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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Explained: Rajya Sabha Election Process

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Introduction

    • The Election Commission notified elections to 56 Rajya Sabha seats that will be held on February 27.

    Uniqueness of Rajya Sabha Elections

    • Retirement Cycle: One-third of Rajya Sabha members from each State retire every two years, necessitating elections to fill vacancies.
    • Eligible Voters: Only elected members of State Legislative Assemblies are eligible to vote in Rajya Sabha elections.
    • Six-Year Term: Newly elected members serve a six-year term, with vacancies arising due to resignation, death, or disqualification filled through by-polls.

    Election of Rajya Sabha Members

    • Blocs and Elections: A group of MPs from one or more parties can elect a member if they possess the required numbers.
    • Avoiding Majority Rule: This approach ensures that ruling party candidates do not monopolize elections.
    • Union Territories Representation: Delhi and Puducherry Assemblies elect members to Rajya Sabha to represent the respective Union Territories.

    Electoral Process

    • Polling Condition: A Rajya Sabha election requires polling only when the number of candidates surpasses the available vacancies.
    • Predictable Strength: Parties estimate their potential seats based on their strength in the Assembly.
    • Contesting Candidates: Parties field candidates based on their strength; additional candidates trigger a contest.
    • Candidate Nomination: Political party candidates must be proposed by at least 10 Assembly members or 10% of the party’s House strength, whichever is lower.
    • Independent Candidates: Independents require 10 proposers, all Assembly members.

    Voting Procedure

    • Single Transferable Vote: Rajya Sabha elections employ the single transferable vote system, based on proportional representation.
    • Preferences Voting: Electors can vote for multiple candidates in order of preference.
    • Winning Requirement: Candidates need a specific number of first preference votes to win, with each first choice vote valued at 100 in the initial round.
    • Qualification: To qualify, a candidate must secure one point more than the quotient obtained by dividing the total value of seats available in the election plus one.

    Transparency in RS Elections

    • Open Ballot System: Rajya Sabha elections employ an open ballot system with limited transparency.
    • Preventing Cross-Voting: Showing marked ballots to the party’s authorized agent (Whip) is mandatory; not following this rule renders the vote invalid.
    • Secrecy for Independents: Independent candidates are prohibited from showing their ballots to anyone.
    • NOTA in Rajya Sabha: Initially, Rajya Sabha members had the option to use the NOTA (None of the Above) button during elections, as per circulars issued by the Election Commission.
    • Supreme Court Ruling: However, in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that NOTA is only applicable in general elections and cannot be used in indirect elections based on proportional representation.

    Consequences of Cross-Voting

    • Supreme Court’s Stand: The Supreme Court clarified that not voting for the party candidate in Rajya Sabha elections does not trigger disqualification under the anti-defection law.
    • Legislators’ Freedom: MLAs retain the freedom to vote for a candidate of their choice.
    • Party Action: Parties are free to take disciplinary action against legislators who vote against their candidate.

    Voting Eligibility before Taking Oath

    • Voting Without Oath: The Supreme Court ruled that members can participate in Rajya Sabha elections even before taking the oath as legislators.
    • Non-Legislative Activity: Rajya Sabha voting is considered a non-legislative activity, allowing members to vote without taking the oath.
    • Membership Status: A person becomes a member as soon as the Election Commission notifies the list of elected members.
    • Proposal Rights: Members can also propose a candidate before taking the oath of office.

    Other facts

    • Limited Union Territories (UTs): Only two Union Territories participate in Rajya Sabha elections, not all of them.
    • Conditional Polling: Polling occurs only if the number of candidates exceeds the available vacancies.
    • Independent Members: Independent candidates can also be elected to Rajya Sabha.

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    Key takeaways from All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE), 2021-22

    DOMR | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Introduction

    • The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) captures student enrollment across eight levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, MPhil, diploma, PG diploma, certificate, and integrated programs.
    • The survey received responses from 10,576 standalone institutions, 42,825 colleges, and 1,162 universities/university-level institutions.

