Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Why improving on World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings might have hurt economies
• Ties that bind – The Modi visit to Australia adds to the bipartisan strength of growing bonds
• The UK a tax haven?
• Govt, Gendered – on gender parity in civil services
• A ‘middle kingdom’ dawns on India’s west

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Why improving on World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings might have hurt economies

News: The article explains the controversies and concerns associated with the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report.

About World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index

Click here to Read

What were the controversies with the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Index?

It was originally assumed that the ranking was based on many academic papers that studied these rankings and the economic performance of countries around the world.

It was also assumed that the improvements in Doing Business had a positive impact on the GDP of a country.

However, these rankings did not accurately reflect the reality in many nations and could be easily manipulated by governments.

For instance, India’s rankings were based on data from just two cities — Mumbai and Delhi. However, the situation of EoDB in the nearby cities was somewhat different.

Further, India ranks shot up among the top 50 in the World Bank’s EoDB rankings in 2018. The jump was despite the fact that India’s GDP growth was suffering a sharp slowdown, leading to record unemployment.

These all issues raised concerns over WB’s EoDB.

Read More: The end of Ease of Doing Business Rankings: Reasons and implications – Explained

What were other concerns with WB’s EoDB?

A research paper found that the improvements in the EoDB rankings had a negative impact on a nation’s GDP. This was contrary to the earlier assumption which thought an improvement in the rankings would boost GDP.

A negative impact on a nation’s GDP was due to the fact that developing countries had more focus on the Doing Business score rather than implementing substantial reforms for their economy.

Further, most of the earlier research looked at rankings instead of the country’s scores on which these rankings were based.

However, the ranks did not accurately capture the improvement in the economy because ranks are relative and a country could rise or fall sharply despite not having improved as much, or at all.

For example, New Zealand was ranked first for ease of doing business in the 2020 report with a score of 87.01. If New Zealand’s score had fallen by 5, its rank would have dropped by 9 places.

In contrast, Sri Lanka was ranked 99th with a score of 61.8. If Sri Lanka’s score had fallen by 5, its rank would have dropped 26 places.

Hence, there were many problems with WB’s EoDB index. Due to which, it was suspended by the World Bank.

Ties that bind – The Modi visit to Australia adds to the bipartisan strength of growing bonds

News: The Prime Minister of India is on a three-day visit to Australia and had bilateral meetings on various issues.

What were the issues discussed in the bilateral meeting? 

The meeting included – a) opening an Australian consulate in Bengaluru and an Indian consulate in Brisbane, b) an agreement on Migration and Mobility, c) the finalisation of terms of reference for an India-Australia Green Hydrogen Task Force, d) Defence and security ties, cooperation on renewable energy, and critical minerals were also part of the discussions, e) the need to sign a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement by December was also discussed.

Despite their differing stances on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and western sanctions, they found continuing and common cause on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, and dealing with an aggressive China.

Further, the PM also addressed a large gathering of the Indian-origin community and he said that the “real reason, the real power” behind the bilateral relations came from people of Indian-origin in Australia.

Issues related to activities of other groups and conflicts associated with the people of Indian origin were also discussed

The PM reiterated his worries over vandalism and attacks on community facilities and temples with pro-Khalistani, anti-India, and anti-Modi writings.

Must Read: India-Australia relations: Challenges and Significance – Explained

What lies ahead for India and Australia’s bilateral relationship?

Any attack on an Indian consulate is a valid bilateral concern. However, India must also put its attention to attacks by Australian citizens on Australian citizens and Australian property.

Any such attack definitely raise concerns and worries for India. However, highlighting them in the bilateral meeting would not lead to further strengthening of ties between the two nations. 

It would also not serve the interest of three D’s (Democracy, Diaspora and Dosti), which according to the PM bind the two countries.

The UK a tax haven?

News– The article explains the issues of UK providing safe tax haven for high net worth individuals and extradition issues between India and UK

How is the UK a tax haven for high net worth individuals?

There are  reports that wealthy families from Russia, China, and India buy expensive residential and commercial properties in London. They store huge amounts of capital in the UK’s overseas territories.

According to a British Broadcasting Corporation report on August 3, 2022, some Russians and other high net-worth foreigners have used “English Limited Partnerships” to hide the identity of the true owners.

