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GS Paper: GS2

  • Project PRAYAS to help Indian youth migrate abroad

    Central Idea

    • The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) introduced Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals) to facilitate secure and regular migration for Indian workers and students.

    What is Project PRAYAS?

    Details
    Project Name Project PRAYAS
    Introduced By International Organization for Migration (IOM)
    Partnership Ministry of External Affairs, India
    Objective To facilitate secure and regular migration for Indian workers and students
    Key Focus Enhancing coordination between state and central governments

    Addressing India’s growing role in international migration

    Providing policy recommendations for migration governance
    IOM’s Role Promoting humane and orderly migration as a United Nations agency
    Significance Represents a consolidation of state-level efforts for well-managed international migration
    Focus Areas and Activities Conducting comprehensive studies on migration trends

    Launching awareness programs for safe and orderly migration processes

    Back2Basics: International Organisation for Migration (IOM)

    Details
    Establishment 1951
    Initial Purpose To assist in the resettlement of people displaced by World War II
    Current Role Providing services and advice on migration to governments and migrants, including various displaced persons
    Type Intergovernmental Organization
    Membership 173 member states, 8 observer states
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Key Objectives Promote humane and orderly migration Emergency response

    Link migration with development Health and support for migrants

    Facilitate managed labor migration Counter human trafficking
    UN Relationship Became a related organization of the United Nations in 2016
    India and IOM India has been a member of IOM since 1992.

  • Bab El-Mandeb: A Strategic Choke Point

    Bab El-Mandeb

    Central Idea

    • The war between Israel and Hamas in October raised concerns about Hezbollah’s involvement, but the focus shifted when the Houthis in Yemen expanded the conflict to the Red Sea.
    • Despite tensions, Hezbollah and Israel avoided full-scale war, with Israel concentrating on Gaza.

    Houthi Involvement and Shift in Tactics

    • Initial Actions: The Houthis, aligned with Iran, initially targeted Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, using drones and missiles, which were intercepted.
    • Change in Strategy: Later, they shifted focus to attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, threatening global shipping routes.

    Understanding the Houthis

    • Background: The Houthis, known formally as Ansar Allah, are a Shia militia group in Yemen, named after their late leaders Badr al-Din al-Houthi and Hussein al-Houthi.
    • Iranian Support: They receive direct support from Iran and have significant military capabilities, including drones and ballistic missiles.

    Strategic Importance of Bab el-Mandeb Strait

    • Geographical Significance: The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is a crucial maritime chokepoint, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
    • Impact on Global Shipping: Houthi actions near the strait have led to a significant decrease in Red Sea traffic and increased shipping costs.

    Global and Regional Consequences

    • Effect on Israel: Israel’s southern port traffic, particularly in Eilat, has been severely impacted.
    • Broader Trade Implications: Approximately 12% of global maritime trade passes through the strait. Disruptions here could exacerbate inflationary pressures worldwide.
    • Alternative Routes: Shipping companies are rerouting around Africa, significantly increasing travel time and costs.

    International Response

    • US Naval Task Force: The U.S. has established a naval force to counter the Houthi threat.
    • Arab World’s Stance: Many Red Sea countries, including Egypt, have not joined the U.S. task force, reflecting regional discontent with U.S. policies.
    • Potential Offensive Measures: The U.S. has not ruled out bombing Houthi targets in response to continued attacks on shipping lanes.

    Conclusion

    • Continued Houthi Threat: The Houthis vow to persist in their actions as long as Israel’s conflict with Gaza continues.
    • Challenges for Global Trade: The situation underscores the fragility of global shipping routes and the potential for regional conflicts to have far-reaching economic impacts.
    • Need for Diplomatic Solutions: This complex scenario highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve regional tensions and protect vital maritime trade routes.

  • Tribunals cannot direct Government to frame policy: SC

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court clarified that tribunals, bound by their governing legislations, cannot compel the government to formulate policy.
    • It emphasized the separation of powers, stating that policy-making is outside the judiciary’s domain, including quasi-judicial bodies like tribunals.

    What are Tribunals?

