressing these issues and collaborating with the judiciary, the legislature can play a crucial role in creating a robust and effective anti-corruption ecosystem.

A judge’s entry into politics

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity – Judiciary
UPSC Significance: Examines risks of judicial-political overlap, impacting impartiality and governance; crucial for constitutional understanding and ethical governance.
Context
  • Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigns, joins BJP during West Bengal’s election season, raising concerns about past judgments and potential political influence.

Additional information on this news:

  • Abhijit Gangopadhyay, a former judge of Calcutta High Court, resigned and announced joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during West Bengal’s election season.
  • The 61-year-old judge expressed interest in a BJP ticket for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
  • His decision raised concerns about the political bias in his past judgments, prompting the Trinamool Congress to seek a review of all his orders.
  • Gangopadhyay had issued orders directing CBI investigations into the school and municipal recruitment scam in West Bengal, leading to significant setbacks for the ruling Trinamool Congress.
  • The former judge criticized Trinamool, calling it an “ajatra party” and made scathing remarks about its leaders.
  • Gangopadhyay had a controversial career, with Supreme Court interventions in 2023 and 2024 regarding allegations against a senior judge and a stay on an order related to case reassignment.
  • Resigning five months before superannuation, he faces criticism and questions about the timing, with opponents suggesting potential influence on judgments.
  • Gangopadhyay stated his desire to contribute on a “larger platform” than the judiciary and is expected to enter politics, raising speculation about his commitment to fighting corruption in his new role.
Issues with Supreme Court / High Court Judges joining politics:
Issues:

  • Eroded Public Trust: Judges entering politics raise concerns about past rulings being politically motivated, shaking public faith in the judiciary’s impartiality.
  • Perceived Bias: Even if impartial, judges with political affiliations might be seen as biased in future rulings, undermining judicial legitimacy.
  • Politicization of Judiciary: Judges entering politics create a revolving door effect, blurring lines between judiciary and politics, potentially politicizing judicial appointments.
  • Reduced Judicial Independence: Judges aiming for political careers might be tempted to issue rulings favouring their future party, compromising independence.
  • Loss of Expertise: Experienced judges leaving weaken the bench, taking valuable legal expertise and experience with them.

Way Forward:

  • Cooling-off Period: Mandating a period after retirement where judges cannot enter politics reduces suspicion of politically motivated rulings.
  • Stronger Recusal Standards: Clearer guidelines on when judges should recuse themselves from cases involving their future political party can enhance public confidence.
  • Financial Security: Ensuring competitive post-retirement benefits removes financial incentives potentially swaying judicial decisions.
  • Judicial Transparency: Increased transparency in judicial appointments and decision-making processes strengthens public trust in the judiciary.
  • Ethical Codes: Reinforcing ethical codes for judges, including restrictions on post-retirement political activity, upholds judicial integrity.

The thin-fat Indian

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health
This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this analysis delves into the complex interplay between undernutrition, obesity, and the burden of diseases like diabetes, offering a nuanced understanding of societal health issues.
Context:
  • The Global Burden of Disease study highlighted in The Lancet underscores the significant global challenge posed by the coexistence of undernutrition and obesity.
  • While many reports are cross-sectional, Indian data offers a distinctive perspective, particularly regarding the evolution of diabetes and obesity among individuals who experienced early-life undernutrition.
  • This analysis delves into the unique challenges faced by India, emphasizing the legacy of undernutrition, the emergence of diabetes and obesity, and the potential solutions rooted in understanding nature’s wisdom.

Legacy of Undernutrition in India:

  • India grapples with a historical legacy of undernutrition, evident in comparisons with European populations.
  • While Europeans experienced a significant increase in height over the last two centuries, Indians showed minimal growth.
  • However, there’s a positive trend in the current generation, indicating improved nutrition.
  • This transition from long-term deprivation to rapid development underscores the need for comprehensive nutritional strategies.

Early Life Undernutrition and Diabetes/Obesity:

  • The juxtaposition of “obesity day” and “women’s day” highlights a critical link often overlooked: the impact of early life undernutrition on the emergence of diabetes and obesity.
  • Neglecting the nutrition and health of young mothers over centuries has resulted in the intergenerational transmission of health challenges.
  • Research suggests that addressing maternal nutrition and health during pregnancy can mitigate the risk of diabetes and obesity in offspring, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures over reactive interventions.

