Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chokuwa Saul Rice, GI Tag
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Chokuwa rice, the unique possession of Assam’s Ahom dynasty, recently earned a GI (Geographical Indication) tag.
Chokuwa Saul
- Chokuwa rice, a semi-glutinous winter rice type known as Sali rice, carries the legacy of the past.
- The rice variety is classified into Bora and Chokuwa based on amylose concentration, which affects stickiness.
- The Chokuwa variant, low in amylose, yields soft rice, referred to as Komal Chaul.
- This whole grain can be consumed after a preliminary soaking process.
- Its versatility extends to its application in traditional Assamese delicacies like Pithe and various local dishes.
- It is primarily cultivated in the Brahmaputra region and various parts of Assam, including Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon, and Morigaon.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Hoolock Gibbons
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, home to the endangered western hoolock gibbon, is facing habitat fragmentation due to a railway track that divides the sanctuary.
Hoolock Gibbons
- They are a unique primate species, inhabit various regions across India’s northeastern part, particularly in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
- These arboreal creatures are known for their distinctive vocalizations and tree-dwelling behavior.
- There are two recognized species of hoolock gibbons found in India: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
- These gibbons play an essential role in the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health.
Conservation status
-
- Western Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Endangered
- Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Vulnerable
- Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972: both listed on Schedule 1 of the
About Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
- The HGS is located in the Jorhat district of Assam, India.
- It was established in 1997 as a protected area primarily to conserve the western hoolock gibbon, an endangered primate species.
- The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 20.98 square kilometers.
- Set aside initially in 1881, its forests used to extend to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range.
- It contains India’s only gibbons – the hoolock gibbons, and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate – the Bengal slow loris.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Y Chromosome
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The enigmatic Y chromosome, harboring the genetic blueprint of maleness and sperm production, has long intrigued researchers and captured public curiosity.
- Despite its small size and abundant “junk DNA,” technological advancements have finally granted scientists a comprehensive sequence of the entire Y chromosome.
What are Chromosomes?
- Chromosomes are fundamental components of cells that play a vital role in storing and transmitting genetic information.
- These structures contain genes, which carry instructions for the development, functioning, and inheritance of traits.
- Chromosomes consist of tightly coiled DNA molecules wrapped around proteins called histones, forming chromatin.
- Before cell division, chromosomes replicate into identical sister chromatids held together at the centromere.
Types of Chromosomes:
- Autosomes: Non-sex chromosomes (22 pairs in humans) determine most traits.
- Sex Chromosomes: Determine biological sex (XX for females, XY for males).
Functions of Chromosomes
- Genetic Information Storage: Genes on chromosomes encode instructions for protein production and cellular processes.
- Inheritance: Chromosomes transmit genetic information during sexual reproduction through meiosis, ensuring genetic diversity in offspring.
- Gene Expression Regulation: Chromosomes control gene activation or silencing, crucial for development and cell functioning.
Significance of Chromosomes
- Understanding Genetic Disorders: Abnormalities in chromosomes cause conditions like Down syndrome, aiding diagnosis and comprehension.
- Evolutionary Insights: Comparative analysis of chromosomes reveals evolutionary relationships and genetic material changes over time.
- Advancements in Genetic Research: Chromosomes are crucial for genome sequencing, mapping, and studying gene expression, leading to improved understanding of human health, diseases, and targeted therapies.
Our focus: Y Chromosome
- Genetic Origins: The Y chromosome is believed to have emerged approximately 200-300 million years ago in a common ancestor of mammals. Its genetic sequence, published in 2003, revealed that it accounts for only 2% of the genetic material inside a cell, encoding around 55 genes.
- Quirks and Challenges: Referred to as the “juvenile delinquent” among chromosomes, the Y chromosome has repetitive sequences, a limited number of genes, and a reluctance to recombine with other chromosomes. These characteristics have led to debates about its functional utility and evolutionary trajectory.
Significance of the Y Chromosome
- Historical Insights: Researchers have extensively studied the Y chromosome to understand human migration and evolution. It has provided valuable insights into paternity, genetic diversity, and our shared past.
