August 04

TOIPICS COVERED

1. Centre’s indecisiveness has revived insurgency in Manipur: BJP MLAs
2. Manipur’s Hmar apex body dissolves Jiribam unit
3. Kerala to appoint officers to address complaints from transgender persons (GS Paper-I: Society)
4. SCCL inks tripartite MoU for Godavari Geothermal Energy Project at Manuguru
5. After 61 years, four-ringed butterfly resurfaces in India (GS Paper-III: Environment)
6. Doyen of dance Yamini Krishnamurthy passes away (GS Paper-I: Art & Culture)
7. Ruining the majestic ruins (GS Paper-I: Art & Culture)
8. Why did courts revisit bar on sub-quotas? (GS Paper-II: Reservation)
9. How can Wayanad reduce landslide risks? (GS Paper-II: Disaster management)
10. What is the new Alzheimer’s blood test? (GS paper-III: Basic science)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Karkitaka Vavu It is also known as Karkidaka Vavu Bali or simply Vavu Bali, is a significant Hindu ritual observed in the Indian state of Kerala to honor deceased ancestors. It takes place on the day of Amavasya (new moon) in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, which typically falls in July or August according to the Gregorian calendar. Significance of Karkitaka Vavu Hindus believe that performing the Vavu Bali ritual on this specific day offers salvation (moksha) to the departed souls.. Rituals and Customs The Vavu Bali ritual involves various customs and practices. People gather on riverbanks, beaches, or temples to offer bali (oblations) to their ancestors. Some of the common rituals include: Pindha Dana: Offering cooked rice balls (pindas) to the departed souls. Tarpanam: Offering water to the ancestors as a symbol of respect. Donation: Giving charity to the needy as a meritorious act. Importance of Karkitaka Vavu Karkitaka Vavu holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus in Kerala. It is a time for family reunion, remembrance of ancestors, and seeking their blessings. The ritual reinforces the belief in the continuity of life beyond death and the importance of honoring familial bonds. Key Locations for Karkitaka Vavu Varkala Papanasam Beach: A popular pilgrimage site for performing the Vavu Bali ritual. River banks: Many people perform the rituals on the banks of rivers. Temples: Temples also serve as important venues for the Vavu Bali ceremony.

 

 

 

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Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Enactment and Purpose: Year Enacted: 1976, during the Emergency. Reason: To prevent foreign interference in India's affairs through funding independent organizations. Objective: Regulate foreign donations to individuals and associations to ensure they align with the values of a sovereign democratic republic. Amendments: 2010 Amendment: Purpose: Consolidate the law on foreign fund utilization. Prohibition: Use of foreign funds for activities detrimental to national interest. 2020 Amendment:

 

 

 

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o Purpose: Tighten government control and scrutiny over foreign funds received and utilized by NGOs.

Criteria for Receiving Foreign Donations: Registration: Must be registered under the FCRA. Bank Account: Open a designated bank account for foreign funds in State Bank of India, Delhi. Utilization: Funds must be used for the stipulated purpose. Eligibility: Granted to individuals or associations with definite cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programs. Exceptions: Prohibited Applicants: Those prosecuted or convicted for forced religious conversion. Those prosecuted or convicted for creating communal tension or sedition. Candidates for elections, journalists, media companies, judges, government servants, legislators, political party members, and politically natured organizations. Validity: Duration: FCRA registration is valid for 5 years. Renewal: NGOs must apply for renewal within six months of the expiry date. Cancellation: Violation of the Act. Inactivity in the chosen field for two consecutive years. Becoming defunct. Once cancelled, re-registration is prohibited for three years. FCRA 2022 Rules: Compoundable Offences: Increased from 7 to 12. Contribution Intimation: Exemption for amounts less than Rs 10 lakh from relatives abroad (previous limit was Rs 1 lakh). Extended time limit for intimation of opening bank accounts.

 

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PATRIOTIC IAS: PAIDLEYGANJ, GORAKHPUR       CONTACT US: 9971932488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

Objective:

• The Act aims to provide protection for the rights of transgender people, ensure their welfare, and address related matters.

Introduction:

• Date Introduced: 19 July 2019
• Introduced by: Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thawar Chand Gehlot
• Preceding Legislation: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018 (Bill No. 210-C of 2016), and an earlier 2016 version.
• Enactment Dates: Passed by the Lok Sabha on 5 August 2019 and by the Rajya Sabha on 26 November 2019.
• Presidential Assent: 5 December 2019
• Effective Date: 10 January 2020

Amendments and Legislative Journey:

• 2016 Bill: Met with protests and criticism; sent to a standing committee which submitted its report in July 2017.
• 2018 Bill: Passed by Lok Sabha in December 2018, but did not incorporate many committee recommendations.
• 2019 Act: Criticized but passed by both houses and received presidential assent.

