💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Explained

These Newscards correspond to the explained section of various newspapers. They become immensely important for both prelims and mains and special attention needs to be paid to them

  • Quad meet launches maritime and health initiatives

    Why in the News?

    The recent summit of the Quad leaders resulted in several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation among the member countries—India, the United States, Australia, and Japan.

    What are the initiatives taken by QUAD?

    • Quad Cancer Moonshot: This initiative focuses on combating cervical cancer, with India committing $10 million for screening efforts. The Serum Institute of India and Gavi aim to provide up to 40 million vaccines for the region, pending regulatory approvals.
    • Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission: Scheduled for 2025, this mission aims to enhance interoperability and maritime safety among Quad nations.
    • Logistics Network Pilot Project: This project will facilitate the sharing of airlift capacity among Quad countries to support disaster response efforts across the region.
    • Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): This initiative focuses on training Quad partners to monitor and secure their waters, enforce laws, and deter unlawful behavior. India is set to host the first MAITRI workshop in 2025.
    • Maritime Legal Dialogue: A new dialogue has been launched to uphold a rules-based order in maritime operations, condemning aggressive actions, particularly those related to China.

    What is MAITRI? 

    • MAITRI, or Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific, is a program designed to enhance the maritime capabilities of Quad partners.

    Its implications include:

    • Capacity Building: By training personnel from partner nations, MAITRI aims to improve their ability to monitor and secure their maritime territories effectively.
    • Enhanced Cooperation: The initiative fosters closer collaboration among Quad countries in maritime security, which is crucial given rising tensions in regions like the South China Sea.
    • Regional Stability: By equipping nations with better tools and knowledge to enforce maritime laws and deter unlawful activities, MAITRI contributes to greater stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

    What is the effectiveness of QUAD in recent times?

    • Condemnation of Aggression: The Quad has taken a strong stance against aggression in the East and South China Seas, signaling unity among member states regarding regional security concerns.
    • Support for Ukraine: The leaders expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterated their commitment to international law, showcasing a collective approach to global issues beyond regional security.
    • Expanded Fellowship Programs: The Quad fellowship program has been expanded to include additional scholarships for STEM education, reflecting a commitment to educational collaboration and capacity building in science and technology.
    • Focus on Health Initiatives: The launch of the Quad Cancer Moonshot demonstrates a proactive approach towards public health challenges, particularly in addressing cervical cancer through international cooperation.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Maritime Security Collaboration: Quad nations should deepen cooperation through initiatives like MAITRI and the Quad-at-Sea mission to enhance maritime security, law enforcement, and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring stability amidst regional tensions.
    • Expand Multilateral Health and Development Programs: Building on the success of initiatives like the Quad Cancer Moonshot, the Quad should further invest in collaborative healthcare, disaster response, and capacity-building projects to address pressing global challenges and strengthen resilience across member states.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Wide-ranging reforms undertaken in food-processing sector in last 10 years

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that over the past decade, India has implemented “comprehensive” reforms to revolutionize the food-processing sector.

    What are the steps taken by Govt in food processing industry in India?

    • Priority Sector Lending: In April 2015, food and agro-based processing units were included as agricultural activities under the Priority Sector Lending norms, facilitating easier access to credit for these businesses.
    • FDI Policies: The government allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route for the food processing sector, encouraging foreign investment and technological transfer.
    • Special Food Processing Fund: A fund of ₹2,000 crore was established with NABARD to support food processing projects and infrastructure development.
    • Regulatory Reforms: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) shifted from product-by-product approvals to an ingredient-based approval process in 2016, simplifying compliance for businesses.
    • Infrastructure Development: Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) aim to create a robust infrastructure for food processing through cold storage facilities, processing units, and logistics support.