Understanding Diabetes and Obesity in India:

  • The experiences of a doctor at BJ Medical College and Sassoon Hospital in Pune provide insights into the unique characteristics of diabetes among Indians.
  • Despite lower obesity rates compared to Westerners, Indians exhibit a higher prevalence of diabetes at a younger age.
  • Research conducted during the 1980s revealed a phenomenon termed “thin-fat” Indian, wherein Indians with lower BMI still exhibit metabolic markers associated with obesity.
  • This discovery led to the recognition of central obesity and its role in insulin resistance among Indians.

Intrauterine Programming and Epigenetics:

  • Collaboration with experts shed light on the concept of intrauterine programming, wherein malnutrition during fetal development alters organ structure and function, predisposing individuals to metabolic disorders later in life.
  • Studies on Indian newborns revealed a higher fat percentage despite lower birth weights, indicating the influence of intrauterine conditions on future health outcomes.
  • The concept of epigenetics underscores the role of adverse intrauterine experiences in shaping disease risk, offering avenues for intervention through maternal health and nutrition initiatives.

Investing in Maternal Health and Future Generations:

  • Recognizing the multifaceted impact of maternal health on future generations, national policies targeting adolescent girls and women of reproductive age aim to improve maternal nutrition and metabolic health.
  • The “Developmental Origins of Health and Disease” framework underscores India’s significant contributions to understanding early-life determinants of health.
  • By prioritizing investments in maternal health, India can foster resilience among future generations, mitigating the burden of obesity and diabetes.

Conclusion:

  • India faces a dual challenge of undernutrition and the emergence of diabetes and obesity, rooted in historical legacies and intrauterine experiences.
  • Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes maternal health, nutrition, and metabolic well-being.
  • By investing in preventive strategies and understanding the developmental origins of health and disease, India can pave the way for healthier future generations, shifting from reactive healthcare to proactive interventions.
What are Overweight, Thinness, and Obesity?
Body Mass Index:

  • BMI is a measure of weight-to-height commonly used to classify underweight, overweight, and obesity in adults.
  • It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters (kg/m²).
  • For example, an adult weighing 58 kg and standing 1.70 m tall will have a BMI of 20.1 (BMI = 58 kg / (1.70 m * 1.70 m)).

Obesity and Overweight:

  • Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk.
  • Overweight is a condition of excessive fat deposits and Obesity is a chronic disease that occurs when the body stores excess calories as fat.
  • Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain cancers.
  • Childhood obesity is associated with serious health complications and an increased risk of premature onset of related illnesses.
  • Obesity is one side of the double burden of malnutrition, and today more people are obese than underweight in every region except the South-East Asia Region.

Thinness and Underweight:

  • Thinness and Underweight refers to having a lower-than-normal body weight relative to height. It is often associated with insufficient calorie intake or underlying health conditions.
  • Underweight is one of the four broad sub-forms of undernutrition.
  • An adult is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18 kg/m2. School-aged children and adolescents are considered underweight if their BMI is two standard deviations below the mean.
  • Undernutrition manifests in four broad forms: wasting, stunting, Underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies.
  • Being underweight can lead to various health problems, including osteoporosis, skin, hair, or teeth issues, frequent illnesses, fatigue, anaemia, irregular periods, premature births, impaired growth, and increased mortality risk.

An antidote called empathy

Topic: GS1 – Society – Role of women and women’s organization
GS4 – Attitude – Its influence and relation with thought and behaviour This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this article delves into the complexities surrounding Women’s Day celebrations, highlighting the discrepancy between public gestures of respect for women and underlying societal attitudes.
Context:
  • As Women’s Day approaches, the familiar spectacle of superficial acknowledgments floods various sectors of Indian society.
  • From corporate boardrooms to college canteens, from social media influencers to politicians, all participate in this annual charade.
  • Despite the well-meaning outrage over news stories of violence against women and the enjoyment of Women’s Day discounts, the underlying hypocrisy remains evident.
  • While publicly encouraging respect for all women, there exists a stark contrast in private attitudes, where respect seems reserved only for those deemed “respectable” by societal standards.

A Call for Genuine Feminization:

  • Amidst the cynicism surrounding Women’s Day celebrations, there arises a call to shed the facade and earnestly ponder the means to credibly feminize Indian institutions.
  • This entails moving beyond mere tokenism, counting the number of women in power, or valorizing those who have achieved recognition.
  • Rather, it necessitates rescuing institutions from the language of power and glory and transitioning towards a paradigm of care and empathy.

