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Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • The Seductive Trap of the Civil Services    

    Why in the News?

    Public service doesn’t have exclusive rights to serve the nation, nor does it offer any special opportunities for doing so.

    Present Status of Civil Services in India

    1. Reputation and Credibility: Recent controversies, such as the case of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who has allegedly misused quotas and provided false documentation shadow over the credibility of UPSC.
    2. High Aspirations and Struggles: The civil service job is a highly demandable career in India. It is often viewed as a prestigious and stable option which leads to a competitive environment where many aspirants repeatedly attempt the UPSC exams leading to mental health struggles and societal pressure. 
    3. Coaching Industry Influence: The expansive coaching industry thrives on the aspirations of civil service candidates by capitalizing on the high failure rates and the desperation of aspirants.

    About the Kothari Commission: 

    • The Kothari Commission, officially known as the Education Commission of 1964-66, was established by the Government of India to comprehensively evaluate the educational system and recommend reforms. It was chaired by Dr. D. S. Kothari.
    • The Commission aimed to align education with national development goals and address various shortcomings in the existing system. 
    • Its report, titled “Education and National Development,” was submitted on June 29, 1966.

    Suggestions from the Kothari Commission:

    The Kothari Commission’s recommendations, which aimed to reform education and public service, can provide a framework for addressing the current challenges in the civil services:

    1. Age Limit Adjustments: The government should reduce the upper age limit for candidates from around 34-35 years to 25 years, with allowances for special categories which could help mitigate the prolonged pursuit of civil services and reduce the burden on young aspirants.
    2. Limiting Attempts: Restricting the number of attempts to three, with an additional attempt for special categories which could help streamline the process and discourage the excessive commercialization of coaching services that exploit aspirants’ ambitions.
    3. Broadened Perspectives on Service: Encouraging young people to view various professions as valid forms of national service rather than solely focusing on government positions.

    Way forward: 

    • Reforming Recruitment and Training Processes: To enhance credibility and transparency in civil services recruitment, the UPSC and related bodies could implement stricter verification processes for candidates’ credentials, including quotas and documentation.
    • Diversifying Career Awareness and Opportunities: The government, along with educational institutions like CBSE can promote awareness of diverse career paths beyond civil services, emphasizing the value of contributing to the nation through various professions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • On the allegations against the SEBI chief      

    Why in the News?

    Hindenburg Research has alleged SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband held stakes in Adani-linked offshore funds, implying bias in SEBI’s Adani investigation.

    Accusations Against SEBI Chairman Madhabi Puri Buch 

    • Hindenburg Research has accused SEBI Chairman Madhabi Puri Buch of conflicts of interest related to offshore funds tied to the Adani Group, financial opacity regarding a consulting firm transferred to her husband, and potential favoritism towards Blackstone, where her husband is a senior advisor. 

    Status of the Ongoing Investigation by SEBI

    • Supreme Court Oversight: The Supreme Court has directed SEBI to investigate the allegations made by Hindenburg Research.
    • Show Cause Notice by SEBI: In June 2024, SEBI issued a show cause notice to Hindenburg Research, indicating that the regulator is actively pursuing the matter.

    About SEBI’s Code on Conflict of Interest:

    According to SEBI’s Code on Conflict of Interest, board members, including the Chairperson, are prohibited from holding any other office of profit or engaging in professional activities that involve receiving a salary or professional fees.It can constitute a number of different things that need to be disclosed by the concerned board member:

    • Certain transactions in shares: The Code says that a member must disclose their, and their family’s (spouse, dependent children below 18 years of age) holdings within 15 days of the assumption of Office, and annually update this disclosure.
    • Outside private activities: SEBI board members are not allowed to hold any other ‘office of profit’.
    • Acceptance of gifts: Board members are not allowed to accept “any gift (whose value exceeds Rs 1,000) by whatever name called, to the extent possible, from a regulated entity”. If they do, they have to hand it over to the General Services Department of the SEBI.
    • Miscellaneous: Members are bound to disclose “any post, other employment or fiduciary position” which they hold or have held in the past five years, in connection with any regulated entity.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance stricter disclosure requirements:  SEBI should implement stricter disclosure requirements for all board members, including the Chairperson, ensuring transparency about their financial interests, past affiliations, and potential conflicts.
    • Establishing an Independent Ethics Committee: An independent ethics committee should be created to oversee and review any potential conflicts of interest involving SEBI board members.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in the corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability. (2015)

  • No population Census — in the dark without vital data 

    Why in the News?

    Despite growing concerns, India’s decadal Census has been delayed by over three years. In fact, there is an overwhelming misconception among officials about substituting the Census with alternative ways and means of counting the population.