    Status of food processing industries in India

    • Economic Contribution: The sector accounts for approximately 13% of India’s total exports and 6% of industrial investment. It is expected to generate around 9 million jobs by 2024.
    • Growth Rate: The industry has been growing at an average annual rate of about 11.18% over recent years, indicating significant potential for expansion.
    • Market Share: Despite being one of the largest producers of agricultural commodities, India’s food processing sector represents only about 10% of total food production.

    What are the still challenges present in food processing industry in India? 

    • Inadequate Infrastructure: A lack of cold storage and transportation facilities leads to over 30% post-harvest losses.
    • Fragmented Supply Chains: The supply chain is highly fragmented, causing inefficiencies and increased costs due to poor connectivity and coordination among stakeholders.
    • Regulatory Complexities: The industry is burdened by a complex web of regulations that can hinder business operations and compliance efforts.
    • Lack of Skilled Labor: There is a significant shortage of skilled professionals in areas such as food technology and quality control, which hampers innovation and adherence to safety standards.
    • Limited Technology Adoption: Many processors still rely on outdated technologies, which affects productivity and product quality. High costs and lack of technical expertise further inhibit technological advancements.

    What should be done by Govt to resolve these challenges? (Way forward)

    • Infrastructure Investment: Increase investments in cold chain logistics and transportation infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses and improve supply chain efficiency.
    • Financial Support Mechanisms: Facilitate easier access to finance through specialized loans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food processing sector.
    • Skill Development Programs: Enhance vocational training initiatives focused on food technology and safety management.
    • Regulatory Simplification: Streamline existing regulations to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. A unified regulatory framework could help clarify compliance requirements and foster a more conducive environment for business operations.
    • Promote R&D Investment: Encourage investment in research and development to foster innovation within the sector.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • Cabinet approves continuation of PM-AASHA to provide better prices to farmers

    Why in the News?

    The government has approved the extension of the PM-AASHA scheme, allocating ₹35,000 crore, to ensure farmers receive better prices for their produce and to regulate price fluctuations of essential commodities for consumers.

    What is PM-AASHA?

    Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) is an umbrella scheme launched by the Government of India in September 2018, aimed at ensuring remunerative prices for farmers’ produce. It integrates various existing schemes to provide a comprehensive approach to price support, including:

    • Price Support Scheme (PSS): Physical procurement of specific crops by central agencies.
    • Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Direct payments to farmers for the difference between the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and market prices.
    • Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS): Involvement of private players in crop procurement.

    The scheme has been extended until 2025-26 with a financial outlay of ₹35,000 crore to enhance its effectiveness and reach.

    What are the implications of PM-AASHA?

    • Income Security: By ensuring MSP, PM-AASHA aims to stabilize farmers’ incomes and protect them from price fluctuations in the market.
    • Increased Production: The assurance of remunerative prices is expected to encourage farmers to increase production, particularly in pulses and oilseeds, which have historically been underproduced.
    • Market Stability: The scheme helps regulate prices of essential commodities, making them affordable for consumers while ensuring fair compensation for producers.
    • Strengthened Procurement Mechanism: The integration of various schemes under PM-AASHA enhances the overall procurement process, making it more efficient and transparent.

    What are the issues related to MSP?

    • Limited Coverage: MSP is primarily applicable to a few crops like wheat and rice, leaving many farmers without guaranteed prices for their produce.
    • Inefficient Procurement Infrastructure: The existing infrastructure for procurement is inadequate, leading to delays and inefficiencies that affect farmers’ ability to sell their produce at MSP.
    • Lack of Awareness: Many farmers are unaware of their rights regarding MSP or how to access these benefits effectively.
    • Regional Disparities: There are significant regional disparities in the implementation of MSP. States like Punjab and Haryana benefit more from MSP due to better procurement systems, while farmers in other states may struggle to access these benefits.
    • Market Distortions: The MSP system leads to market distortions, encouraging overproduction of certain crops while neglecting others.

    What should be done to resolve the issues related to MSP?

