Prime Minister recently launched the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week to strengthen individual and organizational capacity among civil servants.
AboutMission Karmayogi
Details
What is it?
National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)
Objective
• To prepare civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, and innovative through transparency and technology.
Launch Date
• Launched on 2nd September 2020.
Key Features
• On-Site Learning: Complementing off-site learning with more focus on practical experience.
• Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform.
• All civil servants (including contractual employees) across various ministries, departments, organizations, and agencies of the Union Government.
iGOT-Karmayogi Features
• My iGOT: Personalized training courses based on individual capacity-building needs.
• Blended Programs: Combines offline classroom learning with online components for equitable access to training.
• Curated Programs: Tailored learning paths designed for different ministries and training institutions.
Vision for 2047
• Aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub and a supplier of skilled human resources by improving governance and civil service efficiency.
Steering Bodies
• Prime Minister’s Public Human Resources Council
• Capacity Building Commission
• Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for digital assets
• Coordination Unit led by the Cabinet Secretary.
Courses Offered
• The iGOT platform offers over 1400 courses for personalized learning and skill development.
Significance
• Promotes a whole-of-government approach to foster collaboration, break bureaucratic silos, and prepare civil servants for modern governance challenges through continuous capacity building.
How Karmayogi Saptah Aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s Goals?
Karmayogi Saptah promotes a culture of lifelong learning and continuous improvement, key pillars of Mission Karmayogi.
It emphasizes innovation and a citizen-first mindset, encouraging civil servants to engage with new ideas and feedback mechanisms.
By focusing on adapting to new technologies like AI, it aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s goal of a digitally proficient workforce.
It fosters collaboration across departments, supporting the mission’s aim to break silos and promote a “One Government” ethos.
Through individual and organizational development activities, the week contributes to creating a skilled, motivated workforce for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
PYQ:
[2015] Consider the following statements:
1. The Executive Power of the union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.
2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[2018] India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. [2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?Prelims: [2013] The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of: (a) China (b) Israel (c) Iraq (d) Yemen
Mentor’s Comment:Israel’s war in Gaza, launched in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks, once again took center stage at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this week. The UN General Assembly brought up the issue of illegal Israeli settlements at the court, with public hearings set to conclude on February 26.
The hearings highlighted a deeper divide, as Western countries largely defended Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza as an act of “self-defense,” while many Global South nations backed South Africa’s push for the ICJ to charge Israel with “war crimes” for its actions. The hearings took place against the backdrop of a major dispute between Brazil and Israel.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Most of the speakers at the hearings were from the Global South, with Brazil and South Africa taking the lead in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
All permanent members of the UN Security Council submitted comments, though Israel did not take part. India did not speak at the hearings, but its neighbors, Pakistan and Bangladesh, strongly criticized Israel’s actions.
Global South View on Israel- Palestine Conflict:
Fragmented Global South Response: The Global South has not presented a unified stance toward the Israel-Palestine conflict. While some countries have sought legal actions against Israel, others have taken more cautious approaches, focused on diplomacy and ceasefire calls.
South Africa’s Legal Action: Driven by its own history of apartheid, South Africa took Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, seeking a warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Divergence Within BRICS: China and India, the two biggest powers within the Global South construct, have taken divergent positions based on their national interests rather than building consensus within newer multilateral formats like BRICS.
The Role of BRICS Expansion: The BRICS group recently expanded, a move supported by China but not particularly favored by India, illustrating differing priorities even within major Global South frameworks.
China’s View on Israel- Palestine Conflict:
China’s Support for Palestinian Sovereignty: China aligns its position with Arab interests, supporting Palestinian sovereignty from a decolonization perspective. In July 2024, it hosted a conference aimed at unifying various Palestinian factions.
China’s Strategic Calculations: China refrained from condemning Hamas after the October 2023 attacks, aiming to keep its mediation options open, especially after the high-profile Iran-Saudi Arabia mediation. However, recent developments, including the killings of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, have disrupted these efforts.
China’s Use of Multilateral Forums: China seeks to leverage forums like BRICS to promote the Global South narrative in its favor. The expansion of BRICS and Palestine’s interest in joining reflect China’s strategy to broaden its influence.
