AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (25^th July 2024)

Gender Gap in Education

GS 2: Society: Gender Equality

Why is it in the news?

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) report for 2024 on Global Gender Gap ranks India 129th out of 146 economies, with educational attainment being a significant factor in the drop.
• The gender gap in literacy is 17.2 percentage points, with India ranked 124th in this indicator. The previous year’s report had India at a perfect score of 1.000 for educational parity, ranking 26th. The change in ranking is partly due to updated data from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which affects the parity score calculations.

An Analysis

• According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) for 2021-22, there were 13.79 crore boys and 12.73 crore girls enrolled in schools, with girls constituting 48% of the school population.
• In higher education, the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report for 2021-22 shows a gross enrolment ratio (GER) of 28.5% for women, slightly higher than the 28.3% for men. Female enrolment in higher education has increased by 32% since 2014-15. However, data for 2022-23 from UDISE+ and AISHE is not yet available.
• Efforts to improve girls’ education including building more schools, has significantly increased enrolment. However, regional differences exist, with some states like Gujarat having fewer secondary and higher secondary schools compared to states like Jharkhand and Bihar, where girls make up a larger percentage of students.
• The presence of women teachers and improved transport options, such as free bus passes and cycles, have also helped increase enrolment. However, sanitation issues and lack of maintenance for school washrooms still pose challenges, particularly for girls after puberty.
• While many states have successfully closed the gender gap in higher classes, there are concerns about boys dropping out of school. In states like West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu, girls make up a significant portion of higher secondary students.
• The Right to Education Act, which prevents students from failing until Class 8, has contributed to higher retention rates for girls. However, boys who reach secondary school and then fail are at risk of dropping out, and there is increased pressure on poorer boys to contribute economically.
• At the college level, although the female GER is higher than the male GER, women are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, making up only 42.5% of STEM enrolments from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels.
• Additionally, adult literacy remains a concern, with only 64.63% of women being literate compared to 80.88% of men, highlighting the need for improved foundational literacy and educational outreach to rural women.

About World Economic Forum:

• It is an international non-governmental and non-profit organization for  Public-Private Cooperation , engages foremost leaders of various fields of society such as political, business, cultural and others to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.
• Headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The notable reports published by World Economic are as follows:
• Global Competitiveness Report,
• Global Information Technology Report,
• Global Gender Gap Report,
• Global Risks Report,
• Global Travel and Tourism Report,
• Global Enabling Trade Report.
• Human capital Report
• Inclusive Development Index
• Energy Transition Index
• Future jobs Report
• Inclusive Growth and Development Report

Q.Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (UPSC-2017)

(a) World Economic Forum

(b) UN Human Rights Council

(c) UN Women

(d) World Health Organization

Answer:A

Q.Who among the following is the founder of World Economic Forum? (UPSC-2009)

(a) Klaus Schwab

(b) John Kenneth Galbraith

(c) Hobert Zoellick

(d) Paul Krugman

Answer:A

Q.The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the (UPSC-2019)

(a) International Monetary Fund

(b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

(c) World Economic Forum

(d) World Bank

Answer:C

ICMR ready to transfer technology for commercialization of TB detection kit

GS 3: Science and Technology: TB

Why is it in the news?

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is advancing a new, affordable, and user-friendly technology for tuberculosis (TB) detection, aiming to enhance testing efficiency and accessibility.

More about the news

• The technology, developed by the ICMR-RMRCNE Institute in Dibrugarh, is a CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system, claimed to be the world’s cheapest.
• It can identify TB bacteria using DNA from saliva, test over 1,500 samples in about two hours, and is designed to be simple enough for use in primary health centres.
• ICMR has initiated a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organizations and manufacturers interested in commercializing this technology.
• The goal is to expand access to TB testing, addressing the high burden of TB in India, where the disease causes approximately 480,000 deaths annually and a million cases go undiagnosed each year.
• The technology aims to support India’s goal of reducing TB morbidity and mortality by 2025.

About Tuberculosis (TB):

• It is a bacterial Infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• It most often affects the lungs, pleura (lining around the lungs), lymph nodes, intestines, spine, and brain.
• It is an airborne infection and spreads  when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
• This disease exists in both latent and active form . Common symptoms in active form include cough with sputum and sometimes blood , chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
• It is preventable and curable, Active TB is treated with antibiotics such as isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol and streptomycin for prolonged period.

Mains:

Q.“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (2021)

Supreme Court: Right to Shelter, a fundamental Right

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Right to shelter

Why is it in the news?

• The Supreme Court has emphasized the need to balance the development of railway infrastructure in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, with the fundamental right to shelter of nearly 50,000 people accused of illegally occupying railway land.

