Current Affairs 07 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. Supreme Court Overturns 1998 Ruling on Parliamentary Privilege
2. All India Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
3. Archaeological Discovery in Telangana: Ancient Chalukyan Temples
4. Fourth mass coral bleaching
5. MethaneSAT
6. Holistic Progress Card
7. Cycas circinalis

Supreme Court Overturns 1998 Ruling on Parliamentary Privilege

Context:

In a recent development, the Supreme Court overturned a 25-year-old majority opinion in the P V Narasimha Rao v State (CBI/Spe) Case, 1998, commonly known as the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) bribery case. The SC clarified that parliamentary privileges do not shield lawmakers from prosecution for bribery, signaling a departure from the previous ruling’s immunity for lawmakers  who accepted bribes could not be prosecuted for corruption if they followed through with voting or speaking in the House as agreed.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. P V Narasimha Rao Case: Supreme Court’s Evolving Rulings
2. What does Article 105 say?
3. Parliamentary Privilege: History and Restrictions

P V Narasimha Rao Case: Supreme Court’s Evolving Rulings

• Case Background: In the 1993 P V Narasimha Rao case, JMM MPs faced allegations of bribery for voting against a No-Confidence motion, shedding light on corruption within the parliamentary system.
• 1998 Ruling: Immunity for Bribery: The 1998 Supreme Court ruling granted immunity to MPs and MLAs from prosecution in bribery cases if they fulfilled their end of the bargain, citing Parliamentary Privilege (Article 105(2)). The decision prioritized governmental stability over individual accountability.
• 2024 Ruling: Overturning Immunity: In a recent 7-Judge Constitution Bench ruling, the 1998 decision was overturned. The SC highlighted the detrimental impact of bribery on democratic principles, emphasizing that immunity doesn’t extend to bribery cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This shift underscores a commitment to accountability and integrity in governance, aligning with the principles of a responsible and representative democracy in India.

What does Article 105 say?

• Article 105 of the Constitution deals with “powers, privileges, etc of the Houses of Parliament and of the members and committees thereof”, and has four clauses. It reads:
• Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and to the rules and standing orders regulating the procedure of Parliament, there shall be freedom of speech in Parliament.
• No member of Parliament shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of any thing said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings.
• In other respects, the powers, privileges and immunities of each House of Parliament, and of the members and the committees of each House, shall be such as may from time to time be defined by Parliament by law, and, until so defined, shall be those of that House and of its members and committees immediately before the coming into force of section 15 of the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978.
• The provisions of clauses (1), (2) and (3) shall apply in relation to persons who by virtue of this Constitution have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in the proceedings of, a House of Parliament or any committee thereof as they apply in relation to members of Parliament.”
• Simply put, Members of Parliament are exempted from any legal action for any statement made or act done in the course of their duties. For example, a defamation suit cannot be filed for a statement made in the House.
• This immunity extends to certain non-members as well, such as the Attorney General for India or a Minister who may not be a member but speaks in the House. In cases where a member oversteps or exceeds the contours of admissible free speech, the Speaker or the House itself will deal with it, as opposed to the court.

Parliamentary Privilege: History and Restrictions

Origins of Parliamentary Privilege

• Provision first brought to India by Government of India Act, 1935
• References the powers and privileges enjoyed by the House of Commons in Britain
• Initial draft of the Indian Constitution contained a reference to the House of Commons, but it was later dropped
• Privileges of the House of Commons in Britain are based in common law developed over centuries through precedents

Historical Precedents

• In the 17th-century case of ‘R vs Elliot, Holles and Valentine’, the House of Lords provided immunity to a member of the House of Commons who was arrested for seditious words spoken in a debate and for violence against the Speaker, saying that words spoken in Parliament should only be judged therein.
• This privilege was also enshrined in the Bill of Rights 1689, by which the Parliament of England definitively established the principle of a constitutional monarchy.
• In the 1884 case of ‘Bradlaugh v. Gosset’, then Chief Justice Lord Coleridge of the House of Lords observed that “What is said or done within the walls of Parliament cannot be inquired into in a court of law.”

