💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Fertilizer Sector reforms – NBS, bio-fertilizers, Neem coating, etc.

    Urea Gold: Making Urea more efficient

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Urea Gold

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    urea gold

    Central Idea

    • The recent launch of “Urea Gold,” a fortified fertiliser by Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (RCF), has sparked interest as it combines urea with sulphur to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
    • It seeks to tackle challenges of escalating urea consumption and declining agricultural efficiency.

    What is Urea Gold?

    • Composition: “Urea Gold” blends urea with sulphur to create a fortified fertiliser aimed at improving NUE and crop performance.
    • NUE Enhancement: The fortified blend ensures gradual nitrogen release, sustaining plant health and potentially reducing fertiliser application frequency.

    Challenges of Urea Consumption and NUE Decline

    urea

    • Urea Consumption Surge: Urea consumption has risen from 26.7 million tonnes to 35.7 million tonnes between 2009-10 and 2022-23, making it India’s predominant fertiliser choice.
    • Import Dependency: Domestic urea production relies heavily on imported natural gas. India’s annual consumption trails only China’s, where coal-based production prevails.
    • Declining NUE: Only around 35% of nitrogen applied through urea benefits crops, raising concerns about resource wastage and increased fertiliser application.

    Fortified Fertiliser Solution

    • Coating Strategy: Fortified fertilisers entail coating primary nutrients (N, P, K) with secondary nutrients (S, calcium, magnesium) and micronutrients (zinc, boron, manganese, etc.).
    • Enhanced Benefits: Coated fertilisers act as “carrier products” for secondary and micronutrients, thereby increasing their N and P use efficiency and ensuring controlled nutrient release.
    • Innovation by Yara International: The “Procote” technology facilitates micronutrient coating, demonstrating improved fertiliser efficacy.
    • Efficacy Confirmation: The trials substantiated amplified paddy and wheat yields through micronutrient-coated fertilisers, potentially mitigating NUE concerns.

    Pricing and Distribution Challenges

    • Pricing Complexities: Existing subsidies for coated fertilisers like zincated urea and boronated DAP may not incentivise companies to promote fortified products.
    • Farmer Adoption Hurdles: Discrepancies in pricing between fortified and non-fortified fertilisers have deterred farmers from embracing coated options.
    • Optimal Implementation: Advocates suggest factory-level coating to ensure uniform nutrient distribution and user convenience. Freeing maximum retail prices (MRPs) for coated fertilisers could bolster adoption.
    • Striking Pricing Balance: Since traditional fertilisers receive substantial subsidies, fortified product premiums must remain reasonable to encourage affordability.

    Conclusion

    • Amidst the challenges of dwindling NUE and escalating urea consumption, the introduction of “Urea Gold” and fortified fertilisers holds promise for enhancing agricultural efficiency.
    • The journey to successful implementation necessitates addressing pricing discrepancies and distribution intricacies.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Zoonotic Diseases: Medical Sciences Involved & Preventive Measures

    Metagenome Sequencing and Pathogen Surveillance

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Metagenomics

    Mains level: NA

    metagenome

    Central Idea

    • Genome sequencing technologies played a crucial role in identifying the causative agent of the COVID pandemic.
    • This approach, known as metagenomics, revolutionized pathogen identification and surveillance, enabling rapid response to emerging threats.

    Metagenomics and COVID-19

    • Unprecedented Scale: Scientists rapidly applied genome sequencing to identify SARS-CoV-2, making it one of the most sequenced organisms in history.
    • Break from Tradition: Instead of traditional microbiological methods, patient samples were directly subjected to genome sequencing, expediting virus identification.
    • Global Genome Surveillance: The success of genome sequencing led to the development of technologies like CovidSeq assay and spurred national and international SARS-CoV-2 genome surveillance initiatives.

    What is Genome Sequencing?

    • Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.
    • The genome refers to the entire set of genetic material present in an organism’s cells, including all the genes and non-coding regions.
    • Genome sequencing involves reading and deciphering the order of the nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that make up an organism’s DNA.
    • The genome sequencing process typically involves several steps:
    1. DNA Extraction: Genetic material (DNA) is extracted from the cells of the organism being studied.
    2. DNA Fragmentation: The extracted DNA is broken down into smaller fragments for sequencing. These fragments are usually around a few hundred base pairs in length.
    3. Sequencing: The individual DNA fragments are then sequenced using advanced sequencing technologies. Various methods, such as Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing (NGS), can be employed for this purpose.
    4. Data Analysis: The sequence data generated is processed and analyzed using specialized bioinformatics tools. The data is assembled to reconstruct the complete genome sequence.
    5. Annotation: Once the genome sequence is assembled, it is annotated to identify genes, regulatory elements, and other functional components within the genome.

