Social 

Female labour force participation rate rose during 2017-18 to 2022-23 - Indian Express 

Female labour force participation rate (LFPR) increased in almost all states in India during 2017-18 to 2022-23, with rural areas seeing larger gains than urban areas, a new working paper released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) stated. 

Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• Overall Trends:
  • Female LFPR increased across almost all states from 2017-18 to 2022-23.
  • Rural areas saw a significant rise compared to urban areas.
• State Variations:
  • States like Bihar, Punjab, and Haryana report low female LFPR despite Haryana and Punjab being among the richest states and Bihar the poorest.
• Growth Figures:
  • Rural Female LFPR: Increased from 24.6% to 41.5% (~69% growth).
  • Urban Female LFPR: Rose from 20.4% to 25.4%.
• Unpaid Work:
  • Trends remain consistent even when unpaid family workers are excluded.
  • Criticism: A significant portion of the increase in LFPR is attributed to unpaid family work.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh   launches "Amrit Gyaan Kosh" Portal to strengthen governance training - PIB 

Recently, the "Amrit Gyaan Kosh" Portal was launched to strengthen governance training.

Amrit Gyaan Kosh Portal

• Development: Jointly developed by the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat & built on the iGOT platform.
• Purpose:
  • Promotes self-reliance and strengthens governance training.
  • Serves as a repository of best practices in governance and policy implementation.
• Alignment:
  • Supports 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Focuses on themes like health, education, agriculture, and digital governance.
• Features: Provides curated resources to align teaching with global standards while addressing India's administrative challenges.

Karmayogi Bharat

• Institutional Framework: Part of Mission Karmayogi’s framework to achieve program objectives.
• Role and Objectives: 
  • Operates the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
  • Ensures anytime, anywhere, any-device learning for civil service officials to enhance competency.
• Structure: Established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 & a fully government-owned, not-for-profit entity.

Polity 

The code of conduct judges need to follow - The Hindu

The comments made by Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, against the Muslim community at an event organised by the legal cell of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the High Court premises recently, has drawn public flak.

Judicial Ethics

• Source of Judicial Power: Derived from public acceptance of judicial authority and integrity.
• Codes of Conduct: 
  • Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997):
    • Judges must reaffirm public faith in judicial impartiality.
    • Avoid actions that erode judicial credibility.
    • Judges are always under public scrutiny.
  • Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002):
    • Judges must maintain public confidence in impartiality and independence.
    • Conduct should preserve the dignity of the judicial office.
    • Recognizes freedom of expression but requires dignity and impartiality in all actions.
    • Mandates awareness of societal diversity and equal treatment of all.

Impeachment of a Judge

• Constitutional Process:
  • Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can be removed by the President after impeachment for "proved misbehaviour or incapacity."
  • Requires a motion supported by a special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting) in both Houses of Parliament.
  • Allegations of misconduct cannot be discussed in any other legislative context.
• In-House Procedure
  • Adopted in 1999 and made public in 2014.
  • Complaints can be addressed to the President, CJI, or concerned High Court Chief Justice.
  • The Chief Justice of the High Court may seek a response from the accused judge and forward the complaint to the CJI if further inquiry is needed.
• Fact-Finding Committee
  • The CJI can form a committee with two Chief Justices from other High Courts and one High Court judge to investigate serious allegations.
  • If sufficient evidence is found, the judge may be asked to retire voluntarily.
• Impeachment
  • If the judge refuses to retire, the CJI can inform the President and PM, initiating the formal impeachment process.

The President's power to issue pardon, in the United States and in India - Indian Express 

Recently, US President Joe Biden issued "A Full and Unconditional Pardon" for his son Hunter Biden, who was awaiting sentencing in cases relating to tax evasion and lying about drug use while buying a handgun.

United States President's Power to Pardon

• Constitutional Provision:
  • Article 2, Section II, Clause 1: Grants the President authority to issue pardons for federal offences, except in cases of impeachment.
• Effect of a Pardon: Eliminates punishment but does not overturn the conviction.
• Historical Roots: Derived from English legal tradition, where the King's pardon authority influenced the framers of the US Constitution post-independence.
• Process: The Office of the Pardon Attorney under the Department of Justice reviews petitions, conducts FBI checks, and makes non-binding recommendations. Final decision rests with the President

Limits to the President's Power to Pardon

• Constitutional Restrictions: Applies only to federal offences; state-specific offences are excluded & cannot grant pardons in cases of impeachment.
• Scope of Exercise: Can be used at any stage: before charges, during proceedings, or after conviction (Ex Parte Garland, 1866).
• Implications of a Pardon: Does not signify innocence or remove the offence from the criminal record. No clear consensus on whether it implies guilt.

Power to Pardon in India

• Constitutional Provision: Article 72 - the President can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions in cases:
  • Decided by a Court Martial.
  • Relating to Union laws.
  • Involving the death penalty.
• Judicial Interpretation: Maru Ram v. Union of India (1980):
  • The President must act on the advice of the Centre.
  • Judicial review is limited to cases of decisions deemed "wholly irrelevant, irrational, discriminatory, or mala fide."

Opposition to move notice to remove Vice-President Dhankhar - The Hindu 

Opposition parties in the INDIA bloc have decided to move a notice to remove Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar from his office. The notice will be submitted under Article 67(b) of the Constitution.

