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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on November 27, 2024
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SC ruling on socialism, secularism
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
A Division Bench of the Supreme Court led by the Chief Justice of India dismissed pleas challenging the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble to our Constitution
Read about:
Important Schedules and Articles of Indian Constitution
Preamble of Indian Constitution
Key takeaways:
What is the history of the Preamble?
- The Preamble originally adopted on November 26, 1949, proclaimed India as a sovereign, democratic, republic. The Constituent Assembly deliberately avoided including the term ‘socialist,’ believing it was inappropriate to enshrine a specific economic ideology in the Preamble. They felt the people should determine the nation's economic path based on evolving circumstances and needs.
- Indian secularism differs significantly from its Western counterpart. In Western countries, there is a strict separation between the state and religion, with no interference in religious matters.
- In contrast, the Indian state holds the authority to regulate economic, financial, political, and secular aspects of religious practices. It also facilitates social welfare and reform in religious activities.
- Furthermore, constitutional provisions such as the right to practice any religion and non-discrimination on religious grounds reflect the secular ethos of the Indian Constitution. Consequently, the Constituent Assembly did not initially include the term ‘secular’ in the Preamble.
- In the Berubari Case (1960), the Supreme Court ruled that the Preamble was not part of the Constitution and lacked substantive power. However, in the Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973), the Court overturned this view, declaring the Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution.
- It stated that the Preamble should guide the interpretation of the Constitution and upheld its amendability under parliamentary authority. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) introduced the terms ‘Socialist,’ ‘Secular,’ and ‘Integrity’ into the Preamble.
What was the current case?
- The case was initiated by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, and others, who contested the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble.
- They argued that these terms, added during the Emergency period, imposed specific ideologies on the people. They also claimed that since the Preamble mentions the date of adoption by the Constituent Assembly, no new words could be introduced by Parliament afterward.
- While Mr. Swamy acknowledged that subsequent amendments, like the 44th Amendment (1978) during the Janata Party rule, upheld these terms, he suggested that they should be placed in a separate paragraph below the original Preamble
What did the court rule?
The court dismissed the petitions, affirming that ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ are integral to the basic structure of the Constitution. It emphasized that the Constitution is a "living document" and that Parliament holds the authority to amend the Preamble. The mention of the adoption date in the Preamble does not limit this power. The court further clarified that in India, ‘socialism’ signifies a welfare state that ensures equality of opportunity while allowing the private sector to flourish. Similarly, India’s secularism evolved to mean that the state neither favors any religion nor discriminates against the practice of any faith. This interpretation aligns with the broader principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution
Why is it important?
- Post-Independence, India adopted ‘democratic socialism,’ characterized by centralized planning and state-led industrial development. During the 1960s and 70s, nationalization of banks and insurance, higher taxes, and stringent regulations were implemented, shaping a mixed economy where public and private sectors coexisted. However, this system leaned towards classical socialism, marked by license controls and regulatory frameworks.
- Since the economic reforms of 1991, India has transitioned towards a market-oriented economy, significantly reducing poverty over the last three decades. Yet, the rising income inequality poses challenges that need attention.
- The court observed that India’s socialism continues to prioritize the welfare of the underprivileged through programs like MGNREGA, subsidized food grains, and direct benefit transfers for women and farmers.
- This approach underscores the necessity of maintaining social welfare policies while fostering private enterprise to drive economic growth and create jobs. Simultaneously, the values of secularism must be preserved to uphold India’s cherished spirit of ‘unity in diversity.
1.Consider the following statements (2013)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer (d)
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The air quality in the national capital remains critically poor following Deepavali, despite the implementation of GRAP stage IV measures, active Supreme Court intervention, and temporary measures by the Delhi government. Much of the blame is being directed at farm fires in neighboring states, where farmers burn paddy stubble to prepare for the wheat-sowing season. Although these fires are not the sole cause of Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, the controversy over how they are measured highlights their significant attention.
How are the fires monitored?
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana grow rice during the kharif season, harvesting it in November, relying on monsoon rains to meet the crop's high water demand. After harvest, they clear the leftover stubble to prepare for the next crop. Burning the stubble is often the quickest and cheapest method, but during this season, winds carry the resulting particulate matter to Delhi, worsening air quality.
Given the scale of the fires, satellite data is considered the most efficient way to monitor them. The Indian government currently uses data from NASA’s Aqua and Suomi-NPP satellites.
- Aqua satellite: Launched in 2002, its Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) tracks atmospheric changes.
- Suomi-NPP satellite: Launched in 2011, its Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) serves as MODIS’s successor. Both are part of NASA’s Earth Observing System.
