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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    Mapping: Darien Gap

    15 March 2024 | World Mapping | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    darien gap

    Why in the news:

    • Much of the discussion over illegal immigration to the US has in recent weeks moved its focus south to the Darien Gap.

    What is Darien Gap?

    • The Darien Gap spans northern Colombia and Southern Panama, covering approximately 97 km of dense jungle terrain.
    • It is situated in the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Panama, connecting North America to South America.
    • It covers an area of approximately 41,440 square km.
    • The landscape is characterized by dense rainforests, swamps, rivers, and rugged mountains.
    • It is one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth, home to a wide array of plant and animal species, including jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and numerous bird species.

    Why in the news?

    Ans. Surge in Illegal Crossings

    • Escalating Numbers: In 2021, the Panamanian government recorded a staggering 133,000 crossings, with over half a million individuals transiting through the region in 2023.
    • Root Causes: Violence, insecurity, and limited legal immigration options in home countries propel individuals, including Venezuelans, Haitians, and Afghans, to undertake the perilous journey.

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2015:

    The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to:

    (a) Central Asia

    (b) Middle East

    (c) South-East Asia

    (d) Central Africa

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  • RBI Notifications

    RBI may move some NBFCs to Top Layer this year

    15 March 2024 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    In the news

    • Nearly two years after introducing a revised regulatory framework for non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), the Reserve Bank of India is set to review the categorisation of NBFCs in 2024.
    • Currently, 16 NBFCs are placed in the upper layer.

    What are Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)?

    • A NBFC is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956.
    • It engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/debentures/securities issued by Government or local authority or other marketable securities of a like nature, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, and chit business.
    • It does NOT include any institution whose principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, purchase or sale of any goods (other than securities) or providing any services and sale/purchase/construction of immovable property.

    How are NBFCs different from Bank?

    • NBFCs lends and make investments and hence their activities are akin to that of banks.
    • However, there are a few differences as given below:
    1. Commercial Banks are regulated under Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
    2. NBFC CANNOT accept demand deposits.
    3. NBFCs DO NOT form part of the payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself.
    4. Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is NOT available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of banks.

    Different types/categories of NBFCs registered with RBI

    NBFCs are categorized:

    1. in terms of the type of liabilities into Deposit and Non-Deposit accepting NBFCs,
    2. non deposit taking NBFCs by their size into systemically important and other non-deposit holding companies (NBFC-NDSI and NBFC-ND) and
    3. by the kind of activity they conduct.

    Within this broad categorization the different types of NBFCs are as follows:

    Definition
    Asset Finance Company (AFC) A financial institution primarily engaged in financing physical assets used in productive/economic activities, such as automobiles, tractors, machinery, and industrial equipment.
    Investment Company (IC) A company whose principal business involves acquiring securities.
    Loan Company (LC) A financial institution primarily engaged in providing finance through loans, advances, or other means for activities other than its own.

    Does not include Asset Finance Companies.
    Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC) A non-banking finance company that deploys at least 75% of its total assets in infrastructure loans, with a minimum Net Owned Funds of ₹300 crore, a minimum credit rating of ‘A’ or equivalent, and a CRAR of 15%.
    Systemically Important NBFCs NBFCs with an asset size of ₹500 crore or more, as per the last audited balance sheet.

    Considered significant due to their potential impact on the overall financial stability of the economy.

     

    Scale-Based Regulation of NBFCs

    • Scale-based regulations came into effect in October 2021 and were implemented a year later by RBI.
    • There are four layers namely the base layer, middle layer, upper layer and top layer.
    • As on September 30, 2023, NBFCs in the base, middle and upper layers constituted 6 per cent, 71 per cent and 23 per cent of the total assets of NBFCs respectively.
    • Presently, no NBFC is listed in the top layer.

    Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the SBR:

    1. Base Layer (NBFC-BL)
    • The Base Layer primarily comprises non-deposit-taking NBFCs with assets below Rs 1,000 crore.
    • It encompasses NBFC Peer to Peer (P2P), NBFC-Account Aggregator (AA), Non-Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC), and NBFCs without public funds and customer interface.
    1. Middle Layer (NBFC-ML)
    • The Middle Layer includes deposit-taking NBFCs and non-deposit-taking NBFCs with assets exceeding Rs 1,000 crore.
    • It encompasses NBFCs involved in specific activities such as Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs), Infrastructure Debt Fund – NBFCs (IDF-NBFCs), Core Investment Companies (CICs), Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), and Infrastructure Finance Companies (NBFC-IFCs).

