9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 11, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
On Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of India – Keep Your Promise
Source: The post on Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of India is based on the article “Keep Your Promise- SC does well backing personal guarantees in IBC cases” published in “The Times of India” on 11th November 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- polity- Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
News: The article discusses how India’s Supreme Court upheld laws allowing creditors to claim personal guarantees from defaulting company owners, emphasizing the need to improve debt recovery systems.
What is the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)?
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is a legal framework in India, introduced in 2016 to address the rising issue of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and debt defaults.
Its key aims include a) Revamping India’s corporate distress resolution system. b) Consolidating laws for a time-bound resolution process. C) Shifting control from debtors to creditors.
For more information on IBC read here
What is the significance of Supreme Court rule on IBC?
Upholds IBC Provisions: The Supreme Court ruling supports the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’s inclusion of personal guarantors, allowing creditors to claim from company owners’ personal assets if their companies fail to repay debts.
Closes Loopholes: This decision plugs legal gaps, ensuring that company promoters can’t easily avoid their debt responsibilities.
Promotes Contract Sanctity: The ruling reinforces the importance of respecting contractual obligations in the business world.
What are the challenges faced by IBC?
The IBC faces challenges in speed and efficiency. The resolution process is slow, averaging 724 days between April and September 2023, far beyond the 330-day limit set by the IBC.
For more details on challenges faced by IBC read here
What should be done?
Speed Up Resolution Process: The current average resolution time is 724 days, significantly more than the IBC’s 330-day limit. This needs to be reduced to preserve company value.
Increase Recovery Rates: With only 5.2% recovery from personal guarantor cases, efforts must be intensified to improve this rate, making it closer to the 31.6% rate in corporate insolvency cases.
Timely Appointments to NCLT: The Government of India should focus on making timely appointments to the National Company Law Tribunal to handle cases more efficiently.
Question to practice
Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold certain provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in India.
On ragging in higher educational institutions – Unending ordeal
Source: The post on ragging in higher educational institutions is based on the article “Unending ordeal- Law enforcement officials and colleges must do more to prevent ragging” published in “The Hindu” on 11th November 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.
News: The article discusses the ongoing problem of ragging in Indian universities, despite laws and regulations to stop it, and suggests that more effective prevention and accountability measures are needed.
What is “ragging”?
According to the Supreme Court of India (Vishwa Jagriti Mission case), ragging is defined as any disorderly conduct that involves teasing, treating, or handling fellow students with rudeness. It includes engaging in undisciplined activities that cause annoyance, psychological harm, or generate fear among junior students. The Court views it as an act often motivated by deriving sadistic pleasure or showcasing superiority by seniors over freshers.
What are the anti-ragging measures in India?
Judicial Measures: The Supreme Court’s intervention in 2001, which banned ragging across the nation, was a significant step. It further mandated the establishment of proctoral committees within educational institutions to actively monitor and address ragging issues. For severe incidents, the Court recommended reporting to the police.
Legal Measures: On the legal front, ragging cases can be addressed under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code. Sections 339 and 340, dealing with wrongful restraint and confinement, are pertinent. Additionally, several states, such as Kerala and Maharashtra, have enacted specific anti-ragging laws providing a robust legal framework at the state level.
UGC Measures: The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) comprehensive guidelines issued in 2009 include requiring universities to ensure students sign anti-ragging undertakings and establishing vigilant committees comprising staff and senior students. The UGC also supports an anti-ragging helpline, available in 12 languages, and maintains a dedicated website for reporting and tracking ragging incidents.
Other Measures:
The 2007 R.K. Raghavan Committee report described ragging as psychopathic behavior. It recommended both its prohibition and the implementation of preventive measures, which shaped the UGC’s 2006 guidelines.
The Unny Committee’s recommendations, which included a range of punishments for ragging, from monetary fines to imprisonment, further reinforced the seriousness of the issue.
What are the Gaps in the anti-ragging System?
Lack of Effective Prevention: State laws mainly focus on prohibiting ragging rather than preventing it. This approach fails to address the root causes and behaviors leading to ragging.
Poor Enforcement of Regulations: Despite the existence of guidelines like the UGC’s 2009 regulations, their strict implementation by governments and authorities is lacking, leading to unsafe campus environments.
Insufficient Institutional Measures: Educational institutions often limit their anti-ragging efforts to formalities like displaying ‘no-ragging’ notices and obtaining undertakings from students and parents. This does not effectively deter ragging.
What should be done?
Strengthen Institutional Accountability: Educational institutions should be held accountable for preventing ragging. This can be done through regular monitoring and strict enforcement of anti-ragging policies.
Create Supportive Environments: Establish systems where teachers and hostel wardens are easily approachable for students facing ragging. This will ensure victims receive immediate assistance.
Involve Multiple Stakeholders: Engage not just students and teachers, but also parents in the anti-ragging campaign, fostering a community-wide effort against ragging.
Question to practice
Discuss the effectiveness of the current measures in place to combat ragging in Indian universities and explore potential strategies for improvement.
Revamping the criminal justice system to fit the bill
Source: The post is based on the article “Revamping the criminal justice system to fit the bill” published in “The Hindu” on 11th November 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Polity- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States.
News: The article discusses three new Indian Bills that aim to modernize the country’s criminal justice system by replacing existing laws. These Bills focus on updating legal provisions and ensuring they align with modern practices and norms.
What is the core criminal justice system in India?
The core criminal justice system in India is currently based on three main laws: the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872. These laws form the foundation of how crimes are defined, prosecuted, and tried in India.
To modernize this system, the government has introduced three new Bills. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill is set to replace the IPC; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill will take the place of the CrPC; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill is aimed at replacing the IEA.
What is the need of modernizing the criminal justice system in India?
Modernizing Jurisprudence: The replacement of India’s criminal justice system signifies an update to modern legal standards. For example, the Bills introduce community service as a punishment, reflecting a shift towards a more reformative approach.
Aligning with Supreme Court Rulings: The new legislation aligns with key Supreme Court decisions, such as the decriminalization of adultery and same-sex relations, ensuring the legal system is consistent with contemporary judicial interpretations.
Addressing Overlaps with Special Laws: The replacement helps eliminate inconsistencies and duplications with specific laws. An example is the removal of IPC provisions on weights and measures, avoiding overlap with the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Updating Definitions and Illustrations: The Bills update terms like ‘unsound mind’ to ‘mental illness’, aligning with modern medical understanding as per the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. However, they still retain some outdated illustrations, indicating a need for further modernization.
Ensuring Fairness and Efficiency: Parliament aims to create a criminal justice system that is fair, just, and efficient, catering to the needs of a modern society.
What are the challenges in replacing the criminal justice system in India?
Balancing Civil and Criminal Laws: The challenge is to appropriately differentiate and integrate civil law aspects within the criminal justice system. Criminal law typically addresses offenses against society or the state, while civil law focuses on individual losses. But CrPC also covers post-divorce maintenance for spouses and children.
Reformative vs Punitive Approach: The Bills introduce community service as punishment but retain trials for non-compoundable minor offences (such as keeping an unauthorized lottery office, which carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment), indicating a struggle to balance reformative and punitive elements.
Consistency in Sentencing: Providing consistent sentencing, especially when the range is wide (like the up to 10-year imprisonment for deceiving a woman into cohabitation), is a complex issue.
Updating Age and Gender Laws: The Bills need to address modern norms regarding age thresholds for criminal responsibility and update gender-related offences, evidenced by the non-inclusion of marital rape as an offence.
Question to practice
Examine how the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill aims to modernize India’s criminal justice system.
Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:
Article- What the rapid ice melt in West Antarctica means
7 PM Article: Ice Sheet Melting- Explained Pointwise
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Governor cannot sit on bills passed by State Legislature
Source– This post is based on the article “Governors can’t sit on Bills passed by Assembly: Supreme Court” published in “The Hindu” on 10 November 2023.