    • Expand MSP Coverage: The government should consider extending MSP to a wider range of crops, particularly those that are crucial for food security and farmer livelihoods.
    • Enhance Procurement Infrastructure: Investments should be made in developing better procurement facilities, including storage and transportation systems, especially in rural areas.
    • Increase Awareness Campaigns: Implementing educational programs for farmers about their rights regarding MSP and how they can benefit from it would empower them significantly.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap?  (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Bombay HC strikes down amended IT rules

    Why in the News?

    The Bombay High Court on Friday struck down the amended IT Rules, 2023, which allowed the Centre to establish a fact-check unit for monitoring government-related misinformation.

    Background of the Case

    • In April 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MEiTY) amended the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, to establish a Fact Check Unit (FCU) aimed at identifying “fake, false, and misleading” information about the Central government on social media platforms.

    Reason Behind the Strike Down

    • Violation of Fundamental Right: Justice Chandurkar struck down the amended IT Rules 2023 on grounds that they violated Articles 14 (right to equality), 19 (freedom of speech and expression), and 19(1)(g) (freedom to practice any profession) of the Constitution.
    • Lack of clear defination: The terms “fake, false and misleading” were deemed vague due to the absence of clear definitions, leading to potential misuse and a chilling effect on intermediaries’ operations.
      • The ruling emphasized that the lack of clarity in the rules could lead to arbitrary censorship by the government, undermining democratic principles.

    What are the IT Rules 2023?

    • The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 empower the government to mandate social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to remove content deemed “fake, false or misleading” regarding government affairs.
    • The Fact Check Unit (FCU) was designated as the authority to identify such content. If intermediaries failed to comply with its directives, they risked losing their safe harbour status under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000.

    The implications of FCU: 

    • Potential censorship of political discourse and criticism.
    • Increased pressure on social media platforms to comply with government directives.
    • A risk of undermining independent journalism and fact-checking efforts by civil society organizations.

    Way forward: 

    • Clear Definitions and Safeguards: Introduce precise definitions for terms like “fake, false, and misleading” and establish an independent oversight mechanism to prevent arbitrary censorship, ensuring the protection of free speech and democratic values.
    • Strengthen Accountability: Encourage collaboration between the government, civil society, and tech platforms to create transparent and accountable fact-checking processes while protecting intermediaries’ safe harbour status and upholding freedom of expression.

  • FATF on India: Effective Money Laundering system, low prosecution

    Why in the News?

    The FATF placed India in the “regular follow-up” category for having an “effective” anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing system but highlighted the need for significant improvements in prosecuting such cases.

    Key Highlights of the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report on India:

    • “Regular Follow-up” Category: India has been placed in the “regular follow-up” category, signifying that its system for combating money laundering and terror financing is effective.
      • Financial institutions need better risk profiling of customers, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) registry needs improved monitoring for accurate ownership information.
    • Money Laundering Risks: The primary sources of money laundering in India come from fraud, cyber-enabled fraud, corruption, and drug trafficking.
      • Terror threats are mainly linked to Islamic State or al-Qaeda groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs): India should strengthen measures to prevent abuse of the NPO sector for terror financing, and enhance outreach to NPOs at risk.
    • Improvements in Sanctions Framework: India needs to improve its targeted financial sanctions framework to ensure the timely freezing of funds and assets related to terror financing.
    • Domestic Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs): The report urged India to define domestic PEPs under its anti-money laundering laws and improve identification and risk-based measures related to them.
    • Delay in prosecution: The report noted delays in prosecution due to review petitions are still pending, which delays the resolution of cases under the PMLA.

