Current Affairs 09 April 2025

Content:

1. SC slams T.N. Governor, fixes time for assent
2. RGI flags delay by hospitals in reporting births, deaths
3. Why is active mobility necessary in India?
4. Governor cannot change his mind second time: SC
5. Genome study: 180 million genetic variants found in 9,772 individuals
6. Soyuz spacecraft heads to the ISS, carrying two Russians and one American astronaut

SC slams T.N. Governor, fixes time for assent

Context:

• Supreme Court Criticism: SC termed Governor R.N. Ravi’s inaction on 10 re-passed Bills as unconstitutional and a violation of Article 200.
• Assent Deemed Given: The court deemed the 10 Bills to have received assent, despite Presidential rejection or inaction.
• Time Limit Fixed: SC prescribed specific time frames (1–3 months) for Governors to act on Bills henceforth.

Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Constitution)

Constitutional Context:

• Article 200: Governor can:
  • Give assent,
  • Withhold assent,
  • Reserve the Bill for President.

The phrase “as soon as possible” implies urgency, not indefinite delay (no pocket veto).

Governor’s Role Redefined:

• Must be a “friend, guide, and philosopher” to the State, not a “hindrance or roadblock.”
• Must act on aid and advice of the State Cabinet.

SC’s Time Limits for Assent:

• 1 Month: To withhold assent on Cabinet advice.
• 3 Months: To return the Bill with reasons (if withholding contrary to Cabinet advice).
• 3 Months: To reserve the Bill for President (if going against Cabinet).
• 1 Month: To give assent to a re-passed Bill.

Judicial Accountability:

• SC warned: “Governor’s inaction is subject to judicial review.”
• “Determinable judicial standards” must govern gubernatorial conduct.

Observations by Justice Pardiwala:

• No absolute or pocket veto exists.
• Withholding assent simpliciter (without reason) is unconstitutional.
• Re-passed Bills must be assented to — no personal discretion allowed.

Implications:

• Strengthens federal principles and legislative supremacy of elected State governments.
• Sets judicial precedent against misuse of constitutional discretion by Governors.

RGI flags delay by hospitals in reporting births, deaths

Context and Importance

• Civil Registration System (CRS): Registers births and deaths under the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969.
• Vital Source of Data: With the decadal Census delayed since 2021, CRS data has become crucial for estimating population trends and policy planning.
• Legal Mandate: All hospitals (government and private) are required to report births and deaths within 21 days.

Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance)

Key Issue Identified by RGI

• Delayed Reporting: Many hospitals are not promptly reporting events of birth and death as per law.
• Shifting Responsibility: Some hospitals wait for relatives to initiate the registration or ask them to report it themselves — violating the law.
• Low Compliance Among Private Hospitals: Instances cited where private hospitals outright deny responsibility.

Impact of Delayed Reporting

• Incomplete Data: Impacts accuracy of demographic statistics, especially when Census data is unavailable.
• Policy Blind Spots: Affects schemes for healthcare, child welfare, maternal health, mortality tracking, pension distribution, insurance, etc.
• Undermines Universal Registration Goal: Although registration levels are at ~90%, the target of 100% registration remains unmet.

Legal and Administrative Implications

• RBD Act 1969 (Amended 2023):
  • Mandates registration on a central portal.
  • Hospitals designated as registrars under the Act.
• Section 23(2): Negligence by a registrar (hospital) in registering births/deaths is punishable with a fine.
• Administrative Directive: RGI issued a March 17 circular to all States highlighting the issue and reiterating compliance.

Systemic Gaps and Governance Issues

• Lack of Awareness/Training: Especially in private hospitals and rural health units.
• Digital Divide: Some areas may face technical issues accessing the central portal.
• Incentive Misalignment: Hospitals may see registration as non-core responsibility.
• Weak Enforcement: Limited mechanisms to monitor or penalize defaulters effectively.

Way Forward

• Strict Enforcement & Penalties: States must penalize non-compliant institutions under the amended RBD Act.
• Capacity Building: Regular training of hospital staff, especially registrars, on registration protocols.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Inform citizens about their right to automatic registration and the responsibility of hospitals.
• Digitization Push: Ensure tech infrastructure and connectivity across institutions for seamless reporting.
• Regular Monitoring: Monthly audits by district administration or Health Departments on registration status.

Why This Matters :

• Accurate birth/death data aids:
  • Infant/Maternal mortality estimation
  • Life expectancy calculations
  • Poverty and migration trends
  • Health and demographic indicators
• It ensures transparent, evidence-based policymaking in the absence of decadal Census.

Why is active mobility necessary in India?

What is Active Mobility?

• Refers to non-motorised, human-powered modes of transport: walking, cycling, skateboarding, etc.
• Used for travel, not just recreation.
• Core to sustainable urban transport, especially amid rising urban population and traffic congestion.

Relevance : GS 1(Society ,Urbanisation)

Why is Active Mobility Crucial in India?

