Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Demolitions as state-sanctioned collective punishment
• India’s Myanmar quandary, its paradoxical policy
• A brilliant model of affirmative action – on reservation
• Not Quite Healthy- PMJAY has design flaws which may limit its potential to lower out-of-pocket expenditure
• Their Bhasha, Their Future- Research has shown teaching in mother tongue leads to better skilling as well as better grasp of English
• S Y Quraishi on the Collegium bill: How to make Election Commission credible
• Jan Vishwas Bill: More trust, less suspicion

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Demolitions as state-sanctioned collective punishment

News: In Nuh, Haryana, several homes were demolished in neighborhoods by the state government as a form of bulldozer justice following the riots.

The state governments justifies that these demolitions are done to remove “illegal structures” or “encroachments”. However, the courts have highlighted specific procedures for conducting demolitions.

What are the observations of the court regarding demolitions?

Courts have acknowledged that “unauthorized structures” frequently serve as homes for economically disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals, who have been failed by the state in its obligation to provide shelter to all its citizens.

Hence, other than enforcing basic procedural requirements such as adequate notice, courts have emphasized that the administration must conduct a survey before demolitions to assess residents’ eligibility for rehabilitation schemes.

If they are eligible, then rehabilitation should be done before any demolitions.

However, state governments frequently disregard these procedures and conduct demolitions at their own convenience.

For example, last year, it was discovered that the administration had changed the date on a demolition notice to make it seem like they were following the rules.

What do states clarify in carrying demolitions?

The states conduct these demolitions as a way to enact punishment against those linked to riots, attempting a form of frontier justice. They also argue that the courts are slow, frequently grant bail, and are lenient in granting acquittals.

Therefore, in order to calm public outrage, the state must take it upon itself to deliver “justice” outside the bounds of law.

However, despite widespread violation of zoning regulations, it is the vulnerable and marginalized communities that are subjected to demolitions. Additionally, the demolitions are predominantly concentrated in Muslim neighborhoods.

Hence, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana noted that the focused targeting of a specific community resembled ethnic cleansing.

What are the concerns with the state carrying out demolitions?

Bulldozer justice involves collective punishment, penalizing not only the accused before guilt is established but also impacting their innocent family members.

Imposing punishment without establishing guilt, at the discretion of the state, violates the rule of law. The rule of law safeguards individuals from an overreaching state.

Therefore, abandoning the rule of law for frontier justice is the first step towards an authoritarian society, where personal safety, property, and even fundamental rights become subject to the arbitrary decisions of state authorities.

Must Read: Picking Up Peace – on economic costs of riots and Haryana violence was preventable. Why did it happen?

What can be the way ahead?

The responsibility to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution rests with the courts. However, the courts, including the Supreme Court of India, have remained silent for over a year, even accepting the state’s justification for demolitions.

Hence, the recent High Court order of Punjab and Haryana recognizes the unlawful bulldozer justice pattern, potentially initiating the judiciary’s stance against state impunity and upholding fundamental constitutional principles.

India’s Myanmar quandary, its paradoxical policy

News: Myanmar’s President extended the emergency by six months, and the military has decided to release political prisoners. Still, these actions don’t suggest a democratic and peaceful Myanmar.

What are the concerns with these developments in Myanmar?

The emergency extension delays the military’s planned elections, but it’s justified by citing the lack of ‘normalcy’ in various parts of the country.

The push for ‘normality’ has caused great suffering, with Myanmar civilians facing 2.5 times more violence than Afghans.

The Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) controls just 30%-40% of the land, making a national election lose credibility if held in only one-third of the nation.

Further, bringing more military by the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) raises concerns about the junta’s commitment to democracy.

Even the National League for Democracy not participating in new elections and smaller parties being excluded leaves no strong opposition to the USDP in a parliament where the military holds a veto.

Hence, in such a situation, junta’s (military) decision to reduce Ms. Suu Kyi’s sentence and move her to house arrest doesn’t indicate a move toward democracy.

Because, despite being a significant rival to the Tatmadaw, she has demonstrated a willingness to work with the military. However, she remains a key figure for political transformation in Myanmar.

Hence, junta’s action regarding Ms. Suu Kyi’s sentence could lessen protests, help in ending sanctions and improving the economy. It also enables countries like India to engage with the junta more positively.

