Current Affairs 08 November 2024

CONTENTS

1. Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004
2. Trump’s Economic Plans: Implications for the US and India
3. World Cities Report 2024: Highlighting Urban Challenges in Climate Action
4. Spinal Muscular Atrophy
5. Al-Natah
6. Okinawicius tekdi

Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004

Context:

Recently, the Supreme Court partially upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, overturning the Allahabad High Court ruling (March 2024) which declared it unconstitutional.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Why the Supreme Court Upheld the UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004?
2. Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004

Why the Supreme Court Upheld the UP Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004?

• The Madrasa Act, 2004 effectively regulates the standards of education which aligns with the state’s obligation to ensure that students achieve a level of competency to participate actively in society.
• Hence, the Supreme Court held that the Madarsa Act falls well within the legislative competence of the State Legislature as the Entry 25 of List 3 (Concurrent List) of the Constitution falls in its fold.
• The Court made a difference between religious education and religious instruction.
• The Court held in Ms. Aruna Roy vs Union of India, 2002 that religious education promoting communal harmony is permissible, while religious instruction in the nature of mandatory worship is prohibited in state-recognized institutions under Article 28.
• Even though no one can challenge the constitutional validity of a statute against the violation of the Basic Structure of the Constitution (Indira Nehru Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case, 1975), in order to declare the legislation unconstitutional, statute should violate provisions of the Constitution regarding secularism.
• Striking down legislation for violating vague concepts like democracy, federalism, and secularism at the behest of courts creates unpredictability in constitutional adjudication.
• The Court also noted that the state government can pass legislation under the Act so that, without offending the principles of secularism, madrasas impart secular education along with the religious instructions.
• Appropriate directions should be given by the State in this regard so that the students studying in madrasas are not deprived of the quality of education which is made available by the State in other institutions.
• This move protected the Act and restated the entitlement of religious minorities to have educational institutions under Article 30 of the Indian Constitution .
• The instruction given to the court to make it possible that the madrasa students are availed of quality education also supports the integration of madrasa education into the overall plan of education of the state.

Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004

Purpose and Objectives

• The Act was introduced to regulate and oversee the operations of madrasas (Islamic educational institutions) within Uttar Pradesh.
• It established a structured framework for the establishment, recognition, curriculum, and administration of these madrasas across the state.
• The Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education was set up under this Act to supervise and monitor the activities of madrasas in Uttar Pradesh.

Concerns and Criticisms Regarding the Act

Constitutional Concerns

• The Allahabad High Court (HC) has declared the Act unconstitutional, asserting that it promotes education based on religious segregation.
• Such a provision contradicts the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution and fundamental rights.

Quality of Education

• Criticisms were raised about the Act’s failure to guarantee compulsory education up to the age of 14 years, as stipulated by Article 21 A of the Constitution.
• Madrasas being excluded from the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 raised concerns about potentially depriving students of universal and quality school education.

Curriculum Focus

• Examination of the madrasa syllabi revealed a heavy emphasis on Islamic studies, with modern subjects receiving limited attention.
• Students were obligated to study Islamic doctrines to progress, whereas modern subjects were either optional or offered minimally.

Compatibility with Higher Education Standards

• The Act was found to be in conflict with Section 22 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, raising doubts about its alignment with higher education standards.

Court’s Verdict and Recommendations

• The Allahabad HC declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 unconstitutional due to its violations of secular principles and fundamental rights.
• The court directed the state government to accommodate madrasa students in recognized regular schools and expressed concerns about the limited focus on Islamic studies in the curriculum.
• This ruling underscored potential negative impacts on students’ access to quality education and spurred legal discussions about constitutional infringements.

-Source: Indian Express

Trump’s Economic Plans: Implications for the US and India

Context:

Donald Trump’s proposed economic measures include imposing a 20% tariff on all imports, over 200% duty on cars, mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, and maintaining extended tax cuts despite a soaring budget deficit. These strategies, while potentially bolstering American stocks and the Dollar, raise concerns for US treasuries due to the risk of fiscal profligacy. For India, Trump’s policies could disrupt global supply chains, escalate trade wars, increase forex volatility, and affect global fund flows, thereby posing significant challenges for its economic growth. Additionally, these changes in the US macroeconomic landscape may prompt the Federal Reserve to revisit its rate-cut agenda, influencing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to adopt a more cautious approach in its monetary policy decisions amid these uncertainties.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Analyzing the Economic Risks of Trump’s Policies
2. Trump’s Immigration Policies: Implications for Indian Students and the IT Sector
3. Impact of Potential H-1B Visa Policy Changes Under Trump Administration

