Current Affairs- January 9, 2024

GS Paper II- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

1. No local body representatives in J&K

GS Paper II- Social Issues, Issues related to children.

2. Why is child marriage still high in West Bengal?

GS Paper II- Functioning of the Judiciary

3. Bilkis Bano case | SC quashes Gujarat’s premature release of convicts

GS Paper III- Disaster ManagementInfrastructureWater Resources.

4. Ban on mining activities by Karnataka HC

Prelims Booster:-

5. Railways Electrification

6. Israeli strike kills Hezbollah commander in Lebanon

7. Sponge farming

8. Lunar Gateway Station

Quick Watch:- Current Affairs 9th Jan Live Session

No local body representatives in J&K

GS Paper 2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Context:
The Union government has decided to first conduct a delimitation exercise & next local body elections will be only after delimitation.

The five-year term of almost 30,000 local representatives is set to expire on 09 Jan 2024 in J&K.
There is no clarity on when the next election for municipal bodies and panchayats will be held.

Status of representation on J&K:
The people of Jammu and Kashmir don't have any Assembly representation since 2018.
Panchayat elections were last held in the erstwhile State of J&K in late 2018.
A total of 27,281 panches (panchayat members) and sarpanches (village headmen) were elected and took oath on January 10, 2019.
From January 10, the disbursal of the ₹25 lakh funds allocated to each panchayat will also cease, as the terms of the public representatives expire.

Assembly elections in J&K:
The last Assembly elections were held in 2014.
The special status of J&K under Article 370 of the Constitution was removed by the Parliament in August 2019.
The former State was bifurcated and downgraded into the two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, J&K with a legislative assembly and Ladakh without a legislative Assembly.
The delimitation of the Assembly seats was completed last year and the electoral rolls have been revised twice.
However, the Delimitation Exercise for local body elections has not been done.
On December 11, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India to hold Assembly elections in J&K by September 30, 2024.

Delimitation Exercise:

The delimitation exercise in India is conducted by the Delimitation Commission.
Delimitation involves redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly constituencies to ensure equal representation based on population changes.
The process aims to maintain the principle of 'one person, one vote.'
The Delimitation Commission is constituted by the President of India and comprises a retired Supreme Court judge, the Chief Election Commissioner, and the respective State Election Commissioners.
The last delimitation exercise in India took place in 2008, freezing the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies until 2026.

Delimitation Exercise in J&K:

The delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir was initiated to redraw the parliamentary and assembly constituencies following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
However, it has not been done for panchayat and municipality areas.
The decision to conduct a delimitation Exercise for parliamentary and legislative seats was aimed at bringing the region on par with other parts of India in terms of representation and governance.
The Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir was reconstituted to carry out this exercise
The erstwhile J&K state had 111 seats — 46 in Kashmir, 37 in Jammu, and 4 in Ladakh — plus 24 seats reserved for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
The total number of seats now has been 114.
Leaving 24 behind for the PoK region, out of the rest 90 Assembly Constituencies in the region, 43 will be part of the Jammu region and 47 for the Kashmir region keeping in view the provisions of Section 9(1)(a) of the Delimitation Act, 2002 and Section 60(2)(b) of Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.
After consultation with Associate Members, representatives of political parties, citizens, and civil society groups, 9 ACs have been reserved for STs, out of which,6 are in the Jammu region and 3 ACs in the Valley.

Panchayat & Municipality:

The development of Panchayats and Municipalities in India is guided by constitutional amendments and legislative acts.
The 73rd Amendment Act of 1992 pertains to Panchayats, while the 74th Amendment Act of 1992 relates to Municipalities.
These amendments aimed to strengthen local governance by providing constitutional status to these institutions
The amendments added Part IX (Panchayats) and Part IXA (Municipalities) to the Constitution, defining the powers, composition, and responsibilities of these local bodies.
The 11th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, containing 29 items, has provisions for the power, responsibilities, and authority of Panchayats.
Similarly, the 12th Schedule, containing 18 items, covers the powers, authority, and responsibilities of the Municipalities.
Provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women are incorporated to ensure representation from marginalized sections.

Related Search:
Articles 370 and 35A.
Abrogation of Article 370
SR Bommai v Union of India, 1994

Prelims Specific:
Status of representation on J&K
Assembly elections in J&K
What is the Delimitation Exercise?
Delimitation Exercise in J&K
About Panchayat & Municipality

Why is child marriage still high in West Bengal?

GS Paper 2: Social Issues, Issues related to children.

