Current Affairs – December 21, 2024

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities} Diwan Todar Mal’s Jahaz Haveli

• Context (IE): The Punjab Government restores Diwan Todar Mal’s residence, known as Jahaz Haveli, in Fatehgarh Sahib district.

About Diwan Todar Mal

• Diwan Todar Mal was a wealthy merchant from Sirhind. He served as a revenue official (Diwan) under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan but was later removed by Aurangzeb.
• He is remembered for his role in the aftermath of the execution of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and their grandmother, mata Gujri.
• After refusing to convert to Islam, Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were bricked alive in Sirhind in 1704, under the orders of Wazir Khan, the Mughal governor of Sirhind.
• Their bodies were left without rites due to fear of retribution from Wazir Khan. Todar Mal stepped forward to claim and cremate the bodies of the young martyrs.
• Wazir Khan demanded that Todar Mal purchase the land for cremation by covering it with gold coins and placing them vertically. Todar Mal fulfilled his demands, spending a fortune to secure the land, which became the site for their cremation.
• Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala later built a gurdwara at this location. The region was renamed from Sirhind to Fatehgarh Sahib in honour of the martyrdom and gurdwara.

About Jahaz Haveli

• It was built in the 17th century, and its structure resembled a ship. It was built with Nanakshahi bricks.
• In 2009, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) took possession of the haveli.

{GS2 – Governance – Laws} Ban on Buffalo and Bulbul Fights in Assam

• Context (IE | TH | ET): Guwahati High Court has reaffirmed the ban on buffalo and bulbul fights during Magh Bihu, citing legal and ethical violations.

History of the Ban

• SC’s 2014 Judgement: Prohibited incitement of animals to fight, aligning with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA) 1960 and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Animal Welfare Board Directive (2015): Instructed Assam to end animal and bird fights, but Assam continued despite legal challenges.

Assam’s Attempt to Revive the Traditions

SOPs Issued in 2024

• Assam CM described the revival as preserving “timeless Bihu traditions” and permitted fights at traditional locations practised for over 25 years.
• Enforced regulations like prohibiting human-inflicted injuries, sharp tools and performance-enhancing drugs for buffalo fights.
• Required organisers to release bulbuls unharmed post-events.

Guwahati HC’s Decision to Reinstate the Ban and the Rationale Behind It

• Bulbul fights violate the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, which bans hunting and baiting of animals, including those listed in Schedule II.
• Buffalo fights to contravene Section 22 of the PCA 1960, which bans bulls as performing animals.

Jallikattu Case: A Comparative Perspective

• SC Precedent in Jallikattu Case: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra amended the 1960 Act to align with local traditions, which the SC upheld in 2023 as valid legislation, while Assam’s executive orders were deemed impermissible.
• The Constitution Bench emphasised that such culturally sensitive issues should be decided by Parliament, not the judiciary.

  Also, refer to Kambala.

Issues with Animal Fights

• Cruelty to Animals: Involves pain, injuries and forcing animals to behave unnaturally.
• Violation of Wildlife Protection: Capturing and baiting animals contravenes established wildlife laws.
• Lack of Legislative Backing: Unlike other states, Assam did not amend existing laws, making the revival legally untenable.

Way Forward

• Cultural Relevance vs. Animal Rights: Balance heritage preservation with animal welfare and legal compliance is critical.
• Promotion of Alternatives: Develop cruelty-free cultural practices to retain traditional significance while aligning with modern ethical standards.
• Legal Uniformity: Introduce stricter safeguards to minimise cruelty under independent oversight & establish a consistent national framework to balance cultural traditions with ethical considerations.
• Amendment of Laws: Assam could consider legislative amendments similar to Tamil Nadu’s approach, ensuring cultural preservation within legal frameworks.

{GS3 – IE – RBI} Subsidies and Fiscal Management

• Context (IE): RBI released the “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2024-25” report highlighting the need to rationalise subsidies and address fiscal challenges for sustainable development.

Key Concerns Raised by the RBI

• Rising Subsidy Expenditure: States’ increased spending on subsidies like loan waivers and free services crowds out critical investments in sectors like infrastructure and education.
• High Subnational Debt: State debt remains above the 20% GDP threshold, requiring a clear, time-bound consolidation plan for fiscal stability.
• Cooperative Fiscal Federalism: Proliferation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) limits states’ fiscal flexibility and autonomy, necessitating rationalisation for local needs.
• Inefficiencies in Public Expenditure: A lack of linkages between spending and outcomes reduces the developmental impact of public expenditure.
• Limited Fiscal Transparency: Inconsistent reporting of off-budget borrowings clouds fiscal liabilities, raising borrowing costs and weakening fiscal discipline.