These satellites pass over locations twice daily—at 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. local time—capturing visible and infrared images. Their instruments can detect fires, smoke, and aerosols, which are critical for understanding the fires' impact on air pollution.
What is the controversy?
- On October 2, NASA scientist Hiren Jethva noted a 40% reduction in farm fires for 2023 and expressed optimism for a continued decline. Later, in October 2024, he observed the lowest fire counts in a decade but suggested that farmers might be burning stubble after the satellites' overpass times, requiring further verification.
- He backed this claim by comparing data from Aqua, Suomi-NPP, and South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT 2A satellite, which operates in geostationary orbit and provides near-continuous coverage. The visuals indicated increased smoke later in the day, aligning with suspicions of delayed stubble burning.
- Adding to the controversy, the CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) is accused of downplaying these activities. Internal documents and farmer testimonies suggest they were advised to burn stubble after the satellite overpasses to evade detection.
- While CAQM claims reduced fire incidents, conflicting data from Punjab's government and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute suggest an increase.
Government and Court Responses
The Supreme Court has criticized the CAQM for its inadequate efforts to address pollution from farm fires. The CAQM maintains that fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana have decreased significantly since 2020, though its methods have been questioned. It also requested ISRO to develop a standard protocol for measuring burnt areas, but progress remains slow.
Can Indian satellites assist?
- Indian satellites such as INSAT-3DR and RESOURCESAT series offer potential, but their resolution limits their effectiveness in accurately counting farm fires. Attempts to launch advanced satellites like GISAT-1 have faced setbacks. ISRO continues to explore the usability of data from various international satellites to improve fire monitoring, but assessments are ongoing.
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? ( UPSC 2016)
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
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Answer (b)
When calculating the Air Quality Index (AQI) in cities, the following atmospheric gases are typically considered:
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- Leaders of farmer unions from 18 states and advocates for farmers' rights have sent a letter to Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, urging the creation of a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops.
- On August 22, 2024, leaders and members of farmer unions convened in Chandigarh for a one-day meeting, where they passed a resolution opposing GM crops.
- The resolution stated that "GM organisms and their products are unnecessary, unsafe, and undesirable in India’s food and agricultural systems. Indian farmers seek sovereign, nature-preserving farming methods. Modern biotechnology, with its high costs and associated risks, is an unsafe and deceptive tool for controlling our agricultural systems—something we cannot and will not tolerate."
- The resolution also emphasized the need for a national policy on GM crops that focuses on biosecurity and socio-economic considerations, taking a precautionary approach. This policy should enable the government to proceed with caution and avoid imposing risky and unnecessary technology on farmers.
- During the meeting, farmers highlighted that, even 30 years after the first GM crop was commercialized in the United States, most countries still do not permit GM crop cultivation.
- In fact, more regions worldwide are implementing bans and stringent restrictions on this uncontrolled and irreversible technology. Fourteen countries that once allowed GM crop cultivation have since banned it, as initial claims have been proven false, and the promised benefits have failed to materialize.
- Organizations advocating for farmers' rights have been calling for comprehensive stakeholder consultation in the development of a national policy on GM crops, following a Supreme Court order on July 23.
- The two-member bench directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to formulate a national policy on GM crops within four months, involving public consultation and representatives of farmers.
- Farmer organizations argue that GM technology has been scientifically proven to have negative effects on human health, with molecular changes leading to numerous environmental and health risks, including increased chemical use. These concerns extend to all GM crops, including those developed by India’s public sector research bodies and scientists.
- Given the widespread rejection of GM crops and foods globally, India risks losing its competitive advantage as a GM-free nation and compromising its trade security by adopting GM crop cultivation.
- Additionally, agricultural livelihoods are adversely impacted. Farmers’ reliance on intellectual property rights-based technologies and the growing dominance of corporate monopolies in the agricultural sector are deemed unacceptable in the context of rapid market integration by large agribusinesses
1.Which of the following statements about Genetically Modified (GM) crops is/are correct?
- GM crops are designed to improve yield and resistance to pests and diseases.
- GM crops have been universally accepted and are cultivated in all major agricultural countries.
- The use of GM crops can potentially lead to a reduction in the use of chemical pesticides.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Answer (c)
Thus, the correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only |
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance on money laundering
Context:
Questioning the probe agencies if there was “any independent data” to show “any incriminating evidence” against BRS leader K Kavitha and also on the “fairness” of the investigation by relying on the statements of some accused who had become approvers, the Supreme Court granted her bail Tuesday in the CBI and ED’s cases of alleged corruption and money laundering linked to the Delhi excise policy
Read about:
What is Money Laundering?
