Indian Siris (Albizia lebbeck)    
Organ Donation in India    
India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship    
Artificial Sweeteners    10
Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021    
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)    

1. Indian Siris (Albizia lebbeck)
Why in News?
•    A century-old Indian Siris tree recently died in Kumaradevam Gram Panchayat, located in the East Godavari district, causing a significant impact on the local community.
About Indian Siris
•    Scientific Name: Albizia lebbeck
•    Common Names: Indian Siris, East Indian Walnut, Frywood Tree
•    Native Region: Tropical tree native to India and Southeast Asia.
•    Family: Belongs to the Fabaceae family.
Features
•    Growth: Grows up to a maximum height of 15-20 meters.
•    Canopy: Wide-spreading, umbrella-shaped canopy.
•    Trunk: Typically straight trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter.
•    Leaves: Green, fern-like leaves that can grow up to 25 cm long.
•    Branches: Moderate to dense branching pattern with branches spreading outwards and upwards.
•    Flowers: Produces small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.
Ecological Role
•    Nitrogen Fixation: Capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, enriching the soil and supporting other plant species.
•    Soil Conservation: The extensive, shallow root system makes it an effective soil binder, suited for soil conservation and erosion control.
Cultivation Requirements
•    Climate: Requires a warm and humid climate.
•    Soil Types: Can grow in various soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soil.
Uses and Applications
•    Timber and Furniture: Wood is used for furniture, cabinetry, and construction due to its durability.
•    Medicinal Uses: Used in traditional medicine for treating respiratory ailments, skin diseases, and digestive disorders.
•    Agroforestry: Commonly used in agroforestry systems for shade and soil improvement.
Background Information
•    Historical Significance: Indian Siris has been historically significant in Indian culture, often planted in temple gardens and village commons.
•    Ecological Importance: Plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by supporting various wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
•    Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve Indian Siris are important due to its ecological role and cultural significance.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Indian Siris (Albizia lebbeck), consider the following statements:
1.    Indian Siris is native to both India and Africa.
2.    The tree is capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere.
3.    It is used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic properties.
4.    The wood of Indian Siris is commonly used for making musical instruments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 2, 3, and 4 only
D) 1, 2, and 4 only
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the ecological and economic significance of the Indian Siris tree (Albizia lebbeck) in India. How does this species contribute to environmental sustainability and local economies?

2.Organ Donation in India
Context
Critical Shortage: India is facing a dire situation with a severe shortage of organ donations, particularly deceased donations, leaving thousands waiting for transplants.
    Many patients lose their lives daily due to this scarcity.
Policy Update: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has revised the National Organ Transplantation Guidelines.
    Now, individuals above 65 years can receive organs from deceased donors.
Legal Framework: The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 regulates:
    Organ removal, storage, and transplantation for therapeutic purposes.
    Prevention of commercial dealings in human organs.
Status of Organ Donation in India
Growing Demand and Persistent Shortage
•    300,000 Patients Waiting: Over 300,000 patients are on the waiting list for organ donations in India.
•    Daily Deaths: Approximately 20 individuals die daily while awaiting organ transplants due to the shortage.
Slow Growth in Donor Numbers
•    Donor Increase: From 6,916 donors in 2014 to about 16,041 in 2022.
    This shows only a modest rise.
•    Deceased Donation Rate: Consistently below one donor per million population for a decade.
Deceased Organ Donation Rate
•    International Comparison:
    Countries like Spain and the United States have higher rates, with 30 to 50 donors per million population.
Prevalence of Living Donors
•    Majority Living Donors: Living donors account for 85% of all donors in India.
•    Low Deceased Donations: Especially low for:
    Kidneys
    Liver
    Heart
Regional Disparities
•    High Deceased Donors: States with the most deceased organ donations include:
    Telangana
    Tamil Nadu
    Karnataka
    Gujarat
    Maharashtra
•    Prominent Living Donors: Regions with high living donor numbers include:
    Delhi-NCR
    Tamil Nadu
    Kerala
    Maharashtra
    West Bengal
Kidney Transplants
    Demand vs. Supply:
   200,000 kidney transplants needed annually.
