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GS Paper: GS2

  • Regulating Political Funding: Rules around the world, India’s challenges

    Central Idea

    • Campaign financing plays a pivotal role in democratic societies, yet the approach to regulating it must be tailored to the nuances of each country’s political system.
    • As exemplified by the United States and India, where political dynamics vary significantly, it is imperative to adopt a framework that aligns with the prevailing political landscape.

    Tap to read more about Ceiling on Election Expenditures in India

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/election-campaign-funding-by-political-parties/

    Understanding Political Systems:

    • US Individual-Centric Elections: In the United States, elections revolve around individual candidates and their campaign machinery, even at the national presidential level.
    • India’s Party-Centric Politics: Conversely, India, akin to most parliamentary systems, places political parties at the core of electoral politics. Therefore, India’s campaign finance framework should primarily focus on parties rather than individual candidates.

    Key Aspects of an Effective Framework:

    A comprehensive campaign finance framework necessitates attention to four critical facets: regulating donations, imposing expenditure limits, public financing, and disclosure requirements.

    (A) Donations:

    • Regulation and Limitation: To prevent undue influence, some individuals or organizations, such as foreign entities, may be prohibited from making contributions.
    • Donation Limits: Donation limits are crucial to thwart the dominance of a few major donors, be they individuals, corporations, or civil society organizations. For instance, the US employs varying contribution limits based on donor types, while the UK relies on expenditure limits.

    (B) Expenditure Limits:

    • Balancing Political Competitiveness: Expenditure limits serve as a bulwark against a financial arms race among political parties, allowing them to focus on winning votes rather than fundraising.
    • Examples: In the UK, political parties are restricted from spending more than £30,000 per contested seat. However, the US’s expansive interpretation of the First Amendment has hindered efforts to impose expenditure limits.

    (C) Public Financing:

    • Two Approaches: Public funding can be allocated based on predetermined criteria, like Germany’s system that considers past votes, membership fees, and private donations. Alternatively, democracy vouchers, as seen in Seattle, USA, allow voters to allocate public funds to candidates of their choice.
    • Challenge: Public funding may complement private donations but does not fully address the task of regulating private money.

    (D) Disclosure Requirements:

    • Balancing Transparency and Anonymity: Disclosure nudges voters away from electing politicians involved in quid pro quo arrangements. However, mandatory disclosure isn’t always desirable, as it may deter donations by exposing donors to retaliation.
    • Anonymity’s Role: Anonymity can protect donors from retribution or extortion. Striking a balance between transparency and anonymity is a challenge faced by many jurisdictions.

    Chilean Experiment: Complete Anonymity?

    • Chile’s “Reserved Contributions”: Chile’s system aimed at “complete anonymity” allowed donors to contribute to political parties via the Electoral Service, which forwarded the sum without revealing the donor’s identity.
    • Coordination Challenges: Despite the intent for complete anonymity, coordination between donors and parties compromised the system’s efficacy.

    Balancing Transparency and Anonymity in Political Finance

    • An Effective Approach: Many jurisdictions strike a balance by allowing anonymity for small donors while mandating disclosure for large donations.
    • Examples: In the UK, political parties must report donations exceeding £7,500 in a year, while the US and Germany set limits at $200 and €10,000, respectively.
    • Rationale: Small donors typically have less influence and are more vulnerable to partisan victimization, while large donors may engage in quid pro quo arrangements.

    Challenges in India’s Framework

    • Lack of Donation Limits: India has no limits on individual or corporate contributions, and the 2017 Finance Act removed official contribution limits.
    • Expenditure Limits: Parties can spend freely, albeit not on individual candidates.
    • Disclosure Requirements: Parties are only obligated to disclose donations exceeding ₹20,000, creating a loophole as they split large donations into smaller amounts.
    • Electoral Bonds: Since 2017, electoral bonds have allowed large donors to hide their contributions.

    Changing Dynamics in Indian Politics

    • Involvement of Third Parties: India has witnessed a surge in the engagement of political consultancies, campaign groups, and civil society organizations in political campaigns, mirroring trends seen in the US.
    • Need for Rethinking: The evolving political landscape necessitates a reevaluation of India’s 20th-century political funding framework.