- Beyond Sex Determination: Contrary to earlier assumptions, recent studies have revealed that the Y chromosome plays a role in biological functions beyond sex determination. It contains genes associated with aging, lifespan regulation, and other vital processes.
Influence of the Y chromosome on Health
- Sex Differences in Lifespan: In the animal kingdom, including mammals, females tend to live longer than males. The absence of a second Y chromosome in males exposes detrimental mutations in the X chromosome, potentially contributing to shorter lifespans.
- Age-Related Loss of the Y Chromosome: Studies have shown that men experience a loss of the Y chromosome (LoY) with age, which has been associated with a higher risk of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. Research on mice models supports these findings, indicating a correlation between LoY and shorter lifespans and memory deficiencies.
- Phenotypic Sex and Longevity: Recent research on fruit flies challenges the notion that the presence of a Y chromosome directly influences longevity. Instead, the phenotypic sex of an individual, determined by external genitalia, may play a more significant role.
Future of the Y Chromosome
- Species-Specific Evolution: Some species, like rodents, have naturally lost their Y chromosome, offering insights into sex-chromosome turnover. These species serve as models for understanding the process and the potential repurposing of other chromosomes as sex chromosomes.
- Signs of Replacement: Genomic analysis of Neanderthal DNA indicates that the Y chromosome has undergone replacement in the lineage leading to modern humans. This suggests that the Y chromosome’s role as the “master of maleness” may eventually be overtaken by another chromosome in the future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: G20
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The upcoming G20 summit in Delhi marks the culmination of a year-long series of meetings involving heads of state/government from G20 members.
- As a crucial platform for international economic cooperation, the G20 has transformed into a pivotal force in shaping global economic governance.
Origins and Composition of G20
| Origin |
Formed in 1999 in response to the financial crises of the late 1990s, with the aim to bring together major economies for international financial stability. |
| Composition |
Comprises 19 individual countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, UK, US, and the European Union. |
| Purpose |
Serves as a platform for major economies to discuss and coordinate on international financial, economic, and social issues. |
| Significance |
Represents around 85% of global GDP, 75% of global trade, and covers two-thirds of the world population. |
| Leadership |
Operates without a permanent secretariat or staff.
Presidency rotates among its members on an annual basis. |
| Current Presidency |
India holds the G20 Presidency for the period December 2022 to November 2023. |
Emergence of G20
- Unplanned Emergence: The G20’s formation was not meticulously orchestrated but emerged due to a combination of circumstance and necessity.
- Adapting to Global Dynamics: The decline of the North-South divide and the rise of economically potent nations in the Global South underscored the requirement for a more inclusive and representative global economic forum.
From G22 to G20
- Response to Crisis: The Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s exposed vulnerabilities in the existing global economic governance framework.
- Genesis of G22: The G20’s precursor, the G22, was established in 1998 as a crisis-response mechanism.
- Evolving to G20: Dissatisfaction with the ad hoc nature of the G22 and G33 meetings led to the establishment of the G20 in 1999, aiming for a more structured platform.
Global Economic Crisis of 2008: Catalyst for Change
- The idea of a G20 leaders’ forum was proposed by Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin in 2005, yet it faced resistance, particularly from the US.
- The global economic crisis of 2008, comparable to the Great Depression, accelerated the establishment of the G20 leaders’ summit.
- Recognizing the complexity and magnitude of the crisis, the G20 emerged as a suitable platform to address and mitigate the crisis’s repercussions.
First G20 Leaders’ Summit
- Washington DC Summit (2008): The inaugural G20 leaders’ summit, titled ‘Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy,’ took place in November 2008.
- Extended Participation: Alongside G20 member nations, heads of institutions including the IMF, World Bank, and UN were invited. Spain and the Netherlands also attended.
Conclusion
- The evolution of the G20, from its spontaneous beginnings to the imminent Delhi summit, epitomizes its role as a responsive mechanism for fostering global economic cooperation.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Self Respect Marriages
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The recent Supreme Court ruling on ‘self-respect’ marriages under Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 has clarified the legal standing of these marriages.
- The court’s decision has significant implications for the validity and recognition of such unions, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Self-respect Marriages
- Amendment: The Hindu Marriage (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 1967 introduced Section 7-A into the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, applicable solely in Tamil Nadu.