    Application in Pathogen Surveillance

    • Genome Surveillance Technologies: Several technologies based on genome sequencing, such as the CovidSeq assay, were developed for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
    • GISAID Repository: GISAID became a repository for global genome-sequence data, reflecting high-throughput genome surveillance activities.
    • India’s Initiatives: India initiated a national genome-sequencing and surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2, fostering national-level efforts.

    Nigerian Study and Metagenomic Sequencing

    • Application of Metagenomics: Nigerian scientists employed metagenomic sequencing to study pathogen surveillance in three cohorts of patients.
    • Versatile Approach: The study identified 13 distinct viruses among the cohorts and aided in detecting co-infections and undiagnosed conditions.
    • Diagnostic Power: Metagenomics helped link symptoms to pesticide poisoning in some cases, showcasing its diagnostic potential.

    Diverse Applications and Future Prospects

    • Expanding to Other Pathogens: Genome sequencing technologies are being applied to detect other pathogens like Zika, dengue, lumpy skin disease, and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
    • Environmental Surveillance: Genome surveillance is being extended to diverse sources, such as wastewater, air, soil, and animals, aiding in early detection and response strategies.
    • Mainstay for Pathogen Defense: The speed, accuracy, and adaptability of genome sequencing make it a cornerstone for future pathogen detection, surveillance, and response.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Lunar South Pole Mission: Russia’s Luna 25 and India’s Chandrayaan-3

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Luna 25, Chandrayaan

    Mains level: Not Much

    luna

    Central Idea

    • The moon exploration scene has intensified as Russia’s “Luna 25” mission prepares for a soft landing near the lunar South Pole, challenging India’s “Chandrayaan-3” in the race to touch down first.
    • While Luna 25’s earlier launch and more direct trajectory give it an edge, Chandrayaan-3’s unique features and India-Russia collaboration in space activities also merit attention.

    Luna 25’s Accelerated Journey

    • Launch and Orbit: Luna 25 was launched on August 10, aiming to enter lunar orbit by August 16.
    • Lunar Landing Date: The Russian lander is anticipated to attempt a soft landing between August 21 and 22, ahead of Chandrayaan-3’s possible landing date of August 23.

    Key Factors behind Luna 25’s Lead

    • Trajectory and Fuel Storage: Luna 25 followed a direct trajectory due to its lighter payload and higher fuel efficiency.
    • Payload Comparison: Luna 25’s lift-off mass is 1,750 kg, significantly lighter than Chandrayaan-3’s 3,900 kg. The latter includes a Lander-Rover and propulsion module.
    • Lunar Dawn Advantage: Luna 25 benefits from an earlier lunar dawn at its landing site, ensuring optimal power generation through solar panels.

    What is Lunar Dawn?

    • Lunar dawn is the period on the Moon when the Sun is about to rise over the lunar horizon, resulting in the gradual illumination of the lunar surface, similar to Earth’s sunrise.
    • During lunar dawn, the Moon’s surface transitions from darkness to light as the Sun’s rays gradually touch and illuminate different areas.
    • It occurs due to the Moon’s rotation on its axis, causing changing lighting conditions as it orbits the Earth.
    • Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks a significant atmosphere, resulting in distinct lighting, sharp shadows, and no diffusion of sunlight.
    • Astronauts on lunar missions, like the Apollo missions, have observed lunar dawn first-hand, providing unique perspectives on the Moon’s surface.

    Chandrayaan-3’s Distinct Features

    • Coated Rover: Chandrayaan-3 boasts a rover with a 500-metre range, unlike Luna 25.
    • Scientific Objectives: Chandrayaan-3 emphasizes soil and water-ice study, especially near the southern pole, owing to craters in permanent shadow.
    • Experiment Suite: Chandrayaan-3’s Lander carries experiments like RAMBHA, ChaSTE, ILSA, and LRA, providing crucial insights into moon’s properties.

    Collaboration and Competition

    • India-Russia Space Collaboration: Both countries have collaborated extensively in space activities, such as Russia’s contribution to India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission’s lander-rover design.
    • Chandrayaan-1 to Chandrayaan-2 Gap: India developed its lander-rover technology independently after Russia’s withdrawal, leading to an 11-year gap between Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions.

