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In a first, critically endangered elongated tortoise spotted in Aravallis.

About  Indotestudo elongata

• Another Name: The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) is also known as Sal Forest Tortoise.
• Habitat: It is widely distributed over eastern as well as northern India and Southeast Asia.
  • The tortoise, found in the Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests, is distributed across Southeast Asia from northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh in the west, eastward through Myanmar, Thailand, and all of Indochina, north to Guangxi Province of China and south to Peninsular Malaysia.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule IV
• Threat: Hunted for food, local use such as decorative masks and international wildlife trade.

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A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud ordered the protesting doctors to resume work soon.

About Right to Protest

• Right to Protest is not an explicit right under the Fundamental rights, it can be derived from the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19.
  • Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of Speech and Expression
  • Article 19(1)(b): Right to Assemble Peacefully and Without Arms
  • Article 19(1)(c): Freedom to Form Associations or Unions
• Article 21 : Right to protest was an integral part of speech and an essential aspect of the right to live guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. 
• Reasonable Restrictions: Mentioned under Article 19(2) and 19(3) on the following grounds
  • In the interests of the sovereignty & integrity of India,
  • The security of the State,
  • Friendly relations with foreign States,
  • Violation of Public order,
  • Decency or morality or in relation to Contempt of court, defamation or incitement of an offence
• Legal Right: The Right to Strike in India is a significant aspect of labour rights, but it is not an absolute or fundamental right. 
  • Instead, it is a legal right that is subject to various conditions and restrictions as outlined by the laws and judicial interpretations in the country. 

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Judiciary on Right to Protest

• In Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary, Union Of India & Ors. (2012):  The Supreme Court stated, “Citizens have a fundamental right to assembly and peaceful protest which cannot be taken away by an arbitrary or executive or legislative action”. 
• Shaheen Bagh Protests(2019): Recently, while hearing the plea regarding the Shaheen Bagh Protests in 2019, it upheld the right to peaceful protest against the law but also clarified that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied and that too indefinitely.

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The 54th GST Council met under the Chairpersonship of the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs in New Delhi.

Key Highlights of 54th GST Council

• Cancer Drugs: The GST rate on cancer drugs namely, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib and Durvalumab to be reduced from 12% to 5%.
• Metal Scrap: Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) to be introduced on supply of metal scrap 
• Exemption: GST Council recommends to exempt supply of research and development services by a Government Entity; or a research association, university, college or other institution notified u/s 35 of Income Tax Act using government or private grants.
• GST Council also recommends formation of a Group of Ministers (GoM) to study the future of compensation cess
  • Compensation Cess: States are guaranteed compensation for any revenue shortfall below 14% growth (base year 2015-16) for the first five years ending 2022.
  • GST compensation is paid out of Compensation Cess every two months by the Centre to states.
• Life and Health Insurance: The Council has set up a Group of Ministers (GoM) to thoroughly review GST issues concerning life and health insurance. 
• Launch Of B2C E-Invoicing Pilot: One of the most notable decisions from the 54th GST Council meeting was the launch of a pilot for B2C e-invoicing.

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What is Reverse Charge Mechanism?

• Typically: The supplier of goods or services pays the tax on supply. 
• Under the reverse charge mechanism: The recipient of goods or services becomes liable to pay the tax, i.e., the chargeability gets reversed.
• Objectives:
  • To widen the scope of levy of tax on various unorganised sectors;
  • To exempt specific classes of suppliers of goods/services
  • To tax the import of services 

About GST Council

• About: It is a constitutional body formed under Article 279A(1), enacted by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act.
• Recommendations: According to Article 279A(4), the GST Council recommends the GST rates for the Union and the States.
• Composition of GST Council (Article 279A(2)): The GST Council brings together representatives from the Centre and the States to oversee the nationwide implementation of GST. Its membership includes:
  • Chairperson: Union Finance Minister
  • Member: Union Minister of State in charge of Revenue or finance
  • Members nominated by each State Government, typically in charge of finance or taxation
  • Vice-Chairperson elected from among the Council members (Article 279A(3))
• Decision Making Process: The GST rates are jointly determined by the states and the central government during GST Council meetings.
  • The GST Council requires at least half of its total members to be present to conduct a meeting. 
  • Decisions are made based on a majority of no less than three-fourths of the weighted votes of members present and voting. 
  • The central government’s vote carries a weight of one-third of the total votes cast, while all states collectively hold the remaining two-thirds weightage.