How has been the bilateral relation between India and Myanmar?

India aided Myanmar during the pandemic and coup, yet Myanmar residents were accused of sparking violence in Manipur. Trafficking and drug concerns led India to stop the Free Movement Regime in 2022.

India’s Foreign Minister discussed projects and border stability with Myanmar during the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting. India also backs the ASEAN’s ‘Five-Point Consensus’.

However, India’s stated dedication to democracy in Myanmar contrasts with its policy as India’s policy is affected by northeast security and China relations.

For example, India’s announcement of the Sairang-Hmawngbuchhuah railway project near the Myanmar border, under India’s Act East Policy, aims to counter China’s railway access in Myanmar and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

Moreover, several reports suggest that India has escalated its arms provision to the military post-coup. This not only contradicts India’s position on restoring democracy but also intensifies tensions along the border.

Must Read: India – Myanmar relations | Timeline and Coup in Myanmar and India-Myanmar bilateral relations

What lies ahead?

The relaxation of Ms. Suu Kyi’s prison sentence may provide an opportunity for India to engage with her and pro-democracy actors.

The government and media must avoid labeling incoming refugees as security threats, as many have family ties in India. This is essential to prevent violence escalation and foster a compassionate environment.

A brilliant model of affirmative action – on reservation

News: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against race-based admissions. In this article author compares this to India’s quota system. He also refere Dr. Clark’s view that genes affect social status, raising doubts about affirmative action’s impact on social mobility.

What is affirmative action?

Affirmative action is a policy aimed at increasing opportunities for historically marginalized groups. It involves giving preferential treatment in areas like education and employment. For instance, colleges might consider race as a factor in admissions. In India, reservations in education and government jobs are a form of affirmative action. This approach intends to address past discrimination and create more diverse and inclusive societies.

What is the constitutional difference in affirmative action between India and the USA?

USA’s Constitutional Stance on Affirmative Action:

Basis: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled based on the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, which emphasizes equality without race bias.

Implementation: The Court permits considering race in admissions only to encourage a diverse student body. There can’t be fixed racial quotas. Moreover, race-based admissions should not be permanent and must conclude eventually.

Examples: The University of North Carolina and Harvard College seemingly set racial quotas, contradicting the constitutional guidelines.

India’s Constitutional Approach to Affirmative Action:

Basis: The Indian Constitution provides quotas for specific groups like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections.

Implementation: These quotas are applied primarily to government institutions, both in education and employment. The emphasis is on representing these groups at various societal levels.

Distinct Feature: Unlike the U.S., India hasn’t set a definite endpoint for these reservations, understanding that elevating disadvantaged groups might be a prolonged process.

What are the impacts of affirmative action?

Perceived Benefits of Affirmative Action:

Diversity in Education: Affirmative action promotes a racially diverse student body in universities, as seen in the U.S. Supreme Court’s allowance for race-based admissions.

Representation: In India, specific groups like Scheduled Castes and Tribes get representation in government institutions due to quotas.

Challenges and Criticisms:

Social Mobility: Gregory Clark’s book suggests that affirmative action might not significantly improve social mobility. He believes genes play a considerable role in determining social status.

Duration of Impact: Clark’s findings indicate that while those lower in the social order may eventually rise, the pace is very slow, taking around 300 years.

Effectiveness: The U.S. model is perceived as weak, especially after the recent ruling, whereas India’s robust system seeks representation in education and jobs without setting an end date for reservations.

What should be done?

Re-evaluate Affirmative Action: Considering the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling, there’s a need to assess the effectiveness of race-based admissions.

Broaden Approaches: Look at comprehensive models like India’s which provides quotas for specific groups in education and jobs.

Focus on Representation: Ensure diverse representation across societal levels, as India’s model does without setting an endpoint for reservations.

Alternative Measures: Explore options like redistribution through progressive taxation or higher minimum wages, inspired by Nordic countries.

Private Sector Inclusion: Given the limited scope of affirmative action in government institutions in India, consider extending reservations to the private sector for broader impact.

Not Quite Healthy- PMJAY has design flaws which may limit its potential to lower out-of-pocket expenditure

News: In this article author reviews the five-year performance of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), India’s health insurance scheme, referencing a CAG report that found database errors. The article also discusses hospital disparities in states and suggests improvements to decrease out-of-pocket costs.