    Challenges faced by the Indian Government:

    • Prosecution and Conviction Delays: Despite an increase in investigations, the number of prosecutions and convictions remains low, with significant delays in concluding trials, especially under the PMLA.
    • Constitutionality Issues: Legal challenges to the constitutionality of the PMLA between 2014-2022 disrupted the momentum in terror financing and money laundering prosecutions.
    • Risk Profiling of Financial Customers: There is a need for better risk profiling of customers in financial institutions to address money laundering more effectively.
    • Inaccurate Ownership Information: Ensuring accurate owner information in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) registry remains a challenge, especially concerning investments from tax havens.
    • Non-Profit Organisations: Ensuring that non-profits are not abused for terror financing requires better coordination and focused outreach by authorities.
    • Lack of Definition for Domestic PEPs: While India has defined foreign PEPs, the absence of a clear definition for domestic PEPs under PMLA creates a gap in the anti-money laundering framework.
    • Fast-Tracking Trials: The need to fast-track trials in money laundering and terror financing cases is recognized, but progress in addressing this challenge remains slow.

    Way Forward: 

    • Strengthen Legal and Institutional Framework: India should establish clear definitions for domestic Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) under anti-money laundering laws and enhance targeted financial sanctions to ensure timely asset freezing.
    • Enhance Risk Management and Monitoring: Financial institutions should improve risk profiling and implement stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, while the Ministry of Corporate Affairs should ensure accurate ownership data, especially for investments from tax havens.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Why US Fed cut interest rates, how India could be impacted? 

    Why in the News?

    The United States Federal Reserve, responsible for the country’s monetary policy, announced on Wednesday that it will lower its key interest rate, called the Federal Funds Rate, by 0.5%, or 50 basis points.

    Why did the Fed cut interest rates?

    • The Federal Reserve cut the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to address rising unemployment concerns while inflation was stabilizing.
    • After a series of aggressive rate hikes to counter inflation that surged due to post-COVID recovery and the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation began to moderate, nearing the Fed’s target of 2%.
    • Rising unemployment data signaled that the restrictive monetary policy might harm the labor market, prompting the Fed to act.

    Will the US economy achieve a soft landing?

    • Optimistic Projections: Despite earlier predictions that high inflation would lead to a recession, the Fed’s strategy may succeed in achieving a soft landing, reducing inflation without crashing the economy.
    • GDP Growth: The Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) estimates GDP growth to remain around 2% for the next few years, indicating a stable economy.
    • Unemployment: While the unemployment rate has risen slightly to 4.4%, it remains manageable, with expectations of improvement.
    • Risks: Potential policy shifts, especially related to the upcoming presidential election, could disrupt the economic outlook, particularly if trade tariffs are imposed.

    How will India be affected?

    • Increased Foreign Investments: Lower US interest rates could encourage foreign investors to borrow in the US and invest in India through stocks, bonds, or foreign direct investment (FDI), benefiting capital inflow.
    • Rupee Strengthening: With falling US interest rates, the US dollar may weaken against the Indian rupee, potentially strengthening the rupee. This would negatively affect Indian exporters but benefit importers.
    • RBI’s Interest Rate Decisions: While the Fed’s rate cuts influence global markets, India’s central bank, the RBI, may not directly follow suit due to differing inflation targets and mandates. The RBI prioritizes inflation control and GDP growth over unemployment figures.

    Way forward: 

    • Encourage Capital Inflows: India should take advantage of lower US interest rates by attracting foreign investments through improved ease of doing business, fostering growth in key sectors like infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
    • Maintain Monetary Stability: The RBI should carefully assess global trends but prioritize domestic conditions when adjusting interest rates, focusing on inflation control, financial stability, and sustained GDP growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • INCOIS Launches Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas  

    Why in the News?

    INCOIS unveiled an ‘Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas’ for India’s EEZ, highlighting vast marine energy potential from solar, wind, waves, tides, currents, and thermal resources.

    About INCOIS:

    • The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous body established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in India.
    • Its primary mission is to provide ocean data, information, and advisory services to various stakeholders, including society, industry, government, and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations.

    Key Features of the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas

    • The Atlas encompasses marine meteorological energy sources like solar and wind, and hydrological energy forms such as waves, tides, currents, ocean thermal, and salinity gradients within India’s EEZ.
    • It identifies areas with high potential for energy generation and will serve as a reference for policymakers, industry and researchers for harnessing these rich energy resources.
    • INCOIS prepared the annual, monthly, and daily energy estimates of ocean energy components that can be visualised through a WebGIS interface at 5 km grid resolution.

