New Caledonia, France’s Pacific island territory, is under a state of emergency due to deadly riots.
About New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a French overseas territory in the Pacific.
It enjoys a large degree of autonomy but depends heavily on France for matters like defence and education.
It includes the island of New Caledonia where the capital, Noumea, is located, the Loyalty Islands; the Belep Islands; and the Ile des Pins.
New Caledonia’s lagoons were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.
The Crisis: A Quick Recap
New Law: The French government passed a law that has upset people in New Caledonia.
Vote Reforms: Now, French citizens who lived on the island for 10 years or more can vote. The government says it’s fairer this way.
Resistance from Indigenous people: The locals, especially the Kanak community, feel this gives too much power to French settlers and stops them from gaining independence.
How did France occupy this territory?
Exploration: British explorer James Cook named the island New Caledonia in 1774 after the Latin name for Scotland.
French Annexation: France annexed it in 1853 and New Caledonia became a French overseas territory in 1946.
Fewer Locals: France brought in lots of French people. Now, the original Kanak people are only 40% of the population, while others, like the Caldoches and newer French arrivals, make up the rest.
Why are the people protesting?
There were similar fights in the 1990s, leading to promises of more power for locals.
In 2018, 2020, and 2021, they voted on whether to be independent from France. But many boycotted the last vote, saying it wasn’t fair because of the pandemic.
Why is it significant for France?
France sees New Caledonia as important for keeping power in the region.
It wants to stay strong in the Pacific to stand up to other big powers, like China.
PYQ:
[2014] Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolutions.
Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) introduced a set of reforms in the health insurance sector aimed at significantly enhancing service standards for policyholders.
The recent rules highlighted by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) include:
Cashless processing: Insurers are mandated to accept or reject cashless claims immediately, within one hour, and settle such claims on discharge within three hours. Any delay beyond this period would result in the insurer bearing the additional costs, if any.
Claim settlement: Insurers cannot repudiate a claim without the approval of their claims review panel. Documents for claim settlement must be collected from hospitals or third-party administrators, not from the insured.
Policyholders with multiple health policies: They can select the policy under which they want to make a claim, with the primary insurer coordinating the settlement of the balance amount from other insurers.
Reward for No claims: Policyholders with no claims during the policy period may receive either an increased sum insured or discounted premium amounts.
Renewal policies: All individual health policies are renewable and cannot be denied based on previous claims, except in cases of fraud, non-disclosures, or misrepresentation. No fresh underwriting is required for renewal policies unless there is an increase in the sum insured.
Portability requests: Stricter timelines are imposed on portability requests via the Insurance Information Bureau of India portal.
Customer information sheet: Insurers are required to include a customer information sheet as part of the policy document, explaining all customer-facing details such as policy type, sum assured, coverage details, exclusions, deductibles, and waiting periods.
Challenges related to health insurance in India
Opaque Policy Details and Claim Processes: Policyholders often struggle to understand the intricacies of insurance contracts, leading to uncertainty about coverage entitlements and reimbursement procedures.
Claim Rejections: Policyholders frequently face claim rejections due to inadequate documentation and ambiguous claims processes.
Delays in Claim Settlement: Insurance companies often take a long time to process claims, causing inconvenience and financial stress for policyholders
IRDAI and its composition:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is the regulatory body overseeing the insurance sector in India. It was constituted under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
The composition of IRDAI typically includes a Chairman and members appointed by the Government of India. The authority regulates various aspects of insurance, including licensing, pricing, and policyholder protection, to ensure the stability and growth of the insurance industry while safeguarding the interests of policyholders.
Conclusion: IRDAI’s recent health insurance reforms aim to improve service standards by mandating timely cashless claim processing, transparent claim settlement, and policyholder rewards for no claims. These changes address challenges like opaque policies and claim rejections, enhancing customer trust. IRDAI plays a vital role in ensuring a fair and efficient insurance sector.