More about the news

• While acknowledging the necessity of infrastructure development, the court stressed that its orders should not be seen as an endorsement of future encroachments.
• The Supreme Court’s stance aims to avoid ruthless decisions about the fate of the affected families while maintaining the integrity of lawful processes.
• The hearing stemmed from an application by the Railways to amend a 2023 Supreme Court order that had stayed a Uttarakhand High Court directive to evict the families within a week. The Railways cited the flooding of the Ghaula river, which has disrupted railway operations, as a reason for urgently needing more land to lay new tracks.
• Further, the Supreme Court directed the State Chief Secretary to collaborate with the Railway authorities and the Ministry of Urban Affairs to develop a “fair and equitable” rehabilitation project for the displaced families.

Constitutional Provision:

• The right to shelter, derived from the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which ensures protection of life and personal liberty, while Article 19(1)(e) grants the right to reside and settle anywhere in India.

Supreme court Judgements:

• In Chameli Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1996), the Supreme Court declared that the right to shelter under Article 21 includes adequate living space, safe structures, clean surroundings, light, air, water, electricity, and sanitation.
• In Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), the Supreme Court ruled that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to livelihood and shelter.
• In Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation v. Nawab Khan Gulab Khan (1997), the Supreme Court directed the state to build affordable housing for the poor, emphasizing the state’s duty to provide shelter and make the right to life meaningful.

Q.Consider the following statements : ( UPSC-2021)

1. ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.​

2. ‘Right to the City’ gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.​

3. ‘Right to the City’ means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.​

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

Answer : C

Centre defends fact-check unit in Court

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Fact-check Unit

Why is it in the news?

• The Union government defended its fact-checking unit (FCU) in the Bombay High Court, asserting that the right to know correct information and not be misled is as important as the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).

More about the news

• Stand-up artist Kunal Kamra, the Editors Guild of India, and the Association of Indian Magazines have challenged the constitutionality of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023.
• These rules allow the FCU to identify and demand the removal of “fake or false or misleading” content related to the Central Government’s business. The case is being heard by Justice A.S. Chandurkar following a split verdict from a Division Bench on January 31.
• Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta argued that the FCU is the least restrictive method to counteract misinformation. He compared it to private companies’ fact-checking units and emphasized that the government’s role is to highlight falsehoods, not to adjudicate them.
• Further, he refuted the petitioners’ claim that the FCU creates a chilling effect on free speech, stating that the government is not the final arbiter, and the final judgment lies with a competent court.
• The petitioners, who concluded their arguments in April, contended that the amendment makes the government the “prosecutor, judge, and executioner” of online truth, violating natural justice principles.
• They argued that the rules’ vague nature threatens freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a). However, Mehta countered this by asserting that correct information is inherent to the right under Article 21, especially when misinformation could incite violence or threaten public order.

Financing India’s Green Future

GS 3: Economy: Energy Security

Why is it in the news?

• The Union Budget 2024 reflects the Government of India’s strengthened commitment to climate finance, highlighting energy security as a key priority.

More about the news

• The budget allocated ₹19,100 crore to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, a 60% increase from the previous interim budget’s ₹12,850 crore.
• This substantial funding boost is expected to stimulate private sector investment and support India’s transition to a low-carbon economy through targeted measures across the clean energy value chain.

Major Initiatives

Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

• This initiative aims to accelerate residential solar adoption, with 1.28 crore registrations indicating strong demand.
• This high level of interest is likely to drive further investment, innovation, and job creation in the solar sector.

Trade Policy Adjustments:

• The budget includes duties on solar glass and removes duties on equipment for manufacturing solar cells and panels.
• These measures are designed to enhance domestic manufacturing, reduce production costs, and attract private capital, supporting India’s goal to become a manufacturing hub for solar energy components.

Critical Mineral Mission:

• The exemption of basic Customs duties on 25 essential minerals used in renewable technologies, such as copper and silicon, will bolster energy security and enhance the global competitiveness of India’s supply chain.
• This policy is crucial for developing a domestic processing and refining industry for critical minerals.

Climate Finance Taxonomy:

• The development of a climate finance taxonomy is a vital step for directing investments into climate-friendly projects. By providing clear definitions and standards, this initiative will improve transparency, attract investment, and support India’s renewable energy targets.
• It aligns with G20 recommendations and will also help advance the green bonds market in India by addressing issuance cost challenges.

Is Immunity for the President and Governors absolute?

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Governor’s Immunity

Why is it in the news?

• A three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, is reviewing whether the “blanket” immunity under Article 361 for the President and Governors during their term undermines fairness and constitutional morality.
• The court has asked the Attorney General of India to help determine if this immunity violates fundamental rights to equal protection and a fair trial.