India’s View on Israel- Palestine Conflict:
India’s Balanced Approach: India maintains a consistent and balanced position, supporting both Israel’s counter-terrorism efforts and the Palestinian cause. Its stance includes a two-state solution and recognition of Palestine since 1988.
Counter-Terrorism Focus: India’s stance on the conflict focuses on counter-terrorism, reflecting its own experiences with cross-border terrorism, similar to Israel’s challenges. The 2011 release of Sinwar by Israel is comparable to India’s release of Masood Azhar in 1999.
The disunity in the Global South affects India’s interests in several ways:
Limits Diplomatic Leverage: The lack of a unified stance weakens India’s ability to push for collective action on issues like terrorism or multilateral reforms.
Challenges in BRICS Consensus: Diverging views within BRICS complicate India’s efforts to shape the group’s agenda in line with its own interests, such as counter-terrorism and economic cooperation.
Reduces Influence in West Asia: Fragmented approaches hinder India’s ability to play a significant mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict or other regional matters.
Complicates Strategic Alignments: Disunity forces India to navigate complex diplomatic relationships individually, rather than benefiting from coordinated Global South support.
Dilutes Global South’s Voice: The lack of coherence limits India’s capacity to effectively champion developing countries’ concerns on global platforms like the UN.
Way forward:
Strengthen Diplomatic Alliances: India should work on building stronger bilateral and regional partnerships to create support for its positions within the Global South, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as counter-terrorism and economic development.
Leverage Multilateral Platforms Strategically: India can actively shape the agenda in forums like BRICS by promoting consensus on common issues, such as peace initiatives and reforming global governance, to enhance its influence and the collective voice of the Global South.
October 24 is recognized as World Polio Day, a commemoration established by Rotary International to honor the birth of Jonas Salk, who spearheaded the development of the first vaccine against polio in the 1950s.
What key strategies contributed to the successful eradication of polio in India?
Comprehensive Vaccination Campaigns: India implemented large-scale vaccination drives starting in 1972, which expanded under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 1985.
Community Engagement and Awareness: Targeted awareness campaigns were crucial, utilizing local health workers to administer oral polio drops, which made vaccination accessible.
Effective Messaging: The slogan “do boond zindagi ki” (two drops of life) resonated well with the public. Utilizing celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and integrating health messages into popular media further amplified awareness.
Robust Surveillance System: A multilayered surveillance mechanism was developed to monitor acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, enabling prompt immunisation of affected populations. This system involved local informers, including community health workers and doctors.
Targeted Interventions for High-Risk Areas: By 2009, efforts were concentrated in specific regions, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where most cases were reported. This targeted approach was critical in reducing transmission rates.
Collaboration with International Agencies: The eradication campaign was supported by various international bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring financial and logistical backing.
How did India address the challenges of vaccine hesitancy among specific communities?
Engagement with Community Leaders: To address religious concerns and misinformation, influential figures such as imams and local leaders were involved. Their endorsements played a significant role in countering myths about the vaccine.
Targeted Communication Strategies: Awareness efforts were tailored to specific communities, focusing on dispelling myths surrounding the vaccine, such as fears about impotence and cultural taboos against its ingredients.
Culturally Sensitive Messaging: Messaging was crafted in local languages and through community-specific narratives, ensuring that it resonated with the cultural context of various groups.
What lessons can be learned from India’s polio eradication efforts for future public health campaigns?
Importance of Community Involvement: Engaging local leaders and community members is vital for building trust and addressing vaccine hesitancy effectively.
Flexibility in Implementation: Tailoring vaccination drives to accommodate local cultural practices, work schedules, and geographic challenges can enhance participation rates.
Sustained Awareness Efforts: Continuous education and awareness campaigns are essential, especially in the face of evolving misinformation and cultural resistance.
Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of robust surveillance systems and data analytics to identify and target high-risk areas can help streamline public health interventions.
Collaboration with Multiple Stakeholders: Building partnerships between government agencies, international organizations, and local communities can strengthen public health responses and resource mobilization.
Conclusion: Need to establish sustainable platforms for continuous dialogue between healthcare providers and community leaders to address health concerns, build trust, and ensure community-specific health initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).
