Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• Babasaheb’s warning: In politics, bhakti or hero-worship is a sure road to dictatorship
• In B R Ambedkar’s vision, a model for governance today

GS Paper 2

• Neutral, not passive: On India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict
• State Your Case, Lordship – Judge recusals for vague reasons are increasing. CJI should lead the process for procedure
• Taiwan matters more than we’d like to tell ourselves
• Explained | The rules for recognition as national and State party

GS Paper 3

• Is the current regulatory system equipped to deal with AI?
• For our world in flux: Some hard lessons in history from the 1930s

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Explained | What is ‘Dabba trading’ and how does it affect the economy?
• Those criticizing MUDRA scheme don’t understand power of microfinance: PM
• Breaking down the demand surge for petroleum products
• Custodial Violence: No external monitoring mechanism in India to take erring police officers to task
• Mircha’ rice of Bihar’s West Champaran gets GI tag

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

Babasaheb’s warning: In politics, bhakti or hero-worship is a sure road to dictatorship

News– India is celebrating the 132th birth anniversary of Ambedkar.

What are the contributions of Ambedkar for the country?

As per Rajendra Prasad, Ambedkar worked with zeal and devotion as the members of the Drafting Committee and its Chairman in spite of his indifferent health. He has justified his selection as chairman of the drafting committee.

In the Constituent Assembly debates, Ambedkar’s intellectual capabilities were visible. He constantly articulated in favour of the rights of the citizens and emphasised remedies to enforce them.

The debates also reflect prophetic wisdom. He continuously spoke about the problems that existed and may confront the nation in the future.

He was concerned about the unity of the nation. If Hindu-Muslim problem is solved by force, this country would be involved in perpetually conquering Muslims.

What are Ambedkar ideas about democracy in India?

We have prepared a democratic Constitution. But the successful working of democratic institutions requires the people working there to have willingness to respect the viewpoints of others, capacity for compromise and accommodation.

A good constitution may turn out bad because those working upon it are bad.

He feared that India may lose democracy. As per him, it is quite possible for this new-born democracy to retain its form but give way to dictatorship.

How can democracy be maintained in India as per Ambedkar?

There is a need to adopt constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives. It means we must abandon the bloody methods of revolution. There is a need to abandon the method of civil disobedience, non-cooperation, and satyagraha.

The people should not lay their liberties at the feet of even a great man. They should not be given powers that can enable them to subvert their institutions. There is nothing wrong in being grateful to great men. But there are limits to gratefulness.

He warned against Bhakti or hero-worship in India. Bhakti in religion may be a road to the salvation of the soul. But in politics, Bhakti or hero-worship is a sure road to degradation and to eventual dictatorship.

We must not be content with mere political democracy. We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well. Political democracy cannot last unless it is without the base of social democracy.

What are Ambedkar’s views on social democracy?

Social democracy meant a way of life which recognises liberty, equality, and fraternity as the principles of life. They formed a trinity and could not be separated from each other.

In economic and social life, we continue to deny “the principle of one man one value”. We continue to deny equality in our social and economic life for a very long time. If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril.

What are Ambedkar views on fraternity?

For him, fraternity was of great importance. It means a sense of common brotherhood of all Indians. This is the principle that gives unity and solidarity to social life.

He felt it was difficult to achieve fraternity in India, because there are castes. The castes are anti-national. They are anti-national also because they generate jealousy and antipathy between caste and caste.

In B R Ambedkar’s vision, a model for governance today

News– India is celebrating the 132th birth anniversary of Ambedkar.

What are the contributions of Ambedkar?

In every assignment, from his association with the Simon Commission, three Round Table conferences, as labour member in the Viceroy’s Council and as chairman of the Constitution’s drafting committee, he firmly safeguarded the interests of the people.

He stressed establishing institutions for a just society.

What are the steps taken by the current government to preserve the legacy of Ambedkar?

Under the Ministry of Culture, the National Research for Conservation of Cultural Property, Lucknow, has preserved Babasaheb’s belongings for posterity.

A total of 1,358 objects, including the typewriter used to draft the Constitution, have been preserved and will be showcased at the upcoming Dr B R Ambedkar Socio-Economic & Culture Centre, Chicholi Nagpur.

