US’s Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon, becoming the secondprivate mission to do so and the first to land upright.
What is ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1?
Blue Ghost Mission 1 is a private lunar landing mission by Firefly Aerospace under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
It successfully landed on the Moon, at Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium.
The mission is designed to operate for 14 Earth days (one lunar day).
Key Features of Blue Ghost Mission 1:
Carries 10 scientific instruments, including a lunar soil analyzer, a radiation-tolerant computer, and a GPS-based navigation experiment to test satellite navigation on the Moon.
Equipped with a high-definition imaging system to capture a lunar eclipse (March 14, 2024) and lunar sunset (March 16, 2024).
Successfully navigated a rocky and cratered surface using hazard-avoidance technology, slowing from thousands of miles per hour to just two mph before touchdown.
The lander is golden in color and about the size of a hippopotamus.
It supports Artemis missions by testing lunar technologies and reducing costs for future human exploration.
PYQ:
[2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?
(a) Electric plane tested by NASA
(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
Q) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) (2020) and thedevelopment of IT industries (2021).
Despite a skilled workforce, Indian firms often lose AI deals due to capability gaps. In the intense AI race against Silicon Valley, China, and Southeast Asia, India must focus on fostering innovation and ensuring market regulations do not hinder its progress.
Today’s editorial talks about the AI-related challenges in India. This content would help in GS Paper 3 mains.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
In Bengaluru, Indian developers face tough competition from China for AI projects. To lead the AI race, India must focus on supportive regulations and enhancing technological capabilities.
What are the key issues related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India?
Job Displacement and Skill Gap: Increased AI adoption threatens to automate routine jobs, leading to large-scale unemployment and requiring a workforce with advanced digital skills. Example: The NASSCOM report (2023) highlighted that 69% of Indian tech workers need to upskill in AI and machine learning to remain employable as automation rises.
Algorithmic Bias and Ethical Concerns: AI systems can reflect and amplify societal biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes in hiring, lending, and public services. Example: In 2023, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) faced criticism when its AI-based screening system allegedly disadvantaged candidates from marginalized backgrounds during preliminary evaluations.
Misinformation and Deepfake Threats: AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes undermine public trust, pose security risks, and impact democratic processes. Example: During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, deepfake videos impersonating political leaders circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about election manipulation.
Regulatory Uncertainty and Compliance Costs: The lack of a unified AI policy and fragmented regulations create legal ambiguity, increasing compliance burdens for Indian startups. Example: In 2023, Indian app developers filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against Google for restrictive AI-related practices on the Play Store, citing unfair competition.
Global Competitiveness and Innovation Lag: Over-regulation and high compliance costs could hinder AI innovation, making India less competitive against global leaders like the U.S. and China. Example: India’s AI startup investments lag behind China and the U.S., with China attracting four times more AI funding in 2023, according to a Stanford AI Index report.
Where does India stand in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) race?
Emerging AI Hub with Growing Investments: India is positioning itself as an emerging AI hub with increasing investments in AI research and development, but it still lags behind global leaders like the U.S. and China. Example: According to the Stanford AI Index Report 2023, India ranked fifth globally in AI research output but attracted significantly less AI funding compared to China and the U.S.
Government Initiatives to Boost AI Innovation: India has launched several initiatives to promote AI adoption, such as the “National Program on AI” and the establishment of AI research centers to enhance innovation and application. Example: In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the “IndiaAI” mission to promote AI-based solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Challenges in Global Competitiveness: Despite having a large talent pool, India faces challenges in scaling AI innovation due to fragmented regulations, limited high-performance computing resources, and competition from advanced economies. Example: While India produced over 20,000 AI and machine learning professionals in 2023, its AI exports remain limited compared to China’s dominance in AI-driven hardware and cloud solutions.
What is the current regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Existing Laws Governing AI Use: India does not have a dedicated AI law but regulates AI through existing legal frameworks like the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, which governs data protection, cybersecurity, and intermediary liability.
Sector-Specific Guidelines: Various government bodies have issued guidelines for AI applications in specific sectors. For example: RBI Guidelines for AI in financial services (e.g., credit scoring) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommendations on AI in data privacy and telecommunications.
National Strategy on AI: The government launched the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NITI Aayog, 2018) to guide AI research, ethical standards, and public-sector AI deployment. Example: Under the IndiaAI Mission (2023), the government aims to promote responsible AI use while fostering innovation across industries.