What does the CAG report say about PMJAY?

1. Data Issues: The CAG report revealed several problems with PMJAY’s data. Notably, the PMJAY Id, which should be a unique 9-digit alphanumeric code, had duplicates. This means multiple beneficiaries could have the same identification, leading to confusion and potential fraud.
2. Age Discrepancies: There were inaccuracies related to beneficiaries’ ages. Some of the records showed beneficiaries born in the 19th century, indicating significant errors in the database.
3. Impact on Costs: GOI data showed that the average hospitalization cost in 2022-23 was ₹13,703, which is less than 3% of the total cover of ₹5 lakh per family. This figure seemed inconsistent with the typical rise in medical expenses, making it a potential concern in the CAG report.
4. Need for Stronger Oversight: The report suggests that without proper data and process controls, dubious healthcare providers could exploit the system, emphasizing the need for a tighter grip on information and procedures.

What should be done?

Data Integrity: Rectify database issues, ensuring PMJAY Ids are unique and correct age discrepancies, like those born in the 19th century.

Hospital Availability: Increase the number of empaneled hospitals, especially in poorer states like Bihar which, despite having a population exceeding Tamil Nadu by 50 million, has less than half its number of empaneled hospitals.

Protect Patients: Address issues in public hospitals where patients are reportedly defrauded or denied PMJAY benefits.

State Health Authorities Role: SHAs, being the primary administrators, should enhance their oversight and efficiency.

Independent Audit: The government should commission an independent audit to assess PMJAY’s impact on out-of-pocket expenses.

Their Bhasha, Their Future- Research has shown teaching in mother tongue leads to better skilling as well as better grasp of English

Source: The post is based on the article “Their Bhasha, Their Future- Research has shown teaching in mother tongue leads to better skilling as well as better grasp of English. Recent CBSE decision is the right call, argues IMF’s executive director” published in “Times of India” on 11th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

News: In this article, author emphasizes the importance of teaching children in their mother tongue for better understanding and a connection to their culture. He also cites evidence that this method enhances learning and success and argues against the misconception that English education alone propels progress in India.

What efforts did India make to teach children in their mother tongue?

Historical Efforts:

Gandhiji believed that English as a primary medium created a barrier between educated elites and the masses. He felt it hindered the spread of knowledge to everyone.

Freedom fighters like C Rajagopalachari, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Annie Besant stressed an education controlled by Indians, valuing the country’s ethos.

Unlike Jawaharlal Nehru, who leaned towards Western methods, these leaders saw value in beginning education in the mother tongue, introducing English later.

Annie Besant, in “Principles of Education,” suggested schools teach in the local mother tongue, introducing English later.

Government of India Efforts:

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued an order on July 21 to use the mother tongue for instruction, highlighting its commitment to native language education.

The National Education Policy also encapsulates the intent to promote mother tongue instruction.

What are the UNESCO findings on teaching children in their mother tongue?

UNESCO Findings on Mother Tongue Instruction:

Global Advocacy: Since 1953, UNESCO has consistently promoted mother tongue education through its Global Education Monitoring Reports.

Learning Impact: Being taught in a language other than one’s own can have negative effects on learning, especially for children from poor backgrounds.

Duration Recommendation: At least six years of mother tongue instruction is necessary to reduce learning gaps for minority language speakers.

Pedagogical Reasoning: A background study for the 2005 UNESCO report emphasized that mother tongue-based bilingual schooling is rarely challenged based on its educational logic.

Note: Research suggests that starting with the mother tongue and introducing English later makes learning English easier. Skills acquired in the mother tongue during early years assist in mastering a second language later in life.

What should be done?

CBSE Directive: Implement the Central Board of Secondary Education’s order to use the mother tongue for instruction.

Adapt Schools: Address challenges in teacher recruitment, curriculum development, and teaching materials to cater to diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Lead by Example: Government’s Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas should pioneer the implementation of mother tongue instruction.

Value Research: Policymakers should prioritize evidence-based benefits of mother tongue education over anecdotal arguments advocating English-only education.

Uphold Rights: Recognize and ensure that education in the mother tongue for every child in India, as it nurtures learning excellence and cultural connection.

