16-November-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

THE NOBEL IN ECONOMICS AS A NEED TO COURSE CORRECT

GS 2 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Claudia Goldin’s Nobel Prize win in Economic Sciences has sparked contemplation on why it took the Nobel committee over fifty years to recognize economic research addressing gender inequalities. While attributing the delay to the male-dominated nature of economics, it’s essential to delve deeper into the androcentric biases within the discipline. Feminist economists advocate for a reevaluation of economic theory, aiming to eliminate biases that perpetuate gender inequalities.

                        

Androcentric Bias in Economic Theories

• Feminist economists emphasize the need to revisit economic theory, freeing it from androcentric biases that perpetuate gender hierarchies.
• Androcentric bias involves economic theories that accept gender hierarchy as given, forming assumptions that reinforce existing inequalities.

Detachment from Gendered Experiences

• Economic theories, illustrated by the concept of the economic man, remain detached from gendered experiences, failing to question gender relations.
• Assumptions of an altruistic economic man in households perpetuate existing gender hierarchies, illustrating the need for a gender-sensitive economic theory.

Overlooking Contributions of Unpaid Workers

• Economic models neglect the contributions of women as unpaid workers, failing to account for their role in reproducing labor for firms.
• The failure to study the well-being of domestic workers reflects a broader oversight of individuals occupying multiple social identities in economic theories.

Effect of Biases on Empirical Research

• Biases in economic theory influence empirical research, potentially distorting results or rendering them unexplained.
• The example of women’s employment and spousal violence demonstrates how economic theories can misinterpret empirical findings due to their androcentric nature.

Rethinking the Discipline

• The masculinity of economics is reinforced by the emphasis on causal methods, overlooking the social context and unique dynamics tied to gender and caste norms.
• To overcome limitations, economists should adopt a mixed methods approach, balancing different research methodologies and considering findings from other disciplines.

Conclusion:

Claudia Goldin’s Nobel Prize win serves as a catalyst for a necessary shift in economics. The discipline must move towards a more inclusive, gender-sensitive framework, eliminating androcentric biases to reflect the lived realities of individuals. This entails a paradigm shift not only among economists but also in the methods and theories of economics, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics.

A GRAVE ERROR IN THE LAW

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The recent Supreme Court judgment in Supriyo, denying same-sex couples the right to marry under the Special Marriage Act, has raised significant concerns. This decision, viewed as a grave error in legal interpretation, has implications for the right to equality and separation of powers. Analyzing the court’s verdict reveals flaws in addressing constitutional guarantees and underscores the need for a more inclusive legal framework.

Right to Equality

• The petitioner argued that the denial of recognition for same-sex marriages violates Article 14 (equality) and Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds including sex).
• The court’s majority judgment justified exclusion, claiming the statute’s object wasn’t discrimination and the absence of a law didn’t constitute discrimination.

Misplaced Arguments on Discrimination

• The court’s arguments on absence of discrimination and intent overlook the doctrine of indirect discrimination, which considers the impact of a law on a specific group.
• The petitioners’ claim isn’t about demanding a new law but challenging the state’s refusal to recognize marriages based on sexual orientation.

Separation of Powers

• The minority judgment abstains from scrutinizing the constitutional validity of the Special Marriage Act, citing institutional limitations.
• This position challenges the traditional role of constitutional courts in examining the constitutionality of legislation and may allow Parliament to evade scrutiny.

Constitutional Courts’ Role

• Constitutional courts are essential for accountability, with a primary role in adjudicating rights violations.
• The court’s suggestion for a government committee to decide the entitlements of queer persons reflects a deviation from its adjudicative role, turning a rights question into one of benevolence.

Learning from International Precedents

• Comparisons with the U.S. Supreme Court’s historical mistake in Baker v. Nelson (1971) and subsequent correction in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) highlight the need for rectification.
• India awaits its “Obergefell moment” to address the fundamental error in the Supreme Court’s interpretation.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s judgment, denying same-sex couples the right to marry, reveals a significant error in legal interpretation. The flawed arguments on discrimination, separation of powers, and the court’s deviation from its adjudicative role underscore the urgent need for a more inclusive legal framework. Drawing lessons from international precedents, India awaits a corrective moment to rectify this grave legal error and uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

PROPOSED CRIMINAL CODE GIVES MORE IMMUNITY TO DEFENCE PERSONNEL

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023, has been proposed as a replacement for the longstanding Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The new bill is set to bring about significant changes, particularly in providing increased immunity to armed forces personnel during the execution of their duties.

Proposed Immunity Measures:

• The BNSS Bill ensures enhanced protection for armed forces personnel by requiring prior government consent (Union or State) for the registration of cases related to acts performed in the line of duty.
• This provision goes beyond the existing protection from arrest provided by the CrPC, introducing additional safeguards against the initiation of criminal cases.

Additional Immunity through AFSPA:

• In addition to the proposed provisions, armed forces already benefit from the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), applicable in disturbed areas.
• AFSPA grants broad powers, including the authority to arrest or eliminate individuals acting against the law without a warrant, and immunity from prosecution without the sanction of the Central government.

Recent Denial of Prosecution Sanction:

• A recent instance involved the Defence Ministry denying prosecution sanction for 30 Army personnel accused of killing six coal miners in Nagaland.
• Despite the Nagaland Police registering a case and filing a chargesheet, prosecution sanction was withheld, emphasizing the need for additional legal safeguards.

Modernization of Court Structure:

• The BNSS not only focuses on immunity but also modernizes the court structure by eliminating outdated British-era designations, promoting a more contemporary legal framework.
• The Union government gains the authority to appoint Public Prosecutors for proceedings in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, enhancing efficiency.

Promoting Gender Parity:

• The BNSS takes a progressive step towards gender parity by allowing the service of summons on any adult family member, including women, in the absence of the intended recipient.