Recommendations

• Rationalisation of Subsidies: To prioritise healthcare, education & infrastructure sectors.
• Debt Consolidation: States with high debt must adopt transparent, time-bound strategies aligned with macroeconomic goals.
• Outcome Budgeting: Link public expenditure to tangible and measurable outcomes to enhance accountability and developmental impact.
• Climate Budgeting: Integrate climate action into fiscal planning to address ecological challenges and promote sustainability.
• Enhancing Fiscal Transparency: Ensure timely and comprehensive data reporting, including off-budget borrowings, to improve fiscal assessment and reduce borrowing costs.

Significance of Recommendations

• Rationalising Subsidies: Frees resources for development, reduces fiscal burden, and aligns spending with priorities.
• Debt Consolidation: Strengthens fiscal stability and ensures debt sustainability & investor confidence.
• Efficiency in Public Expenditure: Promotes targeted resource use, improves governance trust, and enhances developmental impact.
• Climate Budgeting: Supports sustainable development by integrating economic and ecological goals.
• Improved Transparency: Strengthens accountability, reduces fiscal risks, and facilitates better planning and lower borrowing costs.

{GS3 – IE – Taxes} SC Ruling on Coconut Oil Tax

• Context (IE): SC ruled that coconut oil should be classified as an edible oil for taxation purposes, attracting a 5% GST, instead of being taxed as a hair care product at 18%, even when sold in small packets.

Key Historical Classifications of Coconut Oil

• Pre-2005 Classification: Coconut oil was broadly classified as edible under tax regulations.
• Central Excise Tariff Act 2005 Amendment: Classified as an edible oil, taxed 8%; Hair care products were taxed 16%.
• 2009 Circular: Central Board of Excise and Customs classified coconut oil in containers smaller than 200 ml as hair oil for higher tax (16%).
• 2015 Withdrawal of Circular: Tribunals ruled small packs could not be presumed to be hair oil, and the circular was withdrawn.
• Tribunal Rulings: Coconut oil was considered edible, irrespective of packaging size.

Supreme Court’s Views on Coconut Oil Taxation

2018 Verdict (Split Decision)

• Justice Ranjan Gogoi: Classified coconut oil as edible oil regardless of packaging size, emphasising its primary food use.
• Justice R Banumathi: Applied the Common Parlance Test, ruling that coconut oil in small containers is understood as hair oil by the market and should be taxed as such.

2023 Final Ruling

• Coconut oil is classified as edible following the Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN).
• Common Parlance Test deemed inapplicable, as the product is clearly defined in law.
• Small-sized packaging is common for both edible and hair oils.
• Confirmed that edible oil can be packed in sizes like 50 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml as referred to under Packaged Commodities Rules, 1977.
• Key Precedents Cited:
  • Homeopathic Hair Oil (2023): Classified as a medicament, not a cosmetic, attracting a lower tax rate.
  • Anardana Classification (2022): Ruled as seeds for sowing under “Oil seeds and Oleaginous Fruits,” based on its market understanding.

{GS3 – IS – Laws} Maharashtra’s Proposed Law Against ‘Urban Naxalism’

• Context (IE): Maharashtra Special Public Security Act (MSPC) Bill was introduced to counter Naxalism in urban areas by declaring certain organisations unlawful & targeting activities that disrupt public order.

Rationale for the MSPC Bill

• Urban Naxal Growth: Naxal influence has expanded to urban areas through active front organisations.
• Existing Laws Ineffective: Current laws, like UAPA, are inadequate to curb urban Naxal activities.
• Precedents from Other States: Inspired by similar Public Security Acts in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Designation of Unlawful Organisations: Govt can declare any organisation as unlawful.
• Four Major Offences:
  • Membership: Being a member of an unlawful organisation.
  • Fundraising: Raising funds for unlawful organisations.
  • Management Assistance: Assisting in managing unlawful organisations.
  • Unlawful Activity: Engaging in activities deemed unlawful, such as promoting violence or disrupting public order.
• Penalties: Imprisonment ranging from 2 to 7 years; Fines of up to Rs 5 lakh.
• Cognizable and Non-Bailable: Arrest can occur without a warrant.

Comparison with UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act)

Similarities

• Both laws empower the government to declare organisations as unlawful.
• Both prescribe severe penalties for involvement in unlawful activities.

Differences

• UAPA relies on a High Court Tribunal to confirm unlawful organisation declarations, whereas MSPC uses an advisory board of former or eligible High Court judges.
• Unlike UAPA, which requires bureaucratic delays for sanction, MSPC allows for quicker prosecution aimed at preventing acquittals due to procedural delays.
• The Bill defines “unlawful activity” in a broader and lower threshold manner than UAPA. Acts that disrupt public order, hinder administration of law, or use force against public servants are included it.
• Under UAPA, the sanction for prosecution must come from the central or state government. The MSPC allows district magistrates or police commissioners to approve prosecution, streamlining the process.