The following study of the “Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation” is about how the UK’s laws and practices result in tax evasion

A Financial Times article suggests that there are benefits in setting up trusts in the UK’s overseas territories. The confidentiality about the assets motivates them to deposit large amounts in these tax havens.

The UK’s overseas territories which are popular with tax evaders are the British Virgin Islands, Guernsey, Gibraltar, and the Cayman Islands.

What are extradition issues between India and the UK that are related to people accused of financial crimes in India?

Currently the UK is harbouring high-profile Indians who have allegedly committed financial fraud in India. This is despite an India-UK Extradition Treaty.

One of several hurdles in getting criminals under Indian law back to India is that the offences committed in India must also be crimes in the UK.

Further, the European Convention on Human Rights does not allow extradition to jurisdictions where a prisoner may be held in degrading conditions, or may be tortured.

Lalit Modi, Vijay Mallya, and Nirav Modi have been accused or found guilty of financial fraud in India and have evaded extradition from the UK to India.

What are the financial crimes committed by these people?

Kingfisher Airlines have defaulted on borrowings of over 8,000 crore. It was sourced from several public-sector banks between 2004 and 2008.

Kingfisher Airlines was also reported to have deducted 10%  tax at source from its employees, as required by Indian tax law, but did not credit these amounts to the government account

Nirav Modi obtained fraudulent letters of undertaking to misappropriate about 14,000 crore from Punjab National Bank.

Why is it an appropriate time to raise the issue of extradition of people accused for financial crimes in India with the UK?

In the May 2023 Northern Ireland council elections, the Sinn Fein party emerged with 31% of the vote, the highest. Sinn Fein and its supporters would like Northern Ireland to reunite with the rest of Ireland.

A unified Ireland may happen in another 10 years or less and all of Ireland may become part of the European Union. Scotland may leave the UK. It may join the EU.

India should focus on concluding a broad-based trade in goods, services, and investments agreement with the EU and delay discussions on any India-UK trade agreement.

Govt, Gendered – on gender parity in civil services

News: Women got the top four spots in the Civil Services Exam 2022. It shows the improvement in women participation in the administration.

Moreover, women candidates recommended for appointment to various elite government services like IAS and IPS have overall risen from 24% to 34% since 2018.

The improvement in gender equality in public administration has been an important metric for a more responsive and accountable government to diverse public interests.

It shows that gender parity among civil servants is within reach.

However, India is still lagging in the equal employment across all levels, sectors and positions in government – especially its highest offices.

What are the challenges in the equal participation of women on the important positions?

First, Although, first woman foreign secretary appointed in 2001 and the first woman finance secretary in 2011. India has never had a woman cabinet secretary.

Second, a 2021UNDP global report on gender equality in public administration reports that women’s share of top leadership in India is only 12% compared to 29% in Singapore, 40% in Australia and 53% in Sweden.

Third, Gender equality becomes more important due to rising deficit between the required number of officers and the vacancies. A parliamentary committee reports the deficits between authorised and actual IAS strength at 57% in J&K and 31% in Jharkhand.

Fourth, mindset of reformers needs to change. Committee on civil service reforms’ 2004 report advocates enabling “women in the higher civil service to play their roles effectively as mothers and wives”. Instead of encouraging women to care for families, a more equal culture of care work in the senior bureaucracy must be encouraged.

A ‘middle kingdom’ dawns on India’s west

News: In the recently concluded 32nd Arab League Summit held in Jeddah, all 22 Arab states participated after 12 years, and Syria was readmitted. The summit shows the changing geo-political environment in the Arab region.

The “Jeddah Declaration” of the summit was moderate. It although adopted a pro-Palestinian agenda but refrained from mentioning Israel by name.

It did not discuss any Iran-related issues and called for stopping foreign interference in the domestic affairs of Arab countries.

It also opposed all support for the formation of armed groups and militias.

How is Saudi Arabia’s rise causing the geo-political changes in the Arab world?

Saudi Arabia’s economic strength is a significant advantage in its quest for Arab supremacy. Its GDP grew by 8.7% in 2022, and its oil income reached a record $228 billion, giving it considerable influence over OPEC and OPEC+.

The rise of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the main arbiter of the Arab world’s agenda has been a key factor. He held triple summits in Riyadh with the Chinese President.

