25-February-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

RTI ACT: FROM EMPOWERMENT TO DENIAL OF INFORMATION

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, once seen as a powerful tool for transparency and accountability, is facing gradual erosion due to judicial interpretations and bureaucratic hurdles.

• The RTI Act was introduced to empower citizens by granting them access to government records, ensuring transparency, and curbing corruption.
• However, over time, judicial rulings and bureaucratic reluctance have transformed it into a tool for denying information, making governance less accountable.

Challenges Faced by the RTI Act

Government Resistance to RTI

• Initially, the RTI Act transferred power from officials to citizens, which was resisted by public servants.
• The government attempted to amend the Act within a year of its enactment but withdrew due to public protests.

Bureaucratic Influence Over Information Commissions

• Information Commissions were created as appellate authorities but were mostly filled with retired bureaucrats.
• Many commissioners treated their roles as post-retirement benefits rather than responsibilities.
• Low disposal rates of RTI cases led to long delays, turning RTI into a historical record rather than a tool for real-time transparency.

Weak Implementation of Penalties

• The Act included penalty provisions for officials who refused to provide information.
• However, most Information Commissioners were reluctant to penalize officers, leading to frequent denials of information.
• Governments also delayed appointing commissioners, increasing case backlogs.

Judicial Rulings That Weakened RTI

Supreme Court’s 2011 Judgment on RTI

• The Central Board of Secondary Education v. Aditya Bandopadhyay case ruled that Section 8 of the RTI Act should not be interpreted too narrowly.
• The judgment argued that excessive RTI applications could hinder governance and disrupt administration.
• This view justified restricting RTI requests, portraying RTI users as obstacles to national progress.

2012 Judgment on Personal Information

• In Girish Ramchandra Deshpande v. CIC, the Supreme Court ruled that personal information, including details about public servants, could be denied.
• The judgment ignored the proviso stating that information accessible to Parliament should also be accessible to citizens.
• This ruling set a precedent for denying information under the pretext of privacy concerns.

Impact of These Rulings

• The RTI Act has increasingly become a tool for denying information rather than ensuring transparency.
• Bureaucrats and public officials now use legal loopholes and judicial interpretations to restrict access to information.
• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act further limits RTI by expanding the definition of personal data.

Way Forward

• Citizens and media must actively protect RTI rights by advocating for transparency.
• Courts should interpret RTI provisions strictly as per the original intent of the Act.
• Public awareness and activism are crucial to prevent further dilution of RTI.

Enactment of RTI Act, 2005:

• Replaced the Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
• Recognized as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression).
• Established Information Commissions at the Central and State levels.
• Defined exemptions under Section 8 to balance transparency with privacy and national security.

Recent Amendments and Challenges

RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019

• Gave the central government control over the tenure and salary of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and State Information Commissioners (SICs).
• Reduced the independence of Information Commissions.

Judicial Dilution of RTI

CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay Case (2011):

• Stressed that RTI should not obstruct governance and national development.
• Created room for denial of information in many cases.

Girish Ramchandra Deshpande Case (2012):

• Restricted access to personal information of public officials.
• Misinterpretation of Section 8(1)(j) led to excessive denial of information.

Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

• Amended RTI Act by removing the clause that allowed disclosure of personal information if justified by public interest.
• Further restricted access to government-related information.

Conclusion

The RTI Act was a major step toward empowering citizens, but bureaucratic resistance and judicial rulings have weakened its effectiveness. If not defended, this fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution will continue to erode, making governance less accountable.

Prelims Practice Question:

Consider the following statements regarding the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005:

1. The RTI Act allows access to all information held by public authorities without any exemptions.
2. The Chief Information Commissioner’s tenure is fixed at five years as per the RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019.
3. The RTI Act, 2005, replaced the Freedom of Information Act, 2002.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: C

FENCING OUT INTERFAITH RELATIONSHIPS IN NEW INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The new UCC in Uttarakhand, along with anti-conversion laws, imposes strict regulations on personal relationships. These laws create hurdles for interfaith couples, making their unions legally and socially challenging.

