30-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

STRENGTHENING STATE ELECTION COMMISSIONS FOR GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

State Election Commissions (SECs) are critical to maintaining democracy at the grassroots level, managing elections for local bodies like panchayats and municipalities. However, SECs face systemic challenges that undermine their autonomy and effectiveness, impacting the democratic process.

Systemic Disempowerment of SECs

• Constitutional Provisions: SECs were established under Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution, with amendments in 1993 empowering them to conduct elections for local bodies.
• Current Challenges: Despite constitutional backing, SECs face disempowerment, with state governments increasingly interfering in their functioning.
• Litigation Issues: In Karnataka, the SEC’s efforts to conduct panchayat elections were hindered by the state government, leading to legal battles.

Weaknesses in Local Governance

• Lack of Empowerment: A 2023 survey highlighted that only 11 out of 34 States and Union Territories have empowered SECs to conduct delimitation of electoral wards.
• Erosion of Local Governance: The CAG report noted that delays in local elections undermine the democratic process, with a significant number of local bodies lacking elected governments.

Reforms to Empower SECs

• Transparent Appointment Process: There is a need to align SECs with the Election Commission of India in terms of independence and transparency, suggesting appointments by a panel including key state officials.
• Fixed Delimitation Intervals: Delimitation of electoral wards should be mandated at fixed intervals to prevent arbitrary decisions by state governments.
• Strengthening Powers: SECs should be empowered to reserve posts for marginalized groups within local bodies.

Conclusion

Empowering SECs is vital for safeguarding grassroots democracy. Strengthening their autonomy and ensuring fair electoral processes will bolster local governance, making democracy more participatory and accountable.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI) is/are correct?
2. The Election Commission of India is a multi-member body responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and local bodies.
3. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners have equal powers and receive equal salaries.
4. The tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner is fixed at five years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

The Election Commission of India conducts elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President, but not to local bodies. Local body elections are conducted by State Election Commissions.

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners have equal powers and receive equal salaries. Any differences in opinion among the members are settled by majority voting.

The tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner is not fixed for five years. The CEC holds office for six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

SHOULD LATERAL ENTRY IN THE CIVIL SERVICES BE ENCOURAGED?

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Lateral entry into civil services refers to the recruitment of professionals from outside the traditional civil services route into senior positions like Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries. This approach aims to infuse fresh expertise into the bureaucracy but has sparked debate on its effectiveness and implications.

Need for Hiring Professionals from Outside IAS

• Expertise Requirement: Civil services often require specialized knowledge that is not always available within the regular cadre of bureaucrats.
• Administrative Challenges: Key administrative posts like Joint Secretaries and Directors demand a high level of specialization, which lateral entrants can provide.
• Previous Attempts: Similar reforms have been seen in other countries, like Pakistan, where lateral entry was used to fill gaps in expertise.

Concerns and Criticisms of Lateral Entry

• Merit and Fairness: Critics argue that lateral entry may bypass the rigorous merit-based UPSC selection process, leading to the appointment of less qualified individuals.
• Political Influence: Lateral entry is often viewed as a potential backdoor for political patronage, where appointments are influenced by connections rather than qualifications.
• Impact on Reservations: There are concerns about the impact of lateral hiring on reservation policies for SCs, STs, and OBCs, with fears that it might bypass these quotas.

Safeguards Against Misuse

• Transparent Selection Process: To ensure fairness, the selection of lateral entrants should be stringent, transparent, and comparable to the UPSC examination standards.
• Periodic Reviews: Regular evaluations of the performance of lateral entrants could help ensure that they meet the required standards and contribute effectively.
• Defined Roles and Limits: Clearly defining the roles and limits of lateral entrants can prevent overlap and conflicts with existing civil servants.

Suitability of Roles for Lateral Entrants

• Technical and Specialized Positions: Lateral entrants are most suitable for technical roles where domain-specific expertise is crucial, such as in economic advisory, IT, and infrastructure sectors.
• Policy Formulation vs. Execution: Lateral hires can be effective in policy formulation and advisory roles, but their involvement in policy execution should be carefully regulated.

Conclusion

Lateral entry in civil services is a double-edged sword that offers the potential to bring in valuable expertise but also risks undermining the meritocratic foundation of the civil services.

A balanced approach, with robust safeguards, transparent selection, and a clear delineation of roles, is essential to ensure that this policy enhances the efficiency of the civil services without compromising its integrity.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):
2. The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
3. The members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India and can only be removed by the President on grounds of misbehavior after an inquiry by the Supreme Court.
4. The UPSC is responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to the civil services of India, but it does not make recommendations on promotions or transfers of civil servants.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.