Mains PYQ:
Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
In March, India and the U.S. settled their last lingering WTO poultry dispute, marking the end of seven trade disputes resolved since Prime Minister Modi’s U.S. visit.
What is ‘Litigotiation’?
‘Litigotiation’ is a blend of “litigation” and “negotiation,” referring to a strategic process where legal disputes are managed through a combination of courtroom litigation and settlement negotiations.
This approach recognizes that most legal disputes do not end with a court verdict but rather with a negotiated settlement reached during the litigation process.
Trade dispute on poultry products between India and USA at the WTO
Indian Scenario: India had prohibited the import of various agricultural products from the US because of concerns related to Avian Influenza.
U.S. argued: The U.S. challenged India’s import restrictions on poultry products, which were imposed due to concerns about avian influenza (bird flu) potentially transmitting to humans.
It argued that India deviated from internationally recognized standards that were set by the World Organization for Animal Health (formerly OIE) and failed to provide scientific justifications for its measures, violating the WTO’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement.
The dispute was initiated by the U.S. in 2012 and remained unresolved for over a decade, making it the oldest of the seven trade disputes between India and the U.S. In 2015, India lost a long-pending dispute over poultry imports from the US at the WTO.
The recent settlement allowed India to avoid a yearly $450 million claim.
In exchange, India agreed to reduce tariffs on select U.S. products such as cranberries, blueberries, frozen turkey, and premium frozen duck meat, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
What are the standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health?
The Terrestrial Animal Health Code
First published in 1968, provides standards for the improvement of terrestrial animal health and welfare and veterinary public health worldwide.
These standards should be used by Veterinary Services to set up measures for the early detection, reporting, and control of pathogenic agents, including zoonotic agents, and preventing their spread.
The Aquatic Animal Health Code
Introduced in 1995, provides standards for the improvement of aquatic animal health and welfare worldwide.
These standards should be used by Aquatic Animal Health Services to set up measures for the prevention, early detection, reporting, and control of pathogenic agents in aquatic animals (amphibians, crustaceans, fish, and mollusks).
Implementation of the recommendations in the Aquatic Code ensures the safety of international trade in aquatic animals and aquatic animal products.
About WTO:
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade among its member nations. It was established in 1995 and has 164 member countries, representing over 98% of global trade and global GDP.
Conclusion: The India-U.S. settlement underscores the power of diplomatic negotiations in resolving complex trade disputes, fostering stronger bilateral ties, and promoting a more stable and cooperative international trade environment.
Mains PYQ:
Q WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. (UPSC IAS/2014)
This week, the Third Glasgow Dialogue on Loss and Damageoccurred during the 60th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany.
Key highlights of the Conference:
Dialogue on Loss and Damage (L&D): The conference focused on discussions around the mechanisms under the UNFCCC, including the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage (SNLD), the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM), and the recently operationalized Loss and Damage Fund (LDF).
The SNLD was established at COP25 in 2019 to catalyze technical assistance for developing countries in implementing approaches for averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage
The WIM was established at COP19 in 2013 to promote approaches for averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with climate change impacts
The LDF was operationalized at COP27 in 2022 to provide financial support to developing countries for averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage
Progress in Mechanisms: The co-chairs of each mechanism highlighted the progress made in addressing L&D in the UNFCCC negotiations. This includes positive steps taken in forming the Board of the LDF and formalizing its institutional arrangements and additional rules.
Global South Concerns: Countries from the Global South, including the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and the Arab Group, emphasized the growing cases of L&D in developing nations. There were calls for better cooperation and coordination between countries and mechanisms to address L&D more effectively.
African Group of Negotiators (AGN): It is a coalition of African countries that work together to coordinate their positions and negotiate on various international issues, such as climate change, sustainable development, and human rights.
Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS): It is a coalition of small island developing states that work together to address common challenges and promote their interests in international forums.