    III. Upper Layer (NBFC-UL)

    • The Upper Layer comprises NBFCs identified by RBI as requiring enhanced regulatory requirements based on specific parameters and scoring methodology.
    • The top 10 eligible NBFCs in terms of asset size will always be placed in the Upper Layer, irrespective of other factors.
    1. Top Layer (NBFC-TL)
    • NBFCs in the Upper Layer may be transferred to the Top Layer if RBI perceives a significant increase in potential systemic risk.
    • Currently, the Top Layer remains vacant but serves as a precautionary measure for heightened risk situations.

     

    With inputs from: https://rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?Id=21580

    Practice MCQ:

    Q. With reference to the Scale-Based Regulation of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), consider the following statements:

    1. Higher the layer, least is the regulatory intervention required by the RBI.
    2. Currently, no NBFC is listed in the top layer.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a) Only 1

    b) Only 2

    c) Both 1 and 2

    d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Try this PYQ from CSE 2020:

    1. If you withdraw ` 1,00,000 in cash from your Demand Deposit Account at your bank, the immediate effect on aggregate money supply in the economy will be:

    (a) to reduce it by ` 1,00,000

    (b) to increase it by ` 1,00,000

    (c) to increase it by more than ` 1,00,000

    (d) to leave it unchanged

     

    Post your answers here.

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  • Social Media: Prospect and Challenges

    Centre bans 18 OTT Platforms for Inappropriate Content

    15 March 2024 | Prelims Only | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    In the news

    • The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has blocked 18 OTT platforms on the charge of publishing obscene and vulgar content.

    How were these platforms banned?

    • The contents listed on the OTT platforms was found to be prima facie violation of:
    1. Section 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000;
    2. Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code; and
    3. Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
    • These platforms were violative of the responsibility to not propagate obscenity, vulgarity and abuse under the guise of ‘creative expression’.

    How are OTT Platforms regulated in India?

    • Regulatory Framework: The Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 introduce a Code of Ethics applicable to digital media entities and OTT platforms.
    • Key Provisions: These guidelines encompass content categorization, parental controls, adherence to journalistic norms, and the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism to address concerns.

    [A] Content Regulations

    • Age-Based Classification: OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are mandated to classify their content into five age-based categories: U (universal), 7+, 13+, 16+, and A (adult).
    • Parental Locks: Effective parental locks must be implemented for content classified as 13+, ensuring that parents can control access to age-inappropriate material.
    • Age Verification: Robust age verification systems are required for accessing adult content, enhancing parental oversight and safeguarding minors from exposure to inappropriate material.

    [B] Grievance Redressal Mechanism

    • Three-Tier System: A comprehensive grievance redressal mechanism consisting of three tiers has been established:
      1. Level-I: Publishers are encouraged to engage in self-regulation to address grievances and concerns internally.
      2. Level-II: A self-regulating body, headed by a retired judge from the Supreme Court or High Court or an eminent independent figure, will oversee complaints and ensure impartial resolution.
      3. Level-III: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will formulate an oversight mechanism and establish an inter-departmental committee tasked with addressing grievances. This body possesses the authority to censor and block content when necessary.

    [C] Selective Banning of OTT Communication Services

    • Parliamentary Notice: Concerns about the influence and impact of OTT communication services prompted a notice from a Parliamentary Standing Committee to the Department of Telecom (DoT).
    • Scope of Discussion: This discussion focuses exclusively on OTT communication services such as WhatsApp, Signal, Meta (formerly Facebook), Google Meet, and Zoom, excluding content-based OTTs like Netflix or Amazon Prime.
    • Regulatory Authority: Content regulation within OTT communication services falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring responsible communication practices.

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

    Lyme Disease reported in Ernakulam

    15 March 2024 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    In the news

    • A suspected case of Lyme disease caused by the bite of a tick carrying borrelia bacteria has been reported from Koovapady in Ernakulam district.

    What is Lyme Disease?

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
    • Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.
    • If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

    Symptoms of Lyme Disease

    Symptoms of Lyme disease depend on the stage of the condition.

    (1) Stage 1

    • The early symptoms of Lyme disease begin to appear within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.
    • In this stage, the disease has a limited set of symptoms that includes rash, fever, headache, muscle aches etc. and hence is called early localised disease.

