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Distribution: yearly

  • National Turmeric Board

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi, with Palle Ganga Reddy appointed as its first Chairperson.

    About the National Turmeric Board  

    Details
    • Operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
    • Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana.
    • Aim: To enhance turmeric production, support farmers, and boost global exports.
    Structural Mandate
    • Chaired by a Central Government appointee.
    • Includes representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Department of Commerce.
    • Rotating senior representatives from three states are also part of the Board.
    Powers and Functions
    • Promotes awareness of turmeric’s medicinal and essential properties.
    • Supports farmers across 20 states, including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
    • Facilitates research, value addition, and development of new products for domestic and global markets.
    • Enhances logistics, supply chains, and trade opportunities.
    Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Production in India
    • Turmeric is also known as ‘Golden Spice’.
      • It thrives in temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C with high annual rainfall.
    • India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally.
    • Cultivates 30+ varieties over 3.05 lakh hectares, producing 10.74 lakh tonnes (2023-24).
    • Accounts for over 70% of global turmeric production and 62% of world exports.
    • Key exporting markets: Bangladesh, UAE, the US, and Malaysia.
    • GI-tagged turmeric includes Lakadong (Meghalaya), Kandhamal (Odisha), and Erode (Tamil Nadu).
    • Note: The Centre does NOT declare MSP for Turmeric.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following:

    1. Areca nut
    2. Barley
    3. Coffee
    4. Finger millet
    5. Groundnut
    6. Sesamum
    7. Turmeric

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above?

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 7 only

    (b) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only

    (c) 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

  • How is TRAI and the govt. combating spam?

    Why in the News?

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plans to use blockchain technology (DLT) to track and manage customer preferences for blocking spam, according to its chairman, Anil Kumar Lahoti.

    What is the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)?

    • The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plays a crucial role in regulating Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC), commonly referred to as spam. Established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.

    What is TRAI’s role in fighting spam?

    • Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Registry: Launched in 2007, the DND registry allows customers to opt out of receiving commercial calls and messages. Users who register are not supposed to receive any spam communications.
    • Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR): Enacted in 2018, this regulation penalizes telemarketers who violate DND preferences. It includes warnings for offenders and potential blacklisting from sending messages if they accumulate enough violations.
    • DND App Development: TRAI collaborated with external agencies to create a DND application that enables users to register their preferences and report complaints. By 2024, it became mandatory for telecom providers to include DND reporting features in their apps.

    What role does blockchain play?

    TRAI has mandated the use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to enhance its spam control measures:

    • Immutable Record Keeping: Blockchain technology allows for a constantly updated and tamper-proof list of approved SMS senders and message formats. This ensures that only legitimate messages are sent, as each entry is unalterable by any party involved.
    • Message Traceability: Regulations require that messages be sent using sender IDs instead of phone numbers, enhancing traceability. This measure helps prevent unauthorized entities from sending spam by ensuring that all message origins are recorded.
    • Enhanced Regulations: In 2024, TRAI tightened regulations to ensure complete traceability of messages, addressing previous loopholes that allowed fraudulent registrations on blockchain systems

    What are the other steps taken by the government to end spam?

    • Sanchar Saathi Portal: This portal includes a reporting platform called Chakshu for complaints about fraudulent calls and messages. It collaborates with law enforcement and banks to identify and cancel numbers associated with unauthorised telemarketers.
    • Real-Time Monitoring: The establishment of the Telecom Security Operation Centre enables real-time monitoring of suspicious internet traffic, enhancing the government’s ability to respond promptly to spam-related threats.
    • AI-Based Detection: Telecom companies like Airtel have begun using Artificial Intelligence to label suspicious calls as “Suspected Spam,” a practice that is being adopted by other providers as well.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen International Collaboration: Partner with global VoIP providers and international regulators to curb spam and fraudulent calls originating from abroad, ensuring seamless enforcement across borders.
    • Promote AI and ML Integration: Expand the use of AI/ML technologies for proactive detection and blocking of spam calls and messages, while continuously improving user-friendly reporting mechanisms.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q For achieving the desired objectives,it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • [pib] Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building (IGICB) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has introduced the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme, aiming to enhance awareness and develop expertise in Internet Governance (IG) among Indian citizens.