Competition and Data Protection Framework: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) monitors anti-competitive practices by tech firms using AI algorithms. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 regulates how AI systems process personal data. Example: In 2023, the CCI investigated Google for alleged AI-related anti-competitive practices on the Play Store.
AI Ethics and Responsible Use: Guidelines on the ethical use of AI emphasize transparency, fairness, and accountability without imposing ex-ante (preemptive) regulation. Example: In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) released advisory notes on preventing algorithmic bias and ensuring explainability in AI decisions.
Way forward:
Comprehensive AI Policy Framework: Establish a unified and adaptive AI policy focusing on ethical guidelines, data privacy, and accountability to balance innovation with public interest.
Investment in AI Infrastructure and Skill Development: Enhance funding for AI research, expand high-performance computing resources, and implement large-scale reskilling programs to bridge the skill gap and improve global competitiveness.
On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Secuirty and Exchange commission asked the Indian government under the Hague Service Convention, to serve summons on Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in a securities and wire fraud case.
What is the Hague Service Convention?
The Hague Service Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (1965), is a multilateral treaty that facilitates the service of legal documents across international borders in civil and commercial cases.
How does it function?
The Hague Service Convention standardizes the process for serving legal documents across borders in civil and commercial matters.
It operates through Central Authorities in member countries, ensuring efficient service, protecting defendants’ rights, and allowing alternative methods like postal service if permitted. It excludes criminal cases and non-signatory nations.
How is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission attempting to serve summons on the Adanis?
Invoking the Hague Service Convention: The SEC has requested assistance from India’s Ministry of Law and Justice under Article 5(a) of the Hague Service Convention to officially deliver the summons to Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani.
Exploring Alternative Service Methods: The SEC is considering alternative methods under Rule 4(f) of the U.S. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows service through means like email or social media, if conventional methods face delays.
Proceeding Despite FCPA Suspension: Although the Trump administration has temporarily paused the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement for 180 days, the SEC argues that the pause does not apply retroactively, allowing their investigation into the Adanis to continue.
What are India’s reservations under the Convention?
Opposition to Alternative Service Methods: India rejects all alternative service methods under Article 10 of the Convention, including postal service, diplomatic channels, and direct service by foreign judicial officers.
Example: A U.S. court cannot serve legal documents in India via U.S. consular channels unless the recipient is a U.S. national residing in India.
Mandatory Use of Central Authority: All service requests must go through India’s Ministry of Law and Justice, which is the designated central authority for processing foreign summons. Requests must be in English or include an English translation.
Example: In Punjab National Bank (International) Ltd. v. Boris Shipping Ltd. (2019), a U.K. court ruled that service through alternative methods was invalid due to India’s reservations.
How long does the service process typically take?
The service process under the Hague Service Convention in India typically takes six to eight months.
After receiving a request, India’s Ministry of Law and Justice verifies and forwards it to the appropriate authority.
Upon completion, an acknowledgement is issued to the requesting country, confirming successful service.
Way forward:
Expedite Processing Mechanisms: Implement digital tracking and streamlined workflows within the Ministry of Law and Justice to reduce delays in handling service requests.
Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation: Enhance legal cooperation with key countries through bilateral agreements to complement the Hague Service Convention and facilitate faster document service.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called for an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss the delimitation exercise, aiming to start a national discussion on the issue.
What is the primary concern of Tamil Nadu regarding the delimitation exercise?
Loss of Parliamentary Representation: Tamil Nadu fears that if delimitation is based solely on population size, it may lose Lok Sabha seats due to its lower population growth compared to northern States. For instance, while Tamil Nadu’s electorate grew by 171% (1971-2024), undivided Bihar’s grew by 233%, which could lead to a reduction in Tamil Nadu’s political influence.
Penalty for Population Control Success: Tamil Nadu is concerned that its effective population control measures will be penalized. States with higher fertility rates (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar) might gain seats, while those with lower growth like Tamil Nadu and Kerala could lose out, despite their better health and development indicators.
What are the potential impacts of the delimitation exercise?
Shift in Political Power Dynamics: Delimitation could increase the number of representatives from northern States with higher populations (e.g., Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), thereby shifting political influence away from southern and western States that have implemented effective population control measures.
Federal Imbalance and Regional Inequality: Southern states that perform better in terms of health, education, and population control may feel penalized. For example, Kerala’s successful population policies could lead to fewer seats despite its contributions to national development, undermining the principle of cooperative federalism.