Context:
A recent study on child marriage in India was published, recently, noted the overall decrease in child marriage across the country.

It also pointed out that four States, mainly Bihar (16.7%), West Bengal (15.2%), Uttar Pradesh (12.5%), and Maharashtra (8.2%) accounted for more than half of the total headcount burden of child marriages in girls.

Major Highlights:
One in every five girls are still married below legal age in India.
While some States have achieved dramatic decreases in prevalence and headcount for child marriage in girls, “other states have struggled, such as West Bengal”.

The largest absolute increase in headcount was observed in West Bengal, representing an increase of 32.3% in headcount.
West Bengal saw the largest absolute increase with over 5,00,000 more girls getting married as children
The National Family Health Survey-5 carried out in 2019-20, points out that the women aged 20-24 years who were married before the age of 18 years in West Bengal remains one of the highest in the country at 41.6%. The percentage was the same during the National Family Health Survey- 4.
The all-India figure of women aged 20-24 years getting married before they turn 18 is pegged at 23.3%.

Impacts:-
Child marriage, recognized as a human rights violation and a form of sexual and gender-based violence, significantly impacts maternal and child health in the State.

Case Study:-

A Lancet study coincided with a tragic incident at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, where 10 infants died within 24 hours, most of whom had extremely low birth weight.
The hospital authorities attributed this to social issues like child marriage and poverty. Dr. Amit Dan highlighted that one baby weighed only 480 grams at birth and couldn't be saved due to these factors.

Child Marriage:-
In India, the legal age for marriage is 18 years for females and 21 years for males, as per the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
Child marriage is defined as a marriage where either of the contracting parties is a minor, i.e., below the age of 18 for females and 21 for males.

Causes:-

Poverty: Families in poverty may see child marriage as a way to reduce the economic burden by transferring the responsibility of care to the husband.
Lack of Education: Limited access to education, especially for girls, can contribute to child marriage. Families may prioritize marriage over education due to traditional gender roles or financial constraints.
Gender Inequality: Deep-rooted gender inequalities, where girls are considered inferior to boys, can lead to child marriage. In some societies, girls are seen as economic liabilities, and early marriage is perceived as a way to ensure their protection.
Cultural Practices: Traditional customs and cultural norms can play a significant role. In some communities, child marriage might be considered a rite of passage or a way to preserve cultural identity.
Social Pressure: Societal expectations and peer pressure can influence families to conform to prevailing norms, even if those norms involve child marriage.
Lack of Legal Protection: Weak or inadequate legal frameworks and enforcement can contribute to child marriage. If laws against child marriage are not stringent or are not effectively enforced, the practice may persist.
Insecurity and Conflict: In regions affected by conflict or insecurity, child marriage rates often increase. Families may marry off their daughters early as a coping mechanism or for perceived protection.

How to Address this issue?

Legal Reforms: Advocate for and support legal measures to raise the minimum age of marriage for both girls and boys. Encourage stricter enforcement of existing laws like Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 against child marriage.
Community Outreach and Education: Develop awareness campaigns to educate communities about the negative consequences of child marriage, emphasizing health, education, and economic impacts. Utilize local leaders and influencers to amplify the message.
Empowering Girls through Education: Promote and invest in girls' education, as educated girls are more likely to delay marriage. Scholarships, awareness programs, and creating a conducive environment for girls' education are crucial.
Economic Opportunities: Work towards improving economic opportunities for families, especially in rural areas. Poverty often contributes to child marriage, so addressing economic disparities can be instrumental in reducing the prevalence.
Healthcare Access: Highlight the health risks associated with early pregnancies and childbirth. Improving access to healthcare, especially reproductive health services, can deter parents from marrying off their children at a young age.

Policy interventions by WB:-
West Bengal implemented Kanyashree Prakalpa in 2013, a program encouraging education for girls aged 13-18 and recognized internationally for covering 81 lakh girls and earning the UN Public Service Award in 2017.
Alongside Kanyashree, the state offers 'Rupashree Prakalpa,' providing cash incentives for girls' marriages.
Some families exploit both schemes, marrying off girls shortly after benefiting from the education initiative.
In 2023, Class XII exams saw a 14.84% rise in female candidates, totaling 57.43% of all candidates.
Surprisingly, there's no direct link between literacy rates and child marriage, with Purba Medinipur, boasting an 88% literacy rate, reporting over 57.6% child marriage incidence as per NFHS-5.