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has observed that a Governor cannot sit on key Bills passed by a State Legislature, on the writ petition filed by the Punjab Government.
What is the Issue?
1. The Punjab government had filed a writ petition in the Supreme court and submitted that Governor has held back Key bills passed in a special sitting of the Budget Session of the Vidhan Sabha.
2. The governor refused to pass the bills on the ground that the special Assembly sitting in which the Bills were passed in June was “patently illegal”. He held that the speaker of the Punjab assembly had adjourned the Budget Session of the House sine die without proroguing it.
(Adjourning sine die is an “interruption of one and the same session” while prorogation is a termination of the session).
What are the Key observations given by the Supreme court?
1. In a parliamentary form of democracy- real power vests with the elected representatives of the people.
2. The court said the Governor could either assent to the Bills, withhold assent and send them back to reconsider or refer them to the President, but cannot sit on Bills passed by a State Legislature.
3. It was the right of each House of Legislature to regulate its own proceedings.
4. The Speaker, who has been recognised to be the guardian of the privilege of the House and constitutionally recognised authority who represents the House, was acting well within his jurisdiction in adjourning the House sine die.
5. However, Speaker’s jurisdiction to adjourn sine die cannot be utilised to keep the House in a perpetual session.
What are the some important Constitutional and Legislative Powers of the Governor over state legislature?
1. The governor has the right to address and send message, summon, prorogue and dissolve the State Legislature. These powers are formal, and the governor’s use of these powers must comply with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the chief minister.
2. Article 200-The Governor may either assent, withhold assent or reserve the Bill for consideration by the President.
3. Article 201- When a Bill is reserved by a Governor for the consideration of the President, the President shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent.
– Provided where the Bill is not a Money Bill (Money Bill is defined in Article 110 of the Indian Constitution. Money bills are concerned with financial matters like taxation, public expenditure, etc).
What are the special powers of the Speaker of the House of state legislature?
1. Adjournment of Sitting– He/She can adjourn the House or suspend the meeting in absence one-tenth of the total strength of the House (called the quorum).
2. Money Bill- He/She decides whether a bill is a money bill or not and his/her decision on this question is final.(Money bills are introduced only with the prior approval of the Governor).
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Nation.
New rice variety can replace Pusa-44
Source– This post “New rice variety can replace Pusa-44” is based on the article “Possible answer to farm fires: New rice variety can replace Pusa-44” published in “The Indian Express” on 10 November 2023.
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court in its order mentioned a “particular kind of paddy” grown mostly in Punjab, which were seen as major causes of stubble burning and the resultant pollution. The order didn’t name the variety but the reference was likely to Pusa-44.
What is Pusa-44 ?
What is it? | It is a variety of rice. |
Developed by | Delhi-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), commonly referred to as PUSA Institute. |
Season | Sowing-Mid June Harvest – Late October |
Growing areas | Punjab (mostly grown), Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan |
Advantages & Disadvantages | Advantages- It is a high-yielding variety. Disadvantages 1. It is a long-duration variety that takes 155-160 days to mature leaving less window period for field preparation to sow the next crop. 2. This variety (PUSA-44) leaves standing stubble after its harvest which farmers usually burns finally resulted in pollution. |
Which is the new variety that can replace Pusa-44? And what is its significance?
Pusa-2090
1. It is the improved version of Pusa-44.
2. It is a cross between Pusa-44 and CB-501 (type of Asian rice variety that is extensively grown in East Asia)
3. Its yield is in par with Pusa-44.
4. It matures in only 120-125 days (which gives sufficient window period to clear the fields)
5. Pusa-2090 was tested at the All-India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project trials in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 season.
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Agriculture)
NDMA’s Emergency Alert System Failed
Source– This post ” NDMA’s Emergency Alert System Failed” is based on the article “ Tremors reveal gaps in emergency alert system” published in the “The Hindu” 10th November 2023.
Why in the News?
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s Cell Broadcast Alert System failed to alert the tremors hit Delhi and surrounding areas last week.
What is National Disaster Management Authority?
