Content :

1. Ladakh gets new policies on quota, domicile status
2. IISc researchers develop artificial metal-based nanozyme that prevents excess blood clotting
3. A ban, a split verdict, and a health concern
4. Does the civil services examination need reform?
5. No contempt if Parliament or legislatures make laws: SC
6. ‘Sulphur-cleaning device in coal plants not necessary’
7. EC introduces new tech-driven system to update voter turnout
8. Bacteria found at Rajgir hot spring lake shows antimicrobial activity

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Ladakh gets new policies on quota, domicile status

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Context & Background

• Ladakh became a Union Territory (UT) after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
• Local civil society groups have long demanded constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s culture, demography, land, and jobs (similar to Article 371 or Sixth Schedule protections).
• The Centre has now introduced several key policy reforms in response.

Relevance : GS 2(Federalism , Governance)

Reservation Policy Changes

• Total Reservation Cap Raised:
  • Earlier: Capped at 50% (as per 2004 J&K Reservation Act).
  • Now: Raised to 85%, excluding EWS quota.
  • With 10% for EWS, the total reservation hits 95%, among the highest in India.
• Scheduled Tribes Focus:
  • 80% of jobs likely to be reserved for STs, reflecting Ladakh’s majority tribal population.
• Comparison:
  • Meghalaya: 85% for SCs/STs.
  • Arunachal Pradesh: 80% for STs.

Domicile Policy

• To qualify as a domicile:
  • One must have resided in Ladakh continuously for 15 years since October 31, 2019 (UT foundation day).
  • Applies even to children of Central government officials.
• Implication:
  • Tightens eligibility for government jobs and other benefits.
  • Aimed at preserving Ladakhi identity and limiting demographic changes.

Language Policy

• Official languages of Ladakh now include:
  • English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi.
  • Bhoti and Purgi are local languages, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region.

Changes in Hill Council Composition

• One-third reservation for women in hill councils (LAHDC Leh and Kargil).
  • To be implemented on a rotational basis.
  • Boosts women’s political representation in Ladakh’s local governance.

Broader Significance

• Responds to the socio-political concerns of Ladakhi stakeholders.
• Enhances affirmative action, local autonomy, and cultural preservation.
• Indicates Centre’s decentralized approach to governance in tribal-majority UTs.
• Could serve as a model for region-specific governance policies elsewhere in India.

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IISc researchers develop artificial metal-based nanozyme that prevents excess blood clotting

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Research Context & Objective

• Conducted by: IISc researchers, led by Prof. G. Mugesh (Dept. of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry).
• Objective: To prevent abnormal blood clotting (thrombosis) linked to conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and COVID-19.

Relevance : GS 2(Health) ,GS 3(Technology)

Understanding the Problem

• Normal Blood Clotting (Haemostasis):
  • Triggered by injury to blood vessels.
  • Platelets cluster to form a clot, activated by agonists like collagen and thrombin.

• Abnormal Clotting (e.g., in PTE, COVID-19):
  • Caused by oxidative stress and excess Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
  • ROS leads to over-activation of platelets, forming harmful clots (thrombosis).
  • Thrombosis contributes to ischemic events, strokes, and deaths.

Nanozyme Development

• Developed: Redox-active nanomaterials mimicking natural antioxidant enzymes.
• Function: Scavenge ROS to regulate oxidative stress and prevent platelet over-activation.
• Synthesis: Achieved via controlled chemical reactions using small molecular building blocks.

Key Findings

• Tested different sizes, shapes, and morphologies of nanozymes.
• Platelets were isolated and activated using physiological agonists in lab settings.
• Spherical-shaped Vanadium Pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes showed the highest efficacy in preventing excess aggregation.

Medical Significance

• Potential to treat or prevent:
  • Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE)
  • Thrombosis linked to COVID-19
  • Ischemic stroke (next phase of research)
• Offers an alternative to conventional anticoagulants with a more targeted approach via ROS modulation.

Wider Implications

• Represents a biomimetic therapeutic approach — using synthetic materials to mimic natural enzyme functions.
• Opens avenues in nanomedicine for targeted, controlled therapies.
• Can reduce side-effects typically associated with broad-spectrum blood thinners.