- Recognition of ‘Self-Respect’ Marriages: Section 7-A recognizes and legalizes ‘self-respect’ or ‘suyamariyathai’ marriages, allowing them to be solemnized without the need for traditional rituals or priests.
- Ceremony Description: Such marriages are performed in the presence of relatives, friends, or other individuals, with couples declaring each other as spouses in a language understood by them. Exchange of garlands, rings, or tying a ‘thali’ (mangal sutra) is required. Registration remains obligatory.
Legal Controversy
- Madras High Court Ruling (2014): A 2014 Madras High Court ruling declared marriages solemnized by advocates as invalid, asserting that ‘self-respect’ marriages must not be secretive and should be celebrated publicly.
- Current Supreme Court Ruling: The recent Supreme Court ruling, passed by Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Arvind Kumar, overruled the 2014 Madras High Court decision.
Supreme Court’s Interpretation and Decision
- The Supreme Court clarified that there is no blanket ban on advocates solemnizing ‘self-respect’ marriages under Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
- The court held that ‘self-respect’ marriages can indeed be solemnized and recognized, and the 2014 Madras High Court ruling was set aside.
- The ruling was delivered in response to a petition filed by Ilavarasan, who sought recognition of his ‘self-respect’ marriage and the release of his wife from her parents’ custody.
- The Supreme Court’s decision is based on the interpretation of Section 7(A) and its application in the context of ‘self-respect’ marriages.
Precedents and Past Rulings
- In the case of Nagalingam vs. Sivagami (2001), the Supreme Court had already recognized the validity of ‘self-respect’ marriages under Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
- The court emphasized that the presence of a priest is not obligatory for a valid marriage, and parties can enter into a marriage with the participation of relatives, friends, or other individuals.
Conclusion
- The recent Supreme Court ruling has resolved the ambiguity surrounding the legality of ‘self-respect’ marriages solemnized by advocates under Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act.
- By overturning the previous Madras High Court ruling, the Supreme Court has clarified the validity and recognition of such marriages, ensuring that ‘self-respect’ marriages can be solemnized without the need for traditional rituals or priests in Tamil Nadu.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill,
Mains level: Gig Workers, Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, significance and major issues
What’s the news?
- The Rajasthan government introduced the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, aiming to ensure social security for gig workers.
Central idea
- While the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, demonstrates commendable intentions and includes noteworthy provisions, critical concerns arise that might undermine its effectiveness. There are four major issues that could potentially limit the scope and impact of the bill.
Key Features of the Bill
- Applicability: The bill covers both aggregators and primary employers engaging platform-based workers.
- Formation of a Welfare Board: A Welfare Board will be established, chaired by the Labor Department’s minister, to oversee welfare measures for gig workers.
- Registration and Unique ID: Gig workers and aggregators will be registered, and gig workers will receive a unique ID for streamlined welfare access.
- Social Security and Welfare Fund: A dedicated fund will offer social security benefits to registered gig workers.
- Welfare Fee Deduction: Aggregators will contribute through a welfare fee deducted from transactions.
- Access to Benefits: Gig workers will gain access to state-formulated social security benefits, including insurance.
- Grievance Redressal: A mechanism for addressing worker grievances will be in place.
- Representation: Gig workers will have representation on the Welfare Board for decision-making.
- Compliance and Fines: Aggregators must comply, with fines for non-compliance.
Four major issues that could potentially limit the scope and impact of the bill
1: Definitional Ambiguity
- Definitions from the Bill and their Implications:
- The Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, introduces definitions for gig worker and aggregator derived from the Code on Social Security, 2020.
- The definitions are intended to clarify the roles and relationships of gig workers and aggregators within the gig economy.
- Definitions of gig worker and aggregator:
- The bill defines a gig worker as an individual engaged in work outside the traditional employee-employer paradigm, earning from such activities, and operating under a predetermined payment rate contract.
- An aggregator is described as a digital intermediary that facilitates collaborations between aggregators, enabling service provision.
- Ambiguity in Determining the Aggregator’s Status:
- The definitions’ lack of precision in categorizing aggregators as employers creates uncertainty.
