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Underwater noise emissions pose threat to Indian Marine species: Study
Central idea: The rising man-made (anthropogenic) underwater noise emissions (UNE) from ships in the Indian waters are posing a threat to the life of marine mammals like Bottlenose Dolphin, Manatees, Pilot Whale, Seal, and Sperm Whale.

What is Underwater Noise Emissions (UNE)?
- Underwater noise emissions (UNE) refer to sounds that are produced underwater as a result of various human activities such as shipping, oil and gas exploration, military sonar, and construction.
- UNE can have a significant impact on marine life, as many marine animals rely on sound for communication, navigation, and foraging.
- Excessive underwater noise can interfere with these activities, and can even cause physical harm to marine animals in some cases.
- As a result, there is growing concerned about the potential impact of UNE on marine ecosystems, and efforts are being made to better understand and mitigate these impacts.
UNE and marine life
- Impacts behavioural aspects: The main form of energy for multiple behavioural activities of marine mammals, which include mating, communal interaction, feeding, cluster cohesion and foraging, is based on sound.
- Threats posed by UNE: The sound that radiates from ships on a long-term basis affects them and results in internal injuries, loss of hearing ability, change in behavioural responses, masking, and stress.
Key findings about Indian waters
- Continuous shipping movement is identified to be a major contributor to the increase in the global ocean noise level.
- The UNE or underwater sound pressure levels in the Indian waters are 102-115 decibels, relative to one microPascal (dB re 1µ Pa).
- The East Coast level is slightly higher than that of the West, where there is an increase by a significant value of about 20 dB re 1µPa.
- “The frequencies of ships’ underwater self-noise and machinery vibration levels are overlapping the marine species’ communication frequencies in the low-frequency range of less than 500 Hz.
- This is called masking, which could have led to a change in the migration route of the marine species to the shallow regions and also making it difficult for them to go back to the deeper water.
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February 20, 2023
Diyodar meteorite in 2022 was India’s first Aubrite in 170 years
Central idea: A rare and unique meteorite, known as the Diyodar meteorite, was discovered in Banaskantha, Gujarat in December 2022. It is significant because it is the first aubrite to be found in India in 170 years.

