Shortage of Natural Rubber in India    
Supreme Court Ruling on SC and ST Act, 1989    
Caste Movement in India    
Leptospirosis Outbreak in Kerala    
Master Clock System of Indian Railways    
 

1.    Shortage of Natural Rubber in India
Why is it in the News?
•    Significant Shortage: India is facing a shortage of natural rubber (NR) with domestic production falling short of demand by about 5.5 lakh tonnes.
Causes of the Shortage
•    Demand-Supply Gap: Despite a slight increase in production (8.57 lakh tonnes in 2023-24), consumption has risen faster (14.16 lakh tonnes). The tyre industry consumes about 70% of NR.
•    Import Dependence: India relies on imports from countries like Vietnam and Indonesia due to insufficient local production.
•    High Import Duty: NR imports face a 25% customs duty, while latex rubber has a 75% duty. Inverted duty structures, where duties on raw materials are higher than on finished products, make imports cheaper.
•    Geopolitical Issues: China's NR stockpiling and political unrest in Bangladesh have disrupted supply.
•    Monsoon Impact: Heavy rains have reduced tapping activities, affecting NR availability.
 

Key Facts About Rubber
•    Types of Rubber: Natural rubber is obtained from latex and is a polymer made from isoprene. Synthetic rubber is chemically produced.
•    India's Rubber Sector: India is the third- largest producer and fourth-largest consumer of NR. Kerala and Tripura are major producing states.
•    Trade: In 2022-23, India exported 3,700 tonnes and imported 5,28,677 tonnes of NR.
Growth Factors for Rubber
•    Climate Needs: Requires temperatures between 20°-35°C and rainfall over 200 cm.
•    Soil Requirements: Best grown in loamy or laterite soil with good drainage.
•    Labour Needs: Requires skilled and affordable labor.
Government Initiatives
•    National Rubber Policy 2019: Aims to improve rubber planting, support growers, and enhance research.
•    Rubber Board: Regulates and supports the rubber industry, based in Kottayam, Kerala.
•    SIDNRS Scheme: Provides technical and financial support for rubber planting.
What Can Be Done?

•    Expand Support: Increase subsidies and financial assistance for rubber growers.
•    Skill Development: Improve training programs for better cultivation techniques.
•    Invest in Research: Increase funding for developing high-yield and disease- resistant rubber varieties.
•    Collaborative Projects: Encourage partnerships between government and private sectors for development.
Conclusion Addressing the rubber shortage requires boosting domestic production, improving supply chains, and supporting government policies like the National Rubber Policy 2019.

Prelims Question:
Question: Consider the following statements about the natural rubber industry in India:
1.    India imports the majority of its natural rubber from countries like Vietnam and Indonesia.
2.    The National Rubber Policy 2019 aims to enhance both the planting and processing of rubber.
3.    Heavy monsoon rains have no impact on the production of natural rubber.
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: Analyze the impact of geopolitical and climatic factors on the natural rubber industry in India. How can the government’s policies address these challenges to ensure sustainable production and reduce import dependency?

2.    Supreme Court Ruling on SC
and ST Act, 1989
Why is it in the News?
•    Recent Ruling: The Supreme Court recently ruled on the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, clarifying whether insults or intimidations targeting SCs or STs automatically constitute an offense.
Supreme Court Ruling
•    Case Background: The case involved a YouTuber accused of making derogatory remarks about an SC MLA.
•    Scope of the Act: The Court ruled that insults must be specifically linked to the caste identity of the victim to qualify as an offense under the Act.
•    Intent to Humiliate: Under Section 3(1)(r), the insult must be intended to humiliate based on caste, not just knowing the victim's SC/ST status.
•    Section 18 Clarification: The Court stated that Section 18, which traditionally bars anticipatory bail, does not completely prevent its grant. Courts must check if
allegations meet the Act’s criteria before applying Section 18.
About the SC/ST Act, 1989
•    Purpose: The Act protects SCs and STs from caste-based discrimination and violence.
•    Historical Context: It builds on the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
•    Key Provisions: Defines offenses against SCs/STs, mandates special courts, and excludes offenses between SCs/STs from its scope.
•    Anticipatory Bail: Section 18 excludes anticipatory bail provisions, but courts can grant it under certain circumstances.
•    Recent Amendments:

o    2015 Amendment: Introduced more offenses, like forcing manual scavenging and social ostracism, and added stricter penalties.
o    2018 Amendment: Removed the requirement for Senior Superintendent of Police approval before arresting an accused.
Drawbacks of the Act
•    Resource Issues: Special courts lack adequate resources, causing backlogs and slow case resolution.
•    Rehabilitation Challenges: Limited details on victim rehabilitation; more comprehensive measures are needed.
•    Lack of Awareness: Beneficiaries and law enforcement often lack awareness of the Act's provisions.
•    Misuse Concerns: Broad scope can lead to misuse and false accusations.
•    Limited Crime Scope: Some forms of abuse are not covered under the Act.
Judicial Insights
•    Kanubhai M. Parmar v. State of Gujarat (2000): Act does not apply to crimes between SCs or STs.
•    Raj Mal v. Ratan Singh (1988): Special Courts should not be confused with regular magistrate or session courts.
•    Arumugam Servai v. State of Tamil Nadu (2011): Insulting an SC/ST member is an offense under the Act.
•    Subhash Kashinath Mahajan v. State of Maharashtra (2018): Anticipatory bail can be granted even if Section 18 bars it, depending on the case.

