UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 8th March 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Women in constituent assembly of India

Subject: History

Why in News?

 Remembering the stories of  women leaders on Women’s Day

Background:

• Even after seven decades of Independence, the gendered writing of our history and popular narratives present only men as the architects of our Constitution. However, the 299-member Constituent Assembly had a bright set of 15 women who came from diverse backgrounds and endured patriarchy, caste oppression, child marriage and widowhood.

Women in constituent assembly of India :

• The women members of the Constituent Assembly were Ammu Swaminathan, Dakshayani Velayudhan, Begum Aizaz Rasul, Durgabai Deshmukh, Hansa Mehta, Kamla Chaudhary, Leela Roy, Malati Choudhury, Purnima Banerjee, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Renuka Ray, Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kriplani, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit and Annie Mascarene.
• Annie Mascarene:She fought to integrate the princely state of Travancore into the newly independent India and became the first woman to hold a ministerial and legislative assembly position in Travancore(erstwhile princely state; part of Kerala after its formation).
• Hansa Jivraj Mehta:She remained committed to women’s issues throughout her life and, in the Constituent Assembly, made strong arguments against reservations for women as a tool for equality and justice.
• Dakshayani Velayudhan:Born into the Pulaya community of Kerala, Dakshayani Velayudhan faced acute discrimination from the upper caste communities in Cochin and Travancore.
• Amrit Kaur:She played an important role both during the freedom struggle and in shaping independent India. Kaur joined Gandhi in the Civil Disobedience movement in 1930.Kaur also served as the first women Health Minister
• Ammu Swaminathan:She started becoming politically involved in 1917 when she formed the Women’s India Association along with Annie Besant to address the social and economic problems of women workers.
• Durgabai Deshmukh:Remembered as the ‘Mother of Social Work’, Durgabai Deshmukh was one of the drivers of rigorous nation-building and social reform.She pioneered the Andhra Mahila Sabha in 1937, which became an institution of education and social welfare.
• Begum Aizaz Rasul: She was the only Muslim woman member in the Constituent Assembly and advocated for minority rights in a secular state. She opposed reservations and separate electorates on communal lines.
• Vijaya Laxmi Pandit: She was the first woman cabinet minister in the British era and also one of the first leaders to call for an Indian constituent assembly to frame a Constitution.She was also the first woman President of the UN General Assembly in 1953.

Source: Indian Express

Great Lakes

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

The Great Lakes have experienced historic lows in ice cover recently.

Background:

• The lakes were conspicuously free of ice due to warmer winter weather and above-average surface water temperatures. The decline in ice cover has implications for the Arctic ecosystem, including freshwater availability for local Indigenous communities, industries, and threatened and endangered species that rely on lake habitats for survival.

About Great Lakes

• The Great Lakes are a series of large interconnected freshwater lakes located in the east-central interior of North America.
• These magnificent lakes connect to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.
• The five Great Lakes are: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario
• They are generally situated on or near the Canada–United States border.

Impact of on the Environment:

• The Great Lakes have experienced historic lows in ice cover, and these changes can have significant impacts on the environment:

Coastal Erosion and Infrastructure:

• Lower ice levels on the Great Lakes leave coastal areas less protected from strong winter storms and waves.
• The absence of ice can lead to increased coastal erosion, which affects shorelines, beaches, and lakefront properties.
• Eroded coastlines can result in excessive sedimentation problems and even severe flooding.

Hazardous Weather and Lake Effects:

• The decline in ice cover affects weather patterns and lake effects.
• Iceless winters can lead to more hazardous weather conditions, including storms, high winds, and lake-effect snow.
• These changes impact both safety and infrastructure in the region.

Algae Blooms and Water Quality:

• Ice cover plays a role in regulating water temperature and nutrient cycling.
• With less ice, lakes can absorb sunlight faster and warm up sooner in spring.
• Some biologists speculate that this could lead to earlier and larger blue-green algae blooms.
• Algae blooms can be toxic to humans, harm aquatic ecosystems, and affect water quality.