Saudi relations with Iran were normalised. It resulted in reduced in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq

By reconciling with Iran through Chinese mediation, but without a U.S. nod-and-wink, Riyadh has asserted its diplomatic autonomy.

Direct ties with Iran have also reduced the importance of Qatar, Iraq, Oman and Pakistan as intermediaries.

Saudi’s animosity with Israel has been replaced by ambiguity as it has still not joined the Abraham Accords but improved the relations with Israel.

In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has hosted peace talks among warring factions in Sudan.

What are the challenges in front of Saudi?

It still needs for a more mature and consistent foreign policy. For example, Jamal Khashoggi episode in 2018 got it into many issues.

Potential friction in its ties with the UAE and Qatar.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s likely anointment as the next Saudi king may disturb it’s internal stability.

What should be the course of action for India?

India should acknowledge this geopolitical shift, realign its strategy, and vigorously pursue its national interests.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be re-invited for the India visit, postponed last year.

Synergise the bilateral Strategic Partnership Council at various levels.

Indian should raise participation in various projects under the Kingdom’s ambitious “Vision 2030”.

GS Paper 3

On copyright infringement and AI

News- The recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Inc. versus Goldsmith et al. has added more unpredictability to the process of being exempted from copyright infringement liabilities.

To what extent does copyright law protect artists?

Copyright law protects the work of diverse artists. It provides a set of exclusive rights for artists over their creative output. This includes controlling the manner in which others reproduce or modify their work.

However, these exclusive rights are balanced with the rights of the users of such work. It includes other artists who might want to build on or comment on them. There are diverse exceptions under the copyright law.

What is exempt from infringement liability?

Different jurisdictions follow different approaches to exceptions. Some countries, particularly those in continental Europe, adopt the ‘enumerated exceptions approach’.

The use of copyrights needs to be specifically covered under the statute for considering it as an exception to copyright infringement.

Some others, including the U.S., follow an open-ended approach. It does not specify exemptions beforehand. Instead, they have guidelines about the types of uses that can be exempted.

The U.S. courts primarily consider four factors when determining whether a particular use can be considered to be an instance of fair use.

These factors are the purpose and character of the use; the nature of the copyrighted work; the amount and substantiality of the portion taken by the defendant, and the effect of the use on the potential market of the plaintiff’s work.

The U.S. courts have been giving the highest importance to the first factor.

This open-ended approach to exceptions provides U.S. copyright law considerable flexibility and strength to deal with challenges posed by emerging technologies.

However, it has a major limitation. There is no way to know whether an activity will be exempted from liabilities until after litigation.

What is the AWF case?

Lynn Goldsmith photographed the famous musician Prince in 1981. One of those photos was licensed in 1984 to Vanity Fair magazine for use as an “artist reference”.

The licence specifically said the illustration could appear once as a full-page element and once as a one-quarter page element, in the magazine’s 1984 November issue. Vanity Fair paid Ms. Goldsmith $400 for the licence.

It hired Andy Warhol to work on the illustration. Mr. Warhol made a silkscreen portrait of Prince using Goldsmith’s photo. But while the licence had authorised only one illustration, Mr. Warhol additionally created 13 screen prints and two pencil sketches.

In 2016, Condé Nast, which publishes Vanity Fair, approached the Andy Warhol Foundation (AWF) to reuse the 1984 illustration as part of a story on Prince.

But when they realised that there were more portraits available, they opted to publish one of them instead. As part of the licence to use it, they paid $10,000 to AWF. But they paid nothing to Ms. Goldsmith.

When the AWF realised that Ms. Goldsmith may file a copyright infringement suit, it filed a suit to declare that it had not committed infringement. Ms. Goldsmith then counter-sued AWF for copyright infringement.

What are the findings of the US Supreme Court?

The majority of judges of the US Supreme Court concluded that there may be a situation where an original work and secondary work have more or less similar purposes and the secondary use is of a commercial nature.

Then, the first factor related to purpose and character of the use may not favour a fair-use interpretation unless there are other justifications for copying.

Both Ms. Goldsmith’s photos and Mr. Warhol had more or less the same purpose to portray Prince. The majority said that copying may have helped convey a new meaning or message. That in itself did not suffice under the first factor.

