1. STREET VENDOR ACT 2014 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Vulnerable Sections)

Context: Recently, a decade has passed since the enactment of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, marking a significant milestone following decades of legal jurisprudence and the relentless advocacy of street vendor movements throughout India.

Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act:

• About: The Act, 2014, aimed to regulate street vending and safeguard vendors' rights.
• Provisions of the Street Vendors Law

o Street Vendors' Importance: Street vendors, comprising 2.5% of a city's population, fulfill vital roles in urban life.

They provide essential services, offering affordable goods and food, especially for migrants and the urban poor.

o Impact of COVID-19 on Street Vendors: Despite government loans, street vendors feel vulnerable post-COVID, facing economic uncertainty.

o Cultural Significance: Integral to Indian culture, street vendors contribute iconic dishes like vada pav in Mumbai and dosai in Chennai.

o Purpose of the Law: Enacted to protect and regulate street vending, with state-level rules and execution by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

o Town Vending Committees (TVCs): The Act empowers state governments to constitute TVCs for: (i) identifying street vendors, (ii) issuing vending certificates, and (iii) keeping records of vendors.

o Governance Structure: Mandates 40% vendor representation in TVCs, with 33% representation for women vendors, promoting inclusivity.

Committees ensure the accommodation of all existing vendors in designated zones.

o Grievance Resolution: Proposes a Grievance Redressal Committee, chaired by a judicial magistrate, to address disputes and grievances.

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2. TTS SYNDROME (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has said that its AZD1222 vaccine against Covid-19, which was made under licence in India as Covishield, could cause low platelet counts and formation of blood clots in “very rare” cases.

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)

• About: TTS is characterized by blood clots (thrombosis) combined with low levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia), which are necessary for blood clotting. 

o It often involves unusual blood clot locations, such as in the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) or abdomen.

• Symptoms of TTS:  Severe or persistent headaches, blurred vision, Shortness of breath, Chest pain, Leg swelling, Persistent abdominal pain and Easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the injection site.
• Age Factor: TTS risk slightly higher in individuals under 60.
• Variety of Blood Clot Locations:

o Blood clots associated with AstraZeneca vaccine can manifest in multiple areas:

o Brain (CVST)

o Abdomen (Splanchnic vein thrombosis)

o Lungs (Pulmonary embolism)

o Limb veins (DVT)

o Arteries (Arterial thrombosis)

Were incidents of blood clots reported in India as well?

• Incidents of Blood Clots in India: The Indian government reported 26 potential thromboembolic events related to Covishield in May 2021.
• Occurrence Rate: With over millions of doses administered, the rate of potential thromboembolic events for Covishield was 0.61 cases per million doses, or 0.000061%.
• Government Assessment: The Union Health Ministry labeled the risk as "minuscule," emphasizing Covishield's positive benefit-risk profile and its potential in combating Covid-19.
• Covaxin's Status: No potential thromboembolic events were reported for Covaxin, Bharat Biotech's indigenous vaccine.
• Ethnic Risk Variation: The Ministry highlighted scientific literature indicating a 70% lower risk of blood clotting in individuals of South and Southeast Asian descent compared to those of European descent.

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3. EXPANDED PROGRAMME ON IMMUNIZATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The year 2024 recently commemorates the 50th anniversary of the World Health Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), representing a pivotal moment for global and Indian immunization efforts.

Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)

• About: The EPI was launched in 1974 by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global initiative.
• Mandate: EPI aimed to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child worldwide, irrespective of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.
• Smallpox Eradication Momentum: EPI built upon the success of the smallpox eradication effort, aiming to extend similar achievements to other vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Evolution into EPI: Over time, EPI transformed into the Essential Programme on Immunization, broadening its scope to encompass comprehensive immunization efforts for individuals of all ages.
• Initial Focus: Initially, EPI targeted protection against six childhood illnesses, including tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and measles.
• Expansion of Vaccines: There are now 13 vaccines (antigens) recommended by WHO for the EPI programme. They are: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Hepatitis B (HepB), polio, measles, rubella, pneumococcal disease (PNC), rotavirus (Rota), human papillomavirus (HPV), and COVID-19 (for adults).

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4. CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL (CAT) (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) recently overturned IPS officer Gurjinder Pal Singh's compulsory retirement and directed his reinstatement into service.

Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

• About: It was established under Article 323-A of the Constitution to adjudicate disputes and complaints regarding recruitment and conditions of service in public services under the Union or other government authorities.
• Jurisdiction: CAT's jurisdiction extends to Ministries, Departments of the Central Government, and approximately 214 other organizations designated under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.
• Bnches: With 17 Benches and 21 Circuit Benches spread across India, CAT ensures accessibility to justice in administrative matters.
• Composition: A CAT bench comprises one Judicial Member and one Administrative Member, mirroring the composition of other administrative tribunals.

o The Chairman and Members of CAT enjoy the same conditions of service as a High Court Judge.

• Regulation of Personnel: Salaries, allowances, and conditions of service for CAT officers and employees are determined by the Central Government.
• Appeals Process: Orders of CAT can be challenged through Writ Petitions under Article 226/227 of the Constitution, filed in the respective High Court's jurisdiction.
• Powers:

o CAT's jurisdiction is confined to service matters under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.

o It operates based on principles of natural justice, independent of the Civil Procedure Code.

o CAT has the authority to establish its procedural rules.

o It can address contempt cases related to its proceedings with the same authority as a High Court.

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5. DEBTS RECOVERY TRIBUNALS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: A government official recently stated that the Centre has instructed state-owned lenders to refrain from seeking unnecessary adjournments before debt recovery tribunals.

Debts Recovery Tribunals

• About: DRTs were established to facilitate debt recovery involving banks and other financial institutions with their customers.
• Establishment: DRTs were set up after the passing of the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act (RDBBFI), 1993. Section 3 of the RDDBFI Act empowers the Central government to establish DRTs.
• Current Status:Presently, there are 39 functioning DRTs and 5 DRATs nationwide.
• Leadership Structure: Each DRT is headed by a Presiding Officer, while each DRAT is headed by a Chairperson.
• Tenure of Officers: The Presiding Officer of a DRT serves a five-year term with eligibility for reappointment.
• Powers and Functions:

o DRTs enforce provisions of the RDDBFI Act, 1993, and the SARFAESI Act, 2002.

o They possess broad authority to issue comprehensive orders, including hearing cross suits, counter claims, and allowing set-offs.

o However, they are limited in hearing claims of damages, deficiency of services, breach of contract, or criminal negligence by lenders.

o DRTs can appoint Receivers, Commissioners, pass various types of orders, review their decisions, and hear appeals against Recovery Officers' orders.

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6. PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Bombay High Court has held that public sector banks (PSBs) cannot recommend or request the issuance of Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against loan defaulters and has set aside the provisions of the central government’s Office Memoranda (OM) that empowered PSBs to do so.

Public Sector Banks

• Ownership Structure: Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are characterized by government ownership exceeding 50%.
• Government Regulation: Due to government ownership, financial guidelines for PSBs are regulated by the government, instilling a sense of security among depositors.
• Customer Base: Public sector banks typically boast a large customer base, owing to the perceived security of deposits.
• Exemplary Case: The State Bank of India (SBI) stands as the largest public sector bank in India, with the Indian government holding more than 63% of its shares.

Legal Challenge

• Issuing Authority: The LOCs under challenge were issued by the Bureau of Immigration of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Purpose: These LOCs allowed the authorities at any port of departure to prevent a debtor to a PSB from leaving India.
• Legal Basis: The LOCs were based on Office Memorandums (OMs) issued by the Ministry from October 27, 2010 onward.

Court's Observation

• Critique of LOCs: The court criticized LOCs as mere strong-arm tactics to bypass legal procedures, implying they were used by public sector banks to avoid legal inconveniences.
• Fundamental Right Upheld: The court upheld the fundamental right to travel abroad, asserting it cannot be restricted by executive actions without proper statutory provisions.
• Criticism of Bank's Unilateral Power: The court condemned the unilateral power granted to public sector banks in matters of travel restriction, asserting it violated Article 21 rights.
• Bank's Dual Role: The court highlighted the conflict of interest where public sector banks act as both judge and executioner in debt recovery, undermining fair legal processes.

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7. STREEDHAN PROPERTIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed that stridhan remains the "absolute property" of a woman, emphasizing that husbands hold no authority over it.