S Y Quraishi on the Collegium bill: How to make Election Commission credible

News– On Thursday, the day before the Monsoon Session is set to end, the government tabled the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointments, Conditions of Service, Term of Office) Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

What is the context behind the introduction of Bill?

In March, a unanimous decision was given by the Supreme Court.

This verdict stated that a committee composed of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India would be responsible for appointing the Chief CEC and ECs until the Parliament enacts a law.

The ruling emphasised that the independence of the Election Commission necessitates a collegium. The court emphasised that safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process is crucial to uphold democracy.

The involvement of the Chief Justice of India will ensure fairness and shield the appointment procedure from any interference by the Executive branch.

Why is the ruling by SC significant?

It addresses concerns related to bias and the autonomy of institutions.

The existing selection process creates a notable drawback for newly appointed Election Commissioners (ECs). Irrespective of their impressive backgrounds, they remain vulnerable to being perceived as partisan.

Their actions carried out dutifully and in good faith, are frequently interpreted as favouring a specific political party. This underscores the necessity for a collegial approach to enhance public perception of the Commission’s impartiality and autonomy.

The Supreme Court verdict emphasised that the involvement of the CJI could counterbalance the unchecked influence of the executive branch over appointments.

What are some significant provisions of the Bill?

The proposed legislation aims to replace the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a cabinet minister designated by the Prime Minister.

It provides for a search committee led by the Cabinet Secretary and consisting of two other members not below the rank of government secretary. This committee’s role is to compile a list of five potential candidates for the Selection Committee’s evaluation.

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs) will be chosen from individuals who currently hold or have previously held a position equivalent to the rank of a government secretary.

These appointees must possess integrity, as well as knowledge and expertise in the administration and execution of elections.

The Bill safeguards the two Election Commissioners against removal and establish parity with the Chief Election Commissioner.

What are issues with the Bill?

The Commissioners were previously placed on the same level as Supreme Court judges since the enactment of the 1991 Act. They are now being relegated.

The Election Commissioner then and now remains equivalent to that of the Chief Secretary (CS) and the Supreme Court judge. But their position in the hierarchy of precedence is being diminished.

The provision that permits the Selection Committee to choose someone from outside the shortlist is completely undesirable and undermines the purpose of the shortlisting committee.

How the institutional independence of the Election Commission (EC) is a pressing concern at national and global level?

There has been a growing worldwide erosion of confidence in electoral bodies. The Gallup World Poll indicates that merely 50 percent of voters express trust in the fairness of elections. In the USA, this number was at 40% in 2019.

Even within India, the credibility of the EC has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. Allegations of bias in election scheduling and the arbitrary removal of registered voters’ names, and disregard for blatant violations of the model code, have cast doubt on the EC’s reputation.

Recent democracy reports from the V-Dem Institute underline that various democracy indicators, including the autonomy of the ECI, have been on a decline in India.

What are issues with the collegium system for appointment of Election Commissioners?

The appointment of CBI directors, for instance, has been conducted through the collegium process. But, some of these appointments have not upheld a commendable reputation.

Additionally, there have been concerns about the inclusion of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the collegium.

CJI may possess legal expertise but might not be well-acquainted with the candidates. There are concerns regarding fair adjudication by CJI if an appointment is challenged in the Supreme Court.

The collegium system would gain further credibility if a unanimous decision were made a prerequisite for appointments.

Jan Vishwas Bill: More trust, less suspicion

News– Recently, Jan Vishwas Act was introduced in Parliament.

How is Jan Vishwas Bill a positive step in the direction of boosting investment and economy?

The investors are concerned that businesses are highly vulnerable to legal action and imprisonment. The Jan Vishwas Bill aims to alleviate such concerns.

The inclusion of criminal liability in numerous laws has fostered suspicion toward private enterprises.

A total of 183 provisions across 42 Central Acts will undergo decriminalization. The goal is to ensure that the severity of punishment aligns with the gravity of the offense.

The elimination of punitive measures will be positively received by companies. They are fearful of receiving notices that could lead to arrests of their key management personnel for even the slightest infractions.

These notices to directors also impact the company’s public image on a global scale, particularly considering SEBI’s strict disclosure guidelines.

This legal reform will also ease the burden on the judicial system. These cases congest the court system. Companies enlist high-profile lawyers to defend them. Consequently, more serious offenses that require thorough examination by the courts get pushed aside.

