ENEMY PROPERTY ACT - POLITY

NEWS: Recently, the High Court directed Saif Ali Khan to approach a tribunal regarding
the central government's declaration of the Pataudi family's historic properties as
'enemy property.'
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
1. Definition of Enemy Property:
Enemy property refers to assets, both movable (e.g., vehicles, stocks, cash) and
immovable (e.g., land, houses), that were left in India by individuals who migrated to
nations classified as “enemy countries” during times of war or conflict with India.
2. Historical Context:
 During and after the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, a significant
number of people migrated from India to Pakistan. As Pakistan was designated
an “enemy nation,” the properties they left behind were classified as enemy
properties.
 A similar scenario occurred during the Sino-Indian War of 1962, where
individuals who migrated to China had their properties categorized as enemy
properties.
3. Custodian of Enemy Property:
The Government of India appointed the Custodian of Enemy Property for India as
the authority responsible for managing and overseeing such properties. The custodian
ensures these properties remain under government control and prevents unauthorized
access or misuse.
4. Inheritance and Transfer Restriction:
Under the Enemy Property Act of 1968, all properties declared as enemy properties
are permanently vested with the Custodian. This means that these properties cannot be
inherited by legal heirs, sold, or transferred in any manner, even if the original owner
or their heirs acquire Indian citizenship or a neutral nationality.
Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2017
1. Expanded Definition:
The amended law broadened the scope of the terms “enemy subject” (individuals
from enemy countries) and “enemy firm” (companies from enemy countries) to
include:
 Legal heirs and successors of enemy nationals, even if they are citizens of
India or a non-enemy country.
 Successor firms of enemy companies, regardless of the nationality of their
members or partners.
 2. Retention of Enemy Properties:
The amendments ensure that enemy properties remain with the Custodian even if:
 The original owner passes away, or
 They cease to be classified as an enemy due to naturalization (change of
nationality), the winding up of their business, or the extinction of their family
line.
3. Prevention of Inheritance or Transfer:
The amendments were specifically introduced to prevent legal heirs, successors, or
third parties from making inheritance or transfer claims on properties that are already
classified as enemy property.
4. Objective:
The primary goal of these amendments is to protect the Indian government’s control
over enemy properties and to ensure that such properties cannot be misused or
reclaimed through legal loopholes.
5. Key Legal Precedents:
 Union of India vs. Raja Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan Case, 2005:
The Raja of Mahmudabad owned properties in Uttar Pradesh. After
Partition, he left for Pakistan in 1957 and acquired Pakistani citizenship,
leading to his estate being declared enemy property.
1. His wife and son stayed in India as Indian citizens, and upon the
Raja’s death, his son staked a claim to the properties, challenging
their classification as enemy property.
2. The Supreme Court (SC) of India held that since the son was
an Indian citizen, he was entitled to reclaim his father’s
properties. The properties could not be treated as enemy property
because the rightful heir was a citizen of India.
3. Impact: The SC verdict led to numerous claims by relatives of
those who migrated to Pakistan. In response, the government
issued ordinances to prevent courts from ordering the return of
enemy properties, ultimately passing The Enemy Property
(Amendment and Validation) Act in 2017.
 Lucknow Nagar Nigam & Others V. Kohli Brothers Colour Lab. Pvt. Ltd.
& Others Case, 2024: The SC ruled that vesting enemy property in the
Custodian is temporary. The Union of India cannot claim ownership, as
there is no transfer of ownership from the original owner to the Custodian,
and thus no ownership rights are transferred to the government.