    Significant potential of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

    • INCOIS has estimated integrated ocean energy of approximately 9.2 lakh TWh per annum within the EEZ of India.
    • The vast coastline of over 7,000 km and the EEZ covering up to 220 km from the coast offers ample scope for generating energy from blue renewable sources like tidal waves, currents, solar and wind.

    What India can learn from this Report? (Way forward)

    • The Atlas provides a blueprint for India to tap into its vast untapped ocean energy resources to meet its growing energy demands in a sustainable manner.
    • It offers estimated values of renewable energy that can be generated from individual or integrated blue renewable sources at potential sites along the coast
    • The detailed mapping of energy potential at a granular 5 km grid level can help industries plan and make informed decisions for developing offshore renewable energy projects.
    • Collaborating with industrial partners and public sector companies to harness energy at high-potential zones identified in the Atlas can accelerate the adoption of marine energy technologies.
    • The Atlas can serve as a model for other countries in the Indian Ocean region to assess their blue energy reserves and promote regional cooperation in harnessing ocean energy resources.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Simultaneous polls plan gets Union Cabinet nod

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet accepted the Kovind committee’s recommendations for simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, with municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days.

    What are the recommendations given by the Kovind Panel?     

    • The panel recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as a first step, followed by municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election.
    • The President would issue a notification setting an “Appointed Date” to mark the start of the new electoral cycle. All State Assemblies formed after this date would conclude their terms before the next general election.
    • The panel recommended amendments to Article 83 (duration of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of State Legislatures) to account for scenarios like a hung assembly or no-confidence motion.
    • A single electoral roll for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies was proposed to streamline the election process, requiring coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs).
    • The panel suggested 18 amendments to synchronize elections, most of which do not require ratification by State Assemblies but will require a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.

    Significance of Simultaneous Polls:

    • Cost Efficiency: Holding simultaneous elections is expected to reduce the financial burden by cutting down on the repetitive cost of conducting separate elections.
    • Increased Governance Efficiency: Simultaneous polls would allow governments to focus on governance rather than being in continuous election mode.
    • Reduced Electoral Fatigue: Voters and political parties will face fewer disruptions caused by the constant election cycle, leading to more stable and efficient governance.
    • Economic Benefits: By reducing the frequency of elections, resources can be allocated more effectively toward development and economic growth.

    What do the critics say?

    • Impracticality in a Federal Setup: Critics, including the Congress president, argue that simultaneous elections undermine federalism and the autonomy of State legislatures, which may need to dissolve at different times.
    • Constitutional Hurdles: Critics emphasize that the changes required would demand significant amendments to the Constitution and may face legal and political challenges, including garnering the required majority in Parliament.
    • Logistical Concerns: Managing elections for both national and local bodies across a large and diverse country like India would pose logistical difficulties.
    • Impact on Democracy: Some fear that simultaneous polls may result in the overshadowing of local issues by national politics, potentially harming the representation of state-specific concerns.

    Way forward: 

    • Consensus Building and Pilot Implementation: Gradually introduce simultaneous elections by building political consensus through consultations with state governments and stakeholders, and consider a phased implementation, starting with a few states as a pilot.
    • Strengthening Electoral Framework: Enhance coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs), and ensure legal reforms such as the creation of a unified electoral roll and addressing potential challenges like a hung assembly through constitutional safeguards.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • India to Freeze Negotiations with Pakistan on Indus Treaty  

    Why in the News?

    The Permanent Indus Commission meetings are on hold until India and Pakistan talk about updating the 64-year-old Indus Water Treaty. The last meeting took place in May 2022.

    What is the Indus Treaty?

