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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on August 19, 2024
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Governor gives the nod to prosecute Karnataka CM
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sanctioned the investigation and prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a case of alleged corruption in the allotment of land to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
Read about:
Governor and discretion powers
Governors and States tussle
Key takeaways:
- Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot approved the investigation and prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over alleged corruption related to the allocation of land to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA)
- The approval followed petitions from Bengaluru-based social activists Pradeep Kumar S.P. and T.J. Abraham, along with Mysuru-based Snehamayi Krishna.
- In a six-page communication to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, the Governor’s Secretariat stated that the approval was granted under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for investigation, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023, for prosecution, based on the offenses detailed in the petitions
- Siddaramaiah convened an emergency State Cabinet meeting, where members unanimously condemned the Governor’s decision, labeling it “illegal, unconstitutional, and contrary to the principles of democracy and federalism.”
- The Cabinet resolved to contest the matter legally. The Chief Minister ruled out resignation and expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues for their support.
- In his communication, the Governor referenced a 2004 Supreme Court ruling by a five-judge Bench related to Madhya Pradesh, which stated that Governors must use their discretion based on facts and circumstances to prevent a breakdown of the rule of law, where governments might refuse sanction despite clear evidence of a prima facie case
More Information
The Governor of a state in India holds certain discretionary powers, which allow them to act independently of the advice of the Council of Ministers in specific situations. These powers are derived from the Constitution of India, judicial interpretations, and certain conventions.
Here's an overview of the Governor's discretionary powers:
- The Governor has the discretion to appoint the Chief Minister in situations where no single party has a clear majority in the Legislative Assembly. The Governor can choose the leader who, in their opinion, is most likely to command the confidence of the Assembly. This is often exercised in a hung assembly or post-election scenarios
- The Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly if the Chief Minister advises so, usually following a loss of majority. However, if the Governor believes the advice is motivated by improper considerations, they can exercise discretion in withholding dissolution, especially if an alternative government formation is possible
- The Governor has the power to reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President. This is particularly relevant when the bill in question may conflict with the laws of Parliament, the Constitution, or affect the position of the High Court, among other reasons
- The Governor can promulgate ordinances when the state legislature is not in session, but only on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, if there is no Council of Ministers in place (for instance, if the government has resigned), the Governor can use discretion in issuing ordinances
- The Governor has the right to seek information regarding the administration of the state and proposals for legislation. This can include requesting reports or specific clarifications on issues of governance
- While the Chief Minister advises the Governor on the appointment or removal of ministers, the Governor is not constitutionally obliged to accept the advice if they believe it’s not in the public interest or is constitutionally improper.
- If the Governor has reasons to believe that the government no longer has the confidence of the Assembly, they can ask the Chief Minister to prove the majority in the Assembly. If the Chief Minister fails to do so, the Governor can exercise their discretion to dismiss the government
- The Governor can send a report to the President under Article 356 of the Constitution, recommending President's Rule if they believe the governance in the state cannot be carried out according to the provisions of the Constitution. This power is discretionary and significant, as it can lead to the imposition of President's Rule in the state
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? (UPSC CSE 2014)
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule
2. Appointing the Ministers
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule
2. Appointing the Ministers
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government
Select the correct answer using the code given below
A. 1 and 2 Only
B. 1 and 3 Only
C. 2, 3 and 4
D. 1, 2, 3, 4
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Answer (B)
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Why is mpox a global health emergency?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II & III - Policy on public emergencies, Science and Technology
Context:
On August 14 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries as a “global health emergency”
Key takeaways:
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated materials, or infected individuals.
Here are followings about Mpox:
- Transmission: Mpox spreads through physical contact with an infected person, animals, or contaminated materials. Activities such as hunting, handling, or consuming infected animals can also transmit the virus.
- Symptoms: Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by a rash that progresses from flat lesions to fluid-filled blisters.
- Clades: There are two genetic clades of mpox: clade I, primarily found in Central and East Africa, and clade II, which is more common in West Africa.
- Treatment: There is no specific treatment for mpox, but supportive care, including medication for pain and fever, is recommended. An antiviral drug (tecovirimat) has been approved for exceptional use.
- Prevention: Vaccines initially developed for smallpox are used to prevent mpox in high-risk individuals
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Recent developments show that mpox infections are now closer to home, with Pakistan reporting three cases as of August 16, according to the health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. On the same day, Sweden confirmed its first case of the clade I variant of mpox outside Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths this year, with the outbreak spanning 116 countries. The most severe impacts are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring areas. In June 2024, the Americas had 19% of the reported cases, while Europe had 11%.