    Future Prospects

    • Human Moon Missions Race: India, the US, and China are actively pursuing human moon missions after India’s Chandrayaan-1’s water molecule discovery in 2008.
    • Progress and Challenges: While India has made strides, countries like the US and China have achieved landing and sample return missions. India’s efforts to develop heavier launch vehicles for more ambitious missions continue.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Who was Sant Guru Ravidas?

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sant Ravidas, Bhakti Movement

    Mains level: Not Much

    ravidas

    Central Idea

    • Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a ₹100 crore temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar.

    Guru Ravidas

    • Ravidas was an Indian mystic poet-saint of the Bhakti movement and founder of the Ravidassia religion during the 15th to 16th century CE.
    • Venerated as a guru (teacher) in the region of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and mainly Punjab and Haryana. He was a poet-saint, social reformer and spiritual figure.
    • The life details of Ravidas are uncertain and contested. Scholars believe he was born in 1450 CE, in the cobbler caste.
    • Ravidas’s devotional verses were included in the Sikh scriptures known as Guru Granth Sahib.
    • The Panch Vani text of the Dadupanthi tradition within Hinduism also includes numerous poems of Ravidas.
    • He taught the removal of social divisions of caste and gender and promoted unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedoms.

    Significance of his teachings

    • Philosophy and values of Sant Ravidas like social justice, equality and fraternity have been imbued in our constitutional values.
    • He had envisaged a society that is based on equality and free from any kind of discrimination.
    • He gave it the name ‘Be-gampura’ (a city near Lahore) where there is no place for any kind of grief or fear.
    • Such an ideal city would be bereft of fear, vulnerability or scarcity. Rule of law based on the right ideas like equality and welfare of all would be the principle for governance.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Climate change impacts ancient moss Takakia

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Takakia

    Mains level: Not Much

    Takakia

    Central Idea

    • Takakia, a unique moss genus that has thrived at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau for millions of years, has captured the attention of international scientists.
    • Astonishingly, the same habitat that nurtured Takakia for eons is now rapidly transforming due to climate change, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

    Takakia and its Evolution

    • Adaptive Traits: Takakia is slender turf with finger-like leaves and resilience to harsh weather conditions. Genetic traits protecting it from frost and high UV radiation have evolved over 65 million years.
    • Living Fossil: Despite its rapidly evolving genome, Takakia’s physical appearance has remained unchanged for over 165 million years, making it a remarkable example of a living fossil.
    • Evolutionary Paradox: The juxtaposition of constant appearance and evolving genome poses an intriguing challenge for evolutionary biologists, shedding light on the species’ unique adaptation.

    Its scientific significance

    • Hybrid Characteristics: Takakia blends features from mosses, liverworts, and green algae, intriguing researchers for its evolutionary diversity.
    • Ancient Separation: Research confirms that Takakia’s divergence from other mosses occurred around 390 million years ago, soon after the emergence of the first land plants.

    Climate Change Impacts on Takakia

    • Changing Habitat: Takakia’s habitat, which sheltered it for millions of years, is now experiencing rapid climate change within decades.
    • Temperature and Glacier Shifts: Recorded measurements since 2010 indicate a temperature increase of nearly half a degree Celsius per year on the Tibetan Plateau, accompanied by a glacier’s retreat of almost 50 meters per year.
    • Species Resilience: Unlike some other plants that benefit from warming, Takakia’s populations have diminished over the study period. Its struggle to cope with rising temperatures raises concerns about its survival.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Earendel: Most distant Star discovered

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Earendel

    Mains level: NA

    Earendel

    Central Idea

    • The remarkable discovery of the star Earendel by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2022 has been further illuminated by the James Webb Space Telescope.

    About Earendel

    • Earendel is the farthest star ever detected, observed within the first billion years after the big bang.
    • It’s a massive B-type star, more than twice as hot as the Sun, and a million times more luminous.
    • The star is part of the Sunrise Arc galaxy, detectable due to the gravitational lensing
    • Gravitational lensing is a natural phenomenon where the mass of a massive object bends and magnifies light from a background object.
    • The massive galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 acts as a “magnifying glass,” allowing telescopes to observe Earendel even though it’s distant.

    How was it discovered?

    • JSWT discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope employed its Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to build upon Hubble’s observations of Earendel.
    • Star’s Characteristics: The revelations from NIRCam showcase Earendel as a massive B-type star, surpassing our Sun’s heat by over twofold and radiating luminosity a million times greater.
    • 9 Billion Light-Years Away: Situated approximately 12.9 billion light-years from Earth, Earendel holds insights into the early universe’s cosmic evolution.
    • Gravitational Lensing: Both Webb and Hubble harnessed gravitational lensing—a phenomenon where foreground galaxies magnify distant objects—to detect Earendel, with galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 acting as a cosmic magnifying lens.