    • The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, mediated by the World Bank.
    • The treaty allocates the waters of the Indus River system, which includes three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India and three western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan.
    • This framework was established to manage the sharing of water resources in a region where water scarcity is a significant concern due to agricultural demands and population growth.

    Features of Treaty: 

    • Permanent Indus Commission: The treaty established the Permanent Indus Commission, which consists of representatives from both nations tasked with resolving disputes and facilitating communication regarding water management.
    • Dispute Resolution: The treaty includes mechanisms for dispute resolution, allowing for consultation with neutral experts or arbitration through international courts if disagreements arise.

    Why did the Indian government opt to modify and review the Treaty?

    • Changed Demographics: India emphasizes that significant changes in population demographics necessitate a reassessment of water-sharing obligations under the treaty.
    • Environmental Considerations: The need to accelerate clean energy development (Hydro power electricity) to meet emission targets has been highlighted as a reason for modifying the treaty’s provisions, reflecting broader environmental concerns.
    • Security Issues: Persistent cross-border terrorism has been cited as a factor undermining India’s ability to utilize its rights under the treaty fully.
    • Perceived Imbalance: Analysts in India have described the treaty as “one-sided,” arguing that it disproportionately favors Pakistan given India’s larger population and growing water needs.
      • They believe India’s leverage over western rivers should be enhanced, especially during heightened tensions.

    Way forward: 

    • Renegotiation of Terms: India and Pakistan should engage in bilateral talks to update the Indus Waters Treaty, reflecting modern challenges like demographic changes, energy needs, and security concerns, while ensuring fair water distribution.
    • Enhanced Cooperative Framework: Strengthen the role of the Permanent Indus Commission by introducing regular environmental and security assessments, and improving communication to prevent conflicts and ensure sustainable water management.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Nature of J&K Assembly

    Why in the News?

    The ongoing first phase of polling for the J&K Assembly significantly marks the first assembly election since 2019’s (Article 370 abrogation), resulting in a fundamentally changed Assembly.

    Structural changes made during the J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019:

    • Statehood to Union Territory: The Act downgraded Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory (UT) with a legislature, while Ladakh became a UT without a legislature.
    • Abrogation of Article 370: The special status granted under Article 370 was removed, extending the Indian Constitution and laws to Jammu and Kashmir in their entirety.

    Importance of Election in Jammu and Kashmir:

    • Restoration of Democratic Governance: After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood and was reorganized as a Union Territory. Elections are crucial to restore democratic governance and allow people to elect their representatives.
    • Political Representation: The elections offer citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders and voice their concerns, ensuring political representation at a regional level within the framework of the Union Territory.
    • Restoring Normalcy and Stability: Conducting elections in the region is seen as a step toward restoring political stability and normalcy after a period of uncertainty and tension following the constitutional changes in 2019.

    Powers of the J&K Assembly:

    • Legislative Powers: The J&K Legislative Assembly can make laws on subjects in the State List, except for public order and police, which are under the LG’s jurisdiction. It can also legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List, provided the laws are not repugnant to central legislation.
    • Financial Bills: Any financial bill or amendment in J&K requires the prior recommendation of the LG before being introduced in the Assembly. This ensures that significant financial decisions are under the control of the central government.

    Powers of the Lieutenant Governor of J&K:

    • Discretionary Powers: The LG has the authority to act independently on subjects outside the Assembly’s purview, such as public order, police, bureaucracy, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
    • Final Authority: The LG’s decisions on whether a subject falls under his discretion are final and cannot be challenged in court. This gives the LG significant control over governance in the UT.
    • Appointment Powers: The LG has the power to appoint the Advocate General, law officers, and approve prosecutions, further enhancing his administrative role.

    Conclusion: The structural changes in Jammu and Kashmir post-2019 have reshaped its governance, enhancing the Lieutenant Governor’s powers. Elections are essential for restoring democratic representation, ensuring regional participation, and promoting stability after the abrogation of Article 370 and state reorganization.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (UPSC IAS/2016)