    Details
    Nature Judicial or quasi-judicial institutions established by law
    Purpose Provide faster adjudication compared to traditional courts

    Offer expertise on specific subject matters
    Functions Adjudicating disputes

    Determining rights between parties

    Making administrative decisions

    Reviewing existing administrative decisions
    Constitutional Recognition 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 introduced Articles 323-A and 323-B in the Constitution
    Article 323A Empowers Parliament to constitute administrative Tribunals for public service matters
    Article 323B Allows Parliament or state legislatures to constitute tribunals for specific subjects like taxation, land reforms
    Composition Comprises expert (technical) members and judicial members
    Expert Members Selected from various fields, including central government departments
    Judicial Members Persons with a judicial background, such as High Court judges or eligible lawyers
    Supreme Court’s Stance Technical members not required if tribunal’s aim is expeditious disposal of matters

    Case in Focus: Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) and Policy Direction

    • Specific Case Reviewed: The Bench addressed whether the AFT could direct the government to create a policy for appointing the Judge Advocate General (Air).
    • General Observation: It has been consistently observed that courts cannot mandate the government to enact legislation or develop a policy.

    Judicial Analysis and Reasoning

    • Justice Karol’s Observations: Justice Sanjay Karol noted that the AFT, with powers akin to a civil court, lacks the authority of the Supreme Court or High Courts.
    • High Courts’ Limitations: Even High Courts, under Article 226 of the Constitution, cannot order the government or its departments to establish specific policies.
    • Government’s Prerogative: The judgment reinforced that policy creation, especially concerning defense personnel services or their regularization, is exclusively the government’s responsibility.

    Implications of the Judgment

    • Tribunals’ Restricted Powers: Tribunals must operate within the confines of their governing legislation and lack the jurisdiction to influence policy formation.
    • Judiciary’s Role in Policy Matters: The judgment highlights the judiciary’s limited role in policy-making, even in cases where fundamental rights might be at stake.
    • Separation of Powers: This ruling underscores the principle of separation of powers, delineating the distinct functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

    Conclusion

    • Respecting Institutional Boundaries: The judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the boundaries and roles of different government institutions in a democratic setup.
    • Broader Implications: This decision has significant implications for how tribunals and courts interact with policy-making processes, emphasizing judicial restraint and adherence to the constitutional framework.

  • Explained: Creating new Districts

    Central Idea

    • Amid reports that Odisha may create a few more districts before the end of the year, the Orissa High Court has directed the government not to issue any final order in this regard without its permission.

    Districts in India

    • Historical Background: Districts, as local administrative units, are a legacy from the British Raj era.
    • Administrative Hierarchy: Positioned below the state and territory level, districts are crucial in India’s local governance structure.
    • Leadership and Responsibilities: A Deputy Commissioner or Collector, often from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), heads a district, overseeing administration and maintaining law and order.
    • Subdivision of Districts: Districts are further divided into smaller units like tehsils, talukas, or mandals, varying by region.

    Mechanics of Creating New Districts

    • State Government’s Prerogative: The authority to create, modify, or abolish districts lies with State governments, executed via executive orders or state assembly legislation.
    • Preferred Methodology: States typically opt for the executive route, issuing official gazette notifications for these changes.

    Central Government’s Role in District Reconfiguration

    • Limited Involvement: The Central government’s role is minimal in district reformation, primarily concerning name changes.
    • Procedure for Name Changes: For renaming districts or railway stations, State governments seek clearances from central entities like the Home Ministry, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Geographical Survey of India, and the Railway Ministry.

    Trends in District Formation

    • Increase in Numbers: India’s district count has risen from 593 in 2011 to 718, as per the Government of India’s Know India website.
    • Factors Influencing Growth: This increase includes new districts formed between 2001-2011 and the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014.

    Rationale behind Creating New Districts

    • Benefits: Districts gain from government investments in local administration and development.
    • Infrastructure and Economic Development: New districts see enhanced infrastructure, attracting investments and boosting economic activities and employment.

    Challenges in District Formation

    • Limitations and Costs: The financial burden of establishing administrative infrastructure restricts rampant district creation.
    • Resource Allocation: The process involves setting up offices and deploying officers and public servants, impacting the state’s budget.