New UCC Regulations on Live-in Relationships

• Couples in live-in relationships must now register with district authorities.
• The application requires documents like Aadhaar cards and residential proof.
• Community or religious leaders must approve the relationship.
• Families are notified of the couple’s registration.
• Non-compliance leads to penalties, including up to six months in jail and a ₹25,000 fine.

Hurdles in Interfaith Relationships

• Existing Social Barriers: A 2014 survey found that interfaith marriages were extremely rare in India, with only 5% of urban families having members who married outside their religion.
• Legal Challenges in Marriage: The Special Marriage Act, 1954, which allows interfaith marriages, has a 30-day notice period, often leading to harassment.
• Many states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, have anti-conversion laws, which criminalize religious conversions for marriage.

Empowerment of Vigilante Groups

• These laws enable right-wing groups to interfere in private relationships.
• A study found that 63 out of 101 police complaints under Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law were filed by third-party groups rather than affected individuals.
• There are concerns that vigilante groups may access live-in relationship registration details, leading to harassment.

Impact of These Laws

• Strengthening Religious Institutions: Mandatory religious certification gives community leaders control over personal relationships. This contradicts individual freedom and constitutional secularism.
• Increased Control Over Women: Notifying families about relationships increases risks of coercion, honor-based violence, and forced separations. Women in interfaith unions are often portrayed as being manipulated, reducing their agency.
• Legal Protection for Vigilantism: Public notices and family notifications give vigilante groups opportunities to harass couples.
• A Move Towards Segregation: By making interfaith marriages and relationships difficult, these laws contribute to the segregation of communities.

Spread to Other States

• Rajasthan’s High Court is considering a similar mandatory registration rule for live-in relationships.
• Gujarat is planning a draft UCC based on Uttarakhand’s model.
• These trends indicate a broader shift toward strict regulation of personal choices.

Conclusion

The new legal measures undermine individual freedoms and threaten India’s pluralistic society. As more states consider similar laws, the barriers to interfaith relationships are set to increase, challenging the country’s foundational values of personal choice and religious harmony.

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC):

1. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to replace personal laws of different religious communities in India with a common set of civil laws.
2. The UCC is explicitly mentioned in Part III of the Indian Constitution under Fundamental Rights.
3. Goa is the only Indian state that follows a Uniform Civil Code for all its citizens.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The UCC aims to establish a common civil law governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption across all religious communities.
• The UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which is in Part IV of the Constitution, not in Fundamental Rights (Part III).
• Goa follows a common civil law, known as the Goa Civil Code, making it the only state in India with a UCC-like framework.

UGC’S ROLE: BALANCING AUTONOMY AND REGULATION

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new guidelines on vice-chancellor appointments, allowing professionals from non-academic fields. This has led to opposition from States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which argue that it undermines federal principles and State authority over universities.

Concerns of the States

• Kerala and Tamil Nadu oppose UGC’s directive, citing it as unconstitutional.
• States argue that since they fund universities, they should have a say in appointments.
• The practice of Governors appointing vice-chancellors is seen as an attempt to centralize power.

UGC’s Revised Eligibility for Vice-Chancellors

• The new guidelines allow professionals from diverse fields like industry to become vice-chancellors.
• Globally, universities have appointed non-academics, such as ex-politicians and diplomats, as heads.
• India has historical examples, like G. Parthasarathy’s leadership at JNU, which contributed to its excellence.
• Critics’ concerns that this move would harm universities are not strongly supported by past experiences.

Limitations of the UGC

• The UGC was created to ensure quality education but has focused more on bureaucratic control.
• It enforces rigid rules on attendance, faculty workload, and curriculum, which stifle academic freedom.
• Instead of improving research and learning outcomes, it imposes excessive administrative burdens.
• India’s declining university standards contrast with earlier times when top scientists like Satyen Bose and S. Chandrasekhar thrived in public universities.

Lack of Focus on Knowledge Creation

• Indian universities have failed to contribute significantly to global knowledge production.
• The success of China’s AI innovation, Deep Seek, shows how universities can drive technological advancements.
• Indian universities are hindered by over-regulation and political interference, preventing research excellence.