Analyzing the Economic Risks of Trump’s Policies

Inflation and Fiscal Deficits Under Trump

Donald Trump’s administration has been characterized by policies that have sparked considerable debate regarding their long-term economic impact:

• Trade Policies: Increased tariffs and ongoing trade wars are anticipated to drive up inflation within the U.S.
• Fiscal Health: Trump’s approach, combining significant tax cuts with protectionist trade measures, may stimulate immediate economic growth but also raises concerns about ballooning fiscal deficits. Such fiscal policies could potentially end the Federal Reserve’s rate-cutting cycle prematurely due to heightened inflation.
• Global Trust and U.S. Debt: Rising deficits, coupled with a potential decline in institutional trust, might lead foreign lenders to reconsider their stance on U.S. Treasury debt, echoing concerns similar to those triggered by the 2022 freeze of Russian assets, where global central banks shifted their preference towards physical gold.

Global Market Uncertainties

• Monetary Policy Impact: Trump’s economic strategies could also influence global monetary policies. For instance, central banks like India’s RBI might delay rate cuts to maintain financial stability amidst market volatility.
• Currency Valuation: A weaker U.S. dollar, experienced during Trump’s first term, along with ongoing fiscal pressures, might further complicate the global interest rate environment.

Trump’s Immigration Policies: Implications for Indian Students and the IT Sector

• Immigration Reforms: Trump’s mixed stance on immigration could tighten the job market in a full-employment economy, adding further inflationary pressures. However, his proposal to grant automatic green cards to foreign graduates in the U.S. could benefit Indian students.
• Corporate Tax Cuts: Plans to reduce the corporate tax rate could lead to increased budgets for U.S. clients of Indian IT service providers, potentially boosting demand for their services and positively impacting Indian IT stocks.

Potential Influence of Elon Musk in U.S. Administration

• Policy Influence: Elon Musk’s possible role in the U.S. administration could bring significant changes to India’s trade and economic policies, especially concerning technology and energy sectors.
• Negotiations and Pressures: Enhanced influence might lead India to revisit earlier decisions, such as import duties for Tesla, potentially resulting in more favorable terms for Musk-led ventures.

Global Economic Landscape: Key Events and Their Implications

• Federal Reserve Policies: The upcoming Fed policy meeting is critical, with expected insights into future inflation trends, which could signal shifts in U.S. economic strategies.
• China’s Economic Moves: China’s potential massive stimulus package could significantly impact global growth dynamics, possibly reducing growth in other emerging markets like India by diverting foreign investment towards China.

Impact of Potential H-1B Visa Policy Changes Under Trump Administration

The H-1B visa program is a crucial pathway for skilled foreign professionals to work in the U.S., especially in sectors with significant skill shortages. Here’s an analysis of how Trump’s policies might reshape the H-1B visa landscape, particularly affecting Indian professionals and U.S. employers reliant on this talent pool.

Overview of the H-1B Visa Program

• Purpose and Eligibility: The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations that require highly specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree, aiming to address skill gaps in the U.S. workforce.
• Annual Visa Caps and Exemptions: The program is subject to an annual limit of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 for holders of a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Exemptions exist for certain employers such as higher education institutions and government research organizations.
• Dominance of Indian Nationals: Indian nationals significantly dominate the H-1B visa approvals, comprising 72.3% of the total in fiscal year 2023.

Historical H-1B Restrictions Under Trump’s First Term

• Increased Scrutiny and Denial Rates: There was a marked increase in visa denial rates and Requests for Evidence (RFEs), with denial rates peaking at 30% by 2020, a substantial rise from the 3.2% denial rate during Obama’s presidency.
• Higher Wage Requirements: An attempt was made to increase the wage requirements for H-1B visa holders by 43-71%, although this was ultimately blocked in court.
• Speculation on Visa Limits: There were discussions about further reducing the number of visas issued and potentially prioritizing applicants with advanced skills.

Planned Restrictions and Their Implications

• “America First” Policy: Trump’s campaign for stricter immigration controls suggests major reforms that may limit H-1B visas and enforce stricter eligibility criteria, potentially affecting major tech companies that heavily rely on this visa.
• Shorter Visa Durations: Proposals for shorter visa durations, particularly for those placed at third-party locations, could introduce more uncertainty for both employers and employees, complicating project planning and execution.

