💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS2

  • A law that enables vigilante violence

    Why in the News?

    On July 30, Uttar Pradesh toughened its 2021 anti-conversion law, increasing the maximum sentence to life imprisonment, tightening bail conditions, and expanding “illegal conversion” to include promises of marriage and trafficking.

    How do current laws facilitate vigilante actions under the guise of protecting societal values?

    • Expansion of Complainant Scope: The amended law allows any individual, regardless of personal involvement or direct impact, to lodge complaints about alleged unlawful conversions.
    • Broad Interpretation of “Public Interest”: By permitting police officers and unrelated third parties to file FIRs, the law can be exploited to initiate cases that target religious minorities or interfaith couples, framing these as societal threats.
    • Legal Ambiguity and Arbitrary Application: The inconsistent interpretations of “aggrieved person” under Section 4 by different courts have led to uncertainty.
      • This ambiguity has allowed authorities and vigilantes to target groups and individuals selectively, often with little or no evidence of wrongdoing, undermining personal freedoms and due process.
    • Reduced Threshold for Evidence: By widening the scope of what constitutes “illegal conversion” to include vague terms like “promise of marriage,” the law can easily be manipulated.
      • This opens the door for complaints based on assumptions or suspicions, rather than clear, proven instances of forced conversion.

    What measures can be implemented to ensure effective enforcement of laws against mob violence and vigilantism?

    • Strict Definitions and Limits on Complainants: Restricting who can file complaints to genuinely aggrieved parties—directly affected individuals or close relatives—could help prevent misuse by third-party vigilante actors.
    • Accountability Mechanisms for Law Enforcement: Police officers who file unfounded FIRs based on ideologically motivated complaints should face accountability measures.
      • Disciplinary action or judicial oversight in cases of misuse would help discourage officers from acting on non-substantial complaints.
    • Enhanced Legal Protections for Victims of Vigilantism: Establishing a separate body to investigate and prosecute cases of mob violence and vigilante actions can protect targeted groups.
    • Promotion of Public Awareness and Legal Literacy: Initiatives to raise awareness about individual rights and legal processes can empower citizens to resist unlawful actions by vigilantes.

    What role do societal perception and political influence play in the rise of vigilantism?

    • Ideological Justifications for Vigilantism: Laws like the anti-conversion amendment are often framed as measures to protect cultural or religious values, creating a narrative that justifies vigilante actions as morally and socially acceptable.
    • Political Endorsement and Implicit Encouragement: When political entities endorse such laws or publicly support vigilante actions, they create a permissive environment for vigilantism.
    • Media Influence and Public Perception: Coverage of interfaith relationships or religious conversions as “threats” to societal harmony often fuels public support for vigilante actions.
      • Sensationalist media narratives contribute to a heightened perception of certain groups as “others,” justifying vigilantism as a form of social correction.
    • Inadequate Legal Deterrence: Weak penalties for mob violence or leniency in prosecuting vigilantes reinforce the perception that vigilantism will be tolerated, especially if aligned with popular or politically endorsed views.

    Way forward: 

    • Enact Clearer Legal Boundaries and Protections: Define strict limits on who can file complaints under anti-conversion laws, ensuring only directly affected individuals or close family members can do so.
    • Strengthen Public Awareness and Judicial Oversight: Promote legal literacy campaigns to educate citizens on their rights and the dangers of vigilante actions, and establish judicial oversight for cases involving mob violence and vigilantism to ensure accountability and protection for targeted groups.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Aadhaar biometric data access will aid forensics

    Why in the News?

    The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) enforces strict regulations on data disclosure to safeguard individuals’ privacy and prevent misuse of personal information. Under normal circumstances, the police cannot access the demographic or biometric details stored in the Aadhaar database.

    What are the legal limitations of using Aadhaar biometric data for forensic purposes?