Restrictions on Parliamentary Privilege

• Article 121 of the Indian Constitution prohibits any discussion in Parliament regarding the “conduct of any Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court in the discharge of his duties except upon a motion for presenting an address to the President praying for the removal of the Judge.”

-Source: The Hindu

All India Household Consumption Expenditure Survey

Context:

Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation disclosed the general results of the All India Household Consumption Expenditure Survey conducted from August 2022 to July 2023.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Highlights of the Recent Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
2. National Statistical Office (NSO)

Highlights of the Recent Household Consumption Expenditure Survey:

Survey Overview:

• Conducted every 5 years by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
• Aims to gather information on household consumption of goods and services.
• Utilized for deriving macroeconomic indicators like GDP, poverty rates, and Consumer Price Inflation (CPI).

Poverty Reduction:

• NITI Aayog reports a decline in poverty to 5% based on the latest consumer expenditure survey.

Data Quality Issues:

• Findings from the 2017-18 survey were not released due to “data quality” concerns.

Monthly Per Capita Consumer Expenditure (MPCE):

• Urban households show a 33.5% increase (₹3,510), while rural households exhibit a 40.42% rise (₹2,008) since 2011-12.

Expenditure Distribution:

• In 2022-23, 46% of rural and 39% of urban household expenditure is on food items.
• The top 5% of rural and urban populations have the highest average MPCE, reaching Rs. 10,501 and Rs. 20,824, respectively.

State-Wise Analysis:

• Sikkim has the highest MPCE in rural (₹7,731) and urban (₹12,105) areas.
• Chhattisgarh records the lowest MPCE in rural (₹2,466) and urban (₹4,483) households.

Among the UTs, 

• MPCE is the highest in Chandigarh (Rural Rs. 7,467 and Urban Rs. 12,575).
• It is the lowest in Ladakh (Rs. 4,035) and Lakshadweep (Rs. 5,475) for rural and urban areas respectively.

Rural-Urban Disparities:

• Meghalaya shows the highest rural-urban difference in average MPCE (83%).

Trend Analysis:

• Share of expenditure on food has gradually declined since 1999-2000.
• Share of non-food items has increased, indicating improved incomes for other expenditures.
• Spending on cereals and pulses within food consumption has reduced.
• Conveyance dominates among non-food items.

Fuel and Light Spending:

• Until 2022-23, fuel and light traditionally saw the highest consumption spending among non-food items.

National Statistical Office (NSO):

• Formation:
  • Established in 2019 by merging the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
• Origins:
  • Proposed by the C. Rangarajan Committee as the central body for core statistical activities.
• Administrative Placement:
  • Operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Functions:
  • Collects, compiles, and disseminates accurate, unbiased, and pertinent statistical data.

-Source: The Hindu

Archaeological Discovery in Telangana: Ancient Chalukyan Temples

Context:

Archaeologists from the Public Research Institute of History, Archaeology, and Heritage (PRIHAH) have made a significant discovery in Mudimanikyam village, Nalgonda district, Telangana. Unearthed during excavations are two ancient temples dating back to the Badami Chalukyan period. The discovery also includes a rare inscription, shedding light on the historical and cultural richness of the region.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Findings in Recent Excavation
2. Key Features of the Chalukya Dynasty

Key Findings in Recent Excavation

Ancient Temples:

• Discovered at the village’s edge, the two temples have been dated between 543 AD and 750 AD, aligning with the Badami Chalukya era.
• Exhibiting a distinctive architectural fusion, they incorporate styles from both Badami Chalukyas and Kadamba Nagara, presented in the Rekha Nagara format.
• Noteworthy features include the recovery of a panavattam (Shiva lingam base) in one temple and a Vishnu idol in another.

Inscription:

• An inscription known as ‘Gandaloranru’ was found, estimated to be from the 8th or 9th Century AD.

Cultural Significance:

• Traditionally, the influence of Badami Chalukyas was believed to extend only to sites like Jogulamba temples at Alampur and the submerged Yeleswaram sites.
• This discovery broadens the recognized boundaries of the Badami Chalukya kingdom, revealing new facets of their historical reach.

Key Features of the Chalukya Dynasty

Dynastic Structure:

• The Chalukya dynasty, spanning the 6th to 12th centuries, included the Chalukyas of Badami, Eastern Chalukyas, and Western Chalukyas.
• Badami Chalukyas, with their zenith under Pulakeshin II, were followed by the rise of Eastern and Western Chalukyas.

Geographical Rule:

• Badami Chalukyas, originating from Vatapi (Badami in Karnataka), ruled the western Deccan.
• Eastern Chalukyas emerged in the eastern Deccan, centred around Vengi.
• Western Chalukyas, successors of Badami Chalukyas, ruled from Kalyani.

Historical Phases:

• Pulikesin I’s fortification near Badami marked the dynasty’s foundation.
• Eastern Chalukyas flourished independently, while the rise of the Rashtrakutas overshadowed Badami Chalukyas.
• Western Chalukyas revived the legacy until the late 12th century. 

Administrative System:

• Implemented a structured administrative system with divisions like Vishayam, Rastram, Nadu, and Grama for effective governance.

Religious Patronage:

• Notable patrons of Saivism and Vaishnavism, and supporters of Jainism and Buddhism, showcasing religious diversity.
• Poet-laureate Ravikirti, under Pulikesin II, was a Jain scholar.

Architectural Contributions:

• Introduced sandstone for temple construction, evident in Badami’s cave and structural temples, as well as temples in Pattadakal and Aihole.
• Mastered both excavated cave temples and structural temples.

Literary Contributions:

• Sanskrit used in official inscriptions, demonstrating commitment to classical literature.
• Recognition of regional languages like Kannada for official use, acknowledging them as languages of the people.

Artistic Expression:

• Adopted Vakataka style in painting, with examples found in a Vishnu cave temple in Badami.

-Source: The Hindu

Fourth Mass Coral Bleaching

Context:

According to the U.S. NOAA, the world is on the verge of a fourth mass coral bleaching event which could see wide swathes of tropical reefs die, including parts of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Coral Reefs
2. Coral Bleaching and Its Implications
3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Findings

About Coral Reefs

• Indonesia has the largest coral reef area in the world and the Great Barrier Reef of the Queensland coast of Australia is the largest aggregation of coral reefs.
• India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Chagos have the maximum coral reefs in South Asia.
• Coral Reefs protect humanity from natural calamities acting as a barrier, provide revenue and employment through tourism and recreation and also provide habitats for fishes, starfish and sea anemones.
• Coral blocks are used for buildings and road construction, the lime supplied by corals is used in cement industries and coral reefs may also be used in jewellery.
• India has four coral reef areas:
  • Gulf of Mannar,
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
  • Lakshadweep islands
  • Gulf of Kutch.

Risks and threats to coral reefs

• Due to anthropogenic activities such as coastal development, destructive fishing methods and pollution from domestic and industrial sewage.
• Due to increased sedimentation, over-exploitation and recurring cyclones.
• Coral diseases such as black band and white band due to infectious microorganisms introduced by the human population that live on the coastal regions.

Coral Bleaching and Its Implications

Causes of Coral Bleaching:

• Exposure to stressful conditions, such as high temperatures, pollution, or changes in water chemistry, prompts corals to expel zooxanthellae.
• This expulsion leads to loss of color, resulting in the term “bleaching,” and, if prolonged, can be fatal for corals.

Concerns and Impact:

• Coral reefs, vital for marine ecosystems, provide habitats and sustenance for numerous fish species.
• They play a crucial role in coastline protection, storm prevention, and carbon dioxide absorption, contributing to climate regulation.
• The loss of coral reefs not only diminishes biodiversity and natural beauty but also impacts ecosystems and communities dependent on them.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Findings:

• The world is approaching a potential fourth mass coral bleaching event, following those in 1998, 2010, and 2014.
• Global significance requires widespread bleaching in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
• The last event (2014-2017) led to significant coral die-offs, with the Great Barrier Reef losing nearly a third of its corals.
• Preliminary data suggests that around 15% of the world’s reefs experienced substantial coral loss during that event.
• The current situation, exacerbated by climate change, is indicating a more severe scenario than the previous event.
• Factors include El Niño, leading to warmer ocean waters, and the Earth registering its first 12-month period with temperatures over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
• Scientists believe a 1.5C rise is a critical threshold, estimating potential losses of 90% of the world’s coral reefs.

