Blog | News | TravelTechnology TangleUPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 June 2024

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Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

10 years of Andhra-Telangana bifurcation

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)
NHRC on Human Trafficking
UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
India’s Gold Reserve
Unified India Organic logo
Tmesipteris oblanceolate
Biocover

10 years of Andhra-Telangana bifurcation

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Indian Constitution

Source: Th

Context: The Andhra Pradesh bifurcation underscores the need for thoughtful handling of major changes in India’s political geography. The division, now a decade old, highlights the impact of reconfiguration on states’ political clout and federal dynamics.

How are states formed?

The formation of new states in India falls under Article 3 of the Constitution. Parliament holds the power to create new states through legislation. However, such a bill can only be introduced on the recommendation of the President. Before recommending a bill that affects state boundaries or names, the President must consult the respective state legislatures. Parliament can enact laws to create new states with a simple majority.

1956: The States Reorganisation Act divided the country into 14 states and 6 union territories, not entirely agreeing with the Fazl Ali Commission’s recommendations. States included Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Bombay, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Mysore, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Currently, India comprises 28 states and 8 Union territories.

Factors on which states are divided:

Language: The State Reorganization Commission (SRC) led by Justice Fazal Ali, appointed by the Central Government in 1953, recommended the formation of 14 states and 6 Union territories (UTs) based on factors such as language, culture, financial viability, and national welfare. These recommendations were implemented through the Constitution (7th Amendment) Act of 1956.
Development: States like Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, formed in 2000, and Telangana in 2014, were created based on developmental considerations. These regions sought separate statehood to address issues related to development.
Other factors: The reorganization of states in India’s northeastern region was influenced by factors such as race, culture, and customs, reflecting the diverse socio-cultural landscape of the country.

Do we need new states now?

There is some evidence that the newer states performed better.

The Eleventh Plan document provides some data which support that the smaller newly carved states — specifically Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh — grew at a rate faster (at over 9% and 7% respectively during the period 2004-05 to 2008-09 ) than their parent states (Uttar Pradesh which grew at about 6% and Madhya Pradesh which grew at about 5% during the same five-year period)
The existence of new states would mean the creation of new capital cities (such as Ranchi, Raipur and Dehra Dun) and the associated infrastructure
These newer cities will attract private investors, resulting in employment opportunities and eventually better standard of living for citizens

However, the following issues highlight that creation of new states isn’t the only solution

Whether or not smaller states are successful in developing their regions is dependent on the extent of decentralisation.
- For instance, if a small state is unable to devolve enough funds and physical resources to a far-flung area of the state to maintain its roads, the result would be inadequate quality of public services
Further, the creation of one new state will lead to the demand for and creation of other new states.
Based on the experience thus far, linguistic homogeneity has not proven to be effective in keeping the states integrated (the cases of Bihar, UP and Madhya Pradesh)

Background of Andhra-Telangana Formation?

In June 2014, Telangana was formed by separating the northwestern part of Andhra Pradesh. This followed the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which merged Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad state with Andhra to create the enlarged Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh was the first state created based on language in 1953, post the death of PottiSriramulu. The push for a separate Telangana stemmed from perceived regional development inequalities. Hyderabad became the capital of Telangana when it was formed in 2014. However, the division of assets and liabilities between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as outlined in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, remains unresolved.

What questions does Andhra Pradesh’s split raise about the Indian republic?

Unity of Telugu-Speaking Elites: The split raises concerns about the unity of Telugu-speaking elites compared to Kannada and Marathi-speaking regions.
Potential Challenges for Other Linguistic Groups: Speculation arises about whether other linguistic groups may face similar challenges in the future due to common regional disparities.
Reconsideration of Organizing Principle: The division prompts questions about whether states should be organized based on factors like territory or population instead of language, urging India to address these fundamental questions sooner.
Disorderly Bifurcation Process: It highlights concerns about the disorderly bifurcation process, unfulfilled promises, and mishandling of asset distribution, prompting a reassessment of future state divisions.

Impacts on Representation and Federal Structure:

Unequal Representation: Different state sizes lead to varying numbers of seats in the central legislature. This creates unequal political power and resource allocation, potentially marginalizing some regions.
Shifting Power Dynamics: State divisions can alter the balance of power between regions. Smaller states may have less influence in national decision-making.
Discontent and Resource Allocation: Unequal political power can lead to discontent among states with less power. This may affect how economic resources are allocated, potentially favouring larger states.