    About AISHE

    • AISHE is a report published by the Ministry of Education since 2011.
    • Aim: Portray the status of higher education in the country.
    • Survey covers all institutions in India providing higher education.
    • Data collected on parameters like teachers, student enrollment, programs, exam results, education finance, and infrastructure.
    • Indicators calculated: Institution Density, Gross Enrolment Ratio, Pupil-teacher ratio, Gender Parity Index, Per Student Expenditure.
    • Higher Education defined as education obtained after completing 12 years of schooling or equivalent.

    Key Takeaways:

    [1] Enrollment Trends: Female Dominance

    • Rising Female Enrollment: The AISHE report reveals a consistent increase in female enrollment in higher education institutions.
    • 2014-15 to 2021-22: Female enrollment grew by 32%, from 1.5 crore in 2014-15 to 2.07 crores in 2021-22. In the last five years, it increased by 18.7% from 1.74 crore in 2017-18.
    • PhD Enrollment Surge: The most significant growth was observed at the PhD level, with 98,636 women enrolled in 2021-22, compared to only 47,717 eight years ago.
    • Proportion of Women: Among the additional 91 lakh students joining higher education in 2021-22 compared to 2014-15, 55% were women. The postgraduate level saw the highest proportion of female students, with 55.4%.

    [2] Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) and Gender Parity

    • GER Insights: The estimated GER for the age group 18-23 years in India is 28.4, based on 2011 census data.
    • State-wise GER: States with the highest GER include Chandigarh (64.8%), Puducherry (61.5%), Delhi (49%), and Tamil Nadu (47%).
    • Gender Parity Index (GPI): GPI measures the ratio of female GER to male GER. In 26 states and Union Territories, GER favors women. At the national level, the GPI is 1.01, and for SC and ST categories, it is 1.01 and 0.98, respectively.

    [3] Academic Discipline Enrollment

    • UG Enrollment by Discipline: The Bachelor of Arts (BA) program holds the highest enrollment with 1.13 crore students, constituting 34.2% of total undergraduate enrollment. Overall, 3.41 crore students are enrolled in UG programs.
    • UG Discipline Preferences: UG enrollment distribution in 2021-22 is led by Arts (34.2%), followed by Science (14.8%), Commerce (13.3%), and Engineering & Technology (11.8%). BA(Hons) accounts for 6.2%.
    • PG Enrollment: Social science has the highest number of postgraduate students with 10.8 lakh. The Master of Arts (MA) program leads with 20.9 lakh students, constituting 40.7% of total postgraduate enrollment.
    • PhD Discipline: In the PhD category, social sciences rank third after engineering and science. While 52,748 students pursue a PhD in engineering and 45,324 in science, 26,057 opt for PhD in social sciences.

    [4] Preference for Government Institutions

    • Government vs. Private: Surprisingly, 73.7% of all students attend government universities, which constitute only 58.6% of all universities.
    • Government Sector Enrollment: State public universities hold the largest share of enrolment, accounting for around 31% of total university enrolment.
    • Private Universities: In terms of numbers, government-owned universities enroll 71.06 lakh students, while privately managed universities enroll 25.32 lakh students. Students show a preference for government educational institutions.

    [5] Demographics of Graduates

    • Graduation Statistics: In the 2021-22 academic year, an estimated 1.07 crore students graduated from various programs, with 50.8% being women.
    • Category-wise Graduates: Approximately 35% of graduates belong to Other Backward Classes (OBC), 13% are from Scheduled Caste (SC), and 5.7% are from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
    • Stream-wise Graduation: Arts and social sciences streams exhibit higher graduation rates. At the undergraduate level, BA degrees top the list with 24.16 lakh graduates. MA degrees dominate at the postgraduate level with 7.02 lakh graduates. In PhD programs, science leads with 7,408 graduates, followed by engineering and technology with 6,270 graduates.

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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    CAA Implementation within a Week

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Introduction

    Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019: Key Provisions

    • Basic idea: CAA, 2019, aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant Indian citizenship to specific categories of illegal migrants.
    • Eligible Religions: CAA targets Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, making them eligible for Indian citizenship.
    • Objective: The primary objective is to facilitate citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from India’s three Muslim-majority neighboring countries.
    • Residence Requirement: The Citizenship Act, 1955, normally requires 11 of the previous 14 years of residence in India as a condition for naturalization.
    • Amendment: CAA reduces this requirement to 6 years for applicants belonging to the specified religions and countries.
    • Exemption from Criminal Cases: Members of the designated communities are exempted from criminal cases under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport Act, 1920, if they entered India before December 31, 2014.