    • Stringent Privacy Protections: The Aadhaar Act mandates strict protection of personal data, especially biometrics.
      • Sections 29(1) and 33(1) prevent sharing of core biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) with third parties, even law enforcement, barring limited situations.
    • Court Order Requirement: Section 33(1) allows disclosure of certain demographic data upon the order of a High Court or above, but core biometrics are strictly protected and cannot be shared, creating limitations for police investigations involving unidentified bodies.
    • Forensic Investigative Gaps: Police databases are often limited to individuals with criminal records, restricting the ability to identify deceased persons through fingerprints.
      • Without access to a comprehensive Aadhaar database, identification processes for unknown deceased individuals become more challenging and time-consuming.

    How can the balance between privacy rights and forensic needs be achieved?

    • Right to Privacy vs. Right to Dignity: Balancing the fundamental right to privacy with the right to a dignified life and death is essential, especially in cases where access to biometric data can help identify unknown bodies.
    • Controlled Access Mechanisms: Limited, case-specific access, such as requiring a judicial magistrate’s order (rather than a High Court order), can allow law enforcement to use Aadhaar biometrics in cases involving unidentified bodies, reducing the burden on higher courts while preserving privacy safeguards.
    • Transparent Oversight: Any mechanism permitting Aadhaar data usage for forensics should include robust oversight, including logging access and stringent penalties for misuse, ensuring that access is restricted to genuinely necessary cases.

    What technological and procedural changes are necessary to facilitate the use of Aadhaar data in forensics?

    • Advanced Identification Algorithms: Introducing algorithms similar to the U.S. Deceased Persons Identification (DPI) system would enable more accurate and efficient matching of deceased persons’ fingerprints with larger databases.
    • Digitization of Police Records: Digitizing state-level fingerprint databases would allow faster cross-referencing and aid forensic investigations, creating a more accessible identification system even without Aadhaar.
    • Secure Data Access Channels: Secure and encrypted channels specifically for forensic use, with limited access, could protect the data while allowing controlled use.
    • Specific Legislative Frameworks: There should be new amendments that could clarify circumstances under which biometric data can be accessed for deceased individuals, distinguishing these cases from broader data privacy concerns.

    Way forward: 

    • Amend Legal Framework for Controlled Access: Need to introduce specific legislative amendments allowing limited, case-specific access to Aadhaar biometrics for forensic purposes in cases involving unidentified deceased individuals, with strict judicial oversight to maintain privacy protections.
    • Establish Secure Access Protocols and Oversight: Need to implement secure, encrypted access channels and enforce strict oversight mechanisms, including access logging and penalties for misuse, ensuring biometric data is accessed only when absolutely necessary for forensic identification.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPM, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need to run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Central Water Commission (CWC)

    Why in the News?

    Himalayan glacial lakes are expanding rapidly, posing greater risks to communities and ecosystems according to a Central Water Commission (CWC) report.

    Key highlights of the CWC report:

    • Rapid Expansion of Glacial Lakes: Glacial lakes across the Himalayan region expanded by 10.81% in surface area from 2011 to 2024. In India alone, glacial lakes grew by 33.7% over the same period, posing serious risks to local communities and ecosystems.
    • High-Risk Lakes: The report identifies 67 lakes in India with a more than 40% increase in size, placing them in the high-risk category for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
    • Regional Expansion Trends: The surface area of glacial lakes in the Himalayas grew from 533,401 hectares in 2011 to 591,108 hectares in 2024, largely due to accelerated glacier melt from rising temperatures.
    • Advanced Monitoring: The CWC is employing satellite technologies like Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery for precise, year-round data collection to monitor lake size and potential outburst risks.

    About Central Water Commission (CWC):

    Details
    Establishment
    • Established in 1945 as the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission (CWINC);
    • On the advice of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (a member of the then Viceroy’s Executive Council).
    Nodal Ministry Ministry of Jal Shakti under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
    Status Statutory body serving as an advisory entity to the GoI on water resources development and management.
    Headquarters New Delhi
    General Responsibilities
    • Initiating, coordinating, and furthering schemes for the control, conservation, and utilization of water resources.
    • Compiles and maintains nationwide National Register of Large Dams (NRLD).
    • Conducts hydrological surveys.
    Scope of Work CWC deals exclusively with surface water; the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) manages groundwater resources.
    Chairman Chairman serves as the Ex-Officio Secretary to the GoI.
    Wings of CWC • Designs and Research (D&R) Wing
    • River Management (RM) Wing
    • Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).