Conclusion:

The proposed Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill represents a comprehensive overhaul of the legal framework, prioritizing the immunity of armed forces personnel and introducing modernizations for a more efficient and gender-inclusive legal system. While addressing specific concerns, it is essential to balance immunity with accountability and transparency in the interest of justice.

INDIA HAS FIVE TIMES THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS THAN CHINA: NITI AAYOG REPORT

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – NDTV

NITI Aayog recently unveiled the report titled “Learnings for Large-Scale Transformation in School Education,” a comprehensive outcome analysis of the Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E) project. This initiative, implemented in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, aims to bring about significant improvements in the education sector.

Key Findings:

• India, despite having similar enrolment figures, boasts five times more schools than China.
• Over 50% of primary schools in various Indian states enroll fewer than 60 students.
• The presence of approximately 2-5 lakh untrained teachers in primary and upper primary levels poses a challenge in meeting the Right to Education requirements.

State-Specific Success:

• Jharkhand’s merger of 4,380 schools led to substantial savings of Rs 400 crore by optimizing teacher and infrastructure needs.

Areas for Education Transformation:

• Addressing sub-scale schools with inadequate resources, garnering political support.
• Resolving teacher vacancies through restructuring and recruitment, possibly via Cadre restructuring.
• Rethinking teacher education to enhance overall quality.
• Enforcing accountability for learning outcomes through competency-based assessment reforms.
• Emphasizing Early Childhood Education and multilingual education.
• Strengthening governance in education departments for self-improvement.

Additional Recommendations:

• Advocating for the merger of small, low-enrollment schools with nearby institutions.
• Urging states to consider decentralization of powers to principals, district, and block officers.

SATH Project Overview:

• Launched by NITI Aayog in 2017, the SATH initiative focuses on achieving ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital’ in collaboration with state governments.
• Aiming to identify and establish three future ‘role model’ states in education and health, the project strives for transformative change in these crucial sectors.

SATH-E Project’s Specific Focus:

• The SATH-E Project concentrates on ensuring the quality of school education and fostering socially inclusive, regionally balanced, and sustainable growth in the education sector.

Conclusion:

The Learnings for Large-Scale Transformation in School Education report provides valuable insights into the challenges and successes of the SATH-E project. By addressing specific areas for transformation and making targeted recommendations, the report sets the stage for significant improvements in India’s education landscape. The success of state-specific interventions, such as Jharkhand’s school merger, exemplifies the potential impact of strategic initiatives in optimizing resources and enhancing the overall quality of education.

SBI REPORT MOOTS INDUCTING MORE WOMEN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENTS.

GS 3 (SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

A recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) underscores the importance of enhancing women’s participation as Business Correspondents (BCs) to further financial inclusion in rural and remote areas. The BC model, introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2006, employs retail agents to extend banking services beyond branches and ATMs.

Key Functions under BC Model:

• Disbursal and collection of small-value credit.
• Receipt and delivery of small-value remittances.
• Sale of products like micro-insurance and pension.

Current Scenario:

Women agents constitute less than 10% of the BC workforce.

Key Highlights and Recommendations:

• Advocates increasing the representation of women agents to 30% of the BC workforce.
• Highlights socio-economic constraints as factors making female agents less prone to malpractice and more dedicated.
• Points out the positive impact of women’s involvement in schemes like Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana on their financial status.
• Emphasizes that women agents are perceived as more approachable, trustworthy, and adept at maintaining confidentiality by women customers.

Significance and Challenges:

• Women BCs could serve as role models for financial inclusion.
• Challenges include digital literacy, inadequate training, low and irregular income, limited mobility, and security risks.

Conclusion:

Encouraging the induction of more women as Business Correspondents aligns with the broader goal of promoting financial inclusion, especially in remote areas. The report’s focus on addressing challenges and leveraging the unique strengths of women BCs could significantly contribute to the success of financial inclusion initiatives. Women BCs not only bridge the gender gap but also emerge as key facilitators in building a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem.

MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE TREATY (MLAT)

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

India has recently invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to seek evidence from the United States concerning an attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco.

Key Features:

Bilateral Nature: MLAT is a bilateral treaty/agreement facilitating collaboration between contracting states in civil and criminal matters.

Criminal Matters: The treaty is particularly crucial in criminal matters, providing a mechanism for seeking assistance in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of crimes. The Ministry of Home Affairs serves as the nodal ministry for such requests.

Civil and Commercial Matters: MLAT also extends to civil and commercial matters, enabling assistance in the service of various judicial processes, including summons. The Ministry of Law and Justice oversees such requests.

Conclusion:

MLAT serves as a legal framework fostering international cooperation by providing a structured process for seeking assistance in both criminal and civil matters. India’s recent use of MLAT underscores its significance in obtaining crucial evidence across borders, contributing to effective law enforcement and judicial processes.

NATIONAL HEALTH CLAIM EXCHANGE (NHCX)

GS 3 (SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The National Health Authority (NHA) and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) have collaborated to operationalize the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX).

Key Highlights:

NHCX Overview: NHCX is a digital health claims platform developed by the National Health Authority, aiming to streamline and enhance the health claims processing system.

Operational Objectives:

• Reduced Receivable Cycles: The platform seeks to minimize receivable cycles, ensuring quicker settlements of health claims.
• Cashless Claims Acceptance: Enhancing the acceptance of cashless claims, NHCX contributes to a more seamless and efficient health claims ecosystem.
• Standardized Claims Process: One of the primary goals is to standardize the health claims process, bringing uniformity and efficiency to the handling of insurance claims.
• Facilitating Innovation: NHCX not only focuses on efficiency but also aims to facilitate innovation within the health insurance sector.