The recent legislation comes at a timely juncture.

Amendments are being made to the Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, the Farm Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, the Rubber Act, the Tea Act, and the Spices Board Act to mitigate the severity of consequences for violating specified regulations.

Similarly, removing the criminal provision from the Forest Conservation Act that allowed for the arrest of grazers whose livestock entered forest areas will align the law with the objectives of the Forest Rights Act.

Way forward-

The amendment within the legal framework is essentially a way to enable transformative shifts.

There is a need to modify the regulations to align them with the intended objectives of the law, while also maintaining a balance between safeguarding public interests and those of the industry.

The elimination of unnecessary provisions and the initiative to decriminalize are measures that will enhance people’s trust in the government.

This trust is a prerequisite for attracting investments and for halting the outflow of capital from the country.

As a nation on the cusp of becoming the third-largest economy, it’s crucial that laws are continuously assessed, modified, or even revoked.

The government should remain vigilant against violations that jeopardize lives or harm the environment. However, it’s equally vital to honor those who contribute taxes and generate wealth.

Business and industry associations should now advocate for the decriminalization of inappropriate provisions in financial and corporate laws.

GS Paper 3

Mangroves offer a vital shield against climate change

Source: The post is based on the article “Mangroves offer a vital shield against climate change” published in “Live Mint” on 11th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment conservation

News: In this article author emphasizes the importance of mangrove forests in India for environmental protection, biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate change mitigation. He also urges for their conservation and responsible management, while highlighting the threats they face and successful restoration efforts.

What is the importance of mangrove forests in India?

1. Natural Protection: Mangroves act as barriers against erosion, storms, and cyclones. They provide over $7.8 billion in flood protection benefits annually.
2. Biodiversity Hub: India’s mangroves are home to diverse species. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, shelters the Bengal tiger and Ganges river dolphin.
3. Livelihoods: Mangroves support 900,000 fisher households in India, aiding artisanal fisheries and boosting local incomes. Tourism potential in regions like the Sundarbans is significant.
4. Environmental Filters: Mangroves improve water quality by trapping sediments and pollutants, benefiting marine ecosystems.
5. Climate Change Combatants: They sequester large amounts of CO2, with global mangroves storing 22.86 metric gigatonnes, roughly half the yearly CO2 emissions from various sources.

What threats are mangrove forests facing?

1. Rapid Disappearance: Since 1996, global mangrove coverage has declined by 11,700-sq km, equivalent to three times the size of Goa. South and Southeast Asia are witnessing the most significant mangrove loss.
2. Human Activities: 62% of mangrove loss is due to farming, aquaculture, and infrastructure development.
3. Extreme Weather: Though mangroves can recover from natural events like cyclones, human-induced changes, especially coastal modifications, can cause permanent damage.
4. Global Warming: Rising temperatures and other impacts of climate change pose challenges to mangrove ecosystems.
5. Inappropriate Restoration: Taking a cue from Sri Lanka’s experience, planting the wrong seedling in unsuitable conditions can reduce plant survival chances by over 50%.
6. Economic Growth: India’s push for economic growth sometimes comes at the expense of environmental conservation, potentially threatening mangroves

What should be done?

Protection and Restoration: Safeguard and restore mangroves to combat air pollution and secure coasts.

Community Involvement: Engage local communities for sustainable livelihoods, as seen in the Sundarbans region.

Adopt Successful Models: Emulate states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha which have increased mangrove cover. Such as, establish dedicated conservation units similar to Maharashtra’s mangrove and coastal biodiversity conservation unit.

Government Initiatives: Support efforts like MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats& Tangible Incomes), aiming to conserve mangroves across 13 states and Union territories.

Collaborative Approach: Foster teamwork among government officials, scientists, and communities.

Needed intervention – on Tiger conservation

News – The Wildlife Institute of India and the National Tiger Conservation Authority recently released the Tiger Census report.

What are factors behind good performance of Madhya Pradesh in maintaining a healthy tiger population?

Madhya Pradesh, for the second time reported 785 tigers. It is about a fifth of the national count. The State reported a 50% rise in tigers since the last census.

Madhya Pradesh has developed a strategy over time that actively involves the relocation of both tigers and their prey within the state.

The objective of this approach is to establish a balance between the numbers of predators and their prey.