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A ban, a split verdict, and a health concern

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Mustard Oil in India: Context

• Third-most consumed edible oil in India.
• Extracted from Indian mustard crop, high in erucic acid (40–54%).
• Health concerns exist due to high erucic acid, especially in Western countries.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance) ,GS 3(Agriculture)

Two Major Policy/Judicial Decisions

1. FSSAI Ban (2021):
   1. Banned blending of mustard oil with other edible oils.
   1. Aim: To prevent adulteration and boost domestic mustard production.
   1. Blending allowed under law up to 20% but was misused (industry blends up to 50%).

• Supreme Court Verdict (2024):
  • Struck down approval of GM mustard (DMH-11).
  • Reason: Insufficient health impact assessment.
  • Split verdict; health safety concerns cited by one of the judges.

Health Concern: Erucic Acid

• Present in high quantity in Indian mustard oil (40–54%).
• International limit: Less than 5% (U.S., Canada, Europe).
• Animal studies: High erucic acid linked to heart issues, liver and kidney damage.
• Human impact: No conclusive evidence, but stigma and strict regulations abroad.
• Alternative abroad: Canola oil (developed in Canada) with <2% erucic acid.

GM Mustard (DMH-11): Prospects and Benefits

• Lower erucic acid content (30–35% vs 40–54%).
• Higher yield potential.
• Reduces need for blending and dependency on imported edible oils.
• India’s edible oil import bill: $20.56 billion (NITI Aayog).
• Scientific achievement: Comparable to Western low-erucic cultivars.
• Needs further R&D to bring levels below 5%.

Blended Mustard Oil: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Dilutes erucic acid content.
• Rich in unsaturated fats → improves cholesterol profile (↑ HDL, ↓ LDL).
• Practical in absence of low-erucic domestic cultivars.

Concerns:

• Rampant adulteration (FSSAI 2020 survey: 24.21% samples failed quality checks).
• Mustard oil had highest adulteration rates.
• Artificial flavors and toxic substances used.

Policy Recommendations

• Allow blended mustard oil sales in packaged and branded form with clear labelling.
• Enforce blending limits (currently often breached).
• Strengthen State-level food safety mechanisms (health is a State subject).
• Prioritize development of low-erucic GM mustard varieties with <5% content.
• Take a holistic view — blend health, economic, and scientific perspectives in policymaking.

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Does the civil services examination need reform?

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Historical Background

• The structure of the civil services exam is rooted in the Macaulay Report of 1854 which emphasized merit-based selection.
• The Kothari Committee (1975) formalized the three-tier structure: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

Relevance : GS 2(Education )

Evolution of Preliminary Exam

• Earlier format: Optional subject + General Studies with a 2:1 weightage.
• Results were opaque; only names of qualifiers were published—no marks or cut-offs were revealed.
• This ‘black box’ model limited aspirants’ ability to question results.

Transparency and Reform Pressure

• Post-RTI Act (2005): UPSC had to disclose evaluation methods.
• Growing scrutiny led to formation of the S.K. Khanna Committee (2010).
• Major reform (2011): Optional paper removed. Prelims restructured to:
  • Paper I: GS
  • Paper II: CSAT (aptitude, reasoning, English)

Issues with CSAT (Paper-II)

• Originally, CSAT marks were counted, favoring urban, English-medium, science/engineering students.
• This triggered protests, particularly from rural/Humanities background aspirants.
• Change made: CSAT became a qualifying paper (33% minimum), marks not counted for merit.

Main Exam Concerns

• Restructured in 2013 after Nigvekar Committee recommendations.
• GS papers now cover wide topics: polity, governance, economy, etc.
• Current issues:
  • Short-answer focus (20 questions) encourages rote memorization over analysis.
  • No long-form questions that test deep analytical or problem-solving abilities.
  • Optional subject choices driven by scoring trends, not academic background—misaligns intent.