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Death rates from malnutrition are much higher in low-income countries, where children often don’t get the diversity of nutrients.

India’s Position on Malnutrition

In 2021, in India, 0.7 million children under the age of five died. Of these, 0.5 million of the deaths were attributed to child and maternal malnutrition. It means, over 70% of them were linked to nutritional deficiencies. 

• Concerns: 
  • High Data: However, in 2021, the world over, around 50% of child deaths — about 20% points less than India’s figures — were linked to nutritional deficiencies.
  • Premature Death: In most cases, children don’t die of malnutrition. They die from conditions that are exacerbated or are triggered by it. In most cases, it is a risk factor for premature death.

Chart 1: Number of Child Deaths in India attributed to various Nutritional Risk Factors

• Low Birth Weight: Child Deaths in India are highest due to low birth weight.
• Other Factors: Underweight, Wasting, Stunting, Suboptimal breastfeeding, Vitamin A Deficiency and Zinc Deficiency
  • Wasting means weight is too low for their height 
  • Stunting means too short for their age
• Factors: It often happens because the mother is malnourished or has experienced infectious diseases during pregnancy. 
• Prevalence: Death rates from malnutrition are much higher in low-income countries
  • Reason: Children often don’t get the diversity of nutrients they need and where infectious diseases are much more common.

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Chart 2: Country-wise Malnutrition Death Rates

• Affected Regions: Most malnutrition deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. 
  • Most affected Countries are Chad Somalia and Mali
• BRICS countries also have an impact.
• Differences Observed: In rich countries (on the right of the chart), rates are 20 to 50 times lower than in the poorest countries, on the left. 

Chart 3: Nutritional Risk Factors and Child Death in India

• Estimation: It shows the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s estimates of the number of child deaths related to malnutrition since 1990 in India.
• Decline in Death Rates: In India, the drop in child deaths was from 2.4 million in 1990 to 0.5 million in 2021— a 80% drop.
• Factors of Improvement: 
• Decline in deaths from diarrhoeal diseases due to clean water
  • Improvements in sanitation, handwashing, and better and more widespread treatments. 
  • Antimalarials and bednets have reduced malaria death rates. 
  • Most children are vaccinated against tuberculosis, and a growing number are against rotavirus.
  • Support for mothers and babies during pregnancy and after birth has also improved. 
  • More births are attended by skilled health workers, which means that when babies are born with very low birth weights, professional medical workers are there to help and advise.

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The “India Status Report on Road Safety 2024” by IIT Delhi highlights India’s slow progress in reducing road fatalities.

Key Insights from the “India Status Report on Road Safety 2024”

• Data Sources: This report analyses road safety in India, using data from First Information Reports (FIRs) from six States and audits of State compliance with Supreme Court directives on road safety governance. 
• Common Victims and Responsible Vehicles: Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorised two-wheeler riders are the most frequent victims of road accidents.

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• • Trucks are the leading vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
• Helmet Usage: In only seven States, more than 50% of motorised two-wheeler riders wear helmets. 
  • Helmet usage is particularly low in rural areas.
• Audit Coverage and Infrastructure: Only eight States have audited more than half of their National Highway lengths.
• Lack of Basic Traffic Safety Measures: Many States still lack basic traffic safety measures, such as traffic calming, markings, and signage.
• Failure to Meet UN Road Safety Goals: Most Indian States are unlikely to meet the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety goal to halve traffic deaths by 2030.
  • 2021 Road Traffic Injury Statistics: Road traffic injuries were the 13th leading cause of death in India in 2021.
    • Ranked as the 12th leading cause of health loss, measured in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).
    • Disability-adjusted Life Years (DALYs) are a measure of overall disease burden, combining years lost due to ill-health, disability, or early death
• State-wise Road Safety Performance: Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh have the highest death rates (21.9, 19.2, and 17.6 per 100,000 people, respectively).
  • West Bengal and Bihar have the lowest rates (5.9 per 100,000).
  • Six States (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu) account for nearly half of all traffic fatalities in India.
• Comparative Road Safety Statistics
  • In 1990, Indians were 40% more likely to die in a road accident compared to individuals in developed countries like Sweden and other Scandinavian nations.
  • By 2021, this disparity had increased to 600%, highlighting a sharp rise in road fatalities in India.