What are Aubrites?
- Aubrites are a type of meteorite that are believed to have formed on a different planet in the early solar system.
- They are known for their unusual mineralogy and composition and are believed to have originated from a differentiated parent body, such as an asteroid or a planetesimal.
- They are primarily composed of a mineral called enstatite, which is a magnesium-rich silicate. They also contain other minerals such as nickel-iron, troilite, and chromite.
- Aubrites are relatively rare, comprising only about 0.1% of all known meteorites.
- They are believed to have formed under highly reducing conditions, with very little oxygen present.
Meteorite found in Diyodar, Gujarat
- The Diyodar meteorite is thought to be around 4.5 billion years old, and it is believed to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
- Its discovery provides scientists with an opportunity to study the composition and structure of these unique meteorites.
- This, in turn, can help researchers to better understand the early solar system and the processes that led to the formation of planets.
Its composition
- Around 90% of the meteorite was composed of orthopyroxene.
- Pyroxenes are silicates consisting of single chains of silica tetrahedra (SiO 4); orthopyroxenes are pyroxenes with a certain structure.
- Pyroxenes such as diopside and jadeite have been used as gems. Spodumene was historically used as lithium ore.
- Rocks with pyroxene have also been used to make a crushed stone that is used in construction.
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February 20, 2023
The question in the minds of students: How to be future-ready?
Central Idea
- Intelligent Machines are revealing glimpses of a future envisaged long ago in science fiction as they steadily morph from human-assist systems to systems-as-human. The currently indispensable face obsolescence. The question in the minds of students entering college is this: How to be future-ready?
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Learn quickly to swim through these rapidly evolving times
- Work at the edges of disciplines: Now, one not only needs to be competent in a major area but also learn new topics quickly and deeply and be able to work at the edges of disciplines, while innovating constantly.
- Skills are new oil: Capability is judged not only by grades, but also by skills demonstrated in complex situations.
- Rapidly changing times: Worth will also be measured vis-a-vis Artificial Intelligence. Critical and original thinking, quality communication, IQ-EQ balance, and ethics will remain important strengths for swimming through these rapidly evolving times.
- Change is already in the air: Students and institutions are evolving, the former much faster, to assimilate advancements and prepare for the times ahead.
- Colleges must enable students to follow flexible pathways: There are options for dual degrees, minors, specialisations across disciplines in their home institutions as well as certifications from worldwide venues. External experiences like internships in industry, academia, research institutions and start-ups add value to a candidate’s capability repertoire.
What is needed to prepare for entering the world?
1. Move across disciplines
- A combination of core and transdisciplinary professional competence: To be prepared for the future, one needs to learn new things quickly and thoroughly, constantly sharpening one’s cutting edge. This attitude needs to be ingrained at this stage.
- Average performance and shallow knowledge are a recipe for disaster: It is also necessary to demonstrate personal excellence in a few relevant areas. Completing tasks well is really important.
1. Learn to add value to machine intelligence
- Grasp and utilise Automation effectively: Automation is not only relieving us of mundane work but slowly and steadily encroaching upon tasks meant for so-called intelligent humans and doing them better. One must effectively grasp and utilise it rather than fear and shy away.
- For instance, learn from open sources: Many students are building amazingly smart systems using open-source platforms and off-the-shelf components with ambitions to take on giants.
- Using Artificial Intelligence with consciously: Learning to add value to machine intelligence for solving complex problems better is the mantra here. For this, one needs to understand how it works, what are its current limitations and pitfalls, develop deeper insights and innovate. Blind usage of Artificial Intelligence could be dangerous.
1. Learn to collaborate
- Ability to work both alone as well as in a group: The next proficiency to develop is to be able to work both alone as well as in a group, to creatively ideate, lead and collaborate towards success. Often, people who work alone find it difficult working in a team and vice versa. Now both aptitudes are required.
- Entrepreneurial spirit of sprinting is must: One requires a special bonding of steadiness with speed, constant ideation with dogged persistence. Such an entrepreneurial spirit of sprinting a long-distance race steadily, sometimes in a team, sometimes alone will be needed at every stage of a career, whether at the peak of success or in the trenches of failure.
1. Remain human
- Intellectual-emotional balance: Technology has an interesting way of transforming human beings into automatons without the victim being aware. With extensive usage, people begin to think and behave the way machines work. Therefore, a critical aspect to nurture is to remain human.
- Learn to replenish the mind and body regularly: It is vital to nourish a soulful side through sports, arts, culture, philosophy and humanitarian work, not just as part of a curriculum, but as a passion where one can be blissfully immersed, forgetting everything else for some time.
Conclusion
- In the rapidly-evolving world, the key to success is to be future-ready by developing a unique combination of skills that set us apart from machines. Colleges and universities must enable students to follow flexible pathways, combining core and transdisciplinary professional competence, completing tasks well, and developing personal excellence in relevant areas. By embracing these ideas and staying ahead of the curve, we can be confident in our ability to thrive in an increasingly automated and technology-driven world.
Main question

Q. The future of society is not as much dependent on whether machines will become human-like but more on whether humans will become machines. Discuss