Pataudi Family Case

1. Properties in Question:
The central government has declared historical properties belonging to the Pataudi
 family, located in Bhopal, as enemy properties. These properties are estimated to be
worth ₹15,000 crore.
2. Legal Action:
Saif Ali Khan, a prominent Bollywood actor and descendant of the Pataudi family, has
been directed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court to approach the appellate authority
for resolution of this matter. This legal direction came after the government invoked
the Enemy Property Act for these assets.
Right to Property in India
1. Original Constitutional Provision:
 Initially, Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 of the Indian Constitution guaranteed
every citizen the fundamental right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property.
 However, the State had the authority to compulsorily acquire private property
for public purposes, provided it followed the due process of law and
compensated the owner.
2. 44th Constitutional Amendment (1978):
 The 44th Amendment to the Constitution removed the right to property
from the list of Fundamental Rights.
 Instead, it introduced Article 300A, which made the right to property a
constitutional right rather than a fundamental one. This means that while the
right to property is still protected, it is subject to limitations imposed by the
government.
3. Current Status of Right to Property:
 Under Article 300A, no person can be deprived of their property unless there
is a valid legal process or law in place authorizing such deprivation.
 Although it is no longer a Fundamental Right, the right to property is
considered a human right, especially in a welfare state like India, where
citizens are entitled to protection from arbitrary dispossession.
4. Recent Supreme Court Judgment (2023):
 The Supreme Court, in a recent judgment, clarified that the State cannot
forcibly dispossess a citizen of their property without following proper legal
procedures.
 This ruling came in the context of a dispute over land acquisition for the
Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project in 2003. The court
reaffirmed that even though the right to property is no longer fundamental, it is
still protected by the Constitution under Article 300A.
Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971
  It is commonly known as the Public Premises Act and is designed to address the
issue of unauthorised occupation of public property.
 Definition of Public Premises: Under Section 2(e) of the Act, "public premises"
include:
 Properties belonging to or leased by the Central Government.
 Premises under the control of the Secretariat of either House of Parliament.
 Properties controlled by companies with significant Central Government
shareholding, corporations established by Central Acts, universities, and
technology institutes.
 Implications for Occupants and Landlords:
 Unauthorised Occupants: The Act provides a stringent mechanism for
eviction, offering limited scope for legal recourse. Courts consistently uphold
the principle that public premises should be available for their intended use
and that unauthorised occupation undermines this purpose.
 Landlords (Government Bodies/Public Sector Undertakings): The Act
streamlines the process for reclaiming occupied properties. However,
authorities must ensure that the eviction process is fair and
reasonable, adhering to principles of natural justice. Judicial interpretations
emphasise that while estate officers have substantial powers, these must be
exercised judiciously.
How many enemy properties are there in India?
 It is important to mention here that there are a total of 9,280 enemy properties in
India, so far 6,289 enemy properties have been surveyed and the remaining 2,991
properties are under survey. The Home Minister ordered that such properties where no
one is living should be vacated so that they can be auctioned soon. Most of the enemy
properties in India belong to people going to Pakistan.
 Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of properties in the country at 4,991. Apart
from this, there are 2,735 such properties in West Bengal and 487 such properties in
the capital Delhi. Of these, 126 properties belong to people taking Chinese
citizenship. A maximum of 57 enemy properties of Chinese citizens are in
Meghalaya, while 29 are in West Bengal and 7 such properties are in Assam.
 Currently, CEPI holds over 6.5 crore shares of 20,323 shareholders in 996 companies.
Out of these 996 companies, 588 companies are still operating. The process of selling
these shares should be approved by the alternative mechanism, which will be chaired
by the Finance Minister, although the Home Minister and the Minister of Road
Transport and Highways will also be involved.

Key Takeaways
  Protection of Enemy Properties:
The Enemy Property Act ensures that properties left behind by individuals who
migrated to enemy nations remain permanently under government control.
 Amendments and Broadened Scope:
The 2017 amendments to the Act solidified government authority over these
properties, preventing legal heirs and successors from making claims, irrespective of
their nationality.
 Right to Property Evolution:
While the right to property has been downgraded from a Fundamental Right to a
constitutional right, it still holds importance as a human right. Citizens are protected
from arbitrary government actions under Article 300A.
 Legal Precedent:
The Supreme Court has recently reiterated the importance of following due legal
processes in cases of land acquisition or dispossession, reinforcing the significance of
procedural fairness in protecting property rights.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-
nugget-enemy-property-upsc-prelims-2025-saif-ali-khan-pataudi-9795049/