The members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India and can be removed only by the President on grounds of misbehaviour, after an inquiry by the Supreme Court.

The UPSC not only conducts examinations for civil services but also makes recommendations on promotions, transfers, and disciplinary matters concerning civil servants.

ANALYSING THE GENDER BUDGET OF 2024-25

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Gender Budget Statement (GBS) aims to promote gender equality by allocating funds specifically for women-centric schemes. In the Union Budget 2024-25, the GBS witnessed significant changes, marking a notable shift in the government’s commitment towards women’s empowerment.

Key Components of the Gender Budget

• Increased Allocation: The Gender Budget for 2024-25 reached 1% of GDP estimates, a first in India’s history, with total allocations over ₹3 lakh crore for pro-women programmes.
• Two-Part Structure: GBS consists of Part A, which reports on schemes with 100% allocations for women, and Part B, which includes schemes with less than 30% provisioning for women.
• Prominent Schemes: Key schemes like PM Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) featured prominently, reflecting a focus on women’s welfare.

Reasons for Increased Allocation

• Change in Scheme Reporting: A significant portion of the increase in Part A was due to schemes like PMAY being counted under Part A rather than Part B, resulting in a near 40% allocation to schemes with 100% focus on women.
• Focus on Women Entrepreneurs: Increased emphasis on pro-women schemes like SVANidhi, Stand-Up India, and others further contributed to the heightened budget allocation.

Instances of Under-Reporting

• Misclassification Issues: Some schemes, such as MGNREGS, which contribute significantly to women’s employment, have been underreported. Despite women constituting over 59% of the workforce in MGNREGS, the GBS only reflects about 33.6% of its budget as benefiting women.
• Absence of Explanation: Many omissions occur due to missing rationale in the GBS, which hampers the transparency and effectiveness of allocations.

Way Forward

• Incorporating Explanations: To improve accuracy, the GBS should include detailed justifications for allocations, reflecting true gender impacts.
• Enhanced Monitoring: Systematic monitoring and alignment with ground realities will ensure that the funds reach intended beneficiaries.

• What is Gender Budgeting?

Gender budgeting is a tool used to achieve gender mainstreaming, ensuring that development benefits women as much as men, as defined by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).Purpose: It integrates a gender perspective into policy formulation, implementation, and review, making sure that gender commitments are reflected in budgetary allocations.Mechanism: The government issues a Gender Budget Statement (GBS) each year along with the Union Budget. The GBS is not a separate accounting practice but a reporting mechanism that reviews and presents information on gender-focused allocations by various ministries and departments.Dissection of Budgets: Gender budgeting involves analysing government budgets to:Assess their gender-specific impacts.Ensure that gender commitments are matched with financial commitments.

Timeline of Gender Budgeting in India

• 2001: The Union Budget 2001-02 was analyzed from a gender perspective by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) after a special reference made by the finance minister in his budget speech.
• 2005-06: The Gender Budget was formally introduced. The Expenditure Division of the Ministry of Finance included a note on gender budgeting as part of the Budget Circular:
• Part A: Reflects schemes with 100% allocation for women (Women Specific Schemes).
• Part B: Includes schemes where at least 30% of the allocation is for women (Pro-Women Schemes).
• 2007: The Department of Expenditure issued a charter defining the composition and functions of Gender Budgeting Cells (GBCs).
• 2010: The Planning Commission recommended replacing the Women Component Plan with Gender Responsive Budgeting, led by the Ministry of Finance and MoWCD.
• 2021: The MoWCD reported that 27 states and Union Territories had adopted Gender Budgeting practices.

Conclusion

While the 2024-25 Gender Budget shows progress in terms of increased allocations and better focus, challenges remain in ensuring accurate representation and effective implementation. Addressing under-reporting and aligning budgetary allocations with gender-specific needs are crucial for achieving true gender equity in government spending.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), which of the following statements is incorrect regarding women’s participation in the workforce?
   1. Women’s labour force participation rate has increased over the years.
   2. The majority of women in the workforce are employed in the informal sector.
   3. Urban women have a higher labour force participation rate than rural women.
   4. The share of women in the informal sector is higher than in the formal sector.

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

While the PLFS has shown an increase in women’s labour force participation rate over time and the majority of women are indeed employed in agriculture, the majority of women in the workforce are not employed in the informal sector. The PLFS data suggests that a significant portion of women are employed in the formal sector, particularly in urban areas.