Shipping and Navigation:

• Reduced ice cover affects shipping channels and navigation.
• Ice-free conditions allow for more extended shipping seasons but may also lead to challenges like clogged channels due to ice melt and debris.

Source: NASA

The Dalai Lama’s and His Succession

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

The question of reincarnation, typically seen as an esoteric concept, has significant political ramifications concerning the search for a successor to Tibet’s Dalai Lama.

• As the 88-year-old spiritual leader, Tenzin Gyatso, remains in good health, the anticipation surrounding his succession intensifies, particularly against the backdrop of historical and geopolitical tensions.

Who is the Dalai Lama?

• The Dalai Lama (a title) is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
• He is believed to be the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama and is regarded as an important figure not only in Tibet but also around the world.
• The Dalai Lama is traditionally both the political and spiritual leader of Tibet, but after China’s occupation of Tibet in 1950, he went into exile in India and since then has been primarily a spiritual leader.
• The current and 14th Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who was born in Tibet in 1935 and has been in exile in India since 1959.

Brief Outline of Tibetan Buddhism

• Tibetan Buddhism became the predominant religion in Tibet by the 9th century AD, evolving from the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions of Buddhism and incorporating many tantric and shamanic practices.
• It has four major schools: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug, with the Janang School being one of the smaller schools that grew as an offshoot of the Sakya School.
• Since 1640, the Gelug School has been the predominant school of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Dalai Lama belongs to this school.

Hierarchy and Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism

• The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is one of Buddhism’s key beliefs.
• Tibet’s hierarchical system seemingly emerged in the 13th century, and it was around this time that the first instances of “formally recognizing the reincarnations of lamas” can be found.
• The Gelug School developed a strong hierarchy and instituted the tradition of succession through reincarnation, with the fifth Grand Lama of the school being conferred the title of Dalai Lama.
• Several procedures/tests are followed to recognize Tulkus (recognized reincarnations).

Key Issue: Chinese Interference

• Political Intrigue: The announcement of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation sparks concerns about Chinese interference, as China seeks to control the succession process to assert dominance over Tibetan culture and politics.
• International Ramifications: The Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is not only a spiritual matter but also a geopolitical issue, with international stakeholders closely monitoring developments to safeguard Tibetan autonomy and cultural heritage.

Source: The Indian Express

GS-II

Women's Reservation Act, 2023

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 is on limelight as country celebrates women’s day

Background:

• The 73rd and 74th Amendments passed in 1993, which introduced panchayats and municipalities in the Constitution, reserve one-third of seats for women in these bodies. The Constitution also provides for reservation of seats in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their number in the population.The Constitution did not provide for reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.This was changed throughThe Constitution (106th Amendment) Act.

About Women’s Reservation Act, 2023

• The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, reserves one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, State legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, including those reserved for SCs and STs.
• The reservation will be effective after the publication of the census conducted following the Act’s commencement and endures for 15 years, with potential extension determined by parliamentary action.
• The rotation of seats allocated for women will be governed by parliamentary legislation after each delimitation process.
• Currently, around 15% of the total members of the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) are women while in state legislative assemblies, women on average constitute 9% of the total members.

Arguments in favour of the Act:

• Women’s representation in politics is a vital step towards gender equality. However, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, India ranks 48th out of 146 in Political Empowerment.
• The number of women MPs has increased from 5% in the first Lok Sabha to 15% in the 17th Lok Sabha, but the number continues to be quite low. A 2003 study about the effect of reservation on women in panchayats showed that women elected under the reservation policy invest more in the public goods closely linked to women’s concerns.
• If a group is not represented proportionally in the political system, its ability to influence policy-making is limited. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women provides that discrimination against women must be eliminated in political and public life.
• A more diverse legislature that includes a significant number of women can bring a broader range of perspectives to the decision-making process. This diversity can lead to better policy formulation and governance.
• Women’s reservation in politics empowers women at various levels. It not only encourages more women to participate in politics but also inspires women to take on leadership roles in other sectors.
• Women in politics often prioritize and advocate for issues that directly affect women, such as gender-based violence, women’s health, education, and economic empowerment. Their presence can lead to the prioritization of these issues in policy discussions.
• Women leaders in politics can serve as role models for young girls, encouraging them to aspire to leadership positions in various fields. Representation in politics can break stereotypes and inspire future generations.