How does this affect generative AI?

The implications of the court’s finding are bound to ripple across the visual arts at large.

The majority position could challenge the manner in which many generative artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT4, MidJourney, and Stable Diffusion, have been conceived.

The majority’s reliance on the commercial nature of the use may also result in substantial deviation from the established view that the commercial nature of the use cannot negate a finding of fair use.

What may be its implications on Indian copyright law?

There may not be any direct implications for Indian copyright law. The framework of exceptions in India is different.

India follows a hybrid model of exception in which fair dealing with copyrighted work is exempted for some specific purposes under Section 52(1)(a) of the Copyright Act 1957. India also has a long list of enumerated exceptions.

India’s G20 presidency can show the way on disaster management

News– A second meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group will be held in Mumbai between May 23-25. This is an opportune time to focus and deliver on the goals of disaster risk reduction.

How are G20 nations vulnerable to disasters?

The G20 nations have large exposure, and risk from asset concentration. They are vulnerable to natural disasters. In the current World Risk Index, four out of the top 10 vulnerable countries are G20 nations.

The combined estimated annual average loss in the G20 countries alone is $218 billion. It is equivalent to 9% of the average annual investment in infrastructure made by them.

What is the importance of disaster risk reduction?[Text Wrapping Break]Disaster risk reduction measures can play an important role in preventing such losses. Reducing risk can be achieved mainly by reducing vulnerability and exposure to risk through some measures. These are better economic and urban development choices and practices, protection of the environment, reduction of poverty and inequality.

Disasters can set back development gains. Hence, risk reduction is an important strategy if a country’s economic ambitions are to be realised.

Setting up early warning systems, undertaking periodic risk assessments, constructing disaster-resilient infrastructure are important strategies.

What were the five priorities outlined in the first meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction working group?

Coverage of early warning systems to all.

Focus on disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Improving financing frameworks for national disaster risk reduction.

Improving systems and capabilities for response to disasters and application.

Ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk.

How is India contributing to disaster risk reduction?

PM Modi’s 10-point agenda outlined after the adoption of the Sendai Framework, guides the country in the implementation of the framework.

India has transformed the way the government finances disaster risk reduction and made targeted efforts to reduce losses from disasters.

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is presently chaired by India and the United States.

The creation of the new workstream under the G20 is reflective of the prime minister’s commitment towards disaster preparedness.

What is the importance of G20 for disaster risk reduction?

The recently concluded high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the midterm review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 mentions the importance of G20’s efforts in the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

The G20 provides a broader platform to drive global goals on disaster risk reduction. The perspectives that G20 as a group will bring to the table would be unique.

For example, any talk about risk financing will not be merely about additional financial resources. It will also include more efficient, effective and predictable financing mechanisms.

The Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction is an opportunity for the G20 to take a lead in the implementation of the Sendai framework over the next seven years.

Eyes In The Sky: How IAF Secured India’s Air Dominance

News– The article explains the history of evolution of use of early warning systems by the Indian Air Force.

What is the historical background of deployment of early warning systems by the Indian Air Force?

The British Royal Air Force deemed radars too advanced and “unnecessary” for IAF. It left behind damaged and sabotaged equipment.

After Independence, IAF decided to rebuild its radar capability. A mobile radar set recovered from sabotaged equipment was christened No 1 Radar Unit and moved to Palam. It became the first-ever Signal Unit in IAF. By 1949, six more sets were operational. These served predominantly as early warning radars.

In 1949, IAF ordered five static Sector Operations Centres (SOC) from Marconi UK. These were intended to replicate the British hub and spoke air defence setup.

The first SOC was established in Delhi in 1954. By 1962, IAF had set up five SOCs at Delhi, Ambala, Jodhpur, Barrackpore and Bombay.

IAF’s Air Defence Ground Environment System philosophy was to protect Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta and have protection along the western boundary via SOCs at Ambala and Jodhpur.

However, the insufficient number of radars did not provide any defence in depth. Vital areas, except Delhi, were covered with a maximum of 80-170 km of early warning. It gave fighter aircraft less time to react.

The 1962 war led to more significant changes. Immediately after the war, modern equipment was acquired from the US and USSR.