    About Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building (IGICB) Scheme: 

    Details
    About the Scheme
    • Launched by National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under MeitY.
    • Aims to build expertise in Internet Governance (IG) and enable global participation.

    Aims and Objectives:

    • Develop Expertise: Build Indian talent in Internet Governance.
    • Enhance Global Participation: Collaborate with organisations like ICANN, ISOC, and IETF.
    • Promote Digital Inclusivity: Ensure India’s representation in global forums.
    • Foster Leadership: Shape future tech policy leaders.
    Structural Mandate
    • Tracks: Six-month and three-month internship programs.
    • Mentorship: Guided by experts from ICANN, APNIC, and academic advisors.
    • Support Mechanism: Stipend of ₹20,000/month and support for outreach programs.
    • Online Portal: Applications via NIXI Scheme Portal, with biometric verification.
    Features of the Scheme
    • Global Exposure: Collaboration with leading organisations like ICANN, ISOC, and IEEE.
    • Capacity Building: Focus on cybersecurity, Internet Governance, and digital policy.
    • Mentorship: Hands-on guidance by seasoned professionals.
    • Youth Engagement: Attracts young talent passionate about Internet Governance.
    • Policy Impact: Strengthens India’s voice in global Internet Governance forums.

     

    What is National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)?

    • Establishment: Founded on June 19, 2003, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
    • Purpose: A not-for-profit organisation facilitating increased internet penetration and adoption across India.
    • Key Services:
    1. Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Builds infrastructure for internet exchange points.
    2. .IN Registry: Promotes .in domain digital identity.
    3. IRINN: Facilitates adoption of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

  • 1st Battalion of NDRF celebrates 20th Raising Day

    Why in the News?

    The 1st Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrated its 20th Raising Day.

    About the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

    Details
    About 
    • Constituted under Section 44 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for specialized disaster response.
    • Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is headed by a Director General (DG), typically an IPS officer.
    • Initially established in 2006 with 8 battalions, now expanded to 16 battalions.
    • Operates under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by the Prime Minister.
    Powers and Functions
    • Primary Role: Rescue and relief operations during natural and man-made disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, building collapses, and accidents.
    • Strategic Deployment: Resources are pre-positioned during imminent disaster situations to minimize damage.
    • Active in international relief efforts, including the 2011 Fukushima disaster and the 2015 Nepal Earthquake.
    • Provides multi-skilled, highly specialized responses, with capabilities for handling complex disaster scenarios.
    Composition
    • Consists of 16 battalions, each with 1,149 personnel.
    • Personnel are drawn from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles.
    • Members are trained in disaster response, relief, and recovery operations.
    • Focus on proactive availability and pre-positioning during disasters to ensure quick response.

     

    IMPORTANT: National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)

    • The NDRF is a statutory body constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
    • It supplements State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) of a State, in case of a disaster of severe nature, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.
    • The July 2015 guidelines states that natural calamities of cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack and cold wave and frost will qualify for immediate relief assistance from NDRF.
    • NDRF is managed in the “Public Accounts” under “Reserve Funds not bearing interest”.
    • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audits the accounts of NDRF.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

  • What did the ILO report state about International migrants?

    Why in the News?

    According to the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers, released in Geneva, the global population of international migrants reached 284.5 million in 2022, with 255.7 million of them being of working age (15 and older).

    Why are there more male International Migrants in the global labour force than women? 

    • Gender Roles and Norms: Traditional gender roles and societal norms often restrict women’s ability to migrate autonomously. Women are frequently expected to prioritize family responsibilities, which limits their opportunities for international migration and labor market participation.
    • Labour Market Segmentation: Women are often concentrated in specific sectors such as domestic work, caregiving, and low-skilled service jobs, which are undervalued and less visible.
      • Men, on the other hand, dominate higher-paying sectors like construction and agriculture, which are more open to international migrants.
    • Barriers to Employment: As per ILO, Migrant women face higher unemployment rates (8.7%) compared to migrant men (6.2%), due to factors such as language barriers, unrecognised qualifications, limited childcare options, and gender-based discrimination in host countries.
    • Economic and Social Independence: Women’s migration decisions are influenced by their access to resources and social networks. A lack of autonomy or financial independence can hinder their ability to migrate for work.
      • In some cases, women migrate as dependents or spouses of male workers, which limits their access to legal employment opportunities in the host country.