This centre will emerge as a sacred place, highlighting glimpses of his contribution to building the nation.

How actions of the Modi government indicate the acceptance of Ambedkar ideas?

From the planning to the implementation level, the governance system follows Ambedkar’s vision.

Government’s efforts has led to dedicated development of the Panch Tirtha, Dr Ambedkar International Centre, and the implementation of pro-poor and people-centric policy measures to facilitate the ease of life of citizens.

These are steps that bring the government closer to Ambedkar’s ideas. Stand-Up India, Start-Up India, PM Awas Scheme, BHIM, Mudra, and JAM trinity are some of the examples.

The Prime Minister’s Panch Pran mantra wants to make a developed India by taking pride in our roots, removing traces of the colonial mindset. It is also reflected in Ambedkar’s ideas.

Ambedkar believed that the constitutional ideals and social philosophy of “liberty, equality and fraternity” have Indian cultural roots, from the teachings of the Buddha. They are not merely a legacy of the French Revolution.

GS Paper 2

Neutral, not passive: On India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict

News: Recently, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister visited India. This is the first such by a senior government official visit from Ukraine since the Russian invasion.

How Russia-Ukraine war made India’s international relations complicated?

-Russia is a historical partner of India and India also has deep defence ties. So, India has no easy, immediate alternative to Russia.

-The war has also made India’s ties with its Western partners complicated as the trans-Atlantic powers, led by the United States, have launched an economic war against Russia.

-Ukraine has publicly expressed its displeasure over India’s position on the war. Ukraine also criticised India’s energy purchases from Russia as it involved “Ukrainian blood”.

India refused to condemn Russia and maintained defence and trade ties. On the other hand, India expressed its uneasiness with the war and called for respecting the territorial integrity of all nations.

What should India do?

Utilise India’s presidency: India is the chair of the G-20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. So, India should do more to show global leadership and help to end the war.

India should play a bigger role in peacemaking: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has hurt not only Europe but also the entire world. The countries in the Global South are of the view that the hostilities should cease at the earliest. For example, both China and Brazil have hinted at playing a bigger role in brokering peace. So India should also join in the peace process.

India should uphold international laws and sovereignty: India’s strategic neutrality means, it should a) empathise more vocally with the victim, b) raise the voice and interests of the Global South, and c) call for upholding international laws and sovereignty of all states. So, India should push for a pragmatic and permanent solution to the conflict.

State Your Case, Lordship – Judge recusals for vague reasons are increasing. CJI should lead the process for procedure

News: Recently, the fourth judge has recused himself from hearing the Maharashtra-Karnataka border tussle on Belagavi. The judge reportedly recused himself since Karnataka is his home state. This highlights the urgent need for the Supreme Court to reform the recusal system.

Note: The three other judges who earlier recused themselves from this particular case were from Karnataka too.

What is the recusal system?

Recusal is the removal of oneself as a judge or policymaker in a particular matter. Ordinarily, judges recuse over conflict of interest.

However, a) India has no laid down procedure for judges to stand down from cases, b) often judges don’t give reasons for recusal.

Generally, recusal is advised if the presence of a judge impedes the independence of the bench.

However, when recusal is sought without substantial reason, it raises as much doubt. On the other hand, justifying non-recusal and allowing opaqueness about recusal are equally damaging to the trust reposed in the courts, especially since these are constitutional courts.

What should be done to ensure a proper recusal system?

Define a protocol: Judges have argued that it is desirable to specify reasons for recusal to meet constitutional norms of transparency. Hence, a protocol should be defined for proper recusal.

Chief Justice should step in: CJI should lead the process for the recusal procedure, or else they will create more suspicion.

Taiwan matters more than we’d like to tell ourselves

News: The article discusses the ongoing conflict between China and Taiwan and its probable impact.

What are ongoing concerns between China and Taiwan?

Taiwan is home to the world’s largest semiconductor company and there are threats of attack increasing from China. For this reason, the company planned to set up a new plant in the US.

However, the plan failed and if China attacks Taiwan, there may be concerns that China will enjoy dominant control of chip production.

Further, even the French President has insisted European countries not to get involved in China-Taiwan conflict.

On the other hand, China has increased its military exercise near Taiwan and sent fighter jets repeatedly into the Taiwan airspace.