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February 18, 2023
An Overview : UAPA and The Concerns
Central Idea
- India’s anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has been misused and turned into a tool of terror. There are two examples of this misuse in recent times. In 2021, Muhammad Manan Dar, a young Kashmiri photojournalist, was arrested and imprisoned for documenting the daily lives of common Kashmiris with his camera. A year earlier, another journalist, Sidheeque Kappan, was charged with participating in a plot to ignite rioting in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh.
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Unlawful (Activities) Prevention Act (UAPA)
- Background: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is an anti-terrorism law in India that was first introduced in 1967.
- Purpose: The purpose of UAPA is to prevent unlawful activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India.
- Amendments: UAPA has undergone several revisions since its introduction, with each revision making the law more stringent. Till 2004, “unlawful” activities referred to actions related to secession and cession of territory. Following the 2004 amendment, terrorist act was added to the list of offences.
- Provisions: UAPA provides for the designation of individuals and organizations as “terrorists” and allows for their arrest and detention without trial for up to 180 days.
- Criticisms: UAPA has been criticized for being used to stifle dissent and suppress political opposition. Critics argue that the law is vague and overbroad, allowing for its misuse and abuse.
What is Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA)?
- Overview: TADA was an anti-terrorism law in India and enacted in 1985 and was in force until 1995. It was enacted to strengthen the legal framework to deal with terrorist activities in India.
- Provisions: TADA provided for the detention of suspects without trial for up to 180 days. It also allowed the setting up of special courts to conduct trials in cases related to terrorism and provided for the admissibility of confession made to a police officer. TADA also made certain activities punishable as terrorist acts, including illegal arms trade, financing terrorism, and disrupting the sovereignty of India.
- Criticism: TADA was also criticized for its vague and broad definition of terrorism, which allowed for the targeting of political dissidents.
- Repeal: TADA was allowed to lapse in 1995 after it was deemed to be incompatible with the Indian Constitution and the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The law was replaced with the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in 2002, which was also criticized for its draconian provisions and misuse by law enforcement agencies.
What is Prevention of Terrorism Act 2004 (POTA)?
- Objective: To provide the government with legal tools to combat terrorism and punish those who support or engage in terrorist activities.
- Key Provisions: Broad powers to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of terrorism-related activities. Power to detain suspects for up to 180 days without charge. Use of confessions made to police officers as evidence in court
- Criticism: Potential for misuse and infringement on civil liberties. Could be used to target religious and ethnic minorities. Could be used to silence political dissent
- Repealed: 2004 by the United Progressive Alliance government, citing concerns about misuse and potential for human rights abuses.
- Replacement: Some provisions of POTA were incorporated into the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), which remains in force in India today.
Worrying statistics
- UAPA has one of the worst records for prosecution success.
- According to a PUCL report in 2022, less than 3 per cent of arrests made under the UAPA resulted in convictions between 2015 and 2020.
- Only 1,080 of the 4,690 people detained under the UAPA between 2018 and 2020 received bail, according to the report.
- Unlike TADA and POTA, UAPA has never been constitutionally reviewed. Its repeated abuse is a blot on our democracy.
Some of the key concerns regarding the UAPA
- Misuse: The UAPA has been criticized for being misused by authorities to target human rights defenders, activists, and dissenters. Critics argue that the act has been used to stifle free speech and to quell any form of peaceful protests.
- Lack of accountability: The UAPA allows for the designation of an individual or organization as a terrorist entity, without providing adequate means for challenge or appeal, which many argue is against the principles of natural justice.
- Vagueness: The definitions of “terrorist acts” under the UAPA are broad and vague, and can be interpreted in a way that infringes on the freedom of speech and assembly, leading to the potential for misuse.
- Restrictions on bail: The UAPA has provisions that make it difficult for people charged under the act to obtain bail, as it requires that the accused show that they are not guilty, shifting the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused.
- Excessive punishment: The UAPA provides for harsh punishments, including life imprisonment and the death penalty, for offenses related to terrorism, which many argue are disproportionate and infringe on human rights.
Why UAPA is necessary?
- Legal tools to investigate: The UAPA provides the government with legal tools to investigate and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in terrorist activities.
- Special courts to conduct trials: It allows for the setting up of special courts to conduct trials in cases related to terrorism and provides for stringent punishment for offenses related to terrorism. It also allows the government to designate individuals or organizations as terrorist entities and freeze their assets.
- Necessary measure to maintain sovereignty and integrity: The act is aimed at countering not just terrorism but also other forms of unlawful activities, such as organized crime, money laundering, and trafficking. It is considered to be a necessary measure to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, and to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
- To balance national security and civil liberties: It is necessary to strike a balance between national security and protection of civil liberties. The act can be an effective tool in the fight against terrorism, as long as it is implemented in a fair and just manner and its provisions are not misused to stifle legitimate forms of dissent or activism.
Conclusion
- Concerns over the UAPA highlight the need for a balanced approach in the fight against terrorism, one that protects national security while also ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Mains question