   Only about 10,000 are performed, indicating a significant gap.
Challenges Regarding Organ Donation
Lack of Awareness and Education
•    Public Awareness: Limited understanding among the general public about organ donation benefits.
•    Medical Education: Insufficient training for medical professionals to:
    Identify potential donors.
    Counsel families effectively.
Family Consent and Decision-Making
•    Reluctance: Families often hesitate to give consent, even if the deceased expressed willingness.
•    Emotional Dilemmas: Families face emotional and ethical challenges when deciding on organ donation.
Organ Trafficking and Black Market
•    Illegal Activities:
   Organ trafficking and black markets exploit demand, undermining legitimate processes.
Medical Eligibility and Compatibility
•    Matching Donors and Recipients: Challenges in finding medically compatible matches lead to prolonged waiting periods.
Infrastructure and Logistics
•    Inadequate Resources:
   Lack of sufficient infrastructure for organ retrieval, preservation, and transplantation.
•    Transportation Challenges:
   Difficulties in timely organ transport, especially across regions.
National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)
Overview: Established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, located in New Delhi.
Function: Acts as the apex center for:
   Organ and tissue donation and transplantation activities in India.
   Coordinating procurement, distribution, and registry.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the organ donation framework in India, consider the following statements:
1.    The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, prohibits all commercial dealings in human organs.
2.    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allowed organ donation from deceased donors for recipients above 65 years of age.
3.    NOTTO is responsible for regulating the black market of organ trafficking in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the challenges and opportunities in increasing the deceased organ donation rate in India. How can international models, such as those of Spain and the United States, be adapted to suit the Indian context?

3.India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship
Why in the News?
•    Political Uncertainty:
o    Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned following weeks of violent demonstrations.
o    The Army Chief has declared that an interim government will now run the country.
Brief Political History of Bangladesh
???????? 1971 Formation and Early Years
•    Independence (1971):
o    Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan with India's support during the Liberation War.
o    Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the first Prime Minister.
•    Coup and Assassination (1975):
o    Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated during a coup, leading to political instability.
1975-1990: Military Influence
•    Military Rule:
o    Chief Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem appointed as president in 1975, followed by a military junta.
o    Gen Ziaur Rahman became President in 1977 but was assassinated in 1981.
o    Abdus Sattar was ousted in a 1982 coup led by Army Chief H M Ershad, who resigned in 1990 due to mass unrest.
Civilian Governments
•    Leadership Terms:
o    Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina (daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) served non-consecutive terms.
o    Attempted coup in 1996 during Hasina's term.
•    Caretaker Government (2006-2008):
o    Khaleda's term ended in unrest, leading to a military-influenced caretaker government.
Post-2008 Stability
•    Return to Civilian Rule:
o    Hasina ensured the army returned to barracks after regaining power in 2008.
o    In 2010, the Supreme Court limited military interventions and reinforced secular principles in the constitution.
India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship
Historical Ties
•    1971 Liberation War:
o    India provided crucial military and material assistance to help Bangladesh gain independence from Pakistan.
•    Mid-1970s Deterioration:
o    Relationship deteriorated due to boundary disputes, insurgency, and water-sharing issues after military regimes took control in Bangladesh.
•    Restored Stability (1996):
o    Stability restored with Sheikh Hasina's premiership and the signing of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty.
•    Strengthened Cooperation:
o    Enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defense.
Economic and Commercial Ties
•    Trade Relations:
o    Bangladesh is India’s 25th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade at $12.9 billion.
o    Bangladesh is India’s eighth largest export partner.
•    Export Data:
o    In FY24, India's exports to Bangladesh contracted by 9.5% to $11 billion.
•    Auto Exports:
o    Bangladesh is a key destination for Indian auto exports, alongside African and Latin American countries.
•    Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):
o    Joint feasibility study completed in 2022.
o    Critical as Bangladesh will lose its Least Developed Country (LDC) status after 2026.
o    Bangladesh aims to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.
