UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 3rd October 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Solar Eclipse?

Source: India Today

Why in News?

An annular solar eclipse was visible in parts of South America on October 2 while a partial solar eclipse was visible in parts of South America, Antarctica, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.

About Solar Eclipse:

• A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon positions itself directly between the Earth and the Sun.
• During this event, the Moon obstructs the sunlight, either completely or partially, casting a significant shadow over certain regions of the Earth.
• Solar eclipses can only be observed during the new moon phase, which happens when the Sun and Moon align on the same side of the Earth.
• The new moon cycle occurs approximately every 29.5 days, which is the duration it takes for the Moon to orbit the Earth.
• Typically, solar eclipses happen between two to five times each year.
• The Moon's orbit is tilted about five degrees relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, which is why most of the time, when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, its shadow either misses the Earth or is too high or low to cause an eclipse.

Types of Solar Eclipses:

• Total Solar Eclipse: This occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun. Observers located in the center of the Moon's shadow experience a total solar eclipse, during which the sky darkens and the Sun's corona—its outer atmosphere—can be seen.
• Annular Solar Eclipse: In this scenario, the Moon moves in front of the Sun but is at or near its farthest point from the Earth. As a result, the Sun appears as a bright ring surrounding the Moon, often referred to as a "ring of fire."
• Partial Solar Eclipse: This type of eclipse happens when the Moon only partially blocks the Sun's light, resulting in a crescent-shaped Sun. Partial solar eclipses are the most commonly observed type.
• Hybrid Solar Eclipse: This is the rarest form of solar eclipse, where the eclipse can shift between total and annular as the Moon’s shadow moves across the Earth. Some regions will witness a total solar eclipse, while others will see an annular eclipse.

GS2/International Relations

Direct Israel-Iran conflict and India’s interest

Source: Mint

Why in news?

Amid rising tensions in West Asia following Iran's missile strikes on Israel, India has urged for restraint and emphasized the importance of civilian safety. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a travel advisory recommending Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and to remain alert. Similarly, the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv has advised its nationals to follow local safety measures and maintain communication with the embassy.

About:

• The Red Sea lies between Africa and Asia and serves as an inlet to the Indian Ocean:
• To the south, it connects to the Indian Ocean via the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden.
• To the north, it includes the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, which lead to the Suez Canal.

The conflict in West Asia has escalated with Iran's missile attacks on Israel, prompting the Israeli military to shift its focus from Hamas in Gaza to the more significant threat posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Recently, a significant missile attack from Iran targeted Israel overnight, leading analysts to predict potential Israeli retaliation, which could further expand the conflict. This escalation follows the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, contributing to regional instability.

The widening conflict raises concerns about trade disruptions, particularly since Hezbollah maintains close relationships with the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are largely responsible for attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

Fears of Protracted Red Sea Disruption

• Exporters have expressed long-standing concerns regarding a direct conflict between Israel and Iran, fearing it could lead to extended disruptions of the Red Sea shipping routes.
• India is particularly susceptible to these disruptions, as its trade with Europe, the US, Africa, and West Asia—valued at over $400 billion in FY23—largely depends on the Suez Canal and Red Sea routes.
• The involvement of Hezbollah's allies, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen, amplifies the risk of assaults on vessels navigating this essential trade route.

Impact on Indian Petroleum Exports

• In August 2024, India's exports witnessed a 9% decline, largely attributed to a drastic 38% fall in petroleum product exports, which dropped from $9.54 billion in August 2023 to $5.95 billion.
• The surge in shipping costs and the crisis in the Red Sea have led importers to explore alternative sources, negatively affecting the profitability of Indian exporters, especially standalone refiners.

European Market Challenges

• Europe, accounting for 21% of India's petroleum exports, has faced challenges due to rising shipping costs.
• A report from Crisil in February 2024 indicated that these increased costs would diminish profit margins for petroleum exports, exacerbating the difficulties for Indian exporters.
• Despite a 6.8% rise in India's overall exports to the European Union this year, certain sectors, including machinery, steel, gems, jewelry, and footwear, have experienced declines.
• The escalating freight costs are expected to further burden Indian industries that rely on high-volume, low-value exports, making it challenging for them to remain competitive.