Arab Group: It is a coalition of Arab states that work together to promote their collective interests and coordinate their positions on various international issues.
Need for Clarity and Coordination: There were calls for a clear relationship between the SNLD, WIM, and LDF, as they each continue to have separate discussions despite having the same goal of addressing L&D. Coordination between these mechanisms would address gaps and improve resource mobilization for developing nations.
About Article 6 and its structural mandate:
Article 6 of the UNFCCC deals with cooperative approaches for the implementation of climate action. It provides a framework for international cooperation in areas such as emissions trading, sustainable development, and the transfer of mitigation outcomes.
The structural mandate of Article 6 aims to facilitate cooperation between countries to enhance climate action and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Article 6.2: Authorisation is the formal approval process where emission reductions (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes or ITMOs) are sanctioned by the host country for transfer to another country.
Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement focuses on operationalising market mechanisms for emission reduction units (6.4ERs), addressing issues like authorisation, carbon removal activities, and the role of the supervisory body in developing market procedures.
Key Goals and Objectives:
Raised Ambition: International cooperation under Article 6 aims to raise ambition by enabling countries to achieve more ambitious emission reduction targets.
Supporting Sustainable Development: The cooperation mechanisms must support sustainable development, addressing not only climate change but also other sustainability issues.
Ensuring Environmental Integrity: The mechanisms must ensure environmental integrity by preventing emission reductions from being counted more than once and ensuring that countries do not circumvent their climate action efforts
Way Forward:
Clarity and Coordination: There is a need for clarity on the framework of L&D as a whole, with a defined relationship between its key mechanisms. This would ensure better coordination and cooperation in addressing L&D effectively.
Enhanced Technical Interventions: Countries emphasized the importance of technical interventions such as Early Warning Systems and timely provision of finance to improve responses to L&D. Implementing these interventions could minimize the impacts of extreme weather events and facilitate faster recovery.
Tailored Responses: Responses to L&D must be tailored to the unique contexts of each country, with individual vulnerability and needs assessments being a priority. This would ensure that assistance and support are provided where they are most needed.
Trigger-based Funding Mechanisms: Suggestions were made for trigger-based funding mechanisms or timeline-based provision of funds for countries facing devastating impacts and remaining most vulnerable. Such mechanisms would ensure timely and adequate support for those in need.
Mains PYQ:
Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC IAS/2021)
India should contemplate proportional representation to ensure fairer political outcomes, given NDA’s 293 seats (43.3%) compared to INDIA bloc’s 234 seats (41.6%).
First Past the Post (FPTP) System
First Past the Post (FPTP) is a voting system where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority.
Simple and feasible method used in large democracies like India, the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
Provides stability to the executive as the ruling party/coalition can enjoy a majority in the legislature without obtaining a majority of the votes across constituencies.
Criticized for potentially resulting in over or under-representation of political parties compared to their vote share.
Proportional Representation (PR) System:
Ensures representation of all parties based on their vote share. Commonly implemented through party list PR, where voters vote for parties rather than individual candidates. PR system applied at each State/Union Territory (UT) level in federal countries like India.
Cons: Disproportionate representation, underrepresentation of minorities, many wasted votes.
Proportional Representation (PR):
Pros: Fairer representation, inclusivity of smaller parties, fewer wasted votes.
Cons: Complex, potential for unstable coalitions, weaker direct constituency representation.
International Practices:
The PR system is used in presidential democracies like Brazil and Argentina, as well as parliamentary democracies like South Africa, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.
Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system employed in Germany and New Zealand.
Germany: Germany uses MMPR for elections to the Bundestag. Half of the seats are filled through FPTP constituencies, and the other half are allocated to ensure proportional representation based on party votes, provided parties receive at least 5% of the vote.
New Zealand: New Zealand’s House of Representatives is elected using MMPR, with 60% of seats filled through constituency elections and 40% allocated proportionally based on party votes.
The Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system is a hybrid electoral system that combines elements of First Past the Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) to ensure both local representation and proportionality in election results.