China’s military strength is far more superior than Taiwan’s. Due to which, Taiwan’s President is looking for the help from the US but its leader of opposition is supporting China.

Moreover, China is strengthening its relations with Russia and developing debt trap policies for other countries.

China also made a commitment to manage Hong Kong as a liberal, semi-autonomous financial hub, but instead, it is imposing media censorship and imprisoning people.

Must Read: What game theory tells us about China-Taiwan face-off

What lies ahead?

If China attacks Taiwan, then it is unlikely that Taiwan will be able to defend itself for a long period of time, as the Ukraine did.

Moreover, the opposition party in Taiwan is expected to win the general election next year, which supports China. This will change the situation of Taiwan like that of Hong Kong.

The concern here lies in the fact that Taiwan is the epicentre of global semiconductor production, with a 90% share of very advanced semiconductors. Hence, there are worries over it, if any such attacks happen in the future.

Explained | The rules for recognition as national and State party

News: The Election Commission has recognised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a national party, while revoking that status of the All-India Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI).

How does a party get recognised as a national party?

The Election Commission reviews the poll performance of recognised parties after every State Assembly election or general election to the Lok Sabha.

The rules for recognition as a national party are specified by the Commission in para 6B of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

The Symbols Order of 1968 was amended in 2016 to give parties one additional “pass over”.

As per the amendment, if a national or State party fails to fulfil the eligibility criteria in the next general elections or the assembly election after the election in which it received recognition, it will continue to be recognised as a national or State party.

However, whether it will continue to be recognised after any subsequent election, would again have to be determined by the eligibility criteria.

What are the criteria to be recognized as a national party?

Click Here to Read

How was AAP recognized as a national party?

Click Here to Read

Why did Trinamool, NCP and CPI lose its national party status?

Trinamool Congress: It gained national party status in 2016 with the help of “pass over” amendment to the Symbols Act.

However, the party did not remain a state party in the required four States. It lost its status in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, while continuing to hold recognition in West Bengal, Tripura, and Meghalaya.

NCP: It lost its recognition in three States (Goa, Manipur, and Meghalaya) where it did not secure enough assembly votes between 2017 and 2018. It is currently a state party in only two States, Maharashtra and Nagaland.

CPI: In Assembly elections and one Lok Sabha election between 2016 and 2019, the party could only retain State recognition in three States, i.e., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Manipur but lost it in Odisha and West Bengal.

What are the criteria to be recognised as a state party?

Click Here to Read

What are the benefits of recognition as National and State parties?

A recognised political party enjoys privileges like a reserved party symbol, free broadcast time on State-run television and radio, consultation in the setting of election dates, and giving input in setting electoral rules and regulations.

However, candidates of unrecognized party are allotted election symbols by the Returning Officers of the concerned constituencies after the last date for withdrawal of candidature and as per availability.

Thus, an unrecognized party cannot use a single poll symbol across the country.

GS Paper 3

Is the current regulatory system equipped to deal with AI?

News– The growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and their deployment has raised questions about privacy, monopolisation and job losses.

Why AI is not a threat for the society?

Technological change improves aggregate productivity. Output of society also goes up. People today are better off than they were because of technology.

There is nothing special or different this time around with AI. This is just another round of machines being used to increase productivity.

The primary risks emerging from AI happen to be the same risks with other digital technologies, like how political systems integrate those technologies.

Some AI based systems are already operational and have been used for some time. AI is used today in facial recognition in airports in India and by law enforcement agencies.

The human mind has general intelligence. They are able to think from scratch and be able to try to solve a problem. Machines don’t know what to do.

ChatGPT is just one big, glorified database of everything that has been written on the Internet.

What are issues related to the regulatory system to deal with the privacy and competition threats arising from AI?

One important question in the field of technology policy in India is about checks and balances. There are questions related to the kind of data the government should own and its surveillance powers over us.

There is also one big concern about the use of modern computer technology and its impact on our lives.

There is also a need for laws for the deployment of AI­ -based systems to comply with the Supreme Court right to privacy judgement for specific use cases such as facial recognition.

A lot of police departments and State governments are using this technology. It comes with error rates. This may result in exclusion, harassment. So, there needs to be a level of restraint.