Key Provisions:

• Prohibition of Discrimination: Discrimination against transgender people is prohibited.
• Inclusive Definition: Includes intersex people, hijras, jogtas, kinnars, trans-men, trans-women, and genderqueers.
• Transgender Certificate: Transgender persons can apply for a certificate from the district magistrate, allowing them to change their name and update documents.
• Sex Reassignment Surgery: Required to be legally recognized as male or female in official documents.
• Protection of Transgender Children: Provisions to ensure welfare; separation from family only by court order.
• No Mandatory Reservations: Does not provide reservations in education and employment, unlike the 2014 bill.
• Punishment for Crimes: Imprisonment from six months to two years and a fine for crimes against transgender people.
• National Council for Transgender Persons: Provision for the creation of this council.

Amendments to Previous Bills:

• 2018 Bill:
  • Criminalized begging, which was a livelihood for many transgender individuals.
  • Mandated district screening committees for transgender certificates.
  • Did not provide mandatory reservations.
  • Ensured family-life for transgender children without considering potential harassment within the family.
• 2019 Act:
  • Removed provisions for district screening committees and criminalization of begging.
  • Retained the provision for court-ordered separation of transgender children from their families.
  • Maintained punishment for crimes against transgender people.
  • Did not incorporate mandatory reservations.

Rules and Regulations:

• Draft Rules: On 18 April 2020, Draft Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 were published, seeking public comments and suggestions.

Summary:

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, aims to safeguard the rights of transgender individuals in India. Despite criticism and protests, the Act was passed to replace earlier bills from 2016 and 2018. Key provisions include prohibiting discrimination, issuing transgender certificates, requiring sex reassignment surgery for gender recognition, and protecting transgender children. However, it does not mandate reservations in education and employment. The Act also provides for the creation of a National Council for Transgender Persons and outlines penalties for crimes against transgender individuals.

 

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NATIONAL PARK:

Historical Context:

• First National Park: Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand.
• Namdapha National Park:
  • Designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1972.
  • Became a tiger reserve and national park in 1983.
  • Listed on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Namdapha National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Overview:

• Namdapha National Park is a sprawling, 1,985 square kilometer wilderness located in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, it is considered a jewel in the crown of India's protected areas. Established in 1983, the park is part of the Eastern Himalayas and boasts diverse topography ranging from low-lying valleys to snow-capped peaks.

Geographical Location and Topography:

• Location: Situated in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Borders: Shares a border with Myanmar.
• Rivers: Traversed by the Noa Dihing River, originating from the Daphabum peak.
• Elevation Range: Varies from 200 meters to 4,571 meters at Daphabum, making it one of the few national parks in the world with such a dramatic altitudinal range.

Biodiversity:

Namdapha is a treasure trove of biodiversity and is home to:

• Plant Species: Over 1,000 species, including tropical evergreen forests, subtropical broadleaf forests, and alpine meadows.
• Animal Species: Approximately 1,400 species, including:
  • Big Cats: Tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards.
  • Other Notable Wildlife: Elephants, red pandas, various species of deer, monkeys, and birds.

Conservation Importance:

• Namdapha plays a crucial role in conserving the unique ecosystem of the Eastern Himalayas. Recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, the park is home to several endangered and threatened species. Its intact forests are vital for maintaining ecological balance, regulating water resources, and protecting the livelihoods of local communities.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts:

• Despite its ecological significance, Namdapha faces several threats, including deforestation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. To address these challenges, the park authorities, in collaboration with local communities, have implemented various conservation measures, such as:
  • Anti-Poaching Patrols: Strengthening efforts to combat poaching activities.
  • Community-Based Conservation Programs: Involving local communities in conservation activities.
  • Eco-Tourism Initiatives: Promoting eco-tourism to support conservation and provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

 

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Why did courts revisit bar on sub-quotas? (04 August)

Will the weaker among Dalits get representation from further sub-classification? Why did the Supreme Court overrule a five-judge decision of 2004? What are the views on creamy layer exclusion? Do the judges’ opinions on this constitute a direction to the government?