    2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.

    3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

  • Explained: The paradox of stagnant rural wages

    Why in the News?

    From 2019-20 to 2023-24, India’s economy grew at 4.6% annually, with the farm sector at 4.2%, yet rural wages remain stagnant.

    Disparity between Rural Wages and Economic Growth:

    • Divergent Growth Trends: While the Indian economy has experienced significant GDP growth (averaging 4.6% annually from 2019-20 to 2023-24), rural wages have stagnated, with real agricultural wages showing minimal growth and often negative real wage growth due to rising inflation.
    • Labor Supply Dynamics: The surge in female Labor Force Participation Rates (LFPR) in rural areas has increased the overall labor supply, exerting downward pressure on wages as more workers compete for the same or fewer jobs, primarily in low-productivity agricultural sectors.
    • Capital-Intensive Growth: Economic growth has become increasingly capital-intensive and labor-saving, leading to a disproportionate share of income going to capital rather than labour.
      • This trend results in fewer job opportunities in high-paying sectors, further exacerbating the stagnation of rural wages.

    What are the major factors behind the Stagnant Rural Wages?

    • Increased Female Labour Force Participation (Surplus of Labour): The rural female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has seen a sharp rise, particularly due to government initiatives that have freed up women’s time for outside employment.
      • However, this has led to a significant increase in the overall rural workforce, causing a surplus of labor that exerts downward pressure on wages.
    • Majority of choosing Agricultural Employment: Although more women are entering the labour force, the majority are finding employment in agriculture rather than in higher-paying non-farm sectors.
      • This results in a surplus of workers in an already low-productivity sector, which suppresses wages further.
    • Capital-Intensive Economic Growth: The Indian economy’s growth has increasingly come from capital-intensive sectors that require fewer workers.
      • Consequently, the share of income generated is shifting from labour (wages) to capital (profits). This trend limits demand for rural labour, leading to wage stagnation.
    • Low Demand for Non-Agricultural Labor: Wage growth in rural non-agricultural sectors has been even weaker, with real wages declining. This reflects limited job opportunities outside of agriculture, partly due to low demand for labour in industries that are more capital-intensive.

    What are the steps taken by Govt to address the issue of Low Rural Wages?

    • Income Transfer Schemes: Both central and state governments have introduced various income transfer schemes, like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) which provides an annual income support of Rs 6,000 to farmer households in rural areas.
      • Many states have launched income-support schemes specifically for women, such as Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides Rs 1,500 per month to women from low-income households.
    • Employment Generation Programs: Schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provide a safety net by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment for rural households.
      • The government has also promoted rural entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Mudra Yojana, which offers micro-loans to rural businesses and enhance employment opportunities.
    • Skill Development Initiatives: The government has been investing in rural skill development programs to promote employability in non-farm sectors.
      • Programs under schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) focus on upskilling rural youth and women to enable them to find better-paying, non-agricultural employment.
    • Rural Infrastructure Development: Initiatives to build rural infrastructure, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), create temporary employment in construction and improve access to jobs, markets, and services.

    Way forward: 

    • Diversification of Employment Opportunities: Enhancing support for non-agricultural sectors through targeted investments in skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs can create diverse job opportunities.
    • Strengthening Agricultural Productivity: Implementing policies that focus on modernizing agricultural practices and improving productivity can increase the income of rural labourers.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. (2015)

    Q Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth? (2024)

  • Namo Drone Didi Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Govt. has released the Operational Guidelines for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.