Western nations also conducted “Exercise – Shiksha” in India in November 1963, which included training as well as two mobile radar units. This led to IAF contracting six US-made Star Sapphire radars.

The USSR also agreed to provide SA-2 surface-to-air missiles and the P-30 radar. SA-2 units were deployed in Chandigarh, Ambala, Calcutta, Delhi and Baroda, while twelve P-30 radars were stationed nationwide.

However, IAF had only operationalised two P-30s and one Star Sapphire when the 1965 war broke out. 230 SU at Amritsar was one of the two P-30s operational. It played an important role in both wars with Pakistan.

How has the landscape of the early warning system drastically changed after 2010?

On September 14, 2010, IAF launched the Air Force Network (AFNET). It replaced its old communication network which used the tropo-scatter technology of the 1950s with a dedicated fibre-optic wide area network. It offers encrypted, and secure bandwidth.

Building on the AFNET backbone, IAF rolled out the Integrated Air Command and Control System or IACCS. It has provided for automated control and monitoring of air operations by linking real-time feeds from defence and civil sensors throughout the country.

To ensure all-weather surveillance, IAF has ordered indigenously built radars to augment the IACCS feed. These are now in advanced stages of deployment along critical regions.

The integration of IACCS with AWACS, UAVs and surface-to-air missiles has improved the ability to launch fighter aircraft against hostile targets promptly.

Green bonds and guarantees: Key tools to contain global warming

Context: The article discusses the need for adequate financing to facilitate a fundamental transition from fossil fuel-based to non-fossil fuel-based production in order to mitigate global warming.

The transition from fossil fuel-based to non-fossil fuel-based production requires scientific knowledge and technologies like green hydrogen and renewable energy.

Technologies such as green hydrogen, are commercially viable, as of now, but not implemented at the required scale to prevent catastrophic global warming.

The main hurdle in their adoption is Finance, not technology.

What are the challenges to financing of green technologies?

The issue of legacy and responsibility: For more than 30 years since the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit of 1992, emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) have been demanding that the ‘polluter pays’ principle should apply globally. It is because developed countries have played a major role in the present pollution, so they must pay the fine for that now. However, this demand has not received any attention yet.

Huge deficit: The required investment in clean energy projects for effective mitigation is estimated at $5 trillion per year, against the available $ 1.4 trillion. Multilateral development banks (MDBs) alone cannot fill the massive financing gap, as their collective mobilization capacity is limited.

Financing through bonds: Thematic bonds, including green bonds, have grown annually at a phenomenal rate, and the volume could reach $5 trillion by 2025. However, only a small percentage of thematic bonds have flowed to EMDEs.

What can be the course of action?

1. MDBs can provide insurance and risk guarantees to attract foreign investors and mitigate perceived risks.
2. EMDE governments should develop green bond frameworks, strengthen ESG mandates, and create demand for thematic bonds.
3. India has taken positive steps in issuing a green bond framework and successfully issuing local currency bonds.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Ministry of Civil Aviation launches UDAN 5.1, specifically designed for helicopter routes

Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Civil Aviation launches UDAN 5.1, specifically designed for helicopter routes” published in the PIB on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) UDAN 5.1.

What is the UDAN Scheme?

About UDAN 5.1

Aim: To further enhance the connectivity to remote areas of the country and achieve last mile connectivity through helicopters.

Salient features:

a) The scheme will now allow routes where one of the origin or destination locations is in a priority area. Earlier both points had to be in priority areas.

b) Airfare caps have been reduced by as much as 25% to make flying in helicopters more affordable for passengers.

c) Viability Gap Funding (VGF) caps for the operators have been increased substantially for both single and twin-engine helicopters to enhance financial viability for operating the awarded routes.

Significance:

-For the first time under RCS-UDAN, this round is designed specifically for helicopter routes. Greater helicopter penetration will help boost tourism, hospitality, and thus, local economies.

-Till date 46 helicopter routes have been operationalized under previous rounds of the scheme benefitting a number of hilly and North East states. This round is targeting coverage of a much larger number of routes.

AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’ puts India among top supercomputing league

Source: The post is based on the following articles

“AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’ puts India among top supercomputing league” published in the PIB on 24th May 2023

“India set to triple speed of its fastest supercomputers” published in The Hindu on 25th May 2023

What is the News?