About PM-YASASVI Scheme
Details
Launch Year
2021-22
Purpose
To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT).
Eligibility Criteria
• Students from OBC, EBC, and DNT(Denotified Tribes) categories
• Annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh
• Additional criteria may apply based on specific schemes.
Benefits
• Scholarships for pre-matriculation (Class 9-10) and post-matriculation (higher studies)
• Covers tuition, hostel expenses, and academic costs
• Hostel facilities for OBC students
• Promotes educational advancement for marginalized communities.
Scholarship Amounts
• Class 9 and Class 10: ₹75,000 annually
• Class 11 and Class 12: ₹1,25,000 annually
Selection Criteria
• Based on performance in the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
Application Process
• Applications submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
Significance
Promotes inclusivity and social progress by supporting students from OBC, EBC, and DNT backgrounds in their educational pursuits.
Q) Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court. (UPSC CSE 2015)
Q) Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: Since 2012, there has been a constant demand led by the Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) for granting the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. On 20 April 2023, a judge of the Manipur High Court directed the state government to consider the request of the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. The Kuki community feared that the ST status would allow the Meiteis to purchase land in the prohibited hilly areas and hence the total shutdown began.
The ongoing crisis in Manipur, a northeastern state of India, highlights the complexities of managing ethnic diversity in a region marked by historical grievances and socio-political dynamics. Today’s editorial examines the roots of the conflict, the government’s response, and potential pathways to peace.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Since May 2023, over 250 people have died, and tens of thousands have been displaced due to ongoing ethnic clashes primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence has intensified again, with at least 11 casualties reported in September 2024.
What are the historical and socio-political factors contributing to the Manipur crisis?
1) Historical Factors:
Colonial Legacy: Manipur was an independent kingdom before British colonization. In the year 1891 Manipur became a Princely State under British Rule after the Anglo-Manipur War.
Later, the Britishers employed a “divide and rule” strategy, which resulted in tensions between the valley-dwelling Meitei and the hill tribes, including the Kukis and Nagas.
Forced Merger into India: In 1947, Maharaja Budhachandra signed a Treaty of Accession merging Manipur into India. This merger occurred without adequate consultation with local leaders, leading to widespread discontent among various ethnic groups.
Insurgency and Ethnic Clashes: The rise of insurgent groups in the 1960s and 1970s, fueled by demands for autonomy or independence, has led to ongoing violence.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was introduced in 1980 to manage insurgency but has resulted in increased militarization and human rights abuses, further inflaming local grievances.
2) Socio-Political Factors
Ethnic Identity and Land Rights: Conflicts over land ownership and ethnic identity are central to the crisis. The Meitei community’s recent demand for Scheduled Tribe status has intensified fears among Kukis and Nagas regarding their rights and land security.
Government Policies: Central government policies perceived as favoring certain ethnic groups have led to resentment among others. For instance, the withdrawal from Suspension of Operations agreements with Kuki militant groups has raised tensions.
Economic Disparities: Developmental disparities between the valley and hill regions have fueled resentment, as marginalized communities feel neglected by state initiatives.
Drug Trade and Economic Exploitation: The proximity to theGolden Triangle and porous international borders make Manipur vulnerable to drug trafficking and other cross-border criminal activities.
2023 Violence: A court order regarding Scheduled Tribe status for the Meiteis sparked violent protests, leading to significant casualties and displacement. This incident underscores the fragile nature of inter-community relations in Manipur.
How has the Indian government’s response impacted the situation in Manipur?
Military Deployment: The government deployed approximately 17,000 troops and this heavy military presence led to allegations of human rights abuses and a deepening trust deficit between the state and local communities.
Curfews were imposed across multiple districts which disrupted daily life and hindered communication among communities.
Central Government’s 100-Day Plan: The resolution of the Manipur conflict is part of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s 100-day plan. It has also faced criticism for being slow and lacking transparency regarding concrete actions.
Humanitarian Response: The government has initiated compensation packages for affected farmers but faces challenges in addressing the broader humanitarian needs of displaced populations.
Long-Term Stability Concerns: The situation is compounded by geopolitical factors involving neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh, necessitating innovative solutions from the government to ensure long-term peace in the region.