A PUNISHING PROCESS

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Recent Supreme Court judgments emphasize the principle that “bail is the rule, and jail is the exception,” even under stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

This shift highlights judicial concerns about the misuse of these laws and the need to protect individual liberty.

Judicial Scrutiny of PMLA and ED Practices

• Bail vs. Jail: Supreme Court rulings underscore that bail should be the default rather than pre-trial detention, even for cases under UAPA and PMLA. This principle aims to prevent detention from becoming a form of punishment.
• Criticism of ED: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has faced judicial criticism for its practices under PMLA. For example:
• Delhi Court: Criticized the ED for summoning private doctors and recording their statements, suggesting such actions might undermine public trust.
• Mumbai Court: Granted bail to individuals detained since October 2020, highlighting delays in trials and the need for the ED to expedite proceedings.

Historical Context and Political Ramifications

• Origin of PMLA: The PMLA was introduced in response to international standards, such as the 1998 UN Declaration against money laundering.
• Political Controversies: Over time, PMLA has become politically contentious. The ED is often perceived as targeting opposition parties, raising concerns about the impartiality of enforcement.
• Supreme Court Review: The upcoming Supreme Court review of PMLA, especially following the 2022 Madan Lal Choudhary verdict, will be crucial in addressing concerns regarding the law’s constitutionality and potential biases in enforcement.

Expansion of ED’s Powers

• Amendments and Powers: Subsequent amendments to PMLA have significantly expanded the ED’s powers:
• 2012 Amendment: Expanded the definition of money laundering.
• 2015 and 2018 Amendments: Tightened bail conditions and permitted asset seizure without an FIR.
• 2019 Amendment: Enhanced ED’s authority for summons, arrests, and raids, making money laundering a standalone offense.
• Impact: While these amendments have led to increased case registrations and asset attachments, the effectiveness of these measures in delivering justice remains debatable due to a low conviction rate.

Performance and Challenges of the ED

• Challenges: Despite its increased activity, the ED faces challenges:
• Low Conviction Rate: Questions the effectiveness of its operations.
• Limited Resources: Affects the thoroughness and timeliness of investigations, potentially leading to selective enforcement.

Broader Implications

• Risks of Misuse: PMLA’s stringent provisions, such as the admissibility of statements made to the ED and lack of requirement for an ECIR for arrests, pose risks of misuse.
• Democratic Balance: The Supreme Court’s review will be a critical test of whether PMLA aligns with constitutional principles. If not, public and legislative action may be necessary to safeguard democratic values and prevent power abuse.

SECTION 45 OF THE PREVENTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING ACT (PMLA)

Section 45 of the PMLA outlines stringent conditions for granting bail to individuals accused under this Act.Key Provisions:Bail can only be granted if:

• The Public Prosecutor has had the opportunity to oppose the bail application.
• If opposed, the court must be satisfied that:
• The accused has reasonable grounds to believe they are not guilty.
• The accused is unlikely to commit any further offenses while on bail.

Twin Test of BailHigh Bar for Bail:

• Prima Facie Innocence: The accused must demonstrate a reasonable belief in their innocence of the alleged offense.
• Risk of Reoffending: The accused must convince the court that they will not engage in further criminal activities while on bail.
• Burden of Proof: The accused carries the burden of proof, which is challenging given the resources of the state.

Pre-2019 Amendments

• Assumption of Guilt: Before the 2019 amendments, an accused under PMLA was presumed guilty of the underlying “scheduled offense” related to money laundering.
• Proof Requirement: The onus was on the accused to prove their non-involvement in the original crime to be eligible for bail.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of PMLA and the ED’s practices reflects a growing concern over the potential misuse of stringent laws. Balancing effective law enforcement with individual rights is crucial for maintaining democratic integrity. The judiciary’s forthcoming review will be pivotal in ensuring that the enforcement of laws like PMLA aligns with constitutional safeguards and democratic principles.

INDIA-CHINA DIPLOMATIC TALKS: PROGRESS IN RESOLVING LAC STANDOFF

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: FINANCIAL EXPRESS

Introduction Diplomatic negotiations between India and China aim to resolve the ongoing standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which began in May 2020. Recent talks indicate progress in narrowing differences and finding a resolution.

Recent Developments

• Progress in Talks: Diplomatic discussions in Beijing were described as “frank, constructive, and forward-looking,” highlighting efforts to resolve the standoff.
• Channels of Engagement: Both nations agreed to intensify contact through diplomatic and military channels, showing urgency in addressing the issues.