Recently, International Supercomputing Conference (ISC 2023) took place in Germany. In that, among the Top 500 Global Supercomputing List, the AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’, installed at C-DAC, Pune has ranked 75th in the world.

Note: The fastest high-performance computing system in the world is currently the Frontier-Cray system at Oakridge National Laboratory, United States. This has a peak speed of one exa-flop (or about 1,000 petaflops). The top 10 other systems, based on speed, range from about 400 petaflops to 60 petaflops.

About AI Research Analytics and Knowledge Dissemination Platform (AIRAWAT)

The AIRAWAT Proof of Concept (PoC) of 200 AI Petaflops Mixed Precision peak compute capacity is currently funded by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and implemented by C-DAC, Pune.  The system is installed under National Program on AI by the Government of India.

Capacity: The AIRAWAT PoC of 200 AI Petaflops integrated with PARAM Siddhi – AI of 210 AI Petaflops gives a total peak compute of 410 AI Petaflops Mixed Precision and sustained compute capacity of 8.5 Petaflops (Rmax) Double Precision.

Benefits: The deployment of AIRAWAT will empower academia, research labs, the scientific community, industry, and startups to develop indigenous AI-enabled products and solutions, particularly for addressing India-specific challenges. This AI infrastructure will enable to achieve the vision envisaged under National Program on AI (NPAI).

Future of AIRAWAT: MEITY envisions scaling AIRAWAT to a computing capacity of 1,000 AI Petaflops to meet the current AI computational requirements.

About India’s Super Computing Capability

Currently, India’s most powerful, civilian supercomputers — Pratyush and Mihir — with a combined capacity of 6.8 petaflops are housed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida, respectively. Both these organisations are affiliated to the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). India’s current high-performance computers allow us to map weather and climate changes to a resolution of 12X12 km.

The new supercomputers, yet to be named, are imported from French corporation. “With the new system, India can improve resolution to 6X6 km”. This translates to greater clarity and more accurate local forecast.

New artificial light-harvesting system using organic nanotubes useful for solar cells, photocatalysis, optical sensors & tunable multi-color light emitting materials

Source: The post is based on the article “New artificial light-harvesting system using organic nanotubes useful for solar cells, photocatalysis, optical sensors & tunable multi-color light emitting materials” published in the PIB on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

Researchers have developed a new method of harvesting artificial light using organic nanotubes.

What led to the development of an artificial light-harvesting system?

In nature, plants and photosynthetic bacteria capture sunlight and deliver it to the reaction centre through a cascade of energy and electron transfer steps for its eventual storage in the form of chemical energy. The antenna chromophores in the light-harvesting complexes are precisely aligned into arrays by the surrounding proteins. This in turn allows the energy migration between them in a highly efficient manner.

Mimicking natural photosynthetic systems and understanding the fundamental processes of energy transfer has gained enormous interest, especially for systems that need energy conversion and storage.

About the artificial light-harvesting system 

Two Indian scientists carried out experimental and computational investigations on artificial light-harvesting in organic nanotubes derived from the union of an organic fluorescent molecule and a therapeutically important biopolymer. During their experiment, they formed nanotubes with bright greenish-yellow emission.

Just like the antenna chromophores or pigmented (coloured) membrane-associated vesicles used to perform photosynthesis in bacteria. The nanotubes acted as highly efficient energy donors (antennae) in a system that mimicked the natural photosynthetic process.

Applications: The energy transfer phenomenon demonstrated in this study is known as FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer), which has significant importance in different applications. Such as determination of DNA/RNA structures, mapping biological membranes, real-time PCR tests, and so on.

Further, this can be utilized in solar cells, photocatalysis, optical sensors, and tunable multi-color light-emitting materials.

CJI Chandrachud condemns ‘forum shopping’: What is this practice?

Source: The post is based on the article “CJI Chandrachud condemns ‘forum shopping’: What is this practice?” published in the Indian Express on 25th May 2023

What is the News?

Recently, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) condemned the practice of Forum Shopping.

What is practice of forum shopping?

It refers to the practice of deliberately choosing a specific court or Judge for a legal case in the hope of getting a favourable outcome. Litigants and lawyers often consider this strategy as part of their litigation plan.