The WHO has escalated the global mpox situation to an acute grade 3 emergency, the highest level on the WHO Emergency Response Framework. This classification demands a substantial to maximum response from the WHO. A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) represents an extraordinary situation involving the international spread of a disease, potentially requiring a coordinated global effort. The PHEIC designation aims to mobilize prompt international action to prevent the situation from worsening and evolving into a pandemic
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Follow Up Question
1.The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (UPSC CSE 2021)
(a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants
(b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system
(c) radio collars for wildlife tracking
(d) spread of viral diseases
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Answer (d)
The term ‘ACE2’ is related to (d) spread of viral diseases. ACE2 (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2) is a protein on the surface of cells that acts as a receptor for certain viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. It plays a significant role in the spread and pathogenesis of viral diseases |
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance and needed act on protection of doctor
Context:
Resident doctors across India are on strike demanding laws that ensure their safety while on duty. This follows the rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The protests started after the discovery of the doctor’s body in the seminar room of the emergency building where she had been working. Doctors point out that while the hospital administration and State government attempted to underreport the incident, there is no Central law that protects healthcare workers.
Read about:
What is the National Medical Commission?
Doctors Safety in Hospitals
Key takeaways:
- According to the Constitution, health and law enforcement are under state jurisdiction, making it the primary duty of state governments or Union Territory administrations to address and prevent violent incidents.
- The central government has acknowledged that it does not maintain comprehensive records of healthcare worker fatalities resulting from patient family attacks.
- Workplace violence against medical professionals has been a longstanding issue in India. A notable incident occurred in 1973 when a nurse at a Mumbai hospital was assaulted, leaving her in a vegetative state for over four decades until her death in 2015.
- Despite this, healthcare workers continue to advocate for basic safety measures in hospitals, including better lighting, increased security personnel, and surveillance systems.
- Protesters in Delhi highlight the inadequate safety conditions in medical institutions, citing poorly lit areas, insufficient security, and the physical distance between departments.
- They emphasize the urgent need for improved working conditions and safety measures to protect healthcare workers, particularly those working night shifts.
- Medical professionals are calling for systemic reforms and a central protection act for doctors. They point to examples from other countries, such as the UK's zero-tolerance policy on violence in the NHS and stricter legal consequences for assaults on healthcare workers in some US states.
- The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has submitted demands to the central government, including enhanced security protocols and the designation of healthcare facilities as safe zones.
- In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has mandated that institutional FIRs be filed within six hours of any violent incident against healthcare workers.
- Additionally, the National Medical Commission has instructed medical colleges to develop policies for a safe work environment and to promptly investigate and report any incidents of violence against medical students
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following statements regarding the safety of doctors in India is/are correct?
- Violence against healthcare workers in India is not a new phenomenon, with incidents being reported as early as the 1970s.
- The Union government centrally maintains records of the number of medical professionals who have lost their lives due to violence by patients or their families.
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges to develop a policy ensuring a safe work environment for all staff members.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
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Answer (b)
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Regulations of SEBI
Context:
Over a year and a half after U.S.-based Hindenburg Research alleged corporate malfeasance, stock price manipulation and breach of minimum public shareholding norms against the Adani Group of companies, the firm issued another report late last Saturday. It argued that India’s stock market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), is reluctant to follow the trail on its charges about the use of offshore funds linked to “the Adani money siphoning scandal” because its own chairperson had a conflict of interest, having jointly invested in the same fund with her spouse
Read about:
What is Security Exchange Board of India (SEBI) ?
Functions and responsibilities of SEBI
Key takeaways:
- SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, clarified in a statement last Sunday that their investment in the fund identified by Hindenburg was made during their time as private citizens in Singapore, nearly two years before she joined SEBI as a member in 2017.
- They stated that the investment was influenced by Mr. Buch's close relationship with the fund's Chief Investment Officer, Anil Ahuja, a childhood friend, and that the investment was redeemed in 2018 after Mr. Ahuja left the role.
- They also mentioned that Mr. Ahuja confirmed that the fund never invested in any bonds, equities, or derivatives of any Adani Group company. Notably, Mr. Ahuja served as a director of Adani Enterprises until 2017.
- Regarding the U.S. firm's allegations that the SEBI chief owned two consulting firms in Singapore and India and transferred 100% of the Singapore firm's shares to her husband in March 2022, the Buchs explained that these firms became dormant immediately upon her appointment at SEBI.
- They also disclosed that the transfer of the Singapore entity to Mr. Buch, who had been using both firms since 2019 for his consultancy work with major Indian industry clients, was reported to SEBI and Indian tax authorities.