During the past couple of decades, M.P. has effectively reintroduced species like barasingha into habitats like Satpura and Bandhavgarh, and gaur into the Bandhavgarh and Sanjay-Dubri tiger reserves.

Additionally, they have successfully bolstered the populations of prey species like chital in regions such as Satpura and Sanjay tiger reserves, Nauradehi, Kuno, and Gandhisagar wildlife sanctuaries by transferring them from areas with higher densities.

What are issues with the current approach of the government towards conservation of animal species?

The principles of ecology stress the importance of relocating species to environments that are not overly unfamiliar to them, to prevent unintended adverse consequences.

However, recent amendments to the Forest Conservation Act have introduced greater flexibility in diverting significant portions of forest land for industrial use.

It could result in more fragmentation within protected areas and an increased reliance on the practice of relocating prey to sustain predator populations.

This approach is increasingly at odds with India’s conservation philosophy. This conservation philosophy avoids creating isolated and enclosed spaces. It encourages species to inhabit larger yet well-defined territories.

Way forward

Government faces challenges in maintaining connected forest landscapes. Therefore, relying solely on nature to restore the balance between predators and prey becomes unrealistic.

It’s now crucial for more states to adopt proactive policies for managing prey populations. It involves leveraging scientific expertise and support from local communities near reserves.

There is a need to shift from merely focusing on the numbers of carnivores. It is important to constantly improve the habitat required to sustain these animals.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Centre’s new Bill on Election Commission members’ appointments: How it plans to amend the process

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre’s new Bill on Election Commission members’ appointments: How it plans to amend the process”  published in Indian Express on 11th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Government has introduced the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 in Rajya Sabha.

The bill has been brought in after the judgment of the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on the appointment of Election Commissioners.

What is the Supreme Court verdict on the appointment of Election Commissioners?

The constitution bench of the Supreme Court had ruled that election commissioners should be appointed by the President based on advice from a committee comprising the prime minister, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and the chief justice of India (CJI).

The court said that since there is no parliamentary law in place to lay down the selection procedure for election commissioners, its order was meant to fill this constitutional vacuum.

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What is the process mentioned in the bill for the appointment of Election Commissioners?

Currently, the Law Minister suggests a pool of suitable candidates to the Prime Minister for consideration. The President makes the appointment on the advice of the PM.

As per the Bill, a Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary and comprising two other members not below the rank of Secretary to the government having knowledge and experience in matters relating to elections shall prepare a panel of five persons who can be considered for appointment.

Then the Selection Committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister will appoint the CEC and other ECs.

In case there is no LoP in the Lower House of Parliament, the leader of the single largest Opposition party would be considered the LoP.

What are the criticisms raised by opposition against this bill?

Firstly, this Bill will override the Supreme Court Constitution Bench’s judgment regarding the appointment of the CEC and other Election Commissioners.

Secondly, this will put a question mark on the neutrality of the Election Commission (EC) as the selection panel would effectively have two members of the ruling party – the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Minister.

Can the Parliament undo the decision of the Supreme Court?

Parliament has the power to nullify the effect of a Court ruling by addressing the concerns flagged in the judgment. The law cannot simply be contradictory to the ruling.

In this case, the arrangement prescribed by the Supreme Court was specifically because the Court noted that there was a “legislative vacuum”.Filling that vacuum is well within the purview of the Parliament.

However, the idea of an independent body that conducts elections permeates through the judgment. The Court repeatedly stated that to be the objective of the framers of the Constitution.

House panel wants judges to mandatorily declare asset

Source: The post is based on the article “House panel wants judges to mandatorily declare assets”  published in Hindustan Times  on 9th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice has submitted in the Parliament a report titled “Judicial Processes and their reform”.

What are the recommendations given in the Judicial Processes and their reform report?

Declaration of assets: In 2009, the full bench of the Supreme Court (comprising all judges) had decided to declare their assets on a voluntary basis on the Supreme Court’s website. Till date, it contains data with respect to 55 former Chief Justices of India and judges of the Supreme Court. The data was last updated on March 31, 2018. 

– As regards high courts, only five high courts share data of assets on their website and that too by only a few judges. 

– Hence, that’s why the committee has recommended the center to bring in a law making it compulsory for judges of the Supreme Court and high courts to declare their assets on an annual basis.