Note: “Bench Hunting” refers to petitioners managing to get their cases heard by a particular judge or bench to ensure a favourable order.

What are the disadvantages of forum shopping?

a) It can lead to injustice for the opposing party and create an imbalance in the workload of different courts and might overburden some courts over others, b) It can undermine the authority and legitimacy of courts and judges by creating perceptions of bias or favoritism, and c) It can increase the costs and complexity of litigation by creating conflicts of laws and multiple proceedings.

How various countries are discouraging forum shopping?

The US and UK courts have criticised the practice of forum shopping as something to be avoided or prohibited.

Most common law countries use the “forum non-conveniens” principle to prevent forum shopping. This gives the court discretionary powers to refuse to exercise its jurisdiction over a matter where another court, or forum, may more conveniently hear a case.

What is the Supreme Court’s view on forum shopping?

In Chetak Construction Ltd. vs. Om Prakash case, 1988, the SC held “A litigant cannot be permitted choice of the forum,” and that every attempt at forum shopping “must be crushed with a heavy hand.”

In Union of India & Ors. vs. Cipla Ltd case, 2017 the court laid down a “functional test” to be adopted for Forum Shopping. This is to determine whether a litigant is genuinely seeking justice or engaging in manipulative tactics through forum shopping.

In Vijay Kumar Ghai vs. State of W.B. case, 2022, the SC termed forum shopping as a “disreputable practice by the courts” that “has no sanction and paramountcy in law”.

In Dr. Khair-Un-Nisa and Ors vs. UT of Jammu and Kashmir and Ors case, 2023, the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh High Court imposed penalties as petitioners indulged in forum shopping.

Independence of judiciary is part of basic structure of Constitution: SC

Source: The post is based on the article “Independence of judiciary is part of basic structure of Constitution: SC” published in The Hindu on 25th May 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has held that the independence of the district judiciary is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. The court also said that judicial independence from the executive and the legislature requires the judiciary to have a say in matters of finances.

About the case

A petition was filed by the All India Judges Association. The petition demands a series of directions to amend the service rules of the district judiciary.

The court appointed the Second National Judicial Pay Commission headed by Justice P.V. Reddi (retired) as its chairman.

Based on their recommendation the court amended the service rules and provide for the payment of arrears of pension, additional pension, gratuity and other retiral benefits.

What are some crucial observations made by the court on the district judiciary?

The judgment records the crucial role played by the district judiciary in the justice administration system.

The court said that the district judiciary was the backbone of the judicial system and said that “on a single day, the district judiciary handled nearly 11.3 lakh cases”.

The judgment highlighted the doctrine that the “judiciary must possess the inherent power to compel payment of those sums of money which are reasonable and necessary to carry out its mandated responsibilities”. To secure their impartiality, it is important to ensure their financial security and economic independence.

The court said, “This doctrine is only the logical conclusion of separation of powers and ensures that the independence of the judiciary is secured.”

Protesting wrestlers say ready for narco test: What is it, how does it work

Source: The post is based on the article “Protesting wrestlers say ready for narco test: What is it, how does it work” published in the Indian Express on 25th May 2023

What is the News?

The wrestlers, protesting at Jantar Mantar, demanded the arrest of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and undergo a narco test. The President agreed to a narco test or any other lie-detector test, on the condition that some of the protesters undergo the same. In response, the wrestlers said that they are ready for the narco test if it is Supreme Court-monitored.

What is Narco test?

In a ‘narco’ or narco analysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the accused. This transports them to a hypnotic or sedated state in which their imagination is neutralised. In this hypnotic state, the accused is understood as being incapable of lying and is expected to divulge information that is true.

Narco analysis tests were notably used in the 2002 Gujarat riots case, the Abdul Karim Telgi fake stamp paper scam, the Nithari killings case in 2007, and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case on captured terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

What is the Supreme Court’s observation on Narco test?

In “Sh. Shailender Sharma vs State & Another” case, 2008, the court said that narco-analysis tests should not suffer from any constitutional infirmity and they are a “step in aid of investigation.”

In “Selvi & Ors vs State of Karnataka & Anr” case, 2010, the SC held that no lie detector tests should be administered “except on the basis of consent of the accused”. Those who volunteer must have access to a lawyer and have the physical, emotional, and legal implications of the test explained to them by the police and the lawyer. While conducting the Narco tests, the ‘Guidelines for the Administration of Polygraph Test on an Accused’, published by the National Human Rights Commission in 2000, must be strictly followed.