    (2) Stage 2

    • Stage 2 is often more serious and widespread. It is called early disseminated disease.
    • Symptoms include more rashes on other parts of the body, neck pain or stiffness, muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face etc.

    (3) Stage 3

    • In the United States, the most common condition of this stage is arthritis in large joints, particularly the knees.
    • Pain, swelling or stiffness may last for a long time. Or the symptoms may come and go.
    • Stage 3 symptoms usually begin 2 to 12 months after a tick bite.

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2016:

    Which of the following statements is/are correct? 

    Viruses can infect

    1. bacteria
    2. fungi
    3. plants

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Post your answers here.

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  • Monsoon Updates

    Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI)

    15 March 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the news-

    • The Ministry of Earth Sciences has commissioned Atmospheric Research Testbed-Central India (ART-CI) near Bhopal.

    About Atmospheric Research Testbed

    • ART-CI stands as an innovative testbed facility, pioneering the exploration of monsoon convection and land-atmosphere interactions, marking a significant advancement in climate research.
    • The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune leads ART-CI, operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

    Mission Objectives

    • ART-CI primarily targets the monsoon trough area, encompassing the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), a critical component of the regional climate system.
    • Understanding this zone is paramount for precise weather forecasts and accurate climate modelling within India.

    Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ)

     

    • MCZ is a region in India stretching from Gujarat to West Bengal in the east.
    • India Meteorological Department demarcates it as an agricultural region where cropping is mostly rainfed.
    • It is the region within the monsoon trough area that plays a central role in the dynamics of the Indian monsoon system.
    • It is characterized by intense convective activity, significant rainfall, and crucial atmospheric interactions that influence the overall behavior of the monsoon.
    • The MCZ typically experiences a concentration of atmospheric processes that drive the onset, progression, and withdrawal of the monsoon rains across the Indian subcontinent.

    Features and Capabilities

    • ART-CI’s development unfolds incrementally as part of the Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) umbrella scheme.
    • The facility will feature an extensive array of remote-sensing and in-situ instruments.
    • These tools would help monitoring of various atmospheric parameters like convection, cloud cover, precipitation, soil moisture, radiation levels, and microphysics.

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  • Air Pollution

    Global Methane Tracker, 2024

    15 March 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news-

    • Methane emissions from fuel use in 2023 reached nearly record levels, totalling 120 million tonnes (Mt), as per the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Methane Tracker 2024.

    What is Global Methane Tracker (GMT)?

    • The IEA’s Methane Tracker is an online database that tracks oil and gas-related methane sources globally.
    • It provides estimates of emissions across various sectors, including oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy, with the energy sector contributing nearly 40% of human-related methane emissions
    • It provides current estimates of methane emissions and highlights potential reductions achievable through existing technologies.

    GMT 2024: Key Findings 

    • Elevated Emissions: Satellite data revealed a more than 50% increase in large methane emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year.
    • Top Emitters: The United States and Russia emerged as the largest emitters of methane from oil and gas operations, contributing significantly to global emissions.
    • Fossil Fuel Leaks: Over 5 Mt of methane emissions were attributed to major fossil fuel leaks globally, including a significant blowout incident in Kazakhstan lasting over 200 days.
    • Cost of Emission Cut: Reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 would require about $170 billion in spending – less than 5% of the income generated by the fossil fuel industry in 2023.

    About Methane Pollution

    • Methane, is an organic compound composed of carbon and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
    • Second-biggest anthropogenic contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, 80 times more potent.
    • Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures warming caused by substances relative to carbon dioxide over a century.
    • Methane GWP100: 28, nitrous oxide 265, sulphur hexafluoride 23,500.
    • Short-lived climate pollutant, breaks down in a few years, unlike carbon dioxide.
    • Sources: Cattle farming, landfills, wastewater treatment, rice cultivation, industrial processes.
    • Energy, agriculture, and waste sectors are primary emitters, responsible for 30% of global warming.
    • Livestock emissions, including manure and gastroenteric releases, account for 32% of human-caused emissions.

    Global steps to curb Methane Emissions 

    • Paris Agreement Goal: To limit warming to 1.5°C, methane emissions from fossil fuels must be reduced by 75% by 2030, necessitating substantial efforts and investments.
    • Global Methane Pledge: Launched at UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Over 90 countries signed, led by the United States and the European Union (India not signed up).
    • First Global Stocktake (GST):  Released at COP28, called for countries to accelerate and substantially reduce non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally, including methane, by 2030. But it stopped short of providing a quantifiable target.

