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  • Is Project Cheetah failing?

    cheetah

    Following the death of three cheetah cubs this week, the Centre has appointed a new steering committee, comprising national and international experts, to oversee the implementation of Project Cheetah.

    What is Project Cheetah?

    • After being reported extinct in India for seven decades, the cheetah is set to make a comeback through ‘Project Cheetah’.
    • The Government of India reintroduced eight African cheetahs, consisting of five females and three males, at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

    Origin and Approval of Project Cheetah

    • Project Cheetah received approval from the Supreme Court of India in January 2020 as a pilot program to reintroduce the cheetah species to the country.
    • The initiative was first proposed in 2009 by Indian conservationists in collaboration with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), a non-profit organization headquartered in Namibia.
    • The CCF is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of cheetahs in their natural habitats.

    Chronology of events

    • Medieval times: During the Mughal Period, they were extensively used for hunting, and Emperor Akbar owned a menagerie of 1,000 cheetahs. Various states in Central India, particularly Gwalior, had cheetahs for a long time.
    • 1947: The country’s last three surviving cheetahs were shot by Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh, the ruler of a small princely state in Chhattisgarh. India’s last spotted cheetah died in the Sal forests of Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district in 1948, leading to the animal’s official extinction in India in 1952.
    • 1970s: The first concrete efforts to reintroduce the cheetah began in the 1970s during talks with Iran’s Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi. The plan involved swapping India’s Asiatic lions for Iran’s Asiatic cheetahs.
    • 2009: Another attempt was made to acquire Iranian cheetahs, but it was unsuccessful as Iran did not permit the cloning or export of its cheetahs.
    • 2012: The reintroduction project was halted in 2012 when the Supreme Court ordered a stay on it.
    • 2020: In 2020, South African experts surveyed four potential reintroduction sites: Kuno-Palpur, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Madhav National Park.

    Basis of recent translocation

    • Coexistence approach: India’s approach is unique as it aims to reintroduce the cheetah in an unfenced protected area using a coexistence approach.
    • Fenced protection: Fencing has been successful in other countries but limits population growth and range.
    • Perfect breeding area selection: Kuno NP’s core conservation area is largely free of human-made threats.

    Various challenges

    • Retaliatory killing: Anthropogenic threats like snaring for bush meat and retaliatory killings pose risks to the cheetahs.
    • Fencing issues: Maintaining cheetahs and their prey base in an enclosure is considered impossible.
    • Habitation stress: Captivity and changes in habitat induce anxiety and stress, hindering reproduction.
    • Acclimatization issues: The climate, prey species, and overall conditions in Kuno forest may not stimulate mating and reproduction.
    • Prolonged captivity: Concerns are raised about the prolonged captivity of cheetahs before translocation, which may have increased stress and vulnerability.

    Is the project a failure?

    (1) Understanding adaptation challenges

    • The deaths among cheetahs must be considered in light of their natural lifespan and the difficulties they face in adapting to Indian conditions.
    • Daksha, a female cheetah, died from injuries sustained during a violent mating attempt by two males, which aligns with known predator behavior.

    (2) Immediate assessment is an absurdity

    • The success of wildlife breeding programs is not an overnight phenomena. It is premature to judge at this juncture.
    • The increase in lion and tiger populations in Gir, Gujarat also took sustained efforts over decades.

    (3) Complexities and Publicity of the Project

    • The cheetahs’ arrival in India followed extensive government planning, Supreme Court hearings, negotiations with multiple countries, logistical challenges, and the PM’s involvement.
    • The project received significant publicity. This necessarily doesn’t mean that the PM has a Midas touch.

    Conclusion

    • The relocation program is considered an experiment, and every death and birth should not be seen as a definitive success or failure.
    • However, clear criteria and timelines must be established for project managers to determine if adjustments are necessary.

     

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  • Code of Conduct for Civil Servants: A Review

    Central Idea

    • The civil services in India have witnessed a resurgence in popularity, with a growing number of candidates applying each year.
    • In this article, we delve into the various rules that govern civil servants and the restrictions they face throughout their career.

    Civil Services and Services Allocation

    • Successful applicants in the civil services examination can join various services based on their rank and personal preferences.
    • Three prominent services, known as All India Services, include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
    • Other services, known as Central Civil Services, are under the central government and do not have a state cadre system.

    Rules for Conduct of Civil Servants

    • Civil servants are governed by two sets of rules:
    1. All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968, and
    2. Central Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1964
    • These rules cover a wide range of issues, outlining the expected behaviour and conduct of civil servants.

    Issues with these rules

    (1) Vague and Specific Rules

    • The Conduct Rules include both vague and specific provisions.
    • Rule 3(1) emphasizes maintaining absolute integrity and devotion to duty without engaging in any behaviour unbecoming of a civil servant.
    • Rule 4(1) prohibits the use of one’s position or influence to secure employment for family members with private organizations or non-governmental organizations.

    (2) Restrictions on Political Affiliation and Expression of Opinion

    • Rule 5(1) prohibits civil servants from being members of political parties or organizations involved in politics.
    • Rule 7 restricts civil servants from making adverse criticisms of government policies or actions in public media or documents.