Resource Allocation Disparities: More seats for northern States could lead to greater influence over Union Budget allocations and central schemes, potentially reducing the share of resources to States with fewer representatives like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Political Tensions and Regional Discontent: Perceived favoritism towards northern States could increase regional tensions. For example, Tamil Nadu’s call for an all-party meeting reflects concerns that their voices will be marginalized, which may fuel political agitation and demands for policy reassessment.
Why was the delimitation exercise frozen based on the 1971 Census?
To Ensure Fairness Among States with Varying Population Growth: This aimed to protect the political representation of States that successfully implemented population control policies.
Example: Southern States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have lower population growth but would lose seats if delimitation were updated, while Uttar Pradesh and Bihar would gain due to their higher population increases.
To Maintain the Balance of Power in Federal Governance: The freeze ensured that the distribution of parliamentary seats did not disrupt the federal structure by over-representing certain regions. This preserved a geographical balance in national decision-making.
Example: Despite Tamil Nadu’s slower population growth, its 39 Lok Sabha seats remain unchanged since 1971, allowing it to maintain a significant voice in national policies.
What steps has the Union government taken to clarify its position on maintaining proportional representation for Southern States?
Delimitation Freeze Extension: The government extended the freeze on parliamentary seat allocation based on population through the 42nd Amendment (1976) until 2001, and later extended it to 2026 through the 84th Amendment (2001).
Equitable Resource Allocation: The 15th Finance Commission (2021-26) used a balanced approach by including both population (2011 Census) and demographic performance to ensure fair distribution of resources, addressing concerns of Southern states.
Example: The Commission allocated 12.5% weightage for demographic performance, rewarding states with better population control.
Consultative Processes: The Union government engages with Southern states through inter-state council meetings and Finance Commission consultations to address their concerns about fair representation and resource distribution.
Example: In 2023, the government held deliberations on the implications of delimitation and reassured Southern states of equitable consideration in future seat revisions.
Way forward:
Balanced Delimitation Framework: Implement a hybrid approach that considers both population size and demographic performance to ensure fair representation without penalizing states with successful population control policies.
Strengthen Federal Dialogue: Regular consultative mechanisms through Inter-State Councils and Finance Commissions to address regional concerns, ensuring equitable resource allocation and preserving the spirit of cooperative federalism.
The Union Budget 2025-26 focuses on inclusive development, prioritizing the needs of the poor, youth, farmers, and women.
Big Boost for Women’s Welfare
The gender budget has been increased to 8.8% of the total Budget, up from 6.8% last year—the highest allocation in 20 years.
A total of ₹4.49 lakh crore has been set aside across 49 Union Ministries and departments to support women-centric programs.
12 new Ministries, including railways, ports, land resources, and food processing, have introduced gender budgeting, making it a government-wide initiative.
This move ensures that gender equality is not just the responsibility of the Ministry of Women and Child Development but a collective effort across all government departments.
Why Gender Budgeting is Crucial to Tackle Today’s Challenges
Gender budgeting is essential to ensure that government spending actively supports women’s economic participation and empowerment. Here’s why:
1. More Women Are Joining the Workforce, But Challenges Remain
Women’s participation in India’s workforce has grown from 33% in 2021-22 to 42% in 2023-24—a big step forward.
We’re getting closer to the global average of 47%, but there’s still a huge gap compared to men’s 79% participation rate.
To achieve the goal of 70% women’s participation by 2047, significant investments are needed in skilling, employment, entrepreneurship, and social security.
2. Government Schemes Are Helping, But Need More Support
The Budget has increased funding for key programs that empower women, including:
Skill India Programme & Entrepreneurship Development – Helping women upskill and start businesses.
National Rural Livelihoods Mission & MGNREGS – Providing job opportunities, especially in rural areas.
PM Vishwakarma & Krishonnati Yojana – Encouraging women’s participation in traditional crafts and agriculture.
New Schemes like Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and first-time entrepreneurs’ schemes further boost opportunities.
3. Addressing Job Security for Women in the Informal Sector
90% of working women in India are in the informal sector, lacking job security and benefits.
The Budget aims to formalize gig workers through identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal, giving them access to social security and financial benefits.
4. Using AI and Technology for Women’s Empowerment
The government has allocated ₹600 crore under the India AI Mission to invest in AI-driven education and skill training for women.
This ensures women are ready for new-age digital jobs and can thrive in a technology-driven world.
5. Supporting Women in Business and Agriculture
Women own 20.5% of MSMEs in India, employing 27 million people.