Q. UAPA is continuously in the headlines from the time of its inception. Discuss the concerns and necessity of such Act.

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February 18, 2023
18th Feb 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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February 18, 2023
[Burning Issue] Air India Aircraft Deal and its Significance
Context
- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) placed two mega orders, adding up to a staggering 470 aircraft — for 250 planes with Europe’s Airbus consortium, and 220 with Boeing Co. of the United States.
- This is the largest order placed by an airline in one go anywhere in the world, beating the 2011 order by American Airlines for a combined 460 aircraft. The biggest order by an Indian carrier before this was IndiGo’s 300-aircraft order in 2019.
- In this context, this edition of the Burning Issue will elaborate on the deal and its impact on the Indian aviation sector. The topic will be relevant for the GS3 Mains Paper under the subheading Infrastructure development and Airports.
Details of the Air India order
- The deal includes seventy of the 470 aircraft wide-body or twin-aisle planes for long-haul flights.
- Airbus has got the bigger order, but the Boeing order includes an option for a 70-plane top-up, taking the possible order size to 540 aircraft.
- The mega order cost for Airbus and Boeing aircraft is estimated between $70 billion and $80 billion.
- Ever since Air India returned to the Tata Group, the new owners have been focussed on sprucing up the product offering, while also planning an extensive expansion for the airline.
- A five-year roadmap–Vihaan.AI–was prepared with the objective of substantially growing the airline’s network and fleet in a bid to put it on a “path to sustained growth, profitability, and market leadership”.
About Indian Aviation Industry
- One of the fastest-growing: The Indian aviation industry is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.
- Undergone a significant transformation: Over the last decade, it has undergone a significant transformation, with the rise of low-cost carriers, increased competition, and modernization of airport infrastructure.
- Growth: The Indian aviation industry has been growing at a rapid pace in recent years. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is expected to become the third-largest aviation market by 2025.
- Domestic and International Market: The Indian aviation industry has a mix of domestic and international airlines. The domestic market is dominated by low-cost carriers such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir, while the international market is dominated by full-service carriers such as Air India and Jet Airways.
- Government Support: The Indian government has been supportive of the aviation industry’s growth and has introduced several initiatives to encourage investment and development in the sector. These include the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) called UDAN, which aims to improve connectivity to remote and underserved regions in the country.
- Infrastructure Development: In recent years, there has been significant investment in airport infrastructure in India. The country has over 100 operational airports, and several new airports are under construction or in the planning stages.
- Skilled Workforce: The Indian aviation industry has a skilled and well-trained workforce, with several world-class aviation training institutions. Indian pilots and cabin crew are in high demand globally.
What is driving Indian Aviation Sector Growth?
- Already third largest domestic market: India is the third largest domestic aviation market after China and the US. The annual domestic air traffic in pre-covid 2019 for India stood at 144 mn passengers.
- Income growth and demographic dividend: Increasing income levels, an aspirational middle class, competition between low-cost carriers and enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.
- Potential to become the 3^rd largest international market: The government and the industry say India could become the third largest international — not just domestic — aviation market given the huge gap between potential and current air travel penetration.
How will Indian aviation shape up?
- A major shift could happen in the market: So far, IndiGo’s been the largest player with strong promoter support but there are visible signs of competition from Air India and Akasa Air. Indian airlines will eye a greater share of outbound international traffic from the current level of around 45%.
- While Air India is expected to cross foreign carriers in flights to US and Europe, IndiGo is eyeing Europe and East Asia by 2024. The government has asked airlines and airports to work towards multiple international hubs in India.
- According to IBEF, India is poised to improve its position from the 7^th largest in civil aviation to the third largest in the next 10 years. Given India’s demography and increasing purchasing power, domestic air traffic will certainly move higher.