    About Namo Drone Didi Scheme:

    Details
    About
    • Central Sector Scheme for the period of 2024 to 2026.
    • To provide drones to 14,500 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) for rental agricultural services (applying liquid fertilizers and pesticides)
    Total Funding Rs. 1,261 crore allocated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    Financial Assistance
    • 80% of the cost (up to ₹8 lakh per drone), with remaining 20% to be financed through loans.
    • Loans available under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with 3% interest subvention; SHGs can also access loans from other Rural Development programs
    Training  
    • 15 days mandatory training for drone pilots.
    • Additional training for drone assistants in repairs and maintenance.
    Training Providers Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
    Implementing Agency
    • Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) responsible for coordinating with State Departments, drone manufacturers, and SHGs.
    • They will procure drones through a transparent process, with ownership placed with the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs or the SHGs themselves.
    Operational Limits Drones must operate within visual line of sight (vLOS) and below 400 feet (120 meters) AGL.
    Expected Outcomes
    • Each SHG is expected to cover approximately 2,000-2,500 acres annually;
    • IT-based Management Information System (MIS) – Drone Portal for tracking drone usage, fund disbursement, and monitoring service delivery

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following activities:

    1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field.
    2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes.
    3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis.

    At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

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

  • [4th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The BRICS summit boost to India-Iran ties

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (UPSC CSE 2018)
    Q) The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (UPSC CSE 2017) 

    Prelims

    Q) Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (UPSC CSE 2016)
    a) Iran
    b) Saudi Arabia
    c) Oman
    d) Kuwait

    Mentor’s Comment:  Iran’s geographical position between the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea makes it a crucial link for India to access Central Asia and the Middle East. This is particularly important given India’s limited land connectivity to these regions due to tensions with Pakistan.

    Strategically, Iran possesses one of the largest reserves of crude oil and natural gas in the world. Strengthening ties with Iran can help India secure its energy needs, especially as it seeks to diversify its sources of oil imports.

    Security wise, both countries share concerns about regional stability, particularly regarding extremist groups.

    Today’s editorial discusses the recent developments in the relationship between India and Iran, particularly in light of their interactions during the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The present 16th BRICS Summit (October 22-24, 2024) meeting marked the first interaction between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Iranian Prez Masoud Pezeshkian, since Pezeshkian took office following the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi.

    What were the key discussions?
    • On Bilateral Ties: Both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Iran relations, emphasizing the potential for deeper cooperation across various sectors, particularly in connectivity and trade.
    • On Strategic Projects: The leaders discussed critical initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which are vital for enhancing trade links with Central Asia and supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts.
    • On Regional stability: Given the ongoing conflict in West Asia, both leaders acknowledged India’s unique position to advocate for peace and de-escalation. Modi expressed concerns over escalating violence and emphasized the need for dialogue.

    History of Strong Civilization Ties:
    • Common Origins: Both civilizations are believed to have originated from a common Indo-Iranian ancestry, with linguistic and cultural exchanges dating back to prehistoric times.
    Historical trade routes facilitated exchanges between the Indus Valley Civilization and ancient Persia, with goods such as silver, copper, and precious stones being traded across the Persian Gulf.
    • Cultural Interactions: The spread of Buddhism from India to Persia significantly influenced Iranian culture. Later, Sufism fostered spiritual ties, leading to deep cultural exchanges in literature and philosophy.
    Persian literature became highly influential in India during the Mughal-Safavid Period.
    • Modern Diplomatic Relations: India and Iran formalized their relationship with a friendship treaty in 1950.
    The recent collaborations focus on energy security and regional stability, highlighted by projects like the development of Chabahar Port, which enhances connectivity between India, Iran, and Afghanistan.

    How does the inclusion of Iran in BRICS impact India’s strategic interests?

    • Economic Opportunities: Iran’s membership can boost bilateral trade through initiatives like the Chabahar Port, enhancing India’s access to Central Asia.
      • Strengthened ties may facilitate oil imports from Iran, helping India diversify its energy sources.
    • Geopolitical Dynamics: BRICS provides a platform for India to promote a multipolar world, and balance Western dominance in global affairs.
      • Including Iran could foster dialogue and reduce tensions in the Middle East, benefiting India’s regional interests.
    • Complex Relationships: India must manage its relationship with Iran while maintaining ties with Western allies, which BRICS dynamics could complicate.
      • Iran’s inclusion may enhance China’s leverage in the region, posing challenges for India’s strategic positioning.