Challenges in Institutional Culture:

  • The entrenched masculine culture within key institutions poses a significant obstacle to feminization efforts.
  • Traits like competitiveness and assertiveness are often prioritized, perpetuating a culture of dominance.
  • Mere representation of women in decision-making roles is insufficient; instead, emphasis should be on promoting diversity of experiences, emotional literacy, and privilege-checking among decision-makers.

Recognizing Recognition Gaps:

  • Sociological insights, particularly from scholars like Michele Lamont, highlight the concept of recognition gaps, wherein certain social groups face disparities in worth and cultural membership.
  • Institutions must serve as buffers to provide recognition to stigmatized groups, emphasizing affirmative action that prioritizes historically marginalized communities.

Transforming Mindsets and Values:

  • Addressing the mindset of scarcity and dominance ingrained from childhood is crucial for fostering empathy and inclusivity among future generations.
  • Education systems must promote understanding and recognition of diverse experiences, challenging existing biases and narrow worldviews.

Valuing Care Work:

  • A feminized society acknowledges and values the labor of care, moving away from self-centeredness towards collective well-being.
  • Policies should prioritize investing in the care economy, adequately compensating care workers, and mitigating the trade-offs women face between caregiving and career advancement.

Ensuring Safety Nets and Social Security:

  • Safety nets and social security measures are imperative for ensuring the well-being of all individuals, irrespective of gender.
  • A feminized society prioritizes the establishment of universal systems of economic assurance and risk insurance, addressing the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities.

Conclusion:

  • Addressing the crisis of Indian masculinity requires embracing feminist principles that prioritize empathy and care over aggression and competition.
  • A feminized India liberates the discourse on equality from tokenism and power dynamics, fostering a culture of genuine empathy and inclusivity.
What are the Key Points about International Women’s Day?
About: It is celebrated annually on 8th March. It includes:

  • Celebration of women’s achievements,
  • raising awareness about women’s equality,
  • lobbying for accelerated gender parity,
  • fundraising for female-focused charities, etc.

Brief History:

  • Women’s Day was first celebrated back in 1911 by Clara Zetkin, who was a German. The roots of the celebration had been in the labour movement across Europe and North America.
  • However, it was only in 1913 that the celebrations were shifted to 8th March, and it has remained that way ever since.
  • International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975.
  • In December 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

Theme in 2024:

  • The United Nations has decided this year’s theme as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ is aimed at tackling economic disempowerment. While the campaign theme for the same year is ‘Inspire Inclusion.’
  • Though this campaign, the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society is emphasized.
  • Also, the campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality.
Trees in Jim Corbett National Park Fell Prey to Greedy Nexus: Supreme Court

Why in News?

  • The Supreme Court has slammed the political-bureaucrat nexus over illegal construction and felling of trees at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, saying public trust had been thrown into the “waste bin”.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • About Jim Corbett National Park (Flora, Fauna, Rivers Associated, Key Facts, etc.)
  • News Summary (Court’s Observation, Core Zone, Buffer Zone)

Jim Corbett National Park:

  • Jim Corbett national park is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
  • Flora:
    • Sal, Semal, Kharpat, Sissoo, Khair, Dhak, Khingan, Bakli, Bel, Ber, Bamboo, Khingam, Jamun, Kanju, Rohini and Pula.
    • Sal, Khair and Sissoo are the most visible trees found in Corbett.
  • Fauna:
    • Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Hogg Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Langur, Wild pig, Rhesus Monkey, Jackal, Rabbit, Yellow Throated Martin, Otters.
    • Reptiles such as Crocodile, Gharial, King Cobra, Common Krait, Cobra, Russel Viper, Rock Python, and Monitor Lizard are also found.
  • Rivers Associated:
    • The eastern periphery of Corbett National Park is entirely fed by the Kosi River.
    • The Ramganga River (West) along with its significant tributaries Sonanadi, Palain and Mandal forms the prominent hydrological resource for the Corbett.
  • Key Facts:
    • It is India’s oldest national park (1935).
    • It was named Hailey National Park after its founder Sir Malcolm Hailey.
      • In 1956, in honour of Jim Corbett, who took the initiative for wildlife preservation in India, the Indian Government renamed it as Corbett National Park.
    • It has the highest population of tigers in India.