Way Forward

• The UGC should prioritize improving education quality rather than excessive regulations.
• Universities should be granted autonomy to enhance faculty performance and research output.
• A balanced approach between regulation and academic freedom is necessary for Indian universities to compete globally.

This debate reflects the larger issue of balancing State autonomy, academic excellence, and regulatory oversight in India’s higher education system.

BLACK PLASTIC: RISKS AND SAFETY CONCERNS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Black plastic used in kitchen utensils and food containers has raised concerns due to the presence of toxic chemicals. A recent study claimed these plastics contained harmful flame retardants, but the researchers later corrected their findings, stating the risk levels were overestimated.

What is Black Plastic?

• Black plastic is made from recycled electronic waste such as computers, televisions, and household appliances.
• These electronics contain flame retardants and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury.
• Some of these chemicals are toxic and have been banned in many countries.
• Despite bans, old plastics containing these substances still enter the recycling system.

Findings of the Study

• A study published in Chemosphere in October 2024 tested 203 black plastic household products in the U.S.
• It found the presence of a flame retardant called decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), which has been linked to health risks and was banned in the U.S. over a decade ago.
• Researchers initially estimated that exposure from kitchen utensils could reach 34,700 nanograms per day, close to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safety limit.
• However, the study later corrected its calculations, reducing the estimated exposure to less than one-tenth of the EPA’s safety threshold.

Are Black Plastic Products Safe?

• Even though BDE-209 levels in black plastic utensils may be within safety limits, researchers argue that no universally accepted “safe dose” for these chemicals exists.
• Some experts question whether the EPA’s exposure limit is accurate, as it is based on outdated studies.
• While the risks may not be immediate, long-term exposure to such chemicals could be harmful.

Should You Stop Using Black Plastic?

• Experts advise against discarding all black plastic utensils immediately, as this would create unnecessary waste.
• It is better to continue using existing black plastic items until they wear out and then replace them with safer alternatives.
• Consumers should opt for glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic utensils when purchasing new kitchenware.

Conclusion

While black plastic may contain toxic chemicals, the risk is not as high as initially thought. However, reducing dependence on such materials and opting for safer alternatives is a wise approach for long-term health and environmental sustainability.

THE TEA HORSE ROAD: AN ANCIENT TRADE ROUTE CONNECTING INDIA AND CHINA

TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Tea Horse Road was an important trade network that connected China with Tibet and the Indian subcontinent. Though less famous than the Silk Road, it played a crucial role in economic and cultural exchanges for centuries.

What was the Tea Horse Road?

• It was not a single road but a network of pathways stretching over 2,000 km from China to India through Tibet.
• The main routes passed through cities like Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan province, reaching Lhasa before extending into India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• The route traversed rugged terrains, including high mountain passes at elevations of up to 10,000 feet.

Origins and Early Use

• The Tea Horse Road dates back to the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE).
• Early trade records mention the exchange of goods like sugar, textiles, and medicinal herbs between China, Tibet, and India.
• Horses, leather, gold, and saffron were transported to China, while Chinese tea and other commodities moved towards Tibet and beyond.
• During the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), tea and horses became the primary goods traded along this route.

Significance of the Route

• Tea Demand in Tibet: Tibetan nomads relied on tea as a warm beverage in cold climates, often mixing it with yak butter.
• Military and Transportation Needs: China lacked native horse breeding grounds, so it imported strong Tibetan horses for military and transportation purposes.
• Cultural Exchange: The route facilitated the spread of ideas, religion, and knowledge between China, Tibet, and India.
• Economic Growth: It boosted trade, leading to the establishment of official trade markets and administrative centers along the route.

Decline of the Tea Horse Road

• The importance of the route persisted until the early 20th century despite changes in political power.
• In 1912, as the Qing dynasty collapsed, trade in the region evolved, integrating with global markets.
• During World War II, the road was used for transporting military supplies since Japan controlled much of China’s coast.
• After the formation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, modern infrastructure reduced reliance on the old trade routes.
• Mao Zedong’s land reforms ended the use of human porters carrying heavy loads along the route.

Current Status and Legacy

• Today, parts of the Tea Horse Road survive as cultural and historical landmarks.
• China promotes tourism along the route, with Lijiang recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
• The region preserves a blend of Han, Bai, and Tibetan cultural influences, evident in its architecture, murals, and religious sites.