    Glimpse into it’s Past

    • Single Point of Light: Due to its immense distance, Earendel appears as a solitary point of light even on Webb’s high-resolution infrared imagery.
    • Snapshot from 1 Billion Years Post-Big Bang: Although Earendel remains a faint pinpoint, the telescope’s data indicates that we are witnessing the star as it appeared 1 billion years after the Big Bang.
    • Historic Perspective: This revelation pushes the boundaries of our knowledge, as the previous farthest observed star had been documented around 4 billion years post-Big Bang.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    PUSHp Portal: A Game-Changer

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PushP Portal

    Mains level: NA

    Central Idea

    • The National Power Committee (NPC) has urged States to contribute their insights towards shaping incentives for both buyers and sellers on the Power High Price Day Ahead Market (HP-DAM) and Surplus Power Portal (PUShP).
    • This innovative platform, introduced by the Ministry of Power, aims to enhance power availability, optimize utilization, and facilitate efficient power trading.

    PUSHp Portal

    • Concept Launch: The Ministry of Power unveiled the HP-DAM and PUShP to address power scarcity during peak demand periods and to encourage surplus power trading.
    • Price Flexibility: The platform allows certain sellers to offer power at prices exceeding the ceiling of Rs 12 per unit during peak demand, promoting higher availability.
    • Surplus Power Indication: Power distribution companies (DISCOMs) can display their surplus power availability on the portal, indicating the block times, days, or months.
    • Requisition Mechanism: DISCOMs in need of power can requisition the surplus power from the portal, promoting efficient allocation.

    Operational Mechanism

    • Cost Determination: New buyers will pay both variable charges (VC) and fixed costs (FC) as regulated by authorities.
    • Reassignment Implications: Once power is reassigned, the original beneficiary relinquishes the right to recall power, including the entire FC liability.
    • Reducing Fixed Costs: This approach alleviates the fixed cost burden on DISCOMs, making power distribution more efficient.
    • Optimal Capacity Utilization: The platform ensures that all available generation capacity is effectively utilized, mitigating wastage.

    Back2Basics: Day Ahead Market

    • A Day Ahead Market is a platform for trading electricity where delivery occurs within 24 hours from the following day’s midnight.
    • Electricity is traded in 15-minute time blocks, and prices are determined through auction bidding.
    • The auction process establishes prices and the quantum of electricity traded, ensuring transparency.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Electoral Reforms In India

    EC sticks to Assam Delimitation Draft

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Delimitation Commission

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • Delimitation, the process of redrawing electoral boundaries to reflect population changes, is a crucial exercise that ensures fair representation and equal distribution of constituencies.
    • In Assam, the recent delimitation process has garnered attention due to its impact on political dynamics.

    Delimitation in Assam

    • Historical Basis: The last delimitation in Assam was based on 1971 census data by the Delimitation Commission in 1976. Over time, population shifts necessitate boundary adjustments.
    • Equitable Representation: Delimitation aims to ensure that the population of constituencies is relatively equal, promoting fair representation.
    • Legal Authority: Delimitation orders have the force of law and are beyond judicial review.

    Process of Delimitation

    • Delimitation Commission: An independent Delimitation Commission is formed, consisting of retired Supreme Court judges, the Chief Election Commissioner, and State Election Commissioners.
    • Objectives: The Commission determines boundaries and numbers of constituencies, striving for uniform population distribution.
    • Reserved Seats: The Commission identifies seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes based on their population concentrations.

    Implementation of Delimitation

    • Draft Proposals: The Commission publishes draft proposals in official gazettes and newspapers, seeking public feedback.
    • Public Sittings: Public hearings are held to gather opinions and objections.
    • Final Order: After considering objections and suggestions, the Commission issues a final order published in official gazettes, coming into effect as specified.

    Frequency of Delimitation

    • Early Delimitation: The first delimitation in 1950-51 was temporary, carried out by the President after India’s first general elections.
    • Need for Independence: Subsequent delimitation was mandated to be carried out by independent commissions following the dissatisfaction with the first exercise.
    • Past Instances: Delimitation occurred in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002, under Acts of respective years.

    Postponement and Justification

    • Frozen Seats: Delimitation was postponed after the 1981 and 1991 Censuses.
    • Uniform Growth Rate: Post the 2001 Census, an amendment delayed delimitation until 2026, justified by achieving uniform population growth throughout India.
    • Last Exercise: The most recent delimitation in Assam (2002-2008) adjusted boundaries based on 2001 Census data and reserved seat allocations.