Significance of the deal
- Aspirational Air India: It has put Air India in the league of “aspiring” global airlines. The debt-ridden carrier, which was taken over by the Tata Group in early 2022, plans to turn into “a world-class proposition”. Experts say the bulk order indicates Air India’s intent to reclaim its “pole position” in the domestic aviation market, as well as expand its presence in international routes, BBC reported.
- Reduce Dependence on Foreign Flyers: the large fleet that will be acquired by Air India will help in reducing the dependence of Indian flyers on foreign carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and other Middle Eastern airlines. These orders directly synergize Air India’s fleet with Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines – all part of Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance,
- Help enter markets like the US: The purchase of wide-bodied aircraft like the A350s will allow Air India to enter markets like the US and Australia directly by offering non-stop flights from India to these places.
- Cater to the need of Indian aviation: Air India’s new fleet will help in catering to the needs of India’s growing aviation market. Demand for air travel is again seeing a surge in India and other parts of Asia after the COVID-19 pandemic. As per ICRA, with 986 lakh flyers, domestic air traffic increased 63 per cent year-on-year between April and December 2022 in India.
- May give a boost to Make in India and employment: The deal can also create jobs for Indians. The Tata group chairman has hinted that some of the aircraft parts could be manufactured in India, which will boost domestic manufacturing and create job opportunities.
- Improves India’s global Standing: the deal is “important for the industry because, given the recent turbulence in the China market, the alternative growth market in India,”
- Political signals: “India is also sending a strong political signal that it wants to remain attached to the West at a time when it has appeared ambiguous on Russian sanctions,”
Impacts on bilateral relations
- India-France: At a virtual event attended by the Tata Sons chairman and French president Emmanuel Macron said that the Air India deal reflects deepening ties between India and France, as well as the successes and aspirations of India’s civil aviation sector. This achievement shows that Airbus and all its French partners are fully dedicated to developing new areas of dedication with India.
- India-US: The Indian prime minister and US President Biden acknowledged the Air India and Boeing deal as a “shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation”. The two leaders also expressed a desire to bolster bilateral cooperation in space, semi-conductors, supply chains and defense co-production.
- India-UK: British prime minister Rishi Sunak also said the Airbus-Air India deal would generate employment opportunities around the UK. This is one of the biggest export deals to India in decades and a huge win for the UK’s aerospace sector.
Challenges
- Funding: When the Tatas took over the company, they had absorbed around ₹15,300 crores of the total debt of ₹61,562 crore belonging to the bleeding air carrier. Thus, it will be challenging for AI to raise a loan of US $50-60 billion to fund the deal.
- Mere customer: if the Make-in-India clause is not added to the deal’s final agreement, India could end up being a ‘mere customer’ of goods with the least direct benefit to the Indian economy.
- Operating costs are high: The Indian aviation industry has many difficulties, including high operating costs. This is caused by a multitude of things, including exorbitant fuel costs, airport fees, and taxes. If all these continued, the profit from these new aircraft will remain low.
- Infrastructure Barriers: The Indian aviation industry is further hampered by outdated air traffic control systems, insufficient ground support services, and restricted airport capacity.
- Regulatory Framework: The regulatory framework is a source of difficulties for the Indian aviation industry.
Conclusion
- Overall, the Indian aviation industry has come a long way in recent years and is poised for further growth in the future. There will be a shakeout in India’s aviation sector, with the ‘Maharajah’ once more ascending the throne to reign supreme over India’s skies.
- With a large jump in international air carriers from India, the deal promises to make India an international hub for air travel. The government’s support, investments in infrastructure, and skilled workforce will be critical to ensuring the industry’s success in the years ahead.
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February 18, 2023
Supreme Court says NO to Sealed Cover suggestions
Central idea: The Supreme Court has said it did not want to accept in a “sealed cover” the Centre’s suggestions on who could be the members of a committee the court had proposed to assess the market regulatory framework and recommend measures, if any, to strengthen it in the wake of the Adani-Hindenburg affair.