    (3) Prohibition on Dowry

    • Giving or taking dowry is strictly prohibited for civil servants under Rule 11(1-A).
    • Civil servants are required to report any gifts exceeding Rs. 25,000 received from near relatives or personal friends.

    Amendments and Updates to the Rules

    • The Conduct Rules are not static and have been amended and updated over time.
    • The government determines the political nature of organizations, impacting civil servants’ association with them.
    • Additional sub-rules were added in 2014, focusing on maintaining high ethical standards, integrity, political neutrality, and accountability.

    Coverage and Penalties

    • Civil servants are covered by these rules as soon as they join training, which is part of their probation period.
    • Violations of the rules can result in major penalties, including dismissal from the service.
    • The Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA) complements the Conduct Rules in addressing corruption issues.

    Challenges in Enforcement

    • While the rules outline penalties, enforcing them can be challenging.
    • Complaints with proper details are necessary for action to be taken.
    • Proper channels, such as the Central Vigilance Commission and investigation agencies, exist for filing complaints.

    Way Forward

    • Ensuring the effective implementation of the Conduct Rules requires streamlining the complaint process and encouraging transparency.
    • Regular review and updates of the rules can help address emerging challenges and ensure their relevance.
    • Training programs and awareness campaigns can enhance civil servants’ understanding of their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance.
    • Collaborative efforts between government bodies, civil society, and the public can foster a culture of accountability and ethical conduct among civil servants.

     

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  • Ministry of Civil Aviation launches UDAN 5.1

    udan

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched UDAN 5.1, an extension of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN), to enhance connectivity to remote areas of India.

    What is UDAN 5.1?

    • This round specifically focuses on helicopter routes, aiming to achieve last mile connectivity.
    • It allows operators to operate routes where one of the origin or destination locations is in a priority area, such as hilly regions, islands, or North East states.

    Features of the scheme

    • Expanded Scope of Operations: Operators can now operate routes where one of the origin or destination locations is in a priority area, compared to the previous requirement of both points being in priority areas.
    • Reduced Airfare Caps: Airfare caps for helicopter flights have been reduced by up to 25%, making flying in helicopters more affordable for passengers.
    • Increased Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Caps: VGF caps for operators using single and twin-engine helicopters have been substantially increased to enhance the financial viability of operating the awarded routes.
    • Coverage Expansion: UDAN 5.1 aims to cover a significantly larger number of routes compared to previous rounds, further extending the benefits of air connectivity to unserved regions.

    Importance of UDAN 5.1

    • Democratization of Air Travel and Last-Mile Connectivity: UDAN 5.1 reflects the deeper democratization of air travel, with a focus on providing last-mile connectivity to remote regions of India.
    • Consultations and Stakeholder Engagement: The current version of the scheme has been designed after extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including helicopter operators.

    Way Forward

    • Successful Implementation: Ensure effective implementation of UDAN 5.1, considering the expanded scope of operations, reduced airfare caps, and increased VGF caps.
    • Collaboration with Operators: Foster collaboration and engagement with helicopter operators to optimize last-mile connectivity and promote the growth of the helicopter segment in the civil aviation industry.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess the impact of UDAN 5.1 on remote regions, air travel affordability, and economic development.
    • Promoting Tourism: Leverage the increased helicopter penetration to boost tourism in remote areas, thereby supporting the hospitality industry and local economies.
    • Future Expansion: Continuously assess the potential for further expansion of the UDAN scheme, considering new routes and modes of transportation to improve connectivity to underserved regions of India.

     

    Back2Basics:All Versions of UDAN Scheme

    Launch Date Focus Category Distance Length Cap Viability Gap Funding Cap Exclusivity Period
    UDAN 1.0 April 27, 2017 Category 1 (19-78 Seats) 500 km 70% for Cat-1, 90% for Hilly States, J&K, Ladakh, NE and Island regions 3 years 10 years
    UDAN 2.0 November 16, 2018 Category 1 (19-78 Seats) 500 km Same as UDAN 1.0 3 years 10 years
    UDAN 3.0 November 8, 2019 Category 1 (19-78 Seats) 800 km Same as UDAN 1.0 3 years 10 years
    UDAN 4.0 December 3, 2020 Category 1 (19-78 Seats) 1,200 km Same as UDAN 1.0 1 year 10 years
    UDAN 5.0 September 1, 2021 Category 2 (20-80 Seats) and 3 (>80 Seats) No restriction 60% for Priority Areas, 20% for Non-Priority Areas 1 year 10 years

     

     

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  • GANHRI defers accreditation of India’s NHRC

    india nhrc ganhri

    Central Idea

    The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), a UN-recognized organization, has deferred the accreditation of India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC-India) for the second time in a decade.