Conclusion

The Tea Horse Road was a significant trade and cultural route that connected China with Tibet and India for centuries. Though its importance has declined, it remains a historical symbol of commerce and cultural exchange.

THREE KEY REFORMS CHIEF MINISTERS CAN IMPLEMENT FOR INDIA’S PROSPERITY

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s economic progress depends on reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. State governments are responsible for a large share of compliance requirements, criminal provisions, and filings. By implementing simple yet effective reforms, chief ministers can create a more business-friendly environment, accelerating economic growth.

Key Reforms for Economic Growth

Decriminalization of Business Regulations

Excessive Legal Provisions: States account for about 80% of employer-related criminal provisions.

Burden on Businesses: Many legal clauses penalize minor errors in filing documents, causing unnecessary delays and fear among businesses.

Proposed Changes:

• Remove imprisonment clauses for offenses that do not involve physical harm, fraud, or major societal risks.
• Avoid vague legal terms and broad definitions in regulations.
• Apply the new principles retroactively to ensure a fair legal environment.

Current Progress:

• Some states like Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have initiated decriminalization.
• Gujarat, Karnataka, and Odisha are considering similar steps.

Digitization of Compliance Processes

• Current Challenges: Around 65% of employer compliance requirements are still based on paper-based processes. Filing periodic returns, obtaining licenses, and getting approvals involve multiple departments, leading to delays.
• Solution: Implement a State Employer Compliance Grid (SECG) that utilizes a digital infrastructure similar to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). SECG will streamline compliance filings, licenses, and approvals through a single digital platform.
• Ongoing Initiatives: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are working on implementing SECG with different timelines for integration.

Rationalization of Bureaucratic Structure

• Administrative Complexity: Many states have an excessive number of departments, increasing inefficiency. For instance, Uttar Pradesh has around 72 government departments, while Maharashtra has 35.
• Proposed Measures: Reduce the number of departments for better governance. Adopt global best practices like the UK and US, which have streamlined their government structures.
• Expected Benefits: Improved ease of doing business. Faster decision-making and reduced bureaucratic hurdles.

Conclusion

For India to achieve mass prosperity, chief ministers must act decisively. By eliminating unnecessary legal barriers, digitizing compliance processes, and rationalizing governance structures, states can attract more high-wage employers, leading to faster economic growth.

Prelims Practice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the election of the Chief Minister in India:

1. The Chief Minister is directly elected by the people of the state through a separate election.
2. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister, who must be the leader of the majority party in the State Legislative Assembly.
3. A person who is not a member of the State Legislature can be appointed as Chief Minister but must get elected within six months.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The Chief Minister is not directly elected by the people. Instead, the MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) elect their leader, who is then appointed as Chief Minister by the Governor.
• The Governor appoints the leader of the majority party in the State Legislative Assembly as the Chief Minister.
• A non-member of the legislature can be appointed as Chief Minister but must get elected to the State Legislature within six months to continue in office (Article 164 of the Constitution).

FOCUS ON MULTILINGUALISM, NOT HINDI

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The debate over the Three-Language Formula (TLF) has resurfaced after the Union government withheld grants from Tamil Nadu for not implementing the National Education Policy (NEP). Tamil Nadu opposes TLF, seeing it as a means to impose Hindi. This has reignited discussions on language policy, federalism, and multilingualism in India.

The Three-Language Formula (TLF)

• Introduced in 1968 as part of India’s Education Policy.
• Designed to teach three languages:
  • Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language (preferably a South Indian language) in Hindi-speaking states.
  • Regional language, English, and Hindi in non-Hindi speaking states.
• Aimed at promoting national integration and cognitive benefits through multilingual education.

Benefits of Multilingual Education

• Cognitive Growth: Helps in problem-solving, creativity, and better learning outcomes.
• Diverse Thinking: Encourages cultural understanding and adaptability.
• Stronger National Unity: Ensures all regions have equal linguistic exposure.