Expanding women-owned businesses could create up to 170 million jobs, a huge boost to India’s economy.
Financial institutions need to recognize and support women entrepreneurs and farmers, as they play crucial roles in driving economic growth.
Bottom Line: Gender budgeting ensures that women get the right skills, jobs, security, and business opportunities—making India’s economic growth truly inclusive and sustainable.
Way Forward
For Women Farmers: The government is making it easier for women in agriculture to get loans by removing complex paperwork. For example, Kisan Credit Cards will no longer be tied to land ownership, so women farmers can access credit more easily to boost their crop yields, productivity, and farm expansion.
For Women Entrepreneurs: More women-led businesses can thrive with easier access to finance through collateral-free loans, alternative credit checks, and financial literacy programs. This will help them grow their businesses and contribute to the economy.
Tracking Progress: To ensure these schemes are actually benefiting women, the government will track how many women are using them through gender-specific data. This will help improve policies and ensure better financial and social security support for women.
#BACK2BASICS: Gender Budgeting: Definition, Evolution in India, and Components
What is Gender Budgeting?
Gender budgeting is a strategy to ensure that government budgets address gender equality by allocating funds to programs that benefit women and bridge gender gaps. It is not a separate budget but a way to analyze and restructure financial planning to promote gender-sensitive policies.
Evolution of Gender Budgeting in India
Year
Milestone
Key Developments
2000-01
Introduction of Gender Budgeting
The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) first conducted a study on gender budgeting in India.
2004-05
Gender Budget Statement (GBS) Introduced
The Union Budget introduced a Gender Budget Statement (GBS) to track government spending on women-specific programs.
2005
Formation of Gender Budgeting Cells (GBCs)
The Ministry of Finance directed all ministries to establish Gender Budgeting Cells (GBCs) to monitor gender-based allocations.
2010-11
Expansion to More Ministries
56 Union Ministries and Departments started reporting their gender allocations in the GBS.
2020-21
Focus on Women’s Economic Empowerment
Increased focus on women in the workforce, skilling programs, and financial inclusion in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
2025-26
Highest Gender Budget Allocation
Gender budget increased to 8.8% of total budget, covering 49 ministries and 12 new sectors like railways, ports, and land resources.
Components of Gender Budgeting with Examples
Component
Description
Examples from India
Women-Specific Programs
Schemes designed exclusively for women to improve their social, economic, and political participation.
– Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (girls’ education) – Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (financial security for women)
Pro-Women Components in General Programs
Large-scale government schemes with a specific portion allocated for women.
– MGNREGS (ensuring one-third participation of women in rural jobs) – PM Awas Yojana (home ownership priority for women)
Capacity Building & Skill Development
Programs focusing on education, employment, and leadership training for women.
– Skill India Programme (vocational training for women) – DAY-NRLM (self-help groups for rural women)
Financial Inclusion & Credit Support
Making finance accessible for women entrepreneurs and farmers through loans and subsidies.
– Mudra Yojana (collateral-free loans for women-led businesses) – Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Women Farmers (simplified loan access)
Gender Data & Monitoring
Tracking how government programs impact women using gender-disaggregated data.
With summers nearing, the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan particularly in Churu, Jaisalmer, and Barmer districts largely rely on ‘Kundi’ system of traditional rainwater harvesting.
What is Kundi System?
Found in Churu, Rajasthan, kundis (or kunds) are traditional rainwater harvesting structures designed for storing drinking water.
A circular or rectangular pit, often lined with bricks or stones, is dug into the ground.
Rainwater is collected through sloped catchments and funneled into the kundi for storage.
A lid or stone slab covers the pit to prevent contamination and evaporation.
These structures help communities survive in regions with scarce groundwater and unpredictable rainfall.
OtherTraditional Water Harvesting Systems in India
Khadin (Rajasthan)
Earthen embankment (bund) built across slopes to retain surface runoff for moisture conservation and groundwater recharge, used since the 15th century.
Johads (Rajasthan, Haryana)
Small crescent-shaped embankments that store rainwater, recharge groundwater, prevent runoff, and improve water availability.
Deep stepwells with stairs leading to groundwater storage, used for drinking, irrigation, and bathing; famous examples include Rani ki Vav (UNESCO site) and Agrasen ki Baoli.
Virdas (Gujarat – Kutch region)
Shallow wells dug in depressions to separate fresh rainwater from saline groundwater, used by Maldhari pastoralists for drinking and livestock.