Prelims Question:
Question: Regarding the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, consider the following statements:

1.    Insults aimed at SC/ST individuals must specifically relate to their caste identity to be considered an offense under the Act.
2.    Section 18 of the Act completely bars the granting of anticipatory bail.
3.    The Act includes provisions for immediate arrest without prior approval as per the 2018 Amendment.
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: C) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question:
Question: Evaluate the impact of the Supreme Court's recent ruling on the SC/ST Act, 1989, on the protection of SC and ST communities. How do the Court’s interpretations affect the implementation of the Act and its role in preventing caste-based discrimination?
3.    Caste Movement in India
Why is it in the News?
•    Current Context: Many political parties are calling for a new Indian caste census following the Supreme Court’s judgment on sub-categorisation within reserved castes. This reflects ongoing debates about caste and its implications in modern India.
History of Caste Movements in India
•    Historical Context: By the late 19th century, caste began to permeate daily life in India, defined by Brahminical notions of purity and pollution. Caste mobility was restricted, and inter-caste marriages were prohibited.
•    Colonial Legislation:
o    Criminal Tribes Act, 1871: Allowed the colonial state to label entire

communities as criminal, reinforcing negative stereotypes and institutionalizing biases.
o    Divide and Rule: Post-1857 Revolt, the British used caste as a criterion for education and government jobs, which contributed to their control and reduced nationalist sentiments.
Key Figures in Caste Movements
•    Jyotiba Phule:
o    Founded the Satyashodhak Samaj.
o    Wrote Gulamgiri (1873), critiquing the caste system and advocating for social reform.
o    Introduced the term ‘Dalit’ and criticized texts like Manusmriti for perpetuating caste oppression.
•    B.R. Ambedkar:
o    Led the Mahad Satyagraha in 1927 to secure the right for Dalits to use a public water tank.
o    Founded the All India Depressed Classes Association (1930) and Independent Labour Party (1936).
o    Promoted legal reforms and fought for separate electorates for Dalits, later agreeing to the Poona Pact with Gandhi.
o    Burned Manusmriti publicly in 1927.
•    M.C. Rajah:
o    Played a significant role in the All India Depressed Classes Association formed in 1926.
•    Periyar (Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy):
o    Founded the Self-Respect Movement in the Madras Presidency, focusing on anti- Brahminical reforms.
•    Mahatma Gandhi:

o    Criticized the separate electorates for Depressed Classes and initiated the Poona Pact with Ambedkar, promoting joint electorates and increased reservations for Dalits.
o    Founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh to address untouchability and promote caste upliftment.
Gandhi vs. Ambedkar: Comparative Views

Aspect    Mahatma Gandhi    B.R. Ambedkar

Views on Freedom    Freedom must be wrested from authority by the people.    Expected freedom to be bestowed by rulers.

Democracy    Skeptical of mass democracy; preferred limited government and local self- rule.    
Advocated parliamentary democracy for the advancement of the oppressed.

Political Ideology    
Non-violence and practical alternatives.    Liberal ideology with an emphasis on institutional frameworks.

Views on Village System    Supported 'Gramraj' (village self- rule).    Criticized 'Gramraj' for perpetuating caste inequalities.

Approach to Social Reform    Moral persuasion and non-violent methods.    Legal and constitutional reforms.
View on Untouchability    Addressed as a
moral issue; promoted    Viewed
untouchability as a major issue

3. The Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, was replaced by the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952.
Which of the statements given above is/ar

Recent Developments
•    Reversal in British Policy: As Partition approached, the colonial administration depoliticized caste issues, focusing on constitutional frameworks and reducing caste's role in politics.
Relevance and Impact
•    Contemporary Relevance: The call for a new caste census underscores ongoing concerns about accurate representation and the effective implementation of reservation policies.
•    Impact on Policy: Historical and contemporary movements reflect the complexity of caste dynamics in India, influencing social reform, legislation, and political strategies.

Prelims Question:
Question: Consider the following statements about the caste movements in India:
1.    Jyotiba Phule introduced the term ‘Dalit’ into the anti-caste lexicon.
2.    Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact to address separate electorates for Depressed Classes.
correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: D) 1, 2, and 3
Mains Question:
Question: Analyze the major contributions of Jyotiba Phule and B.R. Ambedkar to the caste movement in India. How did their ideologies and

actions shape the modern understanding of caste and influence subsequent social and political reforms?