Political Disputes Over TLF

• Tamil Nadu has followed a two-language policy (Tamil and English) and rejects Hindi.
• The Union government linked grants to the adoption of NEP, leading to a conflict.
• Federal Concerns: States argue that the Centre is imposing policies on education, which is a state subject.
• Historical Mistrust: South Indian states fear the imposition of Hindi, citing past anti-Hindi movements.

Unequal Implementation of TLF

• While non-Hindi states were required to learn Hindi, Hindi-speaking states avoided learning South Indian languages.
• Many Hindi-speaking states replaced the third language with Sanskrit, defeating the purpose of linguistic diversity.
• This imbalance has led to resentment among non-Hindi states.

Way Forward

• The Centre should not condition grants on adopting TLF.
• A national discussion among Chief Ministers should be held to create a balanced language policy.
• Hindi-speaking states should introduce South Indian languages to ensure reciprocity.
• The focus should be on multilingualism, rather than imposing any single language.

Conclusion

A fair and inclusive language policy is needed to preserve India’s linguistic diversity. Instead of political disputes, multilingual education should be strengthened for national unity and cognitive development.

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE (NCISM)

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: PIB

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) recently concluded the first phase of the ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’, achieving five Guinness World Records. This marks a significant step in promoting traditional medicine and raising awareness about Ayurveda and natural health practices.

About NCISM

• Established under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020.
• Regulates education and practice of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Sowa-Rigpa medicine.
• Aims to enhance accessibility to high-quality, affordable traditional healthcare.

Composition of NCISM

Consists of 29 members appointed by the Central Government.

A Search Committee recommends names for:

• Chairperson
• Part-time members
• Presidents of four autonomous boards under NCISM.

Functions of NCISM

• Policy Formulation: Develops regulations for medical education and professional standards in Indian traditional medicine.
• Medical Institution Oversight: Ensures medical colleges and institutions comply with approved educational guidelines.
• Healthcare Infrastructure & Workforce Planning: Assesses the need for medical professionals, training facilities, and hospitals to strengthen traditional healthcare.
• Regulation & Monitoring: Supervises State Medical Councils to ensure they follow national regulations.
• Coordination with Autonomous Boards: Works with various boards to standardize medical education and services in traditional medicine.

Significance of NCISM

• Promotes Traditional Medicine: Encourages Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and other systems.
• Improves Healthcare Access: Strengthens affordable and holistic medical treatments.
• Ensures Quality Education: Sets high standards for medical institutions.
• Supports Government Initiatives: Aligns with Ayushman Bharat and National AYUSH Mission.

Conclusion

The NCISM plays a vital role in regulating and advancing Indian traditional medicine. By ensuring high standards in education and practice, it enhances healthcare accessibility and quality, preserving India’s rich medical heritage.

PAGRI SAMBHAL JATTA MOVEMENT

TOPIC: (GS2) HISTORY: THE HINDU

The Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement, launched in 1907 by Ajit Singh, was a farmer-led protest against British agricultural laws. It became a symbol of resistance and self-respect for Indian farmers.

About the Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement

• Started in 1907 by Ajit Singh to oppose exploitative British laws affecting farmers.
• The phrase “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” means “Take care of your turban, O farmer”, emphasizing self-respect and dignity.
• The slogan was coined by Banke Dayal, a nationalist poet, and became a powerful rallying cry.

Reasons for the Movement

The protest was against three unjust British laws:

• Punjab Land Alienation Act, 1900: Restricted farmers’ rights to sell or mortgage their land. Favored moneylenders and landlords, trapping farmers in debt cycles.
• Punjab Land Colonisation Act, 1906: Gave the British control over land ownership in Chenab Colony (now in Pakistan). Required farmers to transfer land to the British instead of passing it to heirs.
• Doab Bari Act, 1907: Stripped farmers of ownership rights, reducing them to contract laborers.

• Additionally, the British increased taxes on agricultural land and irrigation, making farming economically unsustainable.
• These policies led to widespread debt, forcing many farmers to lose their land.

Key Leaders and Supporters

• Ajit Singh and Kishan Singh (father of Bhagat Singh) formed the Bharat Mata Society, a revolutionary group advocating for farmers’ rights.
• Lala Lajpat Rai and other nationalist leaders supported the movement.