The government should pay greater attention to the conversations happening in Europe around AI and the risk assessment approach.

The presence or absence of competition in this field is not cause of worry. On a global scale, there are many players. OpenAI and Microsoft collaborating on AI. Facebook is also building in this space. Google also has a big presence.

This shows the extent to which technical dynamism generates checks and balances of its own. ChatGPT has raised a new level of competitive dynamics around Google Search.

Indians are spectators. When it comes to issues such face recognition, nobody else is going to solve it for us. India is a poor country where regulatory and state capacity is very limited. So, the work done here will generally be of low quality.

The tech landscape is dominated by Big Tech. They have a computing power advantage, a data advantage, and a geopolitical advantage.

It is possible that the pre existing firms like Microsoft, Google, Meta may deepen their domination in AI.

How India ‘s handling of AI can be compared with China’s authoritarian use of AI?

China has built a Chinese firewall and cut off users in China from the Internet. The people connected with the ruling party in China get monopoly powers to build products that look like global products.

They steal ideas and then design and make local versions in China. But it also comes at the price of mediocrity and stagnation. They’re just copying things and not at the frontier. It will not lead to the development of genuine scientific and technical knowledge.

So far in India, there is decent political support for globalisation, integration into the world economy and full participation by foreign companies in India. Economic nationalism is not yet a dominant impulse here. So, there is fundamental superiority in the Indian way.

Will AI completely replace all existing jobs?

There should be focus on the word ‘productivity’. It’s good for society when human beings produce more output per unit hour as that makes us more prosperous.

People who lose jobs will see job opportunities multiplying in other areas. The labour market does relocation of jobs every day.

There were 1­2 million jobs operating an STD ISD booth in India. Then mobile phones came and there were apprehensions that millions of people would lose their jobs. In the end, the productivity of the country went up.

For our world in flux: Some hard lessons in history from the 1930s

News– The article explains the prevailing uncertainty in global politics and economy and compare with situation in 1920s

How is the world in a state of flux today?

Global politics– The geopolitical divides are sharper than they have been for decades. International relations are strained, and there are several potential flashpoints.

Economy– The coronavirus pandemic prompted repeated lockdowns across the world, it led to sharp contraction in output and employment everywhere. The economic recovery has been slow.

In many countries, national income in 2022 just about returned to its 2019 levels. The recovery has been K-shaped, so economic inequalities have continued to rise. The pandemic also disrupted integrated global production networks. It stifled international trade and investment flows.

The situation might have improved in early 2022. But the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted global supply-chains in food, fuels and fertilisers. The sharp rise in food and fuel prices pushed inflation to double-digit levels in most countries.

The response of central banks has been raising interest rates. It will stifle investment and dampen consumption, instead of curbing inflation.

In fact, the prospect of recession in the world economy looms large. The continuing war

Ukraine has enhanced uncertainty and risk. It has made markets nervous. Large international firms are relocating and re-shoring their production. Globalisation is at risk.

Regional politics– There are resurgent nationalisms due to populist or chauvinist sentiments. In rich countries, nationalist-populist political parties, or far-right xenophobicleaders, exploit fears about immigration and trade.

In poor countries, nationalist-populist political parties exploit religious beliefs or ethnic divides to create identity politics. Such populist-authoritarian regimes are now present across countries and continents.

What are many strong parallels with the world that existed a century earlier?

The preceding era of globalisation during 1870-1914, was brought to an abrupt end by World War I. In 1918, Spanish Flu caused a worldwide pandemic that cost 50 million lives.

In the 1920s, Europe struggled with problems of reconstruction, slow growth and hyperinflation.Economic inequalities between and within countries rose. This was conducive to the rise of nationalism and militarism. Mussolini captured power in Italy.

Unequal terms in the Treaty of Versailles had economic and political consequences. In October 1929, the Great Crash in stock markets of the US led into the Great Depression.

Economic troubles led to political instability in many parts of the world. The political uncertainty led to the rise of nationalism and militarism in some countries.

By 1930, the Nazis were the second largest political party in Germany. In 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor. The Great Depression also led to the rise of militarism in Japan during the 1930s.

Economic nationalism surged almost everywhere as countries adopted ‘beggar-thy-neighbour’ policies. They restricted imports to protect domestic output and employment.