    Defining Illegal Migrants

    • Status Under Present Laws: Existing laws prohibit illegal migrants from acquiring Indian citizenship.
    • CAA’s Definition: CAA classifies an illegal migrant as a foreigner who enters India without valid travel documents (passport and visa) or overstays beyond the allowed period.
    • Penalties: Illegal migrants can face imprisonment or deportation under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.

    Exceptions under CAA

    • Conditions for Exemption: CAA outlines four conditions that, if met, exempt certain individuals from being treated as illegal migrants:
      1. They belong to the specified religions (Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian).
      2. They hail from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
      3. They entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
      4. They are not in certain tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, or Tripura (Sixth Schedule) or “Inner Line” permit areas (Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland).

    Controversies Surrounding CAA

    • Country of Origin: CAA categorizes migrants based on their country of origin, specifically Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
    • Religious Exclusivity: It raises questions about why only six specified religious minorities have been considered in the Act.
    • Omission of Rohingya: The Act doesn’t address the Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, who have faced persecution.
    • Entry Date Differentiation: The differential treatment of migrants based on their entry date, i.e., before or after December 31, 2014, has generated debate.
    • Secularism Concerns: Critics argue that granting citizenship based on religion contradicts the secular principles of India’s Constitution, considered part of the unalterable basic structure.

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Supreme Court

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Introduction

    • The Prime Minister inaugurated the diamond jubilee year celebrations of the Supreme Court, marking an important milestone in India’s judicial history.

    About Supreme Court of India

    • Apex Judicial Body: The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial authority as per the Constitution of India.
    • Constitutional Mandate: Article 124 of the Constitution stipulates the establishment of the Supreme Court.
    • Birth of the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court came into being on January 26, 1950, coinciding with the commencement of the Indian Constitution.
    • Inauguration: Two days after India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic, the Supreme Court was officially inaugurated on January 28, 1950.
    • Initial Location: Initially, the Supreme Court operated from the old Parliament House until it relocated to its present site on Tilak Marg, New Delhi, in 1958.
    • Inaugural Event: The inaugural ceremony of the current Supreme Court building was presided over by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, on August 4, 1958.

    Evolution of Judicial Bench Strength

    • Changing Dynamics: The original 1950 Constitution envisioned a Supreme Court comprising a Chief Justice and 7 puisne Judges, allowing Parliament to alter this number.
    • Progressive Growth: Over the years, the number of Judges increased to accommodate the growing workload: 8 in 1950, 11 in 1956, 14 in 1960, 18 in 1978, 26 in 1986, 31 in 2009, and the current strength of 34 Judges.
    • Judicial Structure: Judges sit in panels of two or three and convene in larger benches of 5 or more, known as Constitution Benches, to resolve conflicting decisions between different Supreme Court benches or address significant constitutional interpretations.
    • Official Language: Proceedings in the Supreme Court are conducted exclusively in English.