Way Forward:
The Law Commission, in its 170th report titled ‘Reform of the Electoral Laws’ (1999), recommended the experimental introduction of the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system. It suggested that 25% of seats in the Lok Sabha could be filled using a Proportional Representation (PR) system by increasing the total number of seats.
Incremental implementation of MMPR system for additional seats during delimitation exercises to address population disparities while ensuring fair representation for all regions.
After the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi, he is set to share the four big portfolios of Home, Defence, Finance, and External Affairs with its alliance partners.
What are the Cabinet Committees?
Cabinet committees in India are groups of ministers formed by the Prime Minister to handle specific tasks or issues more efficiently.
The PM sets up these committees with selected members of the Cabinet and assigns specific functions to these committees.
The PM may changethe number of committees, and modify the functions assigned to them.
Usually, only Cabinet ministers are members of these committees. However, non-Cabinet ministers are not unheard of to be members or special invitees to committees.
If the PM himself is a member of any such committee, he acts as the head of that committee.
Evolution of Cabinet Committees in India’s Governance
Cabinet committees operate under the Government of India Transaction of Business Rules, 1961.
These committees are categorized as Standing (Permanent) or Ad-Hoc (Temporary).
They are established based on Article 77(3) of the Constitution, allowing the President to make rules for efficient transaction of government business and allocation among ministers.
Membership varies from three to eight, predominantly comprising Cabinet ministers, with the Prime Minister often presiding.
The number, terminology, and composition may change over time.
Note: All Cabinet Committees except the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs are headed by the Prime Minister.
There are 8 Cabinet committees at present —
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (composed of the PM (ex-officio Chairman) and the Minister of Home Affairs),
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (headed by the PM himself),
Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (headed by the PM),
Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth,
Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs,
Cabinet Committee on Employment & Skill Development,
Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, and
Cabinet Committee on Security.
The Committees on Investment and Employment were innovations introduced in 2019 by the Modi government.
About Cabinet Committee on Security
Head of the Committee: The Prime Minister assumes the role of the committee’s head.
Membership: Cabinet ministers of Finance, Defense, Home Affairs, and External Affairs serve as members.
Key Responsibilities: The committee addresses issues related to law and order, internal security, and foreign affairs policy with security implications, including matters concerning atomic energy.
Economic and Political Considerations: It also examines economic and political issues relevant to national security.
Financial Oversight: The CCS reviews cases involving capital defence expenditure exceeding Rs 1,000 crore.
Departmental Considerations: Additionally, it evaluates matters concerning the Department of Defence Production, Department of Defence Research and Development, Services Capital Acquisition plans, and procurement of security-related equipment.
Why is CCS so important?
The CCS, led by the Prime Minister, includes key ministers overseeing finance, defence, home affairs, and external affairs, playing a pivotal role in national security discussions and appointments.
It makes major decisions regarding significant appointments, national security issues, and defence expenditure, indicating its crucial role in India’s security framework.
Apart from defence matters, the CCS addresses law and order, internal security, foreign policy on security issues, and matters related to atomic energy, showcasing its broad spectrum of responsibilities.
Alliance Partners in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
1996 Government Transition: A notable instance was during the 1996 H.D. Deve Gowda government, following Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s resignation as Prime Minister. Deve Gowda, then CM of Karnataka, took office as Prime Minister on June 1. Mulayam Singh Yadav from the Samajwadi Party served as Defence Minister, P. Chidambaram, founder of the Tamil Manila Congress earlier that year, became Finance Minister, and Indrajit Gupta of CPI assumed the role of Home Minister.
2001 Appointment: During Vajpayee’s tenure leading the NDA government in 2001, George Fernandes, founder of the Samata Party, was appointed Defence Minister, holding the position for three years. Notably, during his tenure as Defence Minister in Vajpayee’s second and third ministries (1998–2004), Fernandes oversaw critical events such as the Kargil War and nuclear tests at Pokhran.