Prelims as a ‘Gatekeeper’

• Prelims now functions more as a screening tool, cutting ~5 lakh applicants to ~10,000.
• Paper-I (GS) is highly unpredictable, making preparation uncertain.
• Paper-II still favors science/engineering students, even though it’s qualifying.
• Opportunity cost is high for serious aspirants investing years into uncertain outcomes.

Suggested Reforms

• Re-evaluate the role of Prelims: Ensure it tests potential, not just elimination.
• Revamp GS Mains papers: Include long-form analytical questions.
• Replace the optional subject with two papers on governance and public policy to ensure relevance.
• Improve alignment between the exam structure and the qualities expected in civil servants.

Conclusion

• The current system, though evolved, still reflects structural distortions.
• A comprehensive reform is needed to:
  • Reduce unfair filtering,
  • Promote diversity,
  • Encourage analytical thinking over rote learning,
  • And better align aspirants’ capabilities with administrative roles.

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No contempt if Parliament or legislatures make laws: SC

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Background of the Case

• Petitioners: Nandini Sundar (sociologist) and others filed a contempt petition (2012).
• Target: Chhattisgarh government’s alleged non-compliance with the SC’s 2011 order.
• The SC in 2011 had directed the State to disband vigilante groups (like Salwa Judum) and stop arming tribals as Special Police Officers (SPOs).

Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Judiciary)

Petitioners’ Allegations

• The State bypassed the SC’s directions by:
  • Enacting Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 — legalising SPOs.
  • Not vacating schools/ashrams occupied by security forces.
  • Failing to compensate victims affected by Salwa Judum and SPO actions.

Supreme Court’s Ruling (May 15, 2024)

• Law made by legislature ≠ contempt of court.
• Legislatures have plenary powers to make laws.
• Unless a law is declared unconstitutional, it remains valid and cannot be equated with defiance of court orders.
• Contempt plea dismissed.

Key Judicial Observations

• Balance of powers must be maintained between judiciary and legislature.
• A law passed post-court order is not contempt unless:
  • It directly disobeys the order.
  • It is declared ultra vires the Constitution.
• Remedy against an unconstitutional law lies in challenging it in a constitutional court, not through contempt proceedings.

Broader Concerns & Directions

• Recognised the prolonged unrest in Chhattisgarh due to Maoist violence.
• Urged specificpeace and rehabilitation measures by:
  • State government
  • Union government
• Cited Article 315: Responsibility lies with both governments to ensure law and order and welfare of residents.

Legal and Constitutional Significance

• Reiterates legislative supremacy in its domain unless judicially struck down.
• Clarifies that legislative action isn’t inherently contemptuous of earlier court orders.
• Strengthens separation of powers and checks and balances in governance.

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‘Sulphur-cleaning device in coal plants not necessary’

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Context

• FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurisation) units are used to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs).
• These were made mandatory in 2015 as part of stricter environmental norms.
• Despite repeated extensions, 92% of India’s 600 units still haven’t installed FGDs.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment an dEcology)

Committee Recommendation

• High-powered expert committee chaired by PSA Ajay Sood recommends FGDs are unnecessary for 80% of plants.
• Suggests FGDs be mandatory only in Category A plants:
  • Within 10 km of NCR and cities with 1 million+ population.
  • Out of 66 such plants, only 14 have FGDs installed.

Scientific Rationale Behind the Recommendation

• Ambient SO₂ levels across India are between 10–20 µg/m³, well below the national standard of 80 µg/m³.
• Indian coal is naturally low in sulphur content.
• Cities with FGDs and without FGDs show negligible difference in ambient SO₂ levels.
• SO₂ levels in general do not exceed permissible limits, hence do not justify nationwide FGD installation.

Operational & Economic Considerations

• High capital costs and few vendors for FGD installation.
• Potential rise in electricity tariffs if cost passed to consumers.
• COVID-19 disruptions cited as a reason for delays in FGD compliance.
• Historical deadline extensions by the Ministry of Power due to implementation hurdles.

Environmental Compliance

• Committee clarifies:
  • TPPs must still meet standards for:
    • Particulate Matter (PM) emissions.
    • Freshwater consumption.
  • SO₂ stack emission limits can be relaxed, as long as National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards are met.
• NAAQ standards, not stack norms, are the primary metric for protecting public health.