INDIA -INDONESIA BILATERAL RELATIONS

NEWS: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in India ahead of the 76th Republic
Day celebrations in New Delhi, where he will be the chief guest.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
 Cultural & Historical Ties: India and Indonesia share over two millennia of close
cultural and commercial contacts.
 Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam spread to Indonesia from India.
 Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata influence Indonesian folk art
and dramas.
 The Bali Yatra festival is celebrated in both countries with enthusiasm.
 Political Relations: Both countries have common experiences of colonialism,
democracy, pluralism, and progressive leadership.
 President Sukarno of Indonesia was the Guest of Honour during India’s first
Republic Day in 1950.
 Both nations were instrumental in the independence movements of Asia and
Africa, and contributed to the Bandung Conference (1955) and the formation
of the Non-Aligned Movement (1961).
  India’s ‘Look East Policy’ (1991) and ‘Act East Policy’ (2014) have
accelerated bilateral relations, particularly in politics, security, defense,
commerce, and culture

 G20 Engagement:Indonesia chaired the G20 Presidency in 2022 with the theme
“Recover Together, Recover Stronger.”
 India participated actively in G20 events hosted by Indonesia, and Prime
Minister Modi attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Bali in November 2022.
 India assumed the G20 presidency in December 2022, hosting over 100
meetings with strong Indonesian participation.
 Economic Relations: Bilateral trade for 2022-23 was USD 38.85 billion, with Indian
exports at USD 10.02 billion and imports at USD 28.82 billion.
 India is a major buyer of Indonesian coal, crude palm oil, and other resources.
India exports refined petroleum, vehicles, agricultural products, and more.
 Investment:Indian investment in Indonesia reached USD 1,219 million in 4,750
projects (2000-2022).
 Much of Indian investment enters Indonesia via Singapore and other
gateways, so the actual volume may be higher.
 Areas for Indian investment include joint ventures in diverse sectors.
 Blue Economy Opportunities: The blue economy focuses on sustainable economic
activities related to oceans and seas.
 Indonesia is a leader in leveraging its maritime resources for sustainable
economic growth.
  Digital & Technological Cooperation:Both India and Indonesia are highly
digitalized and use technology for public services and e-governance.
 India’s success with Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI) can serve as a model
for Indonesia, which is also developing its DPIs.
 Cybersecurity is a key area for cooperation as both countries face new security
risks in digital public services.
 Defence: India and Indonesia have strong defence and security cooperation. In May
2018, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, both nations signed a new
Defence Cooperation Agreement, marking the elevation of their relationship to a
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
 Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI is a joint training exercise between Indian
Special Forces and the Indonesian Special Forces.
Challenges in India-Indonesia Relationship
 Trade Imbalance: India’s heavy imports of palm oil and coal from Indonesia create
a trade imbalance, with palm oil imports alone reaching $11 billion in 2022.
 Unrealised Trade Potential: Bilateral trade potential is estimated at $61
billion, 33% higher than current trade, highlighting untapped opportunities in
agriculture and renewable energy sectors.
 Dominance of China: Indonesia’s substantial Chinese investments under the Belt
and Road Initiative, such as railways, have raised concerns in India about growing
Chinese influence in the region.
 Regulatory Challenges: Differences in defense procurement processes have stalled
joint defense projects, limiting deeper defense cooperation.
 Ineffective Investor Window: A special window to address Indian investors’
concerns has been dysfunctional, hindering business expansion in Indonesia.
 Connectivity Issues: Limited direct air connectivity and visa barriers restrict
people-to-people interactions, impeding tourism and business growth between the two
nations.
Future outlook
 Cooperation in the blue economy and digital technology offers promising
opportunities for India and Indonesia.
 These collaborations will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute to the
broader Indo-Pacific region’s prosperity.
 There is potential for India and Indonesia to collaborate on marine pollution,
overfishing, sea farming, maritime security, waste management, blue carbon spaces,
and marine resource utilization for fuel and food production.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ASEAN FOR INDIA?
 Historical Context and Elevation of Partnership:
 1992: India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner with ASEAN, marking the
start of formal engagement.
 1995: Elevated to a Dialogue Partner, increasing interactions to the Foreign
Minister level.
 2002: The relationship was further upgraded to Summit level, with the first
Summit taking place in 2002.
 2012: At the 20-year Commemorative Summit in New Delhi, the Dialogue
Partnership was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership.
 2018: During the 25-year Commemorative Summit, India and ASEAN
agreed to focus on cooperation in the maritime domain.
 2022: The 30-year anniversary of ASEAN-India relations was celebrated,
designated as ASEAN-India Friendship Year, culminating in the elevation of
the Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
 Economic Powerhouse-Gateway to Southeast Asian Markets: ASEAN represents
a crucial economic bloc for India, offering access to a market of over 650 million
people with a combined GDP of USD 3.2 trillion.
  The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area has boosted bilateral trade to USD 110.39
billion in 2021-2022.
 ASEAN is one of the major trade partners of India with a share of 11% in
India's global trade.
 Singapore is India' largest trade partner in ASEAN and 6th largest trade
partner worldwide and it was the largest source of FDI during the last
financial year valued at USD 11.77 billion.
 Strategic Counterbalance: In the context of rising geopolitical tensions, particularly
with China, ASEAN serves as a crucial strategic partner for India.
 India's 'Act East Policy' and ASEAN's 'Outlook on the Indo-Pacific' share
complementary visions for regional stability.
 The elevation of India-ASEAN ties to a Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership in 2022 underscores this alignment.
 India's engagement with ASEAN in forums like the East Asia
Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum provides platforms to assert its role as
a net security provider in the region, countering Chinese influence and
promoting a rules-based international order.
 Connectivity Catalyst: ASEAN is pivotal in India's vision of enhanced regional
connectivity.
 Projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and
the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, despite delays,
represent India's commitment to physical integration with Southeast Asia.
 Digital connectivity initiatives, including the recent focus on 5G and
cybersecurity cooperation, further strengthen these links.
 These connectivity projects are not just about infrastructure but are strategic
investments in creating an integrated economic and cultural space that
can rival China's Belt and Road Initiative in the region.
 Cultural Confluence: The deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and
Southeast Asia provide a unique foundation for soft power diplomacy.
 Initiatives like the ASEAN-India Artists' Camp and Music
Festival celebrate this shared heritage.
 The establishment of the ASEAN-India Network of Universities in
2022 further strengthens academic and cultural exchanges.
 These cultural links are increasingly important in an era where public
diplomacy plays a crucial role in international relations, helping India build
goodwill and influence in the region.
 Technological Synergy: ASEAN's rapidly digitalizing economies present significant
opportunities for India's IT sector and start-up ecosystem.
 The inaugural ASEAN-India Start-up Festival showcases the potential for
collaboration in areas like fintech, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.
 The ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund, with its
recent USD 5 million boost, supports joint research in cutting-edge fields.
 Maritime Security Collaboration: ASEAN is a key partner in India's maritime
security strategy, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.
 Collaboration on issues like piracy, illegal fishing, and disaster management in
bodies like the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Expanded ASEAN
Maritime Forum aligns with India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All
in the Region) doctrine.
 The inaugural ASEAN India Maritime Exercise was held in the South
China Sea in May 2023.
 Energy Security and Sustainability: ASEAN's energy-rich members offer
opportunities for India to diversify its energy sources, crucial for its growing
economy.
 Simultaneously, India's expertise in renewable energy, particularly solar
power, aligns with ASEAN's sustainability goals.
 The recent ASEAN-India High-Level Conference on Renewable Energy
exemplifies this synergy.
 Cooperation in semiconductors, clean energy technologies and sustainable
development practices positions both India and ASEAN at the forefront of
global efforts to combat climate change while ensuring energy security.
 Supply Chain Resilience: In the post-Covid era, ASEAN has emerged as a key
partner in India's efforts to build resilient supply chains.
 The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply networks, prompting
a rethink of over-dependence on single sources.
 India-ASEAN cooperation in sectors like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and
automobiles is crucial for creating diversified, robust supply chains.
 This collaboration aligns with broader initiatives like the Supply Chain
Resilience Initiative (SCRI) involving India, Japan, and Australia, aimed
at reducing dependence on China and creating more secure regional value
chains.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2096164#:~:text=
%E2%80%9CIndia%20and%20Indonesia%20are%20closely,we%20welcome
%20Indonesia's%20BRICS%20membership.%E2%80%9D

INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS - ECONOMY

NEWS: Five new industrial clusters from India join WEF initiative
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Indian Clusters Joining the WEF Initiative
1. Global Participation:
Thirty-three industrial clusters from 16 countries have joined the World Economic
Forum's (WEF) Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative, showcasing a global
commitment to industrial transformation. Among these, five clusters are from India,
emphasizing the country’s active role in supporting clean energy and sustainability
initiatives.
2. Indian Clusters:
The new Indian clusters include:
 Gopalpur Industrial Park: Located in Odisha, this industrial hub is a
growing center for clean energy and industrial innovation.
 Kakinada Cluster (Andhra Pradesh): This cluster focuses on sustainable
industrial development and clean energy integration.
 Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley: A pioneering project aiming to develop and
scale hydrogen-based technologies in Kerala for industrial and energy
purposes.
 Mundra Cluster (Gujarat): Known for its port-based industrial facilities, this
cluster aims to integrate clean energy solutions.
 Mumbai Green Hydrogen Cluster: A hub in Mumbai focusing on advancing
hydrogen technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in energy-intensive
industries.
About Industrial Clusters
1. Definition:
Industrial clusters are geographically concentrated hubs where interconnected
industries, companies, and institutions collaborate to drive economic growth,
innovation, and sustainability.
2. Collaborative Models:
These clusters represent innovative business models where collaboration occurs not
 only within individual clusters but also across different clusters. They leverage digital
technologies and modern practices to foster industrial transformation.
3. Clean Energy Deployment:
Industrial clusters play a vital role in accelerating the deployment of clean-energy
infrastructure, promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing carbon emissions
globally.

WEF Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative

1. Launch and Development:
The initiative was launched during the COP26 climate summit in 2021, showcasing
global ambition to address climate challenges. It was developed in collaboration with
Accenture (a consulting firm) and EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute),
combining expertise in innovation, energy, and sustainability.
2. Aim of the Initiative:
The initiative focuses on helping industrial clusters reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions while simultaneously boosting economic growth and creating jobs. This
dual approach ensures sustainability while maintaining industrial productivity and
economic development.
3. Global Partners:
 Currently, the initiative includes 33 clusters from 16 countries across five
continents.
 These clusters collectively represent an opportunity to significantly reduce
emissions and promote global sustainability.
 4. Potential Impact:
 The 33 clusters combined have the potential to reduce 832 million tonnes of
CO2e emissions, which is comparable to the annual emissions of Saudi
Arabia.
 They contribute USD 492 billion to global gross domestic product (GDP) and
support 4.3 million jobs, underlining their critical role in the economy.
5. Port-Based Expansion:
The initiative is expanding its focus on port-anchored industrial clusters as ports
are key nodes for trade, energy, and industrial activity. Examples include:
 European Clusters joining the network.
 Ports of Açu and the Cartagena Industrial Cluster in South America.
 Jubail Industrial City in the Middle East, which became the first port-based
cluster in that region to join the initiative.
Conclusion
1. Ambitious Goals:
The WEF initiative aims to balance economic growth and employment creation with
significant reductions in CO2e emissions, demonstrating that industrial development
and sustainability can go hand in hand.
2. Comprehensive Support:
By bringing together leading public and private industrial entities, the initiative helps
clusters prepare for funding opportunities, gain regulatory support, and adopt
innovative technologies.
3. Global Transition:
Through its activities, the initiative ensures that industrial clusters worldwide are
equipped to transition toward cleaner energy systems, fostering a global movement
toward sustainability and climate resilience.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/five-new-
industrial-clusters-from-india-join-wef-initiative/articleshow/117457510.cms?from=mdr

CORAL BLEACHING – ENVIRONMENT

NEWS: Catastrophic coral bleaching strikes southern Great Barrier Reef, 44% of corals lost
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Catastrophic Coral Bleaching in the Southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR)
1. Severe Bleaching Incident:
  In May 2024, the southern Great Barrier Reef experienced one of the most
devastating coral bleaching events in its history.
 44% of corals in protected areas died due to extreme heat stress,
highlighting the catastrophic impact of rising temperatures.
2. Heat Stress Trigger:
 This bleaching event was caused by the fourth global coral bleaching event
(GCBE4), which began in January 2023.
 The severity of this event exceeded the levels observed during the 2014-2017
bleaching, emphasizing the growing impact of global climate change on coral
ecosystems.
3. Global Context:
 During GCBE4, 77% of reefs worldwide were exposed to heat-induced
stress, demonstrating the widespread nature of this phenomenon.
 This marked the fifth-largest bleaching event for the GBR, solidifying its
place as a critical episode in the ongoing coral reef crisis.

Importance of Coral Reefs

1. Ecosystem Role:
 Coral reefs are integral to marine ecosystems, providing shelter, food, and
breeding grounds for diverse marine life.
 They play a crucial role in food security for coastal populations and
contribute significantly to local economies, particularly through tourism and
fisheries.
2. Bleaching Process:
 Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel zooxanthellae, the symbiotic algae
living within their tissues, in response to extreme stress, particularly due to
rising sea temperatures.
 This results in the coral losing its color and turning white. Though corals can
survive temporary bleaching, prolonged stress or rapid environmental
changes often lead to their death.
Study Highlights
1. Monitoring Period:
 Scientists conducted a detailed study of 462 coral colonies at One Tree Reef
over a 161-day period.
  The study spanned from the peak of heatwaves in January 2024 through the
cooler autumn and winter months, offering critical insights into the
progression and aftermath of the bleaching event.
2. Temperature Peaks:
 The daily temperature recorded near the coral colonies reached a peak of
30.55°C on January 29, 2024, a level significantly higher than the optimal
range for coral survival.
 Satellite data corroborated these findings, showing sea surface temperatures
reaching 29.13°C on January 30, 2024, reflecting widespread thermal stress.
3. Bleaching Progression:
 The bleaching began to manifest in February, with 66% of coral colonies
showing signs of bleaching by that time.
 This figure increased to 80% by April, with mortality following soon after,
reaching 44% by May and rising to 53% by July 2024.

Extent of Damage
1. High Mortality Rates:
 Certain coral species, particularly Acropora, experienced a 95% mortality
rate, reflecting their extreme vulnerability to heat stress and bleaching.
 Even corals traditionally considered thermally resilient, such as Porites, were
heavily affected, with 69% bleaching and significant mortality.
2. Disease Vulnerability:
 Bleached corals were more susceptible to diseases such as black band disease
(BBD), which further weakened them.
 For instance, Goniopora corals experienced high mortality due to BBD, with
66% of colonies developing the disease.
3. Structural Collapse:
 The physical structures of corals like Acropora and Seriatopora collapsed
under the stress, leaving behind rubble on the seafloor.
 This led to near-total mortality rates (95% and 100%, respectively) and a
shift in the reef’s physical and ecological structure.
4. Species Impact:
  Acropora, Montipora, Favites, Echinopora, Pocillopora, and Seriatopora
corals saw complete bleaching, indicating that no colonies survived the heat
stress.
 Other genera, like Goniastrea and Pavona, were less affected, with bleaching
rates of 47% and 10%, respectively.
Implications for Reef Ecosystems
1. Ecosystem Shifts:
 Repeated bleaching events weaken coral resilience, reducing their ability to
recover and maintain their ecological functions.
 This can lead to long-term shifts in species composition, disrupting the
biodiversity and structural integrity of the reef ecosystem.
2. Global Warming Impact:
 The frequency and intensity of coral bleaching events are a direct consequence
of rising sea temperatures caused by global climate change.
 This underscores the urgent need for effective climate action to mitigate
further damage.

Call to Action
1. Urgency of Protection:
 Maria Byrne, lead author of the study, highlighted the critical importance of
protecting coral reefs due to their role in supporting biodiversity, food
security, and coastal protection.
 She emphasized that even protected areas were not immune to extreme heat
stress, demonstrating the urgent need for global intervention.
2. Resilience Strategies:
 Co-author Professor Ana Vila Concejo stressed the importance of developing
strategies to enhance the resilience of coral reefs to climate change.
 Immediate and effective management practices are essential to safeguard these
ecosystems and support their recovery.
Great Barrier Reef (GBR)
 The GBR is the world's largest coral reef system. It's located in the Coral Sea off the
coast of Queensland, Australia.
 The GBR stretches across 2,300 km and is made up of around 3,000 individual
reefs and 900 islands.
  The GBR is home to 400 types of coral, and 1,500 species of fish. It's also home to
endangered species such as the dugong and the large green turtle. The GBR is
a UNESCO World Heritage site and was inscribed in 1981.
 In 2023, the UNESCO Heritage Committee refrained from listing
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as a site "in danger" but warned that the
world’s biggest coral reef ecosystem remained under "serious threat" from
pollution and the warming of oceans.
 Widespread mass bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef was first seen in 1998 and
happened again in 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022 and now in 2024.
Conclusion
1. Impact of Warming World:
 The 2024 bleaching event in the southern GBR serves as a stark reminder of
the fragility of coral reefs in the face of a rapidly warming climate.
 Without significant action to address climate change, these vital ecosystems
risk further degradation and potential collapse.
2. Call for Global Efforts:
 Collaborative global efforts are required to implement sustainable solutions,
mitigate climate impacts, and preserve the biodiversity and ecological services
provided by coral reefs.

TITBITS:
1. Adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on average die
earlier than those without a diagnosis of ADHD, according to a new study in the United
Kingdom.
2. No one can claim that their right to practise religion has been violated when permission to
use a loudspeaker is denied, the Bombay High Court.
3. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the 100th launch from
the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, which is scheduled with the
launch of the GSLV-F15 NVS-02 mission.
4. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to showcase
"Pralay”, an indigenous short-range quasi-ballistic missile, at the Republic Day parade in
New Delhi
MCQs
Consider the following statements about the Enemy Property Act and the Right to Property in
India:
 1. Enemy property refers to assets left behind by individuals who migrated to countries
classified as enemy nations during conflicts with India.
2. Under the Enemy Property Act, 1968, enemy properties can be inherited by legal heirs
if they are Indian citizens.
3. The 44th Constitutional Amendment removed the Right to Property from the list of
Fundamental Rights and made it a constitutional right under Article 300A.
4. The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2017, prevents claims of
succession or transfer of properties by legal heirs of individuals who migrated to
enemy nations.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Options:
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Correct Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
 Statement 1: Correct. Enemy property refers to assets left behind by individuals who
migrated to enemy nations during conflicts like the India-Pakistan wars and the Sino-
Indian War.
 Statement 2: Incorrect. Enemy properties cannot be inherited, even if the legal heirs
are Indian citizens, as they remain permanently vested with the Custodian of Enemy
Property.
 Statement 3: Correct. The 44th Constitutional Amendment in 1978 removed the
Right to Property from Fundamental Rights and introduced it as a constitutional right
under Article 300A.
 Statement 4: Correct. The 2017 amendment ensures that enemy properties cannot be
claimed by heirs or transferred, even if the heirs are Indian citizens or the original
owners are no longer classified as enemies.

2. How many of the following statements about the 2024 coral bleaching event in the
southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are correct?
1. The bleaching event was caused by the fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE4),
which began in January 2023.
2. By May 2024, 44% of the bleached coral colonies in protected areas had died.
3. Acropora corals experienced a 95% mortality rate due to heat stress and algal fouling.
 4. The peak daily temperature recorded during the heatwave reached 30.55°C.
Options:
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Correct Answer:
(d) All four
Explanation:
All four statements are correct:
1. Correct: The bleaching event was caused by the fourth global coral bleaching event
(GCBE4), which began in January 2023.
2. Correct: By May 2024, 44% of bleached coral colonies in protected areas had died.
3. Correct: Acropora corals suffered a 95% mortality rate due to heat stress and
structural collapse.
4. Correct: The peak daily temperature during the heatwave reached 30.55°C.