12-December-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

ASSISTED DYING: A DEBATE ON CHOICE AND DIGNITY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, 2024-25, aims to grant terminally ill adults the right to seek medical assistance to end their suffering. Its introduction has sparked ethical, legal, and moral debates, with global implications.

Key Highlights of the Bill

• Eligibility Criteria: Only terminally ill adults with less than six months to live are eligible. Requests must be approved by two doctors and a High Court judge.
• Safeguards:
• A 14-day reflection period is mandatory. Independent medical assessments ensure the competence of the patient.
• Approval Process: High Court scrutiny is required to prevent misuse.

Support for the Bill

• Upholding Personal Autonomy: Proponents argue that terminally ill patients should have the right to end their suffering. It aligns with the principle of bodily autonomy and freedom of choice.
• Dignity in Death: The law provides a way to avoid prolonged agony, allowing patients to die with dignity.
• Tightly Worded Clauses: Supporters, including former U.K. Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger, emphasize the Bill’s strict safeguards to prevent abuse.

Opposition to the Bill

• Slippery Slope Concerns: Critics warn of potential misuse, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and disabled. Cites Canada’s experience, where the scope of assisted dying expanded over time.
• Philosophical and Religious Objections: Opponents argue that the sanctity of life outweighs the right to die. Claims that the law undermines efforts to protect life and prevent self-destruction.

Lessons for India

• Supreme Court Ruling: India’s Common Cause vs Union of India (2018) case recognized passive euthanasia and advance medical directives as essential to dignity and privacy.
• Dignity and Choice: Assisted dying laws can empower individuals to choose a dignified end, avoiding unnecessary suffering.

Conclusion

The debate over assisted dying emphasizes the need to balance autonomy, compassion, and safeguards. While ensuring laws to prevent misuse, the right to choose an end free from pain and indignity is integral to upholding human dignity and liberty.

VAIKOM STRUGGLE: A HISTORIC MILESTONE IN SOCIAL REFORM

TOPIC: (GS1) SOCIETY: THE HINDU

The Vaikom Struggle, a century-old movement in Travancore, challenged caste-based discrimination by advocating temple access for backward caste Hindus. It set the stage for social justice reforms in South India, inspired by leaders like Periyar and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Key Highlights of the Vaikom Struggle

• Background: In the early 20th century, backward caste Hindus were prohibited from walking on streets near the Vaikom Mahadeva temple.

• The movement, initiated by Kerala State Congress leaders and social activists in 1924, faced significant resistance from the administration.

• Periyar’s Role: Periyar E.V. Ramasamy joined the movement, transforming it into a mass struggle for equality.

• His involvement brought people from diverse backgrounds together, emphasizing the need for social justice.

• Outcome: By November 1925, restrictions were lifted, allowing backward caste Hindus to access the streets near the temple.

• This victory became a catalyst for similar movements across India, including protests led by B.R. Ambedkar for Dalit temple entry rights.

Legislative and Constitutional Reforms

Temple Entry Reforms: South India witnessed significant progress in temple entry reforms, such as:

• Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation (1936).
• Malabar Temple Entry Bill (1938).
• Madras Temple Entry Authorization Act (1947).

Constitutional Safeguards:

• B.R. Ambedkar included the clause “subject to public order, morality, and health” in the Constitution, balancing religious freedom and social equality.
• This enabled courts to intervene in cases where religious practices violated fundamental rights.

State Regulation of Religious Affairs

• Ensuring Equality: State intervention in temple management ensures access and equality in public spaces.

• Laws like the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, govern temple administration.

• Judicial Backing: Landmark judgments, such as the Shirur Mutt case (1954), upheld the state’s right to regulate secular aspects of religious institutions.

Continuing Reforms

Caste Inclusivity in Temples:

• Kerala and Tamil Nadu have appointed non-Brahmin priests and temple staff, challenging orthodox practices.
• Despite resistance, these reforms signal a growing consensus for equality in religious spaces.

Conclusion:
The Vaikom Struggle’s centenary celebrations symbolize the enduring legacy of social reform in South India. By bridging caste divides and promoting equality, this movement continues to inspire efforts for a more inclusive society.

JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

Recent controversial remarks made by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court have sparked debate about the ethics and responsibilities of the judiciary.

Controversial Remarks by Justice Yadav, (Remarks Against Minorities):

• At a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event, Justice Yadav made comments that portrayed the Muslim community in a negative light.
• He suggested that India should be governed by the majority’s wishes, implying numerical dominance rather than democratic principles.
• He compared Hindu and Muslim children, accusing the latter of lacking kindness due to exposure to animal slaughter.

• Previous Controversies: Justice Yadav has previously made scientifically inaccurate claims, such as stating that cows inhale and exhale oxygen. He has also spoken against religious conversions.

Response to the Remarks

• The Supreme Court has acknowledged the concerns raised by Justice Yadav’s remarks and sought details from the Allahabad High Court.
• It remains uncertain if an in-house inquiry or other disciplinary measures will follow, but scrutiny of his conduct is likely.