Streedhan Properties

• Definition: Streedhan properties encompass gifts bestowed upon a woman before, during, or after marriage, inclusive of assets received at the time of bidding farewell.
• Essentials: It constitutes all movable and immovable assets, including gifts, acquired by the woman throughout her life, covering periods such as pre-marriage, marriage, childbirth, and widowhood.
• Stridhan Nature: Streedhan is endowed voluntarily to the woman, devoid of any coercion or undue influence, ensuring her absolute ownership.
• Breakdown of Marriage: In the event of marital dissolution, the woman retains the right to reclaim her Streedhan assets.
• Legality: The act of endowing Streedhan is legally recognized, offering protection to the woman's ownership rights.
• Governing Act: Streedhan properties are governed by the Hindu Succession Act of 1956, safeguarding women's inheritance and property rights.

Legal Judgments on Stridhan Property

• Family Court Decision: The Family Court, in 2011, ruled in favor of the appellant, finding that the husband and his mother misappropriated her gold jewellery.
• Kerala High Court's Intervention: The Kerala High Court, however, partially overturned the Family Court's decision, stating that the woman failed to prove the misappropriation of gold jewellery by the husband and his mother.
• Judicial Interpretation: Justices emphasized that 'stridhan' property remains the absolute property of the wife and doesn't become joint property with the husband.

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8. KALESAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Eco and Environment)

Context: The Supreme Court has stayed the construction of 4 dams in the Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary following the Wildlife Institute of India’ report.

Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Situated in Haryana, Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Establishment: Designated as a sanctuary in 1996, Kalesar National Park (KNP) and Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) represent the westernmost edge of the Terai Arc Landscape within the Shivalik mountain range.
• Significance of Name: Named after the Kaleshwar temple, the sanctuary is graced by the presence of the Yamuna River on one of its sides.
• Coverage: Spanning across 11,000 acres, the sanctuary is a vital part of Haryana's natural heritage.
• Flora: Khair and Sal trees, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.
• Fauna: Leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, hyenas, and many more, Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich biodiversity.
• Topography: From plains to hills reaching an elevation of 700 meters, the sanctuary's landscape is marked by narrow valleys locally known as 'khols' and seasonal rivulets called 'soats'.
• Dams: Chikan, Kansli, Khillanwala, and Ambawali, enhancing its ecological diversity.

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9. RED COLOBUS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Eco and Env)

Context: A recent study by an international team of scientists highlighted that Red colobus monkeys serve as primary indicators of biodiversity decline in the continent's tropical forests, suggesting that conserving them could be crucial for protecting these vital ecosystems.

Red Colobus

• About: These a rare group of imperilled monkeys spread across Africa.
• Classification: Red colobuses belong to the Old World monkey genus Piliocolobus, formerly considered a subgenus within Procolobus.
• Relationship with Other Species: They are closely related to black-and-white colobus monkeys and are often found in groups with blue monkeys.
• Hunting: The western red colobus faces significant predation pressure from common chimpanzees.
• Geographical Distribution: Red colobus monkeys inhabit regions spanning from Senegal to Zanzibar.
• Dietary Distinction: Red colobus monkeys represent one of two major simian groups globally, known as colobines.
• Feeding Behavior: Colobines, including red colobus monkeys, primarily consume leaves, distinguishing them from the omnivorous cercopithecines.
• Complexity: Colobines, encompassing species like langurs and African colobus monkeys, must carefully select and process plant materials due to their specialized diet.
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.

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10. SALMONELLA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The United States has reportedly refused almost a third of shipments from MDH since October 2023 due to salmonella contamination.

Salmonella

• About: It is a group of bacteria causing gastrointestinal illness known as salmonellosis.

o It resides naturally in the intestines of animals and can be present in their faces.

• WHO & Salmonella: The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies Salmonella as one of four key global causes of diarrhoeal diseases.
• Transmission: Humans can contract Salmonella by coming into contact with infected animals or contaminated items in their surroundings.

o The WHO says Salmonella can pass through the entire food chain from animal feed, primary production, and all the way to households or food-service establishments and institutions.

• Survivability and Distribution: Salmonella is ubiquitous and robust, capable of surviving for weeks in dry environments and months in water.
• Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, and stomach discomfort.
• Risk Group: Certain demographics, like children under 5, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk.
• Severity of Illness: Individuals with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness, requiring medical attention or hospitalization.

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