    What are the potential economic benefits for India from strengthened ties with Iran through BRICS?

    • Increased Trade Opportunities: A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) could boost trade in various sectors, enhancing exports of Indian goods like agriculture and machinery to Iran.
      • Iran serves as a gateway for India to reach Central Asian markets via the Chabahar Port, facilitating trade routes that bypass Pakistan.
    • Energy Security: Strengthening ties may allow India to resume importing oil from Iran, helping meet its growing energy needs.
      • Potential projects like the Iran-Oman-India gas pipeline could provide India with a direct source of natural gas, diversifying its energy supply.
    • Infrastructure Development: India’s investment in Chabahar Port enhances connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, offering an alternative route for trade.
      • This corridor aims to streamline trade between India, Iran, and Russia, reducing transit times and improving trade efficiency.

    How does the BRICS summit reflect shifting geopolitical alliances and the future of multilateralism?

    • Challenge to U.S.-led order: The expansion of BRICS, including new members like Iran, signals a desire among emerging economies to create a more balanced multipolar world that reduces reliance on Western powers.
    • Geopolitical Fragmentation: The inclusion of countries with differing agendas, such as India’s ties with the West and Russia-China’s anti-Western stance, complicates the bloc’s unity and effectiveness.
      • This fragmentation may lead to a division of global politics into competing alliances, potentially undermining existing multilateral platforms like the G20.
    • Focus on South-South Cooperation: BRICS emphasizes cooperation among developing nations in trade and sustainable development, enhancing economic ties and addressing common challenges.

    Conclusion: India and Iran can achieve a lot together. There is recognition that too much time has already been lost. India’s ability to de-hyphenate ties and engage independently with nations that are adversarial to each other, such as Iran and Israel, could be useful in driving the ties. 

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-brics-summit-boost-to-india-iran-ties/article68826431.ece

  • What are the major challenges faced by Indian cities?

    Why in the News?

    World Cities Day is celebrated annually on October 31, highlighting the growing urban population, now at 4.7 billion (57.5% of the total). This year’s theme focuses on empowering youth to drive local sustainability initiatives in urban areas.

    What is the theme for this year’s World Cities Day? 

    • The theme for this year’s World Cities Day is “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability.”
    • It emphasizes the vital role of young people in driving grassroots initiatives to address climate change and promote sustainable urban development.

    What led to India’s rapid urbanization? 

    • Economic Distress: Urbanization in India is largely driven by economic hardships in rural areas, leading to both rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban migration.
    • COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic exposed the strain on urban infrastructure and highlighted the reverse migration trends, showcasing gaps in urban planning.
    • Lack of Census Data: The absence of precise data from the 2021 Census limits understanding and planning for urban population growth, though estimates suggest around 40% of the population resides in urban areas.
    • Job Losses from Deindustrialisation: Many cities have experienced deindustrialization since the 1980s, resulting in job losses that push displaced workers to peri-urban areas.
    • Overcrowding in Slums: Approximately 40% of India’s urban population lives in slums, exacerbating the challenges associated with rapid urban growth.

    How big of a threat do climate change and rising inequality pose to urban growth?

    • Climate Change: Indian cities face severe pollution, urban flooding, and heat island effects, which jeopardize urban sustainability and living conditions.
    • Rising Inequality: Urban development often caters to wealthier populations, resulting in stark contrasts between exclusive developments and the significant number of urban residents lacking basic housing.
    • Social Segregation: Increasing segregation along social and religious lines within urban settings worsens inequality and marginalizes vulnerable groups.
    • Governance Limitations: Many urban areas are controlled by undemocratic bodies, limiting the effectiveness of governance and local engagement in urban planning.
    • Inadequate Urban Planning: Outdated spatial and temporal planning does not address the needs of a growing urban population, further complicating the impact of climate change and social disparities.