Vice President in India

• About: Second-highest constitutional office, modeled on the U.S. Vice-President.
• Eligibility (Article 66):
  • Citizen of India
  • At least 35 years old
  • Qualified for Rajya Sabha membership.
  • Cannot hold an office of profit under the government.
• Election (Article 66): 
  • Elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament using proportional representation and a single transferable vote.
  • Includes both elected and nominated members of Parliament but excludes state legislative assemblies.
  • Election disputes are decided by the Supreme Court.
• Tenure (Article 67):
  • Five-year term, eligible for re-election.
  • Resignation submitted to the President.
  • Removal by Rajya Sabha resolution (effective majority) and Lok Sabha agreement.
• Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Ex-Officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Article 64): Presides over sessions, votes only to break ties.
  • Acting President (Article 65): Acts as President during their absence or vacancy until a new election.
  • Ceremonial Role: Represents neutrality and dignity of office.

Impeachment Process (Article 67(b))

• Vice President's Role: Serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Removal requires:
  • A resolution in the Rajya Sabha passed by a special majority.
  • Agreement by a simple majority in the Lok Sabha.
• Notice Requirement:  14-day notice is mandatory, stating the intention and reasons for the resolution.
• Grounds for Removal: No specific grounds mentioned; discretion lies with Members of Parliament.

Economy 

What is the extent of the global share of solar energy? - The Hindu

Recently, the World Solar Report 2024 by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was released. From 1.22 GW in 2000, the world’s solar capacity has surged to 1,419 GW in 2023, charting a CAGR of about 36%. Today, solar capacity represents three-quarters of all renewable capacity additions worldwide.

New Solar Technologies

• Efficiency Improvements: Quantum dot solar cells with 18.1% efficiency enhance solar energy capture and atmospheric water harvesting.
• Longevity and Sustainability: Self-healing solar panels reduce maintenance and extend lifespan.
• Innovative Applications: Solar-powered phyto-mining extracts valuable metals sustainably using plants.
• Resource Optimization: Focus on recycling panels and adopting circular economy practices to lower environmental impact.

Global Solar Market

• Installed Capacity (2023):
  • China: 43% (609 GW).
  • U.S.: 10% (137.73 GW).
  • Japan, Germany, India: 5-6% each.
  • Brazil, Australia, Italy, Spain: ~2% each.
• China’s Share in 2023:
  • Wafers: 97%.
  • Cells: 89%.
  • Modules: 83%.
• Market Growth: Solar PV manufacturing capacity for wafers, cells, and modules nearly doubled in 2023.

Impact of Solar on Other Industries: Key Points

• Employment Growth: Jobs in the solar PV sector increased from 4.9 million (2022) to 7.1 million (2023), highlighting economic benefits.
• Agriculture Transformation:
  • Solar-powered irrigation systems boost agriculture by replacing diesel pumps with cost-competitive solar alternatives.
  • Agrivoltaics supports livestock management by providing shade for animals and generating electricity.
• Market Growth: Global solar pump market projected to grow at a 5.8% CAGR (2021-2027).
• Adoption Drivers: Pay-as-you-go models enable affordable solar system access through small, regular payments. Technological advancements reduce costs and expand applications.
• Global Equity: Emphasis on technology and finance transfer to least developed and small island nations to ensure inclusive adoption.

Science and Technology 

Why Centre wants states to make snakebites notifiable disease - Indian Express

The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a notifiable disease — a disease that is legally required to be reported to the government by both private and public hospitals.

Notifiable Diseases

• Definition: Diseases likely to cause outbreaks, lead to deaths, or require urgent public health action.
• Examples: Tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.

• State-Specific Lists: The list of notifiable diseases varies by state, with state governments issuing notifications.
• Medical Impact: Causes paralysis, respiratory failure, fatal hemorrhage, and tissue damage.
• Treatment: Requires immediate care and administration of antivenoms to prevent death and severe symptoms.

Reasons for Making Snakebites Notifiable

• Surveillance and Data: Ensures proper monitoring of snakebite cases and deaths across India & helps determine accurate numbers and high-risk areas.
• Management and Prevention: Enables effective distribution of antivenoms and targeted training in snakebite-prone regions & aids in improving clinical management of snakebite victims.
• High-Risk Areas: Low-altitude, agricultural regions in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Challenges in Treating Snakebites

• Treatment Issues: Victims often delay or avoid reaching healthcare centers, preferring faith-based healers.
• Lack of skill: Lack of trained staff and diagnostic tests at healthcare centers.
• Antivenom Limitations: Geographic and age-related variations in venom potency reduce the efficacy of commercial antivenoms. Some local species  are not covered by available antivenoms.
• Venom Collection Challenges: Restricted access to snakes under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, hinders venom collection.

Subaru Telescope - Indian Express

The Subaru Telescope recently captured a pair of interacting galaxies designated as NGC 5257 and NGC 5258 located in the constellation of Virgo.

Subaru Telescope

• About: Japanese 8.2-metre optical-infrared telescope located on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, at 4,163 meters altitude.
• Naming: Named after the Japanese term for the Pleiades star cluster.
• Operation: Operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
• Features:
  • Captures weak light from distant celestial objects.
  • Unique cylindrical dome design reduces air turbulence.
• Observations: Explores a range of celestial bodies, from shooting stars to galaxies 13.1 billion light-years away.