What is it? | The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India. |
Vision | To build a safer and disaster resilient India by a holistic, pro-active, technology driven and sustainable development strategy. |
Established on | 27th September 2006 |
Composition | Prime Minister as its Chairperson and nine other members, and one such member to be designated as Vice-Chairperson. |
What is NDMA Cell Broadcast Alert System?
What is it? | It is a state-of-the-art technology that allows government to send critical and time-sensitive messages for disaster management to all mobile devices within a designated geographical area. |
Developed by | Centre for Development of Telematics(C-DOT) under Department of Telecommunication. |
Applications | To deliver emergency alerts, such as severe weather warnings (Tsunami, Flash Flood, Earthquake, etc), public safety messages, evacuation notices and other critical information. |
What is the operational status of India’s Cell Broadcast Alert System?
Few months back Department of Telecommunications in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority conducted sample testing of this system .Each test alert labelled as a “SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE“.
![Cell Broad Alert System](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cell-Broadcast-Alert-System-208x300.jpg)
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Kondaveedu Fort’s rich history showcased in new gallery
Source: The post is based on the article “Kondaveedu Fort’s rich history showcased in new gallery” published in “The Hindu” on 10th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Kondaveedu Fort in Andhra Pradesh is hosting a cultural gallery showcasing its rich historical significance from the 13th to the 20th century.
Where is Kondaveedu Fort?
![Kondaveedu Fort](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/300px-Kondavid6.jpg)
Specifications | Details |
Located in | Guntur,Andhra Pradesh |
Constructed by | Prolaya Vema Reddi |
Significance: | (1) The fort was once the capital of the Reddi dynasty between 1328 and 1482 shifting from their former capital at Addanki. (2) It was then taken over by the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya in 1516. (3) The Golconda Sultans fought for the fort and Sultan Quli Qutb Shah captured it in 1579 and renamed it as Murtazanagar. (4) The fort came under the control of the French colonists in 1752 when it was extensively fortified. (5) It passed on to the British East India Company who got control of the fort in 1788 but abandoned it in the early 19th century in favour of Guntur. |
UPSC Syllabus: Art and Culture
Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting approves Comprehensive “Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023”
Source: The post is based on the article “Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting approves Comprehensive “Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023” published in “PIB” on 10th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released the “Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023”.
What is Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023?
Aim: To enable and empower the Central Bureau of Communication(CBC) to undertake campaigns in the Digital Media Space.
Key Provisions of the policy:
Empanelment of entities for public service campaigns: The policy allows CBC to empanel five types of entities for government advertisements:
1)Internet websites and mobile apps (news websites and apps, travel websites, etc.)
2)Over the top (OTT) video on demand platforms (such as Disney+Hotstar)
3)Digital audio platforms (such as Spotify)
4)Social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter) and
5)Media agencies for digital campaigns
— Note: Any innovative and futuristic platforms can also be onboarded by the CBC with the approval of a six-member committee that will be headed by the director general or the principal director general of the CBC.
Transparency in prices: Introduces competitive bidding for rate discovery, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
– Rates discovered through this process will remain valid for three years and will be applicable to all eligible agencies.
Decline or Suspend empanelment entities: CBC has the right to decline or suspend empanelment of any entity if its content is found to be anti-national /obscene /indecent /anti-social/violative of communal harmony and national integrity or deemed objectionable. On this, the CBC decision will be final.
What is the Central Bureau of Communication(CBC)?
Specifications | Details |
Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Information and Broadcasting |
Setup in | 2017 by merging erstwhile Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP) and Song & Drama Division (S&DD). |
Mandate | To create awareness and disseminating information about various government programs, schemes and policies in India. |
Headquarters | New Delhi |
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Nation
Pump Storage Projects(PSP): Coal Ministry to Embark on Developing Pump Storage Projects in de-Coaled Mines
Source: The post is based on the article “Pump Storage Projects(PSP): Coal Ministry to Embark on Developing Pump Storage Projects in de-Coaled Mines” published in “PIB” on 11th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Coal is working on a plan to develop Pump Storage Projects(PSP) in de-coaled coal mines.