Rising Urban Risks & Road Fatalities

• Pedestrian deaths rising: Karnataka reported 13% of India’s pedestrian fatalities in 2020.
• Encroachment and misuse of pedestrian/cycling paths by vehicles increase accident risks.
• Vulnerable groups (elderly, children, hawkers) face daily road safety threats.

Urbanisation and Congestion

• Rapid, unregulated urbanisation has outpaced transport planning.
• India’s cities are seeing unprecedented traffic congestion and air pollution.
• 12% of India’s carbon emissions come from road transport (MoEFCC data).

Health Benefits

• WHO: Active mobility reduces lifestyle diseases (obesity, diabetes, hypertension).
• Promotes mental well-being, reduces healthcare burden.
• Physical activity integrated into daily life encourages long-term fitness.

Economic & Environmental Gains

• Cuts fuel expenses and household transport costs.
• Boosts local economies — pedestrian zones see more footfall and retail activity.
• Reduces urban air pollution and supports climate action goals (Paris Agreement, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities).

Policy and Legislative Initiatives in India

Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022

• Inspired by Bengaluru’s Bicycle Mayor Sathya Sankaran.
• Aims to protect rights of pedestrians and cyclists.
• Focus on legal guarantees for non-motorised transport (NMT) access, safety, and space.

State-Level Initiatives

• Delhi: Creating pedestrian- and cycle-friendly infrastructure under its EV Policy.
• Pune: 300+ km of cycling lanes, Comprehensive Bicycle Plan.
• Chennai: Road redesigns under Smart Cities Mission (SCM).
• Kochi: Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) for last-mile connectivity.

Barriers to Active Mobility in India

Infrastructure Deficiencies

• 85%+ roads fail to meet safety norms for pedestrians/cyclists (2021 data).
• Missing: footpaths, cycling lanes, crossing points, and shade cover.

Socioeconomic and Cultural Challenges

• Motorised transport = social status symbol.
• Cars/bikes seen as markers of success — cultural resistance to walking/cycling.

Climatic & Geographic Constraints

• Harsh weather, pollution, and long distances discourage non-motorised travel.
• Inadequate public transport integration with NMT.

Lack of Enforcement

• Motor vehicles often use pedestrian/cycle lanes without penalty.
• Weak traffic enforcement emboldens violations and endangers users.

Global Best Practices

The Netherlands

• 35,000+ km of dedicated cycle lanes.
• Urban planning prioritises cyclist and pedestrian safety.
• Bicycle-first cities like Amsterdam integrate NMT with public transport.

Germany – Berlin Mobility Act

• Mandates wider sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, speed restrictions.
• Pedestrians and cyclists get legal priority in urban planning.

European Union – Vision Zero

• Goal: Zero fatalities from road accidents involving non-motorised users.
• Focus on urban redesign and traffic calming measures.

Way Forward for India

• National NMT Policy: Develop a central policy framework mandating active mobility in city plans.
• Infrastructure Investment: Build dedicated, continuous, and protected lanes for walking and cycling.
• Behavioral Campaigns: Promote cultural shifts away from car-dependence to people-centric mobility.
• Integration with Public Transit: Enable seamless multimodal travel (e.g., PBS + Metro stations).
• Stricter Enforcement: Penalise encroachment of NMT spaces, ensure right-of-way protection.
• Urban Design Reform: Prioritise mixed-use neighborhoods, compact cities, and inclusive streetscapes.

Governor cannot change his mind second time: SC

Context & Background

• Article 200 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Governor’s powers with respect to assent to Bills passed by the State Legislature.
• In the Tamil Nadu case, the Governor withheld assent to 10 Bills in the first instance.
• When the Tamil Nadu Assembly re-passed the same Bills (as per first proviso to Article 200), the Governor then referred them to the President — triggering a constitutional dispute.

Relevance : GS2 ( Polity & Governance)

Key Supreme Court Observations

• Governor has no second chance to refer a Bill to the President:
  • If a Bill is re-passed and presented again, the Governor must give assent — he cannot withhold it or reserve it for the President.
• Reference to Article 200:
  • Once the Assembly reconsiders and re-passes the Bill under the first proviso to Article 200, the Governor “shall not withhold assent”.
  • This creates a constitutional mandate — not a discretion.
• Reservation for President’s consideration (Article 200 & 201) must be done only in the first instance, if required.
• Governor’s decision not bona fide:
  • The court found the TN Governor’s action of withholding once, then referring to the President later, as not made in good faith.
• Historical comparison:
  • The Court noted the removal of the phrase “in his discretion” from Section 75 of the Government of India Act, 1935, when evolving into Article 200.
  • This indicates that Governors no longer enjoy independent discretion in such matters under the Constitution.

Constitutional Provisions Referenced

• Article 200:
  • Allows Governor to:
    • Assent to a Bill
    • Withhold assent
    • Reserve the Bill for the President
    • Return the Bill (if not a Money Bill) for reconsideration
  • First Proviso: If the Bill is returned and re-passed, the Governor must give assent — no other options.
• Article 201:
  • Deals with Bills reserved for President’s consideration.