Way Forward for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Permanent Inter-State Council: Facilitate communication and resolve disputes.
Special Financial Assistance: Grant special status and economic packages for both states.
Judicial Mechanism for Asset Division: Establish a fast-track court to resolve disputes.
Governance Reforms: Fixed terms for governors, better representation, and continuous dialogue.
Development of Backward Regions: Allocate grants for development in both states.
Prioritize Infrastructure Projects: Focus on road connectivity, power, and education.

Conclusion:

The responsibilities assigned to the Inter-State Council by the Constitution (in terms of resolving inter-state disputes) need to be fulfilled in reality and not just in papers to resolve the continuing dispute between Andhra and Telangana. Similarly, Zonal councils need to be revived to discuss the matters of common concern to states in each zone—matters relating to social and economic planning, border disputes, inter-state transport, etc. India is the epitome of unity in diversity. However, to strengthen this unity furthermore, both the Centre and state governments need to imbibe the ethos of cooperative federalism.

Insta Links:

Prelims Link:

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its (UPSC 2014)

(a) advisory jurisdiction
(b) appellate jurisdiction
(c) original jurisdiction
(d) writ jurisdiction

Ans: C

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: WION

Context: Pakistan’s government has acknowledged before the Islamabad High Court that Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is a foreign territory.

About PoK:

PoK was historically part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which acceded to India in 1947 after the Partition.
It consists of two ethnically and linguistically different regions: Mirpur-Muzaffarabad region and Gilgit-Baltistan region.
However, the region was illegally occupied by Pakistan in 1947 following an invasion by Pashtun tribesmen and the Pakistani Army.

NHRC on Human Trafficking

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DH

Context: NHRC recommends all states appoint an ‘anti-human trafficking nodal officer’ not below the rank of a state government secretary or inspector general of police to combat trafficking effectively.

The Commission also calls for setting up District Anti-Human Trafficking Units (DAHTU) headed by a deputy SP to monitor and prevent trafficking incidents. It urges state governments to take stringent measures, including rehabilitation of victims and spreading awareness to eradicate these practices.

About Human trafficking:

It is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of people through force, fraud, or deception to exploit them for profit (UN). It remains a challenge with 2,250 cases reported in India in 2022. Economic, political, and cultural factors contribute to trafficking. Initiatives like the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, Anti-Human Trafficking Units, Cri-MAC, and Mission Shakti aim to prevent and combat trafficking at global and national levels.

About NHRC:

NHRC-India
About	It is a statutory body established on 12 October 1993 (in conformity with the Paris Principles), under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA) 1993 [Amended in 2019].
Objective	A watchdog for the promotion and protection of the human rights of citizens of India. The PHRA defines Human Rights as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.
Composition (13)	A Chairperson, who has been a Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the SC. 1 member, who is, or has been, a Judge of the SC. 2 member, who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of an HC. 3 Members, out of which at least one shall be a woman to be appointed from amongst persons having knowledge or practical experience in matters relating to human rights. 7 ex officio members – NCSC, NCST, NCBC, NCW, National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Appointment	By the President of India, on the recommendation of a committee consisting of – The PM (Chairperson), The Union Home Minister, The LoP in the Lok Sabha, The LoP in the Rajya Sabha, The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The sitting Judge of the SC or sitting Chief Justice of any HC can be appointed only after consultation with the CJI.
Functions	The protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation. Enquiry into complaints of violation of human rights or negligence in the prevention of such violation by a public servant. Studies treaties and international instruments and makes recommendations for their effective implementation to the GoI. Review factors that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures. Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights. To visit jails and study the condition of inmates. Engage in human rights education among various sections of society and promote awareness among the masses. Encourage the efforts of NGOs and institutions working in the field of human rights literacy, etc.

UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Th

Context: The UN Security Council voted to end the UN mission in Iraq (UNAMI) that was set up after the 2003 US-led invasion.

UNAMI’s job was to help Iraq rebuild after the war and restore a government. The resolution doesn’t mention the geographical features of Iraq.

Key points:

UNAMI will cease operations by December 31, 2025.
Iraq wants to manage its own security and stability.
The resolution supports Iraq’s reform efforts and helps with remaining issues from the Saddam Hussein era.
Both the US and Russia agree Iraq is ready for self-reliance.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Outlook

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in collaboration with NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) has planned to take the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to over 20 nations by financial year 2029.

RBI also aims to explore collaboration on the Fast Payment System with groups of countries such as the European Union and SAARC, along with multilateral linkages.

About Unified Payments Interface (UPI):

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing & merchant payments into one hood.
It also caters to the “Peer to Peer” collect request which can be scheduled and paid as per requirement and convenience.
Currently, several countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, UAE, France, Mauritius, etc., support UPI payments.