    Powers and Jurisdiction

    • Multifaceted Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court possesses original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.
    • Final Arbiter: It serves as the ultimate court of appeal and the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution.
    • Original Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction extends to disputes involving the Government of India and one or more States, inter-State disputes, and issues related to Fundamental Rights.
    • Writ Jurisdiction: Article 32 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court with extensive original jurisdiction to enforce Fundamental Rights by issuing writs like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.
    • Inter-High Court Cases: The Supreme Court can direct the transfer of civil or criminal cases between High Courts.
    • International Commercial Arbitration: Under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, the Supreme Court can initiate International Commercial Arbitration.
    • Appellate Authority: High Courts can grant certificates for appeals to the Supreme Court under Article 132(1), 133(1), or 134 in cases with substantial questions of constitutional interpretation.
    • Certified Appeals: In civil cases, High Courts may certify that a case involves a significant question of general importance, warranting Supreme Court adjudication.
    • Criminal Appeals: In criminal cases, appeals lie to the Supreme Court if the High Court has reversed an acquittal, sentenced an accused to death, imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for over 10 years, or if the High Court certifies the case’s suitability for Supreme Court appeal.
    • Parliamentary Empowerment: Parliament can confer additional powers on the Supreme Court to hear appeals from High Courts in criminal proceedings.
    • Special Leave to Appeal: Under Article 136, the Supreme Court may, at its discretion, grant special leave to appeal from any judgment, decree, or order passed by any Court or Tribunal in India.
    • Advisory Role: The Supreme Court exercises advisory jurisdiction under Article 143, wherein the President of India can refer specific matters to the Court.
    • Election Petitions: Part III of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, allows direct filing of election petitions in the Supreme Court.
    • Contempt Powers: Articles 129 and 142 empower the Supreme Court to punish for contempt of Court, including self-contempt.
    • Curative Petitions: After dismissing a review petition, the Supreme Court can reconsider its final judgment through a curative petition on limited grounds.
    • Binding Authority: As India’s highest court, its judgments are binding on all other courts in the country.

    Location of the Supreme Court

    • Article 130: Article 130 of the Constitution grants the Chief Justice of India the authority to choose the location of the Supreme Court, which can be in Delhi or any other place.
    • CJI’s Discretion: The Article vests exclusive discretionary powers with the Chief Justice of India regarding the Supreme Court’s location.
    • No External Compulsion: No external authority can compel the Chief Justice to act in a particular manner under this Article.

    Advocating for Circuit Benches

    • Law Commission Recommendation: The Law Commission’s 229th Report suggested establishing a Constitution Bench in New Delhi and four other benches in different regions of India.
    • Diverging Views: However, this proposal did not garner favor among Supreme Court Judges.

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    Early nutrition impacts cognitive development

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

    Indonesia Accelerates Fight Against Childhood Stunting

    Central Idea:

    Early childhood stunting not only impacts a child’s height but also influences cognitive development, potentially leading to lower educational achievements. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of this impact, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. It discusses a recent study in Ethiopia and Peru, highlighting the negative correlation between stunting at age 5 and later cognitive skills, specifically executive functions. The findings underscore the critical role of early childhood nutrition in determining cognitive development and educational outcomes.

    Key Highlights:

    • Stunting at around age 5 is linked to lower executive functions, including working memory and inhibitory control, in later childhood.
    • Traditional cognitive-achievement tests may not fully capture inherent cognitive skills, and stunting’s impact may extend beyond cognitive deficits to include behavioral factors like delayed school enrollment.
    • The article highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which stunting affects educational achievements, especially in the context of low- and middle-income countries.

    Key Challenges:

    • Existing research often focuses on specific cognitive-achievement test scores, making it challenging to fully understand the complex relationship between early human capital investments, such as nutrition, and cognitive development.
    • Achieving a comprehensive assessment of cognitive skills is complicated by the interplay of cognitive abilities, educational access, and other behavioral factors.
    • The article stresses the need to move beyond traditional cognitive-achievement tests and focus on a deeper understanding of the mechanisms linking early human capital investments to cognitive development.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Early childhood stunting
    • Cognitive development
    • Executive functions
    • Behavioral factors
    • Household fixed effects
    • Poshan Abhiyaan
    • Integrated Child Development Services
    • Jal Jeevan Mission
    • Swachh Bharat Mission
    • Mother’s Absolute Affection Programme
    • Complementary feeding
    • Anganwadi worker

    Key Quotes:

    • “Stunting at approximately age 5 is negatively related to executive functions measured years later.”
    • “Empirical studies have shown that women’s height and educational attainment are strong predictors of child stunting in India.”
    • “Improvements in sanitation reduce the incidence of diarrhoea and stunting.”
    • “Promoting early breastfeeding, along with continued breastfeeding for two years, is essential for optimal child development.”