Power and Energy
•    Energy Imports:
o    Bangladesh imports 1160 MW of power from India.
•    Key Projects:
o    Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant
o    India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline
•    Energy Sector Support:
o    India supports Bangladesh's energy sector through various partnerships.
Development Partnership
•    Lines of Credit:
o    India has extended four Lines of Credit to Bangladesh amounting to USD 8 billion for infrastructure development.
•    High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs):
o    Focus on human resource development and capacity building.
Cultural Cooperation
•    Cultural Exchanges:
o    Facilitated through the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka.
•    Arts, Dance, and Language Programs:
o    Promote people-to-people contacts.
•    Bangladesh Youth Delegation Program:
o    Attracts young talent to visit India.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship, consider the following statements:
1.    The Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was signed during Sheikh Hasina's premiership in 1996.
2.    Bangladesh imports 1160 MW of power from India as part of their energy cooperation.
3.    The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aims to address water-sharing issues between India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the impact of political instability in Bangladesh on the India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship. How can India ensure continued cooperation and stability in light of recent political developments?

4.Artificial Sweeteners
Context
•    Popularity and Concerns:
o    Artificial sweeteners are popular among calorie-conscious individuals seeking low-calorie options.
o    Recent studies have raised concerns about their long-term effectiveness for weight loss and potential health risks.
•    WHO Recommendations:
o    The World Health Organization (WHO) has released recommendations against the use of artificial sweeteners for weight control and the prevention of lifestyle diseases.
What are Artificial Sweeteners?
About
•    Definition:
o    Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes used as alternatives to natural sugars.
•    Characteristics:
o    Chemically synthesized to provide a sweet taste without the high-calorie content of regular sugar.
o    Commonly used in various food and beverage products, including diet sodas, sugar-free desserts, and low-calorie snacks.
•    Examples:
o    Saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), sucralose, neotame, and advantame.
Benefits
•    Weight Management:
o    Helps in weight management due to their low or zero-calorie content.
•    Diabetes Control:
o    Minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making them suitable for diabetes control.
•    Tooth Decay Prevention:
o    Non-fermentable nature prevents tooth decay.
•    Safe for PKU Patients:
o    Provides safe options for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder, due to the absence of phenylalanine.
Negative Impacts
Controversial Health Effects
•    Potential Risks:
o    Some studies suggest potential negative health effects, such as an increased risk of metabolic disorders and disrupted gut microbiota.
o    However, scientific evidence remains inconclusive.
Digestive Issues
•    Discomfort:
o    Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, after consuming products containing artificial sweeteners.
Findings from the WHO Report
Findings
•    Weight Control and Health Risks:
o    WHO advises against using artificial sweeteners for weight control or reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.
o    Short-term use may result in weight loss and reduced body mass index (BMI), but long-term consumption has been associated with weight gain.
•    Health Concerns:
o    Some studies suggest a potential connection between artificial sweeteners and bladder cancer and preterm birth in pregnant women.
o    Higher intake is associated with an increased risk of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (including stroke and hypertension), and preterm birth.
WHO Recommendations
•    Alternatives to Sweeteners:
o    WHO recommends considering other methods to reduce the intake of free sugars, such as consuming naturally occurring sugars from fruits or opting for unsweetened food and beverages.
Example - Diet Colas
•    Zero-Calorie Claim:
o    Diet colas use artificial sweeteners to achieve a zero-calorie claim.
•    Taste Perception:
o    The intense sweetness of artificial sweeteners can alter taste perception, making normal sweets seem less sweet and potentially leading to cravings for more sugary foods.
•    Erythritol Concerns:
o    Special attention is given to erythritol, which should be avoided due to its potential health risks.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to artificial sweeteners, consider the following statements:
1.    Artificial sweeteners are chemically synthesized and provide a sweet taste without calories.
2.    The WHO has recommended artificial sweeteners for controlling diabetes and obesity.
3.    Erythritol is considered safe for consumption without any health risks.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) None of the above
Answer: A) 1 only
Mains Question
Question: Evaluate the potential health risks and benefits of artificial sweeteners. Discuss the implications of the WHO's recommendations on public health policy regarding the use of these sweeteners.

