Syllabus:

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT 

Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has directed the Maharashtra government to address complaints of “non-recognition of forest rights and forced eviction” raised by families living in Rantalodhi village inside the core area of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.

Background: –

• Under the Wildlife Protection Act, tribal communities and forest dwellers living inside national parks and tiger reserves can be relocated only after obtaining informed consent from the Gram Sabha and after establishing that human presence will harm wildlife. 

Key takeaways

• The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is located in Maharashtra.
• Tadoba became one of India’s earliest national parks when it was so notified in 1955. In 1986, 506.32 sq km of forest land adjoining the national park was notified as the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. The national park and the wildlife sanctuary were finally merged in 1993 when Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), spanning 622.87 sq km, was established.

Biodiversity:

• Flora: The reserve is rich in dry deciduous forests with teak as the dominant tree species. It also has bamboo thickets and patches of grasslands, which support diverse wildlife.
• Fauna: TATR is famed for its high tiger population. Alongside tigers, it is home to other predators like leopards, wild dogs (dhole), sloth bears, and various species of deer, such as sambar, spotted deer, and barking deer. The park also has a variety of reptiles, including marsh crocodiles, and over 200 bird species.
• Tiger Population: Tadoba is one of India’s prominent tiger reserves due to its healthy tiger population and relatively high sighting rates. Tourists flock to the reserve for a chance to see tigers in their natural habitat, making it a significant wildlife destination.
• Conservation Initiatives: The reserve falls under Project Tiger, a nationwide initiative for tiger conservation, helping to protect and boost the tiger population through anti-poaching measures, habitat improvement, and tourism regulation.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Mains – GS 2

Context: With Trump’s reelection as the United States’ President, companies will have to contend with a new reality.

Background: –

• Silicon Valley workers and leaders have traditionally leaned towards the Democratic Party, and Trump 2.0 could pose a difficult balancing act for them.

Key takeaways

• Under Trump’s first tenure saw the beginning of antitrust action against companies like Meta, Google Apple and Amazon; the trade war with China among others.
• In his reelection bid, Trump spoke against the Biden administration’s move to breakup Google, even though the investigation into the company started in his term.
• Elon Musk’s support for Trump could lead to tech-friendly government positions for him or similar figures, influencing the regulatory landscape.

AI Regulation:

• Biden’s AI Order: The Biden administration introduced an order requiring AI companies to disclose their training and security practices.
• Trump’s Stance: Trump has promised to repeal this order, aiming for less regulation in AI, aligning with allies like Marc Andreessen who oppose heavy AI regulation.
• Expected Outcome: Minimal regulatory interference in AI development during Trump’s term, potentially favoring rapid AI advancements without stringent oversight.

China Trade and Tariff Policies:

• Protectionism: Trump’s proposed 60% tariffs on Chinese goods and potential 20% tariffs on other imports could challenge tech giants like Apple, which relies on Chinese manufacturing.
• Apple’s Supply Chain: With a significant production base still in China, Apple may face supply chain disruptions under new tariffs.
• Musk’s Position: Tesla’s manufacturing in China could also be impacted, though Trump might modulate policies due to his alliance with Musk.
• Uncertain Stance: Trump’s past stance on banning TikTok if not sold to a U.S. company remains unclear; however, he joined TikTok recently, hinting at mixed views.

Indian IT Sector and H1-B Visa Policies:

• Increased Spending: Analysts predict increased U.S. tech spending may benefit Indian IT companies.
• H1-B Visa Concerns: While Trump has advocated for tougher H1-B policies, analysts suggest the impact on Indian IT services might be less significant than feared.

Overall Impact on Tech Industry:

• Deregulation Trend: Trump’s administration may continue a deregulatory approach, particularly in emerging sectors like AI.
• Strategic Realignments: The tech sector may see shifts to adjust for Trump’s protectionist policies and antitrust approaches, particularly with new international trade constraints and evolving China policies.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains –  ECONOMY

Context: The sustained sell-off by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) since October this year hasn’t deterred new FPIs from seeking permission to invest in Indian markets. Applications of about 40-50 new FPI registrations have come to the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) during the month.

Background:

• The number of FPIs registered with the Sebi was 11,219 as of March 2024. Only 138 FPIs had registered with the Sebi in full fiscal 2023-24. This means an average of 12-13 FPI registrations every month.

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI)

• FPIs are investors from foreign countries who invest in a country’s financial assets, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, without obtaining control over the companies in which they invest.
• FPIs can be institutional investors like mutual funds, hedge funds, pension funds, and insurance companies, as well as individual investors.

Key Characteristics:

• Portfolio Investments: FPIs invest in securities and other financial assets, not in physical assets or direct ownership.
• Short-term Focus: FPIs typically focus on short-to-medium term returns, unlike Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which is more long-term.
• High Liquidity: FPIs can be quickly liquidated, which makes them sensitive to market volatility.

FPI Regulations in India:

• Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the SEBI (FPI) Regulations, 2019.
• FPIs must register with SEBI to invest in Indian markets.