– Declaration of assets by the judges of the higher judiciary will bring “more trust and credibility” into the system.

Do away with Long vacations of courts: The committee has recommended doing away with long Court vacations.

– The Committee felt that vacations in the judiciary are a ‘colonial legacy’ that causes inconvenience to litigants.

Social diversity in courts: The Committee has also stressed on social diversity among judges of the higher judiciary. It recommended an adequate number of women and candidates from the marginalized sections of the society including minorities to be considered for appointment to high courts and Supreme Court by the respective Collegiums in the high court and Supreme Court.

– This provision should be clearly mentioned in the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), which is presently under finalization.

Increase retirement age: The Constitution of India can be amended to increase the retirement age of judges of high court (presently 62) and Supreme Court (presently 65) .

Regional benches: The committee has recommended setting up regional Supreme Court benches. The interpretation of Constitution and Constitutional matters may be dealt at Delhi and the regional benches may decide appellate matters. However, the appellate benches may not be made as another layer of the judiciary by treating their decisions as final.

Annual reports: Currently, the Supreme Court is publishing its Annual Report also depicting the work done by all High Courts of the Country. But only few High Courts are publishing their Annual Report.

– The Committee recommends the Department of Justice to approach the Supreme Court of India requesting them to issue necessary directions to all the High Courts to prepare and publish their Annual Reports regularly, on their respective websites.  

Flood Management Measures

Source: The post is based on the article “Flood Management Measures”  published in PIB  on 10th August 2023.

What is the News?

Minister of State for Jal Shakti in Lok Sabha has informed about the Flood Management measures taken by the government of India.

What are measures taken by the government of India to manage floods?

Jurisdiction over flood management: Flood management including erosion control falls within the purview of the States. Flood management and anti-erosion projects are formulated and implemented by concerned State Governments from their own resources as per their priority. 

– The Union Government supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical guidance and also promotional financial assistance for management of floods in critical areas. 

Structural measures of flood management: The Ministry of Jal Shakti introduced the Flood Management Programme (FMP) during the XI and XII Plans. This program aimed to provide financial support to states for various flood management, erosion control, drainage development, and anti-sea erosion projects. 

This program later became part of the “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme” (FMBAP) from 2017-18 to 2020-21, extended until September 2022 with a limited budget.

Non Structural measures of flood management: The Central Water Commission (CWC) is responsible for predicting and giving early warnings about floods in India. They use a system of 338 forecasting stations across 20 major river basins in 23 States and 2 Union Territories. This helps local authorities prepare for evacuations and take necessary actions.

– To improve the time available for planning, CWC has created flood forecasting models for each basin. These models use rainfall and runoff data to predict floods up to 5 days in advance and provide advice to the forecasting stations.

Committee to create strategy for Flood management: NITI Aayog has formed a committee under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and members from various government departments, experts and state officials to create strategies for flood management and river activities in border areas. 

The committee’s key recommendations from their January 2021 report, include:

– Improve collection of hydro-meteorological data and simplify sharing policies, especially for rivers crossing borders between states.

– Focus on scientific research to develop models that predict flash floods earlier, reducing their impact.

– Develop and update reservoir operation rules based on changing rainfall patterns and growing population, urbanization, and industry.

– Construct large storage reservoirs to control floods by managing water release schedules.

– Prevent encroachment on natural flood areas and restore them for flood control.

– Implement river interlinking projects to divert flood waters to water-deficient regions within a set timeframe.

– Stop reclaiming existing wetlands or natural depressions and create plans to use them for flood moderation instead.

Belem Declaration: Amazon countries fail to agree on protection goals

Source: The post is based on the article “Belem Declaration: Amazon countries fail to agree on protection goals”  published in Down To Earth on 9th August 2023.

What is the News?

At the Amazon Summit, leaders from the eight countries across the Amazon have adopted the Belem Declaration.

The summit was organized by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO).

What is the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization(ACTO)?

Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization(ACTO) is an intergovernmental organization signed in 1978 and created in 1995.

Aim: To promote the harmonious development of the Amazonian territories in such a way that the joint actions of the Amazonian countries produce equitable and mutually beneficial results in achieving the sustainable development of the Amazon Region

Member countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Secretariat: Brasilia, Brazil

What is the Belem Declaration?

The Balem Declaration was adopted at the Amazon Summit.