    Steps taken by the government: 

    • Smart Cities Mission: Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development by investing in infrastructure, smart technologies, and urban planning to improve the quality of life in cities and enhance urban resilience.
    • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): This mission focuses on providing basic services like water supply, sewage management, and urban transport in cities, promoting sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for residents.
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): This scheme aims to provide affordable housing for all by 2022, addressing the housing shortage and improving living conditions for low-income urban residents, thereby tackling issues related to slums and inadequate housing.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Data-Driven Urban Planning: Need to conduct comprehensive and regular urban censuses to gather accurate demographic data, enabling evidence-based decision-making for urban policies and effective resource allocation.
    • Strengthen Community Engagement: The government should foster participatory governance by involving local communities in urban planning and development processes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (2016)

  • Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

    Why in the news?

    Employees of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) institutions have expressed concerns over the delay in revising their pay scales.

    About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR):

    Details
    Establishment It was established as an Autonomous organization, in 1969 on the recommendation of Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao Committee (National Income Committee).
    Nodal Ministry Operates under the Ministry of Education.
    Function Promote, fund, and support social science research in India.
    Objectives • Encourage social science research
    • Fund and coordinate research in various branches
    • Collaborate with international research organizations
    • Provide policy recommendations based on research
    Organizational Structure It is governed by a Council of eminent scholars and policymakers, supported by 24 research institutes and 6 regional centers.
    Research Institutes Funds institutes such as:
    • Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram
    • Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru
    • Centre for Studies in Social Sciences (CSSS), Kolkata
    • Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune
    Key Programs and Initiatives • ICSSR Data Service: National repository for social science data
    • NASSDOC: Documentation and library services
    • Workshops and conferences to enhance research capabilities
    International Collaboration Collaborates with organizations like UNESCO and the Indian Council of World Affairs for joint projects and scholar exchanges.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

    1. National Development Council

    2. Planning Commission

    3. Zonal Councils

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How the United States’ electoral college works?

    Why in the News?

    In the US system, when people vote for a presidential candidate, they are actually voting to choose that candidate’s “electors,” who will then cast their votes for the President.

    What is the structure and function of the Electoral College?

    • Composition: The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
    • Allocation of Electors: Each state’s number of electors equals its Congressional delegation (one for each House member and two for Senators). California has the most electors (54), while six states and the District of Columbia have the smallest allocation (3 each).
    • Selection of Electors: Political parties select electors in each state before the election, typically choosing party loyalists or those with ties to the presidential candidate.
    • Electoral Voting Process: Electors meet in their state capitals in December to cast their votes for President and Vice President. This is mostly a formality, as electors generally vote for their party’s candidate.

    Note: The Electoral College is a body of 538 electors who elect the U.S. President and Vice President, reflecting the popular vote in each state.

    How does the Electoral College impact election outcomes?

    • Discrepancy Between Popular and Electoral Votes: Candidates can win the presidency without winning the national popular vote, as seen in the elections of 2000 and 2016. This discrepancy occurs due to the allocation of electoral votes based on state populations rather than a direct count of all votes.
    • Focus on Swing States: The winner-takes-all system encourages candidates to concentrate their campaign efforts on a few key swing states, which can lead to disproportionate attention and resources being directed there, often neglecting voters in states where one party is overwhelmingly dominant.
    • Strengthening the Two-Party System: The Electoral College reinforces a two-party system by making it challenging for third-party candidates to gain traction, as the winner-takes-all approach in most states discourages votes for non-major party candidates, leading to a perception that such votes are “wasted.”

    What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?

    • House of Representatives Decides: If no candidate secures a majority of electoral votes, the election is decided by the House of Representatives, with each state delegation casting one vote for one of the top three candidates.
    • Senate Elects Vice President: Concurrently, the Senate elects the Vice President from the top two candidates for that office.
    • Historical Context: This scenario has occurred only a few times in U.S. history, most notably in the election of 1824 when John Quincy Adams was elected by the House after no candidate received a majority of electoral votes.