News Summary:

  • In 2023, alleged illegal buildings and waterbodies were being created. The issue was brought before the court through a batch of applications.
  • The petitioners tried highlighting the violation of environmental norms and the encroachment into core wildlife habitats.
  • During the proceedings, the petitioners presented evidence of unauthorised constructions within the national park.
  • The court was shown photographs depicting concrete and iron enclosures purportedly meant for a ‘safari’ experience.
  • The court was also informed that a significant number of trees, over 6,000, had been cut down in the national park under the guise of safari development.

Supreme Court’s Observation:

  • The Court has raised questions about the necessity of creating such facilities within natural forest environments, particularly in areas designated for the protection of endangered species like tigers.
  • The Supreme Court has directed the Government to constitute a committee to recommend whether tiger safaris should be permitted in the buffer or fringe areas.
    • Also, what guidelines should be promulgated for establishing such safaris, if permitted.
  • The Court also took a stern view of the illegal constructions and rampant felling of trees in Uttarakhand’s Corbett National Park.

About Core Areas and Buffer Areas in Tiger Reserves:

  • According to the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act of 2006, a Tiger Reserve must have a core or critical habitat and a buffer zone peripheral to it.
  • The Core areas have the legal status of a National Park or a Sanctuary.
  • The Buffer or peripheral areas are a mix of forest and non-forest land, managed as a multiple-use area.
  • The buffer area further, absorbs the “shock” of poaching pressure on populations of tiger and other wild animals.
Centre considers Article 371-like shield for Ladakh

Why in news?

  • In a meeting with representatives from Ladakh, Union Home Minister offered to extend Article 371-like protections to the region.
  • The Minister assured the representatives that their concerns related to jobs, land, and culture would be taken care of.
  • However, he said that the Centre cannot bestow statehood on the Union Territory nor guarantee its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
    • Instead, the government is considering giving Ladakh special provisions under Article 371 of the Constitution.
    • Special provisions under Article 371 would allow protections to be extended to the local population of Ladakh, while stopping short of the widespread autonomy that is provided to ADCs and ARCs under the Sixth Schedule.

Background

  • Following the repeal of Article 370 in August 2019 and the subsequent enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, Ladakh has been recognised as a separate UT without legislature.
    • UTs like New Delhi and Pondicherry have their own Legislative Assemblies.
  • However, various organisations like the ABL and the KDA have demanded that Ladakh be included under the Sixth Schedule.
    • This Schedule contains provisions regarding the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
  • Article 371

Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

  • About
    • The Sixth Schedule gives tribal communities of NE states considerable autonomy within a larger administrative or political structure.
      • Sixth Schedule was adopted under Article 244 of the Constitution.
    • This schedule deals with the provisions for formation of autonomous administrative divisions within a state.
  • Inclusion under sixth schedule
    • It allows a region to create Autonomous District and Regional Councils (ADCs and ARCs) — elected bodies with the power to administrate tribal areas.
    • This would include the power to make laws on subjects such as forest management, agriculture, administration of villages and towns, inheritance, marriage, divorce and social customs.
      • A majority of the population in Ladakh belongs to Scheduled Tribes.
    • The ADCs and ARCs may also:
      • constitute village councils or courts to decide disputes between parties from Scheduled Tribes, and
      • appoint officers to oversee the administration of the laws they enact.
    • In cases where the offences are punishable with death or more than five years of imprisonment, the Governor of the state can confer upon the ADCs and ARCs the power to try them under the country’s criminal and civil laws.
    • The Schedule also gives ARCs and ADCs the power to
      • collect land revenue, impose taxes, regulate money lending and trading,
      • collect royalties from licences or leases for the extraction of minerals in their areas, and
      • establish public facilities such as schools, markets, and roads.
  • Current status
    • Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution provides a list of ten tribal areas in Assam (3), Meghalaya (3), Tripura (1) and Mizoram (3).
    • Each of these tribal areas constitutes an autonomous district. Each autonomous district has an Autonomous District Council (ADC).