    GANHRI (Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions)
    Purpose Promote and protect human rights globally
    Year Established 1993
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Members National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from various countries
    Key Functions – Promoting and strengthening NHRIs worldwide

    – Advocating for human rights at national, regional, and global levels

    – Facilitating cooperation and sharing of best practices among NHRIs

    – Providing capacity-building support to NHRIs etc.
    Organizational Structure – President: Elected from GANHRI members for a specified term

    – Bureau: Assists the President in overseeing GANHRI’s work

    – Sub-Committees: Focused on specific thematic or regional issues
    Key Documents – Paris Principles: Provide guidance for the establishment and operation of NHRIs

    – GANHRI Strategy: Outlines the organization’s strategic objectives and actions

     

    Reasons for India’s Deferment

    The GANHRI’s letter to the NHRC cited several reasons for the deferment of accreditation, including:

    • Political Interference: The NHRC-India faced objections related to political interference in appointments, compromising its independence.
    • Police Involvement: Involving the police in probes into human rights violations raised concerns about impartiality and fair investigations.
    • Lack of Cooperation: The NHRC’s poor cooperation with civil society was criticized, hindering its effectiveness in protecting human rights.
    • Lack of Diversity: The GANHRI highlighted the lack of diversity in staff and leadership positions within the NHRC.
    • Insufficient Protection of Marginalized Groups: The NHRC was found to have taken insufficient action to protect marginalized groups, contrary to the U.N.’s principles on national institutions (the ‘Paris Principles).

    Concerns highlighted against India

    • Many NGOs such as Amnesty International, Front Line Defenders etc. wrote a joint letter to GANHRI expressing their objections to NHRC India’s ‘A’ rank.
    • They highlighted the commission’s failure to protect marginalized communities, religious minorities, and human rights defenders.
    • The letter emphasized that the NHRC’s functioning has regressed since 2017, undermining its independence and adherence to the Paris Principles.

    Paris Principles and Accreditation Criteria

    The United Nations’ Paris Principles, adopted in 1993, serve as international benchmarks for accrediting National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). The Paris Principles outline six main criteria that NHRIs must meet:

    • Mandate and Competence: NHRIs should have a clear mandate and the necessary expertise to protect human rights effectively.
    • Autonomy from Government: NHRIs must operate independently from government influence or control.
    • Independence: NHRIs should have their independence guaranteed by a statute or constitution.
    • Pluralism: NHRIs should ensure diversity and inclusivity in their staffing and leadership positions.
    • Adequate Resources: NHRIs should have sufficient resources to carry out their mandated functions effectively.
    • Powers of Investigation: NHRIs should possess adequate investigative powers to address human rights violations.

    Background of NHRC-India

    • The NHRC-India was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act enacted by Parliament in 1993.
    • It has held ‘A’ status accreditation since the beginning of the NHRI accreditation process in 1999, which it retained in 2006, 2011, and 2017, despite a previous deferment.
    • This status allows participation in the work and decision-making of GANHRI, the Human Rights Council, and other U.N. mechanisms

    Response from India

    • The NHRC clarified that the deferment by the Sub Committee on Accreditation (SCA) does not affect its current ‘A’ status accreditation and associated privileges.
    • The reaccreditation process is still ongoing, and the SCA has recommended advocating with the government and Parliamentarians for legislative amendments to improve compliance with the Paris Principles.
    • The NHRC assured that they have addressed most of the issues raised by the SCA and will submit a response shortly as part of the ongoing process.

    Way Forward

    To address the concerns raised by GANHRI and human rights organizations, the NHRC-India should take the following steps:

    • Strengthen Independence: Ensure that the NHRC operates independently without political interference, safeguarding its credibility and effectiveness.
    • Promote Diversity: Take measures to enhance diversity in staffing and leadership positions within the NHRC to ensure a broader representation of society.
    • Improve Protection of Marginalized Groups: Develop comprehensive strategies and policies to provide effective protection and support to marginalized communities, religious minorities, and human rights defenders.
    • Address Legislative Amendments: Actively engage with the government and Parliamentarians to advocate for necessary legislative amendments that align with the Paris Principles and enhance compliance with international human rights standards.

    Conclusion

    • By implementing these measures, the NHRC-India can strengthen its functioning, regain the confidence of GANHRI and human rights organizations, and ensure the effective protection of human rights in India.

     

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  • WTO reforms a top priority: India

    wto

    Central Idea

    • India has stressed the urgent need for prioritizing reforms within the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
    • India has been advocating for WTO reforms and improved dispute settlement mechanisms during G20 discussions.

    About WTO

    Functions and Principles
    Establishment 1 January 1995
    Functions
    • Negotiating trade agreements
    • Enforcing trade rules
    • Providing technical assistance and capacity building
    • Sharing trade-related information and conducting research
    Fundamental principles
    • Non-discrimination
    • Reciprocity
    • Transparency
    • Predictability and stability
    Membership 164 member countries representing over 98% of global trade
    Decision-making
    • Decisions made by consensus among member countries
    • General Council is the highest decision-making body

     

    Prioritizing WTO Reforms

    • India’s Push for Reforms: India has been actively advocating for reforms within the World Trade Organisation.
    • Better Dispute Settlement Mechanisms: Alongside reforms, India is pushing for improved dispute settlement mechanisms within the WTO.
    • Reaffirming Foundational Principles: The discussions aim to reaffirm the principles enshrined in the Marrakesh Agreement and the multilateral trade agreements, emphasizing the importance of an open, fair, inclusive, and transparent WTO.