Ethical Concerns

• Judges’ Ethical Responsibilities: Judges are expected to avoid behaviour that undermines public trust in the judiciary. The 1997 ‘Restatement of Values of Judicial Life’ adopted by the Supreme Court emphasizes impartiality and ethical conduct among judges.
• Violation of Ethical Standards: By participating in a VHP event—a group known for its aggressive majoritarian stance and controversial past—Justice Yadav compromised the perception of judicial neutrality.

Implications for Judicial Integrity

• Perception of Bias: The remarks raise concerns about the impartiality of Justice Yadav’s rulings and his suitability as a judge. Judicial bias undermines public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice fairly.
• Need for Accountability: Lapses in judicial conduct should be addressed through proper mechanisms to ensure the judiciary remains independent and trustworthy.

Conclusion:
Justice Yadav’s remarks highlight the need for strict adherence to judicial ethics and impartiality. Ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of the judiciary is essential to uphold democratic values and public trust.

NEED FOR LONGER TENURES FOR CHIEF JUSTICES

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

Chief Justices of High Courts often have brief tenures, hindering their ability to implement substantial reforms or address long-term judicial challenges. Addressing this issue is essential to enhance judicial efficiency and ensure effective governance.

The Problem of Short Tenures

• In September 2024, eight Chief Justices were appointed to various High Courts.
• Except for one, all had short tenures, with some lasting only a few months.
• Justice Rajiv Shakdher, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, retired after just 24 days.
• Justice Manmohan, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, is set to move to the Supreme Court within three months.
• Other Chief Justices, such as Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, have tenures of only six to eight months.

Historical Perspective:

• During British rule, Chief Justices enjoyed longer tenures, allowing them to significantly contribute to their institutions.
• For instance, the Madras High Court had only 11 Chief Justices in its first 85 years, with each serving an average of eight years.
• Post-Independence, the average tenure of Chief Justices has drastically reduced to about 2.75 years.

Responsibilities of Chief Justices

Administrative Duties:

• Oversee the institution’s financial health and recommend appointments for judges.
• Formulate committees for administration and address staff welfare issues.
• Handle disciplinary actions and manage administrative requests.

Judicial and Public Engagements:

• Serve as the top judicial authority of the state.
• Participate in seminars, symposia, and advocate association events.
• Address issues related to legal education in the state.

Challenges of Short Tenures:

• Limited time to understand and address the unique needs of different High Courts.
• Difficulty in implementing reforms or bringing systemic improvements.

Voices for Reform

• Judges’ Observations: Justice L. Nageswara Rao (Supreme Court) highlighted the need for judges to serve a minimum of seven to eight years for effective functioning.

• Many former Chief Justices have expressed concerns over the inefficiency caused by short tenures.
• Increasing Complexity of Duties: As judicial responsibilities grow, the limited time available to Chief Justices hampers innovation and reform.

Way Forward

• Stakeholders, including the judiciary and the Bar, must deliberate on reforms to address this issue.
• A structured approach to ensure longer tenures for Chief Justices is essential to maintain judicial efficiency and effectiveness.

Conclusion:
Short tenures for Chief Justices hinder their ability to address institutional challenges effectively. Ensuring longer tenures is crucial for fostering innovation, reform, and long-term improvements in the judiciary.

NEHRU’S VISION AND ITS IMPACT ON INDIA’S ECONOMY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Arvind Panagariya’s the Nehru Development Model critiques the economic policies of Jawaharlal Nehru, analysing their impact on India’s growth and trade. It offers insights into the challenges of reversing historically entrenched decisions.

Nehruvian Economic Policies

• Heavy Industry Focus: Nehru prioritized heavy industries and technological advancement, considering them essential for self-sufficiency. This approach diverted resources from agriculture and small industries, leading to a lack of balanced growth.
• Licensing and Regulation: The “licence-permit raj” system imposed strict controls on private sector activity. Import licensing, high tariffs, and bureaucratic hurdles stifled productivity and innovation.
• Agriculture and Small Industries: Although agriculture and small-scale industries were part of Nehru’s vision, they received insufficient support. Neglect in these areas led to stagnant employment and inadequate food production.
• Public Sector Expansion: The establishment of public sector undertakings (PSUs) consumed scarce capital. Inefficiencies in PSUs and poor resource allocation slowed economic growth.

Key Challenges and Critiques

• Trade and Export Policies: Excessive controls and taxation on exports weakened India’s global trade competitiveness. India’s share in world exports dropped significantly between 1947 and 1966.
• Inflation and Resource Utilization: Critics, including economist B.R. Shenoy, warned that overambitious plans led to inflation and resource mismanagement. The focus on industrial capacity over agricultural output resulted in food shortages.
• Missed Opportunities: While Asian economies flourished during this period, India’s growth remained subdued, with per capita GDP rising only marginally.