What is the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)?
Key takeaways:
Section 45(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 pertains to the stringent conditions for granting bail to individuals accused of money laundering offenses. The key points of Section 45(1) include:
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Non-Bailable Offense: Offenses under the PMLA are generally considered non-bailable. This means that bail is not granted as a matter of right, and it is up to the court to decide whether to grant bail.
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Court's Satisfaction: The court must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the accused is not guilty of the offense and that they are not likely to commit any offense while on bail. This is a higher threshold compared to the general principles of granting bail in other criminal cases.
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Public Prosecutor's Opportunity: The court must give the Public Prosecutor an opportunity to oppose the bail application. If opposed, the court must be further convinced of the above points before granting bail.
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Applicability: These conditions apply to offenses where the value involved is above a certain threshold, typically ₹1 crore, though this can vary depending on the case and amendments to the law.
Money Laundering
Money laundering is the process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses. The goal of money laundering is to make the proceeds of criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, corruption, or tax evasion, appear legal and thus usable in the legitimate economy.
The process of money laundering generally involves three stages:
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Placement: The initial introduction of illegal funds into the financial system. This can be done by depositing cash into banks, purchasing assets, or using other methods to introduce the money into the financial sector.
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Layering: The most complex stage, involving multiple transactions to obscure the origin of the money. This might include moving the money through a series of bank transfers, changing its form by purchasing high-value items, or conducting international transfers to make tracking the money more difficult.
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Integration: The final stage, where the now-laundered money is integrated into the legitimate economy. At this point, the money appears to be legally earned and can be used for various purposes, including further investments, real estate purchases, or luxury spending.
Money laundering is a serious crime because it enables criminals to enjoy the profits of illegal activities without facing the consequences of their actions. It undermines the integrity of financial institutions and economies, and it is often associated with organized crime, corruption, and terrorism financing.
Follow Up Question
Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Earth whistles when lightning strikes, and there’s a new melody
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & technology
Context:
The earth is surrounded by a bubble-shaped magnetic field that shields the planet from radiation from the Sun and other celestial objects. This field is called the earth’s magnetosphere.
Read about:
What is Lightning?
Is Lighting is reason for more Wildfires?
Key takeaways:
- The Earth is encased in a bubble-shaped magnetic field known as the magnetosphere, which protects the planet from harmful radiation emitted by the Sun and other celestial bodies.
- During a solar storm, the Sun releases charged particles with higher energy levels into the surrounding space. Without the magnetosphere, these particles could have made life on Earth impossible.
- However, the magnetosphere traps these particles, causing them to circulate around the Earth instead of reaching the surface. They form two large, doughnut-shaped radiation belts in the upper atmosphere, known as the Van Allen radiation belts.
- These belts were discovered by American astrophysicist James Van Allen in 1958, and his research played a crucial role in enabling human space exploration, including the mission to the Moon. Van Allen observed that certain areas of the radiation belts were weaker, suggesting that passing through these regions would be less harmful to astronauts and spacecraft.
- Lightning generates a bolt of electrical energy that travels through the atmosphere, releasing electromagnetic waves with varying frequencies. Some of these waves are guided by Earth's magnetic field into a layer of ionized gas above the atmosphere, where they move along magnetic field lines between the Earth's northern and southern hemispheres. The speed of these waves increases with their frequency, sometimes reaching up to a tenth of the speed of light.
- Many of these waves fall within the range of human hearing (20–20,000 Hz) and can be detected as whistling sounds using a receiver. As lower frequency waves travel, they can lose some energy in the upper atmosphere, resulting in a descending tone.
- In a study published in the journal Science Advances on August 16, researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks identified a new type of whistler wave created by an unfamiliar wave generation process.
- They found that lightning energy injected into the ionosphere at low latitudes could be reflected into the magnetosphere, contradicting previous beliefs that such energy could not escape the ionosphere at low latitudes.
- This discovery is significant because it suggests that the amount of lightning energy entering the magnetosphere could be double what was previously estimated, potentially leading to revised calculations of lightning's impact on the Van Allen radiation belts
Follow Up Question
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Answer (D)
Thunder is produced by the rapid expansion of air due to the intense heat generated by lightning. When lightning strikes, it heats the air surrounding its path to an extremely high temperature, causing the air to expand rapidly. This rapid expansion creates a shock wave that we hear as thunder. None of the options provided correctly describes the cause of thunder
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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
- 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. 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
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Answer (B)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
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