    Significance of Calculating Census

    • Comprehensive Population Data: The Census provides a detailed population count, which includes locational, familial, and individual information.
      • For instance, the Census can reveal insights into population density, age distribution, educational attainment, and employment status.
    • Foundation for Surveys and Indicators: The Census acts as a foundational frame for large-scale surveys like the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). 
    • Support for SDG Monitoring: In the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Census data is crucial for generating accurate indicators, particularly those requiring disaggregated data below the sub-national level.
      • For instance, to monitor progress on goals related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and health, precise demographic data is necessary to identify disparities and target interventions effectively.
    • Demographic Transition Insights: The Census is vital for capturing changes in population composition, familial structures, and occupational distribution, especially during periods of rapid demographic transition.
    • Global Implications: Given India’s significant influence on global population trends, accurate Census data is crucial for global demographic studies and projections.
      • For example Global Health Security Index and Multidimensional Poverty Indices.

    Changes to understand before taking Census Count

    • Population Dynamics: Since the last Census, significant changes in population count and composition must be understood, including shifts due to migration, fertility, and mortality rates.
      • For example: In India, the average annual growth rate of the population has slowed from 2.2% in 1971 to 1.1% in 2021, with projections indicating further declines to 0.58% by 2036.
    • Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has had a profound impact on health, employment, and livelihoods, which need to be accurately captured in the Census.
      • For example, The Indian government reported over 500,000 COVID-19 related deaths, which have affected overall mortality statistics and health indicators.
    • Socio-economic Transformations: Changes in education, occupation, and employment patterns over the last decade are crucial to understanding current societal trends.
      • For example, The literacy rate in India has improved significantly, rising from 64.8% in 2001 to 77.7% in 2011, with further increases expected.
    • Infrastructure and Development Changes: The transformation in physical and digital infrastructure, as well as regional development patterns, must be considered to accurately reflect the current state of the nation.
      • For example, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, with a reported increase in internet users from 560 million in 2019 to over 800 million in 2022. This digital transformation has reshaped how people work and access services.

    Demand for Caste Census in India

    • Political Motivations: The demand for a caste Census is largely driven by political interests, aiming to establish differential entitlements based on perceived representation and deprivation.
      • For instance, leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) have emphasized the need for a caste Census
    • Historical Context: Caste auditing was part of earlier Census exercises but was discontinued for specific reasons.
      • For example, Caste auditing was part of earlier Census exercises, with the British-era Censuses from 1881 to 1931 enumerating all castes. However, after independence, the Government of India decided not to enumerate castes in the 1951 Census, except for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
    • Assessment of Mobility: There is a lack of systematic assessment of social mobility in education and occupation across caste lines, despite decades of affirmative action. A caste Census could potentially address this gap but is viewed with skepticism.
      • For instance, while reservations exist for OBCs and SCs, the actual impact on social mobility remains unclear due to insufficient data.

    Way forward: 

    1. Incorporation of Caste Data: Need to amend the Census Act of 1948 to mandate the enumeration of caste data alongside other demographic information. This would provide a legal framework for collecting comprehensive caste-wise data.
    2. Independent Studies and Pilot Surveys: The government should conduct independent studies at district and state levels to gather data on castes and sub-castes.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (2020)

  • Vinesh Phogat’s Olympics disqualification     

    Why in the News?

    Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after the official weigh-in on Wednesday morning, before her scheduled gold medal bout in the evening, leaving her without a medal.

    What is Weight Cutting?

    • Weight cutting is the process by which athletes systematically reduce their body weight before a competition. This typically involves a combination of dietary restrictions and intensive physical activity aimed at shedding a specific amount of weight, often over a period of weeks leading up to the event.
    • Wrestlers often employ extreme measures such as skipping meals, limiting water intake, and engaging in intense exercise, including sauna sessions and wearing heavy clothing to promote sweating. This can lead to rapid weight loss primarily through fluid loss.

    Why Do Combat Athletes Cut Weight?

    • Combat sports like wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) are organized by weight classes to ensure fair competition. Athletes aim to compete in lower weight classes to gain a size and strength advantage over their opponents, as they can often regain weight after the weigh-in.
    • By cutting weight, athletes believe they can compete against opponents who are lighter and potentially less strong, thus increasing their chances of success in the competition.

    Should Weight Cutting Be Banned?