5.Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021
Key Features of the Act
•    Purpose:
o    The Act aims to regulate religious conversions and prohibit conversions achieved by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or any fraudulent means.
•    Penalties:
o    Illegal Conversion:
    Standard punishment: 1-5 years imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs. 15,000.
    Enhanced punishment: 2-10 years imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs. 25,000 if the victim is a woman, minor, or belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST).
o    Mass Conversion:
    Punishment: 3-10 years imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs. 50,000.
o    Repeat Offenders:
    May face up to double the relevant punishment.
•    Marriage and Conversion:
o    Any marriage conducted for the purpose of unlawful conversion is declared void.
Allahabad High Court on Religious Conversions
Context
•    Recent Ruling:
o    The Allahabad High Court addressed the issue of religious conversions, highlighting potential demographic impacts on the majority population.
•    Case Details:
o    The Court made remarks while rejecting the bail application of an individual booked under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 and Indian Penal Code (IPC) for kidnapping or abduction with intent to secretly and wrongfully confine a person.
Court Observations
•    Article 25 of the Indian Constitution:
o    Guarantees freedom of religion but does not provide for conversions; it allows for the propagation of religion.
o    Propagation means to promote a religion, but it does not entail converting individuals from one religion to another.
•    Demographic Concerns:
o    The Court expressed concern that unchecked conversions could lead to the majority population becoming a minority.
o    Stressed the need to prevent unlawful conversions, particularly targeting Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and economically disadvantaged individuals.
•    Recommendations:
o    Recommended stopping religious congregations where conversions are taking place.
Constitutional Provisions Related to Religious Conversion
Key Articles
•    Article 25:
o    Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
o    The State can regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political, or other secular activity associated with religious practice.
•    Article 26:
o    Entitles every religious denomination to manage its own religious affairs, subject to public order, morality, and health.
•    Articles 27 to 30:
o    Guarantee freedom to manage religious affairs, contribute monetarily to any religion, and set up and administer educational institutions.
Supreme Court Interpretations
•    Rev. Stainislaus Vs. State of Madhya Pradesh, 1977:
o    Upheld anti-conversion laws, ruling that Article 25(1) does not grant the right to convert others, but rather the right to transmit or spread one's religion through exposition.
•    Sarla Mudgal Vs. Union of India, 1995, and Lilly Thomas Vs. Union of India, 2000:
o    Held that conversions to Islam solely for practicing polygamy were invalid.
•    M Chandra Vs. M Thangamuthu & Another, 2010:
o    Established the need for evidence of both conversion and acceptance into the new community.
•    Graham Staines Case, 2011:
o    Stated there is no justification for converting someone through force, provocation, or incitement.
Anti-Conversion Laws in India
About
•    Purpose:
o    Anti-conversion laws aim to prevent individuals from converting from one religion to another through force, fraud, inducement, or allurement.
o    Ensure that religious conversions are voluntary and not coerced, protecting individuals from being pressured or misled into changing their faith.
Historical Context of Anti-Conversion Laws
Pre-Independence Era
•    Princely States:
o    Enacted anti-conversion laws to restrict missionary activities and conversions to Christianity.
o    Examples:
    Raigarh State Conversion Act (1936), Patna Freedom of Religion Act (1942), Sarguja State Apostasy Act (1945), and Udaipur State Anti-Conversion Act (1946).
Post-Independence Attempts
•    Failed Central Legislation:
o    Attempts to pass central legislation on religious conversion have repeatedly failed.
o    Examples:
    Indian Conversion (Regulation and Registration) Bill (1954), Backward Communities (Religious Protection) Bill (1960), and All India Freedom of Religion Bill (1978).
•    State-Level Laws:
o    Several states have enacted their own anti-conversion laws over the years.
State-Level Anti-Conversion Laws
•    Odisha (1967):
o    First State to enact a law restricting religious conversions, prohibiting forceful conversions and fraudulent means.