Accordingly, the court declined narco-analysis tests on a former staffer of Punjab National Bank (PNB), who was in custody in the alleged Rs 7,000 crore fraud. But allowed the Delhi Police to conduct a narco test on Aaftab Poonawalla as he consented to the test.

Global agency affiliated to UN rights body defers NHRC accreditation

Source: The post is based on the article “Global agency affiliated to UN rights body defers NHRC accreditation” published in the Indian Express on 25th May 2023

What is the News?

For the second time in a row, an organisation affiliated to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has deferred re-accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India for a year.

About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

About the deferment of NHRC accreditation

The Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is responsible for reviewing and accrediting National Human Rights Institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles every five years.

Earlier, the Sub Committee on Accreditation (SCA) to the GANHRI has not granted accreditation to NHRC in 2016. This is the first such instance since NHRC was established in 1993. But the GANHRI granted ‘A’ status of accreditation to NHRC in 2017.

Note: The NHRC got ‘A’ status of accreditation for the first time in 1999. Later it was retained in 2006, 2011, and in 2017 after it was deferred for a year.

So, the review of NHRC, India was due in March 2023, for its re-accreditation. But, this has been deferred for a year.

Reason for deferment: The subcommittee has recommended the government and parliamentarians for certain legislative amendments to improve compliance with the Paris Principles.

Note: In 2016, the GANHRI cited the appointment of political representatives and failure in ensuring gender balance and pluralism in NHRC staff among its reasons for the deferment.

Implication: Without the accreditation, NHRC will be unable to represent India at the UN Human Rights Council.

However, the process of re-accreditation has not concluded. As the GANHRI has deferred only for a year and it is not a final decision for five years.

About the Paris Principles

The Paris Principles are a crucial step in the development of standards for national human rights institutions across the world. These principles were adopted in 1991.

The six principles require a country‘s human rights agency to be independent of the government in its structure, composition, decision-making and method of operation.

‘Sengol’ to be installed in the new parliament: Significance of the sceptre, first given to Nehru

Source: The post is based on the article “‘Sengol’ to be installed in the new parliament: Significance of the sceptre, first given to Nehru” published in the Indian Express on 25th May 2023

What is the News?

The Home Minister recently said that the upcoming inauguration of the new parliament building will also see Prime Minister installing a historic sceptre (Sengol) from Tamil Nadu next to the Lok Sabha Speaker’s seat.

What is Sengol?

It is derived from the Tamil word “Semmai”, meaning “Righteousness”. A ceremony was performed during the Chola dynasty, in which the transfer of power from one king to the other was sanctified and blessed by high priests. During this, the symbol (for the transfer of power) used was the handover of the ‘Sengol’ from one King to his successor.

The newly crowned ruler would be given the Sengol with an order to rule his subjects fairly and justly.

Why was the Sengol given to Nehru?

According to the official document, just before Independence, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, asked Nehru about “the ceremony that should be followed to symbolise the transfer of power from British to Indian hands”.

The soon-to-be prime minister went to consult C Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India. He explained the details of Sengol and its associated ceremony.

How was the present Sengol made?

Once Nehru agreed to perform the suggested ceremony. Rajaji was tasked with the responsibility of arranging a sceptre.

Subsequently, he reached out to Thiruvaduthurai Atheenam, a well-known mutt in Tamil Nadu’s Tanjore district, for help and its leader commissioned the manufacturing of the Sengol to Chennai-based jewellers.

The present one was constructed by two men — Vummidi Ethirajulu and Vummidi Sudhakar. The sceptre measures five feet in length and has a ‘Nandi’ bull on top, symbolising justice.

How Sengol ceremony took shape during independence?

The sceptre is a “significant historical” symbol of Independence as it signifies the transfer of power from the British to the Indians. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru accepted Sengol on August 14, 1947, through the Adhinam of Tamil Nadu. It was a sign of the shift of power from the Britishers to the people of our country.

A song was played during the ceremony. It was composed by the 7th-century Tamil saint Tirugnana Sambandar — a child prodigy who lived only 16 years.