Party Distribution: However, during the UPA government, the Congress retained all CCS positions, whereas in the Modi government, the BJP held all four positions.
PYQ:
[2014] The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far the efficacy of a government then is inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.
[2017] Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
(a) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
(b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
(c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
(d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.
Jharkhand CM marked the 124th death anniversary of revolutionary tribal leader “Birsa Munda” by paying his tributes.
Who was Birsa Munda (1875-1900)?
Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, during a period of significant change for his community, the Mundas, residing in the Chotanagpur region of present-day Jharkhand.
Birsa Munda spent his early years travelling with his parents and received primary education under Jaipal Nag.
Inspired by the peaceful Sardari agitation against British rule, Birsa became a prominent leader advocating for tribal rights.
Causes of the Rebellion
Impact of Colonial Policies: Colonial policies, including the Permanent Settlement Act (1793), disrupted traditional land ownership systems, leading to displacement and exploitation of indigenous communities.
Erosion of Khuntkattidar System: The Mundas’ traditional land rights system, known as khuntkatti, was eroded by jagirdars and thikadars, leading to land alienation.
Land Alienation and Exploitation: Non-tribal migration into tribal regions accelerated under British rule, resulting in exploitation through high-interest money lending and forced labour.
Missionary Activity: The spread of education through missionary activities led to increased awareness among tribals, deepening social cleavages but also inspiring movements for tribal reconstruction.
Major Activities:
1. New faith ‘Birsait’ against religious conversion
Having gained awareness of the British colonial ruler and the efforts of the missionaries to convert tribals to Christianity, Birsa started the faith of ‘Birsait’.
Soon members of the Munda and Oraon community started joining the Birsait sect and it turned into a challenge to British conversion activities.
The Mundas called him Dharati Aaba, the father of earth.
2.The Birsa Movement: Ulgulan
The Munda Rebellion was a tribal rebellion led by Birsa Munda in the region south of Ranchi in 1899-1900.
It mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon.
The revolt sought to establish Munda Raj and independence, known as Ulgulan or ‘Great Tumult’ by Munda tribals.
The rebellion ended with the suppression by British forces and the death of Birsa Munda.
Significant Outcomes
Impact: Birsa Munda’s mobilization of tribal communities left a lasting legacy, prompting government reforms such as the repeal of the Begar system and the enactment of the Tenancy Act (1903).
His Death: The movement was violently suppressed and Birsa Munda died in jail on 9 June 1900.
What is Permanent Settlement System?
The Permanent Settlement system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 was a land revenue system implemented in British India, particularly in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
Under this system, the land revenue to be paid by the peasants (ryots) was fixed permanently without revision for an extended period (typically 10 years or more).
This fixed amount was based on the estimated productive capacity of the land.
It established the Zamindari system, where Zamindars (landlords) were recognized as the owners of land.
They were responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants and paying it to the British government.
In return, they were entitled to keep a portion of the collected revenue as their income, often ranging from 10% to 15%.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?
The hydrogen line stands as a pivotal tool in contemporary astronomy, serving various purposes from studying distant stars to questing for extraterrestrial intelligence, should it exist.
What is a Hydrogen Line?
The hydrogen line is a special type of light that hydrogen atoms emit.
It happens when an electron, a tiny particle that orbits the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, jumps from a higher energy level to a lower one.
This jump releases energy in the form of light, specifically with a wavelength of about 21 centimetres. This wavelength is what scientists call the hydrogen line.
Why is it Important?
Hydrogen is everywhere in the universe. It’s the simplest and most abundant element, making up about 75% of the universe’s elemental mass.
So, studying the hydrogen line allows us to understand a lot about the composition and distribution of matter in the universe.
By observing the hydrogen line’s emission from different regions of space, astronomers can create maps showing where hydrogen gas is located.