Factors Contributing to Road Accident

• Poor Infrastructure and Faulty Road Design: Many road crashes are a result of faulty road design and engineering.
  • Poor Maintenance of Road Infrastructure also adds to the problem.
• Non-Adherence to Legislation : Ignoring traffic laws significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Over speeding: Over-speeding constitutes one of the main traffic rule violations associated with accident-related deaths and injuries.
• Lack of awareness on child safety: A 2019 study by SaveLIFE Foundation, for instance, found that nearly 76 per cent of the parents surveyed were unaware of the Child Restraint System (CRS). 
  • Of the respondents who were aware of CRS, only 3.5 per cent had used the same including booster seats at some point. 
• Inconsistent Safety Regulation:  India is home to both domestic and international brands of vehicles with nearly non-existent safety ratings as compared to developed countries.
  • An injured person is 16 times more likely to die in India than in the USA with a similar mechanism of injury.
• Environmental Conditions: Dense fog, strong winds, rainfall can influence the accident rates in the area. 
• Other Contributing Factors: The other factors include- 
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol, 
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road, 
  • Jumping red lights, 
  • Using mobile phones while driving, 
  • Not wearing a securely strapped quality helmet, 
  • Skipping wearing the seat belt and fatigue.

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Implications of Road Accidents in India

• Demographic Impact: The greatest share of mortality and long-term disability from road traffic crashes affects individuals between 15 and 64 years old.
  • According to WHO, Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.
• Social Impact
  • Poverty Cycle: Road crashes disproportionately impact poor households, pushing them into a cycle of poverty and debt, as highlighted by a World Bank report.
    • The average socio-economic impact or cost of every person dying in a road crash was around Rs 91 lakh and it’s close to Rs 3.6 lakh in the case of each victim left with grievous injuries during 2018.
• Economic Impact
  • Economic Cost: Road crashes are estimated to cost the Indian economy between 5 to 7 percent of GDP annually, according to a World Bank study.
  • Insurance Premiums: Increased accident rates lead to higher insurance premiums, impacting the affordability of coverage for individuals and businesses.
• Human Costs
  • Loss and Suffering: Road accidents result in significant loss of life and serious injuries, leading to considerable human suffering, permanent disabilities, emotional trauma and distress for families and communities.
• Healthcare System Strain
  • Public Health Problem: The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that road accidents are a major public health problem as crashes kill more than 1.25 million people and injure about 50 million people a year, with 90% of such casualties occurring in developing countries.
  • Medical and Rehabilitation Costs: High costs associated with medical treatment, emergency care, and rehabilitation place a significant financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems.

Initiatives to Curb Road Accidents in India

• Engineering Measures: Road safety has been made an integral part of road design at the planning stage. 
• Road Safety Audit (RSA): Road Safety Audit (RSA) of all highway projects has been made mandatory, through third party auditors at all stages i.e., design, construction, operation and maintenance etc. 
• Identification and Rectification of  black spots (accident prone spots) on National Highways: Road Safety Officer (RSO) has been designated to look after RSA, blackspot rectification and other road safety related works. 
• Kooch Kavach: The Centre had proposed replacing steel barriers with bamboo crash barriers in an innovative way to bring down fatalities in road accidents in India.
• Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) Project: It has been initiated to establish a central repository for reporting, management and analysis of road accidents data across the Country.  
• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Notification: 
  • Mandatory provision of an airbag for the passenger seated on the front seat of a vehicle. 
  • Children safety measures for children below four years of age, riding or being carried on a motorcycle. 
  • Mandatory Fitments of safety technologies like seat belt reminder, manual override for central locking system, over speed warning system, anti-lock braking system (abs) etc. 
• Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP): Bharat NCAP is an initiative that raises safety standards for motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes in India.
  • It empowers consumers by providing a tool to compare the crash safety of different motor vehicles available in the market and assigns star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupants (COP) safety based on comprehensive test results.
• Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for strict penalties for ensuring compliance and enhancing deterrence for violation of traffic rules and strict enforcement through use of technology. 
• Good Samaritan: MoRTH has published rules for the protection of Good Samaritan, who in good faith renders emergency assistance at the scene of an accident to victims. 