Silver lining - Trade Opportunities in West Asia

• Notwithstanding the ongoing conflict, India's trade with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations increased by 17.8% from January to July 2024, as reported by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).
• India's exports to Iran also rose by 15.2% during the same period, benefiting from the neutrality of regional players like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, who have remained uninvolved in the conflict.

Risk to India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

• The ongoing conflict in West Asia poses a threat to the development of the IMEC, a strategic initiative announced at the G20 summit in 2023.
• The IMEC plan includes an Eastern Corridor linking India to the Gulf region and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe.
• This initiative aims to create faster trade routes through a rail and ship network, thereby reducing reliance on the Suez Canal.
• However, the escalating conflict threatens to delay or complicate the corridor’s advancement, creating uncertainty regarding its future.

Surge in Shipping Costs Due to Longer Trade Routes

• According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), trade volume through the Suez Canal fell by 50% year-over-year in early 2024, while trade transiting around the Cape of Good Hope increased by 74%.
• This shift is a result of disruptions in essential shipping routes, particularly through the Suez Canal and Red Sea, forcing vessels to take longer, costlier paths, which have raised shipping expenses by 15-20%.
• These rising costs are significantly impacting Indian exporters, especially those involved in low-margin, labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, garments, and basic engineering products.

Calls for an Indian Shipping Line

• Indian exporters are advocating for the government to establish a national shipping line to lessen dependence on foreign shipping companies.
• Global shipping companies have seen their profits surge amidst the crisis in the Red Sea.
• This initiative is particularly pressing as India's outward remittance on transport services reached over $109 billion in 2022, with rising exports contributing to increased costs.
• Many exporters believe that an Indian shipping line would support MSMEs, mitigating the power of foreign shipping firms to set terms, especially during crises.

GS2/Polity

Crackdown on Civil Society and NGOs in India

Source: Frontline

Why in News?

The Income Tax (I-T) department has recently determined that several NGOs have allegedly breached the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010, leading to the cancellation of their FCRA licenses. This investigation stems from discrepancies in annual returns and foreign currency bank account statements, along with allegations of fund misutilization.

Definition:

• A civil society is defined as a collective of like-minded individuals who organize and execute activities aimed at enhancing community welfare, necessitating a formal structure for the implementation of these plans and initiatives.
• In India, CSOs are understood as nonprofit organizations that operate independently from both government and market influences, centered around shared interests, purposes, and values.

Types of CSOs:

• Non-government Organisations (NGOs)
• Community-based Organisations (CBOs)

Non-government Organisations (NGOs):

CSOs are largely synonymous with NGOs, which are professional entities that are privately managed, operate on a nonprofit basis, are self-governing, and function voluntarily. They register with government authorities yet maintain operational independence, targeting communities at various levels from local to international. Their focus spans numerous issues including:

• Sanitation
• Housing
• Women’s empowerment
• Mental health

Community-based Organisations (CBOs):

CBOs are grassroots organizations that operate on a voluntary basis, focusing on the specific needs of the communities they serve. Their members also benefit from the initiatives undertaken.

Role of civil society:

CSOs act as a bridge between citizens and the state, representing the voices of marginalized groups, articulating their needs, and facilitating necessary changes.

Nature of work:

• Supporting service delivery
• Assisting in policy action plans and legislation drafting
• Conducting research and providing evidence
• Developing and scaling innovative change models

CSOs in India:

Statistics on CSOs:

• Data on civil society organizations in India is limited.
• In 2015, following a Supreme Court directive, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) mapped registered NGOs, revealing 3.1 million NGOs in India.

Legal and regulatory framework:

The existence of CSOs is governed by laws concerning three main aspects:

• Registration
• Taxation
• Regulatory compliance

Registration:

• Covered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, the Trusts Act 1882, and Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.

The FCRA 2010:

• Applies to all non-profit organizations (NPOs) that receive foreign contributions.
• Aims to enhance transparency and accountability among NPOs.
• Organizations must:
  • Register with the central government.
  • Accept payments through designated banks.
  • Maintain separate accounting for these funds.
  • Renew registration for foreign contributions every five years.

Activism or impact of CSOs:

CSOs excel in grassroots engagement, effectively reaching remote areas and vulnerable populations, especially when formal institutions may fall short. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, CSOs provided:

• Direct support through the distribution of essential goods to affected individuals.
• Indirect support to organizations aiding in recovery efforts.