Related Search:
NFHS
International agreements related to child marriage
About Child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM)
POSCO Act

Prelims Specific:
Major Highlights of Study
Impacts of Child Marriage
Its Causes
How to Address this issue?
Reasons of prevalence of Child Marriage in WB
Policy interventions by WB

Bilkis Bano case | SC quashes Gujarat’s premature release of convicts

GS Paper 2: Functioning of the Judiciary

Context:
The Supreme Court quashed the order of premature release granted by the State of Gujarat in August 2022 to 11 men sentenced to life imprisonment for the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of her family during the 2002 riots.

The court ordered them to report back to jail in two weeks.

Reason for such Action by Supreme Court:
Maharashtra, not Gujarat, was deemed responsible for considering and remitting the convicts' sentences, as the trial and sentencing took place in Maharashtra.
Gujarat's attempt to grant remission was deemed improper, as it lacked authority as per Section 432(7)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which designates the appropriate governing body.
The judge clarified that the state where the crime occurred or where convicts were imprisoned lacked the authorization to grant remission; only Maharashtra, where the trial occurred, held that authority.
The court emphasized that while the power to grant remission lies with the appropriate government, it must be exercised lawfully and not arbitrarily.
A May 2022 Supreme Court order permitting Gujarat to release the convicts under its remission policy was nullified by the court.
It was found to be obtained fraudulently and with unclean intentions from the respondents.

How State government provided relief to convicts:-
The state government has the power under Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to release a prisoner after serving 14 years of jail term in cases of conviction for the offenses prescribing death penalty as the maximum sentence.
However, if the prisoner has not undergone 14 years or more of actual imprisonment, the Governor has the power under Article 161 of the Constitution to “grant pardons, reprieves, respites and remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence” on the aid and advice of the state government.
In Bilkis Bano case the convicts has served the 14 year jail period.

Bilkish Bano case:
Bilkis Bano is a survivor of the 2002 Gujarat riots in India.
In 2002, during the violence, she lost family members and was subjected to horrific crimes, including gang rape.
The case gained attention, and in 2008, a Mumbai court convicted several individuals involved in the crime.

Significance of the case:
The Bilkis Bano case stands as a poignant example, shedding light on the challenge of communal violence in India and the authorities' shortcomings in delivering justice to the affected individuals.
Additionally, it emphasizes the imperative of safeguarding the rights of both women and minority communities across India.
Bano's enduring legal struggle, supported by her allies, serves as a testament to the possibility of achieving justice, showcasing that it demands unwavering determination, bravery, and the backing of civil society.

Can Supreme court Overrule its own Judgement:-
The Supreme Court has the power to overrule its own decisions, but it has affirmed that this power will be used sparingly and only in compelling cases.
But it has been fairly established that a Bench of the Supreme Court can’t overrule a previous judgment delivered by a bench of equal or larger size.
In case of an inability to agree, the only option available is to refer the matter to the CJI, requesting a larger Bench to hear the same matter.
Notably, this is merely a convention followed for ensuring certainty in law and there is no explicit constitutional provision for the same.

Related Search:
Pardoning Power of the President
Remission

Prelims Specific:
SC ruling on premature release of convicts
How State government provided relief to convicts?
About Bilkis Bano's case
Significance of the Bilkis Bano's case
Can Supreme court Overrule its own Judgement?

Ban on mining activities by Karnataka HC

GS Paper 3: Disaster ManagementInfrastructureWater Resources.

Context:
The High Court of Karnataka banned all types of mining and quarrying activities within a 20-km radius of the historic Krishnarajasagar (KRS) dam in the Mandya district.

Order of High Court:
The ban will be in force till the completion of a study by experts, as per provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
Authorities are required to complete the study, depending upon the conduciveness, the court said without fixing any deadline.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Prasanna B. Varale and Justice Krishna S. Dixit passed the interim order by suo motu taking cognisance of possible danger to the KRS dam due to mining activities within a 20-km radius.

Dam Safety Act 2021:
The Dam Safety Act, 2021 was enacted by the Parliament and came into force with effect from 30th December 2021.
The Act is aimed at ensuring surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of the specified dam for the prevention of dam failure-related disasters and to provide for an institutional mechanism to ensure their safe functioning.

Features of the Act:
Objective:

The Act oversees the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams across the country, including those taller than 15 meters or between 10-15 meters meeting specific design criteria.
It establishes an institutional mechanism to ensure dam safety.

Institutional Mechanism:
National Level Bodies:

The National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) formulates policies and recommends regulations for dam safety standards.
National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) implements NCDA policies, provides technical aid to State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs), and resolves disputes involving SDSOs.