Impact on Indian Professionals

• Reduced Job Prospects: Tighter H-1B policies could lead to decreased job opportunities for Indian professionals in the U.S. tech industry.
• Complications in Family Reunification: Stricter visa rules may also complicate the process of family reunifications for current H-1B visa holders.

-Source: Indian Express

World Cities Report 2024: Highlighting Urban Challenges in Climate Action

Context:

The UN-Habitat’s “World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action” reveals a critical dynamic: while cities are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, they also suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change. This report underscores the urgent need for targeted climate action within urban areas to mitigate these effects and transition towards sustainability.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Findings of the World Cities Report 2024
2. United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

Key Findings of the World Cities Report 2024

The World Cities Report 2024 provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities cities will face by 2040 due to climate change. Here are the critical insights from the report:

Climate Impact on Urban Areas

• Temperature Increases: By 2040, nearly two billion people in urban settings will face a temperature rise of at least 0.5°C, which could exacerbate living conditions and increase energy demands for cooling.
• Shift in Climate Patterns: Approximately 14% of cities will experience drier climates, while around 900 cities are expected to see a shift towards more humid, tropical climates.
• Rising Sea Levels: More than 2,000 cities, particularly those in low coastal areas and less than 5 meters above sea level, will expose over 1.4 billion people to increased risks from sea-level rise and storm surges.

Urban Contribution to and Risks from Climate Change

• Disproportionate Impact: Urban areas not only contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions but are also highly vulnerable to climate-induced shocks like floods and cyclones.
• Financial Shortfall for Climate Resilience: An estimated $4.5 to $5.4 trillion per year is required to develop climate-resilient infrastructures in cities. However, the current financing is drastically lower, at just $831 billion annually.

Increased Flood Risk and Urban Sprawl

• Growing Flood Exposure: Since 1975, flood exposure has increased 3.5 times faster in urban areas than in rural areas. By 2030, 517 million urban residents will be at risk of riverine flooding.
• Decline in Green Spaces: Urban greenery has decreased from 19.5% in 1990 to 13.9% in 2020, intensifying environmental issues and reducing quality of life in cities.

Socioeconomic Impacts

• Vulnerability of Informal Settlements: Informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts due to their precarious locations and lack of legal recognition, which inhibits residents’ ability to invest in property improvements.
• Green Gentrification: Efforts to introduce green infrastructure like parks can lead to green gentrification, where the original, less affluent residents are displaced by wealthier newcomers, further complicating social dynamics in cities.

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

• The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. 
• UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system.
• UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities.
• UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty.

Mission

UN-Habitat works in over 90 countries to promote transformative change in cities and human settlements through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance and collaborative action.

UN-Habitat’s strategic plan 2020-2023 adopts a more strategic and integrated approach to solving the challenges and opportunities of twenty-first century cities and other human settlements. UN-Habitat’s mission embodies the four main roles of the organization, which can be summarized as: think, do, share, and partner.

• THINK: UN-Habitat’s normative work, including groundbreaking research and capacity-building, sets standards, proposes norms and principles, shares good practice, monitors global progress and supports formulation of policies related to sustainable cities and human settlements.
• DO: UN-Habitat’s operational work takes various forms of technical assistance, drawing on its unique expertise in sustainable urbanization and crisis response. UN-Habitat implements projects to provide value-added and tailored support to countries.
• SHARE: Through advocacy, communication and outreach, UN-Habitat mobilizes public, political and financial support and collaborative action to inspire qualitative change in national development plans, policy frameworks, development practice and investment choices for sustainable urban development at the local, national and global level.
• PARTNER: UN-Habitat collaborates with governments, intergovernmental, UN agencies, civil society organizations, foundations, academic institutions and the private sector to achieve enduring results in addressing the challenges of urbanization.

-Source: Down To Earth

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Context:

Recently, A 16-month-old child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was chosen for gene therapy and was administered the drug at a private hospital.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the motor neurons—nerve cells in the spinal cord—resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. Here’s a closer look at this debilitating condition.

Overview of SMA

• Nature of the Disease: SMA targets the central and peripheral nervous systems and impacts voluntary muscle movement across the body.
• Motor Neuron Degeneration: The disease involves the progressive loss of motor neurons, classifying it as a motor neuron disease. This degeneration leads to muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly in the muscles closer to the body’s center.

Types of SMA

SMA is categorized into several subtypes based on the age of onset and severity:

• Type 0: Evident at birth, extremely severe.
• Type 1: Appears in infants, highly severe.
• Type 2: Develops in toddlers, moderate severity.
• Type 3: Begins in childhood or adolescence, milder form.
• Type 4: Manifests in adulthood, least severe.

