Current Affairs 17 November 2023

CONTENTS

1. Sub-Categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs)
2. Parliamentary Committee’s Recommendation on Adultery
3. OECD Interim Report: Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040
4. Nirbhay Cruise Missile
5. Sagar Kavach
6. Mars solar conjunction
7. 6th India-OPEC Energy Dialogue: Key Discussions on Oil and Energy Markets

Sub-Categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs)

Context:

In an election rally in Telangana, Prime Minister promised to look into the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) to identify and help the most backward among them — a move that has been read as an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to woo the Madiga community.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Legal Aspects of Sub-Categorization of Scheduled Castes: A Judicial Journey
2. Arguments for and Against Sub-Categorization of SCs

Legal Aspects of Sub-Categorization of Scheduled Castes: A Judicial Journey

Attempts by States:

• Over the past two decades, States like Punjab, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu have sought to implement reservation laws at the State level for sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs).
• The aim is to determine a separate quantum of reservation for these subcategories within the broader category of SCs.

Judicial Intervention:

• Legal challenges arose when the Andhra Pradesh government, in 1996, recommended sub-categorization based on backwardness and representation disparities among SC communities.
• The Supreme Court, in 2004, ruled that States lacked the unilateral power to sub-categorize SCs or Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Contradictory Judgments:

• In 2020, a five-judge Bench, led by Justice Arun Mishra, suggested that determining benefits within the already-notified lists of SCs/STs would not constitute interference and States could proceed.
• This apparent contradiction led to the 2020 judgment being referred to a larger Bench.

Union Government’s Involvement:

• Despite the pending Supreme Court decision, the Union government explored legal avenues in 2005.
• The Attorney-General of India (AGI) opined that sub-categorization was possible with “unimpeachable evidence,” suggesting a constitutional amendment.

National Commission and Constitutional Amendment Proposal:

• The Union government formed a National Commission to investigate sub-categorization in Andhra Pradesh.
• The Cabinet recommended amending Article 341 of the Constitution, but the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) argued against the need for a constitutional amendment.
• They pointed to Article 16(4), stating it already empowered States to create special laws for under-represented backward classes.

Arguments for and Against Sub-Categorization of SCs:

Arguments in Favor:

• Graded Inequalities: The primary argument for sub-categorization stems from the perceived graded inequalities among Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.
• Access Disparities: The contention is that even within marginalized communities, some have lesser access to basic facilities, leading to more forward communities consistently availing benefits while overshadowing the more backward ones.
• Need for Separate Reservation: Advocates argue that sub-categorizing communities and providing separate reservations for the more backward groups within the SC category is the solution.

Arguments Against:

• Root Cause Addressal: Both the SC and ST Commissions counter that separate reservations within categories do not address the root cause of the problem.
• Representation at All Levels: The commissions emphasize the need for representation at all levels and contend that the most backward SCs are significantly behind more forward SC communities.
• Insufficient Candidates: Even with reserved posts at higher levels, the most backward SCs may lack enough candidates to be considered, perpetuating the existing disparity.
• Prioritizing Existing Schemes: Both commissions recommend that existing schemes and government benefits should reach these sections before considering sub-categorization to ensure comprehensive upliftment.

-Source: The Hindu

Parliamentary Committee’s Recommendation on Adultery

Context:

The Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs has suggested that adultery should be re-instituted as a crime in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Legal Position on Adultery: Before and After 2018
2. House Committee Recommendations on Adultery and Legal Implications

Legal Position on Adultery: Before and After 2018

Before SC Judgement of 2018:

• Adultery as a Criminal Offence: Section 497 of IPC considered adultery a criminal offense before 2018, with penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
• Gender-Specific Punishment: Only men could be prosecuted under Section 497; women were exempt from punishment as abettors.
• Contradiction to Common Understanding: This contradicted common understanding and dictionary definitions of adultery, which include both men and women engaging in voluntary sexual intercourse outside marriage.

SC Judgement of 2018: Joseph Shine vs Union Of India (September 2018)

Key Takeaways:

• Discrimination in Section 497: The Supreme Court unanimously struck down Section 497, citing its discriminatory nature, violating Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution.
• Autonomy of Women: The court emphasized women’s autonomy, stating that a husband is not the master of his wife, challenging the legal sovereignty over her.
• Adultery as a Non-Crime: Treating adultery as a crime would intrude into extreme privacy within the marital sphere, conflicting with Article 21’s facets of dignity and privacy.
• Anomalies in Section 497: The court highlighted anomalies in Section 497, where adultery was not an offense if the married woman had her husband’s consent. Additionally, a wife could not prosecute her husband or his lover for adultery.