Secrets about the early Universe: The hydrogen line also holds secrets about the early universe. Shortly after the Big Bang, the universe was filled with hydrogen gas.
By studying the hydrogen line from distant parts of the universe, astronomers can learn about its conditions and evolution billions of years ago.
How Do We Interpret Hydrogen Line?
Radio telescope data enables mapping of hydrogen distribution, revealing locations of hydrogen clouds crucial for understanding galaxy and galaxy cluster formation and evolution.
Observing hydrogen line emission from different galaxy parts enables studying internal structures and dynamics, like rotation curves, offering insights into mass distribution within galaxies.
Observing hydrogen lines from distant galaxies unveils early universe conditions, aiding in understanding cosmic evolution’s initial stages.
What’s Next?
New Discoveries: Scientists are continually developing new technologies and techniques to improve the sensitivity and resolution of radio telescopes.
This enables them to detect fainter signals and uncover new insights into the universe’s hydrogen content.
Exploring Dark Matter: The hydrogen line observations could also contribute to understanding dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up about 27% of the universe’s total mass-energy content.
By studying the hydrogen distribution in relation to the gravitational effects observed in galaxies, scientists hope to shed light on the nature of dark matter.
PYQ:
[2012] A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory including those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/implications of the creation of anti-matter?
It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper.
It will help prove the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter.
It will help us understand the evolution of the universe.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has initiated the bidding process for a total capacity of 5.39 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT) per annum of Green Ammonia production.
The initiative falls under Mode 2A of the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission led by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
What is Green Ammonia?
Green ammonia, also known as renewable ammonia, is a form of ammonia produced using renewable energy sources, which is proposed as a sustainable, emission-free alternative with a multitude of applications in industry and other sectors.
It is produced by combining nitrogen with hydrogen, which is generated through water electrolysis using renewable energy, and then reacting the hydrogen and nitrogen at high temperatures and pressures to form ammonia.
About the National Green Hydrogen Mission
The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in January 2023.
Objective: To make India a ‘global hub’ for using, producing and exporting green hydrogen.
Earlier, the National Hydrogen Mission was launched on August 15, 2021, with a view to cutting down carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable sources of energy.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) formulates the scheme guidelines for the implementation of these missions.
Key features of the NGHM
Power capacity: The mission seeks to promote the development of a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country by 2030.
Job creation: It envisages an investment of over ₹8 lakh crore and creation of over 6 lakh jobs by 2030.
Reducing energy import bill: It will also result in a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports of over ₹1 lakh crore and abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Export promotion: The mission will facilitate demand creation, production, utilisation and export of green hydrogen.
Incentivization: Under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT), distinct financial incentive mechanisms are provided.
Green Hydrogen Hubs: Regions capable of supporting large-scale production and/or utilisation of hydrogen will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
What is the SIGHT Program?
In the initial stage, two distinct financial incentive mechanisms proposed with an outlay of ₹ 17,490 crore up to 2029-30:
Incentive for manufacturing of electrolysers
Incentive for production of green hydrogen.
Depending upon the markets and technology development, specific incentive schemes and programmes will continue to evolve as the Mission progresses.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment.
Cattle release ammonia into the environment.
Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2023) Statement-1: In India, prisons are managed State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons. Statement-2: In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-2 are correct and Statement-2 is the correct explanation for Statement-1 (b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct and Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for Statement-1 (c) Statement-1 1s correct but Statement-2 is incorrect (d) Statement-1 Is incorrect but Statement-2 is correct
Q) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2023)
1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances. 2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention. 3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, of 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
Note4Students:
Prelims: Preventive Detention;
Mains: Criminal Justice System in India; Challenges with Fast Track Courts;
Mentor comment:Preventive Detention law was passed in1950 for the first time. The aim of implementing the Preventive detention was not to punish the individual but to prevent that person from doing a wrong and unconstitutional act. According to Finley, “it is not punitive but a precautionary measure”.