    Reforms that India is seeking

    • Structural Reforms: There is an urgent need for reforms within the WTO to address issues such as transparency, shorter time frames, the establishment of a permanent panel body, and special and differential treatment for developing countries.
    • Benefit for Developing Countries: Developing countries, including India, can benefit from these reforms if proposals specific to their needs are accepted.
    • Trade Facilitation for Services: While the WTO has made progress with the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) concerning goods, there is a need for reforms in trade facilitation for services. India, as a major service provider, stands to benefit from improved cross-border movement of people.
    • Inclusivity: It is crucial to establish procedures and practices that are more inclusive, particularly for developing countries.
    • Peace Clauses: Adoption of “peace clauses” for developing countries’ implementation of current agreements can formalize commitments by major trading powers to allow grace periods and exercise due restraint.
    • Evolving Negotiation Modes: The single package approach used in the Uruguay Round is not effective in the Doha Round, necessitating the exploration of new negotiation modes.
    • Strengthened Dispute Settlement Mechanism: The dispute settlement mechanism within the WTO requires strengthening and expediting to enhance its effectiveness.
    • Separation of Political and Human Rights Issues: There is a need to separate political and human rights issues from trade disputes under Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) norms.

    Crossroads for WTO

    • Stalled Multilateral Trade Negotiations: The multilateral trade negotiations, including the Doha Round, have reached an impasse, with limited progress in overall rule-making.
    • Challenges from Alternative Trade Pacts: Alternative trade pacts, such as mega-regional arrangements, have emerged and posed challenges to the position of trade multilateralism.
    • Disagreements on Market Access and Protection: The impasse in the Doha Round primarily stems from differences between highly industrialized countries and large developing countries regarding market access and protection of vulnerable economic sectors.

    Importance of Addressing WTO Reforms

    • Vital Role of WTO: The Minister emphasized that addressing WTO reforms is of utmost importance as the organization plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and transparency in global trade.
    • Backbone of Multilateral Trading System: The WTO forms the backbone of the multilateral trading system and its reforms are necessary to strengthen its functioning.

    India’s Aspirations in International Trade

    • Global Leadership Ambition: India has expressed India’s aspiration to emerge as a global leader in the international trade landscape.
    • E-commerce Market Potential: India is poised to become the world’s second-largest e-commerce market, reflecting its transformation driven by open markets, global integration, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

    Way Forward

    • The urgent need for WTO reforms necessitates concerted efforts and global attention to ensure the fairness, transparency, and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system.
    • India’s active participation in advocating for reforms, along with its ambition to become a global leader in international trade, reflects its commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive global trade environment.
    • It is essential for countries to collaborate and engage in constructive dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities in the evolving global trade landscape.

    Back2Basics: WTO Agreements and Accords

    • General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT): The GATT is the predecessor to the WTO and was in effect from 1948 to 1994. It aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote international trade through negotiations and tariff concessions.
    • Agreement on Agriculture (AoA): This agreement aims to establish fair and market-oriented agricultural trading systems. It addresses issues such as market access, domestic support, and export subsidies related to agricultural products.
    • Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS): The TRIPS agreement sets minimum standards for protecting intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
    • Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs): This agreement prohibits certain investment measures that restrict trade or are inconsistent with the GATT’s principles.
    • Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS): The SPS agreement sets out rules for food safety and animal and plant health standards to ensure that countries do not use sanitary and phytosanitary measures as unjustified trade barriers.
    • Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT): The TBT agreement aims to ensure that technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.
    • Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM): The SCM agreement regulates the use of subsidies and provides a framework for countervailing measures to address unfair trade practices arising from the use of subsidies.
    • Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA): The TFA aims to simplify and streamline customs procedures, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency in international trade, with a focus on reducing trade costs and facilitating cross-border trade.

     

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  • CJI criticizes Forum Shopping Practice

    Central Idea

    • The CJI, DY Chandrachud expressed his disapproval of forum shopping, a practice in which litigants or lawyers deliberately choose a specific judge or court that they believe will provide a more favorable judgment.

    Understanding Forum Shopping

    • Forum shopping refers to the intentional selection of a court or judge by litigants or lawyers with the expectation of obtaining a favourable outcome.
    • It involves strategically moving a case to a particular jurisdiction based on a perception of better judgment.
    • Lawyers consider the appropriate forum as part of their litigation strategy, sometimes opting for higher courts like the Supreme Court to gain wider attention for their case.
    • However, deliberately avoiding a specific judge or manipulating the process to obtain favourable treatment is generally discouraged.

    Concerns and Criticisms

    The practice of forum shopping raises several concerns, including:

    • Injustice to the Other Party: Forum shopping can result in unfair treatment and injustice to the opposing party, as it undermines the principle of impartiality and equal access to justice.
    • Overburdening Certain Courts: Concentrating cases before specific judges or courts can overload their workload, causing delays and hindering the judicial process.
    • Interference with Judicial Process: Forum shopping interferes with the smooth functioning of the judicial system, as cases may be filed and refiled in multiple jurisdictions, leading to unnecessary duplication of efforts.