State-Level Bodies:

SDSOs monitor and oversee dams, while the State Committee on Dam Safety supervises state dam rehabilitation programs, reviews SDSO work, and tracks safety measures' progress.

Obligations of Dam Owners:

Dam owners must ensure the safe construction, operation, maintenance, and supervision of dams.
They are required to have a dam safety unit for regular inspections, especially pre and post-monsoon seasons, after natural disasters, and at any sign of distress.
Functions include drafting emergency action plans, conducting periodic risk assessments, and comprehensive safety evaluations through expert panels.

Offences and Penalties:

Obstructing or refusing to comply with Act-related directions could lead to imprisonment of up to a year; loss of life due to non-compliance may result in a two-year imprisonment.

Krishna Raja Sagar Dam:-

One of the famous dams of South India, Krishna Raja Sagara Dam is often called as KRS Dam.

Named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV of Mysore, this dam is built over the River Cauvery/Kaveri; near the conjunction of three rivers namely, Cauvery, Hemavathi & Lakshmana Thirtha.

A major source of drinking water for Mysore and Bangalore city, the KRS dam is also one of the main sources of irrigation water for Mandya and Mysore.

Along with this, its major purpose is to ensure power supply to the Shivanasamudra hydroelectric power station.

Impacts of mining:-
Environmental Degradation:

Deforestation: Mining often requires clearing large areas of forests, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.
Soil Erosion: Excavation and removal of topsoil can result in soil erosion, affecting the fertility of the land.

Water Pollution

Chemical Runoff: The use of chemicals in mining processes can contaminate nearby water sources, impacting aquatic ecosystems and potentially harming human health.
Sedimentation: Mining activities can lead to increased sedimentation in rivers and streams, affecting water quality and aquatic life.

Air Pollution:

Dust and Particulate Matter: Excavation and transportation of minerals can generate dust, contributing to air pollution and respiratory issues for nearby communities.
Emissions: Mining operations may release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to air quality deterioration.

Human Health Risks:

Exposure to Toxins: Workers and nearby communities may be exposed to hazardous substances like heavy metals and chemicals used in mining processes.
Respiratory Issues: Dust and air pollutants generated during mining can lead to respiratory problems for those in the vicinity.

Social and Cultural Impacts:

Displacement: Mining activities may result in the displacement of local communities, leading to social and economic challenges.
Cultural Disruption: Mines can disrupt cultural practices and heritage sites, impacting the identity and well-being of indigenous or local communities.

Mining Accidents:

Collapse: Underground mining poses risks of tunnel collapses, endangering the lives of miners.
Explosions: The use of explosives in mining can lead to accidents, causing injuries and fatalities.

Resource Depletion:

Non-Renewable Resources: Mining depletes finite resources, contributing to long-term environmental challenges and impacting future generations.

Related Search:
Ageing signs of dams
Uttarakhand flash floods
Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)
Mullaperiyar Dam Issue

Prelims Specific:
Order of High Court on Ban on mining activities
About Dam Safety Act 2021
Its Features
About Krishna Raja Sagar Dam
Impacts of mining

Railways Electrification

Context:
The Indian Railways achieved 6,577 route kilometres (RKMs) electrification in the calendar year 2023.

About:
With a vision of providing an eco-friendly, faster and energy-efficient mode of transportation, Indian Railways is marching ahead towards 100% electrification of Broad Gauge tracks.
The Indian Railways has set a target to become the world's largest green railway by 2030..
The Total Broad Gauge (BG) network of 61,508 Route Kms has been electrified up to December 2023 which is 93.83 % of the total Broad Gauge route (65,556 RKMs) of Indian Railways.
Until 2014, 21,801 KM of broad gauge network was electrified.

Railway Electrification:-

Railway Electrification stands at 93.83 % of the total Broad Gauge route of Indian Railways.
Electrical traction is an environmentally friendly, pollution-free and energy-efficient mode of transport and offers an excellent alternative to fossil fuels as a source of energy.
Electrification was introduced on IR (Indian Railways) in 1925 with 1500 Volts DC and subsequently, extended by installing a 3000 Volts DC system.
388 route Kms. had been electrified by the year 1936.
In 1957, IR decided to adopt a 25 KV AC traction system and, thus, selected main lines and high-density routes were taken up for Energisation in a planned manner.
Today, almost all seven major trunk routes connecting Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Chennai, are fully electrified.