What are Pump Storage Projects(PSP)?
![Pump Storage Projects(PSP)](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pump-hydro-300x194.jpg)
1. Pumped storage is a type of hydropower energy storage system used for grid energy storage.
2. It is a form of clean energy storage that is ideal for electricity grids reliant on solar and wind power.
3. This technology absorbs surplus energy at times of low demand and releases it when demand is high.
How do Pumped storage power plants work?
1. Pumped hydropower storage uses the force of gravity to generate electricity using water that has been previously pumped from a lower source to an upper reservoir.
2. The water is pumped to the higher reservoir at times of low demand.
3. At times of high demand, the water is then released to drive a turbine in a powerhouse and supply electricity to the grid.
Why is government planning to develop Pump Storage Projects(PSP) on de-coaled mines?
There are over 200 de-coaled mines with huge land area. Many of these mines are feasible for pumped storage power plants as lower reservoirs, head of water and land are available.
What are the advantages of Pump Storage Projects(PSP)?
Specifications | Details |
Grid Stability and Reliability | Provides a reliable and rapid response to changes in electricity demand. It can quickly generate electricity during peak demand periods, helping to stabilize the grid. |
Long Lifespan and Durability | Pumped storage facilities typically have long lifespans and are built to withstand frequent cycling between pumping and generating modes. This makes them durable and reliable assets for energy infrastructure. |
Water Management | These power plants can be designed to manage water resources effectively, ensuring responsible use and minimizing environmental impact. |
Integration of Renewable Energy | Pumped storage helps integrate renewable energy sources into the grid by compensating for their intermittency. It provides a way to store excess energy when renewable sources are abundant and release it when they are not producing electricity. |
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions | By facilitating the efficient use of renewable energy and reducing the need for fossil fuel-based peaking power plants, pumped storage can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. |
Source: Science and Technology/Renewable Energy
Indian Institute of Management (Amendment) Bill,2023: Govt gets power to dissolve IIM boards
Source: The post is based on the article “Indian Institute of Management (Amendment) Bill,2023: Govt gets power to dissolve IIM boards” published in “Indian Express” on 11th November 2023
Why in the News?
Parliament had recently passed the Indian Institute of Management (Amendment), Bill 2023.
What is Indian Institute of Management (Amendment), Bill 2023?
Aim: To amend the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017.
Key Provisions of the bill:
Specifications | IIM Act,2017 | IIM Bill,2023 |
Visitor | – | President of India is the Visitor of every Institute covered by the Act |
Appointment of IIM Directors | Appointed by the Board of Governors, based on the recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection Committee. | Board to obtain the prior approval of the Visitor before appointing an Institute Director. |
Appointment of the Chairperson of the Board of Governors | Appointed by the Board | The Chairperson of the Board will be nominated by the Visitor. |
Dissolution of the Board | – | The central government may prescribe the conditions and procedure for dissolving or suspending an Institute’s Board. |
Inquiries against IIMs | Board can initiate an inquiry against an Institute if it has not been functioning in accordance with the Act. A retired High Court judge conducts such inquiries. |
It confers the power of inquiry upon the Visitor. The Visitor may appoint persons to review the work of any Institute and hold inquiries into its affairs. |
Co-ordination Forum | The Act provides for a Coordination Forum for all the Institutes. These forums are established to facilitate coordination among all institutes in order to attain common policy objectives. The Chairperson of the Forum is selected by a Search-cum-Selection Committee, constituted by the Forum |
The bill provides that the Chairperson of the forum will be nominated by the Visitor. |
UPSC Syllabus: Polity (Bills and Nation)
Auroras: Ladakh observatories spot red aurora
Source: The post is based on the article “Auroras: Ladakh observatories spot red aurora” published in “Indian Express” on 11th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Hanle and Merak observatories in Ladakh have captured images of an intense red aurora.
What are Auroras?