    Approaches in Common Law Countries

    • Countries following the common law tradition, including the US and UK, have criticized forum shopping and adopted measures to discourage or prohibit the practice.
    • One such measure is the principle of “forum non-conveniens,” which grants courts discretionary powers to refuse jurisdiction when another court or forum would be more appropriate to hear the case.
    • This allows the court to dismiss a case in the interest of justice and fairness, redirecting it to the appropriate venue.
    • The Supreme Court, in its ruling in ‘Chetak Construction Ltd. vs. Om Prakash (1988),’ emphasized that a litigant should not be allowed to choose the forum and called for stern action against any attempt at forum shopping.

    Supreme Court’s View on Forum Shopping

    • In a 2022 ruling, the Supreme Court reiterated its condemnation of forum shopping, citing its previous 2017 ruling in ‘Union of India & Ors. vs. Cipla Ltd.’
    • The court established a “functional test” to determine whether forum shopping is occurring.
    • The test considers the functional similarity between different courts or whether a litigant is employing subterfuge to manipulate the system.

    Way Forward

    To address the issue of forum shopping, it is essential to:

    • Create Awareness: Raise awareness among litigants, lawyers, and the general public about the negative consequences of forum shopping and the importance of upholding judicial integrity and fairness.
    • Strengthen Ethical Standards: Emphasize the ethical obligations of lawyers to uphold the integrity of the legal profession and discourage forum shopping practices.
    • Streamline Jurisdictional Rules: Develop clear guidelines and rules regarding jurisdictional issues to prevent unnecessary disputes and ensure cases are heard by the appropriate courts.
    • Judicial Training and Monitoring: Provide training and guidance to judges on identifying and addressing instances of forum shopping, while also monitoring court proceedings to detect any potential manipulation.

    Conclusion

    • By implementing these measures, the legal system can discourage forum shopping, uphold the principles of justice and fairness, and maintain the integrity of the judicial process.

     

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  • Historic ‘Sengol’ to be installed in new Parliament

    sengol

    Central Idea

    • Prime Minister is set to install the ‘Sengol,’ a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu, in the new Parliament building, which will be inaugurated on May 28, 2023.

    What is Sengol?

    • Sengol is a historical sceptre that holds significant cultural and historical value in Tamil Nadu.
    • Derived from the Tamil word “Semmai,” meaning “Righteousness,” Sengol represents a symbol of justice and good governance.
    • In the Chola era, the transfer of power from one king to another was sanctified with the sceptre being handed over as a symbol of authority and the responsibility to rule with fairness and justice.
    • It gained prominence during the transfer of power from the British to the Indian people at the time of India’s independence.

    History: Traditional Chola Practice and Symbolism

    • Historical Practice: The presentation of the Sengol aligns with a traditional Chola practice where Samayacharyas (spiritual leaders) led the coronation of kings, sanctifying the transfer of power and symbolically recognizing the ruler.
    • Symbol of Justice and Good Governance: The Sengol, a symbol of justice and good governance, holds cultural significance as recorded in ancient Tamil texts like Silapathikaram and Manimekalai.

    Sengol’s recent context and creation

    • Lord Mountbatten’s Question: Prior to Independence, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, asked Nehru about the ceremony that should symbolize the transfer of power.
    • Inspiration from Chola Dynasty: Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India, suggested a ceremony from the Chola dynasty, where the transfer of power was sanctified and blessed by high priests.
    • Manufacturing the Sengol: Rajagopalachari approached Thiruvaduthurai Atheenam, a renowned Shaivite mutt in Tamil Nadu’s Tanjore district, which commissioned the creation of the Sengol from Chennai-based jewellers, “Vummidi Bangaru Chetty.”
    • Craftsmanship: Vummidi Ethirajulu and Vummidi Sudhakar skillfully crafted the five-foot-long Sengol, featuring a symbolic ‘Nandi’ bull representing justice.

    Significance of the ‘Sengol’

    • Symbolic importance: Derived from the Tamil word “Semmai,” meaning “Righteousness,” the ‘Sengol’ represents a significant historical symbol of Independence.
    • Marks Transfer of Power: On August 14, 1947, Pandit Nehru, the first PM, received the ‘Sengol’ from the Adhinam of Tamil Nadu, marking the shift of power from the British to the Indian people.

    The Handover Ceremony

    • Arrival of the Sengol: Three individuals, including the deputy high priest of the Adheenam, a Nadaswaram player, and an Oduvar (singer), brought the newly made Sengol from Tamil Nadu.
    • The Ceremony: On August 14, 1947, the Sengol was handed over to Lord Mountbatten during a procession, and later taken to Jawaharlal Nehru’s house, where it was officially presented to him.
    • Sacred Song and Attendees: A special song composed by the 7th-century Tamil saint Tirugnana Sambandar, as specified by the high priest, accompanied the ceremony. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first president, and other dignitaries were present during the event.

    Ceremonial Procession and Tamil Traditions

    • Grand Procession: The Sengol will be ceremoniously transported to the House in a grand procession.
    • Musical Ensemble: Traditional Nadaswaram musicians, playing Tamil Nadu’s iconic instrument, will lead the procession, and PM is expected to walk alongside them, embracing Tamil culture.
    • Adheenams and Sanctification: Adheenams, priests from Shaivite mutts in Tamil Nadu, will be present in the Lok Sabha’s Well. They will sanctify the Sengol with holy water after Prime Minister Modi greets them, honoring Tamil traditions.
    • Oduvars and Sacred Recitation: Tamil temple singers known as Oduvars will recite the “Kolaru Padhigam” lyrically, while the Nadaswaram musicians enchant with their soulful music.