What is the news?
- The article is about a public interest petition filed in the Supreme Court that calls for the establishment of an expert panel to strengthen regulatory mechanisms related to the Adani Group.
- The petitioners argue that the Adani Group has been able to bypass regulatory hurdles through its influence on government officials and agencies.
What is Sealed Cover Jurisprudence?
- It is a practice used by the Supreme Court and sometimes lower courts, of asking for or accepting information from government agencies in sealed envelopes that can only be accessed by judges.
- A specific law does not define the doctrine of sealed cover.
- The Supreme Court derives its power to use it from Rule 7 of order XIII of the Supreme Court Rules and Section 123 of the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
Need for sealed cover jurisprudence

There are several reasons why sealed cover jurisprudence is used-
- National security: For example, in cases involving sensitive information related to defense or intelligence agencies, the disclosure of such information in open court proceedings could compromise national security.
- Individual privacy: It is also used to protect the privacy in cases involving sensitive personal information. In such cases, the court may allow the submission of such information in a sealed cover to protect the privacy of the individual concerned.
- Protect commercial or trade secrets: In cases involving disputes between companies, the disclosure of confidential information related to their business operations could harm their commercial interests.
Nature of the power: Upholding Secrecy
- If the Chief Justice or court directs certain information to be kept under sealed cover or considers it of confidential nature, no party would be allowed access to the contents of such information.
- There is an exception to this if the Chief Justice himself orders that the opposite party be allowed to access it.
- It also mentions that information can be kept confidential if its publication is not considered to be in the interest of the public.
- As for the Evidence Act, official unpublished documents relating to state affairs are protected and a public officer cannot be compelled to disclose such documents.
Grounds of such secrecy

Other instances where information may be sought in secrecy or confidence is when its publication:
1. Impedes an ongoing investigation of cases related to national security
2. Details that are part of the police’s case diary or
3. Breaches the privacy of an individual
Prominent cases of sealed jurisprudence

Sealed cover jurisprudence has been frequently employed by courts in the recent past.

(1) Rafale Deal
- In the case pertaining to the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal, a Bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi in 2018, had asked the Centre to submit details related to deal’s decision making and pricing in a sealed cover.
- This was done as the Centre had contended that such details were subject to the Official Secrets Act and Secrecy clauses in the deal.
(2) Bhima Koregaon Case
- In the Bhima Koregaon case, in which activists were arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
- The Supreme Court had relied on information submitted by the Maharashtra police in a sealed cover.
Issues with such jurisprudence
- Undermines open justice: This practice appears to be unfavorable to the principles of transparency and accountability of the Indian justice system.
- Erodes public faith: It stands in contrast to the idea of an open court, where decisions can be subjected to public scrutiny.
- Increases arbitrariness: It is also said to enlarge the scope for arbitrariness in court decisions, as judges are supposed to lay down the reasoning for their decisions.
- Unfair trials: Besides, it is argued that not providing access to such documents to the accused parties obstructs their passage to a fair trial and adjudication.
Way forward
- Conduct an independent and thorough investigation: Inquire into the allegations raised in the petition, and take appropriate legal action against the Adani Group if they are found to have violated environmental regulations.
- Establish an expert panel as suggested by the petitioners: To review the regulatory framework and suggest measures to strengthen it. The panel should include experts from various fields, including environmental science, law, and economics.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in the regulatory process: Foster a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility among businesses by promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This could involve providing incentives and support to companies that adopt such practices.
- Review the use of sealed cover jurisprudence: Ensure that it is used judiciously and only in cases where it is necessary to protect sensitive or confidential information.
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February 18, 2023
How did Election Commission decide who gets Party Symbol?
Central idea: A faction within a political party led by the Maharashtra CM has been officially recognized as the legitimate group by the Election Commission of India. The faction has been allotted the “bow and arrow” symbol and the original name for use in future elections.