Constitutional Provisions:
• The Indian Constitution uniquely addresses diversity through special provisions for various states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Karnataka. • The specialprovisions aim to ensure equitable development and safeguard cultural identities that seek to reconcile competing interests in northeastern states by institutionalizing power-sharing and representation, promoting autonomy in governance. •Article 371F (introduced after Sikkim’s accession in 1975), empowers Parliament to protect the rights of various population sections and grants the Governor special responsibilities for socio-economic advancement. • The Supreme Court upheld Article 371F in the R.C. Poudyal case (1993), justifying increased representation for the Bhutia-Lepcha community based on historical context and the need for political stability. • Given the increasing violence and displacement in regions like Manipur, revisiting these constitutional provisions is crucial for national interest and social harmony.
CASE STUDY:
•Tripura is a model of peace achieved via constitutional measures during its insurgency, particularly through the 6th Schedule, which grants autonomy to tribal areas. Itempowered district councils to legislate on education, land use, and social customs. •Tripura Accord (1988) reserved one-third of State Assembly seats for Scheduled Tribes, exceeding their population proportion. Unlike Tripura, Manipur is governed by Article 371C, which lacks similar provisions for tribal autonomy and requires Hill Area Committee approval for governance matters.
What Manipur needs to do?
In light of the unique challenges faced by Manipur, it is essential to recognize that, unlike other northeastern states, its District Council lacks veto power, leading to heightened anxieties over over-representation and resource allocation.
Thus, true peace and solutions for diversity must be cultivated through Constitutional evolution and Democratic processes, rather than superficial measures.
The Supreme Court reserved its decision on appeals challenging the Allahabad HC’s verdict, which declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 as ‘Unconstitutional’.
What is the UP Madarsa Education Act of 2004?
The UP Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, was enacted to establish a regulatory framework for madrasas in the state.
Aim: To ensure the delivery of quality education in these institutions while aligning them with constitutional principles.
Key Provisions: The Act set up the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, responsible for prescribing curricula, conducting examinations, and certifying students in registered madrasas.
State Involvement: It allowed the government to provide grants, regulate the functioning of madrasas, and inspect their adherence to standards, ensuring uniformity and compliance with educational norms.
On what grounds did the Allahabad HC declare the Madarsa Act as ‘Unconstitutional’?
Violation of Secularism: The Allahabad High Court ruled that the Act violated the principle of secularism, which is a fundamental aspect of the Indian Constitution.
The court held that the state’s direct involvement in the administration and funding of religious institutions like madrasas contradicted the secular character enshrined in the Constitution.
Equality Before Law: The Act was also found to contravene Article 14, which ensures equality before the law.
The court noted that providing special educational arrangements for madrasas amounted to favoring a particular religious community, which was deemed discriminatory against others.
What are the key arguments on the Constitutionality of the Madarsa Education Act before the SC?
For the Act’s Constitutionality:
Promoting Educational Rights: Petitioners argued that the Act was intended to improve the quality of education in madrasas by incorporating modern subjects, thereby fulfilling the state’s obligation under Article 21A (Right to Education).
Minority Rights Protection: They contended that the Act safeguarded the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice under Article 30.
Against the Act’s Constitutionality:
State Involvement in Religious Education: Critics argued that the state’s involvement in regulating and funding madrasas blurred the line between state and religion, thus it leads to violating the secular framework.
Discriminatory Approach: It was contended that the Act granted privileges to one community’s educational institutions, potentially discriminating against others.
Alternative Educational Models: The state’s direct regulation of madrasas was seen as unnecessary when secular education could be provided through other existing educational frameworks.
What are the wider Implications of the SC’s decision on the Madarsa Education Act?
Impact on Minority Educational Rights: If the Supreme Court upholds the Act, it may strengthen the right of minorities to receive state support for their educational institutions.
Conversely, striking down the Act could set a precedent for limiting state involvement in religious institutions.
Revisiting the Secularism Principle: The ruling could lead to a reassessment of how secularism is interpreted, particularly concerning state interactions with minority educational institutions.
Implications for Other Religious Schools: The judgment could have broader ramifications for other religious institutions that receive government aid or regulation, potentially prompting similar legal challenges.