    Key Statements:

    • The study in Ethiopia and Peru establishes a negative correlation between stunting at age 5 and later cognitive skills, emphasizing the long-term impact of early childhood stunting.
    • The article stresses the need to move beyond traditional cognitive-achievement tests and focus on a deeper understanding of the mechanisms linking early human capital investments to cognitive development.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Sánchez et al.’s study in ‘World Development’ linking early under-nutrition to executive functions in Ethiopia and Peru.
    • The role of initiatives like Poshan Abhiyaan, Integrated Child Development Services, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Swachh Bharat Mission in addressing stunting in India.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • The study in Ethiopia and Peru provides evidence of the negative relationship between stunting at age 5 and executive functions.
    • Empirical studies highlight the predictive role of women’s height and educational attainment in child stunting in India.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article effectively highlights the limitations of traditional cognitive-achievement tests in assessing the impact of early human capital investments on cognitive development. It emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex factors contributing to lower educational achievements, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study’s focus on executive functions and the link between stunting and cognitive skills adds valuable insights to the existing literature.

    Way Forward:

    • Expand initiatives like the Mother’s Absolute Affection Programme to provide comprehensive lactation support and create breastfeeding-friendly environments.
    • Implement and scale up community-based complementary feeding programs to educate parents about the importance of a diverse diet for children.
    • Consider adding an extra Anganwadi worker to each center to enhance preschool instructional time, potentially improving developmental outcomes and creating employment opportunities.

    In summary, addressing child stunting in India requires a multifaceted approach, including comprehensive nutrition initiatives, sanitation improvements, and strategic investments in education and childcare services. The article underscores the need for evidence-based policies to enhance early childhood nutrition and cognitive development.

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Populism does not help public health

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Centre asks states to create diverse public health cadre | Latest News India - Hindustan Times

    Central Idea:

    The article highlights the need for a shift in the approach to public health management in democratic setups, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing preventive measures over immediate, politically-driven responses. It advocates for a separation of health-care decision-making from short-term political goals to ensure sustainable health strategies that address both immediate and future health needs.

    Key Highlights:

    • Silent victories in preventing diseases often go unnoticed in the pursuit of tangible achievements.
    • Immediate response-focused initiatives divert attention from critical areas like sanitation, disease surveillance, and public health education.
    • The case of dengue exemplifies the prioritization of emergency relief over long-term prevention strategies.
    • The article stresses the importance of evidence-based decision-making and long-term goals in public health policies.
    • Gaps in public health education and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry are recognized challenges.
    • Disparities in achieving health policy targets, especially in nutrition programs, reveal gaps in public health efforts.
    • Socio-economic factors like poverty, sanitation, and overcrowding contribute to health disparities in diseases like tuberculosis.

    Key Terms/Phrases:

    • Preventive health measures
    • Vector bionomics
    • Public health education
    • Pharmaceutical industry influence
    • Socio-economic factors
    • Health policy targets
    • Separation of powers approach

    Key Quotes:

    • “In a democratic setup, leaders often chase tangible achievements and overlook vital preventive efforts.”
    • “Public health decisions should be based on scientific evidence and long-term goals, not electoral cycles.”
    • “Behavioural change is key to managing public health challenges.”
    • “Effective public health management should encompass preventive measures, policy formulation, community health, and environmental health.”

    Key Statements:

    • “Health care will benefit from being separated from political processes.”
    • “Investments in nutrition programs have far-reaching implications for health and productivity.”
    • “Public health is not just about treating diseases but preventing them.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Dengue as an example of prioritizing immediate relief over long-term prevention.
    • Disparity in achieving targets in the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme For Holistic Nourishment (POSHAN) Abhiyan Scheme.
    • Disparity in TB cases between India and the United States due to socio-economic factors.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • 35.5% of children under five were stunted, and 32.1% were underweight in 2019-21.
    • 58.6% to 67.1% increase in prevalence of anaemic children aged 6-59 months.
    • India reported 21.4 lakh TB cases in 2021, an 18% increase from 2020.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article effectively highlights the drawbacks of immediate, politically-driven health initiatives.
    • Emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making and long-term planning in public health.
    • Recognizes gaps in public health education and the impact of socio-economic factors on health outcomes.

    Way Forward:

    • Advocate for a separation of health-care decision-making from short-term political goals.
    • Strengthen public health education and adopt a multidisciplinary approach.
    • Emphasize evidence-based decision-making and prioritize long-term preventive measures.
    • Address socio-economic factors influencing health outcomes.