House Committee Recommendations on Adultery and Legal Implications

Recommendations of the House Committee:

• Reinstating Adultery as a Criminal Offense: The Committee, in its report on the BNS 2023, recommended reinstating adultery as a criminal offense.
• Gender-Neutral Approach: The report proposed making adultery a gender-neutral offense, advocating for the punishment of both men and women.
• Critique of Section 497: The Committee criticized Section 497 of the IPC, asserting that it only penalized married men, reducing married women to the status of property owned by their husbands.
• Preserving the Sanctity of Marriage: The Committee emphasized the sacred nature of the institution of marriage in Indian society, stating a need to safeguard its sanctity.

Legal Implications and Possibility of Supreme Court’s Decision Being Undone:

• Limitations on Parliament: The report acknowledged that a ruling of the Supreme Court is the law of the land, and Parliament cannot directly contradict it with a new law.
• Retrospective and Prospective Legislation: While Parliament cannot directly override a Supreme Court decision, it can pass a law that addresses the basis of the court’s judgment. Such a law can be both retrospective and prospective.
• Precedent in Madras Bar Association vs. Union of India (2021): The Committee cited the Madras Bar Association vs. Union of India case in 2021, where the Supreme Court held that a law fixing a problem is valid if it would have resulted in the same decision had the corrected situation existed when the judgment was made.
• Addressing the Basis of Court’s Decision: In essence, if a new law fixes the issue raised in court, the basis of the court’s decision may no longer be valid, providing a legal avenue for change.

-Source: The Hindu

OECD Interim Report: Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040

Context:

Recently, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released the interim report titled-Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040: A Policy Scenario Analysis, ahead of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC3).

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of the Report on Global Plastic Pollution (2022-2040)
2. Recommendations to Address Plastic Pollution

Key Highlights of the Report on Global Plastic Pollution (2022-2040)

• Plastic Leakage Statistics (2022):
  • 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked globally into the environment.
• Business-as-Usual Scenario (2040):
  • Predicts a 50% increase in macroplastic leakage by 2040.
  • Anticipates 30 MT of plastic leakage, with 9 MT entering aquatic environments.
• Stabilizing Plastic Use (2040):
  • Stabilizing primary plastic use at 2020 levels still results in significant leakage (12 MT) by 2040.
• Ambitious Global Action (2040):
  • Ambitious action could drastically reduce waste generation, almost eliminating mismanaged waste and nearly eliminating plastic leakage.
  • Potential to cut plastic waste generation in 2040 by a quarter below baseline.
  • Virtually eliminate mismanaged waste by 2040, reducing leakage to 1.2 MT.
  • Stocks of plastics in rivers and oceans still expected to rise but 74 MT less than the baseline.
• Environmental and Health Impacts:
  • Escalating plastic use and disposal adversely affect the environment (habitat destruction, soil contamination), climate (contributing to 3.8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions), and human health.
• Global Policy Actions (2040):
  • Early, stringent, and coordinated policy action could have a significant positive impact.
  • Costs of ambitious actions amount to 0.5% of global GDP in 2040.
• Investment Needs (2020-2040):
  • Fast-growing countries with less advanced waste management systems require over USD 1 trillion for waste collection, sorting, and treatment.
  • Emphasizes the importance of international cooperation due to the uneven distribution of costs.