Integration of Madrasas into Mainstream Education: If the Act is declared unconstitutional, the state may need to find alternative ways to integrate madrasa students into the formal educational system without compromising on their cultural and religious needs.
What reforms are necessary to modernize madrasa education and address public perceptions?
Curriculum Integration: Need to introduce a balanced curriculum that combines religious studies with modern subjects like science, mathematics, and social studies to make madrasa education more holistic and aligned with mainstream education standards.
Teacher Training and Certification: Ensure that madrasa teachers receive proper training in contemporary pedagogy and modern subjects.
Infrastructure Development: Improve madrasa facilities to provide a conducive learning environment. This includes better classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and access to technology for digital learning.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a framework to regularly assess and monitor the quality of education in madrasas.
Vocational and Skill-Based Training: Incorporate vocational courses and skill development programs to equip students with practical skills that can improve their employability.
Awareness Programs: Need to run awareness campaigns to inform the community about the value of modernizing madrasa education.
Way forward:
Reform the Act to Align with Secular Principles: Amend the Act to focus on educational standards without direct state involvement in religious affairs, ensuring compliance with constitutional values of secularism and equality.
Promote Inclusive Educational Models: Integrate madrasa education into the mainstream system by introducing modern subjects while respecting cultural and religious contexts, allowing students to benefit from both secular and religious education.
Back2Basics: Minority Educational Institutions in India:
Details
Constitutional Provision
Article 30(1) of the Constitution of India grants linguistic and religious minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
Legislative Framework
National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004 safeguards the educational rights of minorities as per Article 30(1).
Definition
A “Minority Educational Institution” is defined as a college or institution established or maintained by a person or group from amongst the minorities (Section 2(g) of the Act).
Judicial Precedent
In T.M.A. Pai Foundation vs. State of Karnataka (2002), the Supreme Court ruled that minority status is determined by state demographics, not national population.
Rights of Minority Institutions
Article 29 protects the interests of minorities by allowing them to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture.
Minority institutions do not have an absolute right to appoint staff;
This was upheld in the context of the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act, 2008.
Recognized Minority Communities
Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis) are recognized as minority communities under the National Commission for Minorities Act of 1992.
Significance
Minority educational institutions play a crucial role in preserving the cultural and linguistic heritage of minority communities while providing access to education.
Mains PYQ:
Q National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)
A nine-judge Constitution Bench, with an 8:1 majority, affirmed the authority of State legislatures to regulate industrial alcohol.
What is the definition of “intoxicating liquor” with industrial alcohol?
The SC’s ruling established that the term “intoxicating liquor” in Entry 8 of the State List should be interpreted broadly to include not only potable alcohol but also industrial alcohol, such as rectified spirit, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), and denatured spirit.
This definition extends beyond the popular meaning of “intoxicating liquor” as alcoholic beverages meant for consumption.
Public Health Consideration: The ruling emphasized that alcohol, in any form, is a noxious substance prone to misuse. Hence, industrial alcohol, which can potentially be diverted for the production of illicit or harmful alcoholic beverages, falls under the regulatory domain of the States to protect public health and safety.
Legal Precedent: The Court cited previous decisions where the interpretation of “intoxicating liquor” was not confined to just alcoholic beverages but also included forms of alcohol that could be detrimental to health if used improperly.
How does this ruling impact the balance of power between state and central governments?
Strengthening State Autonomy: The ruling affirms that States have the legislative competence to regulate industrial alcohol according to Entry 8 of the State List.
By upholding the States’ right to regulate industrial alcohol, the judgment reinforces federalism and the autonomy of State legislatures in matters that fall within the ambit of their constitutional authority.
This challenges the Centre’s claim to exclusive control over industrial alcohol under Entry 52 of the Union List, which pertains to industries regulated by the Union for public interest.
Restriction on Centre’s Authority: The judgment limits the Union government’s power and clarifies that Parliament’s control over industries under Entry 52 is limited and does not extend to regulating industrial alcohol in its entirety.
How does it impact the state revenues and public health?
State Revenues: The ruling potentially enhances States’ power to levy taxes and fees related to the production, manufacture, and sale of industrial alcohol. This could result in increased revenue generation from excise duties on alcohol-based products and licensing fees.