    Way Forward

    • Community Engagement: Involving local populations in the decision-making process is vital to align district formation with their aspirations and needs.
    • Conflict Resolution and Inclusive Growth: This approach can help mitigate conflicts and ensure decisions contribute to the inclusive growth of the state and nation.

    Back2Basics: History of Districts in India

    Details
    Early Administration Initiated by the British East India Company post-Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764)
    Collectorate System Introduced by Warren Hastings in 1772; District Collector as key revenue, judicial, and administrative authority
    Transition to Crown Rule Post-1857 Revolt, direct British Crown rule led to formalization of district system
    Role of District Collector Central figure in district administration, responsible for revenue, law, and order
    Revenue Systems Implementation of Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems for land revenue collection
    Survey and Settlement Extensive land surveys for revenue assessment
    Judicial Functions Initially, Collectors (District Magistrate) handled judicial roles; later, separate judicial offices were established
    Law Enforcement Establishment of modern police system with districts as key units
    Impact on Indian Society Centralized control, introduction of bureaucracy
    Post-Independence Legacy Retained district system with evolved role of District Collector

  • [pib] PM-AJAY Scheme for Upliftment of SC Community

    Central Idea

    • The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment recently informed about the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) Scheme during 2023 year-end review.

    About PM-AJAY Scheme

    Details
    Launch Implemented since 2021-22
    Aim To reduce poverty of SC communities through employment generation, skill development, income generation, and infrastructure development.
    Nature 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme
    Components Development of SC dominated villages into ‘Adarsh Gram’

    Grants-in-aid for District/State-level Projects for socio-economic betterment of SCs

    Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions
    Merged Schemes Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)

    Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)

    Babu Jagjivan Ram Chatrawas Yojana (BJRCY)
    Developments in Grants-in-Aid Component Financial assistance enhanced from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 or 50% of the asset cost, whichever is lesser, for beneficiary/household.

    Web-based portal developed for submission, appraisal, approval, and monitoring of Annual Action Plan.

  • Lapses in the implementation of PM-DevINE Scheme

    Central Idea

    • Only about 10% of the funds under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) have been sanctioned.

    About PM-DevINE Scheme

    Details
    Genesis of PM-DevINE – Introduced in Union Budget 2022-23

    – Approved by the Cabinet on 12th October 2022
    Funding 100% Central funding
    Implementing Ministry Ministry of Development of North-East Region
    Objectives – Infrastructure Development in line with PM GatiShakti

    – Supporting Social Development Projects

    – Empowering Youth and Women in the NER
    Project Implementation State-wise, project-wise list of projects approved for FY 2022-23, tailored to specific state needs

  • How India chooses its Republic Day chief guest?

    Republic Day

    Central Idea

    • France’s President Emmanuel Macron is set to be the chief guest for India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations.
    • The invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi signifies a high diplomatic honor and reflects the strong ties between India and France.

    Honor of Republic Day Chief Guest

    • Ceremonial Significance: Being the chief guest at India’s Republic Day is a top diplomatic honor, involving participation in various ceremonial activities.
    • Activities and Protocol: The chief guest receives a guard of honor, attends a presidential reception, lays a wreath at Rajghat, and is honored with a banquet and lunch.
    • Symbolism and Friendship: As per Ambassador Manbir Singh, the visit symbolizes participation in India’s pride and reflects the friendship between the two nations.

    Selection Process for the Chief Guest

    • Advance Planning: The process begins about six months prior, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) playing a central role.
    • Key Considerations: The decision is driven by political, commercial, military, and economic interests, aiming to strengthen ties with the invitee’s country.
    • Historical Factors: The Non-Aligned Movement’s legacy has also influenced past selections, with an emphasis on mutual support and nation-building.

    Procedure Post-Selection

    • Approval and Discretion: After MEA’s selection, approvals are sought from the Prime Minister and President, followed by discreet confirmation of the invitee’s availability.
    • Official Communications and Planning: Post-confirmation, official communications and detailed planning for the visit and ceremonies are undertaken.