Why discuss this?
- The allotment of election symbols can have a significant impact on the electoral fortunes of political parties and that the current system of allotment may need to be reviewed to ensure greater transparency and fairness.
EC’s powers in Election Symbol Dispute
- The question of a split in a political party outside the legislature is dealt by Para 15 of the Symbols Order, 1968.
- It states that the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) may take into account all the available facts and circumstances and undertake a test of majority.
- The decision of the ECI shall be binding on all such rival sections or groups emerged after the split.
- This applies to disputes in recognized national and state parties.
- For splits in registered but unrecognized parties, the EC usually advises the warring factions to resolve their differences internally or to approach the court.
How did the EC deal with such matters before the Symbols Order came into effect?
- Before 1968, the EC issued notifications and executive orders under the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
- The most high-profile split of a party before 1968 was that of the CPI in 1964.
- A breakaway group approached the ECI in December 1964 urging it to recognize them as CPI(Marxist). They provided a list of MPs and MLAs of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and West Bengal who supported them.
- The ECI recognized the faction as CPI (M) after it found that the votes secured by the MPs and MLAs supporting the breakaway group added up to more than 4% in the 3 states.
Options for ECI
- The ECI in all likelihood can freeze the symbol so that neither of the two sides is able to use it until a final decision is made.
- EC hearings are long and detailed and may take at least six months.
What was the first case decided under Para 15 of the 1968 Order?
- It was the first split in the Indian National Congress in 1969.
- Indira Gandhi’s tensions with a rival group within the party came to a head with the death of President Dr Zakir Hussain on May 3, 1969.
Is there a way other than the test of the majority to resolve a dispute over election symbols?
- In almost all disputes decided by the EC so far, a clear majority of party delegates/office bearers, MPs and MLAs have supported one of the factions.
- Whenever the EC could not test the strength of rival groups based on support within the party organization (because of disputes regarding the list of office bearers), it fell back on testing the majority only among elected MPs and MLAs.
What happens to the group that doesn’t get the parent party’s symbol?
- The EC in 1997 did not recognize the new parties as either state or national parties.
- It felt that merely having MPs and MLAs is not enough, as the elected representatives had fought and won polls on tickets of their parent (undivided) parties.
- The EC introduced a new rule under which the splinter group of the party — other than the group that got the party symbol — had to register itself as a separate party.
- It could lay claim to national or state party status only on the basis of its performance in the state or central elections after registration.
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February 18, 2023
What is Special Marriage Act, 1954?
Central idea: An actress recently held her interfaith-marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

What is the Special Marriage Act?
- The Special Marriage Act of 1954 (SMA) was passed by the Parliament on October 9, 1954.
- It governs a civil marriage where the state sanctions the marriage rather than the religion.
- The minimum age to get married under the SMA is 21 years for males and 18 years for females.
Why was it enacted?