Challenges Faced by CSOs in India:

CSOs encounter several challenges, including:

• Issues of transparency and legitimacy regarding the information they are expected to disclose.
• Intense scrutiny surrounding their funding sources, particularly external grants and donations, which can threaten sustainability.
• Dependency on government and international donor grants, often tied to specific projects, which can hinder the focus on long-term objectives.
• Increased competition within the civil society sector, leading to a diminished share of resources.

Crackdown on CSOs in India:

Notable organizations addressing environmental and social issues have come under investigation by Indian authorities for allegedly undermining the country's economic interests or obstructing development projects. For instance:

• The FCRA license of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), one of India's oldest think tanks, was recently revoked following a year of scrutiny from the I-T Department.

As a result of reduced public involvement, public consultations are deemed essential in the environmental clearance process for large infrastructure projects. Projects considered vital for national importance, such as road construction, have been exempted from certain compliance requirements, leading to a decline in public participation in environmental clearance processes.

Allegation Against Some of the NGOs Working in India:

• Oxfam India: Allegations have surfaced regarding activities not aligned with its stated objectives, including its support for Oxfam Australia’s campaign against mining operations by the Adani Group. After losing its FCRA license, Oxfam sought to redirect funds through other compliant NGOs.
• CPR: The I-T Department alleges that CPR was involved in the Hasdeo movement against coal mining in Chhattisgarh, receiving foreign funds amounting to Rs 10.19 crore since 2016 for its Namati-Environmental Justice Programme, which included litigation.
• Environics Trust: Allegations claim that it funded protests against the JSW Utkal Steel Plant in Odisha, transferring Rs 1,250 to 711 local residents in 2020.
• LIFE: The LIFE Trust is accused of being utilized by the US-based NGO Earth Justice to impede coal mining and thermal power projects.
• Working in concert: The I-T Department suggests that these NGOs are linked and working together, with Oxfam India allegedly funding ET to mobilize local communities against coal industries. However, the NGOs assert that these claims of interconnectedness are unfounded.

GS3/Environment

Lake Prespa

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

According to experts, of the 450 hectares of Little Prespa Lake in Albania, at least 430 hectares have been transformed into swamps or dried up.

About

• Lake Prespa is recognized as one of the oldest tectonic lakes in Europe and holds the title of the highest tectonic lake on the Balkan Peninsula.
• The lake is situated at the convergence of three significant geological formations:
  • A granite massif to the East
  • A karstic massif that belongs to Galicica to the West
  • Suva Gora to the South
• This region is notable for its diverse geological history, featuring rocks from the ancient Paleozoic era to sediments from the more recent Neogene period.
• Lake Prespa comprises two main bodies of water:
  • The Great Prespa Lake, which is shared by Albania, Greece, and the Republic of Macedonia
  • The Small Prespa Lake, also referred to as Little Prespa Lake.
• The majority of Little Prespa Lake is located within Greek territory, with only a small portion extending into Albania.

Environmental Concerns

• Recent climatic changes have severely impacted the lake, characterized by:
  • Rising temperatures
  • Milder winter conditions, leading to insufficient snowfall
  • A notable reduction in precipitation levels
• These factors have contributed to the deterioration of the lake's ecosystem, with extensive areas now classified as swamps or completely dried up.

GS3/Economy

F&O: How will Sebi’s new rules affect traders and brokers?

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

SEBI has rolled out a comprehensive six-step framework aimed at safeguarding investors and curbing speculative trading practices, particularly focusing on futures and options (F&O) trading. The measures seek to reduce trading volumes on expiry days and restrict retail participation in the market.

What are the Future and Options (F&O)?

• Futures serve as contracts allowing the purchase or sale of assets such as stocks, indices, or commodities at a predetermined price on a future date.
• Options provide the right, but not the obligation, to set a price before a specified date.