More about the news

• The issue arose from a petition by a contractual woman employee at Raj Bhavan who accused West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose of sexual harassment and molestation.
• Identified as ‘XXX’ in Supreme Court records to protect her identity, she argues that the absolute immunity provided to the Governor reflects an outdated belief that the “King can do no wrong.”
• She claims that the police have dismissed her complaint due to the immunity clause, forcing her to wait until the Governor’s term ends for an investigation.
• The petitioner fears that this delay may prevent her from obtaining justice. She has requested the court to direct the West Bengal police to investigate the complaint and to establish guidelines defining the extent of immunity.
• Article 361(1) stipulates that the President and Governors are not answerable to any court for acts done in the performance of their duties.
• However, the first proviso to Article 361(1) permits the President’s conduct to be reviewed by any court, tribunal, or body designated by Parliament for impeachment under Article 61. The second proviso to Article 361(1) allows for legal action against the Centre or State despite the immunity.
• The current focus is on Article 361(2), which bars criminal proceedings against the President or Governor during their term. The Supreme Court is interpreting this clause to determine whether such immunity is absolute or subject to limitations.
• During the Constituent Assembly debates on Article 361 (Draft Article 302) in September 1949, concerns were raised about whether the phrase “during the term of his office” might allow a President or Governor to evade justice despite committing criminal acts. However, the question remained unresolved.
• The petitioner argues that Article 361(2) should not prevent proceedings for illegal acts that infringe upon fundamental rights. She asserts that the immunity should not obstruct police investigations or the identification of perpetrators.
• The Supreme Court’s decision in Rameshwar Prasad vs. Union of India interpreted civil immunity under Article 361(4) as not eliminating the power to challenge the President’s or Governor’s actions based on malafides.
• Similarly, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling in Ram Naresh vs. State of Madhya Pradesh affirmed that immunity does not prevent police from investigating an offense, including recording the Governor’s statement.

Additional Information:

What is Article 361 of the Indian Constitution?

• Article 361 grants the President of India and state governors’ immunity from legal proceedings in any court for their actions and decisions undertaken in the exercise of their official powers and duties during their tenure, thereby creating an exception to the principle of equality before the law enshrined in Article 14.
• However, President’s conduct can be reviewed by any court, tribunal, or body designated by Parliament for investigations under Article 61.
• Key points of Article 361 –
• No criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President, or the Governor of a State, in any court during his term of office.
• No process for the arrest or imprisonment of the President, or the Governor of a State, shall issue from any court during his term of office.
• Civil suits against the President or Governor necessitate a two-month notice prior to filing, as per Article 361.

Constitutional Provisions regarding Governor in India: The Indian Constitution details all aspects of the Governor’s office, including appointment and powers, within Part VI (Article 153 to Article 162).

• Appointment: The Governor is appointed by the President of India and serves at the pleasure of the President (Article 155).
• Article 154 vests executive power in the Governor to be exercised in accordance with the Indian Constitution.
• Qualifications: The Governor must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and cannot hold any office of profit (Article 157).
• Term: The Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President, but his normal term of office will be five years (Article 156).
• Powers and Functions of the Governor:
• Executive Functions: The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, and allocates portfolios among them (Article 164).
• Legislative Functions: The Governor summons and prorogues the state legislature, addresses it, and lays down its policy. He/she also has the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly (Article 174).
• Financial Functions: The Governor presents the Annual Financial Statement (budget) to the State Legislature and deals with money bills (Article 202).
• Discretionary Powers: The Governor exercises discretionary powers, such as appointing the Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority after elections (Article 164).

Grasslands in Kutch likely to host cheetahs from Africa

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Project Cheetah

Why is it in the news?

• Banni, a 3,500-square-kilometer grassland in Gujarat’s Kutch district, is being readied as a potential habitat for cheetahs under Project Cheetah.

More about the news

• Although Gandhi Sagar sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh remains the primary site for the next batch of cheetahs, Banni is also being prepared for future cheetah introductions.
• Currently, Banni lacks sufficient prey for a viable cheetah population, with only chinkara and blackbuck present. It will take years to establish an adequate prey base, possibly including chital. Despite its size, Banni’s effectiveness as a cheetah habitat will depend on prey management.
• Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, hosting 20 adult cheetahs and 13 cubs, is at capacity for cheetahs and is set to release all cheetahs into the wild by October.
• The government’s plan involves importing 10 to 12 additional cheetahs annually for the next five years to groom a sustainable breeding population.

Additional Information:

About Project Cheetah:

• It is the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project , began on September 17 , 2022 to reintroduce cheetahs in India , which were declared extinct in the country in 1952.
• The project involves translocation cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
• This project is implemented by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaberation with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department , Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and cheetah experts from Namibia and South Africa.