    Conclusion

    • Crafting a campaign finance framework requires an astute understanding of a nation’s political system and its nuances.
    • By adapting strategies that regulate donations, impose expenditure limits, facilitate public financing, and balance transparency with anonymity, countries like India can ensure that their campaign finance frameworks evolve to meet the challenges of the modern political landscape.

  • Best case scenario for BJP in state polls — it will only win Rajasthan

    Central idea

    The article scrutinizes various Union government welfare schemes, citing issues in health insurance, education, water mission, nutrition, financial inclusion, and minority scholarships. It urges corrective measures to rectify identified challenges, emphasizing the reassessment of budget allocations for improved transparency and program efficacy.

    Key Highlights:

    • Critique of BJP’s welfare schemes, questioning their effectiveness and highlighting discrepancies.
    • Examination of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM POSHAN, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Minority Scholarships.
    • Mention of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report exposing issues in Ayushman Bharat, including fraudulent practices.
    • Emphasis on the allocation and utilization of funds in schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and PM POSHAN.
    • Challenges in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, particularly the slow progress in providing functional tap connections.
    • Criticism of the decrease in allocation for PM POSHAN despite the persisting issue of child malnutrition.
    • Statistics revealing issues in Jan Dhan Yojana, including a high percentage of zero-balance accounts and decreased claim settlements.

    Key Phrases for mains marks enhancement:

    • “Hype than substance” in describing BJP’s welfare schemes.
    • “Glaring discrepancies” in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, as highlighted by CAG.
    • “Measly budget allocation” for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and structural barriers to girls’ education.
    • “Certified” villages under Jal Jeevan Mission and the slow progress in providing tap connections.
    • “Decrease in allocation” for PM POSHAN despite the prevalence of child malnutrition.
    • “Zero balance accounts” and “dormant or inoperative” Jan Dhan accounts.
    • “Discontinuation” and “reduction of funding” for Minority Scholarships, impacting educational opportunities.

    Analysis:

    The article critically examines several welfare schemes launched by the BJP government, questioning their impact and effectiveness. It highlights discrepancies in implementation, allocation, and utilization of funds in schemes related to healthcare, education, water supply, nutrition, and financial inclusion. The analysis draws attention to issues such as fraudulent practices, slow progress in achieving objectives, and reductions in budget allocations despite persistent challenges.

    Key Data:

    • 5 lakh beneficiaries linked with a single cell phone number in Ayushman Bharat.
    • 80% of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao funds spent on media campaigns.
    • Only 35% of villages under Jal Jeevan Mission certified for providing drinking water.
    • Rs 11,600 crore allocation for PM POSHAN in 2023, a 9% decrease from the previous year.
    • Over 8% of Jan Dhan accounts as zero balance, and 18% either dormant or inoperative.
    • Discontinuation of the Maulana Azad Fellowship scheme and reduction of funds for Minority Scholarships.

    Ayushman Bharat:

    • Challenges: Glaring discrepancies highlighted by the CAG, including fraudulent practices and data manipulation.
    • Analysis: The scheme faces credibility issues due to these discrepancies, raising questions about its transparency and effectiveness.
    • Way Forward: Implement corrective measures based on the CAG report findings to ensure transparency and accountability.

    Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:

    • Challenges: Heavy spending on media campaigns (80%), structural barriers hindering girls’ education.
    • Analysis: Allocation concerns and structural barriers indicate shortcomings in achieving the scheme’s objectives.
    • Way Forward: Reevaluate budget allocations, focusing on direct implementation and addressing barriers to girls’ education.

    Jal Jeevan Mission:

    • Challenges: Slow progress in providing functional tap connections, only 35% of villages certified.
    • Analysis: Concerns about achieving objectives by the 2024 deadline due to slow progress and incomplete certifications.
    • Way Forward: Intensify efforts to expedite tap connections and ensure the certification of remaining villages.

    PM POSHAN:

    • Challenges: Decreased budget allocation (9% reduction), persisting child malnutrition issues.
    • Analysis: Despite the prevalence of child malnutrition, reduced funding raises concerns about the scheme’s impact.
    • Way Forward: Reconsider budget decisions to align with the magnitude of challenges and enhance the effectiveness of nutritional interventions.