SEBI’s Six-Step F&O Framework (Effective November 2024 – April 2025):

• In response to growing concerns regarding speculative trading, SEBI has outlined six critical measures to diminish retail interest in F&O trading:
  • Upfront collection of options premiums
  • Intraday monitoring of position limits
  • Elimination of calendar spread benefits on expiry days
  • Increased contract size for index derivatives
  • Rationalization of weekly index derivatives to one benchmark per exchange
  • Enhancement of margin requirements on options expiry days

Key Changes for Retail Investors:

• Upfront Collection of Options Premiums: Retail investors are now required to pay the full premium upfront, which limits their capacity to utilize high leverage in options trading.
• Increased Contract Size: The minimum contract size for index derivatives has been raised to ₹15 lakhs, which increases the cost barrier for entry and reduces speculative retail participation.
• Rationalization of Weekly Expiries: Only one benchmark index per exchange will be allowed to have weekly expiries, thereby reducing speculative trading opportunities and minimizing intraday volatility.
• Removal of Calendar Spread Benefits: The practice of calendar spreads will no longer be permitted on expiry days, which aims to discourage aggressive trading strategies.

Impact on Brokers and Revenue:

• Decline in Trading Volumes: Brokers who depend on retail participation may experience reduced trading volumes as a result of fewer participants entering the market and elevated entry barriers.
• Revenue Drop in Options Trading: Brokerage firms like Zerodha could face a potential 30-50% decrease in revenue due to diminished retail participation in options trading.
• Shift to Equity Trading: Retail investors might redirect their focus towards equity trading, prompting brokers to modify their service offerings accordingly.
• Adaptation for Brokers: Brokers with a balanced portfolio of cash and derivatives may suffer less impact, while those heavily focused on derivatives will need to adjust their strategies.

PYQ:

[2021]

With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. Retail investors can invest in ‘Treasury Bills’ and ‘Government of India Debt Bonds’ through their demat accounts in the primary market.
2. The ‘Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching’ is a trading platform for government securities operated by the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The ‘Central Depository Services Ltd.’ is co-promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

GS2/Polity

What Special Status is Ladakh Seeking?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent climate activist, was detained at the Delhi border during a protest aimed at urging the Central government to grant Ladakh inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This demand reflects a growing desire in Ladakh for increased autonomy and protection of their cultural identity. Similar requests have also been made in states like Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, where ethnic groups seek special constitutional provisions.

• India's federal structure is characterized as asymmetrical federalism, meaning not all states or regions possess the same level of autonomy. Unlike symmetrical federations such as the U.S. or Australia, where states have equal powers, India provides more autonomy to certain areas due to historical, cultural, or ethnic factors, especially regions with significant tribal populations, prioritizing local governance and autonomy to safeguard indigenous traditions.

Background (Context of the Article)

• Sonam Wangchuk's protest highlights the demand for greater autonomy in Ladakh.
• Demands for Sixth Schedule inclusion are rooted in preserving cultural identity and ecological balance.
• Similar demands are seen in other northeastern states where ethnic groups push for constitutional protections.

Asymmetrical Federalism - A Brief Overview:

• India's federal structure allows for varying degrees of autonomy across regions.
• Asymmetrical federalism acknowledges the unique needs of tribal populations.
• This approach helps maintain local traditions while integrating them into the national framework.

Historical Context - British-Era Policies:

• The British colonial government designated certain areas as 'excluded' or 'partially excluded' under the Government of India Act, 1935.
• These classifications aimed to manage tribal regions separately from the rest of India.
• The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution were developed from these colonial policies to ensure greater autonomy in tribal areas.
• Excluded areas were mainly in the northeast with strict British control over local governance.
• Partially excluded areas had limited legislative intervention, allowing some autonomy to local customs and laws.

Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution:

• Fifth Schedule: Applies to regions identified as "Scheduled Areas" with significant tribal populations and socioeconomic challenges.
• Key features include:
  • Governance through Tribes Advisory Councils (TAC) to guide state governments on tribal welfare.
  • The Governor's role in regulating land transfers and money-lending practices to protect tribal interests.
  • Authority for the Governor to modify or exempt laws enacted by Parliament or state legislatures to safeguard tribal rights.
• Ten Indian states have designated Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule.
• Sixth Schedule: Offers greater autonomy to specific tribal regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
• Features of the Sixth Schedule include:
  • Formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) for enhanced local governance.
  • Empowerment of ADCs to legislate on key social matters, pending Governor's approval.
  • Judicial powers for ADCs to establish local courts for cases involving Scheduled Tribes.
  • Authority to collect land revenue and impose taxes on various activities.

Special Provisions for North Eastern States:

• Various northeastern states have special provisions under Article 371 of the Constitution to protect local customs and empower local governments.
• Examples include:
  • Article 371A (Nagaland) and 371G (Mizoram) safeguard local laws and practices.
  • Article 371B (Assam) and 371C (Manipur) establish separate legislative committees for Tribal and Hill Areas.
• These provisions aim to balance integration with the preservation of unique tribal identities.

Ladakh’s Demand for Sixth Schedule Status:

• Since its designation as a Union Territory in 2019, leaders in Ladakh have consistently sought inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
• The demand is driven by the need to protect the fragile ecosystem and unique cultural identity of the predominantly tribal population.
• Activists like Wangchuk argue that without these constitutional protections, Ladakh risks exploitation of its resources and loss of cultural heritage.
• This demand is similar to those from other tribal regions seeking constitutional safeguards.

Conclusion:

• Ladakh's pursuit of Sixth Schedule inclusion reflects a wider aspiration for autonomy, cultural protection, and environmental preservation.
• Constitutional provisions like the Fifth and Sixth Schedules are vital for protecting indigenous rights in India.
• However, effective implementation and necessary reforms are crucial for achieving genuine autonomy and inclusivity for tribal communities across the nation.

GS3/Environment

Key Facts about Sahara Desert

Source: BBC

Why in News?

The Sahara Desert is experiencing a rare shift as unusual rainfall has introduced unexpected greenery to its typically arid landscape.

About Sahara Desert:

• The Sahara is situated in Northern Africa and is recognized as the world's largest hot desert.
• It is the third largest desert overall, following the polar deserts of Antarctica and the Arctic.
• The desert covers an area exceeding 9,200,000 square kilometers, which equates to approximately 8% of the Earth's land area.
• Encompassing a significant part of North Africa, the Sahara occupies around 31% of the African continent.
• Countries within the Sahara include Morocco, Mali, Mauritania, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Chad, the Niger Republic, parts of Sudan, a small section of Nigeria, and a minor area of Burkina Faso.
• The desert is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlas Mountains to the north, the Red Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the semi-arid Sahel region to the south.

Geographical Features

• The Sahara consists mainly of barren, rocky plateaus, alongside salt flats, sand dunes, mountain ranges, and dry valleys.
• Major water sources for the desert's oases include the large Nile and Niger rivers, as well as seasonal lakes and aquifers.
• Emi Koussi, located in the Tibesti Mountains of Chad, is the highest peak in the Sahara, standing at 3,415 meters and is a volcano.
• The Sahara acts as a transitional area between the scorching desert climate in the north and the humid savannas of Sub-Saharan Africa to the south.

GS3/Defence & Security

Second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama

Source: Business Standard

Why in News?

The second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama, a global circumnavigation by sailboat, was flagged off by the Navy Chief at INS Mandovi in Goa.

About

• Navika Sagar Parikrama is a maritime expedition organized by the Indian Navy, aimed at circumnavigating the globe using a sailboat crewed entirely by women officers.
• This initiative symbolizes women's empowerment and showcases Indian maritime traditions.

Objective

• The expedition promotes gender equality and oceanic research.

First Edition

• The first edition began on September 10, 2017, with an all-women crew of six officers aboard the sailboat INSV Tarini.
• This expedition was successfully completed on May 21, 2018.

Second Edition

• The second edition was launched on October 2, 2024, featuring two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., who set sail from INS Mandovi in Goa.

Agencies Involved

• Indian Navy: Leading the initiative.
• National Institute of Oceanography (NIO): Conducting marine research focusing on microplastics and ferrous content.
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Engaged in research concerning large sea mammals.
• Sagar Defence: Providing drones for documentation purposes.
• Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL): Responsible for supplying meals during the expedition.
• Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and Piramal Foundation: Supporting logistics and research activities.

Route

• The expedition is divided into five legs with four planned stopovers:
  • First leg: Goa to Fremantle, Australia
  • Second leg: Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand
  • Third leg: Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
  • Fourth leg: Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa
  • Fifth leg: Cape Town back to Goa, India

PYQ:

[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

GS3/Environment

Govt printed, then shelved elephant census report as numbers fell by 20% in 5 years

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

The Environment Ministry has withheld the release of the elephant census report titled “Status of Elephant in India 2022-23,” which was printed in February this year. The government attributed the delay to incomplete census data from the Northeast region.

Findings of the Elephant Census Report

• Significant Drop in Population: The report indicates a 20% decrease in India's elephant population compared to 2017. The Central Indian and Eastern Ghats regions saw a notable decline of 41%, with states like Southern West Bengal (84% drop), Jharkhand (68% drop), and Orissa (54% drop) experiencing severe losses.
• Regional Breakdown: The Western Ghats recorded an 18% decline, particularly in Kerala, where the population decreased by 51%. The Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experienced a minimal drop of only 2%, while the Northeast data is pending but expected to show a reduction when fully analyzed.
• Developmental Pressures: The report highlights threats to elephant populations due to “mushrooming developmental projects.” Key issues include unregulated mining, infrastructure development, and habitat fragmentation. Additional risks include poaching, railway accidents, and electrocution.
• Fragmentation of Habitats: Once-integrated elephant populations, especially in the Western Ghats and Central India, are becoming increasingly isolated due to changes in land use, such as plantations, fencing, and human encroachment.
• Threats in the Northeast: Elephants in Northeast India face threats from extensive human settlements, plantations, mining, and oil refineries. Poaching for ivory remains a significant concern in this area.

Why Was the Report Shelved After Being Printed?

• Delay in Northeast Data: The government cited delays in completing the census in the Northeast as the main reason for the report's non-release. Advanced methods, including DNA profiling and camera traps, were not fully applied in the region due to logistical issues.
• Interim Status: The Ministry described the report as provisional, with a comprehensive final version expected by June 2025. There is a preference to release complete data only after applying a consistent methodology across all regions.

What are the implications of this decline for elephant conservation efforts?

• Need for Urgent Action: The notable decline in elephant populations, particularly in Central and Eastern regions, underscores the immediate need for enhanced conservation strategies, including habitat restoration and improved protective measures.
• Impact of Development: The report stresses the necessity to mitigate the effects of developmental projects that have fragmented elephant habitats, exacerbating human-elephant conflicts, and increasing risks such as poaching.
• Reevaluation of Conservation Policies: The findings indicate a need to reassess conservation policies to prioritize maintaining elephant corridors, reducing the impact of infrastructure projects, and encouraging community involvement in conservation efforts.
• Scientific Modelling: There is a call for adopting more advanced scientific modeling techniques for elephant population studies, such as mark-recapture methods.
• Focus on Fragmented Landscapes: Future conservation strategies should concentrate on addressing the fragmentation of habitats, particularly in vital areas like the Eastern and Western Ghats and the Northeast, to reconnect elephant populations and ensure their longevity.

Conclusion: The Elephant Census Report presents concerning findings regarding the decline in populations due to habitat fragmentation and developmental pressures. Immediate action is essential to restore habitats, enhance protective measures, and reevaluate conservation strategies to secure the long-term survival of elephants.

GS2/Polity

Food safety laws in states

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a new requirement mandating food establishments to clearly display the names of the operator, proprietor, manager, and relevant staff for customer awareness. In a similar vein, a proposal was made in Himachal Pradesh to require eateries and fast-food vendors to showcase the owner’s ID; however, this proposal was retracted by the Himachal government. Additionally, on July 22, the Supreme Court intervened to stay similar orders from the police in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand regarding the kanwar yatra, asserting that only the competent authority under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA) has the right to issue such directives, emphasizing that the police do not possess this authority.

FSSAI Registration for Food Businesses

• To operate a food business in India, individuals must register or obtain a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which oversees food processing, distribution, sale, and import to ensure safety and quality.

Registration for Small-Scale Food Businesses

• Small-scale food businesses, including petty food manufacturers, hawkers, vendors, and stallholders, are required to register with the FSSAI as per the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Rules, 2011. Upon approval, they receive a registration certificate and a photo ID, which must be displayed prominently at their premises, vehicle, or cart.

Licensing for Larger Food Businesses

• Larger food business operators must obtain a license from the FSSAI, which also needs to be displayed prominently at the business premises.

Display of Owner's Identity and Location

• Both small-scale and large food businesses are required to display the owner's identity and the establishment's location through the photo ID and license issued by the FSSAI.
• Penalties for Operating Without a License
• According to Section 63 of the FSSA, any operator conducting a food business without a valid license may face penalties of up to six months in prison and fines of up to ₹5 lakh.