- The absence of explicit language binding aggregators to the role of employers leads to interpretational ambiguity.
- Implications of Definitional Vagueness:
- The vagueness could potentially result in gig workers being seen as self-employed or independent contractors rather than employees by aggregators.
- This vagueness contrasts with global best practices and sets the stage for the subsequent issue.
- Global Context and Significance:
- The debate over classifying gig workers and aggregators as employees or employers has global implications.
- The ABC Test in California’s labor code highlights the importance of clear classification, while the UK Supreme Court’s ruling in 2021 regarding Uber drivers further highlights the significance of accurate classification, underscoring that they are workers, not self-employed.
- Contrast with global practices:
- The Rajasthan Bill’s vague definitions deviate from global best practices, raising concerns about the subsequent challenges.
2: Integration with Labor Laws and Workplace Entitlements
- Classification of Gig Workers and Impact on Labor Laws:
- The Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, does not classify gig workers as employees.
- The absence of employee classification poses challenges in integrating the bill with established labor law frameworks.
- Challenges in Compliance and Workplace Rights:
- Non-classification could allow aggregators to bypass labor law mandates, potentially undermining gig workers’ workplace rights.
- Gig workers might be denied rights granted to employees, such as minimum wages and fair working conditions.
- Exclusion from entitlements and Fairwork India ratings:
- The bill’s provisions may unintentionally exclude gig workers from essential entitlements, potentially impacting their well-being.
- Fairwork India ratings in 2022 highlighted poor worker welfare practices among prominent platforms.
- Accountability for workplace accidents
- The question arises: If gig workers are not designated as employees, to what extent can aggregators be held accountable for workplace accident expenses?
- Some Indian platforms have addressed this issue, but relying on aggregators’ goodwill risks converting entitlements into benevolence.
- Contrast with Australia and New Zealand’s Approach:
- Australia and New Zealand’s focus on a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and worker well-being highlights an alternative approach to workplace rights.
3: Duration of the Database and Implications for Gig Workers
- Database Creation and Durational Concerns:
- The bill’s third issue concerns the creation of a gig worker database transferred to the gig workers’ welfare board.
- A concern arises from the registration’s perpetual validity, irrespective of workers’ ongoing engagement with app-based platforms.
- Obstacle to Perpetual Registration:
- The well-intended perpetual registration concept could inadvertently hinder gig workers’ flexibility.
- Gig workers often work with multiple aggregators in a single day, leading to concerns about registration’s impact on choices.
- Potential influence on choices and mechanisms:
- Mandatory registration might enable aggregators to learn about workers’ engagements with various platforms, possibly influencing their choices.
- The bill lacks preventive mechanisms to address this potential influence.
4: Deficiencies in Social Security Provisions
- Social Security and Welfare Board Establishment:
- The bill’s fourth issue revolves around its core goal of providing social security to platform-based gig workers through a welfare board and fund.
- Eight aggregators are brought under the bill’s jurisdiction, but it lacks explicit definitions of social security and welfare measures.
- Discretionary Nature of Social Security Provisions:
- The bill delegated the responsibility of defining social security measures to the welfare board’s discretion.
- This lack of specificity raises concerns about the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the proposed social security provisions.
- Lack of explicit definitions and ambiguity:
- The absence of clear definitions for social security leaves room for interpretation and may affect the welfare board’s decision-making process.
- Influence dynamics within the Welfare Board:
- While the welfare board includes gig worker representatives, the dominance of powerful representatives from platforms, bureaucracy, and the government raises questions about the extent of worker influence.
Way forward
- Refine Definitions: Clarify gig worker and aggregator definitions based on global standards to prevent ambiguity in their roles.
- Employee Classification: Clearly categorize gig workers as employees to grant them labor protections and rights.
- Database Management: Implement a periodic registration renewal system to accommodate gig workers’ changing engagements.
- Preventive Measures: Introduce safeguards to prevent aggregators from exploiting registration data to influence gig workers’ choices.
- Social Security Definition: Define the scope of social security and outline welfare measures to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Enhanced Worker Representation: Strengthen the influence of gig worker representatives on the welfare board.