    Conclusion

    • The Sengol continues to be revered as a representation of India’s independence and serves as a tangible reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage and the values it upholds.
    • Its installation in the new Parliament building further emphasizes its importance and aims to educate and inspire people about this historical event and the principles it embodies.

     

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  • India to triple Supercomputing capabilities

    super

    Central Idea

    • India is set to significantly enhance its supercomputing capabilities by installing an 18-petaflop system this year.
    • This development aims to improve complex mathematical calculations, particularly in weather forecasting, by providing greater processing power and accuracy.

    Understanding Supercomputers

    • A supercomputer is a high-performance computer capable of processing massive amounts of data at extraordinary speeds.
    • Performance is measured in floating-point operations per second (FLOPS) rather than million instructions per second (MIPS).
    • Supercomputers have the ability to perform trillions (peta) of FLOPS.

    India’s Journey in Supercomputing

    • India’s supercomputing journey began in the late 1980s when the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) was established in response to technology embargoes imposed by the United States.
    • Since then, India has steadily progressed, unveiling the PARAM 800 in 1991, which was the world’s second-fastest supercomputer at the time.
    • The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), launched in 2015 with a budget of ₹4,500 crore, has been instrumental in propelling India’s supercomputing capabilities.
    • The mission aims to create a network of supercomputers across academic and research institutions in the country, supporting academia, researchers, MSMEs, and startups.

    Current Supercomputing Infrastructure

    • India’s most powerful civilian supercomputers, Pratyush and Mihir, have a combined capacity of 6.8 petaflops.
    • Pratyush is located at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, while Mihir is housed at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in Noida.
    • These supercomputers became operational in 2018 after an investment of ₹438 crore.
    • Both institutions are affiliated with the MoES.

    Acquisition of New Supercomputers

    • The new supercomputers, sourced from French corporation ATOS, were procured as part of a deal signed between the Indian and French governments in December 2018.
    • The Government aims to acquire high-performance computers worth ₹4,500 crore by 2025, with an estimated cost of ₹900 crore for the new earth-sciences Ministry computers.

    Enhanced Capabilities and Future Outlook

    • Upgrading the supercomputing systems every 4-5 years is essential to improve performance.
    • The new system will enhance resolution from the current 12×12 km to 6×6 km, providing greater clarity and accuracy in local weather forecasts.
    • The ultimate goal is to represent areas using 1 km-square grids, enabling the prediction of rapidly evolving weather phenomena such as cloudbursts.
    • The current fastest high-performance computing system in the world is the Frontier-Cray system at Oakridge National Laboratory in the United States, with a peak speed of 1 exa-flop (equivalent to 1,000 petaflops).

    Way forward

    To further enhance India’s supercomputing capabilities and maintain technological advancements, the following steps can be considered:

    • Continued investment in research and development to stay at the forefront of supercomputing technology.
    • Collaboration with international partners and organizations to leverage global expertise.
    • Encouraging academia, researchers, MSMEs, and startups to utilize the supercomputing infrastructure for scientific breakthroughs and innovation.
    • Strengthening the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) by expanding its network and providing adequate resources.
    • Regularly upgrading supercomputing systems to keep up with evolving computational demands and maintain competitiveness on a global scale.

    Also in news

    Recently, India’s AI Supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’ has been ranked at No. 75 in the world at the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC 2023) in Germany.

    About Airawat

    • The supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’ has recently been named in the 61st edition of the Top 500 Global Supercomputing List.
    • Installed at C-DAC in Pune, ‘AIRAWAT’ is an AI supercomputer implemented under the National Program on AI by the Government of India.
    • The manufacturer of ‘AIRAWAT’ is Netweb Technologies.
    • ‘AIRAWAT’ PSAI stands out as India’s largest and fastest AI supercomputing system, boasting an impressive speed of 13,170 teraflops.

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  • India-Australia ties built on Trust: PM

    australia

    Central Idea

    • PM Modi addressed a community event in Sydney, emphasizing the strong foundations of trust and respect between India and Australia.
    • He credited the Indian diaspora for the success of this relationship.
    • The event aimed to strengthen cultural ties and was attended by over 21,000 people, including Australian PM Anthony Albanese.

    India-Australia Relations: A Backgrounder

    • The India-Australia bilateral relationship has undergone evolution in recent years, developing along a positive track, into a friendly partnership.
    • The two nations have much in common, underpinned by shared values of a pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies, Commonwealth traditions, expanding economic engagement etc.
    • Several commonalities include strong, vibrant, secular and multicultural democracies, free press, independent judicial system and English language.

    Historical Perspective

    • Early colonization: The historical ties between India and Australia started immediately following European settlement in Australia from 1788.
    • A penal colony: All trade, to and fro from the penal colony of New South Wales was controlled by the British East India Company through Kolkata.
    • Diplomatic ties: India and Australia established diplomatic relations in the pre-Independence period, with the establishment of India Trade Office in Sydney in 1941.
    • Expansion of ties: The end of the Cold War and simultaneously, India’s decision to launch major economic reforms in 1991 provided the first positive move towards development of bilateral ties.