Arguments against the Act:

• Women are not a homogeneous community like, say like, a caste group. Therefore, the same arguments made for caste-based reservations cannot be made for women.
• Reserving seats for women is opposed by some who claim that doing so violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equality. If there is a reserve, they claim, women won’t be competing on merit, which could decrease their status in society.

Way Forward:

• Creating awareness among women about their rights and the importance of their participation in politics is essential. Educational programs and awareness campaigns can help to increase women’s political participation.
• Gender-based violence and harassment are major obstacles to women’s participation in politics. Addressing these issues through policy and legal measures can create a safer and more supportive environment for women in politics.

Source: PRS

Article 131 of the Constitution of India

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

Noting that it’s a State’s right to approach it under Article 131 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court (SC) recently disapproved of the Centre insisting on withdrawal of a suit filed by the Kerala Government as a pre-condition for giving consent to the State for additional borrowing.

About Article 131 of the Constitution of India:

• According to Article 131, the SC has exclusive and original jurisdiction over legal issues originating between States or between States and the Union.
  • Original jurisdiction is the power of the court to hear and determine a dispute in the first instance. 
• The bare reading of Article 131 states that - Original jurisdiction of the SC:
  • Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the SC shall, to the exclusion of any other court, have original jurisdiction in any dispute:
    • between the Government of India and one or more States; or
    • between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other States on the other; or
    • between two or more States, if and in so far as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
• The nature of Article 131 is subject to provisions of the Constitution and is limited to disputes involving legal rights, as mentioned in the Article itself.
  • Thus, disputes of political nature are not covered under this, unless legal rights are at stake.
• The SC held that the meaning of the word ‘State’ under Article 131 does not include any private citizen, company, or a government department, even if it had filed a complaint along with any State Governments.
• Restrictions:
  • The original jurisdiction of the SC does not extend to disputes arising out of any treaty, agreement, covenant, engagement, sanad, or any other similar instrument which came into being before the commencement of the Constitution.
  • The parliament may exclude the jurisdiction of the SC in disputes relating to the use, distribution, or control of the water of any inter-state river;
  • Suits brought by private individuals against the Government of India.

Source: Tribune India 

Gendered Challenges in TB Care    

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

The intersection of gender norms, economic instability, and homelessness presents unique challenges in accessing tuberculosis (TB) care for women like Reshma.

• Amidst systemic inequities and societal biases, their journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery is often fraught with obstacles.
• A recent study sheds light on the nuanced experiences of homeless women grappling with TB, urging a reevaluation of existing healthcare frameworks.

• Reshma’s Story: Reshma, a homeless woman from Jaipur, embodies the complex narratives surrounding TB care. Her journey, marked by societal abandonment and inadequate healthcare, epitomizes the challenges faced by homeless women battling TB.
• Gender Norms and Diagnosis: Patriarchal norms influence the accuracy and timeliness of TB diagnosis for women, impacting their access to healthcare facilities and adherence to treatment regimens.
• Impact of Economic Precarity: Economic instability exacerbates the vulnerability of homeless women, hindering their ability to navigate TB care pathways effectively.

• Study Findings: A recent survey in Jaipur highlighted the prevalence of TB among the homeless population, underscoring the dire conditions that facilitate TB transmission.
• Gender Disparities: Homeless women, like Reshma, bear a disproportionate burden of TB infections, revealing systemic gender inequities within TB care systems.

• Documentation Challenges: Lack of identity proof and access to banking services impedes homeless women’s eligibility for government-sponsored TB care Initiatives, such as the Nikshay Poshan Yojana and Nikshay Mitra.
• Stigma and Social Dynamics: Societal stigma surrounding TB, coupled with patriarchal control over finances, further marginalizes homeless women, hindering their access to nutritional support and treatment adherence.

• Diagnostic Delays: Vague symptoms and logistical barriers contribute to delayed TB diagnosis among homeless women, prolonging their suffering and increasing the risk of disease progression.
• Treatment Adherence: Mobility constraints and medication shortages undermine treatment adherence among homeless women, necessitating tailored interventions to address their unique needs.