Both Germany and Japan aspired to a larger role in a world dominated by the

US and Great Britain. In this quest, during the late 1930s, Germany pushed Europe closer to World War II. Japan did so in December 1941.

What are striking similarities between this past and our present?

The financial crisis of 2008 spread worldwide. The Great Recession followed in its aftermath disrupted globalisation. The covid pandemic was perhaps the last shock for globalisation.

Inequalities in income and wealth between and within countries are unprecedented. Slow growth, persistent inflation, and a possible recession can increase discontent among people. The Ukraine war could have global implications. Russia wants to regain its position. There is a pronounced shift in the balance of economic power, from the West to Asia, and from the US to China.

Prelims-Oriented Articles (Factly)

Explained | What is ‘Dabba trading’ and how does it affect the economy?

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | What is ‘Dabba trading’ and how does it affect the economy?” published in The Hindu on 14th April 2023

What is the News?

National Stock Exchange (NSE) has issued several notices naming entities involved in ‘dabba trading’. NSE cautioned retail investors to not subscribe (or invest) using any of these products offering indicative/assured/guaranteed returns in the stock market as they are prohibited by law. 

What is Dabba Trading?

Dabba (box) trading refers to informal trading that takes place outside the purview of the stock exchanges. 

Traders bet on stock price movements without incurring a real transaction to take physical ownership of a particular stock as is done in exchange. In simple words, it is gambling centered around stock price movements.

For example, an investor places a bet on a stock at a price point, say ₹1,000. If the price point rose to ₹1,500, he/she would make a gain of ₹500. However, if the price point falls to ₹900, the investor would have to pay the difference to the dabba broker. Thus, it could be concluded that the broker’s profit equates to the investor’s loss and vice-versa. 

What is the main purpose of doing Dabba Trading?

The primary purpose of dabba trading is to stay outside the purview of the regulatory mechanism, and thus, transactions are facilitated using cash and the mechanism is operated using unrecognized software terminals. 

Dabba trading’ is recognised as an offence under Section 23(1) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (SCRA),1956 and upon conviction, can invite imprisonment for a term extending up to 10 years or a fine up to ₹25 crores or both.

Why is Dabba Trading problematic?

Firstly, since there are no proper records of income or gain, it helps dabba traders escape taxation. They would not have to pay the Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT) or the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on their transactions. The use of cash also means that they are outside the purview of the formal banking system. 

Secondly, as dabba trading is outside the regulatory purview, this implies that investors are without formal provisions for investor protection, dispute resolution mechanisms and grievance redressal mechanisms that are available within an exchange.

Thirdly, since all activities are facilitated using cash, and without any auditable records, it could potentially encourage the growth of ‘black money’ alongside perpetuating a parallel economy. This could potentially translate to risks entailing money laundering and criminal activities.

Those criticizing MUDRA scheme don’t understand power of microfinance: PM

Source: The post is based on the article “Those criticizing MUDRA scheme don’t understand power of microfinance: PM” published in The Hindu on 14th April 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has said that the Mudra loan project for small and micro enterprises has created over eight crore new entrepreneurs.

What is Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana(PMMY)?

Launched in: 2015

Aim: To provide collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 10 Lakh to small/micro enterprises.

Lending Institutions: The loans are extended by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) viz Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) etc. 

Activities covered: The loans are given for income-generating activities in manufacturing, trading and services sectors and for activities allied to agriculture.

Categories: MUDRA loans are offered in three categories namely: 1) Shishu: covering loans up to Rs. 50,000/ 2) Kishore: covering loans above Rs. 50,000/- and up to Rs. 5 lakhs and 3) Tarun: covering loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakhs.

MUDRA Card: It is an innovative credit product wherein the borrower can avail of credit in a hassle-free and flexible manner. It provides a facility of working capital arrangement in the form of an overdraft facility to the borrower. 

– Since a MUDRA Card is a RuPay debit card, it can be used for drawing cash from an ATM or Business Correspondent or making a purchase using a Point of Sale (POS) machine. 

– Facility is also there to repay the amount, as and when, surplus cash is available, thereby reducing the interest cost.

What are the steps taken to improve the implementation of the Scheme?