    Various dimensions of ties

    [A] Political partnership

    • Both countries are members of-
    1. G-20
    2. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF),
    3. IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association),
    4. Asia Pacific Partnership on Climate and Clean Development,
    5. East Asia Summit and
    6. The Commonwealth
    7. QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)
    • Australia has been extremely supportive of India’s quest for membership of the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation).
    • Australia wholeheartedly welcomed India’s joining of the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime).

    [B] Trade and Economy

    • 5th largest trade partner: India is the 5th largest trade partner of Australia with trade in goods and services.
    • Huge trade volume: Two-way trade between India and Australia was worth A$ 24.3 billion ($18.3 billion) in 2020, up from just $13.6 billion in 2007, according to the Australian government.
    • Uranium exports: After a series of attempts, in 2016, Australia opened the door for uranium exports to India.
    • R&D: An Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) which was established in 2006, supports collaboration between scientists in India and Australia on cutting-edge research.

    [C] Cultural ties

    • P2P ties: There is a longstanding people-to-people ties, ever increasing Indian students coming to Australia for higher education.
    • Bond over cricket and tourism: Growing tourism and sporting links, especially Cricket and Hockey, have played a significant role in further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
    • Skilled workforce: India is one of the top sources of skilled immigrants to Australia.
    • Indian students: The number of Indian students continue to grow with approximately 105,000 students presently studying in Australian universities.
    • Diaspora: After England, India is the second largest migrant group in Australia in 2020.

    [D] Strategic Partnership

    • In 2009, India and Australia established a ‘Strategic Partnership’, including a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation which has been further elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
    • The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement has been signed during the summit that should enhance defence cooperation and ease the conduct of large-scale joint military exercises.
    • There is a technical Agreement on White Shipping Information Exchange.
    • Both nations conduct bilateral maritime exercise AUSINDEX. In 2018, Indian Air Force participated for the first time in the Exercise Pitch Black in Australia.
    • Foreign and Defence Ministers of both countries agreed to meet in a ‘2+2’ format
    • The first-ever Quad Leaders’ Virtual Summit held on 12 March 2021 saw the participation of Prime Ministers of India, Australia, Japan and President of USA.
    • A Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between the two countries was signed in September 2014 during the visit of then PM Tony Abbott to India.

    Significance of the ties

    • COVID Management: Australia is one of the few countries that has managed to combat COVID-19 so far through “controlled adaptation” by which the coronavirus has been suppressed to very low levels.
    • STEM: From farming practices through food processing, supply and distribution to consumers, the Australian agribusiness sector has the desired R&D capacity, experience and technical knowledge.
    • Natural resources: Australia is rich in natural resources that India’s growing economy needs. It also has huge reservoirs of strength in higher education, scientific and technological research.
    • Alliance with US: The two countries also have increasingly common military platforms as India’s defence purchases from the US continue to grow.
    • Affinity with ASEAN: Australia has deep economic, political and security connections with the ASEAN and a strategic partnership with one of the leading non-aligned nations, Indonesia.
    • Containing China: The Indo-Pacific region has the potential to facilitate connectivity and trade between India and Australia. Both nations can leverage their equation in QUAD to contain China.

    International cooperation

    • Support at UNSC: Australia supports India’s candidature in an expanded UN Security Council.
    • APEC: Australia is an important player in APEC and supports India’s membership of the organisation. In 2008, Australia became an Observer in SAARC.

    Some irritants in ties

    • Trade imbalance: India’s trade deficit with Australia has been increasing since 2001-02 due to India-Australia Free Trade Agreement. It is also a contentious issue in the ongoing RCEP negotiations which India left.
    • High tariff on agri products in India: India has a high tariff for agriculture and dairy products which makes it difficult for Australian exporters to export these items to India.
    • Non-tariff barriers in Australia: At the same time, India faces non-tariff barriers and its skilled professionals in the Australian labour market face discrimination.
    • Visa Policy: India wants greater free movement and relaxed visa norms for its IT professionals, on which Australia is reluctant.
    • Future of QUAD: Australian lobby has sparked speculation over the fate of the Quadrilateral Consultative Dialogue (the ‘Quad) involving India, Australia, Japan and the United States.
    • Nuclear reluctance: Building consensus on non-nuclear proliferation and disarmament has been a major hurdle given India’s status as a nuclear power.
    • Racism against Indians: Increasing Racist attacks on Indians in Australia has been a major issue.

    Way forward

    • Upgradation of 2+2 format: It is prudent too for New Delhi and Canberra to elevate the ‘two plus two’ format for talks from the Secretary level to the level of Foreign and Defence Ministers.
    • Removal of trade barriers: Both nations need to resolve disputes at the WTO with regard to the Australian sector can act as a serious impediment.
    • Balancing China: An ‘engage and balance’ China strategy is the best alternative to the dead end of containment.

     

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  • Delhi Governance New Ordinance

    ordinance

    Central Idea

    • The central government issued an Ordinance on May 19, overturning a unanimous Supreme Court verdict.
    • The Ordinance grants the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi authority over services, challenging the elected government’s control over officials’ transfer and posting.
    • This raises constitutional concerns about the balance of power between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor.