Public Health Regulation: Having greater regulatory control over the production and distribution of industrial alcohol will help the states curb the misuse of substances like rectified spirit and ENA in the production of illicit liquor. This can improve public health outcomes by reducing instances of alcohol poisoning and illicit liquor-related deaths.
Policy Formulation: The judgment may prompt States to strengthen policies and enforcement mechanisms regarding alcohol regulation, ensuring that industrial alcohol is not diverted for unauthorized uses.
Way forward:
Strengthen Regulatory Framework: States should enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the diversion of industrial alcohol for illicit uses, ensuring strict compliance with safety standards and public health protections.
Collaborative Policy Development: The Centre and States should work together to harmonize regulations, balancing State autonomy with national interests, while focusing on safeguarding public health and optimizing revenue generation from alcohol-related activities.
Previous Year Question:
Q) It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many deaths, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities. The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrests, police cases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. The problem remains as serious as ever. Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially, and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave a boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people. Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control? (UPSC CSE 2018)
The Supreme Court has overturned the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal’s (NCLAT) order that approved a deal between an edtech firm and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to settle an overdue payment.
Three-Judge Bench Observations in Byju’s Case
The Supreme Court’s bench, led by CJI, noted that there were procedural lapses in the settlement process between Byju’s and the BCCI.
The settlement occurred without the approval of the Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP), who was responsible for overseeing Byju’s affairs following his appointment by the NCLT.
The bench ruled that the NCLAT’s approval of the settlement, issued in August 2024, was invalid due to the lack of necessary approvals from the IRP.
About National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT):
Details
Establishment
Established on 1 June 2016 under the Companies Act, 2013.
Purpose
Serves as an appellate authority to hear appeals against orders of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
Jurisdiction
Hears appeals related to:
– Decisions made by NCLT
– Orders of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
– Orders from the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Appeals to Supreme Court
Decisions of NCLAT can be appealed to the Supreme Court of India.
Composition
Comprises a Chairperson and other members appointed by the central government, with the Chairperson typically being a retired judge of the Supreme Court or High Court.
Functions
Reviews and adjudicates matters related to company law and insolvency, ensuring justice against NCLT orders.
Location
Headquartered in New Delhi.
Significance
Plays a critical role in corporate governance, maintaining transparency and accountability in the corporate sector.
Relationship with NCLT
NCLT acts as the adjudicating authority, while NCLAT provides a platform for appeals, ensuring a checks-and-balances system.
Integration with IBC
Supports the objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, streamlining insolvency resolution processes.
PYQ:
[2018] How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.
On Monday, October 21, 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed that secularism is an integral and fundamental component of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
Is Secularism an Unamendable Part of the Indian Constitution?
Part of the Basic Structure: The Supreme Court has consistently held that secularism is an essential and indelible part of the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution. This means that even though the Preamble was amended in 1976 to include the word “secular,” the principles of secularism were considered inherent in the Constitution from the start.
Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The landmark judgment established the “Basic Structure Doctrine,” which states that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered or destroyed through amendments. Secularism, along with democracy, rule of law, and judicial review, was deemed a part of this unamendable structure.
Equality and Fraternity: The right to equality (Article 14) and the emphasis on fraternity in the Constitution have been interpreted by the judiciary to embody secularism as a core value, ensuring the protection of all religions and the principle of state neutrality in religious matters.
Indira Gandhi’s 42nd Amendment (1976): The amendment officially added the term “secular” to the Preamble, though the court’s view is that secularism was always implicitly present in the spirit of the Constitution.
How Does Indian Secularism Differ from Western Models?
Equal Respect for All Religions (Sarva Dharma Sambhava): Indian secularism emphasizes the equal respect and treatment of all religions, rather than the strict separation of religion and state seen in Western secular models.
State Intervention for Social Reform: Unlike Western secularism, where religion is often seen as a strictly private affair, Indian secularism allows the state to engage with religious institutions to reform practices that may be discriminatory or harmful (e.g., abolition of untouchability or regulation of religious endowments).
What Implications Do Challenges to Secularism Have for Indian Democracy?