    Challenges and Contingencies

    • Potential for Unplanned Events: Organizers prepare for various contingencies, including health issues or weather disruptions.
    • Protocol Challenges: Incidents like the one recounted by Ambassador Singh, involving the ADC of a chief guest, highlight the importance of strict adherence to protocol.

    Broader Implications of the Visit

    • Ceremonial and Strategic Importance: The role of the Republic Day chief guest blends ceremonial honor with strategic diplomacy, playing a key role in India’s international relations and foreign policy.
    • Media Coverage and Perception: The visit is closely monitored by international media, influencing perceptions of the guest’s nation.
    • Cultural and Diplomatic Impact: The hospitality and ceremonies reflect India’s traditions and culture, enhancing diplomatic relations.
    • Beyond Ceremonial Significance: The visit of the chief guest holds potential for opening new avenues in international relations and advancing India’s global interests.

  • Govt aims to set up 17,000 creches under Palna Scheme

    Central Idea

    • The Union Women and Child Development Ministry aims to establish 17,000 creches in Anganwadi centres across the country out of which 5,222 have been approved to date under the ‘Palna’ scheme.

    What is Palna Scheme?

    Details
    Objective To provide quality childcare facilities through Anganwadi-cum-Crèches, enabling women’s participation in the workforce
    Integration Part of the Samarthya sub-component of Mission Shakti, starting from April 2022

    National Creche Scheme (NCS) was revised and subsumed as part of the ‘Palna’ scheme under Mission Shakti.
    Focus Establishing combined Anganwadi and crèche facilities for comprehensive childcare
    Target Demographic Primarily urban areas where family-based childcare support is less available
    Standard Operating Procedure SOP released to outline administrative framework, roles, responsibilities, and monitoring mechanisms

     

    About National Crèche Scheme (NCS)

    Details
    Launch Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme (RGNCS) launched in 2006;

    From 2017, implemented as the National Crèche Scheme (NCS).
    Legal Provisions MGNREGA;

    Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017.
    Objective To provide daycare facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years of working mothers
    Target Group Children of working mothers, especially from economically weaker sections of society
    Childcare Services Daycare, supplementary nutrition, early childhood education, health check-ups
    Operational Hours Typically 7 to 8 hours a day, 26 days a month
    Age Group Children aged 6 months to 6 years
    Administration Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
    Execution Through state governments, NGOs, and community-based organizations

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:

    Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017?

    1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave.
    2. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother minimum six creche visits daily.
    3. Women with more than two children get reduced entitlements.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”9dvaju3ugn” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • Telecom law upgrades for a digital authoritarian state

    bill: Key features of the Telecommunication Bill, 2023 - The Economic Times

    Central idea 

    The article critiques the recently passed Telecom Bill, emphasizing its nationalistic undertones, potential authoritarian features, and the failure to address the digital divide effectively. It questions the rushed parliamentary process and highlights concerns about corporate favoritism, symbolized by the renaming of the Universal Services Obligation Fund.

    Key Highlights:

    • The tweet by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announces the passage of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, and the repeal of The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
    • The use of the term “Bharat” instead of “India” and crediting the PM’s individual vision are intentional for cultural nativism.

    Key Challenges:

    • The Telecom Bill is criticized for ignoring the persisting digital divide and lacking fresh ideas to address it.
    • Provisions favoring select private firms and potential misuse of regulatory power are highlighted.
    • State control and surveillance powers without defined safeguards raise concerns about privacy and freedom.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • “Digital Bharat Nidhi”: Renaming of Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) in the Telecom Bill.
    • “Regulatory sandboxes”: Provisions likely to benefit large corporations in the telecom sector.
    • “Authorisation” vs. “Licensing”: The change in terminology with increased severity in the Telecom Act.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Bharat moves on…” – Tweet by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
    • “Guess who will soon step into Mobile Satellite Services from India?” – MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on potential favoritism towards private firms.