Legacy of Nehruvian Policies

• Long-Term Effects: Nehru’s economic vision entrenched socialist ideologies that hindered
• Patel, could have pursued balanced growth with better export performance.

Conclusion

Nehru’s economic model established a political framework but constrained India’s growth potential. Panagariya’s analysis underscores the need to reflect on past policies to shape pragmatic strategies for sustainable development today.

IMPEACHMENT MOTION AGAINST ALLAHABAD HC JUDGE: PROCESS AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Opposition parties are planning to move an impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court for his controversial remarks against minorities. The process of impeaching a judge is a complex and politically sensitive procedure.

Grounds for Impeachment

• Misbehaviour or Incapacity: According to Article 124(4) of the Constitution, a judge can be removed only on grounds of “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity.”
• High Threshold: The impeachment process requires the support of at least two-thirds of the members “present and voting” in both Houses of Parliament. The motion must be presented to the President by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Impeachment Process

• The motion to impeach a judge must be initiated by members of Parliament, with at least 100 signatures in the Lok Sabha and 50 in the Rajya Sabha.
• Opposition parties have already gathered signatures to move the motion against Justice Yadav.

Committee Formation:

• If the motion is admitted, the Speaker or Chairman of the House will form a three-member committee to investigate the allegations.
• This committee is usually headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge, along with a Chief Justice of a High Court and a distinguished jurist.

Investigation and Findings:

• The committee investigates the allegations, examining evidence and testimonies.
• If the judge is found guilty of misbehaviour or incapacity, the committee submits a report to Parliament.

Final Decision:

• The House where the motion was introduced will adopt the committee’s findings.
• If found guilty, both Houses of Parliament will address the President, requesting the judge’s removal.

Historical Attempts at Impeachment

• Six Attempts, No Success: Since India’s independence, there have been six attempts to impeach judges, but none have succeeded.

Notable Cases:

• Justice V.Ramaswami (1993): Accused of financial impropriety, the impeachment motion failed.
• Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Accused of corruption, Sen resigned before the motion was passed.
• Justice S.K. Gangele (2015): Cleared of sexual harassment charges by the investigation committee.
• Justice Dipak Misra (2018): The motion was rejected by the Rajya Sabha Chairman at the initial stage.

Conclusion
The impeachment process for judges is rigorous and designed to ensure judicial independence. Despite past attempts, no judge has been successfully impeached so far, highlighting the political complexity of this process.

INDIA SKILLS REPORT 2025

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: PIB

The India Skills Report 2025 projects a 7% increase in graduate employability, reaching 54.81% by 2025. This report, compiled by CII, Wheebox, and AICTE, analyzes data from over 6.5 lakh candidates and insights from 1,000+ companies.

Overview of Employability:

• India’s graduate employability is expected to rise by 7%, reaching 54.81% in 2025.
• Employability Trends: Graduates Employability: 55% of Indian graduates are expected to be globally employable by 2025, up from 51.2% in 2024 (a 7% increase).

Top Employable Graduates:

• Management graduates: 78%
• Engineering students: 71.5%
• MCA students: 71%
• Science graduates: 58%

Regional Hubs:

• States with High Employability: Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi.
• Cities Leading in Employability: Pune, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.

Gender-wise Employability:

• Men: Employability expected to rise to 53.5% in 2025 from 51.8% in 2024.
• Women: Employability projected to decline to 47.5% in 2025 from 50.9% in 2024.

Vocational Training:

• By 2025, 50% of secondary and tertiary students are expected to receive vocational training.
• Focus on integrating vocational training with industry needs, especially in sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and green energy.

Conclusion:

The report highlights the growing importance of vocational training and the increasing global employability of Indian graduates, positioning India as a major contributor to the global talent pool.

GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE: THE HINDU

During the Ashtalakshmi 2024 event, several Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products were showcased, highlighting the unique agricultural heritage of India.

Key Geographical Indication Tagged Products:

Adi Kekir Ginger (Arunachal Pradesh)

• Grown in Dibang Valley by the Adi tribe.
• Known for its medicinal properties, such as aiding in digestive issues and menstrual pain.
• Cultivated organically, preserving traditional farming methods.
• Its distinct aroma and healing qualities make it valuable in both culinary and medicinal fields.

Dalle Khursani (Sikkim)

• A fiery red pepper grown in organic conditions.
• Renowned for its pungency and used in local pickles, pastes, and medicinal preparations.
• Supports the livelihoods of over 5,000 families in Sikkim.

Naga King Chilli (Nagaland)

• One of the hottest chilies in the world, grown in Nagaland.
• Integral to Naga cuisine, adding spice and flavor to traditional dishes.
• Cultivated by around 100 families in the high-altitude, humid climate of Nagaland.

Kaji Nimu (Assam)

• A large, aromatic lemon variety celebrated for its sharp tang and flavor.
• Essential in Assamese cuisine and traditional remedies.
• Reflects Assam’s rich agricultural heritage.