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  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    Kerala Governor gets Z+ Security Cover

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Introduction

    • The Union Home Ministry has provided a Z+ category security cordon manned by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers around Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.

    VIP Security Provisions in India

    • In India, security is provided to high-risk individuals by the police and local government.
    • The level of security needed by any individual is decided by the Ministry of Home Affairs, based on inputs received from intelligence agencies which include the IB and R&AW.
    • Individuals such as PM, home minister, and other officials such as the National Security Advisor generally get security cover because of the positions they occupy.
    • In addition to this, persons who are believed to be under threat also receive security cover.

    What is Z+ Category Security?

    In India, the category covers are X, Y, Y-plus, Z, Z-plus, and SPG (Special Protection Group).

    • X Category: The protectee gets one gunman. Protectees in the Y category have one gunman for mobile security and one (plus four on rotation) for static security.
    • Y Plus category: It receives the cover of two gunmen (plus four on rotation) for mobile security, and one (plus four on rotation) for residence security,
    • Z Category: It has six gunmen for mobile security and two (plus 8) for residence security. They get 10 security personnel for mobile security, and two (plus 8) for residence security.
    • Z Plus Category: It is provided by National Security Guard commandos whereas the other category of security is provided by the Delhi police or the ITBP or CRPF personnel.

    What about Special Protection Group (SPG) Cover?

    • The SPG cover is meant only for the PM and his immediate family.
    • After Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own security guards in 1984, the Rajiv Gandhi government decided to create a special cadre of security personnel for the PM.
    • In March 1985, following the recommendations of a committee set up by the Home Ministry, a special unit was created for this purpose under the Cabinet Secretariat.
    • This unit, initially called the Special Protection Unit, was renamed as Special Protection Group in April 1985.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    Burkina, Mali, Niger quit West African bloc ECOWAS

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    ecowas

    Introduction

    • The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS.

    Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

    Details
    Establishment Regional intergovernmental organization established in 1975.
    Objectives Aims to foster economic integration, cooperation, and development among West African nations.
    Headquarters Secretariat headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.
    Member States 15 member states: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’ Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo.
    Primary Goals & Objectives
    • Promoting economic integration among member states.
    • Facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services.
    • Enhancing regional cooperation in various sectors.
    • Fostering a borderless region governed by democratic principles and good governance.
    • Addressing security and political challenges through collaboration and conflict resolution.
    Achievements & Initiatives
    • Establishment of ECOMOG peacekeeping force for conflict resolution.
    • Launching the ECOWAS Single Currency Initiative for economic integration.
    • Supporting efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking, and organized crime.

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  • Death Penalty Abolition Debate

    First Nitrogen Hypoxia Execution in the United States

    Explained | Ethics | Mains Paper 4: Ethics

    Introduction

    • Alabama’s recent execution of a prisoner by nitrogen hypoxia has stirred debate and controversy, marking a historic shift in execution methods after four decades.
    • While some argue for the method’s effectiveness, others condemn it as cruel and inhumane.

    Science behind Nitrogen Hypoxia

    • Nitrogen Inhalation: Smith, 58, underwent execution by inhaling pure nitrogen, depriving the body of oxygen needed for vital functions.
    • NIOSH-Approved Respirator: The state of Alabama used an industrial-grade respirator, specifically a “NIOSH-approved Type-C full facepiece supplied air respirator,” delivering nitrogen to the inmate.
    • Deprivation of Oxygen: While nitrogen is harmless in normal air composition, inhaling it exclusively leads to oxygen deprivation, causing eventual death.

    Execution Duration

    • Unexpected Prolongation: Despite claims that nitrogen gas would cause unconsciousness within seconds and death within minutes, Smith’s execution took approximately 22 minutes.
    • Witness Accounts: Onlookers reported distressing scenes of Smith writhing, convulsing, and gasping for air during the extended execution.

    Legal and Ethical Questions

    • Constitutional Concerns: Smith’s lawyers attempted to halt the execution, arguing it violated the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
    • Experimental Execution Method: Critics contended that Smith was being used as a test subject for an untested method, highlighting the lack of adequate research and procedures.
    • Federal Court Rulings: Despite legal challenges, federal courts, including the US Supreme Court, rejected attempts to block the execution, raising concerns about the state’s approach.