- Stakeholder Consultation: Collaborate with gig workers, aggregators, experts, and labor organizations for a well-rounded regulatory framework.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, while the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, demonstrates a commendable commitment to gig workers’ welfare, it is beset with critical flaws. Addressing the issues and aligning with global best practices will be crucial for the Bill to achieve its intended objectives and provide genuine social security to platform-based gig workers.
Also read:
What does India’s first gig workers’ rights Bill stipulate?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Thalinomics concept
What’s the news?
- The growing chasm between wages or salaries and the cost of living has given rise to a distressing scenario: the affordability of vital food commodities is under threat.
Central idea
- In Mumbai, the cost of a vegetarian thali surged 65% in five years, while income for laborers and salaried workers in urban Maharashtra increased only 37% and 28%, respectively. This discrepancy is making essential food items unaffordable, leading to compromised meals.
What is Thalinomics?
- Thalinomics is a term coined by an Indian economist and former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, Arvind Subramanian.
- It refers to a concept that involves analyzing changes in the cost of a vegetarian thali (a meal consisting of a variety of dishes served on a single plate) to gain insights into the trends and dynamics of food inflation and affordability.
- It involves tracking the prices of key ingredients that constitute a thali, such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, and other essential items.
- This concept is particularly relevant in countries like India, where food affordability and inflation are significant concerns for a large population.
Key insights: A case study of Mumbai and urban Maharashtra
- Rising Cost of Thali: The cost of preparing a home-cooked vegetarian thali in Mumbai has increased significantly by 65% over the past five years. This increase is attributed to rising prices of essential ingredients like rice, dal, vegetables, and other items that constitute a thali.
- Income Growth: Over the same five-year period, the average wage earned by casual laborers in urban Maharashtra increased by 37%, while the average salary of regular salaried workers increased by 28%. These income growth rates reflect the changes in earnings for these two categories of workers.
- Disparity Between Costs and Income: While the cost of a thali increased by 65%, income growth for casual laborers and salaried workers was significantly lower, at 37% and 28%, respectively.
- Affordability Challenge: The disparity between rising costs and income growth has resulted in essential food items becoming increasingly unaffordable for households. This affordability challenge can lead to reduced portion sizes or a compromise in the variety and nutritional quality of meals.
- Impact on Budget Share: The study also analyzes the portion of monthly wages or salaries required to afford two thalis every day for a month. This share increased from 22.5% of a casual laborer’s monthly earnings in 2018 to 27.2% in 2023. For salaried employees, it increased from 9.9% to 12.8% over the same period.
- Incomplete Data: Data limitations, particularly regarding the absence of certain ingredients like spices and ghee in the analysis, This suggests that the actual cost of making a thali could be even higher than the calculated figures.
Key aspects of the relationship between thali prices and inflation
- Inflation and Ingredient Prices: The prices of ingredients like rice, dal, vegetables, and oil can be affected by inflation. If the prices of these essential ingredients rise due to inflationary pressures, the overall cost of preparing a thali would increase.
- Food Inflation: The cost of a thali, which is composed of various food items, is directly influenced by food inflation. If there’s high food inflation, it can significantly impact the affordability of thalis and other meals.
- Supply and Demand Dynamics: Inflation can be driven by supply and demand imbalances. If there’s a shortage of certain ingredients due to supply disruptions (e.g., poor harvests or transportation issues), prices can rise. Similarly, changes in consumer demand patterns can affect the prices of specific ingredients, further impacting thali costs.
- Monetary Policy: Central banks often use monetary policy tools to control inflation. Interest rate adjustments, money supply regulation, and other measures can impact inflation rates. High inflation rates can lead to increased production costs for farmers and manufacturers, which may trickle down to the prices of thali ingredients.
- Income Effects: Inflation can impact consumers’ purchasing power. When inflation outpaces income growth, households might need to allocate a larger portion of their income to cover basic expenses like food. This can particularly affect lower-income households, leading to affordability challenges for items like thalis.
- Regional Variation: Inflation rates can vary regionally and even locally. Different regions might experience different rates of inflation due to factors like supply chain disruptions, local economic conditions, and government policies.