Institutions Involved

• Reports considered from:
  • CSIR-NEERI
  • National Institute of Advanced Studies
  • IIT Delhi
• All supported the view that FGDs are not essential across all plants.

Policy Implications

• Marks a major reversal of India’s 2015 emission control policy.
• Likely cost savings for power producers, but raises concerns over long-term air quality safeguards.
• Reflects a shift towards region-specific environmental regulation rather than blanket norms.

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EC introduces new tech-driven system to update voter turnout

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Context

• The Election Commission (EC) has introduced a technology-based system to provide real-time updates on voter turnout.
• Comes amid opposition concerns over alleged discrepancies and delays in previous turnout data reporting.
• To be implemented before the Bihar Assembly elections later this year.

Relevance : GS 2(Elections , Reforms)

Key Features of the New System

• Presiding officers at each polling station will directly enter turnout data every two hours into the ECINET app.
• Data is automatically aggregated at the constituency level.
• Reduces dependence on manual reporting via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.

Improvements Over Previous Method

• Earlier method involved:
  • Manual recording by sector officers.
  • Delays of 4–5 hours, with some updates arriving next day.

• New system aims for:
  • Near real-time updates every two hours.
  • Final turnout data entered at polling station itself before presiding officers leave.

Tech Implementation

• Uses the ECINET app for data entry.
• Becomes a core part of ECINET infrastructure.
• The Voter Turnout App will reflect constituency-wise data updates.
• Offline mode available; data syncs once network is restored.

 Advantages

• Faster transparency, reducing data discrepancy allegations.
• Greater accountability of presiding officers at the booth level.
• Enhances public trust in the polling process.
• Reduces manual errors and communication lags.

Challenges & Conditions

• Network connectivity in rural or remote polling booths may delay real-time data.
• Continued need for training of polling staff in app usage.
• Approximate data still subject to minor post-poll adjustments.

 Broader Implications

• Reinforces EC’s commitment to transparent, tech-driven elections.
• Reflects the increasing role of digital infrastructure in electoral processes.
• Sets precedent for future state and national elections.

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Bacteria found at Rajgir hot spring lake shows antimicrobial activity

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Scientific Background & Relevance

• Thermophiles are bacteria that thrive in high temperatures (45–70°C), intolerable for most life forms.
• Hot environments like hot springs, deep-sea vents, compost piles are rich in minerals but have fewer life competitors.
• Thermophiles often produce potent antibiotics to outcompete other organisms in these harsh niches.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Study at Rajgir Hot Spring Lake (Nalanda, Bihar)

• Conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu.
• Marked as one of India’s first microbiological investigations into the Rajgir hot spring.
• Temperature of water and soil samples ranged between 43–45°C.

Key Findings

• Used 16S rRNA metagenomics to analyze microbial diversity.
• Found Actinobacteria dominated (40–43%) of the microbial population.
  • Significant since most hot springs globally have <20% Actinobacteria.
  • Known for producing important antibiotics (e.g., streptomycin, tetracycline).

Antibacterial Potential

• Isolated seven strains of Actinobacteria that showed potent antibacterial activity.
• Tested against pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus.
• Identified antibacterial activity by observing growth inhibition on culture plates.

Discovery of New Antimicrobial Compound

• Diethyl phthalate extracted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Sourced from Actinomycetales bacterium spp.
• Effective against Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly foodborne pathogen causing listeriosis.

Broader Implications

• Urgent need for new antibiotics due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• WHO projects $1 trillion global healthcare cost by 2050 due to AMR.
• Discovery at Rajgir highlights the untapped potential of Indian hot springs in antibiotic research.

Industrial & Agricultural Applications

• Thermophiles also produce enzymes and compounds useful in:
  • PCR testing (e.g., enzyme from Thermus aquaticus used in COVID testing).
  • Agriculture: e.g., Leh hot springs’ bacteria shown to promote plant growth.

Challenges & Gaps

• Indian hot springs are still understudied despite their potential.
• Field sampling in extreme temperatures is logistically difficult.
• Identifying active compounds from a microbial pool remains a time-intensive process.