    Jan Dhan Yojana:

    • Challenges: High percentage of zero-balance accounts (8%) and decreased claim settlements.
    • Analysis: Issues with inactive accounts and declining claim settlements indicate challenges in the scheme’s implementation.
    • Way Forward: Enhance outreach and awareness programs to ensure the effective utilization of financial inclusion schemes.

    Minority Scholarships:

    • Challenges: Discontinuation of Maulana Azad Fellowship, reduction of funds for educational opportunities.
    • Analysis: Discontinuation and reduced funding impact educational opportunities for minorities.
    • Way Forward: Reconsider decisions to discontinue or reduce funding, supporting educational opportunities for minorities.

  • CAG of India writes: As our democracy matures, my role is becoming more vital

    CAG

    Central idea

    The article highlights the pivotal role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India’s democracy, emphasizing citizen engagement, social audits, and capacity building for local governance. It underscores challenges in finding skilled personnel and the imperative to ensure effective grassroots service delivery. The way forward involves an international center for local governance and online courses to address competency gaps.

    Key Highlights:

    • Role of CAG in Democracy: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ensures transparency, accountability, and financial integrity. Maintains separation of powers and promotes good governance through audit findings.
    • Citizen-Centric Approach: Emphasis on citizen engagement for better audit focus. Use of technology and digital solutions to enhance citizen involvement.
    • Social Audit and Local Governance: Introduction of social audit as a tool for citizen oversight. Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies for grassroots participation.
    • Capacity Building and Online Courses: Collaboration with Institute of Chartered Accountants for online courses. Aiming to create a pool of competent accountants for local governance.

    Challenges:

    • Competent Accountants Shortage: Difficulty in finding skilled accountants for local governments, especially in remote areas.
    • Grassroots Service Delivery: Ensuring effective delivery of devolved functions at the grassroots level.
    • Capacity Building Imperatives: The article highlights the necessity for robust capacity-building initiatives to overcome challenges and strengthen local self-governance.

    Key Terms:

    • Devolved Functions: Functions transferred to local governments for implementation.
    • Audit Diwas: Day marking the commencement of registration for online courses on November 16, 2023.

    Key Phrases:

    • Citizen Oversight: Involving citizens in identifying high-risk areas for audit.
    • Social Audit: Facilitating citizen engagement through regular audits and follow-up actions.
    • Capacity Building: Strengthening local governance through training and online courses.

    Analysis:

    The article underscores the critical role of CAG in upholding democratic principles and the evolving strategies to enhance citizen engagement. It highlights challenges in local governance, emphasizing the need for skilled personnel and effective service delivery at the grassroots.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Audit of Scheme Rules was notified in 2011 to facilitate social audits.
    • The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments created a three-tier structure for rural self-governance.

    Way Forward:

    • International Centre for Local Governance: Establishing a center for excellence to enhance the capacity of local government auditors globally.
    • Online Courses: Introducing online courses to address the shortage of competent accountants for local bodies.

  • Move towards e-FIR, but with caution

    e-FIR

    Central idea

    The Law Commission proposes e-FIR registration for unknown accused in cognizable offenses, combining electronic submission with physical signing within three days. Despite ensuring swift crime registration, concerns arise over limited efficacy, emphasizing the importance of human intervention, especially in cases requiring immediate police involvement. The article suggests exploring e-authentication techniques for enhanced verification.

    What is e-FIR?

    • Definition: Digital system for reporting crimes to the police.
    • Process: Information submitted online through a national portal. Complainant required to physically sign the report within a specified timeframe (usually three days).
    • Objective: Streamline crime registration with initial electronic submission.

    Key provisions of law commissions report

    • e-FIR Recommendation: Proposal for e-FIR registration in all cognizable offenses with unknown accused. Verification through OTP and Aadhaar ID proof suggested by the Law Commission.
    • Verification Process: Complainant verification through OTP for authenticity. Aadhaar ID proof mandated to confirm the complainant’s identity.
    • Information Deletion: Automatic deletion of unverified information within two weeks. Complainant’s failure to sign the e-FIR within the prescribed time leads to deletion.
    • Timeframe for Physical Signing: Complainants given three days to physically sign the e-FIR for formal registration. Failure to sign within the stipulated time results in non-registration.
    • Human Intervention: The article emphasizes the importance of human interaction in certain cases, suggesting that electronic registration may be suitable only for offenses where immediate police interaction is not crucial.