The declaration recognises Indigenous knowledge as a condition for biodiversity conservation and calls for ensuring full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making and public policy formulation processes.

The declaration created an alliance for combatting forest destruction, with countries left to pursue their individual deforestation goals.

It also created a science body for annual reports on Amazon rainforest like the UN’s Climate Change Panel.

CBI Academy joins Interpol Global Academy Network

Source: The post is based on the article “CBI Academy joins Interpol Global Academy Network”  published in The Hindu on 9th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Academy has joined the Interpol Global Academy Network.

What is the Interpol Global Academy Network?

INTERPOL Global Academy Network was launched in 2019 by INTERPOL.

Aim: It is a network of trusted law enforcement national or regional education institutions providing a global approach to law enforcement training.

The members of the network help INTERPOL by providing specialized training, ongoing education, creating new programs and collaborating on research. This boosts skill development for law enforcement globally.

What is CBI Academy?

The CBI Academy was established in 1996 by CBI.

It is a premier training institution in the fields of crime investigation, prosecution and vigilance functioning.

CBI which is the nodal body for all matters related to Interpol also conducts several international training programmes through this academy.

Located in: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

– It has also established three Regional Training Centres (RTCs) at Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai to expand its training infrastructure and outreach.

Will the Federal fund hike impact developing country debt?

Source: The post is based on the article “Will the Federal fund hike impact developing country debt?”  published in The Hindu on 11th August 2023.

What is the News?

The US Federal Reserve has raised the targeted federal funds rate to 5.25-5.5%, a 25 basis points increase. This puts the rate at a 21-year high, surpassing the levels seen in 2001.

What is the Federal Funds Rate?

The Federal Funds Rate plays a crucial role in the economy as it determines lending rates among banks. 

Following the global financial crisis, rates were near zero until 2015. However, since March 2022, there has been a steady increase in the rate, leading to concerns about the world economy’s ability to withstand such a sharp rise.

Why is the US Fed increasing interest rates?

Globally economies are in a recession due to high inflationary pressure. To combat this, the Fed, which is the central bank of the US, is taking aggressive steps such as an increase in interest rates (something which was not seen since the 1990s) to reduce the money supply flow in the economy.

How does Federal Funds Rate impact India?

Impact on Foreign capital: US Federal Funds rate strongly influences the foreign capital inflow in India. 

When the Fed raises rates, foreign investors pull money away from emerging markets as higher rates give a boost to the dollar which erodes the shine of riskier equities.

Impact on rupee: FPIs pulling money out of the equity and bond markets could weaken the rupee even as the dollar gets stronger with the rate hike.

Highest Cost of Fund Mobilization from Overseas Markets: The rise in rates also means a higher cost of funds, and fund mobilization in overseas markets will be costly. The increase in the cost of funds may not only increase the cost of capital expenditure for India but will also strain the profit margins of companies.

Impact on Inflation: India’s inflation rate may accelerate as a result of the Fed rate hike. Depreciation of the rupee will increase the rupee cost of imported goods such as crude oil, chemicals and fertilizers, active pharmaceutical ingredients and electronics.

Malabar 2023 naval exercise to begin in Sydney, Australia

Source: The post is based on the article “Malabar 2023 naval exercise to begin in Sydney, Australia”  published in PIB on 10th August 2023.

What is the News?

Malabar 2023 Naval exercise will begin at Sydney in Australia. 

What is Malabar Exercise?

Exercise Malabar began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise featuring the maritime forces of the US and India. 

In 2014, the en­try of the Japan Navy made it a trilateral exercise. In 2020, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) also joined Malabar making it a quadrilateral exercise.

This year marks the 27th edition of MALABAR which is being hosted by Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Malabar 2023 will happen in two phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase. During the Harbour Phase, there will be activities like visits, exchanges, and sports. The Sea Phase involves intense exercises covering warfare areas like surface, air, and submarine combat.

Significance of the exercise: The exercise provides an opportunity to the Indian Navy to enhance and demonstrate interoperability and also gain from the best practices in maritime security operations from its partner nations.

Which Indian ships are participating in the exercise?

Indian Navy’s indigenous frontline warships INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata will participate in the exercise.

INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multi-role stealth frigates.

INS Kolkata is the first ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-15A class destroyers.

Both ships have been built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

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