    Difference between Indian and USA presidential election:

    Aspect India USA
    Electoral Process Indirect election by an electoral college of MPs and state assembly members. Indirect election through the Electoral College, where citizens vote for electors.
    Voting System Single transferable vote system, ensuring proportional representation. Winner-takes-all system in most states; majority wins all electoral votes.
    Electoral College Comprised of elected representatives, totaling around 5,000 electors. Consists of 538 electors based on Congressional representation.
    Majority Requirement Majority of electoral votes needed to win. 270 electoral votes needed to win.
    Frequency of Elections Every five years. Every four years.
    Nature of the Position Primarily ceremonial; limited powers. Head of state and government; significant executive powers.
    Campaigning Limited campaigning; party nominations prevail. Extensive campaigning; candidates raise funds and engage voters directly.
    Political Parties Influenced by major parties, with independent candidates also eligible. Dominated by a two-party system (Democratic and Republican).

    Conclusion: The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, with a majority of 270 needed to win the presidency. It allocates electors based on state Congressional representation. It impacts elections by creating discrepancies between popular and electoral votes, focusing campaigns on swing states, and reinforcing a two-party system. If no majority is achieved, the House decides the president.

  • Tackle the issue of adjournments, case pendency

    Why in the News?

    President Droupadi Murmu has called for an end to court delays. In the District Judiciary Conference, she said that frequent postponements make it hard for poor and rural people to seek justice, as they worry cases will take too long to resolve.

    Primary Causes of Case Pendency and Frequent Adjournments in Indian Courts:

    • Judge-Population Ratio: India has a low judge-to-population ratio, with only 21 judges per million people as of 2024, far below the Law Commission’s recommended 50 per million.
    • Vacant Judicial Positions: Delays in filling judicial vacancies lead to understaffed courts, with 30% vacancies in High Courts, adding pressure on the existing judges.
    • Additional Judicial Charges: Judges often handle multiple courts or specialized responsibilities, detracting from their ability to focus on primary cases and adding to delays.
    • Complex Case Load: Courts are burdened by multiple types of cases, including civil, criminal, constitutional, and appeals, many of which end up in higher courts, leading to severe backlogs.
    • Lack of Judicial-Impact Assessment: New laws increase the caseload, but without assessing the impact on court infrastructure, staffing, and resources, exacerbating delays.
    • Delay in Witness Availability: Witnesses are often not available on time, which postpones court hearings and impacts trial timelines.

    How can technology be leveraged to reduce case pendency?

    • Digitization of Case Records: Electronic records reduce administrative delays in case filing, retrieval, and transfer between courts.
    • AI-Powered Case Management Systems: AI can assist in case prioritization, track progress, and predict possible delays, enabling judges and clerks to streamline schedules more effectively.
    • E-Courts and Video Conferencing: Virtual hearings can expedite proceedings, especially for remote cases or minor disputes, saving travel and scheduling time.
    • Automation of Routine Processes: Automating administrative tasks like case status updates, notifications, and scheduling can reduce clerical delays and improve transparency for litigants.
    • Data Analytics for Judicial Insights: Predictive analytics can help in understanding case patterns, enabling policymakers to make data-driven decisions on judicial staffing and resources.

    What reforms are necessary to improve judicial efficiency and reduce backlog? (Way forward)

    • Filling Vacancies and Enhancing Judge Numbers: Quick action on filling judicial vacancies is critical, along with increasing sanctioned positions to meet the demands of the population and growing caseload.
    • Implementing Judicial-Impact Assessments: Adopting the recommendations of the Justice M. Jagannadha Rao Committee for pre-legislative impact assessment would ensure adequate resources accompany new laws.
    • Expanding Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Scaling up mediation centers and incentivizing ADR methods can resolve disputes outside court, decreasing the burden on the judiciary.
    • Dedicated Special Courts: Establishing well-staffed, specialized courts for specific categories (e.g., economic offenses, family disputes) would help reduce strain on regular courts.
    • No Additional Charge Policy for Judges: Assigning a single focus area per judge ensures concentration on cases without undue burdens, leading to higher efficiency and better judgment quality.
    • Periodic Judicial Training: Regular training on case management and technological tools can empower judges and court staff to adapt to evolving needs, reducing inefficiencies.