Concerns Against MSPC Bill

• Potential Overreach: Risk of curbing political dissent instead of solely targeting Naxalism.
• Violates Freedom: PUCL labelled the bill unconstitutional for restricting free expression.
• Ambiguous Definitions: Broad terms like “unlawful activity” may enable misuse.
• Abuse Risks: Likely harassment of activists, civil groups, and opponents under national security pretext.

Also, refer to Schemes to tackle Naxalism.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Helmeted Water Toad (Calyptocephallela gayi)

• Context (TH): The Helmeted Water Toad frog species that hopped alongside dinosaurs and is considered a “living fossil” is now losing ground in its native Chile.

Source: Wikipedia

• Size: One of the largest frogs in the world, measuring over 1 foot in length and weighing up to 1 kg.
• Habitat: Found in freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and ponds in the lowlands of Chile.
• Threats: Climate change, habitat destruction due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion, pollution from illegal run-offs, and environmental decline.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable.

{Prelims – In News} Captagon

• Context (IE): The fall of the former Syrian President revealed large-scale Captagon drug manufacturing in Syria, which was a major source of income during the civil war.

• Currently prevalent Captagon is a counterfeit version of a medicine originally developed in the 1960s. The original Captagon contained fenethylline, a synthetic drug of the phenethylamine family to which amphetamine also belongs.
• Fenethylline was commercially sold to treat hyperactivity, narcolepsy, and depression. It was banned in most countries by the 1980s for being too addictive.
• It is commonly known as “poor man’s cocaine” and has emerged as the drug of choice among young adults throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
• Captagon pills stimulate the central nervous system, boosting energy, enhancing focus, allowing people to stay awake for longer periods, and producing a feeling of euphoria.

{Prelims – In News} Katra – Sanjichhat Ropeway Project

• Context (IE): Traders in Jammu’s Katra town protested against the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board’s decision to install the Katra-Sanjichhat ropeway project to facilitate the journey to the shrine.

• The Katra – Sanjichhat ropeway project aims to connect Tarakote, near Katra, to Sanjichhat, which is 2.5 kilometres from the Vaishno Devi shrine.
• Expected to be operational by December 2026, reducing the current seven-hour trek to less than an hour.
• The ropeway journey will last only six minutes and can transport 1,000 people per hour.
• The shrine board believes the ropeway will make the pilgrimage more accessible, especially for senior citizens and those with medical conditions.

{Prelims – In News} Varmam Therapy

• Context (PIB): The National Institute of Siddha (NIS) has set a Guinness World Record for simultaneously providing Varmam therapy to 567 individuals.

• Varmam therapy is a traditional healing modality within the Siddha system of medicine and has long been revered for its effectiveness in treating various health conditions.
• Particularly renowned for rapid relief for musculoskeletal pain, injuries, and neurological disorders.
• Varmam is one of the oldest South Indian Martial Arts, which later evolved into a therapy. The pressure point struck or hit during combat is called Varma Adi (Varmam assault).
• It is an art of unarmed fighting system targeting nerves, veins, joints and organs.
• An expert in Varmam technique is called “Varmani”.He teaches this art to other persons only after analysing their character and whether they have noble (sathuva) qualities or not.

Siddha Medicine

• Traditional Indian systems of medicine popular in South India, especially Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Kerala. It is based on the combination of ancient medicinal practices and spiritual discipline.
• Siddha medicines are made from various ingredients, including plant parts, minerals, & animal products.
• It has been used to manage chronic diseases and degenerative conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune conditions, collagen disorders, and central nervous system conditions.

{Prelims – S&T – Space} Dark Comet

• Context (TH): NASA researchers have discovered more dark comets, Oumuamua-like objects. Oumuamua was the first interstellar object to enter our Solar System, discovered in 2017 by NASA.
• A dark comet is a celestial object that looks like an asteroid but moves through space like a comet.
• The new dark comets are discovered by the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on a large telescope in Chile.
• These are unlike typical comets, which are icy bodies that form glowing tails when approaching the Sun. Instead, dark comets behave like comets but lack the bright tails.
• Dark comets are small & spin quickly, scattering gas and dust in all directions, making them hard to see.
• It follows long, elliptical paths, coming close to sun before travelling back to outer regions of solar system.
• There are two main groups of dark comets, smaller ones in the inner solar system and larger ones in the outer solar system.
• Studying dark comets can provide insights into the early solar system, the origins of Earth’s water and even the ingredients for life.