Significance

• New Diplomatic Language: The term “narrow down the differences” suggests advancement in the talks, indicating a positive shift in bilateral relations.
• Upcoming BRICS Summit: The talks gain significance ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October.

Strategic Implications

• Peace Restoration: Both countries emphasized the need for peace and adherence to the LAC as a foundation for normalizing bilateral relations.
• Diplomatic Focus: Current efforts prioritize diplomatic negotiations, with a shift away from military talks like Corps Commander-level discussions.

Remaining Issues

• Friction Points: Key unresolved areas include the Depsang Plains and Demchok, with significant troop deployments by both sides along the LAC.
• Disengagement Status: The last major disengagement occurred at Patrolling Point 15 in Gogra-Hot Springs in September 2022.

Key Disputes in India-China Relations

Border Disputes:

• Western Sector (Ladakh): Disputes over Aksai Chin, with differing historical boundary lines.
• Middle Sector (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand): Minor disputes with mostly agreed LAC maps.
• Eastern Sector (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim): China’s rejection of the McMahon Line.
• Border Incursions: Frequent confrontations due to the undefined and unagreed LAC.
• Water Sharing: Concerns over China’s control of upstream water resources and dam-building activities affecting India.
• Tibet Issue: India’s hosting of the Tibetan government-in-exile remains a point of contention.
• Trade Imbalance: A significant trade deficit with China, with challenges in market access for Indian businesses.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Concerns: India opposes BRI projects that affect its territorial claims and highlight environmental, social, and economic risks.

Conclusion

The progress in India-China talks reflects a cautious yet optimistic approach towards resolving LAC tensions. Continued diplomatic engagement is essential for restoring peace and addressing longstanding disputes, underscoring the complexity of India-China relations.

INS ARIHANT COMMISSIONED INTO INDIAN NAVY

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

On August 29, 2024, the Indian Navy commissioned INS  Arihant, the second submarine of the Arihant-class.

This significant event marks a major enhancement in India’s nuclear deterrence and maritime defence capabilities.

INS Arihant not only represents a technological leap over its predecessor, INS Arihant, but also aligns with India’s strategic goals of self-reliance and defence modernization under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Overview

• Date of Commissioning: August 29, 2024
• Significance: Enhances India’s nuclear deterrence and maritime defence capabilities, showcasing advancements in technology and strategic balance in the region.

INS Arihant

• Class: Second Arihant-class submarine
• Advancements: More advanced than INS Arihant, incorporating specialized materials and complex engineering.
• Role: Part of India’s strategic nuclear deterrent and contributes to the country’s “nuclear triad.”

Arihant-Class Submarines

• Type: Indigenously developed nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN)
• Purpose: Provide India with a credible second-strike capability under the “No First Use” policy.
• Missiles: Equipped with K-15 and K-4 ballistic missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
• Lead Submarine: INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016.
• Naming: “Arihant” means “Destroyer of the Enemy” in Sanskrit, reflecting its strategic role.

Strategic and Industrial Impact

• Strategic Impact: Strengthens India’s nuclear triad, crucial for maintaining strategic balance.
• Industrial Impact: Boosts the industrial sector, particularly MSMEs, and generates employment opportunities.
• Défense Modernization: Aligns with India’s self-reliance goals under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
• Future Plans: India aims to commission five Arihant-class submarines and six nuclear attack submarines.

Conclusion

The commissioning of INS Arihant underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic nuclear triad and advancing its defence capabilities. As part of the Arihant-class, INS Arihant plays a crucial role in India’s nuclear deterrence strategy, enhancing regional security and demonstrating significant progress in indigenous defence technology.

INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED POLLUTION CONTROL VESSEL (PCV, SAMUDRA PRATAP

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has recently launched its first indigenously developed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), named Samudra Pratap, built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). This milestone reflects India’s advancements in defence production and shipbuilding, aligning with the nation’s goals of self-sufficiency and becoming a net exporter in the defence sector.

Key Details

• Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
• Contract Value: Rs 583 crore for two Pollution Control Vessels
• Dimensions:5 meters in length, 16.5 meters in width, and displaces 4170 tons
• Functionality: Equipped to address oil spills and other pollution along India’s coastline
• Significance: Represents a major step in India’s self-reliance in maritime defence technology and shipbuilding

Conclusion

The launch of the Samudra Pratap highlights India’s growing capabilities in constructing advanced maritime vessels and reinforces the country’s commitment to protecting marine ecosystems. This development not only showcases India’s progress in defence and shipbuilding sectors but also supports its broader objectives of achieving self-reliance and enhancing its role as a key player in maritime security.