    Death Penalty Landscape in the US

    • Highly Charged Issue: The death penalty remains a polarizing political topic in the United States, drawing contrasting views on its justice, deterrence, and ethical considerations.
    • Questionable Deterrence: Research indicates no conclusive evidence that capital punishment acts as a deterrent to crime, challenging one of its main justifications.
    • Execution Methods’ Challenges: Lethal injection, the most common method, faces controversies, from botched executions to reliability issues.
    • Racial and Economic Bias: Critics argue that capital punishment carries a risk of wrongful prosecution, with studies revealing racial and economic biases in its application.

    Conclusion

    • As the United States witnesses the first nitrogen hypoxia execution, the controversy surrounding the method raises broader questions about the ethics, constitutionality, and efficacy of capital punishment.
    • With legal battles ongoing and public opinion divided, the execution of Kenneth Smith serves as a focal point for re-evaluating the nation’s approach to the death penalty and the methods employed.

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  • J&K – The issues around the state

    What is Ladakh’s demand on Gilgit-Baltistan?

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    ladakh

    Introduction

    • The socio-political landscape of Ladakh is witnessing ongoing dialogues and demands on Gilgit-Baltistan, primarily presented by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
    • The demands encompass a range of issues, including territorial control expansion, restoration of statehood, special status under the Sixth Schedule and Article 371, and exclusive rights over recruitment.

    Ladakh’s Current Status

    • Formation as Union Territory: Ladakh, spanning 59,146 square kilometers, became a Union Territory on August 5, 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370.
    • Governance: Unlike Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh does not have a legislature but is governed by two elected hill councils, LAHDC-Kargil and LAHDC-Leh.
    • Population and Demographics: Ladakh, with a population of 2.74 lakh (2011 census), is a Muslim-majority UT, with Buddhists dominating Leh district and Shia Muslims in Kargil. The region witnessed varied reactions to the abrogation of Article 370, with Leh supporting UT status and Kargil expressing a desire for reunification with Kashmir.

    Latest Demands of the Region

    • Protests against UT Status: Over the past two years, both Leh and Kargil initiated protests against the UT status without a legislature, advocating for the restoration of statehood.
    • Special Status under Sixth Schedule: There is a collective demand for special status under the Sixth Schedule and Article 371, similar to other northeastern states, to preserve the region’s ecological fragility and limit external influences.
    • Exclusive Recruitment Rights: Ladakh seeks exclusive rights over recruitment, proposing the establishment of the Ladakh Public Service Commission for gazetted jobs and empowering hill councils for lower rung staff recruitment.

    Territorial Control Expansion

    • Historical Context: The memorandum underlines Ladakh’s historical connection to Gilgit-Baltistan, part of the pre-1947 Ladakh district now under Pakistan’s occupation.
    • Territorial Control Demand: Ladakh demands an extension of territorial control up to Gilgit-Baltistan, advocating for attempts to include this area into Ladakh. Reservation of seats for Gilgit-Baltistan is sought once a legislature is granted.
    • Strategic and Stability Considerations: The memorandum emphasizes that empowering locals will enhance stability in the region, especially in the context of Ladakh’s volatile Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

    Centre’s Response and Committees Formed

    • Committees Formed: In response to street protests, the Centre formed committees in 2022 and 2024, led by Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Nityanand Rai, respectively, to engage with LAB and KDA members.
    • Assurance and Ongoing Talks: The Centre assured finding appropriate solutions to language, culture, and land conservation issues in Ladakh. Ongoing talks are aimed at addressing the demands and fostering a structured dialogue between New Delhi and Ladakh.

    Conclusion

    • Ladakh’s socio-political dialogue continues, reflecting the diverse sentiments and demands of its residents.
    • The region’s historical context, strategic considerations, and ecological concerns play a crucial role in shaping the ongoing negotiations.
    • As Ladakh awaits resolutions to its demands, the dialogue remains a critical component in navigating the complex dynamics between the Centre and this unique Union Territory.

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