    • The practice of weight cutting poses significant health risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and energy depletion, which can impair performance and lead to serious medical issues. Athletes may experience severe fatigue and reduced physical capabilities after extreme weight cuts.
    • There is an ongoing debate about whether weight cutting should be banned or regulated more strictly. Critics argue that the health risks outweigh the competitive advantages, while supporters maintain that it is a part of the sport’s culture and can be managed safely with proper guidance.
    • Some suggest that instead of banning weight cutting, sports organizations should implement better regulations and educate athletes about safe practices for weight management, including gradual weight loss and hydration strategies.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement Hydration Testing: Regular hydration tests can prevent severe dehydration, ensuring athletes remain within safe hydration levels.
    • Weight Class Monitoring: Monitor athletes’ weight throughout the training period to discourage rapid weight loss just before competition.
    • Set Minimum Weight Limits: Establish minimum weight thresholds based on athletes’ natural body weight to prevent extreme weight cuts.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and the nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Why Himalayan towns need a different kind of development    

    Why in the News?

    The Teesta dam breach and Himachal floods highlight the urgent need to evaluate development projects based on their environmental impact, especially in fragile mountain regions.

    What are the underlying issues in the cities of IHR? 

    1. Inadequate Planning Models: Planning institutions in the IHR often use models from the plains, which are ill-suited to the region’s unique conditions, leading to ineffective implementation and failures.
    2. Human Resource Deficit: City governments in the IHR face a severe shortage of human resources, with staffing levels falling short by nearly 75%, hampering effective urban management.
    3. Uncontrolled Urban Expansion: Cities are expanding into village peripheries, encroaching on common lands and natural resources, as seen in Srinagar, where built-up areas increased by 75.58% from 2000 to 2020, while water bodies shrank by 25%.
    4. Environmental Strain: Urbanization, high-intensity tourism, and unsustainable infrastructure development are exacerbating environmental pressures in the IHR, further worsened by changing precipitation patterns and rising temperatures.
    5. Financial Constraints: The IHR cities lack the capacity to generate capital for infrastructure needs, highlighting the need for the Finance Commission to address urban financing in this region, given the high costs and absence of industrial corridors.

    What can be done?

    1. Every town needs to be mapped, with layers identifying vulnerabilities from geological and hydrological perspectives. The planning process should involve locals and follow a bottom-up approach.
    2. Consultant-driven urban planning processes should be shelved for Himalayan towns, with the urban design based on climate resilience.
    3. Current intergovernmental transfers from the centre to urban local bodies constitute a mere 0.5% of GDP. This should be increased to at least 1% of GDP.
    4. Himalayan towns must engage in wider conversations about sustainability, with the focus on urban futures being through robust, eco-centric planning processes involving public participation.

    Case Study 

    Nainital: Integrated Development Plan

    1. Nainital district in Uttarakhand implemented an Integrated Development Plan that aimed to balance urban growth with environmental conservation.
    2. The plan involved mapping vulnerable areas, restricting construction in ecologically sensitive zones, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
    3. Community participation and awareness programs were also part of the initiative to ensure long-term sustainability.

    Dharamshala: Green Building Norms

    1. The Dharamshala Municipal Corporation in Himachal Pradesh has adopted green building norms for new constructions, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
    2. The city has also invested in public transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to reduce vehicular emissions and promote sustainable mobility

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?  (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • Court shifts the tide on stray dog policy  

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court ended the 15-year-old (Animal Welfare Board of India & Anr Versus People for Elimination of Stray Troubles & Ors) AWBI vs. PEST case on July 12, after the final hearing on May 9, sparking mixed reactions.

    The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules are:

    • The PCA Act, 1960 was enacted by the Parliament of India to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and to amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
      • The PCA Act, 1960 and ABC Rules, 2001 prohibit the killing of stray dogs and mandate sterilization as the only scientific and humane method of controlling stray dog populations.
      • The new ABC Rules, 2023 notified under the PCA Act, 1960 also prohibit wanton killing of stray dogs by municipalities and require them to follow sterilization.
    • The Act defines “animal” as any living creature other than a human being. It establishes the Animal Welfare Board of India to promote animal welfare.
    • Chapter III of the Act lists different forms of cruelty to animals that are banned, including those related to work animals, captivity, ownership, abuse, mutilation or killing.
    • Chapter IV deals with experiments on animals. While it does not make experiments unlawful for the advancement of knowledge, it allows the Board to advise the government to create a committee to control and supervise such experiments.
    • Chapter V outlines restrictions, procedures and offences related to performing animals. The Central Government can prohibit any animal from exhibition or training through notification.

    Note: In 2022, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying submitted a draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill 2022 for public comment. The draft includes 61 amendments to further clarify the law and make punishments more stringent.

    The Supreme Court stated that the Central law (PCA Act 1960 and ABC Rules, 2023) which prohibits killing of stray dogs by local authorities remains the governing law of the land.