    What are cognisable offences?

    • Cognizable Offenses Definition: Offenses for which police can make an arrest without a warrant. Immediate police action is permissible upon receiving information or a complaint.
    • Serious Nature: Generally involves more severe crimes. Examples include murder, robbery, kidnapping, and certain types of fraud.
    • No Court Permission Needed: Law enforcement can initiate an investigation without court authorization. Immediate action can be taken by the police upon learning about the offense.
    • Jurisdictional Variations: Classification as cognizable or non-cognizable may vary in different legal systems. The severity and nature of offenses determine their categorization.

    Challenges:

    • Limited Efficacy: The concept of e-FIR relies on obtaining information electronically but requires physical signatures within a prescribed time, limiting the effectiveness of the online process.
    • Lack of Discussion: The article notes that the Law Commission did not discuss models adopted by states currently lodging e-FIRs, leading to potential gaps in understanding the practical implementation.

    Key Phrases:

    • Cognizable Offenses: Offenses for which police can make an arrest without a warrant.
    • E-authentication Technique: The use of digital signatures or e-authentication techniques, not extensively discussed in the Law Commission’s recommendations.
    • Human Interaction: Highlighted as crucial, especially in cases like kidnapping, where immediate police involvement is essential for both medical examinations and crime scene visits.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • Verification Methods: OTP and Aadhaar are suggested as methods for verifying the complainant’s identity in the e-FIR process.
    • Three-Day Timeframe: Complainants have three days to physically sign the e-FIR; otherwise, the information is automatically deleted from the portal.

    Way Forward:

    • Mandating E-authentication: The article suggests considering the use of e-authentication techniques, such as digital signatures, to enhance the verification process and facilitate immediate e-FIR registration.
    • Clarification on Models: The Law Commission and states should provide clearer insights into the practical models adopted for e-FIR registration, addressing potential gaps in the recommendations.

  • Hypertension Care: Insights from India’s Healthcare Landscape

    hypertension

    Central Idea

    • An analysis of recent National Family Health Survey data, as published in the journal JAMA, has revealed substantial disparities in the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension within Indian states and districts.
    • These disparities underscore the need for targeted and decentralized solutions to address the complexities of hypertension care across the nation.

    What is Hypertension?

    • Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
    • Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure.
    • The systolic pressure represents the force when the heart contracts, while the diastolic pressure represents the force when the heart is at rest between beats.
    • Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures at or above 130/80 mm Hg.
    • However, different organizations may have slightly different guidelines for defining hypertension.

    Key Findings of the Study

    • National-Level Observations: The national-level data reveals a common trend – a significant proportion of individuals with hypertension remain undiagnosed, and even among those diagnosed, many do not initiate treatment. Moreover, among those who commence treatment, few achieve adequate blood pressure control.
    • Inter-State Variation: The study notes that while the prevalence of hypertension is comparable in southern states, it is notably higher than the national average, with 29.9% of the population in these states affected compared to 26.8% nationally.
    • District-Level Disparities: The study highlights substantial variations within states. For instance, in Meghalaya, the prevalence of hypertension differs significantly across Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Khasi Hills districts, affecting the diagnosis rates. A similar scenario is observed in Karnataka’s Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Udupi, and Chitradurga districts.

    Impact of Demographics and Education

    • Gender and Age: Despite hypertension being more prevalent in men, the data surprisingly reveals that women are more likely to be diagnosed, receive treatment, and achieve blood pressure control.
    • Socio-Economic Status: Individuals in the wealthiest quintile demonstrate higher rates of prevalence, diagnosis, treatment initiation, and control.
    • Education Level: Completion of schooling correlates with better rates of diagnosis, treatment, and control compared to those with no schooling or up to Class 11.

    Significance of Inter-State and Inter-District Variability

    • Resource Allocation: District-level data can guide state governments in allocating resources efficiently. It helps identify districts with a high prevalence of hypertension that may require increased screening and diagnostic facilities or better accessibility to medicines.
    • Continuum of Care: Managing chronic conditions like hypertension requires a distinct healthcare approach. Ensuring regular availability of medicines, digitization of records for follow-ups, and the establishment of accessible treatment centers are critical components of an effective continuum of care.