    Issues with this ordinance

    • The Ordinance bestowed power over services to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
    • It established the “National Capital Civil Service Authority,” consisting of the Chief Minister and two senior IAS officials, to decide matters by majority vote.
    • This provision potentially allows the elected Chief Minister’s viewpoint to be overruled.

    Key issues with the current model of Governance of Delhi

    • Undermining the elected government: The LG, who will be the government, is under no obligation to implement any law passed by the assembly or carry out the directions of the house as he is not responsible to the assembly.
    • Lack of Executive Accountability: The Lieutenant Governor, who is the head of government, is not accountable to the assembly, which undermines the principle of executive accountability.
    • Against the privilege of legislature: Framing the rules to conduct its proceedings is thus a part of the privilege each house of a legislature enjoys.
    • Delay in decision-making: The requirement for LG’s approval for many decisions has led to delays in decision-making, which has impacted the development and governance of the city.
    • Accountability issues: The division of responsibilities between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor has led to difficulties in fixing responsibility for actions and decisions.
    • Against Co-operative Federalism: The Act not only negates cooperative federalism but also upturns the fundamental principles laid down by the Supreme Court in Government of NCT Delhi vs Union of India case (2018).
    • Control over Services Department: Governance has always been a contentious issue since Delhi is not a full state and the Services department comes under the L-G.

    What is Ordinance?

    • Under Article 123 of the Constitution, the President possesses law-making powers through the issuance of ordinances during the recess of Parliament.
    • Article 213 grants the Governor of a state the authority to issue ordinances when the state legislative assembly or either of the two Houses (in states with bicameral legislatures) is not in session.
    • However, there are limitations to this authority:
    1. Issuance during Recess: The President can only promulgate an ordinance when one or both Houses of Parliament are not in session.
    2. Immediate Action: An ordinance can only be issued when the President deems it necessary for immediate action.
    3. Justiciability: The President’s intentions to issue ordinances can be subject to judicial review if mala fide intentions are proven.

    Features of Ordinances

    Several characteristics and provisions are associated with ordinances:

    • Retrospective Effect: An ordinance can have a retrospective application, meaning it can be enacted prior to its approval.
    • Nullity during Parliamentary Session: An ordinance issued while Parliament is in session is considered null and void.
    • Time Limit for Approval: An ordinance must be approved by Parliament within six weeks of its reassembly. Failure to do so leads to its expiration.
    • Continuation of Acts and Laws: Acts, laws, and events resulting from the ordinance remain in effect until its expiration.
    • Limits on Legislative Authority: Ordinances can only be passed on subjects within the legislative competence of the Indian Parliament.
    • Protection of Fundamental Rights: Ordinances cannot be used to revoke the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Their enforcement would render them null and void if both Houses pass a resolution opposing them.

    Issues with the Ordinances

    The use of ordinances has raised concerns regarding their potential misuse and circumvention of democratic processes. Some key concerns are:

    • Bypassing the Legislature: Deliberate bypassing of the legislature to avoid debate and deliberation on contentious legislative proposals undermines democratic principles.
    • Repromulgation of Ordinances: Repromulgation without placing the ordinance before the legislature subverts democratic legislative processes and the separation of powers.
    • Presidential Satisfaction: The satisfaction of the President as a requirement for issuing an ordinance provides scope for potential misuse.
    • Ignoring Supreme Court’s Judgments: Instances of ordinances being promulgated despite Supreme Court judgments highlighting their conditional and exceptional nature raise concerns about adherence to constitutional principles.

    Judicial Safeguards to avoid re-promulgation of ordinances

    1. Supreme Court in RC Cooper vs. Union of India (1970) held that the President’s decision to promulgate ordinance could be challenged on the grounds that ‘immediate action’ was not required, and the ordinance had been issued primarily to bypass debate and discussion in the legislature.
    2. It was argued in DC Wadhwa vs. the State of Bihar (1987) that the legislative power of the executive to promulgate ordinances is to be used in exceptional circumstances and not as a substitute for the law-making power of the legislature.
    3. Supreme Court in Krishna Kumar Singh v. the State of Bihar held that the authority to issue ordinances is not an absolute entrustment, but is “conditional upon satisfaction that circumstances exist rendering it necessary to take immediate action”.

    Way ahead

    • Every ordinance issued must be laid before both the Houses of Parliament or state legislature within six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament or state legislature and it ceases to exist if it is not approved within six weeks of reassembly.
    • 44th Constitutional Amendment has reiterated that the satisfaction of the President to promulgate ordinance could be challenged in case an ‘immediate action’ was not required.
    • Our Constitution has provided for the separation of powers among the legislature, executive and judiciary where enacting laws is the function of the legislature.
    • The executive must show self-restraint and should use ordinance making power only in unforeseen or urgent matters and not to evade legislative scrutiny and debates.

    Conclusion

    • The recent Ordinance and its constitutional implications highlight the need for a balanced distribution of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor in Delhi.
    • It is essential to uphold democratic principles and ensure that legislative functions are carried out by the appropriate constitutional authorities.
    • A comprehensive review of the governance framework in Delhi may be necessary to address these concerns and ensure effective and harmonious governance in the capital city.

     

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