    What the Supreme Court said on the ‘Duty of every Citizen’:

    • The Supreme Court capped off the judgment with the lines: “Compassion to all living beings, is the enshrined Constitutional value and mandate, and cast obligation on the authorities to maintain.”
      • This refers to Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India which states: “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.”
    • The court emphasized that Citizens should avoid unscientific and cruel methods like killing stray dogs and instead choose the scientific and humane method of sterilization.

    Issues due to stray dogs in India: 

    • Population: India has an estimated 60 million stray dogs, making it the country with the highest number of stray dogs globally.
    • Rabies Incidence: India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths and 65% of rabies deaths in the South-East Asia region.
      • Between 2012 and 2022, the National Rabies Control Program reported 6,644 clinically suspected cases of rabies in humans.
    • Dog Bite Cases: Reports indicate that major cities have seen alarming numbers of dog bite incidents. For example, Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital recorded nearly 48,000 dog bite cases in just six months. In Kerala alone, there were over 1.9 lakh dog bite cases last year, with 21 deaths attributed to rabies.

    Way forward:

    • Enhanced Public Awareness and Education: Need to implement nationwide campaigns to educate the public on responsible pet ownership, the importance of sterilization, and the humane treatment of stray dogs.
    • Strengthening Enforcement of Existing Laws: Need to ensure that municipalities and local authorities are adequately trained and funded to implement the ABC Rules effectively.
  • [pib] Nandini Sahakar Yojana

    Why in the News?

    • The Minister of Cooperation has provided some information about the Nandini Sahakar Yojana.
      • NCDC has cumulatively disbursed financial assistance amounting to Rs. 6426.36 crore for the development of cooperative societies exclusively promoted by women across the country.

    About Nandini Sahakar Yojana

    • The Nandini Sahakar Scheme was initiated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in 2010.
    • It is a women-focused framework providing financial assistance, project formulation, hand-holding, and capacity development.
    • The scheme aims to assist women cooperatives in undertaking business model-based activities under the purview of NCDC.

    Features of the Scheme

    • Any cooperative society with at least 50% women as primary members and a minimum of three months in operation is eligible to apply.
    • Assistance is provided in the form of credit linkage for infrastructure term loans and working capital, along with subsidies or interest subvention from other government schemes.
    • There is no minimum or maximum limit on financial assistance for projects by women cooperatives.
    • NCDC offers a 2% interest subvention on its rate of interest on term loans for new and innovative activities.
    • A 1% interest subvention is provided on term loans for all other activities, resulting in lower borrowing costs for women cooperatives.
  • The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024

    Why in the News?

    The government has introduced the Waqf Act Amendment Bill 2024, in order to improve administration and management of the Waqf properties.

    Aim: To address existing issues in the management and administration of Waqf properties, ensuring better transparency and efficiency.

    • It also seeks to improve the legal framework governing Waqf boards and their operations across India.

    Background:

    • The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 proposes changes to the Waqf Act of 1995.
    • The Waqf Board Act, initially enacted in 1995, is a legal framework governing the administration of Waqf properties in India.
    • Waqf refers to the endowment of property for religious or charitable purposes, and the act outlines the structure, functions, and powers of Waqf boards responsible for managing these properties.
    • The Central Waqf Council is a statutory body that advises and oversees the functioning of state-level Waqf Boards in India, established under the Waqf Act.
    • Wakf board’s income is exempt from Income Tax but revenue generated from leasing of properties can be taxed under the service tax and GST laws.

     Features of the Proposed Bill:

    • Waqf Board will mandatorily have two Non-Muslim members.
    • District magistrates may be involved in overseeing waqf properties to ensure proper management. The survey is to be carried out by the district collector, not by Waqf.
    • Properties are to be registered through a Centralized Portal for better scrutiny. Properties already claimed by boards will undergo new verification processes to resolve disputes and prevent misuse.
    • Waqf will lose the right to decide whether any property is a Waqf Asset or not.