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Way Forward

• Strengthen road safety legislations: The road safety legislations should be strengthened by updating regulations to address emerging risks and enforcing stricter penalties for traffic violations.
• Establish a National Database: Develop a national database specifically for fatal crashes to enhance data collection and analysis.
• Enhance Public Access and Understanding: Ensure public access to the crash database to better understand specific risks and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions implemented by States.
• Improve Infrastructure: There is a need to upgrade road design to include safer crossings, better signage, and pedestrian facilities. Also, regularly maintenance and repairs of roads are needed to reduce hazards and prevent accidents
• Ensure Vehicle Safety: There is a need to enforce high vehicle safety standards and regular inspections, and to promote the adoption of advanced safety technologies, including anti-lock braking and collision avoidance systems.
• Others: 
  • Focus on vulnerable road users by implementing dedicated lanes and safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Strengthening trauma centres is essential for improving response to road crashes and accidents. 
  • Enhance ambulance services and First aid delivery services to the road crash victims during the critical golden hour following accidents. 

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Recently, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation.

Overview of India- UAE Civil Nuclear Energy Agreement

• Key Deal: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) signed an agreement with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) for the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant’s operations and maintenance.
• UAE’s Nuclear Energy Policy: This aligns with the UAE’s strategy to expand investments in the nuclear energy sector.
• Prime Minister’s Visit: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in August 2015, both nations agreed to collaborate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• Areas of Cooperation: Focus areas include nuclear safety, health, agriculture, and science and technology.
• UN General Assembly Meeting (2022): Foreign Ministers from India, France, and the UAE met in New York to launch a trilateral cooperation framework.
  • Focus Areas: The initiative aims to foster joint projects in energy sectors, particularly solar and nuclear energy.

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About Nuclear Energy Agreements

• Nuclear energy agreements are international or bilateral treaties and arrangements focused on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 
• These agreements aim to facilitate cooperation between countries or organizations in the development, use, and regulation of nuclear energy for civilian purposes. 
• They cover various aspects like technology transfer, fuel supply, safety standards, and non-proliferation commitments. 

Overview of India’s Nuclear Energy Agreements

India has signed civil nuclear cooperation agreements with France, United States, Russia, Namibia, Canada, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom etc. 

• India-Russia Nuclear Cooperation: India and Russia share a long-standing nuclear cooperation agreement dating back to the Cold War era. 
  • Russia has been a key partner in the construction of nuclear power plants in India, notably the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu.
• India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008): Also known as the 123 Agreement, it is a landmark agreement which marked India’s entry into the global nuclear energy market, despite being a non-signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
  • It allowed India to engage in civil nuclear trade with the US and other Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) members.
• India-France Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008): This agreement allowed France to supply nuclear technology and fuel to India.
  • French companies have been involved in plans to construct nuclear reactors in India, such as the proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra.
• India-Canada Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (2010): This agreement marked a historic shift in relations, as Canada had imposed sanctions on India after its nuclear tests in 1974. The deal allows Canada to supply uranium to India for its civilian nuclear reactors.
• India-Japan Nuclear Agreement (2016): India and Japan signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement that allows Japan to export nuclear technology to India. 
  • It reflects Japan’s trust in India’s non-proliferation commitments despite India’s non-signatory status to the NPT.
• India-Kazakhstan Nuclear Cooperation: Kazakhstan is one of the world’s largest uranium producers, and India has signed agreements with Kazakhstan for the supply of uranium.
• India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement: This agreement allowing Australia to export uranium for India’s civilian nuclear energy program.
  • Australia’s agreement with India is significant because it exports uranium only to countries that are signatories of the NPT. 
• India-United Kingdom Nuclear Agreement (2015): India and the UK signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement to collaborate on nuclear technology and research.

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Significance Of India’s Nuclear Energy Agreements

These agreements are pivotal in helping India achieve its long-term goals in nuclear energy, while also enhancing its global standing. 

• Global Legitimacy in Nuclear Energy: India’s ability to sign nuclear cooperation agreements with major countries, despite being a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), highlights its global diplomatic success. 
• Reliable Fuel Supply: India has limited domestic uranium resources, and securing long-term uranium supply agreements with countries like Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia is crucial for maintaining the continuous operation of its nuclear reactors. 
• Infrastructure Growth: The agreements facilitate the construction of new nuclear reactors, which are crucial for generating more electricity to fuel industrialization and economic expansion.
  • India’s agreements with countries like France, Russia, and the US open avenues for foreign investment, bringing in both financial resources and cutting-edge technology.
• Sustainable Development: Nuclear energy supports India’s sustainable development goals by providing a clean, reliable, and large-scale energy source to meet the country’s growing electricity demand without harming the environment.
  • Nuclear energy is a low-carbon power source, and expanding its nuclear capacity will help India meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• Adoption of International Best Practices: Agreements with countries that have advanced nuclear industries help India adopt global best practices in nuclear safety, reactor design, waste management, and radiation protection. 
  • India’s engagement with international bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its adherence to Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements (CSAs) ensures safety of its nuclear program.
• Strengthening Civil Nuclear Program: The separation of India’s civilian and military nuclear programs, as part of the 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, has allowed India to focus more resources on expanding its civilian nuclear energy program. 