![Auroras](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/DSc3JBwPNgjDXUVTaQvqzc-300x200.jpg)
Specifications | Details |
Definition | Auroras are patterns of bright lights in the sky. They are seen when particles ejected by the Sun interact with the magnetic field around the Earth. The phenomenon is usually visible closer to the poles. |
Types | Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): Occurs in the Northern Hemisphere. – Note: In Finland, the aurora borealis is called revontulet which literally translates to fox fires. Aurora Australis (Southern Lights): Occurs in the Southern Hemisphere. |
Colours | The colours of auroras are produced by the type of gas molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere that the charged particles interact with. Common colours include green, pink, purple and red. |
Do other planets get auroras? | Auroras are not just something that happens on Earth. If a planet has an atmosphere and magnetic field, they probably have auroras. |
Geomagnetic Storms Influence | Geomagnetic storms, triggered by solar events like coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares, enhance auroral activity. |
Cultural Significance | Auroras hold cultural and spiritual significance in many indigenous cultures. They are often associated with myths, legends and spiritual beliefs. |
Scientific Study | Scientists study auroras to gain insights into the Earth’s magnetosphere, the solar-terrestrial relationship, and the behaviour of charged particles in the atmosphere. They also use them as indicators of solar activity. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology
Surety Bond: NHAI Accepts First Insurance Surety Bond as Bid Security for NHAI TOT Bid for Monetization
Source: The post is based on the article “Surety Bond: NHAI Accepts First Insurance Surety Bond as Bid Security for NHAI TOT Bid for Monetization” published in “PIB” on 11th November 2023
Why in the News?
National Highways Authority of India(NHAI) has accepted Insurance Surety Bond for the monetization program of the upcoming bid of Toll Operate Transfer(TOT) bundle.
What is Surety Bond?
![Surety Bond](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/what-is-a-surety-bond-1200x1200-1-300x300.jpg)
Specification | Details |
Definition | Surety Bonds are a type of insurance policy protecting parties involved in a transaction or contract from potential financial losses due to a breach of contract or other types of non-performance. |
Parties Involved | 1)Principal: The party that purchases the bond and undertakes an obligation to perform an act as promised. 2)Surety: The insurance company or surety company that guarantees the obligation will be performed. If the principal fails to perform the act as promised, the surety is contractually liable for losses sustained. 3)Obligee: The party who requires, and often receives the benefit of the surety bond. For most surety bonds, the obligee is a local, state or federal government organization. |
Benefits | 1)Will assist in developing an alternative to bank guarantees 2)Helps address the large liquidity and funding requirements of the infrastructure sector. |
Issues | 1)Surety bonds as a new concept is risky and insurance companies in India are yet to achieve expertise in risk assessment in such business. 2)Surety Bonds need extensive reinsurance support and no primary insurers can issue any policy without proper reinsurance backup. |
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting invites comments on the bill
Source: The post is based on the article “Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting invites comments on the bill” published in “PIB” on 11th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Information and broadcasting has invited comments on the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.
What is the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023?
Aim: To provide for a consolidated framework to regulate the broadcasting services in the country.
Replaces: Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Specifications | Details |
Expanded regulatory scope | It extends its regulatory purview to cover broadcasting over-the-top (OTT) content and digital news and current affairs currently regulated through IT Act, 2000. |
Regulatory bodies | 1)Establishes ‘Content Evaluation Committees’ for self-regulation. 2) Introduces a ‘Broadcast Advisory Council‘ to advise the central government on violations of program and advertisement codes. |
Penalties | 1)Prescribes penalties such as advisory, warning, censure, or monetary penalties for operators and broadcasters. 2)Reserves imprisonment and/or fines for severe offenses, like obtaining registration with a false affidavit. |
Equitable Penalties | Links monetary penalties and fines to the financial capacity of the entity, considering their investment and turnover for fairness and equity. |
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities | 1)Promotes the use of subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language. 2)Establishes a provision for appointing a “Disability Grievance Officer. |
Infrastructure sharing | Introduces provisions for infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators. |
Dispute resolution | Establishes a structured dispute resolution mechanism. |
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Nation (Bills and Acts)