Article 371 of the Indian Constitution

  • About
    • Article 371, under part XXI of the Indian Constitution, grants some special provisions to certain states.
    • It has been part of the Constitution since 26 January, 1950.
      • However, Articles 371(A-J) were brought in via amendments through Article 368.
  • Applicability
    • Article 371 applies to a dozen states including six in the North East.
    • The states are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Goa, Manipur and Karnataka.
    • Article 371 stood alone, requiring the creation of development boards in Maharashtra and Gujarat for certain regions in order to assess their overall development and the need for government expenditure.
  • Article 371-A
    • It contains provisions related to Nagaland. Parliament cannot enact laws that affect the social, religious, or customary legal practices of Nagas.
  • Article 371-B
    • 371B, which deals with Assam, was brought in in 1969. It allows the President to deal with the Constitution and functioning of a committee of Legislative Assembly comprising members elected from the tribal.
  • Article 371-C
    • 371C, which relates to Manipur was brought in in 1971.
    • President of India may provide for the constitution and functions of a committee of elected members from the Hill areas in the Assembly.
    • It gives the Governor, who has to send the President a report every year, “special responsibility.”
  • Article 371-D& E
    • Article 371D was brought in in 1973 for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
      • However, this has since been replaced by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
    • It says the President must ensure equitable opportunities and facilities in public employment and education to people from different parts of the state.
  • Article 371-F
    • It provides reservations in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, in order to protect the rights and interests of the different sections of the population.
  • Article 371G
    • The Legislative Assembly of Mizoram must have at least 40 members.
  • Article 371H
    • The governor of Arunachal Pradesh has special responsibility for law and order in the state.
  • Article 371I
    • The Legislative Assembly of Goa must consist of not less than 30 members.
  • Article 371J
    • Grants special status to 6 backward districts of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.
    • A separate development board be established for these regions (similar to Maharashtra and Gujarat) and also ensures local reservation in education and government jobs.
Second rocket launchport of ISRO

Why in news?

  • Recently, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the second rocket launchport of the ISRO at Kulasekarapattinam.
  • It is situated at a geographically advantageous location in coastal Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district.
  • It will be extensively and exclusively used for commercial, on-demand, and small satellite launches in the future.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Need for a new launchport
  • Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
  • News Summary

Need for a new launchport

  • With the Union government’s recent policy announcing the opening of the space sector to private players, a sharp rise in the number of commercial launches is expected.
  • To ensure that ISRO’s first launchport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota, is not overburdened with a high number of launches, the space agency has decided to build another facility.
    • SHAR is situated along the east coast of Andhra Pradesh and is located 80 km off Chennai.
    • It currently provides launch infrastructure to all ISRO missions.
  • While SHAR will be only used for launching bigger and heavy-lift-off missions, the new launchport will be used to launch smaller payloads.
    • SHAR will also be available for India’s big ticket missions to the Moon, Venus, and much touted human-flight mission, the Gaganyaan.
  • Private players could develop space-qualified sub-systems, build satellites, and even launch vehicles using the new launchport.
  • It will also facilitate dedicated launch infrastructure for all the on-demand commercial launches.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

  • About
    • SSLV is the new small satellite launch vehicle developed by ISRO to cater for the launch of small satellites.
    • It has a three-stage launch vehicle, having a lift-off weight of about 120 tonnes and is 34 metres in length and 2 metres in diameter.
    • SSLV is designed with a three-stage solid propulsion and a liquid propulsion stage, which is the terminal stage.
  • Uses
    • The SSLV missions are useful to launch small-sized satellites weighing anywhere between 10 to 500kg into the Low Earth Orbit.
    • Going by their size and weight, these are typically referred to as mini, micro or nano satellites.
    • They are low on cost and intended satellite insertion into orbits takes a shorter flight time.
    • SSLV are best suited for commercial and on-demand launches.
    • Previously, satellite projects built by college students and private players involved in the space sector have benefitted from SSLV missions.
  • India’s journey towards SSLV
    • The first SSLV mission — SSLV-D1 — carrying two satellites, including EOS-02 and AzaadiSat, in August 2022, was a failure.
      • The insertion of the two satellites after their separation took place into a 356 km circular orbit instead of the intended elliptical orbit.
    • In its second attempt with the SSLV-D2 in February 2023, ISRO tasted success.
    • The rocket inserted three satellites onboard into the intended 450 km circular orbit following a 15 minute flight.

News Summary: Why is the new launch port located in Tamil Nadu?

  • Natural advantage to ISRO’s future launches pertaining to SSLV
    • The Kulasekarapattinam launchport provides a natural advantage to ISRO’s future launches pertaining to the SSLV.
    • Allowing a direct southward and smaller launch trajectory for the light weight SSLVs carrying less fuel, the new facility will boost ISRO’s attempts to enhance payload capacities.
  • Currently launch from existing SHAR facility follow a longer trajectory
    • Currently, the trajectory followed by all launches from SHAR are longer as they follow a path.
    • This requires the vehicle to skirt eastwards around Sri Lanka before taking the actual southward flight. This consumes additional fuel.
    • However, the same would not be required for future launches from Kulasekarapattinam.
    • This is because Kulasekarapattinam is geographically located several kilometers to the west of Colombo.
  • Located near equator
    • Both the launchports (SHAR and the new facility) are located on Southern India, near the equator.
    • For a launch site close to equator the magnitude of the velocity imparted due to Earth’s rotation is about 450 m/s.
    • This can lead to substantial increase in the payload for a given launch vehicle.
    • Geostationary satellites must necessarily be in the equatorial plane. So, for such satellites, closer the launch site is to the equator the better it is.
Resource Classification Code: Industry Awaits Shift to JORC from UNFC

Why in News?