Benefits of Railway Electrification:

Reduced operating cost.
The commercial transport of goods via freight trains and longer passenger trains due to the higher capacity of Electric Locomotives, leading to increased transportation of goods and people.
Increased sectional capacity by eliminating detention on account of traction change.
Environment-friendly mode of transport.
Reduced dependence on imported crude oil thereby saving precious foreignbcurrency.

Israeli strike kills Hezbollah commander in Lebanon

Context:
Israel killed a top commander of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in a strike on south Lebanon, adding fears that the conflict in Gaza could spread.

Details:
Hezbollah and its arch-foe Israel have exchanged near-daily fire across the border after the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7.
The commander had a leading role in managing Hezbollah’s operations in the south. He was killed in an Israeli strike targeting his car in south Lebanon.

Lebanon involvement:
Nearly three months of cross-border fire have killed more than 180 people in Lebanon, including over 135 Hezbollah fighters.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell met a Hezbollah political official in Beirut as part of a push to avoid Lebanon being dragged into the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Saleh al-Aruri, who was killed in a missile strike widely attributed to Israel, was the most high-profile Hamas figure to die during the war.
It was the first attack on Beirut (Lebanon’s capital) since fighting began.
The killing of Hamas’s deputy leader in Beirut last week has raised fears of a wider conflagration.

Why Lebanon is against Israel:-
Lebanon and Israel have different political systems, religious compositions, and ideologies, further contributing to the lack of diplomatic relations.
The Arab-Israeli conflicts, particularly the wars in 1948, 1967, and 1973, have played a significant role in enmity.
Lebanon, like other Arab nations, opposed the establishment of Israel in 1948 and subsequent Israeli territorial gains.
Israel occupied Southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000, resulting in clashes with Lebanese resistance groups, particularly Hezbollah.
The withdrawal of Israeli forces in 2000 did not fully resolve tensions.
The Palestinian refugee presence in Lebanon, stemming from the Arab-Israeli conflicts, has created social, economic, and political challenges.
Lebanon's stance on the Palestinian cause contributes to its strained relations with Israel.

Hezbollah's Role:
Hezbollah, a Shiite political and military organization based in Lebanon, has played a significant role in opposing Israel
Hezbollah has engaged in armed conflicts with Israel, most notably during the 2006 Lebanon War.
The group's military capabilities, including rocket attacks and guerrilla tactics, have posed challenges to Israel.
Hezbollah receives support, including financial aid and military assistance, from Iran and Syria.
This backing strengthens its capabilities and influence in the region.

Sponge farming

Context:
Warming oceans forced women in Zanzibar to switch from seaweed to climate-resilient sponge farming to stay afloat.

About Sponge farming:

Sponge cultivation presents a burgeoning business opportunity that maintains the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.

These remarkable creatures are living organisms comprised of intricately woven cells enveloping a framework of fibers.

Embedded within numerous tiny chambers, specialized cells act as minuscule pumps, ceaselessly pulling water into the sponge's body through their whip-like tails.

Sponges serve as habitats for various creatures, fostering a mutually beneficial symbiosis among animals, plants, and microorganisms.

Found across all global oceans, sea sponges contribute significantly, constituting approximately 20% of the world's silicon biological reservoir.

Their distinctive pumping mechanism not only aids in their nourishment and oxygenation but also acts as a natural filtration system, purging ocean water of impurities, including sewage.

In contrast to seaweed, sponges display remarkable resilience in the face of climate change, demanding minimal upkeep while fetching premium prices in the market.

Production:

The majority of sponges are hermaphroditic, housing both male and female reproductive organs, and facilitating effortless self-propagation.

Emerging from tiny buds that detach from the parent sponge, new sponges embark on autonomous growth.

Remarkably, even damaged or fragmented sponges can regenerate, transforming into new individuals.

This extraordinary regenerative capacity forms the foundation for the simplicity and viability of commercial sponge farming.

Uses:

These sponges serve in bathing and personal hygiene due to their inherent antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively resisting odours.

Additionally, research reveals their pivotal role in combating climate change.

Their skeletal composition breaks down into minute silicon pieces, influencing the carbon cycle within the ocean and mitigating the greenhouse effect.

Dissolved silicon holds vital importance for diatoms, minuscule organisms that, through photosynthesis, absorb substantial CO2 in the ocean, contributing significantly to carbon absorption.

Lunar Gateway Station

Context:
The UAE recently announced its participation in developing a module on NASA’s Lunar Gateway Station alongside the USA, Japan, Canada, and the European Union.

About Lunar Gateway Station: