Current Affairs 08 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. Upcoming Amendments to Enhance Accountability in Waqf Boards
2. Concerns Over Tiger Conservation Efficacy in Madhya Pradesh
3. Rising Concerns Over GST on Insurance Premiums in India
4. Sucralose
5. Earth Observation Sattellite-8
6. President Droupadi Murmu Receives Fiji’s Highest Civilian Honor

Upcoming Amendments to Enhance Accountability in Waqf Boards

Context:

The Indian Parliament is poised to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at amending the Waqf Act, 1995. This legislation is designed to increase accountability and transparency within Waqf boards. A key aspect of the proposed amendments is the removal of provisions that currently grant Waqf Boards the unchecked authority to declare any property as Waqf without adequate oversight. These changes are intended to ensure more rigorous checks and balances in the management and declaration of Waqf properties.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of the Waqf Act 1955
2. Key Amendments in Waqf Act (Amendment Bill), 2024
3. Criticisms of the Amendment
4. Conclusion

Overview of the Waqf Act 1955

• Initially passed in 1954, the Waqf Act was designed to manage religious and charitable endowments in India. The act was significantly revised in 1995 and further amended in 2013 to enhance the powers of Waqf Boards.

Key Aspects of the Waqf Act

• Waqf involves the dedication of movable or immovable property for religious, pious, or charitable purposes under Muslim law.
• Funds from Waqf properties typically support educational institutions, graveyards, mosques, and shelters for the needy.
• Management: Managed by Waqf Boards and a Mutawali (custodian), these properties are maintained to serve perpetual religious and charitable functions.

Administration and Regulation

• Waqf Boards: Empowered to acquire, manage, and litigate property, these boards ensure the upkeep and proper use of Waqf properties.
• Central Waqf Council: Established in 1964, this council oversees state-level Waqf Boards and aids in the national coordination of Waqf activities.

Significance

• Economic Impact: Waqf properties are extensive, with over 872,000 registered assets across 800,000 acres, generating significant revenue.
• Legal Framework: Properties designated as Waqf are non-transferable and are held in perpetuity for the benefit of the community.

Key Amendments in Waqf Act (Amendment Bill), 2024

• Mandatory Verification: The bill introduces mandatory verification for all Waqf property claims to enhance transparency.
• Board Composition Changes: Amendments to Sections 9 and 14 aim to alter the composition and functionality of Waqf Boards, including adding women representatives.
• Increased Oversight: New verification processes involving district magistrates are set to address disputes and prevent misuse of Waqf properties.
• Addressing Power Imbalances: The changes respond to concerns about unchecked powers within Waqf Boards, which have led to extensive and sometimes controversial claims on land.

Criticisms of the Amendment

• Critics argue that these amendments could undermine the autonomy of Waqf Boards, thereby affecting their ability to effectively manage properties.
• There are concerns that these changes might adversely affect Muslim communities, for whom Waqf properties hold religious and charitable significance.
• The increased involvement of district magistrates could lead to bureaucratic overreach, complicating the governance of Waqf properties rather than simplifying it.
• The introduction of new verification processes is seen as a potential catalyst for more disputes and complications, rather than providing clarity and fairness in the administration of Waqf properties.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 significantly refines the oversight and management of Waqf properties in India, ensuring more structured governance, accountability, and better utilization of assets. This legislative update empowers Waqf boards to more effectively channel benefits to the communities they serve. It seeks to uphold the integrity of Waqf assets while bolstering social welfare and economic growth, thereby enhancing community trust and engagement.

-Source: The Hindu

Concerns Over Tiger Conservation Efficacy in Madhya Pradesh

Context:

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) report has brought to light serious issues in the wildlife protection efforts in Madhya Pradesh, particularly after documenting the deaths of 43 tigers at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Shahdol Forest Circle between 2021 and 2023. The report reveals critical lapses in the investigation processes, a lack of sufficient evidence collection, and a worrying absence of accountability among officials tasked with tiger conservation. These findings have raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of current measures in place to protect one of India’s most iconic wildlife species.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Insights from the SIT Report on Tiger Deaths
2. Tiger Mortality Trends in India
3. Project Tiger
4. Concerns Regarding India’s Tiger Protection and Conservation Plans

Insights from the SIT Report on Tiger Deaths

• Investigation Shortcomings: The report highlights that in at least 10 tiger death cases, there was insufficient investigation, leading to only two arrests. This lack of interest by authorities has resulted in several cases with missing body parts.
• Forensic and Data Gaps: There is a notable absence of mobile forensics and electric trip data in cases involving electrocution. Additionally, there is a neglect in investigating land ownership, which is crucial for tackling poaching.
• Misattributed Causes of Death: There’s a recurrent issue of attributing tiger deaths to infighting without thorough investigation, possibly concealing instances of poaching.
• Post-mortem Inadequacies: The procedures for post-mortem are criticized for poor sample collection and inadequate documentation.
• Medical Negligence: There have been instances of medical negligence, such as failures to detect foreign objects during treatment, leading to fatalities among tigers.

Tiger Mortality Trends in India

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has observed an increase in tiger deaths, with the numbers rising annually from 96 in 2019 to a peak of 178 in 2023, the highest since 2012.
• From 2019 to 2024, a total of 628 tigers have died in India, where the tiger population was recorded at 3,682 in 2022, accounting for approximately 75% of the global wild tiger population.
• India initiated Project Tiger in 1973 to bolster tiger conservation efforts.
• There are 55 tiger reserves in India, spanning over 78,735 square kilometers, which is nearly 2.4% of the country’s geographical area dedicated to tiger habitats.

Project Tiger

Introduction:

• Project Tiger is a conservation program launched by the Indian government on April 1, 1973, to protect tigers from extinction due to widespread hunting and poaching.

Objectives:

• The primary objectives of Project Tiger are to promote the conservation of the tiger and its habitat, control the poaching of tigers, and maintain a viable population of tigers in India.

Implementation:

• The program was started in nine tiger reserves of different states in India, covering over 14,000 sq km.
• The project also ensured the preservation of the natural habitat of tigers, which is vital for their survival.

Success and Challenges:

• The program’s success was evident from the rise in the tiger population in India, estimated to be around 3,000 by the 1990s.
• However, the local extermination of tigers in Rajasthan’s Sariska in 2005 was a significant setback.
• To overcome the challenge, the Indian government established the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to reconstitute Project Tiger.

Current Status:

• Today, there are 54 tiger reserves across India, spanning 75,000 sq km.
• The current tiger population in the country stands at 3,167, showing a steady rise from 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, and 2,226 in 2014.
• The goal of Project Tiger is to have a viable and sustainable tiger population in tiger habitats based on a scientifically calculated carrying capacity.

Concerns Regarding India’s Tiger Protection and Conservation Plans:

Buffer Area’s Intended Purpose:

• The Buffer Area outside the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) aims to foster human-animal coexistence while respecting the rights of local communities in terms of livelihood, development, social, and cultural aspects.
• However, the overarching ‘fortress conservation’ strategy has inadvertently displaced communities that historically coexisted with tigers.

Long-Term Consequences of ‘Fortress Conservation’:

• The ‘fortress conservation’ approach has led to a rise in man-wildlife conflict incidents as tigers are compelled to inhabit and inherit landscapes that disrupt their natural coexistence with local populations.
• The proliferation of tigers, Tiger Reserves, and connecting corridors is turning India’s tiger territory into a potential hotspot for conflict rather than biodiversity.

Legal Frameworks and Relocation:

• The Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) prohibits relocation, except for “voluntary relocation on mutually agreed terms and conditions” that adhere to legal requirements.
• According to the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act 2013, relocation mandates the consent of affected communities.
• The LARR Act necessitates a comprehensive rehabilitation package, offering financial compensation and ensuring secure livelihoods for those subject to relocation.
• However, these legal provisions are not consistently adhered to in practice, raising concerns about their effective implementation.

-Source: The Hindu

Rising Concerns Over GST on Insurance Premiums in India

Context:

This year has seen a rise in the cost of health and life insurance premiums in India, further exacerbated by the addition of an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST). This increase has made insurance less affordable for many, sparking protests by opposition leaders in Parliament who demand the removal of GST on these premiums. In a significant move, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has reached out to the Finance Minister, arguing that the imposition of GST on insurance premiums adversely affects life’s uncertainties and stifles growth within the industry. This issue underscores the tension between government revenue needs and the financial burden on consumers.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. India’s Insurance Sector
2. GST Impact on Insurance
3. Policy Rationale and Financial Implications
4. Challenges and Recommendations

India’s Insurance Sector

• Industry Performance: In the fiscal year 2023-24, the general and life insurance sectors in India saw substantial revenues, with health insurance generating Rs 1,09,000 crore and life insurance amassing Rs 3,77,960 crore, with a significant contribution from LIC.
• Regional Contributions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi significantly contributed to health insurance, accounting for 64% of total premiums, highlighting regional disparities in insurance distribution.
• Penetration Trends: A decline in life insurance penetration from 3.2% to 3% alongside stable non-life insurance penetration at 1% suggests a stagnation or reduction in market depth year-over-year.

GST Impact on Insurance

• Tax Overhaul: The implementation of an 18% GST on insurance, replacing previous taxes and cesses, has led to increased premium costs, impacting affordability amidst a backdrop of 14% medical inflation.
• Legislative Feedback: Parliamentary discussions have acknowledged the public’s call for reduced GST on insurance to alleviate financial burdens on consumers.

Policy Rationale and Financial Implications

• GST Framework: Managed by the GST Council, the tax structure aims to standardize the fiscal approach to services like insurance, where recent collections amounted to significant sums, indicating a robust revenue stream from this sector.
• Tax Relief Measures: Despite existing tax deductions under income tax provisions, the high GST rate has sparked debates about its impact on policy affordability and the broader goal of universal insurance coverage by 2047.

Challenges and Recommendations

• Premium Hikes: Notable increases, such as a 50% hike by a major insurer, have intensified scrutiny over GST’s role in escalating costs.
• Expert Opinions: Critiques suggest that India’s GST rate on insurance is among the highest globally, potentially hindering the expansion of insurance coverage.
• Parliamentary Review: Recent recommendations from the Standing Committee on Finance advocate for a more balanced GST rate to encourage policy uptake and support the national initiative for comprehensive insurance access by 2047.

-Source: Indian Express

Sucralose

Context:

A recent study from India examining the effects of replacing sucrose or table sugar with an artificial sweetener, sucralose, found no adverse impact on glucose or HbA1c levels and in fact indicated a slight improvement in body mass index (BMI).

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Overview of Sucralose:

• Sucralose is a no-calorie sweetener designed to reduce sugar intake while maintaining the sweet taste.
• It belongs to a group of sweeteners that includes both low-calorie options like aspartame and no-calorie choices such as monk fruit and stevia sweeteners.
• Sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar.

Usage:

• Can be incorporated into any food or beverage.
• Remains stable under various conditions, ensuring longevity in taste.

Manufacturing Process:

• Origin: Derived from ordinary table sugar (sucrose).
• Chemical Modification: Involves replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms to prevent breakdown by digestive enzymes, enhancing safety.

Post-Consumption Dynamics:

• Absorption and Excretion: About 85% of ingested sucralose passes through the body unabsorbed, excreted unchanged in feces.
• Caloric Contribution: The minimal amount absorbed (roughly 15%) provides no calories and is rapidly excreted via urine.

-Source: The Hindu

Earth Observation Sattellite-8

Context:

ISRO’s Earth Observation Sattellite-8 (EOS-8) is expected to be launched by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 on August 15 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Earth Observation Sattellite-8

• Launch Vehicle: Scheduled for launch via the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3.
• Mission Goals:
  • Design and development of a microsatellite.
  • Creation of payload instruments tailored to fit the microsatellite bus.
  • Integration of innovative technologies for future satellite missions.
• Construction Basis: Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus framework.
• Key Payloads:
  • Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): Captures imagery in Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands for round-the-clock applications including surveillance, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and volcanic activity observation.
  • Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R): Utilizes GNSS-R for remote sensing tasks such as analyzing ocean surface winds, assessing soil moisture, conducting cryosphere studies in the Himalayas, and detecting floods and inland water bodies.
• Additional Instruments:
  • SiC UV Dosimeter: Positioned within the Crew Module of the Gaganyaan Mission to monitor UV irradiance and act as a gamma radiation high-dose alarm; the device is slated for a one-year operational period.

-Source: The Hindu

President Droupadi Murmu Receives Fiji’s Highest Civilian Honor

Context:

During her landmark visit to Fiji—the first ever by an Indian President—President Droupadi Murmu has been honored with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest civilian award of the nation. This prestigious accolade is in recognition of the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Fiji, highlighting the importance of their bilateral relationship on the global stage.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Indian Girmitiya Legacy and Fiji’s Cultural Tapestry

• Girmitiya Contributions: The President of India has recently highlighted the significant role of the Girmitiya laborers in the Indian diaspora. Originating from the Hindi word ‘girmit’, meaning ‘agreement’, these laborers were essentially indentured servants sent to regions like Fiji and Mauritius under harsh conditions disguised as employment agreements.
• Challenges Faced by Girmitiyas: Although not classified as slaves, Girmitiyas often faced conditions similar to slavery through deceitful practices known as “blackbirding”, which involved coercing them into labor under extremely poor conditions.
• Fiji’s Diverse Ecosystem: Fiji, situated in the South Pacific Ocean and encompassing over 300 islands, of which around 100 are inhabited, is renowned for its expansive coral reefs, spanning over 4,000 square kilometers and known as the “soft coral capital of the world.”
• Economic and Cultural Landscape: Historically, sugarcane farming has been a pivotal economic activity in Fiji. Today, Fiji operates as a parliamentary democracy, housing a diverse population that includes Indigenous Fijians, Indians, Europeans, and other groups. A notable cultural landmark is the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, symbolizing the deep-rooted Indian influence in the region.

-Source: The Hindu