Symptoms of SMA

• Muscle Weakness: The primary symptom is muscle weakness that worsens over time, particularly affecting the muscles near the trunk.
• Mobility Issues: As the condition progresses, symptoms can range from mild to disabling, leading to challenges in daily movement but not typically affecting involuntary muscles such as those in the heart or digestive tract.

Treatment Approaches

While there is no cure for SMA, treatments focus on managing symptoms and minimizing complications:

• Physical Therapy: Aims to improve posture, prevent joint problems, and maintain mobility.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps individuals manage daily activities and maintain independence.
• Assistive Devices: Includes braces, walkers, or wheelchairs to aid movement.
• Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Addresses difficulties in speech and eating.
• Nutritional Support: Includes feeding tubes for those who have difficulty swallowing.
• Respiratory Care: Assisted ventilation may be necessary for those with advanced respiratory weakness.

Advances in Medications

Recent breakthroughs in treatment have provided new hope for those affected by SMA:

• Disease-Modifying Therapies: These include drugs approved by the FDA that can alter the progression of the disease.
• Gene Replacement Therapy: A revolutionary approach that introduces a new gene to make up for the defective one causing SMA.

-Source: The Hindu

Al-Natah

Context:

Archaeologists have uncovered a 4,000-year-old fortified town in Saudi Arabia, illustrating the gradual shift from nomadic to urban lifestyles.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Discovering Al-Natah: A Bronze Age Marvel

The excavation at Khaybar oasis, led by French archaeologist Guillaume Charloux, has unearthed Al-Natah, shedding light on a sophisticated Bronze Age town that existed between 2400 and 1500 BCE. This significant archaeological find challenges previous notions about societal structures during that era and highlights the advanced urban planning of the time.

Features of Al-Natah

• Organized Settlement: Al-Natah demonstrates the presence of an organized settlement during a period traditionally thought to be dominated by nomadic pastoral societies. This finding indicates a more complex social and economic structure than previously recognized.
• Town Structure: The town was strategically enclosed by a 14.5-kilometer wall and spanned an area of 2.6 hectares. It supported a population of up to 500 residents, suggesting a well-established community.
• Architecture: Residents lived in multi-story dwellings made of stone and mudbrick, arranged around narrow paths that connected the various parts of the town. This layout not only optimized space but also facilitated social and economic interactions among the inhabitants.
• Socioeconomic Role: Al-Natah likely functioned as a center for agricultural production and trade. The cooperative society here managed to sustain itself in an arid environment, indicating advanced knowledge of agriculture and resource management.
• Cultural and Social Insights: The layout of the town included designated burial sites, with the presence of some graves and tiered towers possibly indicating higher social status among certain residents.

Comparison with Al Faw

Al-Natah shares similarities with another ancient town in southern Saudi Arabia, Al Faw, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both towns highlight the region’s historical significance and the unexpected complexity of early urban settlements in what is now Saudi Arabia.

-Source: The Hindu

Okinawicius tekdi

Context:

Researchers have found a new species of jumping spider on Baner hill, yet again highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity and the need to protect the city’s natural landscapes.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Okinawicius Tekdi

A remarkable discovery has been made in the field of arachnology with the identification of a new species of jumping spider named Okinawicius tekdi. This addition enriches the already diverse spider fauna of India, bringing the total number of known jumping spider species in the country to 326.

Discovery of Okinawicius Tekdi

• Naming and Significance: The spider is named after the Marathi word for hill, “tekdi,” reflecting its likely habitat or discovery location. This name underscores the cultural linkage and local biodiversity significance.
• Research and Discovery: The species was first described by Atharva Kulkarni, an MSc student in environmental science from MIT-World Peace University in Pune, marking a significant contribution to the local scientific community.
• Historical Context: This discovery is particularly notable as it marks the first new spider species identified in Pune in over 30 years, highlighting a breakthrough in regional biodiversity research.

Overview of Spider Species

Spiders, belonging to the class of arthropods, are fascinating creatures known for their complex behaviors and diverse adaptations.

• Physical Characteristics: Spiders are characterized by their segmented bodies, hard exoskeleton, and eight jointed legs, setting them apart from insects, which have six legs.
• Web Spinning: One of the most distinctive features of spiders is their ability to spin webs. These webs are used for various purposes such as trapping prey, shelter, and laying eggs.
• Diversity and Adaptation: Spiders exhibit a wide range of feeding and habitat preferences, contributing significantly to ecological balance by controlling insect populations.

-Source: The Hindu