Ans. Interfaith/ Inter-caste Marriages
- Issues of personal law such as marriage, divorce, adoption are governed by religious laws that are codified.
- These laws, such as the Muslim Marriage Act, 1954, and the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, require either spouse to convert to the religion of the other before marriage.
- However, the SMA enables marriage between inter-faith or inter-caste couples without them giving up their religious identity or resorting to conversion.
Why is it ‘Special’?
- Detachment from the family: Once married as per the secular law, under Section 19 of the Act, any member of an undivided family who professes the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh or Jain religion shall be deemed to affect their severance from the family.
- Losing inherited property: This would affect rights, including the right to inheritance, of the persons choosing to marry under the SMA.
Who can get married under the Special Marriage Act?
- The applicability of the Act extends to the people of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, across India.
- Some customary restrictions such as parties not being within degrees of a prohibited relationship still apply to couples under SMA.
- In 1952, when the Bill was proposed, the requirement of monogamy was considered radical.
- Section 4 of the SMA requires that at the time of marriage, “neither party has a spouse living” or is “incapable of giving a valid consent to it in consequence of unsoundness of mind”.
What is the procedure for a civil marriage?
- As per Section 5 of the Act, the parties to the marriage are required to give a notice, in writing, to a “Marriage Officer” of the district in which at least one of the parties has resided for at least 30 days immediately preceding the notice.
- Before the marriage is solemnized, the parties and three witnesses are required to sign a declaration form before the Marriage Officer.
- Once the declaration is accepted, the parties will be given a “Certificate of marriage” which is essentially proof of the marriage.
Furore over such marriages

Ans. Religious conversion has emerged as the practical way to cohabit as a couple, in a country where neither the inter-faith, inter-caste nor the live-in couples can earn societal approval.
- As per some Personal laws, in order to get married conversion of religion to get equalized is the only way.
- There are cases of being allegedly lured and honey-trapped by men and those girls now seeking their help to free themselves.
- Interfaith marriages these days are believed to be a forced conversion of the women spouses.
- Fundamentalists’ claims that men of a particular religion are trained on the intricacies of religious doctrine to allure other religion women for marriage in an attempt to finish off her religion.
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Nominated members cannot vote in Delhi Mayor Poll: Supreme Court
Central idea: The Supreme Court ordered the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to notify the first meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to elect a Mayor within 24 hours and held that nominated members cannot vote in these polls.

What is the issue?
- The issue at hand is whether the nominated members of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi should be allowed to vote in the mayoral polls.
- A Party had challenged the eligibility of the nominated members to vote, arguing that they were appointed by the Delhi government and were therefore not neutral.
- The Supreme Court of India has now ruled that the nominated members cannot vote in the mayoral polls.
What has the Supreme Court ruled?
- The Bench did not agree with the L-G’s contention that nominated members could vote in the first meeting.
- The court pointed out that Article 243R of the Constitution did not distinguish between the first and regular meetings.
Who is a Mayor?
- In India, the mayor is the head of a municipal corporation, which is responsible for providing essential services and infrastructure to the residents of a city or town.
- The mayor is usually elected by the members of the municipal corporation or council, and serves as the ceremonial head of the local government.
History of Mayor’s elections in India
- Municipal corporation mechanisms in India was introduced during British Rule with formation of municipal corporation in Madras (Chennai) in 1688, later followed by municipal corporations in Bombay (Mumbai) and Calcutta (Kolkata) by 1762.
- However the process of introduction for an elected President in the municipalities was made in Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870.
- Since then the current form and structure of municipal bodies followed is similar to Lord Ripon’s Resolution adopted in 1882 on local self-governance.
- The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 was introduced providing for the transfer of 18 different powers to urban local bodies, including the election of a mayor and to recognise them which included Municipal Corporations, Nagar Panchayats, and Municipal Councils.
Elections and tenure
- The method of electing mayor and their tenure varies for each city in India.
- In Bengaluru (Karnataka) the election process is indirect with a tenure being for one year, in Mumbai (Maharashtra) it follows indirect elections with tenure for 2.5 years and Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) follows a directly elected mayor with a term for 5 years.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Governs the local civic body.
- Fixed tenure varying in different towns.
- First citizen of city.
- Has two varied roles — Representation and upholding of the dignity of the city during ceremonial times and a presiding over discussions of the civic house with elected representatives in functional capacity.
- The Mayor’s role is confined to the corporation hall of presiding authority at various meetings relating to corporation.
- The Mayor’s role extends much beyond the local city and country as the presiding authority at corporation meetings during visits of a foreign dignitary to the city as he is invited by the state government to receive and represent the citizens to the guest of honour.
- At government, civic and other social functions he is given prominence.
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