Erosion of Minority Rights: The rise of majoritarian politics, fueled by Hindu nationalism, threatens minority rights and equality before the law, with accusations of fostering an environment where attacks on minorities are tolerated.
Centralization of Power: The concentration of power has weakened institutional autonomy, curtailed civil liberties, and marginalized minority voices, impacting the democratic principles of secularism and dissent.
Impact on Governance and International Relations: Religious considerations in policymaking can result in discriminatory practices, harm India’s international reputation regarding human rights, and attract global criticism.
Way forward:
Strengthen Legal Safeguards: Reinforce constitutional provisions that protect secularism by ensuring strict enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and promoting inclusive policies that uphold the principles of equality, fraternity, and state neutrality in religious matters.
Promote Civic Education on Secularism: Increase public awareness and education about the significance of secularism in India’s constitutional framework to foster social harmony and counter identity-based politics, reinforcing the values of pluralism and unity in diversity.
During coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, many Western media outlets have referred to tanker ships transporting Russian crude oil or oil products to other countries as a “shadow fleet.”
What is shadow fleet?
The “shadow fleet” refers to tanker ships transporting oil from sanctioned countries, using tactics like flag hopping, complex ownership structures, and cargo transfers at sea to evade detection and sanctions.
What are Flags of Convenience (FoCs)?
Flags of Convenience (FoCs) refer to the practice of registering a ship in a country other than that of the ship’s owner. Ships then fly the flag of the country where they are registered, known as the “flag state.”
Initially, FoCs emerged as a way for shipowners to minimize taxes and avoid stringent regulations. They allow shipowners to benefit from favorable regulatory environments, such as lower taxes, less stringent safety requirements, and more lenient labor laws.
Examples: Common FoCs include Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands. These nations have minimal regulations, making it easier for ships to operate with reduced scrutiny.
How do corporations with large fleets obscure ownership and origin of cargo? (Challenges to find the origin country of the ship)
Complex Ownership Structures: Corporations often create complex ownership arrangements to hide the true identity of shipowners. This may involve setting up multiple shell companies, where each company owns only one or two ships. The use of offshore accounts and subsidiaries further adds to the opacity.
Frequent Changes in Ship Registration and Management: Ships frequently switch their flag state (known as “flag hopping”) to avoid detection and regulatory compliance.
Renaming Vessels: Ships involved in activities that could trigger sanctions often change their names to avoid being traced back to previous sanctioned activities.
Using FoCs and Non-Compliant Jurisdictions: Ships may be registered in countries that are not signatories to international regulatory frameworks, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
For instance, Eswatini has emerged as a FoC because it does not follow IMO guidelines, allowing for less regulatory oversight.
Why has India been accused of hosting a shadow fleet?
Increased Russian Oil Shipments: Indian firms and Dubai-based entities with Indian ties have been involved in transporting Russian oil, raising suspicions of sanction evasion.
Certification by Indian Register of Shipping (IRS): The IRS certified more ships linked to Russian oil post-sanctions, which some viewed as supporting “shadow fleet” operations.
Use of Flags of Convenience: Ships connected to India often registered under foreign flags, obscuring their ownership and the origin of their cargo to bypass sanctions.
What are the different ways through which ships ensure they don’t lose their insurance?
Switching Insurance Providers: If a ship loses its Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance cover due to violations of sanctions, the owner may shift the vessel’s management to a different company with valid P&I insurance.
Changing Ship Management and Ownership: By changing the management entity or even the registered owner (via shell companies), ships can regain insurance cover without having to comply with the initial sanctions.
Use of Different Flag States: Ships registered under FoCs or jurisdictions not compliant with international regulations face less scrutiny, which can help them maintain insurance coverage despite potentially violating sanctions.
Renaming Vessels: This practice helps erase the association of the ship with any prior incidents or sanctions violations, allowing the ship to be insured under a different identity.
Way forward:
Enhance Oversight and Transparency: India should tighten regulations on ship certification and ownership disclosure, ensuring compliance with international norms to prevent any association with sanction-evading activities.
Strengthen International Coordination: India should collaborate with global maritime bodies to align its policies with international shipping standards, promoting responsible trade practices while safeguarding its economic interests.