- Government Policies: Government policies such as subsidies, import/export regulations, and agricultural policies can influence ingredient prices and, consequently, the cost of preparing a thali. These policies can impact the supply and availability of key ingredients.
Implications of the higher cost of a thali
- Nutritional Impact: The rising cost of thali ingredients can lead to compromised nutritional intake as households might cut back on certain items to manage expenses. This can result in inadequate diets and potential health implications.
- Affordability Strain: As thali prices escalate, households may face financial strain by allocating a larger portion of their income to food expenses. This can limit their ability to save, invest, and engage in non-essential expenditures.
- Dietary Diversity: Increased thali costs can potentially lead to reduced dietary diversity as households might opt for cheaper, less nutritious alternatives, affecting overall dietary quality.
- Balanced Meals: Higher thali costs might lead to smaller portions or fewer items in the thali, disrupting the balance of a typical meal and potentially impacting satiety and nutritional completeness.
- Quality of Life: Reduced dietary quality due to affordability challenges can have broader implications for individuals’ quality of life, health, and overall well-being.
- Economic Struggles: For households with limited disposable income, the burden of increased thali costs can exacerbate economic struggles and hinder progress.
Way forward
- Policy Interventions: Implement policies to address the widening gap between thali costs and income growth, ensuring that essential food remains affordable.
- Income Enhancement: Focus on raising wages for casual laborers and salaried workers to match the rising cost of thalis.
- Affordability Measures: Establish measures to mitigate the impact of expensive thalis on households, considering subsidies or targeted assistance.
- Nutrition Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate households about maintaining nutritious diets even when faced with affordability challenges.
- Gender-Inclusive Approach: Address gender disparities by formulating policies that empower women economically.
- Data-Driven Approach: Base policies on accurate and up-to-date data on food prices, wages, and consumption patterns.
- Food Security Initiatives: Strengthen food security programs to ensure access to nutritious food despite thali cost increases.
- Policy Evaluation: Continuously assess the effectiveness of policies in addressing thali affordability and overall well-being.
Conclusion
- The shifting dynamics between escalating costs and relatively stagnant income pose a serious challenge to maintaining a nutritionally balanced diet. As prices continue to rise, a more comprehensive approach is crucial to ensuring that affordable nutrition remains within reach for all strata of society.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election Commission of India
Mains level: Election Commission of India, , Supreme court's recent judgement, significance, challenges and government's response
What’s the news?
- In recent times, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has emerged as a battleground where conflicts between the government and the judiciary come to the fore. The current divergence of opinions centers around the process of appointing officials within the ECI.
Central idea
- The Supreme Court’s unanimous verdict, issued on March 2, directed the President to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) based on a committee’s recommendation. This decision aimed to bolster the ECI’s constitutional stature and curtail political influence. However, the government introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha on August 10 that, if passed, will overturn this verdict.
The CEC and Other ECs Bill, 2023
- The bill aims to bring about significant changes in the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners, as well as in defining the conditions of their service and their terms of office.
- The bill intends to repeal the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, which currently governs the appointment, conditions of service, and term of office of the Election Commissioners.
The significance of the Supreme Court’s judgment
- Broadening the Selection Process: The judgment introduces a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha or leader of the largest Opposition party, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). This broadens the decision-making process beyond the central government.
- Enhanced Constitutional Status: The judgment elevates the constitutional status of the Election Commission by involving key figures such as the CJI in the selection committee. This underscores the importance of the institution in India’s democratic framework.
- Dilution of Government Control: The involvement of the CJI and opposition leaders reduces the potential for appointments to be influenced solely by the ruling government. This ensures a more balanced and impartial selection process.
- Transparency and Representation: The judgment promotes transparency and accountability by including multiple stakeholders in the selection process. This prevents appointments from occurring behind closed doors and enhances public trust.
- Mitigating Bias and Partisanship: The inclusion of the CJI adds a judicial perspective to appointments, preventing potential biases or affiliations towards any political party. This safeguards the Election Commission’s credibility and neutrality.
- Safeguarding Democratic Processes: By reinforcing the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and autonomy in the appointment process, the judgment ensures that the Election Commission continues to uphold the integrity of democratic elections.