    Controlling Hypertension in India

    • WHO’s Call to Action: The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the potential to avert nearly 4.6 million deaths in India by 2040 if half of hypertensive individuals can control their blood pressure.
    • Government Initiative: India launched a comprehensive initiative in 2023 to treat 75 million people with hypertension or diabetes by 2025. This endeavor extends beyond infrastructure expansion to active screening, treatment initiation, medication accessibility, and follow-up mechanisms.

    Conclusion

    • India’s quest to bridge the gaps in hypertension care demands a multifaceted approach.
    • The district-level insights offered by this study can guide policymakers in crafting targeted solutions, ultimately enhancing the continuum of care for hypertension and contributing to better public health outcomes.

  • Only 3% of Kota’s students have visited a mental health professional

    Mental Health

    Central idea

    The article sheds light on the alarming rates of student suicides in Kota, primarily attributed to academic pressure. It explores the various pressures students face, their coping mechanisms, and the significant impact on mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for institutionalized counseling and holistic well-being programs.

    Key Highlights:

    • Student Suicides in Kota: According to NCRB data in 2021, student suicides in India accounted for 8% of total suicides. Kota, a prominent coaching hub, witnessed 25 suicides this year, raising concerns about academic pressure.
    • Impact of NEET and JEE Exams: Students believe clearing these exams is crucial for a better life, leading to heightened stress. Almost 20% often suffer from thoughts related to under-performing, impacting mental health.
    • Contributing Factors: Parental pressure, financial stress, and peer pressure contribute to students’ anxieties. Loneliness is prevalent, with 53% experiencing it occasionally.

    Different Kinds of Pressures:

    • NEET and JEE Significance: Students perceive success in NEET and JEE exams as vital for a better future, intensifying academic pressure.
    • Fear of Under-Performance: Nearly 20% constantly grapple with thoughts of potential consequences if they under-perform, leading to heightened stress levels.
    • Immediate Family Influence: Students with family members who studied in Kota before them often face additional academic pressure.
    • Parental Expectations: Almost 10% experience frequent parental pressure, while a quarter encounters it occasionally, affecting mental well-being.
    • Gender Disparity: Girls tend to face slightly higher parental pressure compared to boys, highlighting gender-specific challenges.
    • Financial Pressure: 6% of students frequently feel financial stress, and 25% experience it occasionally, adding to the array of pressures.

    Impact on Mental Health:

    • Post-Coaching Mental Health: Close to 30% report a decline in mental health after joining coaching classes, indicating the adverse impact of the academic environment.
    • Body Pain and Emotional Changes: A significant portion experiences heightened nervousness, mood swings, and physical discomfort, adversely affecting mental health.
    • Loneliness Prevalence: More than half (53%) experience loneliness occasionally, reflecting the emotional toll of the academic journey in Kota.
    • Psychological Strain: Emotional challenges such as increased nervousness, mood swings, and loneliness affect approximately three in every ten students.
    • Anger and Frustration: Nearly 30% feel a rise in anger, and over a quarter report increased frustration and fear, showcasing the multifaceted impact on emotional well-being.

    Challenges and concerns:

    • Deteriorating Mental Health: Close to 30% feel their mental health worsened after joining coaching classes. Over 40% feel more fatigued, and many report increased nervousness, loneliness, and mood swings.
    • Limited Professional Help: Despite poor mental health indicators, only 3% seek assistance from mental health professionals, emphasizing a lack of awareness and proactive initiatives.
    • Need for Proactive Measures: Almost half (48%) don’t feel the need for mental health visits, underlining the necessity for more proactive efforts in promoting mental well-being.
    • Advocacy for Mental Health: The data highlights the urgency of institutionalized counseling mechanisms and increased awareness to encourage young individuals to prioritize mental health.

    Way Forward:

    • Implementing Comprehensive Counseling: Establishing structured counseling services within coaching centers and Kota to address students’ mental health needs.
    • Promoting Awareness: Conducting awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of seeking professional mental health support.
    • Integrating Holistic Approaches: Incorporating holistic well-being programs that address not only academic stress but also overall physical and mental health.
    • Educational Initiatives: Launching educational initiatives to equip students with coping skills and stress management techniques.
    • Scholarship Programs: Expanding scholarship programs to ease financial burdens and create a more inclusive educational environment.