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2016:

    Q.In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

    1. Carbon dioxide
    2. Carbon monoxide
    3. Nitrogen dioxide
    4. Sulphur dioxide
    5. Methane

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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  • Make in India: Challenges & Prospects

    [pib] ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative

    15 March 2024 | Schemes | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the news-

    About Vocal for Local Initiative

    • Under this program, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated for sale.
    • District collectors and block-level officials will collaborate with partners such as Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to facilitate sustainable growth of microenterprises in Aspirational Blocks.
    • To facilitate this, a dedicated window for Aspirational Blocks Programme under the brand name ‘Aakanksha’ on GeM portal has been established.

    What is Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

    • The ABP is set on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme that was launched in 2018 and covers 112 districts across the country.
    • The Centre had announced its intention to launch this initiative in the Union Budget 2022-23.
    • The programme will cover 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories initially.
    • Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).
    • However, states can add more blocks to the programme later.

    Back2Basics:  Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)

    Details
    Launch Date January 2018
    Objective To transform identified aspirational districts quickly and effectively through a mass movement.
    Program Contours
    • Convergence of Central & State Schemes
    • Collaboration among Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors
    • Competition among districts driven by mass Movement.
    Selection of Districts
    • 117 Aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog based on composite indicators.
    • Real-time progress monitored based on 49 indicators from 5 thematic areas.
    Weightage of Indicators
    1. Health & Nutrition (30%)
    2. Education (30%)
    3. Agriculture & Water Resources (20%)
    4. Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%)
    5. Basic Infrastructure (10%)
    Core Strategy
    • Development as a mass movement
    • Identify strengths and low-hanging fruits in each district
    • Measure progress and rank districts
    • Foster competition.
    Features
    • Transform into a Jan Andolan
    • Real-time data tracking for monitoring improvement
    • Convergence between central and state government programmes.
    • District performance made public
    • Experience building of district bureaucracy
    • Targeted towards the entire district population.

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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    Kerala Cabinet asks Advocate General to explore legal options to challenge CAA notification in Supreme Court

    14 March 2024 | States | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the news? 

    • The Kerala Cabinet aims to challenge the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, expressing opposition to its perceived anti-Muslim bias. Legal options are explored to contest the Act’s rules.

    Context:

    The government notified rules for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, simplifying the process for granting Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived before December 31, 2014.

    About Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019

     

    The citizenship laws in India derived their origins from the constitution under Articles 5-11 and the Citizenship Act of 1955. This Act provided provisions for citizenship by Birth, Descent, Registration and Naturalization.

    • Eligibility Criteria: Amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to illegal migrants belonging to specific religious communities – Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians – from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
    • Definition of Illegal Migrants: Illegal migrants are those who enter India without valid travel documents or exceed the permitted duration of stay, subject to prosecution, deportation, or imprisonment.
    • Cutoff Date: Provides eligibility for Indian citizenship to illegal migrants from the mentioned communities who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, excluding them from being treated as illegal immigrants.
    • Exclusion of Muslims: Notably excludes the Muslim community from the list of eligible religious groups, sparking controversy and criticism over religious discrimination in the citizenship criteria.

     

    What are the recent challenges faced by the Kerala Government?

    • Anti-Muslim Bias: The Kerala government opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), labeling it as “patently anti-Muslim and deeply schismatic.”
    • Resolution for Repeal: The Kerala Assembly adopted a resolution in 2019 demanding the repeal of CAA due to its criterion of religion for Indian citizenship.
    • Legal Challenge: Kerala filed an original suit before the Supreme Court under Article 131, contesting the Center’s framing of CAA rules. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, DYFI, and IUML challenge CAA in the Supreme Court.
    • Urgency Post CAA Rules: Kerala Cabinet emphasizes new legal urgency after the Center’s notification of CAA rules.
      • Ongoing anti-CAA protests were witnessed in Kerala, including train blockades and marches. Congress leaders condemn CAA for undermining secular principles.
      • Opposition criticizes Kerala CM’s stance against implementing CAA and calls it political posturing.

    National Scenario: 

    • States:
        • In Assam: Members of the All Assam Students Union (AASU) took part in a protest march after the central government notified the rules for implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, in Guwahati.
        • In Kolkata: Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) protested against the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
    • Youth Protests:
      • In Delhi: Students of Jamia Millia Islamia University also staged a protest after the central government notified the rules for implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
      • In Tamil Nadu: Further, members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest, a day after the Modi-led government notified the rules for implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, at Madras University.

    Way Forward to address the concerns and avoid protests:

    • Dialogue and Consultation: Engage in open dialogue with stakeholders, including state governments, opposition parties, and civil society, to address concerns and seek consensus on amendments or alternatives to the Citizenship Amendment Act.
    • Legal Review: Conduct a comprehensive legal review of the Citizenship Amendment Act and its rules to ensure adherence to constitutional principles, including equality before the law and secularism.
    • Inclusive Citizenship Criteria: Consider revising the Citizenship Amendment Act to remove religious criteria and ensure that citizenship is granted based on objective and non-discriminatory grounds, such as residency or persecution.
    • Uphold Secular Values: Reaffirm the government’s commitment to secularism and religious pluralism, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of all communities and promoting social harmony.

    Conclusion:

    • Address Kerala’s concerns over anti-Muslim bias in CAA, legal challenges, and ongoing protests. Emphasize dialogue, legal review, inclusivity, and upholding secular values to foster social harmony and resolve grievances.

    Prelims PYQs

    Q. With reference to India, consider the following statements :​

    1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.​
    2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.​
    3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.​

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?​

    1. 1 only ​
    2. 2 only​
    3. 1 and 3 ​
    4. 2 and 3

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Appointment of EC | Supreme Court to hear plea to bring CJI back into the selection committee

    14 March 2024 | Explained | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

    Why in the news? 

    The plea filed by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms seeks an urgent hearing as it raises concerns about potential unfair advantage in filling Election Commission vacancies after Arun Goel’s resignation.

    Context

    • The unexpected resignation of Arun Goel ahead of the Lok Sabha elections raised concerns about potential unfair advantage in filling the vacancies.
    • The NGO Association for Democratic Reforms requested the new law on EC appointments to be put on hold and urged the involvement of the Chief Justice of India in the selection committee, as directed by a previous Supreme Court judgment.

     

    About the CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023:

    • The Bill replaces the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
      • It addresses the appointment, salary, and removal of the CEC and ECs.

     

    Appointment Process:

    • The CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
    • The Selection Committee will consist of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of Opposition/leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.
    • Recommendations of the Selection Committee will be valid even when there is a vacancy in this Committee.
    • A Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary will propose a panel of names to the Selection Committee.
    • Eligibility for the posts includes holding (or having held) a post equivalent to the Secretary to the central government.

     

    Why Free and fair elections are necessary?

    • Protects from Intimidation and Fraud: Concerns were raised about the potential for unfair advantage due to the Executive’s ability to appoint two Election Commissioners, which could compromise the independence of the Election Commission.
    • Consensus building and Integrity: Emphasis on the critical role of the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections, highlights the importance of fair and unbiased appointments to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
    • Anoop Baranwal Case: Reference to the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Anoop Baranwal case, where a Constitution Bench directed the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two ECs by the President based on the advice of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of India (CJI).
    • Government’s Response: Mention of the government’s enactment of the Chief Election Commission and other Election Commissions (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, which replaced the CJI with a Cabinet Minister on the selection committee, thereby giving the Centre more control over the appointment process, contrary to the Supreme Court’s judgment.

    Way Forward: Need to avoid Political interference: 

    • Current Leadership: Mention of CEC Rajiv Kumar being in sole charge of the Election Commission at present, indicates the need to address vacancies in the position of Election Commissioners to ensure effective functioning, especially with impending elections.
    • Independence of Election Commission: Emphasis on the importance of maintaining the independence of the Election Commission from political and executive interference to ensure free and fair elections and uphold democracy.
    • Insulation from Interference: Arguing that the Election Commission should be insulated from political and/or executive interference to preserve the integrity of the electoral process and protect democratic principles.
    • Critical Role of Election Commission: Highlighting the critical role of the Election Commission in various aspects such as ensuring free and fair elections, resolving disputes between political parties, and maintaining accurate voter lists and turnout, underscoring the urgency to address vacancies in the Commission.

    Conclusion:

    • The government should reconsider the appointment process, ensuring the inclusion of the Chief Justice of India in the selection committee to uphold the independence and integrity of the Election Commission.

    Mains PYQs

    Q. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (2022)

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    India world’s top arms importer between 2019-23: SIPRI

    14 March 2024 | Explained | Internal Security
    Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the news? 

    • In recent years, India has decreased its reliance on the top arms supplier of Russia from 76% (2009-13) to 36% (2019-23), as per SIPRI, indicating diversification in arms imports.

    Context:

    • India’s arms imports have marked an eventual shift from Russia to France and the U.S. impacting India’s defensive modernization, regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, and global arms trade trends, reshaping geopolitical relationships.

    Major shift observed in the volume of exporters to India:

    • Increase in France’s Share: France’s share of India’s arms imports surged from 0.9% in 2009-13 to 33% in 2019-23, positioning it as the second-largest supplier.
    • Increase in U.S. share: The U.S.’s share of India’s arms imports also rose from 8% to 13% during the same period.

    • Focus on Military Modernization: The rise in arms imports reflects India’s ongoing efforts towards military modernization and enhancement of defense capabilities.

    How India has climbed to become the world’s biggest arms importer, displacing Saudi Arabia?

     

    • India’s Rise as Largest Arms Importer: India surpassed Saudi Arabia to become the world’s biggest arms importer between 2019 and 2023, with its share in global arms imports increasing from 9.1% to 9.8%. Saudi Arabia’s share of global arms imports decreased from 11% to 8.4% during the same period.
    • Emergence of Ukraine: Ukraine, previously a negligible importer, increased its share of global arms imports to 4.9% following the Russian invasion in February 2022.
    • Trends in Neighboring Countries: Pakistan’s share in global arms imports rose from 2.9% to 4.3%, while China’s share declined from 4.9% to 2.9%.

    How Russia is affected in this scenario?

    • Decline in Russia’s Arms Exports: Russia’s share of global arms exports decreased from 21% in 2014-18 to 11% in 2019-23, accompanied by a 52% reduction in volume terms. Russian arms exports remained stable until 2019 but rapidly declined in 2020-2023, with a 74% decrease in volume by 2023 compared to 2019.
      • Impact on Russia’s Arms Industry: The decline in Russia’s arms exports suggests potential challenges for its arms industry, including decreased revenue and market share.
      • Decrease in Number of Recipient Nations: Russia supplied arms to 31 nations in 2019, which decreased to 12 by 2023, indicating a reduction in its arms export footprint.
    • U.S. Consolidation as Top Exporter: The U.S. increased its share in global arms exports from 34% to 42% during the same period, consolidating its position as the leading arms exporter. The U.S.’s increased share in global arms exports underscores its dominance in the arms market and its ability to expand its influence worldwide.

    How India is affected in this scenario?

    • Diversification of Arms Suppliers: India’s reduced dependence on Russia indicates a diversification strategy, reducing vulnerability to supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
    • Strengthened Defense Partnerships: Increased arms imports from France and the U.S. suggest enhanced defense partnerships, potentially leading to technology transfers, joint ventures, and co-development projects.
    • Modernization of Armed Forces: Importing a diverse range of weapons and equipment from multiple suppliers enhances the modernization efforts of India’s armed forces, improving operational capabilities and readiness.
    • Technological Advancements: Collaboration with advanced arms exporters like France and the U.S. may facilitate access to cutting-edge technologies, fostering indigenous defense production capabilities and innovation.

    What are the implications on Indo-Pacific region?

    • Impact on Regional Dynamics: The shift in India’s arms imports could alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, potentially prompting other countries to reassess their defense strategies and alliances.
      • Increased arms imports from France and the United States may signal India’s intention to diversify its defense partnerships and capabilities, potentially contributing to regional stability by reducing dependence on a single supplier.
    • Western Tilt: Diversifying arms imports could reach it with Western defense systems, potentially bolstering its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region’s security architecture.
    • China Factor: This may aim at countering China’s growing military assertiveness in the region. This could lead to increased competition and tensions between the two countries.
    • Russia’s Influence: The reduction in India’s arms imports from Russia may diminish Russia’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Conclusion

    • India’s decreasing reliance on Russian arms, increased imports from France and the U.S., and diversification of suppliers reshape regional security dynamics have more evolving dynamics in Global geopolitics considering recent moves of Russia in its defence and military policies.

    Mains PYQs:

    What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (2020)

    Practice Questions for Mains:

    Q- How has India’s decreasing reliance on Russian arms and increasing imports from France and the U.S. reshaped regional security dynamics and global arms trade trends?

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