Tankas (Rajasthan, Gujarat)
Circular underground tanks built in homes and temples for storing rainwater; lined with lime for purification, found in Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Dwarka.
Zabo (Nagaland)
Terraced ponds built on hill slopes to collect rainwater for drinking, irrigation, and livestock, preventing soil erosion and increasing groundwater recharge.
Kuls (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, J&K)
Small channels (kuls) diverting glacial meltwater to fields for irrigation, made of stones, wood, and mud, and managed by local communities.
Ahar-Pyne (Bihar, Jharkhand)
Ancient system from the Mauryan period, where reservoirs (Ahar) collect rainwater, and channels (Pyne) distribute it for paddy cultivation.
Eri (Tamil Nadu)
Interconnected chain of tanks developed during the Chola period for irrigation, groundwater recharge, and flood control, still supporting agriculture.
Surangam (Kerala, Karnataka)
Horizontal tunnels dug into hillsides to extract water from aquifers, similar to Iran’s Qanat system, common in Malabar and Kasargod.
Phad Irrigation (Maharashtra)
Community-managed canal irrigation system drawing water from rivers, used in drought-prone areas, managed by a village council (patkari system).
[UPSC 2016] With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta refers to:
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) recently organized Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony in New Delhi.
Prani Mitra Awards were established in 1966 to honor individuals excelling in animal welfare and protection.
Since 1966, 54 individuals have received this award for their remarkable service.
Jeev Daya Awards, instituted in 2001, acknowledge efforts in animal rescue, rehabilitation, and welfare education.
About the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
The AWBI is a statutory advisory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
It was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, with Rukmini Devi Arundale as its first chairperson.
Headquarters: Ballabhgarh, Haryana (previously in Chennai).
Composition: 28 members serving for a period of three years.
Jurisdiction: Initially under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, later moved to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, and is now managed by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
Functions of AWBI:
Recognition of Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs): Grants recognition to organizations meeting the Board’s guidelines.
Financial Assistance: Provides funds for shelters, cattle rescue, ambulances, and birth control programs.
Policy and Legal Advocacy: Proposes changes in animal welfare laws and offers guidance to law enforcement agencies.
Awareness and Education: Conducts educational programs, workshops, and publications on animal welfare.
Monitoring Animals in Research & Entertainment: Instrumental in setting up CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals) and implementing Performing Animals Rules (2001, amended 2005).
Activism & Legal Rights for Animals: Successfully fought in 2014 (AWBI vs. Nagaraja case) for recognizing fundamental rights of animals under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following statements:
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
February 28 is observed as National Science Day in India to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. It is the onlyNobel achieved by an Indian while working in India.
About National Science Day
National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28 every year.
It marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928.
The GoI declared this day as National Science Day in 1986 to promote scientific awareness.
The primary objective of the day is to promote scientific temper, encourage research, and recognize India’s contributions to science.
Schools, colleges, and research institutions organize seminars, science exhibitions, and debates to celebrate this day.
The theme for National Science Day 2024 is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.”
Who was C.V. Raman?
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was an Indian physicist born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Presidency College, Madras.
He initially worked as an Assistant Accountant General but continued his passion for physics through research.
In 1917, he became a professor at Calcutta University and conducted groundbreaking experiments.
He established the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore in 1948, which became a major center for scientific research.
Contributions of C.V. Raman
Raman Effect (1928): Proved that light changes wavelength when scattered by molecules.
Inspired by the blue color of the Mediterranean Sea, disproving the earlier sky-reflection theory.
Won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming India’s first Nobel laureate in science.
Conducted research on vibrations of musical instruments like the veena, tabla, and mridangam.
Raman Spectroscopy is widely used in chemistry, physics, medicine, and space exploration.
Used by NASA in Mars Rover missions for mineral analysis.
He established the Raman Research Institute to promote advanced scientific research in India.
He contributed to strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure and mentored future physicists.
PYQ:
[2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:
Recent sightings of the rare oarfish, also known as the “Doomsday Fish,” near the shores of Baja California Sur, Mexico, have sparked speculation and social media frenzy.
About the ‘Doomsday Fish’
Japanese Folklore calls the oarfish “Ryugu no tsukai” or “Sea God’s Palace Messenger” and believes its rare appearance signals an impending natural calamity.
The belief gained strength in 2011 when multiple oarfish washed ashore in Japan just before the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami (9.0 magnitude).
Some cultures also consider the oarfish a messenger of the deep, warning humans of major disturbances in the ocean.
Popular Legends
Some scientists suggest that deep-sea fishlike oarfish may be sensitive to underwater vibrations from fault lines and could surface before an earthquake.
However, no conclusive scientific evidence supports this theory.
Powerful ocean currents, storms, or underwater disturbances may push weakened or dying oarfish toward the surface.
The El Niño phenomenon or changes in water temperature might also affect their movements.
A 2019 study in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America found no relationship between oarfish sightings and earthquakes in Japan.
PYQ:
[2017] Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q)To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (UPSC CSE 2017)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Election Commission of India (2017) and role of the Election Commission of India (2022).
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, is the first law made under Article 324(5) of the Constitution for appointing the CEC and ECs. It was introduced after the Supreme Court’s March 2023 order, which aimed to ensure fair appointments through a high-power committee.
Today’s editorial discusses about the selection process of Election commissioners which is currently in news. This content would help in GS Paper2 mains.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill is flawed because it favors the candidate chosen by the government.
What are the key provisions of the 2023 Bill for appointing?
Selection Committee Composition: A three-member committee chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and a Cabinet Minister (nominated by the Prime Minister) as members.
Search Committee: Headed by the Law Minister, along with two senior bureaucrats, to prepare a list of five eligible candidates for consideration.
Appointment Procedure: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) based on the recommendations of the selection committee.
Seniority Principle: The senior-most Election Commissioner is to be appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner.
Binding Nature of Recommendations: It is mandatory for the President to appoint candidates recommended by the selection committee.
Why has the new law been challenged?
Deviation from Supreme Court’s Directive: In March 2023, a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice K.M. Joseph, directed that appointments should be made by a high-powered committee comprising the Prime Minister, LoP, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The new law replaces the CJI with a Cabinet Minister, weakening the independence of the selection process.
Lack of Transparency: The search committee’s list of eligible candidates is not made public, reducing accountability.
Government’s Dominance: The composition ensures a built-in majority for the government’s preferred candidate, undermining free and fair selection.
What constitutional infirmities have been identified in the selection process?
Government-Controlled Majority in the Selection Committee: The selection committee consists of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).
This structure inherently creates a 2:1 majority in favor of the government, allowing the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Minister to dominate the decision-making process, undermining an independent and impartial selection.
Lack of Independent Oversight: Replacing the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Cabinet Minister weakens judicial oversight. This reduces checks and balances, as a Cabinet Minister is subordinate to the Prime Minister and unlikely to challenge the government’s preferences.
Violation of Fair and Objective Assessment: The process does not ensure objective evaluation of candidates due to the predetermined government majority. This may violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) as it denies a fair chance to qualified candidates outside the government’s favor and threatens the basic structure doctrine by compromising the independence of the Election Commission.
What are the key observations of the Supreme Court?
Independence of the Election Commission is Vital: The Supreme Court emphasized that the Election Commission of India (ECI) must be independent and impartial to ensure free and fair elections, which is a fundamental feature of democracy.
Example: In the Election Commission of India vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1993), the Court held that the ECI has plenary powers to conduct free and fair elections, reinforcing the need for independent appointments.
Need for a Neutral Selection Process: The Court highlighted that appointments to constitutional bodies like the ECI should be made through a neutral and independent process to prevent executive dominance.
Example: In March 2023, the Constitution Bench directed that, until a law is enacted, the Prime Minister, LoP, and the CJI should select the CEC and ECs to ensure balanced decision-making.
Concerns over Executive Overreach: The Court warned that allowing the executive to control appointments could undermine the institution’s autonomy and jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process.
Example: The Court observed that the historical practice of Prime Minister-led appointments was unsatisfactory, as it compromised the Commission’s independence.
Violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality): The Court observed that a selection process favoring the government could violate Article 14 by denying an equal opportunity to eligible candidates.
Example: The current law creates a government-majority panel, allowing political bias in appointments and limiting fair competition.
Upholding the Basic Structure Doctrine: The Court reiterated that free and fair elections are part of the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be compromised by biased appointment procedures.
Example: In S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India (1994), the Court affirmed that any law threatening the democratic process would violate the basic structure doctrine and could be struck down.
Way forward:
Restore Judicial Oversight: Reintroduce the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the selection committee to ensure impartiality and independent oversight.
Enhance Transparency: Make the search committee’s candidate list public and adopt objective criteria for fair and unbiased selection.