Major Concerns Associated With India’s Nuclear Energy Agreements

Major concerns revolve around issues of safety, security, environmental impact, geopolitical implications, and public opposition. 

• Potential for Nuclear Accidents: One of the biggest concerns with expanding nuclear energy infrastructure is the risk of accidents, as witnessed in disasters like Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011). 
• Safety Protocols and Regulatory Challenges: Despite important roles of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), concerns about regulatory independence and the adequacy of safety protocols persist.
  • Protests around proposed nuclear sites, like the Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu, have highlighted public safety concerns related to potential accidents or radiation leaks.
• Radioactive Waste Disposal: High-level radioactive waste remains hazardous for thousands of years, and India does not yet have a permanent solution for its disposal.
• • India’s storage facilities for nuclear waste are temporary, and long-term strategies for safely containing and disposing of high-level radioactive waste are still being developed. 
• Dual-Use Technology Risks: Nuclear technology and materials that are intended for peaceful purposes can potentially be diverted to military programs, leading to nuclear proliferation risks. 
• International Scrutiny: Although India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), its nuclear energy agreements come with obligations for transparency and adherence to non-proliferation norms. 
• Dependence on Foreign Suppliers: India’s nuclear energy program is highly dependent on foreign partners for reactor technology and uranium supply. 
  • This dependence could be a geopolitical vulnerability, especially if diplomatic relations with supplier countries like Russia and US or India and Canada were to deteriorate in the future.
• Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Membership Issues: India’s non-signatory status to the NPT has blocked its full membership in the NSG.
  • India’s efforts to gain NSG membership face resistance from countries like China.
• Delayed Projects and Cost Overruns: Many of India’s nuclear power projects have faced significant delays and cost overruns. 
• • For instance, the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project has faced delays due to local opposition, regulatory approvals, and financial challenges. 
• Nuclear Liability Law: India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) holds nuclear suppliers liable for compensation in the event of an accident, which is unusual in the global nuclear industry, where operators typically bear the primary liability.
• • Many foreign nuclear suppliers, especially from countries like the US, have expressed reluctance to enter the Indian market due to concerns over the liability law. 

Way Forward for India’s Nuclear Energy Agreements

To maximize the potential of these agreements and address emerging challenges, India needs to take certain strategic steps. 

• Accelerating Reactor Construction: Fast-tracking these projects will help India increase its nuclear energy capacity and meet its growing energy demand.
  • India must expedite the construction of nuclear power plants, as many planned projects, such as the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant, have faced delays.
• Developing Indigenous Technologies: While international collaboration provides advanced technology, India should continue developing indigenous nuclear reactor designs, such as the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) and the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR). 
  • India should explore the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMRs), which are safer, more flexible, and easier to deploy compared to large nuclear reactors. 
• Diversifying Fuel Sources: Although India has signed agreements with several countries for uranium supply, further diversification is important to avoid disruptions. 
  • Collaborating with additional countries like Namibia, Uzbekistan, or Brazil can secure long-term fuel supplies and ensure steady operations of nuclear reactors.
• Thorium Utilization: India has one of the largest thorium reserves in the world. Developing thorium-based reactors, such as the proposed AHWRs, will offer a more sustainable solution for nuclear energy generation.
• Participation in Global Nuclear Governance: India should actively engage in global nuclear energy forums like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to help shape the global nuclear governance framework. 
• Developing Comprehensive Waste Management Solutions: Partnering with countries experienced in nuclear waste management (such as Finland or Sweden) will help India develop long-term storage and disposal facilities.
  • The closed nuclear fuel cycle model, where spent fuel is reprocessed and reused, can help minimize waste and optimize fuel usage.

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Conclusion

By focusing on advanced research, thorium utilization, public engagement, and regulatory reforms, India can unlock the full potential of nuclear energy to meet its energy, environmental, and economic objectives in the coming decades.

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