Reasons for FPI Optimism Towards India:

• SEBI has recently relaxed norms for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), allowing up to 100% participation and simplifying entry and operational procedures, boosting FPI interest in Indian markets.
• Political Stability: Long-term political certainty supports investor confidence.
• Economic Growth Potential: India offers attractive long-term growth prospects and yields.
• Capex Spending: Significant capital expenditure by the Indian government is expected to fuel growth.
• RBI’s Vigilant Approach: The central bank’s cautious interest rate adjustments help control inflation and provide stability for fund-raising in India Inc.
• Impact of U.S.-India Strategic Relations: The recent U.S. election results have spurred optimism due to the strategic partnership between the two nations, which may positively influence trade policies and attract further FPI inflows.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: Recently, in a narrow 4-3 majority verdict, the Supreme Court overturned its 1967 ruling in S. Azeez Basha v. Union of India, which had previously served as the basis for denying Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) its minority institution status.

Background: –

• In its 4-3 majority verdict, the Supreme Court established a “holistic and realistic” test to determine the “minority character” of an educational institution but left the factual determination for AMU’s status to a smaller bench.

Key takeaways

• Article 30(1) of the Constitution guarantees religious and linguistic minorities the fundamental right to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice. 
• Article 30(2) mandates that the state must ensure “equality of treatment” in granting aid to all educational institutions, regardless of their minority status. 
• Such institutions enjoy greater autonomy than most others. Under Article 15(5), they are exempt from providing reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and may reserve up to 50% of seats for students from their own community.
• In the landmark T.M.A. Pai Foundation (2002) case, the Supreme Court clarified that a ‘minority’ status should be determined based on the demographic composition of the concerned State, rather than the national population.

What is the background of the case?

• In 1875, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in Aligarh to offer modern British education rooted in Islamic values to Muslims. 
• In 1920, the Aligarh Muslim University Act (AMU Act) was passed, incorporating MAO College and the Muslim University Association into AMU.
• In 1967, the Supreme Court in S. Azeez Basha v Union of India held that AMU was neither established nor administered by the Muslim minority — it came into existence through an Act of the central legislature — and did not, therefore, qualify as a minority institution under Article 30 of the Constitution.
• In 1981, the government amended the AMU Act, 1920, to say that the institution was established by the Muslim community to promote the cultural and educational advancement of Muslims in India.
• In 2005, AMU provided 50% reservation for Muslims in postgraduate medical programs. In 2006, the Allahabad HC struck down both the university order and the 1981 amendment on the ground that AMU was not a minority institution as per Azeez Basha.
• This judgment was challenged at the SC, and in 2019 the matter was referred to a seven-judge Bench.

What did the majority rule?

• Justice Chandrachud, in an expansive interpretation of Article 30, affirmed that educational institutions established prior to the Constitution are equally entitled to the protections of Article 30(1). 
• Justice Chandrachud clarified that statutory enactments conferring legal recognition or status upon such institutions do not compromise their minority character, provided their foundational purpose was “predominantly” aimed at benefiting the minority community.
• The majority verdict emphasised that an institution does not forfeit its minority character simply because its administration is no longer vested with the community.
• Accordingly, the majority overturned the longstanding Azeez Basha ruling, asserting that treating legal formalities for recognition or degree conferral as grounds to nullify an institution’s minority status would constitute a breach of fundamental rights.

What happens next?

• A regular bench, assigned by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, will now reevaluate AMU’s minority character based on criteria set by the majority without being constrained by Azeez Basha. 
• Meanwhile, the stay on the university’s 2005 reservation policy will persist until a final determination is made.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus:

• Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Context: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has been granted a patent on “Gluten free whole grain flour composition and food products”. The invention provides gluten-free whole grain flour composition and products based on it, particularly gluten-free whole grain flat bread.

Background: –

• This new composition would be highly beneficial for people allergic to gluten-based products

Key takeaways

• Gluten is a group of proteins found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye, which helps foods maintain their shape by providing elasticity and moisture. It also gives bread its chewy texture.
• Composition: Gluten consists of two main proteins, gliadin and glutenin. Gliadin gives dough the ability to rise during baking, while glutenin provides elasticity.

Health Implications:

• Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine, causing malabsorption of nutrients.
• Wheat Allergy: A common food allergy where the immune system reacts to proteins in wheat, including gluten.
• Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort after consuming gluten without having celiac disease or a wheat allergy.

Labeling Regulations:

• In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requires foods containing gluten to display a “Contains Gluten” label. Gluten-free foods must meet specific standards to be labeled as such.
• Gluten is commonly found in traditional Indian foods such as wheat-based rotis and parathas.

Source: Tribune India

Q1.) Which of the following statements is/are correct about gluten and its health implications?

1. Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rice.
2. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten intake, leading to damage in the small intestine.
3. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates labeling of foods containing gluten.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q2.) Consider the following statements regarding Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI):

1. FPI investors can directly control companies in which they invest.
2. FPI investments are considered short-term and liquid, making them sensitive to market volatility.
3. FPIs in India are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the SEBI (FPI) Regulations, 2019.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q3.) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve?

1. TATR is located in Maharashtra and is known for its dry deciduous forests, primarily composed of teak trees.
2. It has a significant tiger population, making it one of the prominent reserves under India’s Project Tiger initiative.
3. Tadoba Lake and Andhari River within the reserve are home to significant populations of crocodiles.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  a

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – a