Front Page / NATIONAL [The Hindu]
[1]. Railways to roll out high speed indigenous rakes
[2]. India to fill gaps in aerial vigilance
Editorial/OPINION [The Hindu]
[1].What exactly is a money bill?
[2]. Ways of sharing
Economy
[1]. SEBI for overhaul of board governance
Indian Express
[1]. The Responsibility Of Choice
[2]. From Plate to Plough
Live Mint
[1]. Time to consolidate inflation indices
[2]. Indo-US naval cooperation: steady as she goes?
Front Page / NATIONAL
[1]. Railways to roll out high speed indigenous rakes
Context
Trial run by March 2018, the train will reduce travel time
What has happened?
The railways will soon manufacture its own train sets that can run at a maximum speed of 160 km per hour, after its global bid in this regard failed to elicit positive response
First train set is named as ‘Train-2018’
- It is expected to be ready by March next year and likely to be pressed into service in Delhi-Lucknow or Delhi-Chandigarh sector
What is a train set?
A train set, much like a Delhi Metro rake, comprises of many coaches that are individually powered by a propulsion system, eliminating the need for locomotive
Special features
- For the first time in Indian Railways, these train sets will have automatic plug type doors that will open and close at stations, wide windows for panoramic view, and ergonomically designed seating
- Equipped with bio-toilets, all coaches in the fully AC train set will be inter-connected so that passengers can move from one coach to other with ease.
Train-2018 project
The aim is to reduce travel time between cities and to achieve that, Train-2018 project has been launched to manufacture two train sets at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) near Chennai on a pilot basis
[2]. India to fill gaps in aerial vigilance
Context
DRDO plans a much larger and more capable system; in talks with Israel
The News
After handing over the first indigenously developed airborne early warning and control system, Netra, to the Indian Air Force at Aero India last week, the Defence Research and Development Organisation has set its sights on a much larger and more capable system
Netra system: Eye-in-the-sky
The Netra AEW&C system would join the three Phalcon A-50 long-range AWACS mounted on Russian IL-76 transport aircraft. These aerial radars, called eye-in-the-sky, are game-changers in warfare. The Netra AEW&C system has an indigenous radar mounted on the Embraer Emb-145 aircraft and three systems are being developed. The system handed over is in the initial operational configuration (IOC).
- It gives a 240-degree coverage of airspace
- The Emb-145 also has air-to-air refuelling capability for longer surveillance time. This capacity will be tested and certified in the next few months
AWACS from Israel
India is in negotiations with Israel to buy two more Phalcon Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft to add to the three systems in service.
Long range AWACS in development
The DRDO has planned to develop a long-range AWACS with a 360-degree coverage akin to the Phalcon
The DRDO plans to develop two AWACS at first and then another four
Project Airawat
The DRDO began a project in the 1980s to build an AWACS, later renamed Project Airawat, but it was cancelled after a prototype crashed in 1999, killing all eight persons on board
Editorial/OPINION
[1].What exactly is a money bill?
Context
Or, why we need to reconsider the Aadhaar Act, with all its implications for privacy
Issue: Passing of Aadhar Act as a money bill
What has happened?
In March, Supreme Court will begin hearing on a writ petition challenging the validity of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial & Other Subsidies, Benefits & Services) Act, 2016 — or the Aadhaar Act.
What’s the petition about?
Petition questions the legality behind the Union government’s move in introducing the Aadhaar Act as a money bill
Author’s contention
The introduction of the Aadhaar Act as a money bill contravenes the bare text of the Constitution. It violates the Right to Privacy
Timeline
- In 2010, the bill was introduced as an ordinary bill meaning consent of both the houses was required for it to be passed
- In March 2016, the Union government withdrew the earlier bill, and introduced, in its place, as a money bill, a new draft legislation, titled the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial & Other Subsidies, Benefits & Services) Bill, 2016 meaning only Lok Sabha’s consent was required now
What is a money Bill?
A money bill is defined by Article 110 of the Constitution, as a draft law that contains only provisions that deal with all or any of the matters listed therein. These comprise a set of seven features, broadly including items such as
- The imposition or regulation of a tax
- The regulation of the borrowing of money by the Government of India
- The withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of India and so forth
If a bill contains anything other features then that draft bill cannot be classified as a money bill
In case of a dispute
Article 110 further clarifies that in cases where a dispute arises over whether a bill is a money bill or not, the Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision on the issue shall be considered final
Government’s stance& whether it is right or wrong
Government has two arguments to support their stand,
- Speaker’s decision beyond judicial review: Speaker’s decision to classify a draft legislation as a money bill is immune from judicial review
- SC’s ruling: The assertion that the Speaker’s decision is beyond judicial review finds support in the Supreme Court’s judgment in Saeed Siddiqui v. State of UP (2014). Here, a three-judge bench had ruled, in the context of State legislatures, that a Speaker’s decision to classify a draft statute as a money bill, was not judicially reviewable, even if the classification was incorrect. This is because the error in question, the court ruled, constituted nothing more than a mere procedural irregularity
Problems with SC’s judgement
- No absolute discretion to speaker: Article 110 requires that a bill to be classified as a money bill should conform the criteria mentioned in it and if it does not, it should be treated as an ordinary draft. Any violation should be recognised0
- No consideration to Raja Ram Pal judgement: In Raja Ram Pal v. Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha(2007), the court had ruled that clauses that attach finality to a determination of an issue do not altogether oust the court’s jurisdiction meaning there are numerous circumstances where the court can review parliamentary pronouncements like cases where a Speaker’s choice is grossly illegal, or disregards basic constitutional mandates etc.
- Argument 2: The Aadhaar Bill fulfilled all the constitutional requirements of a money bill
Problems with 2nd argument
A simple reading of the act shows that its contents go far than the features enumerated in Article 110. Here is a list of such provisions,
- Provisions related to Consolidated Fund of India (CFI)
- the creation of a framework for maintaining a central database of biometric information collected from citizens
- Bill doesn’t provide for funds: A draft legislation is classified as a money bill when it provides for funds to be made available to the executive to carry out specific tasks. In the case of the Aadhaar Act, such provisions are manifestly absent
Let us see how Aadhaar violates the Right to Privacy
Creation of a database: It permits the creation of a database of not only biometric information but also various other private data, without safeguards that need to be installed to ensure their security.
A threat to Rajya Sabha: Author states that Aadhaar Act has the effect of negating altogether the Rajya Sabha’s legislative role, making, in the process, a mockery of our democracy
Conclusion
Author concludes that it is imperative that the court refers the present controversy to a larger bench, with a view to overruling Siddiqui
[2]. Ways of sharing
Context
The time is ripe for India and Bangladesh to consolidate gains on key issues
Issue: Indo-Bangladesh Cooperation: new measures and future prospects
What has happened?
India has decided to throw open its border roads to help Bangladesh construct border outposts in Chittagong hill tracts, known for its inhospitable terrain
- Some areas in Chittagong, bordering Tripura and Mizoram, have no motorable roads and India has decided to allow the Border Guard Bangladesh to construct 13 border outposts using the road connectivity available in the two States. The Border Security Force, deployed along the Bangladesh border, will monitor the construction activities.
Future cooperation
- 1st bilateral trip since signing of Land Boundary agreement: Bangladeshi PM’s visit is being planned in April. If the visit goes as planned, it will be her first bilateral trip to India since 2010, when the MoU for the Land Boundary Agreement was originally signed
Pressure from the opposition: Bangladeshi PM is facing pressure from the opposition on going soft over India. So, she can’t be expected to return home empty-handed
Addressing India’s suspicion: She faces the task of addressing India’s mistrust over Chinese investment in Bangladesh, with $38 billion pledged in infrastructure cooperation and joint ventures during President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2016
- Other measures:There is speculation about a defence partnership agreement, movement on the Teesta water-sharing agreement, the Ganga water barrage project, and other energy and connectivity projects
Problems ahead
- Teesta water-sharing: This measure has been held up due to West Bengal’s reservations
- Farakka Barrage project: Bihar has raised this issue
Economy
[1]. SEBI for overhaul of board governance
Context
Listed companies’ audit panel may be empowered to identify future risks
What has happened?
Markets regulator SEBI is in favour of a major overhaul of the way boards of listed firms discharge their duties, including for appointment and removal of directors, and also wants their audit committees to be empowered to identify future risks
Backdrop
There is a view that SEBI should come out with a new set of regulations to ensure greater compliance in the light of recent controversy concerning Tata Group
Indian Express
[1]. The Responsibility Of Choice
Context
MTP Act must be backed up with an appropriate social and regulatory environment
Issue: The pro-life vs pro-choice debate
Legalization of abortion in US
In the famous Roe versus Wade case US legalized abortion. Jane Roe aka Norma McCorvey became a supporter of pro-life opinion wherein she became against abortion
Pro-choice vs pro-life debate in India
In India the narrative is ruled by the pro-choice.
- The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act allows abortion. Why was it done?
- To reduce the alarming rate of population increase
- To decrease the maternal deaths due to illegal abortion
Author’s contention
- Legalized abortion has become a convenient standby, as a woman can cite contraceptive failure to abort an unwanted pregnancy
- The easy access to abortion services has perhaps promoted a certain amount of irresponsibility
Misuse of Legalized abortion clause: Increased female foeticide
Women who could not voice their opinion were forced to abort the girl child resulting in declining sex ratios. The problem increased so much that (Pre-Conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act) PCPNDT Act had to be legislated. It placed restrictions on the use of ultrasound
20 week limit
Few women and families are aware that a pregnancy cannot be terminated after 20 week period, unless it is likely to threaten the life of the mother
- The problem: As a significant number of Indian women register late for ante-natal care, there is no option to terminate a pregnancy if something wrong is detected. In the same way, several birth defects are detected after 20 weeks. Women are left unprepared for the consequences, frequentlycarrying a pregnancy to term, with the distressing knowledge that something could be wrong with the baby
Way forward
- There is a need for aggressive education on planned-parenthood, and on the risk that women undergo when they use abortion as a means of contraception
- Sonologists have to get together to ensure that counselling is provided to a mother before she undergoes a scan
Conclusion
Author concludes by stating that although the provisions of the MTP Act have to be treasured by Indian women, it has to be used with responsibility and respect towards the unborn life.
[2]. From Plate to Plough
Context
It’s not about loan waivers: Indian farmers are facing multiple crises. Punjab’s case highlights their problems.
Issue: Loan waivers to farmers
Waiver is not an answer
Author argues that granting loan waivers to farmers is not the answer to the distress they are facing
Steps Punjab can take
Author delineates the steps Punjab can take to improve its Agri-GDP growth, which has fallen to its lowest to 1.5 per cent per annum (2007-08, 2014-15, latest available data), even lower than the national average of 3.2 per cent.
- Misguided policy: Punjab’s peasantry suffered due to bans on exports of wheat and rice (during 2007-11), stocking limits on private trade and heavy taxes and commissions imposed on purchases of wheat and rice from the state, which are as high as 14.5 per cent. In a country where one per cent tax on the purchase of jewellery creates an uproar, it is ridiculous to have a 14.5 per cent tax on basic staples like wheat and rice. The net result of this misguided policy is that the food processing industry, which can add value, feels extremely reluctant to enter Punjab — most roller-flour mills in Punjab buy their wheat from Uttar Pradesh
- Volatile prices of perishables: Although Punjab was the first to build a good marketing infrastructure for wheat and rice, it failed to create similar facilities for perishables like fruits and vegetables (F&V).
- As a result, the prices of perishables remain volatile, increasing the risk of farmers who feel reluctant to shift to high-value agriculture. Only 3.4 per cent of Punjab’s GCA is under F&V, compared to 8.3 per cent at an all-India level
- Depleting water table: the most critical problem of Punjab agriculture is its depleting water table, primarily dipping due to paddy cultivation during summer. The nexus of ground water irrigation-free power-assured procurement are sending the wrong signals to farmers. The water table declined by 0.7 m per year from 2008 to 2012
- Dark Blocks: Currently, 75 per cent of blocks in Punjab are declared “dark blocks” where water is over-exploited. It looks as if the current generation is taking away the water rights of future generations
Way forward
With one kg of rice consuming 3,000-5,000 litres of irrigation water, exporting common rice is not a very wise proposition for Punjab’s agriculture. This has to be rationalized; government should incentivise technologies like direct seeding of rice and drip irrigation in rice.
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Live Mint
[1]. Time to consolidate inflation indices
Context
The necessary adjustments, if any, could be made in the new series to ensure that population-specific requirements are also met
Give it a read once
[2]. Indo-US naval cooperation: steady as she goes?
Context
The US and Indian navies could carry out ‘benign naval and maritime activity’ during periods of diplomatic strain.
Increasing naval cooperation: two recent instances
Author states that Indo-US bilateral relationship has been marked by an ever increasing naval cooperation
- Instance 1: Admiral Harry Harris, the commander of the Hawaii-based Pacific Command (Pacom), revealed, that both navies are engaged in “sharing…information regarding Chinese maritime movement in the Indian Ocean,” especially submarines
- Instance 2: Reliance Defence and Engineering Ltd announced that it had won a contract to service ships of the US Seventh Fleet. It comes in the wake of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (Lemoa), followed by the master ship repair agreement, between India and the US
Is this cooperation there to remain or not?
The answer, according to a new report of the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA), a Washington research organization, is “yes
The report is encouraging about the state of cooperation. It notes that following instances are an evidence that the cooperative environment is here to stay
- US-India joint strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean, LEMOA
- The recognition of India as a “Major defense partner”, the joint working group on aircraft-carrier technology cooperation
- The trilateral Malabar exercise (including Japan as a permanent participant)
Limiting strategic factors
Report also notes the following limiting factors that might impede the cooperation,
- The role of China and Pakistan and Washington’s response to them
- Indian party politics, particularly the return of coalition politics dependent on left parties
Limiting operational factors
There are several operational factors that could impede relations. Top among them is the
- Intransigence of the Indian bureaucracy, which “have historically reined in the military services in terms of… freedom of action”
- The lack of progress on foundation agreements, such as the Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum Agreement and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for satellite-based intelligence will affect the pace of defence engagement
- Freedom of navigation operations (FONOPS): India is uncomfortable with joint Fonops for several reasons
- It sees the Indian Ocean as its primary area of interest, not the South China Sea.
- Such cruises are bound to antagonize China, which India does not consider to be in its national interest
- India is also opposed, in principle, to military ships traversing through its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and seeks prior consent for military exercises or manoeuvres in its EEZ. If India participates in the US-led Fonops, it would have to rescind on this principle and also accept the possibility of other navies—especially Chinese navy—being present in its EEZ.
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