Other compliances and penalties under the FSSA

• Improvement Notice: If a Food Business Operator (FBO) fails to comply with any provisions, the food authority can issue an Improvement Notice with details on compliance requirements, a minimum compliance period of 14 days, and consequences for non-compliance.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: If an FBO does not comply with the Improvement Notice, their license may be suspended or canceled for further non-compliance.
• General Penalties: The UP directives do not mention specific penalties for non-compliance; however, fines for general contraventions can reach ₹2 lakh under Section 58.
• Repeat Offenses: If an FBO is convicted twice for the same offense, they may incur double the penalty for the first conviction and a daily fine of up to ₹1 lakh, along with potential license loss as per Section 64.
• Legal provision: Section 94(1) grants state governments the authority to create rules with the approval of the Food Authority, enabling them to carry out functions assigned under the Act.
• Rule-Making Authority: Section 94(2) specifies areas where states can formulate rules, including the Commissioner of Food Safety's functions and other necessary regulations.
• Role of the Commissioner of Food Safety: The Commissioner, appointed by the state government, ensures the effective implementation of the FSSA and its regulations, performing functions like conducting surveys and approving prosecutions for violations.
• Legislative Approval Requirement: According to Section 94(3), any rules made by the state government must be presented to the state legislature for approval promptly.
• Allegations of Discrimination: Earlier directives from the police in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand faced Supreme Court challenges for allegedly forcing individuals to reveal their religious and caste identities, which could violate Article 15(1) of the Constitution that prohibits discrimination based on these factors.
• Concerns About Economic Boycott: Petitioners argued that the directives could lead to economic boycotts against Muslim minorities, infringing on their professional rights under Article 19(1)(g) and potentially supporting the practice of untouchability, which is banned under Article 17.
• Government's Justification: The UP government defended its directives, including the installation of CCTV cameras at food establishments and a statewide verification campaign, as necessary measures to enhance public health and combat food adulteration incidents.

GS3/Science and Technology

What are Psychedelic Drugs?

Source: Hindustan Times

Why in News?

Researchers from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), in collaboration with Cornell, Yale, and Columbia, have discovered how a psychedelic drug interacts with the brain to alleviate anxiety.

Psychedelic drugs represent a category of psychoactive substances that significantly alter perception, mood, and cognitive functions.

• These substances often induce:
  • Hallucinations
  • Altered states of consciousness
  • Enhanced sensory experiences
• Historically, they have been associated with:
  • Spiritual experiences
  • Counterculture movements
• Current research focuses on their potential in medical therapies.

Examples of Psychedelic Drugs:

• LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): Known for producing intense visual hallucinations and altering thought processes, it is among the most potent psychedelics.
• Psilocybin: The active compound in magic mushrooms, known for its ability to create visual and auditory hallucinations and a profound sense of connection to the environment.
• MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Often linked to recreational use but also studied for its therapeutic potential, particularly in treating PTSD.
• DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): Induces powerful, short-lived hallucinatory experiences and is often referred to as the "spirit molecule."
• Mescaline: Found in the peyote cactus, mescaline causes hallucinations and altered states of reality.

How do they work?

• Psychedelics primarily impact the brain by interacting with the serotonin system, a network of neurotransmitters that regulates mood, perception, and cognition.
• Serotonin Receptors: Psychedelics like psilocybin bind to 5-HT2A receptors, a type of serotonin receptor, resulting in altered perception and enhanced mood.
• Brain Connectivity: They boost communication among different brain regions, disrupting normal activity patterns and leading to heightened creativity and altered sensory experiences.

How Psychedelics hold promise for treating Anxiety and Depression?

• Resetting Neural Circuits: Psychedelics may "reset" dysfunctional brain circuits, aiding in the treatment of mood disorders.
• Reduced Anxiety: They can diminish overthinking by lowering activity in the brain's default mode network.
• Emotional Release: Patients often experience emotional breakthroughs during psychedelic therapy sessions.
• Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics may foster adaptive brain connections, supporting recovery from chronic stress and depression.

PYQ:

• [2018] India’s proximity to two of the world’s largest illicit opium-growing states has intensified its internal security concerns. Discuss the connections between drug trafficking and other illegal activities such as gunrunning, money laundering, and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be implemented to address these issues? (250 Words, 15 Marks)