  • Bharat Atta: Subsidized Wheat Flour Scheme

    Bharat Atta

    Central Idea

    • In a bid to maintain stability in food prices during the festive season, the Indian government has unveiled a subsidized packaged wheat flour initiative accessible to all consumers.
    • Termed “Bharat Atta,” the scheme aims to release a quarter of a million tonnes of state-owned wheat to various cooperative outlets and federations.

    Bharat Atta

    • Distribution Channels: The government has chosen Kendriya Bhandar, a network of cooperative general stores, along with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation, as the primary channels for distributing Bharat Atta.
    • Reduced Price: Bharat Atta is offered at a reduced price of ₹27.50 per kilogram, which is lower than the earlier rate of ₹29.50 at Kendriya Bhandar.
    • Expansion: To ensure accessibility, the subsidized flour will be available at Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, NCCF, government cooperative outlets, and food vans operated by NAFED and NCCF.
    • Government Support: The government is facilitating this scheme by milling the wheat through firms selected through a tender process, thereby minimizing the milling cost, which is approximately ₹1.80 per kilogram for large wheat millers.

    Why such move?

    • Free Cereals: PM recently announced that cereals would be provided free of cost to 800 million beneficiaries entitled to subsidized food for the next five years.
    • Price Controls: The government has implemented various measures such as banning wheat and rice exports, setting a floor price for onion exports, and reducing import duties on pulses to combat rising food prices.
    • Election Context: These anti-inflation measures come as India faces key assembly elections in five states and a general election in the near future.

    Challenges in implementation

    • Cereal Inflation: Despite a significant wheat harvest, India continues to grapple with high cereal inflation, which has persisted for over a year, reaching double digits.
    • Record Foodgrain Production: The fourth and final round of estimates for the 2022-23 crop output indicates a record high in foodgrain production. However, wheat production slightly decreased from initial estimates.
    • Positive Outlook: Despite minor fluctuations, wheat production remains higher than the previous year, reflecting a positive outlook for addressing food price concerns.

    Conclusion

    • The government’s subsidized wheat flour initiative, Bharat Atta, exemplifies its dedication to ensuring that the joy of the festive season is not marred by soaring food prices.

  • Advocate-on-Record (AoR) in Supreme Court

    advocate

    Central Idea

    • In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a public interest litigation filed by an Advocate-on-Record (AoR), emphasizing that an AoR cannot be a mere “signing authority.”
    • This incident has sparked discussions on the role and significance of AoRs in the Indian legal system.

    Who is an Advocate-on-Record (AoR)?

    • Historical Roots: The AoR system is influenced by British legal practices, distinguishing between barristers who argue cases and solicitors who handle client matters. In India, senior advocates are designated by the Court, akin to barristers, and cannot solicit clients but are briefed by other lawyers, including AoRs.
    • Exclusive Right to File Cases: Only an AoR is authorized to file cases before the Supreme Court of India. They serve as a vital link between litigants and the highest judicial authority in the country.
    • Elite Legal Practitioners: AoRs are a select group of elite lawyers, primarily based in Delhi, whose legal practice predominantly revolves around the Supreme Court. They may also represent clients in other courts.
    • Court of Last Opportunity: The concept behind the AoR system is to ensure that a litigant is represented by a highly qualified lawyer because the Supreme Court is often considered the last resort for legal remedies.

    Becoming an AoR

    • Eligibility Criteria: To qualify as an AoR, an advocate must meet specific criteria set by the Supreme Court Rules, 2013.
    • Examination: Aspiring AoRs must clear an examination conducted by the Supreme Court, which includes subjects like Practice and Procedure, Drafting, Professional Ethics, and Leading Cases.
    • Training Requirement: Before taking the exam, an advocate must undergo training with a court-approved AoR for at least one year. This training is preceded by a minimum of four years of legal practice.

    Responsibilities and Rules Governing AoRs

    • Geographical Presence: AoRs must maintain an office in Delhi within a 16-kilometer radius of the Supreme Court.
    • Employment of Registered Clerk: Upon registration as an AoR, an undertaking is required to employ a registered clerk within one month.
    • Regulatory Authority: While Section 30 of the Advocates Act grants lawyers the right to practice law nationwide, it explicitly acknowledges the Supreme Court’s authority to establish rules under Article 145 of the Constitution for regulating its own procedure.