The Indian criminal justice system faces several other challenges too. One of the major challenges is a large backlog of pending cases, which can result in long delays and delays in the delivery of justice. The Indian criminal justice system is also criticized for being slow, inefficient and prone to corruption, that is why, we introduced Fast Track Court system. Investigations are often incomplete or either lack thoroughness, leading to weak cases and wrongful detentions in this type of courts too. One of the live example of this is being highlighted in today’s editorial.
Let’s learn.
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Why in the News?
A woman who had filed a rape case was sentenced to imprisonment and fined by a court in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, leading to a narrative that perpetuated the stereotype that false rape claims are common.
However, a closer examination of the trial proceedings highlights systemic shortcomings in law enforcement and social complexities that require urgent attention.
BACKGROUND STORY:
About Lack of Spirit or Liveliness in the Investigation process:
•Initial Complaint: The girl’s mother filed a missing person’s complaint stating that her 15-year-old daughter (medical examination showed her to be 18 years old) was missing and suspected a person kidnapping her. However, the girl appeared a few days later, claiming she was taken to Delhi by the same suspected person and raped by him. •Lack of Medical Evidence: The Girl refused to undergo a thorough medical examination, crucial for the prosecution’s case (in fact clothes were not collected for forensic analysis). Hence, the lack of medical evidence due to the negligence of the investigating officer and Pooja’s refusal to undergo a medical examination weakened the prosecution’s case. •Administrative Failure: The respective magistrate did not direct further investigation despite glaring gaps. Moreover, the public prosecutor endorsed a weak charge sheet, failing to fulfill their duty to the court and the public. ○ Section 173(8) of the CrPC allows a magistrate to direct further investigation in case of a flawed investigation. Further, the magistrate could call for the case diary under Section ○(172(2) of the CrPC, which may have revealed discrepancies or inadequacies in the investigation.
The Issue with Undertrial Detention
Prolonged Incarceration: One of the tragedies of the Indian prison system is the high proportion of undertrial prisoners (around two-thirds). Undertrial prisoners are kept in prison while awaiting trial or during their trial. The accused boy in this case remained in jail for over four years without accountability for the investigating officers or prosecution.
Lack of Accountability: There were no repercussions for those responsible for wrongful detentions, perpetuating a culture of impunity and undermining public confidence in the integrity of judicial processes.
His trial dragged on in a fast-track court in Bareilly amidst the disruptive backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Violates the Fundamental Right: Prolonged undertrial detention violates their Rights to Liberty and Fair trial, adversely impacting their lives and livelihood.
The trial in this case spanned 1,559 days, in which there were 109 hearings (data from the e-Courts portal).
The overuse of undertrial detention effectively ends up punishing people before they are convicted and makes a mockery of their right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The state of Fast-track courts in India
Budgetary Allocation: The centrally sponsored scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) has been extended till 2026 with a budgetary allocation of around ₹2,000 crore, despite systemic challenges.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Fast-track courts lack dedicated infrastructure and judges, leading to existing courts being designated for these cases, causing judges to manage both regular and expedited cases.
Bail Issues: In this case, the accused person’s bail application was rejected due to the serious nature of the offense, and he remained in jail until his acquittal. His family lacked the means to file an appeal. Indifference and poverty prolong undertrial detention.
Reforms Needed: The case highlights the need for enhancements in police investigation protocols, prosecutorial autonomy, and judicial supervision to mitigate the risk of wrongful and protracted imprisonments.
Conclusion: Ultimately, the notoriety surrounding this case is cited to bolster the stereotype of women lodging false accusations against men, which highlights a critical call for reforms within the criminal justice system. This case highlights the necessity for enhancements in police investigation protocols, prosecutorial autonomy, and judicial supervision to mitigate the risk of wrongful and protracted imprisonments.
![[10 June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Bareilly case and a flawed criminal justice system](https://www.civilsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10-June-1568x882.jpg)