    Present Composition of Waqf Board

    Chairperson Leads the Board
    State government nominees Representatives appointed by the state. (The Waqf Board operates under the supervision of the state government as per the provision of the Wakf Act 1995).
    Legislators and parliamentarians State representatives from the Muslim community
    State Bar Council members Muslim Legal experts providing guidance
    Mutawalis Managers of waqf with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh and above
    Islamic scholars Religious experts contributing to decision-making

     

    Significance of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:

    The bill seeks to bring about significant administrative reforms and ensure more inclusive and efficient management of Waqf assets. Here are some of the significances of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:

    • Enhanced Transparency: The bill includes provisions to digitize records and create a centralized database. This will make it easier to track and manage Waqf properties, reducing the potential for fraud and mismanagement.
    • Improved Governance: Administrative reforms proposed in the bill by the government will lead to more professional and efficient management of Waqf properties. This could result in better utilization of these resources for charitable and religious purposes​.
    • Protection of Waqf Properties: The bill aims to protect Waqf properties by regulating leasing and preventing encroachments. Unauthorized use and exploitation of these properties will be prevented, ensuring they are used for their intended religious and charitable purposes.
    • Inclusion and Representation: Including Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is a step toward more inclusive governance, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making.
    • Efficient Dispute Resolution: The new dispute resolution mechanism will help in resolving conflicts related to Waqf properties more effectively, reducing the burden on regular courts and ensuring quicker justice​.

     

  • [pib] Schemes implemented by the WCD Ministry clubbed into 3 Verticals

    Why in the News?

    • For better implementation and efficient monitoring, all schemes implemented by the Ministry for the betterment of children have been consolidated into 3 verticals:
    1. Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0,
    2. Mission Shakti, and
    3. Mission Vatsalya.
    • These verticals aim to improve nutrition and health indicators, ensure safety and empowerment of women, and provide protection and welfare for children in difficult circumstances.

    Scheme Details:

    [1] Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0)

    • The Anganwadi Services Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and Scheme for Adolescent Girls have been reorganized into three primary sub-verticals:
      1. Nutrition Support: For POSHAN and Adolescent Girls.
      2. Early Childhood Care and Education: Targeting children aged 3-6 years.
      3. Anganwadi Infrastructure: Upgrading and modernizing Saksham Anganwadis.
    • Key Features:
    • Fortified rice supplied to Anganwadi Centres to meet micronutrient requirements and control anemia among children.
    • Emphasis on the use of millets for Hot Cooked Meals at least once a week and Take Home Ration (THR) at Anganwadi centers.

    [2] Mission Shakti

    • Sambal: Focuses on the safety and security of women.
      • Includes schemes like One Stop Centres (OSC), Women Helpline (181-WHL), and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).
    • Samarthya: Aims at the empowerment of women.
      • Encompasses schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Ujjwala, Swadhar Greh (renamed as Shakti Sadan), Working Women Hostel (renamed as Sakhi Niwas), National Hub for Empowerment of Women (NHEW), and National Creche Scheme (renamed as Palna).

    [3] Mission Vatsalya

    • Objective: To provide better outreach and protection for children in need of care in a mission mode.
    • Goals:
      1. Support and sustain children in difficult circumstances.
      2. Develop context-based solutions for the holistic development of children from varied backgrounds.
      3. Encourage innovative solutions through green field projects.
      4. Facilitate convergent action by gap funding if required.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

    1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

    2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

    3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

    4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

    (d) 3 and 4 only

  • Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)  

    Why in the News?

    The Health Ministry has requested the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to implement measures to prevent surrogate advertisements of tobacco and alcoholrelated products by sportspersons.

    About Sports Authority of India (SAI)

    Details
    Establishment Founded in 1984 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
    Headquarters Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, New Delhi, India
    Objectives
    • Promote sports and physical education
    • Develop sports infrastructure
    • Identify and nurture sports talent
    • Conduct coaching and training programs
    Key Programs
    • National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)
    • Special Area Games (SAG)
    • SAI Training Centres (STC)
    • Centres of Excellence (COE)
    • National Sports Academies (NSA)
    Major Facilities
    • Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
    • Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi
    • Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi
    • Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala
    Notable Initiatives
    • Khelo India Program
    • Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
    • Mission Olympic Cell (MOC)

     

    About Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

    Details
    Establishment Founded in December 1928
    Headquarters Cricket Centre, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
    Objectives
    • Promote and develop cricket in India
    • Organize domestic and international cricket matches
    • Identify and nurture cricket talent
    • Maintain cricket infrastructure and facilities
    Key Responsibilities
    • Selection of national cricket teams (men’s, women’s, and junior)
    • Organization of domestic cricket tournaments
    • Administration of Indian Premier League (IPL)
    • Conducting training and coaching programs
    Major Tournaments
    • Indian Premier League (IPL)
    • Ranji Trophy
    • Vijay Hazare Trophy
    • Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
    • Duleep Trophy
    • Irani Cup
    Funding and Support
    • Funded through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and match revenues
    • Provides financial assistance and contracts to cricketers
    Reforms  Justice Lodha Committee: Result of the report submitted by the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee after an investigation into the 2013 IPL betting scandal.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship:

    1. The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won.

    2. New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 and 2