Legislative concerns associated with the bill
- Alteration of Committee Composition: The Bill aims to replace the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Union Cabinet Minister in the selection committee. This change would shift the balance of the committee’s decision-making dynamics.
- Potential for Government Influence: By replacing the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister, the government could gain greater influence over the appointment process, raising concerns about the potential for political bias and government control.
- Diminished Judicial Perspective: The removal of the CJI from the selection committee might lead to a reduced judicial perspective in the appointments, potentially undermining the objective of preventing political bias.
- Government’s Priorities: The introduction of this bill could be seen as an attempt by the government to assert more authority over the Election Commission’s top appointments, potentially impacting the institution’s autonomy.
- Shift in Democratic Safeguards: The alteration of the committee’s composition could potentially weaken the system of checks and balances established by the Supreme Court’s judgment, shifting the balance of power in favor of the ruling government.
- Public Perception and Trust: The legislative challenge posed by the bill could raise concerns about the government’s intentions regarding the Election Commission’s autonomy and the transparency of appointments.
- Political Dynamics: The bill’s introduction might impact the ongoing political dynamics between the government and opposition parties, potentially leading to debates and negotiations around the selection committee’s composition.
- Potential Legal Debates: The proposed changes might lead to legal debates about the compatibility of the bill with the Supreme Court’s judgment and the broader constitutional principles it aims to uphold.
- Future Institutional Reforms: The outcome of this legislative challenge could have broader implications for the appointment processes of other constitutional and statutory bodies, potentially setting a precedent for changes in their selection procedures.
Historical debates and recommendations related to the appointment process of the CEC and ECs
- Constituent Assembly Debates (1949): During the Constituent Assembly debates, there was a suggestion to subject the appointment of the CEC to confirmation by a two-thirds majority in a joint session of Parliament. However, the final decision was to empower Parliament to make appropriate laws on this matter.
- V.M. Tarkunde Committee (1975): This committee appointed by Jayaprakash Narayan recommended that the appointments of ECs should be more broad-based, involving a collegium-like approach, rather than relying solely on the government’s advice.
- Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990s): Set up by Prime Minister V.P. Singh, this committee on electoral reforms suggested a collegium-based approach for appointing ECs to enhance credibility and impartiality.
- Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2009): The commission’s fourth report recommended a comprehensive collegium-based appointment process to ensure the independence and neutrality of the Election Commission.
- B.B. Tandon’s Suggestion (2006): Former CEC B.B. Tandon proposed a committee, headed by the Prime Minister, for appointing the CEC and ECs. The committee should include the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Leaders of the Opposition, the Law Minister, the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, and a judge nominated by the Chief Justice of India.
- Arun Jaitley’s Statement (2006): BJP General Secretary Arun Jaitley supported a representative collegium, including the Chief Justice of India, to appoint apex electoral officials. He emphasized that government monitoring would undermine the commission’s independence.
- L.K. Advani’s Proposal (2012): BJP leader L.K. Advani suggested a collegium with the Prime Minister as chairman, including the CJI, the Minister of Law and Justice, and the Leaders of the Opposition from both Houses.
Way forward
- Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with legal experts, opposition parties, and civil society to incorporate diverse perspectives for a balanced and effective appointment process.
- Public Understanding: Emphasize transparent communication to articulate the rationale behind any changes in the appointment process, fostering public understanding and trust.
- Learn from History: Draw guidance from historical recommendations such as the Dinesh Goswami Committee and Second Administrative Reforms Commission to shape a more transparent and inclusive appointment process.
- Judicial Involvement: Consider the significance of judicial involvement in the selection committee to maintain checks and balances and prevent undue political influence.
- Legislative Scrutiny: Ensure comprehensive examination and scrutiny of the proposed changes through parliamentary debates and discussions during the legislative process.
- Constitutional Alignment: Ensure that any modifications adhere to constitutional principles, upholding the democratic foundations of the country’s governance.
Conclusion
- The current debate underscores the intricate interplay between democratic integrity and political maneuvering. The forthcoming decisions will shape the ECI’s trajectory, determining whether it maintains its unbiased autonomy or inches closer to political control. To safeguard democracy and uphold the integrity of elections, maintaining the ECI’s independence remains paramount.
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