Recommendations to Address Plastic Pollution

• Comprehensive Policy Approach:
  • Develop and implement various policy scenarios that comprehensively address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle.
  • Emphasize the importance of holistic policies to effectively tackle plastic pollution at different stages.
• Overcoming Technical and Economic Barriers:
  • Prioritize efforts to overcome technical and economic barriers hindering the elimination of plastic leakage by 2040.
  • Invest in research and development to find innovative solutions that address the challenges associated with plastic waste management.
• Recycling Breakthroughs:
  • Focus on fostering breakthroughs in recycling technologies to enhance the efficiency and viability of plastic recycling processes.
  • Encourage the development of sustainable and cost-effective recycling methods to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
• Scaling Up International Markets:
  • Facilitate the scaling up of well-functioning international markets for scrap and secondary plastics.
  • Promote collaboration between countries to establish efficient mechanisms for the global trade of recycled plastics, encouraging a circular economy.
• International Cooperation:
  • Foster international collaboration to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in combating plastic pollution.
  • Establish a global framework for coordinated action, acknowledging the shared responsibility in addressing the transboundary nature of plastic waste.
• Public Awareness and Education:
  • Implement public awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote responsible plastic use and disposal.
  • Encourage behavioral changes to reduce plastic consumption and increase public understanding of the environmental impact of plastic pollution.
• Incentives for Sustainable Practices:
  • Introduce economic incentives for businesses and industries adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic use and implementing eco-friendly packaging.
  • Encourage the private sector to invest in and adopt environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional plastic products.
• Legislation and Regulation:
  • Enact and enforce robust legislation and regulations targeting the production, use, and disposal of plastics.
  • Implement measures to hold industries accountable for their plastic footprint and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Establish a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system to track progress in plastic waste reduction efforts.
  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of implemented policies and adjust strategies based on real-time data and evolving challenges.

-Source: Down To Earth

Nirbhay Cruise Missile

Context:

The Indian armed forces will be inducting the long-range attack cruise missile Nirbhay into their inventory to strike targets at ranges over 1,000 km.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Nirbhay Cruise Missile

Nirbhay Cruise Missile:

Basic Information:

• Type: Long-range sub-sonic cruise missile
• Origin: India’s first indigenously-produced cruise missile
• Development: Aeronautical Development Establishment, a lab under DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) in Bengaluru

Capabilities:

• Purpose: Capable of deep penetration into adversary territory for precision strikes on high-value targets
• Range: Can strike land targets up to 1,000 kilometres away
• Propulsion: Uses a solid propellant booster motor initially, followed by a switch to a turbojet engine
• Speed and Altitude: Capable of loitering and cruising at Mach 0.7 (sub-sonic) at altitudes as low as 100 metres

Physical Specifications:

• Dimensions: Measures 6.0 m in length, 0.5 m in body diameter
• Weight: Weighs 1,500-1,600 kg at launch
• Warhead: Can be armed with a 200-300 kilogram warhead, accommodating both conventional and nuclear payloads

Launch Platforms:

• Versatility: Can be launched from multiple platforms

Guidance System:

• Navigation: Guided by INS/GPS (Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System)
• Target Acquisition: Equipped with an active-radar terminal seeker for precision targeting.

-Source: The Hindu

Sagar Kavach

Context:

The coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ is set to unfold its strategic manoeuvres along the Kerala and Mahe coasts.

Relevance:

GS III: Security Challenges

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Sagar Kavach: Strengthening Coastal Defenses through Unified Exercises

Sagar Kavach: Strengthening Coastal Defenses through Unified Exercises

• Frequency: Conducted semi-annually
• Coordination: Led by the Indian Coast Guard, involves collaboration with central and state agencies
• Objective: Showcase a unified approach to fortifying India’s coastal defenses

Participating Agencies:

• Forces Involved: Indian Navy, Coastal Police/State Police, Intelligence Bureau, Customs, CISF, Department of Port, Department of Fisheries, Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightships (DGLL), Kadalora Jagiratha Samithi
• Collaborative Effort: Active involvement from various agencies ensures a comprehensive approach

Exercise Dynamics:

• Adaptability: Designed to address unique complexities of coastal terrain
• Scenario Variation: Ensures security mechanisms are robust and adaptive to various threats

Strategic Division: Attack vs. Defence Forces:

• Teams: Participating units divided into Red (Attack) and Blue (Defence) Forces
• Red Forces: Simulate infiltration attempts into coastal areas challenging defenses
• Blue Forces: Counteract simulated threats by establishing Coastal Security Surveillance to intercept and neutralize infiltration attempts

Role of Fishermen:

• Recognition: Acknowledges the pivotal role of fishermen in coastal security
• Community Involvement: Urges fishermen to report any unknown vessels near the coast promptly
• Enhancing Security: Aims to turn the local fishing community into a valuable asset for coastal security

Outcome:

• Collaborative Approach: Enhances awareness and responsiveness in the coastal region
• Security Enhancement: Strengthens coastal defenses through a unified and proactive strategy.

-Source: The Hindu

Mars Solar Conjunction

Context:

Recently, NASA announced that it will stop sending commands to its fleet of robotic probes on or orbiting the red planet Mars due to Mars solar conjunction.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Mars Solar Conjunction
2. Key Facts About Mars

Mars Solar Conjunction: Overview and Impact

Phenomenon:

• Definition: Mars solar conjunction occurs when the Sun aligns between Earth and Mars.
• Frequency: This phenomenon takes place approximately once every two years.