-Source: Down To Earth

MethaneSAT

Context:

MethaneSAT — a satellite which will track and measure methane emissions at a global scale — was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Addressing Methane Emissions: Urgency and Impact
2. MethaneSAT: Revolutionizing Methane Emission Monitoring
3. Significance of MethaneSAT: Advancing Global Environmental Goals

Addressing Methane Emissions: Urgency and Impact

Greenhouse Effect:

Methane’s Potent Impact:

• Methane, although invisible, stands as a potent greenhouse gas, ranking as the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.
• It has been a significant factor, contributing to 30% of global heating since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
• Over a span of 20 years, methane’s warming potency surpasses that of carbon dioxide by 80 times, underscoring its critical role in accelerating climate change.

Human Health Implications:

Formation of Ground-Level Ozone:

• Methane emissions are linked to the formation of ground-level ozone, a colorless and highly irritating gas situated just above the Earth’s surface.
• A 2022 report highlights the alarming consequence of ground-level ozone exposure, estimating its involvement in causing one million premature deaths annually.
• Monitoring and mitigating methane emissions become imperative not only for climate stability but also for safeguarding public health.

MethaneSAT’s Role:

Tracking and Measurement:

• MethaneSAT’s orbital monitoring capabilities provide a crucial tool in tracking and measuring methane emissions globally.
• By identifying emission sources and trends, MethaneSAT contributes significantly to understanding and addressing the environmental and health impacts associated with methane.

Global Collaborative Action:

Mitigating Climate Change:

• The urgency to curb methane emissions aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and its multifaceted impacts.
• As methane plays a substantial role in both the greenhouse effect and adverse health outcomes, tracking and addressing its emissions are paramount for achieving a sustainable and healthier future.

MethaneSAT: Revolutionizing Methane Emission Monitoring

• MethaneSAT is a revolutionary satellite designed to orbit the Earth 15 times a day, focusing on monitoring methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.
• It will create a large amount of data, which will tell how much methane is coming from where, who’s responsible, and are those emissions going up or down over time.
• Developed by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, in collaboration with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Monitoring:

• MethaneSAT will generate extensive, near real-time data showcasing methane emissions worldwide.
• The data will be publicly accessible, aiding stakeholders and regulators in making informed decisions to mitigate emissions.

Partnerships:

• The EDF partnered with reputable institutions, including Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency, for the satellite’s development.

Addressing Monitoring Gaps:

• MethaneSAT addresses existing gaps in monitoring systems by providing detailed data on specific sources, including smaller ones often overlooked.
• Aiming to rectify the reported 70% underestimation of global methane emissions by national governments, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

High-Resolution Sensors:

• Equipped with advanced infrared sensors and a spectrometer, MethaneSAT can detect methane concentration differences as small as three parts per billion in the atmosphere.
• This capability allows the satellite to identify smaller emission sources not captured by previous satellites.

Wide-Camera View:

• MethaneSAT features a wide-camera view of approximately 200 km by 200 km, enabling the identification of larger emitters known as super emitters.

AI Technology:

• The collected data will undergo analysis using cloud-computing and AI technology developed by Google, a mission partner.
• Google’s Earth Engine platform will host and make the data accessible to the public.

Significance of MethaneSAT: Advancing Global Environmental Goals

Fulfilling Global Methane Pledge 2021:

• MethaneSAT plays a pivotal role in achieving the objectives set forth by the Global Methane Pledge 2021.
  • Over 150 countries signed this pledge, committing to a collective reduction of at least 30% in methane emissions by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
  • The satellite aids countries and companies in meeting these ambitious targets, contributing to global environmental sustainability.

Driving Transparency:

• MethaneSAT introduces a new era of transparency in monitoring methane emissions.
  • The satellite’s publicly available data is accessible worldwide, providing a tool for scrutinizing and verifying the methane reduction commitments made by governments and corporations.
  • This transparency fosters accountability and facilitates a more informed approach to environmental stewardship.