Measures for Internationalization of UPI:

NIPL: A wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), incorporated in 2020, for the deployment of RuPay and UPI outside of India.
UPI One World: Prepaid payment instrument linked to UPI provided to foreign nationals/ NRIs coming from G20 countries.

India’s Gold Reserve

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently moved 100 metric tonnes of gold from the UK to domestic vaults, a significant shift reflecting geopolitical concerns and risk diversification strategies.

India’s total gold holdings stand at 822 metric tonnes, with a portion stored in foreign vaults for international trade facilitation and risk spreading (around 50% is stored locally in India). These reserves are primarily held in the Bank of England, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Switzerland, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This move aims to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions and ensure greater control over gold reserves for economic stability and inflation management.

Why has RBI hoarded Gold in recent years?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is accumulating gold as a counter-strategy against negative interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties. In times of inflation and economic stress, gold offers a good return compared to US government bonds. Additionally, gold provides a hedge against geopolitical uncertainty, especially amid conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions between the US and China. Diversifying forex reserves with gold adds security, liquidity, and value during crises. Gold’s historical significance in the economy includes its role as a reserve currency, intrinsic value, and its ability to boost a nation’s currency value. It can also serve as a substitute for government securities in central bank operations.

All banknotes issued by RBI are backed by assets such as gold, Government Securities and Foreign Currency Assets, as defined in Section 33 of the RBI Act, 1934.

Unified India Organic logo

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: FSSAI and APEDA have developed a new “Unified India Organic” logo to replace the existing India Organic and Jaivik Bharat logos.

This move aims to bring uniformity in the implementation of organic regulations by NPOP and FSSAI. The new logo is expected to come into force in the near future, and certification bodies will be given a 3-month transition period for implementation. It will distinguish organic products from non-organic communicating adherence to the National Standards for Organic Production.

Currently, the India Organic logo is used on organic products complying with the National Programme for Organic Products (NPOP), while Jaivik Bharat is used on organic products certified by FSSAI.

Regulator of Organic Products:

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale or import of Organic products through the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 (under FSSA 2006).

Certification of Organic products:

Certification	Description
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)	Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Ensures organic product production adheres to quality standards. Does not require third-party certification agencies. Certification is carried out by local groups consisting of producers and consumers and is based on trust. Involves a documented logo or statement as proof of certification.
National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP)	Implemented by APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. Regulates organic farming certification. Involves accreditation of Certification Bodies. Sets standards for organic production. Promotes organic farming and marketing. Its Standards have been recognized by the EU, Switzerland, and the US.
Other Programs for Organic Production	NMSA (National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture): Promotes sustainable agriculture, including organic production.
	Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER): Supports the development of organic value chains in the North East region of India.
	Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY): Promotes organic farming.

Tmesipteris oblanceolate

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Sci News

Context: The new Caledonian fern species, Tmesipteris oblanceolata, boasts the largest genome known to date at 160.45 billion base pairs (Gbp), surpassing previous records. This discovery sheds light on genomic gigantism and offers insights into evolutionary dynamics.

What are Genome?

Genomes are the complete set of genetic material within an organism, including DNA sequences that encode its traits and functions. They serve as the blueprint for an organism’s development, growth, and behaviour.

About the fern species:

Tmesipteris oblanceolata, with its 160 billion base pairs, surpasses the human genome by over 50 times. It’s part of an ancient plant lineage predating dinosaurs. Exclusive to New Caledonia and neighbouring Pacific islands, it flourishes on rainforest tree trunks and branches.

Biocover

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: The use of microbial methane oxidation systems, specifically biocovers utilizing fine fractions from landfill mining, presents a promising model for methane control.

What is Biocover?

Biocovers are a type of methane oxidation system that utilizes the fine fraction material from landfill mining to effectively control methane emissions. These are porous material layers laid directly on top of a landfill which is then covered by an oxidizing layer of mature compost. It provides optimal conditions for methanotrophic (methane-utilizing) bacteria to thrive and act as biofilters, hence controlling methane emissions by converting methane to CO2.

The key points about biocovers are:

They reduce methane emissions from landfills and dumpsites.
The fine fraction material recovered from landfill mining is used to construct the biocover system. This fine fraction would otherwise be difficult to repurpose due to high contaminant levels.
By using the fine fraction in the biocover, it provides a sustainable solution for methane control, especially for smaller to medium-sized landfills and dumpsites.
This method shows promise for application in India’s over 3,000 legacy dumpsites, which continuously generate methane and are prone to fires, making effective methane control critical for climate change mitigation.