•    Madhya Pradesh (1968):
o    Introduced the Madhya Pradesh Dharma Swatantraya Adhiniyam, requiring notification to the District Magistrate for any conversion activities under penalty of law.
•    Other States:
o    Arunachal Pradesh (1978), Gujarat (2003), Chhattisgarh (2000 and 2006), Rajasthan (2006 and 2008), Himachal Pradesh (2006 and 2019), Tamil Nadu (2002-2004), Jharkhand (2017), Uttarakhand (2018), Uttar Pradesh (2021), and Haryana (2022).
o    These states have enacted laws prohibiting various forms of religious conversions, with enhanced penalties for conversions involving SCs, STs, minors, and women.
Centre’s Stand
•    Union Ministry of Home Affairs:
o    Stated in an affidavit to the Supreme Court that the right to religion does not include the right to convert others, especially through fraudulent or coercive means.
o    Referred to the Supreme Court's interpretation of Article 25 and emphasized that fraudulent conversion affects an individual's freedom of conscience and can disrupt public order.
o    The Centre has not clarified if it will introduce a special law on religious conversions as requested in the petition.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, consider the following statements:
1.    The Act prohibits conversions achieved through force, fraud, or allurement.
2.    Repeat offenders under the Act may face up to double the relevant punishment.
3.    The Act allows marriages for the purpose of religious conversion if both parties consent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the constitutional challenges and implications of anti-conversion laws in India. How do these laws balance the right to freedom of religion with the need to prevent coercive conversions?

6.Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
About
•    Statutory Body:
o    SEBI is a Statutory Body (a Non-Constitutional body set up by Parliament) established in 1992 under the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
•    Functions:
o    Protects interests of investors in securities.
o    Promotes and regulates the securities market.
•    Headquarters:
o    Located in Mumbai.
•    Regional Offices:
o    Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi.
Background
•    Pre-SEBI Era:
o    Before SEBI, the Controller of Capital Issues was the regulatory authority, deriving power from the Capital Issues (Control) Act, 1947.
•    Establishment:
o    SEBI was constituted as the regulator of capital markets in India in 1988 under a resolution by the Government of India.
o    Initially a non-statutory body without statutory power.
•    Statutory Powers:
o    Became autonomous and given statutory powers by the SEBI Act, 1992.
Structure
•    SEBI Board:
o    Comprises a Chairman and several other whole-time and part-time members.
•    Committees:
o    SEBI appoints various committees as needed to address pressing issues.
•    Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT):
o    Established to protect the interests of entities aggrieved by SEBI’s decisions.
o    Consists of a Presiding Officer and two other Members.
o    Possesses the same powers as a civil court.
o    Appeals against SAT’s decision or order can be made to the Supreme Court.
SEBI's Role and Functions
Protecting Investors
•    Ensuring Fair Practices:
o    Prevents insider trading and fraudulent activities in the securities market.
•    Investor Education:
o    Conducts programs to educate investors about market practices and investment opportunities.
Regulating the Market
•    Market Surveillance:
o    Monitors and regulates the stock exchanges and other securities markets.
•    Registration:
o    Registers and regulates the functioning of stock brokers, sub-brokers, share transfer agents, and other market intermediaries.
Promoting Development
•    Innovation:
o    Encourages innovation and development of the securities market to ensure its efficiency.
•    Infrastructure:
o    Develops and maintains the infrastructure for the securities market.
SEBI's Impact on the Indian Economy
•    Market Stability:
o    SEBI's regulations have brought about transparency and stability in the securities market.
•    Investor Confidence:
o    By protecting investors’ interests, SEBI has enhanced confidence among domestic and foreign investors.
•    Capital Formation:
o    Facilitated the process of capital formation, contributing to economic growth.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), consider the following statements:
SEBI was initially established as a statutory body in 1988.
SEBI is responsible for registering and regulating the functioning of stock brokers and share transfer agents.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) is the final authority for appeals against SEBI's decisions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the role of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in regulating the securities market in India. How has SEBI contributed to ensuring market stability and protecting investor interests?