Associated Events:

• Solar Activity: During Mars solar conjunction, the Sun expels hot, ionized gas from its corona.
• Potential Impact on Communication: The conjunction poses a risk to radio signals transmitted from Earth to Mars.
• Spacecraft Behavior: It can cause unexpected behavior in spacecraft on Mars due to interference.

Current Occurrence:

• Timing: The Mars solar conjunction for the current year is happening between November 11 and November 25.

Significance:

• Communication Disruption: The ionized gas emitted by the Sun can interfere with radio signals, potentially corrupting data sent between Earth and Mars.
• Spacecraft Challenges: Spacecraft on Mars may experience disruptions or anomalies in their operations during this period.

Precautions and Adjustments:

• Mission Planning: Space agencies and mission controllers take precautions and may adjust communication protocols during Mars solar conjunction to mitigate potential issues.
• Temporary Communication Loss: Temporary disruptions or loss of communication with spacecraft on Mars may occur.

Key Facts About Mars:

• Fourth Planet from the Sun: Mars is the fourth planet in our solar system, located between Earth and Jupiter.
• Terrestrial Planet: Often referred to as the “Red Planet” due to its reddish appearance, Mars is a terrestrial planet with a rocky surface.
• Size and Gravity: Mars has about 53% of Earth’s diameter and 38% of its gravity.
• Atmosphere: The Martian atmosphere is thin and primarily composed of carbon dioxide, with traces of nitrogen and argon.
• Surface Features: Mars has diverse surface features, including large volcanoes like Olympus Mons, deep canyons like Valles Marineris, and a vast desert-like region called the Tharsis Planitia.
• Polar Ice Caps: Mars has polar ice caps made of water and dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) that expand and contract with the changing seasons.
• Moons: Mars has two small moons, Phobos and Deimos, which are irregularly shaped and thought to be captured asteroids.
• Exploration: Various space missions have explored Mars, including rovers like Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance, as well as orbiters like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
• Possibility of Life: Mars has been a focus in the search for extraterrestrial life, with investigations into the planet’s past and present habitability.
• Mars’ Day and Year: A day on Mars, known as a sol, is approximately 24.6 hours, and a Martian year is about 687 Earth days.
• Magnetic Field: Unlike Earth, Mars lacks a global magnetic field, but evidence suggests it may have had one in the past.
• Human Exploration Goals: Mars is a target for future human exploration, with plans for manned missions and potential colonization efforts in the coming decades.

-Source: Indian Express

6th India-OPEC Energy Dialogue: Key Discussions on Oil and Energy Markets

Context:

The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Energy Dialogue, held on 9th November 2023, brought together key representatives at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, Austria.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of India-OPEC Energy Dialogue
2. About Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Key Highlights of India-OPEC Energy Dialogue

Focus Areas:

• Deliberations on critical issues concerning oil and energy markets
• Emphasis on ensuring availability, affordability, and sustainability for market stability

Concluding Points:

• Mutual recognition of the need for enhanced cooperation between OPEC and India
• Agreement on the pivotal role of collaboration for future endeavors

World Oil Outlook 2023:

• Noted the forecast of India as the fastest-growing major developing economy
• Anticipated long-term growth of 6.1% (2022-2045) and a 28% share in global energy demand

Acknowledging India’s Significance:

• Recognition of India as the third-largest energy consumer
• Acknowledgment of India’s role as a major crude oil importer and the fourth-largest global refiner
• Appreciation of India’s impact on global economic growth and energy demand

Appreciation for Indian Initiatives:

• Acknowledgment of India’s achievements in renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen economy, and climate change mitigation

Future Plans:

• Agreement to conduct the next High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue in India in 2024

About Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

• The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is an intergovernmental organization of 14 nations, founded in 1960 in Baghdad by the first five members (Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela), and headquartered since 1965 in Vienna, Austria.
• As of 2018, the 14 member countries accounted for an estimated 44 percent of global oil production and almost 82% of the world’s “proven” oil reserves, giving OPEC a major influence on global oil prices that were previously determined by the so-called “Seven Sisters” grouping of multinational oil companies.
• The stated mission of the organization is to “coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers, and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry.”

-Source: The Hindu