- In a separate statement, SEBI affirmed that Ms. Buch had made all necessary disclosures regarding her securities holdings and transfers over time and had recused herself from cases involving potential conflicts of interest.
- This was in response to accusations that Ms. Buch had overseen changes in regulations for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) while her husband was an adviser to Blackstone, a firm with interests in this asset class
Functions and Responsibilities of SEBI
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulatory body for the securities and capital markets in India. Established in 1988 and given statutory powers through the SEBI Act of 1992, SEBI's primary role is to protect the interests of investors, promote the development of the securities market, and regulate its functioning.
Below are the key functions and responsibilities of SEBI:
- SEBI registers and regulates the activities of stockbrokers, sub-brokers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisors, and other intermediaries in the securities market.
- It regulates and monitors the operations of stock exchanges to ensure transparency and efficiency in the trading of securities
- SEBI oversees the registration and regulation of mutual funds, ensuring that they operate in a fair and transparent manner
- It monitors and regulates the acquisition and takeover of companies to protect the interests of shareholders
- SEBI conducts investor education programs and disseminates information to protect investors from fraudulent practices
- It provides a mechanism for investors to lodge complaints against companies, market intermediaries, and other market participants, and ensures timely redressal of grievances
- SEBI monitors and takes action against insider trading and other fraudulent practices in the securities market to protect investors' interests
- SEBI promotes the development of new financial instruments and encourages innovations in the market to enhance its depth and liquidity
- It initiates reforms to strengthen market infrastructure and to ensure the securities market's growth and stability
- SEBI has the power to conduct investigations and surveillance of market activities to detect and prevent malpractices
- SEBI can impose penalties on violators of securities laws and take legal action against those who engage in fraudulent or manipulative practices
- SEBI issues guidelines and regulations to ensure that companies listed on stock exchanges adhere to high standards of corporate governance
- It monitors compliance with these guidelines to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in corporate management
- SEBI regulates the functioning of MIIs to ensure the smooth and secure functioning of the securities market.
- It oversees the settlement systems to ensure that transactions in the securities market are settled efficiently and on time
- EBI regulates the issuance of securities in the primary market, including the public offering of shares and debentures, to ensure that capital is raised in a fair and transparent manner.
- It monitors Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and Follow-on Public Offerings (FPOs) to protect the interests of investors.
Follow Up Question
Which of the following statements regarding the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are correct?
- SEBI was established as a statutory body in 1992 under the SEBI Act.
- SEBI is responsible for regulating the operations of stock exchanges in India.
- SEBI's primary role is to formulate monetary policy for India.
- SEBI has the authority to impose penalties on market participants for violations of securities laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 4 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 3, and 4 only
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Answer (b)
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy
Context:
The Karnataka government recently proposed a ‘quota-for-local’ Bill. which has been put in cold storage following a pushback on the proposal by corporates in the State. Nevertheless, at a time when India witnesses huge migration, characterised by an influx of people from rural regions to cities and more prosperous economies, and driven by a declining agrarian economy and unprecedented unemployment rates
Read about:
Who are gig workers?
What is gig economy?
Key takeaways:
- There is limited data on the proportion of migrant workers within the gig economy, but it generally ranges from autorickshaw drivers, who are rarely inter-State migrants, to delivery personnel and home service providers, who often include a significant number of migrants.
- “For instance, areas like M.G. Road, Koramangala, or HSR Layout in Bengaluru see a higher concentration of Hindi-speaking migrant workers. However, in places like Rajajinagar, this number is lower.
- Near Electronics City, a large number of delivery personnel come from other parts of Karnataka, such as Mandya, and a few from States like Andhra Pradesh. There are also many workers from within Karnataka, including Tumakuru, Ramanagara, and even distant regions of North Karnataka.”
Gig Workers
Gig workers are individuals who engage in short-term, flexible, and often freelance or contract-based work, typically through digital platforms or apps. Unlike traditional employees, gig workers are usually not bound by long-term contracts with a single employer and instead take on multiple, temporary jobs or "gigs" as needed.
Characteristics of gig workers
- Gig workers are often considered self-employed or independent contractors rather than full-time employees.