    Which economic sectors attract IMs?

    • Construction: The construction industry employs a significant number of male migrants, particularly in regions with rapid urbanisation and infrastructure projects. This sector, part of the 35.6% of male migrant employment in industry, plays a vital role in economic expansion.
    • Agriculture: Globally, 7.1% of international migrants work in agriculture, with higher figures in regions like Africa, where 27.5% are employed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Migrants are crucial for meeting seasonal labour demands.
    • Manufacturing: Manufacturing heavily relies on migrant workers in industrialized nations, with migrants filling manual labour and skill-specific roles. This sector highlights the alignment of migrant labour with economic development needs.
    • Services Sector: Approximately 68.4% of international migrants are employed in the services sector, compared to 51.5% of non-migrants. This sector includes a wide range of occupations, but it is particularly noted for:
      • Care Work: A significant number of migrant women are employed in caregiving roles, which include healthcare and domestic services. About 28.8% of migrant women work in the care economy.
      • Hospitality and Retail: Many migrants find employment in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, especially in high-demand tourist areas.

    Which are the main host countries?

    Approximately 68.4% of international migrants are concentrated in high-income countries followed by 17.4% (29.2 million) in upper-middle-income countries.

    • Regional Distribution of Migrant Workers (2022): International migrants in the labour force were primarily concentrated in Europe and Central Asia (34.5%, 57.8 million), followed by the Americas (27.3%, 45.8 million), Asia and the Pacific (16.2%, 27.2 million), the Arab States (13.5%, 22.6 million), and Africa (8.5%, 14.3 million). The majority resided in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe (23.3%), Northern America (22.6%), and the Arab States (13.5%), collectively hosting 59.4% of all migrant workers.
    • Significant Proportions in Labor Forces: Migrants formed more than one-third (37.2%) of the Arab States’ labour force. Significant proportions were also observed in Europe and Central Asia (12.9%) and the Americas (9%), highlighting their vital role in these economies.

    Conclusion: Governments and international organizations should implement gender-responsive migration policies that address barriers faced by women. This includes creating support systems for childcare, recognizing foreign qualifications, and ensuring equal access to legal employment opportunities in host countries.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Why in the News?

    A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.

    Which are the surveyed sites?

    All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:

    • Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
    • Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
    • Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
    • Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
    • Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
    • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.

    Key Highlights of the Survey

    • New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
    • Total Documentation:
      • Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
      • Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
      • Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
    • Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

    About the Added Species

    • Birds:
      • New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
      • Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
    • Butterflies:
      • Endemic Species: Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary, Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring.
      • Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (smallest butterfly in Kerala), Southern Birdwing (largest butterfly in India).
    • Odonates (flying insects):
      • New Records: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibans

  • Third launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.  In 2024, PM laid the foundation stone for ISRO’s second rocket launchport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. (The first one being the Dr Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.)

    Who was Satish Dhawan?

    • Born in Srinagar, Satish Dhawan was a prominent Indian rocket scientist and is hailed as the ‘Father of Experimental Fluid Dynamics Research’ in India.
    • Succeeded Vikram Sarabhai as ISRO Chairman in 1972.
    • Oversaw a period of extraordinary growth in India’s space program, including the development of:
      • INSAT: India’s telecommunications satellite system.
      • IRS: The Indian Remote Sensing satellite program.
      • PSLV: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which positioned India as a major spacefaring nation.
    • Legacy:
      • Passed away in 2002, after which the Sriharikota space center was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in his honor.

    About the New Launchpad 

    • The new launchpad at Sriharikota aims to bolster India’s space capabilities.
    • It will support Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) missions and enhance ISRO’s capacity to launch advanced satellites and spacecraft.
    • Significance: This is India’s sole operational spaceport, serving as the hub for spacecraft and satellite launches since its inception.

    How and why was Sriharikota selected as the Launch Site?