• The Supreme Court ruled that States can create sub-quotas within Scheduled Castes (SC) quotas.
• This overruled a 2004 judgment by a five-member Constitution Bench.
• The 2004 judgment held that sub-classification of SCs was impermissible and only Parliament could modify the SC list notified by the President under Article 341 of the Constitution.
• The Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Ordinance, 1999, and the subsequent Act created four groups (A, B, C, and D) within SCs with varying reservation percentages.
• The Andhra Pradesh High Court upheld this Act, but the Supreme Court later ruled it unconstitutional.
• The 2004 Supreme Court judgment in E.V. Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh stated that once SCs are notified under Article 341, they form a single homogeneous class, and States cannot further classify them into groups.

How did it come up before a larger Bench?

 

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• The Punjab Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes (Reservation in Services) Act, 2006, allocated 25% reservation for SCs and 12% for backward classes in direct recruitment.
• Half the SC quota jobs were to be first given to Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs, if available.
• The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled this preference unconstitutional, citing the E.V. Chinnaiah judgment.
• The High Court also struck down a similar Haryana notification dividing SC communities into two blocks with 50% SC quota each.
• In 2009, Tamil Nadu enacted a law for a sub-quota for Arunthathiyars, considered the weakest among SCs, which was challenged in the Supreme Court.
• In 2020, a Constitution Bench questioned the Chinnaiah judgment's correctness, noting the Indra Sawhney case allowed sub- classification of backward classes.
• A larger Bench was formed to revisit the Chinnaiah verdict since Indra Sawhney was only about OBC reservation.

What is the reasoning behind it?

• Six of seven judges ruled the 2004 judgment was wrong.
• Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Manoj Mishra found SC communities are not homogeneous.
• Notifying a list of SCs does not imply all have a similar status; there is heterogeneity among them.
• Historical and empirical evidence shows inter se differences and discrimination among SC communities.
• Sub-classification is permissible based on “intelligible differentia” with a rational nexus to its purpose.
• Sub-classification is subject to judicial review and must be justified with empirical data.
• Sub-classification does not tinker with the Presidential list and does not violate Article 341.
• Article 341 identifies Scheduled Castes, but States can identify different degrees of backwardness and extend reservation benefits.
• The ruling is expected to encourage States to earmark sub-quotas for the most marginalized Dalit sections.
• Justice Bela Trivedi dissents, supporting the Chinnaiah doctrine, which opposes sub-classifying a homogeneous class and altering the President's list under Article 341.
• The creamy layer concept currently applies only to OBCs, not to Dalit communities.
• Justice B. R. Gavai supports identifying and excluding the more advanced among Scheduled Castes from affirmative action benefits.
• Justice Gavai notes that treating unequals equally undermines equality.
• He questions if children of IAS or IPS officers should be treated the same as those in remote villages, despite being from the same community.
• Gavai highlights differences in access to resources between urban and rural areas and elite institutions versus schools with limited facilities.
• He states that excluding the creamy layer among SCs should have different parameters than those used for OBCs.
• Three other judges agree with his view.
• The opinions do not direct the government to implement the creamy layer concept, as it was not the main issue in this case.

 

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How can Wayanad reduce landslide risks? (04 August)

What are the natural and man-made factors that triggered large-scale death and destruction in Kerala? What is the plan to protect the Western Ghats? Why have recommendations by the Gadgil committee not been implemented? Were warnings issue ignored by the State?

• Massive landslides hit Wayanad, northern Kerala, on July 30.
• Continuous torrential rainfall triggered death and destruction in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Meppadi.
• Death toll: 215, with more missing.
• Causes: natural and anthropogenic factors.
• Kerala's land area: 49.7% prone to landslides (Geological Survey of India).
• Wayanad is uniquely vulnerable due to heavy rainfall and Western Ghats' slope; 31.54% of the district is highly susceptible (IIT-Delhi).
• Human factors exacerbating the risk: increasing construction, changes in crop patterns.
• Wayanad has become a tourist hotspot, with homestays and monsoon tourism trends.
• Ecologist Madhav Gadgil points to resorts, artificial lakes, and abandoned quarries in the sensitive zone.
• Land use changes over time: British-era tea plantations and post-Independence developments.
• Study (2022): 62% reduction in forest cover (1950-2018), 1,800% increase in plantation area.
• Monocropping leads to topsoil loosening once held by forest roots
• Climate change has indirectly affected Kerala's rainfall patterns.

 

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• Warming of the Arabian Sea leads to deep cloud systems and extremely heavy rainfall over shorter periods (S. Abhilash, Cochin University of Science and Technology).
• Heavy rainfall events have increased, while rainy days during the monsoon have decreased.
• Record 527 mm rainfall in Mundakkai before the landslide.
• Wayanad had normal rainfall averages this monsoon; Kerala had deficits (India Meteorological Department).
• Shift from cool, humid environment with year-round drizzles to drier, hotter summers and intense monsoon downpours (Mariam Zachariah, Grantham Institute for Climate Change).
• Drier soils absorb less water, causing heavy rainfall run-offs that lead to landslides.