    Conclusion

    • Delimitation plays a vital role in democratic governance, maintaining equitable representation by accounting for population shifts.
    • The recent delimitation in Assam, governed by a structured process and legal framework, exemplifies India’s commitment to fair and inclusive electoral practices.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    HeLa Cells: Everything you need to know about

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hela Cells

    Mains level: NA

    hela cells

    Central Idea

    • HeLa cells, an extraordinary line of human cells recovered from a woman suffering from cancer has helped various realms of scientific discovery and medical progress.

    What are HeLa Cells?

    • Unveiling the Unknown: In 1951, Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent a tissue biopsy at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
    • Pioneering Phenomenon: A fraction of Lacks’ tumor cells, later termed HeLa cells, displayed an exceptional trait – the ability to perpetually divide and multiply in laboratory conditions.

    Distinctive Attributes of HeLa Cells

    • Endless Proliferation: Unlike typical human cells that have finite lifespans, HeLa cells displayed continuous division, enabling their perpetual growth.
    • Scientific Marvel: This property revolutionized research by offering a consistent and adaptable medium for experiments.

    Utility for Scientific Progress

    • Polio Vaccine: HeLa cells played a pivotal role in cultivating the poliovirus, facilitating the development of the polio vaccine.
    • Cancer Research: HeLa cells fueled insights into cancer biology, aiding in testing treatments and understanding disease mechanisms.
    • Genetic Insights: These cells were the first human cells to be cloned, deepening our grasp of genetics and cellular biology.
    • Drug Testing: HeLa cells revolutionized drug testing, aiding in drug development and assessing safety profiles.
    • Space Exploration: Their journey extended to space, contributing to the understanding of cellular behavior in microgravity.

    Ethical Dilemmas and Controversies

    • Informed Consent Absence: HeLa cells’ use without Henrietta Lacks’ consent raised ethical concerns, especially in the context of medical experimentation on African American patients.
    • Patient Rights and Acknowledgment: Discussions emerged about patient rights, equitable compensation, and the acknowledgement of individuals whose contributions fuel scientific progress.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Bill to Redefine the Election Commission Selection Process

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: EC appointments

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Central Idea

    • A new Bill has been proposed in the Rajya Sabha aimed at reversing the impact of a Supreme Court ruling on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).
    • The proposed legislation suggests a revamped selection process, featuring a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a nominated Cabinet Minister.
    • This initiative comes after a Supreme Court verdict that demanded the participation of the PM, Leader of Opposition, and ‘CJI’ in the selection of these crucial electoral positions.

    Supreme Court’s Ruling and Legislative Vacuum

    • March 2 Verdict: A unanimous verdict by a SC bench this year mandated the involvement of the PM, Leader of Opposition, and CJI in the appointment of CEC and ECs.
    • Constitutional Vacuum: The Court intervened due to the absence of a parliamentary law as prescribed by Article 324 of the Constitution for the appointment process.

    New Legislative Approach

    • Aim of the Bill: The proposed Bill aims to address the constitutional vacuum and establish a structured legislative process for the appointment of members to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
    • Search Committee: The Bill establishes a Search Committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary and composed of two other government officials knowledgeable about election matters. The Committee is tasked with preparing a panel of five potential candidates for appointment.
    • Selection Committee: The core of the proposed process is the Selection Committee, composed of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. This committee would finalize the appointment of CEC and ECs.

    Supreme Court’s Concerns

    • Parliament’s Authority: The Parliament holds the power to address the issues highlighted by the Supreme Court ruling and nullify its impact through legislative action that aligns with the judgment’s intent.
    • Preserving Independence: The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasized the need for an independent body overseeing elections, aligning with the Constitution’s original intent.

    Concerns raised

    • Composition of Selection Committee: The new Bill raises concerns about the independence of the selection process due to its composition.
    • Absence of LoP: With the PM and a nominated Cabinet Minister holding the majority in the three-member panel, the Leader of Opposition’s voice is marginalized even before the process begins.
    • Omits CJI: The Bill omits CJI from the panel counterviewing the 2nd March Judgment which prompted this legislation.

    Conclusion

    • The proposed Bill’s attempt to address the legislative vacuum created by the Supreme Court ruling is a significant step towards streamlining the appointment process for the Election Commission.
    • While the Parliament has the authority to shape the process, ensuring the true independence and integrity of the selection process remains a critical concern.
    • The balance between various stakeholders must be maintained to uphold the sanctity of India’s democratic electoral processes.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now