4.    Leptospirosis Outbreak in Kerala
Why in the News?
•    Current Situation: Kerala has recently seen a decrease in Nipah virus cases, with no new cases reported during the critical 42-day observation period. However, this has been overshadowed by a Leptospirosis outbreak, commonly known as "rat fever," which has become a major public health concern, exacerbated by monsoon-related challenges.
Key Facts About Leptospirosis
•    About the Disease:
o    Cause: Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira. These bacteria are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.
o    Pathogenic Leptospires: Found primarily in the kidneys and genital tracts of certain animals, they cause leptospirosis in humans.
•    Reservoirs:
o    Hosts: Many mammals, including rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs, can harbor leptospires in their kidneys. Rodents are particularly significant as they can excrete leptospires throughout their lives without showing symptoms.
o    Natural Hosts: Often do not exhibit symptoms, but can become ill if infected with a different serovar.
•    Transmission:

o    Modes: The disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or through contact with contaminated water, soil, or food.
o    Entry: It enters the human body through cuts, mucous membranes, or waterlogged skin. Human-to- human transmission is rare.
•    Symptoms:
o    Range: Symptoms vary from mild flu-like illness to severe conditions such as Weil's syndrome (kidney and liver dysfunction), meningitis, and pulmonary hemorrhage.
o    Incubation Period: Typically 7-10 days, with common symptoms including fever, headache, and jaundice.
o    Diagnosis: Often underdiagnosed due to its broad symptom range and limited diagnostic access.
•    Epidemiology:
o    Global Prevalence: Leptospirosis is found worldwide but is most common in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall.
o    Regions: Particularly prevalent in South-East Asia, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, especially during the rainy season.
o    Occupational Risk: Higher risk for people with frequent animal contact, such as farmers, veterinarians, and sewer workers.
•    Prevention:
o    Control Measures: Includes controlling animal reservoirs, avoiding contact with contaminated water or soil, wearing protective clothing, and

maintaining good sanitation practices.
o    Vaccination: Dogs, pigs, and cattle can be vaccinated with serovar- specific vaccines to prevent disease, although it may not eliminate renal carriage.
•    Treatment:
o    Antibiotics: Treated with antibiotics such as penicillin G, doxycycline, and ceftriaxone.
India’s Initiatives Related to Leptospirosis
•    Programme for Prevention and Control of Leptospirosis: Launched during the 12th Five-Year Plan, aiming to reduce deaths and illnesses from leptospirosis.
•    One Health Approach: Integrates human, animal, and environmental health to control leptospirosis, emphasizing a holistic approach to disease management.
Common Infections During the Monsoon in India:
•    Infections: The monsoon season sees an increase in infections such as Dengue, Malaria, Cholera, Typhoid, Flu, and Fungal infections due to waterlogging and increased risks of dehydration and mosquito-borne diseases.

Prelims Question:
Question: Which of the following statements about Leptospirosis are correct?
1.    Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.
2.    It is primarily transmitted through human- to-human contact.
3.    Rodents are significant reservoirs of leptospires.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only

C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the impact of the monsoon season on the prevalence of Leptospirosis and other common infections in India. What measures can be taken to prevent such outbreaks, and how effective have India's initiatives been in managing Leptospirosis?

5.    Master Clock System of Indian Railways
Overview: Indian Railways is developing a Master Clock System to synchronize time across its operations, aiming to resolve discrepancies in manual timekeeping that complicate safety and accident investigations.
Key Features:
•    GPS Synchronization: Ensures precise timekeeping through GPS technology.
•    Uniform Design: Applied across stations for consistency.
•    Versatility: Suitable for both platform and office areas.
•    Components:
o    GPS Receivers: For accurate time data from satellites.
o    NTP Synchronization: Uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to align clocks with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
o    LED Illumination: Provides clear visibility.
o    Alarm Functions: For monitoring and alerts.
Need for a Master Clock System:
•    Safety: Accurate timestamps are essential for thorough accident analysis and event sequencing.

•    Operational Efficiency: A unified timekeeping system improves train operations and management.
•    Technological Advancements: Modern rail operations require reliable and synchronized timekeeping solutions.
Additional Information:
•    Time Data Sources: The system will use data from Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC) and the National Physical Laboratories (NPL) to ensure precision.

Prelims Question:
Question: Which of the following features are part of the Master Clock System being developed by Indian Railways?
1.    GPS Synchronization
2.    NTP Synchronization
3.    Manual Timekeeping
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question:
Question: Explain the significance of implementing a Master Clock System in Indian Railways. How will GPS and NTP synchronization contribute to enhancing safety and operational efficiency?