Catalyzing Global Environmental Initiatives:

• As more than 50 companies pledged to virtually eliminate methane emissions and routine flaring, MethaneSAT emerges as a crucial instrument in catalyzing and supporting these global environmental initiatives.
• The satellite’s monitoring capabilities contribute to the overall success of environmental commitments, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing climate change.

-Source: The Hindu

Holistic Progress Card

Context:

The traditional report cards students receive in schools are set to undergo a major change, with the National Council for Educational and Research Training (NCERT) introducing a new ‘holistic progress card’ (HPC).

Relevance:

GS II: Education

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Holistic Progress Card (HPC)
2. Benefits of Holistic Progress Card (HPC)

Holistic Progress Card (HPC)

• Development: Introduced by PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), a standard-setting body under NCERT.
• Applicability: Designed for the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8), aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Shift in Assessment: Marks a paradigm shift by moving away from grades and embracing a 360-degree evaluation approach.
• Incorporated Feedback: Utilizes feedback from parents, classmates, and self-evaluation by students for a comprehensive view of academic performance, cognitive abilities, socio-emotional skills, and creativity.
• Learner-Centric Evaluation: Aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) to prioritize learner-centric evaluation.

Key Features:

• No reliance on traditional marks or grades; emphasis on a 360-degree evaluation.
• Regular assessment through class activities where students actively apply diverse skills and competencies.
• Assessment of difficulty level experienced during tasks.
• Teachers assess strengths (e.g., collaboration, creativity) and weaknesses (e.g., lack of attention) of students.
• Students actively participate in self-evaluation and peer evaluation.
• Reflection statements, such as “I learned something new,” encourage self-awareness.
• Middle-stage students (Classes 6 to 8) set academic and personal goals, outline aspirations through an “ambition card.”
• Parental involvement in the learning process, integrating insights on homework, classroom engagement, and balancing screen time.
• Peer evaluation with students assessing classmates’ contributions to activities.

Benefits of Holistic Progress Card (HPC)

Comprehensive Evaluation:

• Moves beyond numerical grades to offer descriptive and analytical evaluations.
• Encompasses academic achievements and critical skill development in children.

Shift in Assessment Paradigm:

• Promotes a transition from summative to formative assessment approaches.
• Fosters competency-based evaluation for a more holistic understanding of a student’s progress.

Holistic Growth:

• Emphasizes holistic development, considering not only academic performance but also essential skills.
• Encourages a well-rounded view of a child’s capabilities and potential.

Competency-Based Assessment:

• Focuses on evaluating competencies rather than relying solely on traditional grading systems.
• Provides a more nuanced understanding of a student’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Insights for Support:

• Aims to offer teachers and parents valuable insights to support each student in their learning journey.
• Enables targeted assistance based on a comprehensive understanding of a student’s performance.

-Source: Indian Express

Cycas Circinalis

Context:

Cycas circinalis is on the verge of extinction in the northern part of the Kerala state after being hit by an unknown and fast spreading plant disease.

Relevance:

GS III: Species in News

About Cycas circinalis

Common Names:

• Popularly known as Eenthu Pana in Kerala.
• Referred to by various names such as Mund isalu (Kannada), madana kama raja (Tamil), and Malabari supari (Marathi) in different states.

Taxonomy:

• Belongs to cycads (family Cycadaceae), one of the world’s most endangered plant groups.
• Cycads originated 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, making them the oldest extant group of seed plants.

Features:

• Evergreen palm-like tree, reaching heights of up to 25 ft.
• Typically found in dense, seasonally dry scrubby woodlands in hilly areas.
• Facultative deciduous in extremely dry conditions.
• Similar to areca nut, Eenthu Pana requires complete dryness for preparation, posing a challenge as it is usually harvested in the rainy season.
• Bears fruits after 40 to 50 years in most cases.

Geographical Distribution:

• Indian endemic species restricted to the Western Ghats, present in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the south of Maharashtra.

Endemism:

• Among the nine recognized cycad species in India, six are endemic.

Applications:

• Serves as a nutraceutical plant for several indigenous communities in the Western Ghats.

-Source: The Hindu