 Legal and Governance Implications

• Curtails misuse of constitutional provisions by Governors for political or arbitrary reasons.
• Reinforces legislative supremacy of the elected State Assembly after reconsideration.
• Establishes that Governor is a constitutional figurehead, not an independent veto-wielding authority.
• Prevents executive delay tactics — promotes accountability and adherence to constitutional timeframes.
• Sets precedent: Strengthens the constitutional convention and judicial oversight over gubernatorial overreach.

Genome study: 180 million genetic variants found in 9,772 individuals

Context: GenomeIndia Project

• GenomeIndia is a government-funded pan-India initiative to catalogue the genetic diversity of the Indian population.
• It aims to build a comprehensivedatabase of Indian genomes to enhance understanding of:
  • Genetic diseases
  • Drug response variation
  • Population structure
  • Precision medicine potential

Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)

Key Findings of the Preliminary Study

• Sample Size:
  • 20,000 individuals enrolled.
  • 10,074 DNA samples sequenced (from 85 populations: 32 tribal + 53 non-tribal).
  • Final analysis on 9,772 individuals (4,696 male + 5,076 female).

• Genome Diversity:
  • 180 million genetic variants identified.
  • Variants include:
    • Rare variants
    • Community-specific variants
    • India-unique variants
    • Disease-associated variants
    • Variants influencing therapeutic response or resistance.

• Populations covered:
  • Tribal groups: Tibeto-Burman, Indo-European, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic.
  • Non-tribal groups: Same linguistic categories.
  • Admixed outgroup included for comparative insights.

• Data Storage:
  • Genome sequence data housed at Indian Biological Data Centre, Faridabad, Haryana.

Scientific & Medical Significance

• Precision Medicine:
  • Enables personalised treatment based on genetic makeup.
  • Identifies people at risk for specific diseases → early interventions.

• Disease Detection:
  • Facilitates development of low-cost diagnostics.
  • Improves detection of hereditary conditions (e.g., thalassemia, cancer predisposition).

• Drug Response:
  • Predicts how different groups respond or react adversely to medications.
  • Enhances pharmacogenomics (customized drug treatment plans).

• Public Health:
  • Informs targeted vaccination and therapy strategies in epidemiology.
  • Can reduce trial-and-error treatment, especially in chronic and rare diseases.

Scientific Methodology & Rigour

• Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) used — gives high-resolution genetic insights.
• Median sample:
  • 159 per non-tribal group, 75 per tribal group.
  • Sufficient for identifying rare, population-specific variants.
• Integrates genomic data with biochemistry & anthropometric parameters — unique approach in India.

Way Forward

• Upcoming detailed paper to give deeper insight into disease linkages.
• Development of India-specific genomic risk scores.
• Public-private collaborations for translating genetic insights into affordable diagnostics.
• Integration into Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission or National Health Stack.

Soyuz spacecraft heads to the ISS, carrying two Russians and one American astronaut

Mission Overview

• Launch: Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.
• Time: 10:47 a.m. local time (11:17 a.m. IST), successfully entered orbit and is scheduled to dock at 0904 GMT.
• Crew Members:
  • SergeyRyzhikov (Russia)
  • Alexey Zubritsky (Russia)
  • JonnyKim (USA – NASA)

Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)

Scientific Objectives

• The crew will conduct 50 scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
• The mission supports:
  • Microgravity research
  • Space medicine
  • Advanced material science
  • Technology demonstrations for long-term human spaceflight

Strategic & Technological Relevance

• Soyuz MS-27 is part of the long-standing Russian space program under Roscosmos.
• Despite newer Western vehicles (e.g., SpaceX Crew Dragon), Soyuz remains a vital backup due to:
  • High reliability
  • Simpler launch logistics
  • Experience in emergency returns
• The spacecraft is decorated to commemorate 80 years since World War II ended, showcasing Russia’s strategic use of symbolism in space diplomacy.

Geopolitical Significance

• Bilateral Space Cooperation:
  • Despite strained Russia-U.S. ties post-Ukraine war (Feb 2022), space remains a rare domain of collaboration.
  • NASA and Roscosmos continue crew exchanges and mutual reliance for operational continuity of ISS.

• Diplomatic Signal:
  • Symbolizes scientific diplomacy and a shared commitment to peaceful outer space exploration.
  • Could indicate a slow thaw in relations under a new U.S. administration if diplomacy continues through such avenues.

Baikonur Cosmodrome – Strategic Asset

• Location: Situated in Kazakhstan, operated by Russia since Soviet times.
• Lease Agreement:
  • Russia pays $115 million/year to Kazakhstan for usage rights.
  • Lease extended till 2050, marking its long-term strategic role in Russia’s space infrastructure.
• Tourism boost:
  • A record 2,500 tourists witnessed the launch — indicating growing public and soft power interest in space launches.