• Inclusive Healthcare Policies: Recognizing the intersectionality of homelessness and gender within TB care, policymakers must prioritize the rights and well-being of homeless women in national TB eradication initiatives.
• Investment in Care Ecosystems: A comprehensive approach to TB care for homeless women requires increased investment in counselling, tracking, and support services, acknowledging the heightened challenges they face in accessing and adhering to treatment protocols.

• Addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by homeless women in accessing TB care demands a concerted effort to dismantle gender biases, mitigate economic disparities, and foster inclusive healthcare ecosystems.
• By prioritizing equity and empowerment, policymakers can pave the way for a more just and effective TB care paradigm for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or gender identity.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

Subject: Science

Why in News?

Clinical trials are being conducted by an Indian pharmaceutical company to test a biosimilar of Pertuzumab (drug for treatment of breast cancer) that was invented by swiss company Roche.

Background:-

• Since Comparator clinical trials have to be conducted in comparison to a “reference product”, which in this case is Roche’s product, the Indian company had to procure Roche’s products for their clincal studies.Roche, which presumably keeps close track of the sales of its drugs (which are expensive and subject to stringent storage protocols) has now raised questions on how and where the Indian company accessed the “reference products” for the purpose of its clinical trials.

About Biosimilars:-

• Biosimilars are similar copies of a class of drugs called biologicals. Biological medicines have created new opportunities to treat diseases, including cancers, autoimmune conditions and diabetes, to name a few.
• As their name suggests, biologics are made with biological materials, including materials from humans, plants, animals, bacteria, and other microorganisms; they go through a rigorous, tightly controlled manufacturing process and tend to be patented.
• Biologics are highly complex molecules that are grown rather than synthesized and have an inherent level of micro-variability. Because of this variability in the structure of reference biologics, biosimilars cannot be exact copies. Instead, biosimilars mimic the active ingredient in the reference biologic.
• A biosimilar has a structure that is highly similar to, but not exactly the same, as a brand name biologic. A biosimilar behaves in much the same way, so that there are “no meaningful differences” between it and its brand name biologic. This means that the biosimilar is also considered as safe and effective as the biologic.

Biosimilars vs. Generic Medications

• Biosimilars are often compared to generic medications, but there are key differences.
• The active ingredient within generic versions (of drugs that aren’t biologics) are exact copies of name brand medications, made with an easily repeatable manufacturing process.
• In contrast, due to the variability of biologics, biosimilars cannot be exact copies but they do have the same mechanism of action and the same expected benefits and risks as the original biologics.
• Similar to generics, biosimilars provide patients with lower-cost medicines, often making these treatments more accessible and improving quality of life for patients.

Source: Scroll

Orans

Subject: Environment

Why in News?

Communities, particularly those in western Rajasthan, are concerned about the State’s proposal to classify orans (sacred groves) as deemed forests.

About Orans:

• Orans are traditional sacred groves found in Rajasthan. These are community forests, preserved and managed by rural communities through institutions and codes that mark such forests as sacred.
• There are often local deities associated with Oran. They are rich in biodiversity and usually include a water body.
• Communities in Rajasthan have been conserving these Orans for centuries, and their lives have been intricately linked around these spaces. 
• Orans are also spaces where herders take their livestock for grazing and are places for communal congregations, festivals and other social events, the performance of which is linked to agrarian rhythms and the continued commitment of the communities towards environmental conservation. 
• Orans also form the natural habitat for India’s most critically endangered bird, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, which is also the State bird of Rajasthan. 

What are Sacred Groves?

• Sacred Groves are relic forest patches traditionally protected by communities in reverence of a deity. They form important repositories of forest biodiversity and provide refuge to many plant and animal species of conservation significance.
• Sacred groves are found all over India, especially in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 
• These are known as Kavu/Sarpa Kavu in Kerala, Devarakadu/Devkad in Karnataka, Deorai/Devrai in Maharashtra, Jahera/Thakuramma in Odisha, etc.

Source: DTE