    Key Statements:

    • The Telecom Bill is criticized for distracting from the digital divide issue and lacking innovative solutions.
    • Concerns raised about potential misuse of regulatory powers and selective favoritism toward private corporations.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Mention of the renaming of USOF as “Digital Bharat Nidhi” in the Telecom Bill.
    • Reference to the allocation of satellite spectrum benefiting the Adani Group.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Stagnation in new telecom users and contraction in smartphone sales, as reported by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and International Data Corporation.
    • A legal penalty of ₹25,000 for providing false particulars or failing to share information as required by the Telecom Act.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The Telecom Bill is criticized for maintaining colonial architecture, vague definitions, and potential threats to privacy.
    • The rushed passage of the bill without addressing raised concerns reflects an unconstitutional concentration of power.

    Way Forward:

    • Advocate for a thorough review of the Telecom Bill by a Standing Committee to address concerns.
    • Emphasize the need for policies that genuinely bridge the digital divide and promote fair competition in the telecom sector.
    • Encourage transparency, public participation, and safeguards to protect individual rights in telecommunications legislation.

  • Overview of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023

    bns

    Central Idea

    • The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023, introduces significant reforms to replace the Indian Penal Code.
    • The bill addresses terrorism, organized crime, gender neutrality, and repeals outdated laws like Section 377.

    Major Provisions in the BNS Bill

    [1] Promise to Marry (Clause 69)

    • Targeting ‘Love Jihad’: Criminalizes deceitful promises to marry, potentially addressing the ‘love jihad’ narrative.
    • Criminalization of Consensual Sexual Activity: Broadens the scope to include consensual sexual acts under certain deceitful circumstances.

    [2] Mob Lynching

    • Codification of Offences: Introduces specific provisions for mob lynching and hate-crime murders.
    • Punishment: Ranges from life imprisonment to the death penalty.

    [3] Organized Crime

    • Inclusion in Ordinary Law: For the first time, organized crime is addressed under ordinary criminal law.
    • Punishment Criteria: Distinction based on whether the crime results in death, with varying degrees of punishment.

    [4] Terrorism

    • Integration into Ordinary Law: Adopts definitions from stringent acts and international laws, broadening the scope of terror financing.

    [5] Attempt to Suicide

    • New Provision: Criminalizes suicide attempts aimed at compelling public servants, with potential implications for protests.

    Significant Deletions and Repeals

    [a] Section 377 (Unnatural Sexual Offences)

    • Repeal: Decriminalizes homosexuality, but raises concerns about addressing non-consensual acts.

    [b] Adultery

    • Omission: Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, adultery is no longer criminalized.

    [c] Thugee/Thugs (Section 310 IPC)

    • Removal: Eliminates colonial-era notions of criminality associated with certain tribes.

    Gender Neutrality in Laws

    • Child-Related Offences: Makes laws about children gender-neutral.
    • Adult Offences: Extends gender neutrality to crimes like outraging modesty and voyeurism.

    Other Notable Changes

    • Fake News: Introduces provisions against publishing false and misleading information.
    • Sedition (‘Deshdroh’): Renames and broadens the definition to include financial support for subversive activities.
    • Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Limits judicial discretion, raising concerns about fairness in considering mitigating circumstances.
    • Public Property Damage: Implements fines corresponding to the extent of damage caused.

    What was the need for new bills?

    • Colonial legacy
      • From 1860 to 2023, the country’s criminal justice system functioned as per the laws made by the British.
      • The laws were drafted during colonial times and contain archaic language and concepts that might not accurately reflect current social norms, values.
    • Advances in Technology
      • This has introduced new dimensions to crime, evidence, and investigation.
    • Simplification and Streamlining
      • The laws have become complex over time, leading to confusion among legal practitioners, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
      • Simplifying and streamlining the legal framework can enhance transparency and understanding.
    • Evidence Collection and Presentation
      • The Indian Evidence Act was enacted before the advent of modern forensic science and technological tools.
    • Various reports highlighted the need for reforms in criminal laws
      • The department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs in its 146th report had recommended that there is a need for a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system of the country.
      • It was also pointed out that the Parliamentary Standing Committee in its 111th and 128th reports had also highlighted the need for reforms in criminal laws.

    Conclusion

    • Reformative Approach: The BNS Bill represents a significant overhaul of India’s penal system, addressing contemporary issues and societal changes.
    • Judicial Implications: While it introduces necessary reforms, the bill’s impact on judicial discretion and fairness in sentencing warrants careful consideration.