    • 1960s Search: India’s search for an ideal launch site began in the 1960s when the country decided to develop indigenous satellites and launch vehicles.
    • Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space program, tasked EV Chitnis to identify a site on the east coast.
    • Survey and Acquisition: By October 1968, approximately 40,000 acres of land were acquired in Sriharikota.
    • Reasons for Choosing Sriharikota:
      • East Coast Location: Launching rockets eastward takes advantage of Earth’s rotational speed, adding an extra velocity boost of 450 m/s, especially beneficial for geostationary satellites.
      • Proximity to the Equator: Rockets launching near the equator require less energy to reach geostationary orbits, making the location ideal for such missions.
      • Uninhabited Area: The site’s sparse population minimizes risks during rocket launches and component re-entry.
      • Access to the Sea: Proximity to the Bay of Bengal ensures that rocket debris falls into the sea, avoiding hazards to land or human settlements.
      • Strategic Accessibility: Adequate access to resources, infrastructure, and government support facilitated the development of a robust launch facility.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3
    (c) 1 and 2
    (d) 3 only

  • Who are the Namdharis?

    Why in the News?

    Punjab CM paid tribute to the Kuka martyrs at a function held at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla. The day commemorates the execution of 66 Namdhari Sikhs (Kukas) on January 17 and 18, 1872, by British colonial authorities.  

    Who are the ‘Namdharis’?

    • The Namdharis, also called Kukas, are a Sikh sect founded by Satguru Ram Singh on April 12, 1857, in Ludhiana, Punjab.
    • The name Kuka derives from their distinctive high-pitched recitation of Gurbani (kook in Punjabi means “cry” or “scream”).
    • Social Reforms:
      • Advocated against alcohol consumption, meat eating, and other social vices.
      • Promoted Swadeshi principles, urging people to boycott foreign goods, British services, and educational institutions.
    • The movement served as a precursor to nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement, emphasizing self-reliance and resistance against colonial rule.

    About the Kuka Rebellion

    • The Kuka Rebellion was one of the localized uprisings against British rule after the Rebellion of 1857.
    • The Namdharis actively opposed British policies, particularly cow slaughter, which became a focal point of their resistance.
    • Key events leading to the rebellion:
      • In January 1872, Namdharis, led by Hira Singh and Lehna Singh, clashed with British authorities after a cow slaughter incident in Malerkotla.
      • They attacked the Malaudh Fort in Ludhiana, loyal to the British, but the rebellion was crushed.
    • British Retaliation:
      • The British responded brutally, executing 49 Namdharis on January 17, 1872, and 17 more on January 18, 1872.
      • The Kukas were placed in front of cannons and blown up in a public spectacle to intimidate others.

    Kuka Martyrs’ Day 

    • It is observed on January 17 and 18 each year to honor the 66 Namdharis who were executed in 1872.
    • Significant Stories of Bravery:
      • Bishan Singh (12 years old): Refused to renounce his sect despite being offered his life and was brutally executed after tugging the beard of a British official.
      • Waryam Singh: Courageously used stones to elevate himself to the cannon’s mouth for execution, showing unwavering dedication.
    • Legacy:
      • After the rebellion, Satguru Ram Singh and other Namdhari leaders were exiled to Rangoon.
      • Namdharis believe Ram Singh is still alive and mourn his absence by wearing white.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the:

    (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal

    (b) Home Rule Movement

    (c) Non-Cooperation Movement

    (d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India

  • In news: Yala Glacier

    Why in the News?

    Yala Glacier in Nepal is predicted to disappear by the 2040s due to rapid retreat and mass loss. It is the only glacier in the Himalayas listed on the Global Glacier Casualty List, an initiative launched in 2024 to document endangered or vanished glaciers worldwide.

    Note:  The UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with March 21st to be observed annually as World Glacier Day starting from 2025.

    About the Yala Glacier 

    • Yala Glacier is located in the Langtang Valley, central Nepal, and is influenced by the Indian summer monsoon.
    • It is one of the most studied glaciers in Nepal and represents the Hindu Kush Himalayan region in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) database.
    • The glacier has been monitored for over a decade using stakes, snow pits, and satellite images, providing crucial data on the state of Himalayan glaciers.
    • It is the only glacier in the Himalayas included in the Global Glacier Casualty List, a recognition of its critical status.
    • It plays a vital role in studying the cryosphere, a critical water resource supporting 240 million people in the Himalayan region.