Provision for online applications through PSBloansin59minutes and Udyamimitra portal,

Intensive publicity campaigns for increased visibility of the scheme amongst the stakeholders, 

Nomination of MUDRA Nodal Officers in Public Sector Banks (PSBs),

Periodic monitoring of the performance of PSBs with regard to PMMY.

Breaking down the demand surge for petroleum products

Source: The post is based on the article “Breaking down the demand surge for petroleum products” published in Livemint on 14th April 2023

What is the News?

Demand for refined petroleum products hit a record in FY23 led by transportation fuel. 

What is the trend in petroleum products?

In the Financial Year 2023(FY-23), the demand for petroleum products was 10.2% higher than the year before.

In previous years, the demand was impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But in FY23, demand for most products crossed pre-covid levels as various sectors of the economy made a recovery from the pandemic slowdown. 

Why is India seeing such a surge in petrol consumption?

The increase in consumption of petrol, diesel and jet fuel during FY23 came on the back of growth in industrial activity and travel. These activities recovered after slowing down in the previous two fiscals because of the pandemic.

Does the Ukraine war have anything to do with this?

The Russian invasion sparked an energy crisis. India had to diversify its oil import sources and raise imports for energy security. Cheap oil from Russia was also added to the import bill. 

Will the demand for petroleum products stay strong this year?

The global economy is expected to slow down. Yet, the demand for petroleum products in India is expected to stay robust.

This is because an increase in domestic consumption, fuelled by accumulated household savings during and after the pandemic will boost the demand.

Custodial Violence: No external monitoring mechanism in India to take erring police officers to task

Source: The post is based on the article “No external monitoring mechanism in India to take erring police officers to task” published in The Hindu on 14th April 2023

What is the News?

Following a case of custodial violence in Tamil Nadu, the issue of police excesses are back at the forefront. There were 478 custodial deaths reported in Tamil Nadu between 2016­-17 and 2021-­22 and no arrests, chargesheets or convictions.

What is Custodial Violence?

Custodial violence primarily refers to violence in police custody and judicial custody. It may be mental or physical in nature.

Types of Custodial Violence:

– Physical: This includes methods of physical torture on the victim

– Physiological: It includes mental torture. For instance, depriving a person of food. It also includes threat and humiliation of the victim

– Sexual: It is employed through rape/sodomy. It is directed towards the social and psychological harassment of the victims.

About the Data on Custodial Death

According to National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) data, over the last 20 years, 1,888 custodial deaths were reported across the country, 893 cases registered against police personnel and 358 personnel charge-sheeted. But only 26 policemen were convicted in this period.

In 2021, as many as 88 persons died while in police custody in India of which Gujarat recorded the highest number of such deaths.

What are the challenges in tackling custodial violence cases in India?

Loopholes in the system: Following the 1986 case of D.K. Basu vs West Bengal, the Supreme Court issued 11 guidelines to accompany Article 22 (Rights of accused). According to them, a Magistrate should ask the accused whether he has a medical problem caused by the police. They generally don’t ask and write “no complaints”, meaning the accused never said anything.

No Police accountability: In India, when the police do something illegal, it does not vitiate the outcome of the trial. So when an illegality takes place, all that one may get is bail or compensation. Beyond that, India does not have a mechanism by which officers can be taken to task. On the other hand, in the U.S., one can sue the police for civil damage.

Most victims from marginalized communities: Most of the custodial violence victims are from marginalized communities such as SCs, STs and denotified tribes.

There must be civilian supervision in police stations and if something happens they can visit. So monitoring should be legalized by civil society in some form.

Mircha’ rice of Bihar’s West Champaran gets GI tag

Source: The post is based on the article “Mircha rice of Bihar’s West Champaran gets GI tag” published in AIR on 14th April 2023

What is the News?

Mircha rice of Bihar’s West Champaran has been awarded the GI tag.

What is Mircha Rice?

Mircha rice is grown in West Champaran District, Bihar.

The size and shape of the grain appear like that of black pepper. Hence, it is known as Mircha or Marcha Rice. 

Characteristics: The grains and flakes of this rice have a unique aroma that makes it different. This rice is famous for its aroma, palatability and its aromatic chura (rice flakes) making qualities. The cooked rice is fluffy, non sticky, sweet and easily digestible with a popcorn-like aroma.