     

  • Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) Initiative

    Central Idea

    • The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, recently unveiled by the Quad grouping (India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.), underscores a shared commitment to uphold a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

    What is IPMDA Initiative?

    • IPMDA Initiative was announced at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, 2022.
    • It primarily aims to track dark shipping.
    • Dark ships are vessels with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) – a transponder system – switched off so as not to be detectable.
    • It focuses on tracking other tactical-level activities: to respond to climate and humanitarian events and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many Indo-Pacific economies.

    Significance of IPMDA for India

    • IPMDA represents a substantial effort to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region of paramount global geopolitical significance.
    • India’s Navy, currently possessing over 140 ships and submarines, is on course to achieve a formidable fleet of 170 to 180 vessels by 2028.

    Lessons from Recent Events

    • Recent global events, including the border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, conflicts in Ukraine, and turmoil in West Asia, underscore the need for resilience and readiness in the face of uncertainties.
    • Indian Navy recognizes the importance of integrated joint operations and a holistic approach to national defense, and a well-coordinated defense strategy involving all three Services.

  • India-Bhutan Relations

    bhutan

    Central Idea

    • The recent three-day visit of Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to Assam marked a significant milestone in India-Bhutan relations.
    • Notably, it was the first-ever visit by a Bhutanese monarch to the state, signifying the close ties between the two neighbours and a fresh chapter of cooperation.

    Bhutan and India: Historical Context

    • Border Proximity: Despite sharing a 265.8 km border, this visit was the first of its kind, underscoring the uniqueness of the occasion.
    • Challenging Times: The peaceful relationship between India and Bhutan faced complexities in the 1990s when insurgent groups from Assam established camps and operated in Bhutan’s southeast forests.

    1990s: Indian Insurgent Presence in Bhutan

    • Backdrop: Pressure on insurgent groups in Assam, due to Indian military crackdowns and changes in Bangladesh’s political landscape, compelled them to seek refuge elsewhere.
    • Bhutanese Sanctuary: Insurgent groups, including ULFA, NDFB, and KLO, set up camps in Bhutan’s Samdrup Jongkhar district, near the Assam border.

    Bhutan’s Initial Approach

    • Reluctant Engagement: Bhutan initially ignored the presence of Indian insurgents on its territory and attempted dialogue with them.
    • Diplomatic Pressure: The situation strained diplomatic relations with India, its significant neighbor, funder, and trade partner.
    • Limited Military Capability: Bhutan’s small and inexperienced military hindered decisive action against the insurgents.
    • Unfruitful Talks: Despite multiple rounds of dialogue with ULFA and NDFB, no tangible outcomes were achieved, with the KLO refusing to engage in talks.

    Triggers for the Military Crackdown

    • Direct Threat to Sovereignty: The presence of insurgents became a direct threat to Bhutan’s sovereignty and national security.
    • Impact on Relations: Insurgent activities had negative implications for Bhutan-India relations, affecting development, economic activities, and bilateral trust.
    • Humanitarian Consequences: Attacks on Bhutanese nationals, threats, extortion, and violence-affected innocent lives and disrupted travel and trade routes.
    • Arms Supply to Ethnic Nepalese: Concerns emerged that insurgents might supply arms to ethnic Nepalese Lhotshampas, who were subjected to repression by the royal government, potentially sparking an ethnic insurgency in southern Bhutan.

    Operation All Clear: The Result

    • Coordinated Offensive: On December 15, 2003, the Royal Bhutan Army, supported by the Indian Army, launched ‘Operation All Clear,’ simultaneously targeting ULFA, NDFB, and KLO camps.
    • Indian Support: India provided logistical and medical assistance and sealed the Indo-Bhutan border to prevent insurgent escape into India.
    • Significant Outcome: The operation resulted in the killing or capture of at least 650 insurgents, including top leaders from the three groups.

    Conclusion

    • Bhutan’s historic royal visit to Assam signifies a strengthening of bonds and a reaffirmation of friendship after a complex period.
    • The military operation ‘Operation All Clear’ demonstrated Bhutan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and security, ultimately contributing to regional stability.
    • Today, India and Bhutan stand united, fostering peace, cooperation, and prosperity in the region.