    Retreat of Yala Glacier

    • Yala Glacier is projected to disappear by the 2040s, reflecting the growing threat to Himalayan glaciers.
    • It has retreated by 680 meters between 1974 and 2021, with a 36% reduction in area during this period.
    • Its elevation, which ranged between 5,170m and 5,750m in 2011, has significantly declined.
    • The glacier has lost so much mass that it no longer meets scientific standards for effective observation.
    • The Hindu Kush Himalayan cryosphere is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to rapid glacial retreat.

    About the Global Glacier Casualty List

    • It was launched in 2024 by a consortium of institutions including Rice University, World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and UNESCO.
    • It documents endangered or vanished glaciers.
    • Glaciers Listed: Includes 15 glaciers, such as:
      • Pico Humboldt Glacier (Venezuela): Disappeared in 2024.
      • Sarenne Glacier (France): Vanished in 2023.
      • Dagu Glacier (China): Categorized as “critically endangered,” expected to vanish by 2030.
    • Significance:
      • Highlights the urgency of glacier preservation, as these ice masses store 70% of global freshwater and influence water security for billions of people worldwide.
      • Reinforces the need for global cooperation to address the accelerating loss of glaciers due to climate change

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following Pairs :

    Glacier: River

    1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna
    2. Bara Shigri : Chenab
    3. Milam : Mandakini
    4. Siachen : Nubra
    5. Zemu : Manas

    Which of the following pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) 1,2 and 4

    (b) 1,3 and 4

    (c) 2 and 5

    (d) 3 and 5

  • Lokpal and Lokayukta

    Why in the News?

    12 years after its enactment, the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, has seen limited impact, with the Lokpal ordering just 24 investigations and granting 6 prosecution sanctions.

    History of Lokpal:

    • The First Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC-I) recommended establishing an anti-corruption ombudsman for India in 1966.
    • Several Lokpal Bills were introduced between 1971 and 2008, but none were passed.
    • In 2011, activist Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal Andolan led to significant public pressure for an anti-corruption framework.
    • This movement resulted in the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which provides for the appointment of:
      • Lokpal at the Centre.
      • Lokayuktas in states to address corruption cases involving public servants.

    About Lokpal and Lokayukta

    Lokpal Lokayukta
    About
    • Envisioned under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, it is India’s first anti-corruption ombudsman at the central level.
    • Covers corruption cases involving public servants, including the Prime Minister (with exceptions), Union Ministers, MPs, and central government officials.
    • Appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee (includes PM, LoP, CJI, and an eminent jurist).
    • Established under Section 63 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, as the state-level counterpart to the Lokpal.
    • Handles corruption cases involving state public servants, including Chief Ministers, Ministers, MLAs, and state officials.
    • Appointed by the Governor, with the composition and appointment process varying across states.
    Powers and Functions
    • Investigates corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
    • Can confiscate property acquired through corrupt practices.
    • Has jurisdiction over central officials in Groups A, B, C, and D, and institutions receiving significant foreign contributions or government funding.
    • Can refer cases to the CBI or its Inquiry Wing for investigation.
    • Submits annual reports to the President, which are tabled in Parliament.
    • Investigates cases under state laws, particularly involving state public servants.
    • Addresses corruption complaints related to government schemes, contracts, and functioning.
    • Powers vary across states, but typically include authority to recommend investigations, disciplinary action, or prosecution.
    • Submits annual reports to the Governor, which are presented in the State Legislature.
    Structural Mandate
    • Composition: Chairperson (former CJI, SC Judge, or eminent person) and up to 8 members, 50% of whom must be from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women.
    • Tenure: 5 years or until 70 years of age.
    • Salary: Chairperson’s salary equals CJI, members’ salaries equal SC Judges.
    • Removal by the President upon SC inquiry for misconduct or incapacity.
    • Composition: Varies by state law but generally includes a Chairperson and members with qualifications similar to the Lokpal.
    • Tenure: Defined by state legislation.
    • Salary: Modeled on the Lokpal but subject to state laws.
    • Removal by the Governor, often following a process modelled on the Lokpal Act.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.