- Many gig workers find jobs through digital platforms like Uber, Ola, Swiggy, Zomato, TaskRabbit, and Fiverr, among others
- Gig workers have the flexibility to choose when and how much they work, making it a popular choice for those seeking part-time employment or supplemental income
- Gig workers perform a wide range of tasks, including ride-hailing (e.g., Uber drivers), food delivery, courier services, freelance writing, graphic design, home services (e.g., cleaning, repairs), and more
- Gig workers typically do not receive traditional employee benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, or retirement plans, which are usually provided to full-time employees
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Examples
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
A revolution spearheaded by students succeeded in toppling an increasingly authoritarian regime that had been in power for 15 years. What began as a protest against a quota system evolved into a nationwide movement that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest serving political leader
Read about:
India - Bangladesh relations
Evolution of Bangladesh-India ties
Key takeaways:
- A protest that initially focused on opposing a controversial quota system in government jobs grew into a nationwide movement, eventually leading to the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving political leader (1996-2001 and 2009-2024).
- Ironically, both the government and the students were originally in agreement about the need for quota reform, with the government even preparing to challenge the court order that reinstated the quota system.
- This raises the question of how the situation deteriorated so quickly that the world’s longest-serving female head of government was ousted in just one week.
- The movement was largely driven by students who were not aligned with any political party, making it a truly organic uprising.
- The protests were sparked on June 5 when the High Court reinstated a job quota that reserved 30% of civil service positions for the descendants of those who fought in Bangladesh’s liberation war. This reignited a longstanding debate over the fairness of the quota system in government employment.
- Initially peaceful, the protests gained momentum, and by July 7, students escalated their actions, staging blockades and demanding the abolition of the quota. On July 10, a student-led blockade severely disrupted Dhaka’s transportation system.
- As the movement grew, so did the tension between protesters and authorities. On July 14, Prime Minister Hasina made a controversial statement, referring to the protesters as the “children of Razakars” (collaborators with Pakistani forces during the 1971 war), which further inflamed the situation.
- Her aggressive stance and derogatory remarks angered the protesters, leading the government to shut down the internet to disrupt their communication.
- The turning point came when the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the widely despised student wing of the ruling Awami League, was unleashed on the protesters.
- Their attacks on the demonstrators rapidly escalated the situation, sparking nationwide protests with participation from students across schools, colleges, and private universities. Major highways and railway lines were blocked, bringing much of the country to a standstill.
- The government responded by announcing the indefinite closure of all educational institutions. The situation reached a critical point on July 18 when around 20 students were killed in clashes with the police.
- Negotiations between the government and protest leaders began on July 19, but these talks were overshadowed by accusations of government coercion and the disappearance of key protest coordinators
India's Position on this issue
- Throughout this period, the protests involved a diverse array of participants. While students were the driving force behind the movement, the loss of innocent lives led to broader support, transforming it into a mass movement that included parents, teachers, lawyers, cultural activists, artists, professionals, and members of civil society.
- International attention also grew, with organizations like UNICEF raising concerns about the deaths of at least 32 children during the crackdown.
- The protests exposed deep-rooted issues in Bangladesh’s political and social landscape, including worries about authoritarianism, lack of democratic participation, nepotism, corruption, and the suppression of dissent.
- Following Ms. Hasina’s departure, there was widespread anger directed towards anything associated with her and the Awami League. This included the defacement of statues and murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina and leader of Bangladesh’s liberation war.
- Even if there is some truth to the Awami League’s claim that opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami, exploited the student movement, it does not diminish the fact that anger and discontent had been simmering for a long time due to Ms. Hasina’s repressive governance style, which included suppressing opposition and overseeing three controversial, non-participative elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024.
- If the opposition did take advantage, using the student movement as cover and instigating violence that resulted in the destruction of public property and the killing of law enforcement officers, the Awami League cannot absolve itself of responsibility for allowing a single-issue movement on quota reform to spiral out of control due to its arrogance and heavy-handedness from the outset.
- The Indian government’s response, articulated by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on August 6, was notable for its lack of mention of the human rights violations and killings that had occurred.
- It seemed to downplay the democratic nature of the movement, instead presenting it in a way that aligned with the Awami League’s narrative of external instigation. This approach has been criticized for failing to acknowledge the legitimate grievances and widespread public discontent that fueled the protests.
- India’s policy of overlooking Ms. Hasina’s use of hard power, often justified by some of the economic progress and relative stability achieved during her tenure, did not sit well in Bangladesh.
- Many Bangladeshis perceive India’s relationship as being closely aligned with one particular party and leader rather than with the people of Bangladesh, posing a challenge for Indian diplomacy and highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of Bangladesh’s socio-political dynamics
Follow Up Question
With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
- The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
- River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
- River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (b)
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Subject and Subject Wise Notes for the Sunday Exam (Free)
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | National Movements between 1919 to 1939 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Governor generals of India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Doctrine of Lapse |
| History | Modern Indian History | Religious reform Movements |
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