How can the Western Ghats be protected?

• Mr. Gadgil led the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel.
• The panel's 2011 report recommended the entire Western Ghats region (1,29,000 sq km across six States) be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
• The area was to be divided into three zones: ESZ 1, ESZ 2, and ESZ 3.
• Strict restrictions on development were proposed for ESZ 1 and ESZ 2.
• All three taluks of Wayanad fell under ESZ 1.
• Recommendations for ESZ 1 included:
  • Ban on land use changes.
  • Moratorium on mining and quarrying.
  • Limits on hydropower projects.
  • No new railway lines or major roads.
  • Strictly regulated minimal ecotourism.
• Meppadi village, recently washed away, was highlighted as an ecologically sensitive locality.
• The Gadgil panel report was rejected by all State governments due to public backlash over potential impacts on livelihoods and economic growth.
• Kasturirangan's panel watered down Gadgil's recommendations.
• Only 37% of the Western Ghats were to be declared ecologically sensitive.
• Much of Wayanad still fell within the protected area.

• Kasturirangan's report was not implemented.
• A draft notification on Western Ghats protection was first issued in March 2014.
• The draft has remained in draft stage for over a decade.
• The sixth version was issued by the Union government a day after the Wayanad landslide.
• A 2022 committee was set up to balance conservation and developmental aspirations.
• The committee has yet to submit its report.

Were landslide warnings issued?

• The IMD issues heavy rainfall warnings using a color-coded system.
• The week before the landslides, alerts were mostly yellow, which doesn't call for action.
• A red alert was issued for July 30 only after the landslide occurred.
• The GSI is the nodal agency for landslide studies and early warning system development.
• The early warning system is still experimental and will take 4-5 years to be ready for public use.
• Regional landslide forecast bulletins have been issued to Wayanad authorities since the 2024 monsoon onset.
• Most days had a "low" probability prediction, with "moderate" probability predicted for July 30.

What is the new Alzheimer’s blood test? (04 August)

How will it help treat the disease better? Is it more avoidable? Will India be able to introduce it soon?

• Researchers developed a new blood test, PrecivityAD2, for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
• The test is about 90% accurate in identifying AD in people with cognitive symptoms.
• The study, "Blood Biomarkers to Detect Alzheimer Disease in Primary Care and Secondary Care" by Sebastian Palmqvist et al, was published in JAMA on July 28.
• Practitioners are excited because:
  • 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men develop dementia due to AD.
  • Individuals with cognitive symptoms are first seen in primary care; few are referred to secondary care.

 

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o Symptomatic AD is misdiagnosed in 25%-35% of patients at specialized clinics and likely more in primary care.

• A blood test for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered a major advancement, as current methods are expensive and complex.
• Modern methods include amyloid or Tau PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid tests via lumbar puncture, which are costly and painful.
• Neuropsychiatrist E.S. Krishnamoorthy highlights that this new blood test is close to the ideal goal of a simple serum study.
• The blood test will lower diagnosis costs and simplify the process to just drawing blood.
• Previous commercial attempts were less conclusive, but this new study has provided definitive results.
• Howard Fillit of the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation believes blood tests will soon replace costly PET scans and become the standard for diagnosing AD.
• Fillit compares the advancement to how cholesterol tests are used to detect heart disease.

What does the test do?

• The new blood test measures two ratios: plasma phosphorylated-tau217 (p-tau217) to non-phosphorylated-tau21, and two types of amyloid-beta: AB42 and AB40.
• Tau and amyloid-beta are known markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
• The study involved 1,213 patients in Sweden, with 23% having subjective cognitive decline, 33% having dementia, and 44% having mild cognitive impairment.
• About 50% of participants showed AD pathology through testing.
• The blood test had a 91% accuracy in detecting AD, compared to 73% accuracy by dementia specialists and 61% by primary care physicians.
• The test is expected to streamline AD diagnosis and treatment, as early diagnosis is crucial for effective use of early-stage drugs and is more cost-effective and simple compared to current methods.

How does this impact the future?

• Future studies should assess how blood tests impact clinical care.
• Costs are expected to decrease, improving affordability.
• Currently, India relies on MRI and regular PET scans for AD diagnosis.
• Amyloid or Tau PET scans are not commercially available in India.
• The availability of the new blood test in India is anticipated, but it's uncertain if it will be accessible and affordable for