  • In a bid to spur private investment in India’s mining sector, representatives of Vedanta Group pushed the Mines Ministry to shift to an investor friendly resource classification code.
  • The representatives asked the ministry to consider the adoption of Joint Ore Reserve Committee (JORC) classification, as opposed to the currently used United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC).

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Need for a Resource Classification Code and a Shift to JORC
  • What is the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC)?
  • Comparing UNFC and JORC
  • Significance of IMIC/JORC

Need for a Resource Classification Code and a Shift to JORC:

  • It is necessary –
    • To assess resources and reserves in a mineral block,
    • To prepare geological reports to facilitate its auction for both exploration and mining, and
    • For a mining company to evaluate its assets.
  • Between FY19 and FY23, the mining industry recorded foreign direct investment (FDI) in equity valuing $1.1 billion, just 0.4% of gross equity inflows worth $259 billion.
  • According to experts, India’s current resource classification rules based on the UNFC –
    • Have made the prospect of mineral exploration unattractive to private companies,
    • As it fails to provide any degree of economic certainty,
    • Which in turn has hindered the flow of private investment in the sector.
  • Experts point out that India’s mining industry has already developed and recommended the Indian Mineral Industry Code (IMIC) in 2019, which is based on the same template as the JORC
    • However, the ministry is yet to formulate rules in line with the IMIC despite informal assurances.
  • Both the IMIC and the JORC classification are aligned with the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO).
    • Globally, CRIRSCO consists of 15 members including the USA, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, South Africa, and the European Union.
    • Membership to CRIRSCO requires countries to produce reporting codes that comply with the CRIRSCO template.
    • India was admitted to CRIRSCO in 2019 following the recognition of the IMIC as a CRIRSCO-compliant code.

What is the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC)?

  • UNFC is an international scheme for the classification, management and reporting of energy, mineral, and raw material resources.
  • The UN Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) Expert Group on Resource Management (EGRM) is responsible for the development, promotion and further development of UNFC.
  • UNFC applies to energy resources including oil and gas; renewable energy; nuclear energy; minerals; injection projects for the geological storage of CO2; groundwater; etc.
  • UNFC, in its core principles, encompasses the holistic management of all socio-economical, technological and uncertainty aspects of energy and mineral projects.
  • UNFC aims to provide clear and consistent specifications, guidelines and best practices for all energy and mineral sectors.
  • As a unique tool for harmonising policy framework, government oversight, industry business process and efficient capital allocation, UNFC is capable of managing the natural resources for realising the objectives on SDGs.

Comparing UNFC and JORC:

  • JORC Code, developed by mining experts in Australia, is a professional code of practice that promotes robust standards for the public reporting of exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves.
  • Similarity between UNFC and JORC: Proved Mineral (Ore) Reserves has almost the same meaning.
  • Differences between UNFC and JORC:
    • Intent: JORC Code is a required minimum standard for Public Reporting. UNFC is to harmonise various standards existing in countries, to facilitate international communication.
      • Unlike UNFC, JORC mandates disclosures pertaining to the economic viability of mining exploration projects.
    • Content: While UNFC introduces the concepts of every class of the resources and reserves, JORC also specifies what kind of report or reporting should be done for public investment.
    • Implement: JORC Code is adopted by professional society. UNFC is a reference for countries who want to make international communication.

Significance of IMIC/JORC:

  • Unlike other sectors, the mining sector deals with natural processes, the knowledge of which remains incomplete prior to the commencement of mineral extraction.
  • It is critical for the Indian mineral sector to communicate effectively and transparently with the investment community, which are essential to earn their trust.
    • This should be done using internationally accepted terminology and definitions, which is incorporated in the IMIC.
  • While the UNFC framework allows for the reporting of resources in general, the IMIC and the JORC classification, indicate the likelihood of profitably mining a mineral block at the time of reporting.