From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 270, Article 280 (3)
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
Several Opposition-ruled states, particularly from southern India, have voiced concerns over the present scheme of financial devolution, citing disparities in the allocation of tax revenue compared to their contributions.
Understanding the concept of the divisible pool of taxes and the role of the Finance Commission (FC) is crucial in addressing these issues.
Divisible Pool of Taxes: Overview
Constitutional Provision: Article 270 of the Constitution outlines the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Centre and the States.
Share of taxes: Taxes shared include corporation tax, personal income tax, Central GST, and the Centre’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), among others.
Finance Commission’s Role: Article 280(3) (a) mandates FC, constituted every five years, recommends the division of taxes and grants-in-aid to States based on specific criteria.
XVI FC: It consists of a chairman and members appointed by the President, with the 16th Finance Commission recently constituted under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya for the period 2026-31.
Basis for Allocation: Horizontal and Vertical Devolution
Vertical Devolution: States receive a share of 41% from the divisible pool, as per the 15th FC’s recommendation.
Key criteria for horizontal devolution: For horizontal devolution, FC suggested 12.5% weightage to demographic performance, 45% to income, 15% each to population and area, 10% to forest and ecology and 2.5% to tax and fiscal efforts.
Income Distance: Reflects a state’s income relative to the state with the highest per capita income (Haryana), aiming to maintain equity among states.
Population: Based on the 2011 Census, replacing the earlier 1971 Census for determining weightage.
Forest and Ecology: Considers each state’s share of dense forest in the total forest cover.
Demographic Performance: Rewards states for efforts in controlling population growth.
Tax Effort: Rewards states with higher tax collection efficiency.
Challenges and Issues
Exclusion of Cess and Surcharge: Around 23% of the Centre’s gross tax receipts come from cess and surcharge, which are not part of the divisible pool, leading to disparities in revenue sharing.
Variation in State Contributions: Some states receive less than a rupee for every rupee they contribute to Central taxes, indicating disparities in revenue distribution.
Reduced Share for Southern States: Southern states have witnessed a decline in their share of the divisible pool over successive FCs, affecting their fiscal autonomy.
Proposed Reforms
Expansion of Divisible Pool: Including a portion of cess and surcharge in the divisible pool could enhance revenue sharing among states.
Enhanced Weightage for Efficiency: Increasing the weightage for efficiency criteria in horizontal devolution, such as GST contribution, can promote equitable distribution.
Greater State Participation in FC: Establishing a formal mechanism for state participation in the FC’s constitution and functioning, akin to the GST council, can ensure a more inclusive decision-making process.
Conclusion
Addressing issues of financial devolution requires a collaborative approach between the Centre and the States, focusing on equitable distribution and fiscal federalism.
Reforms in revenue-sharing mechanisms, along with enhanced state participation in decision-making bodies like the FC, are essential for promoting balanced development and resource allocation across the country.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Economics behind Indian Agriculture
Introduction
Amidst the ongoing farmer protests, the demand for a legal assurance backing Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) has taken center stage, sparking debates and polarizing opinions.
Delving into the intricacies of MSPs is crucial to grasp the gravity of this contentious issue.
Deciphering MSPs: A Primer
Fundamental Concept: MSPs, or Minimum Support Prices, signify the price floor set by the government for various crops, serving as a safety net to safeguard farmers’ incomes.
Ramifications: The significance of MSPs transcends mere agricultural economics, influencing farmers’ livelihoods, consumer prices, and even governmental budgetary allocations.
Backdrop of Farmer Protests
Escalating Tensions: The introduction and subsequent repeal of three farm laws by the current Union government in 2020 have catalysed widespread farmer protests, drawing attention to the MSP debate.
Polarized Discourse: The discourse surrounding farmer protests has veered into a realm of political polarization, overshadowing the substantive issues at hand.
Key Insights into India’s Agricultural Landscape
[1] Shift in Economic Dynamics
Historical Perspective: Post-Independence, agriculture commanded a significant share of India’s workforce and economic output, with around 70% of the workforce engaged in the sector.
Contemporary Scenario: Despite a decline in agriculture’s contribution to GDP, the proportion of the agricultural workforce remains relatively high, signaling a skewed economic paradigm. In 2011, approximately 6% of the workforce was engaged in agriculture.
[2] Transition in Farming Patterns
Rising Labour Dependency: The shift from cultivators to agricultural laborers underscores the evolving nature of farming practices, reflecting growing challenges in sustaining agricultural livelihoods. In 1951, 72% of allfarm workers were cultivators, whereas by 2011, this proportion decreased to 45%.
Small Holdings and Indebtedness: Small and marginal landholdings coupled with high levels of indebtedness paint a grim picture of the financial vulnerability faced by Indian farmers. According to a 2019 survey, around 70% of all agricultural households have a land holding size of less than 1 hectare, and almost 50% are indebted.
[3] Income Disparities and Debt Burdens
Regional Disparities: Regional variations in farm incomes and indebtedness highlight the multifaceted nature of agrarian distress. In 2019, the average monthly income per household was Rs 10,218, while 50% of all farm households were indebted.
Terms of Trade Dynamics: Fluctuating terms of trade between farmers and non-farmers further exacerbate farmers’ financial woes, reflecting structural imbalances in the agricultural sector. The Terms of Trade (ToT) between farmers and non-farmers have remained stagnant or negative since 2010-11.
[4] Global Perspectives on Agricultural Support
Comparative Analysis: India’s standing in terms of producer protection and agricultural support reveals stark disparities, challenging misconceptions about excessive financial assistance to Indian farmers.
India is Lagging: India ranks last among the countries compared by the OECD on producer protection and lags in terms of the “total support estimate” (TSE) relative to other countries and regions.
Navigating the Complexities
Beyond MSPs: While MSPs occupy a prominent position in the discourse, addressing India’s agricultural woes requires a holistic approach encompassing structural reforms, income augmentation, and infrastructural development.
Long-standing Challenges: Structural deficiencies within the agricultural sector necessitate comprehensive interventions, transcending short-term fixes and political rhetoric.
Conclusion
As India grapples with the intricacies of farmer protests and MSP demands, a nuanced understanding of agricultural dynamics is imperative to devise sustainable solutions.
Addressing the root causes of agrarian distress demands concerted efforts aimed at bolstering farmers’ resilience, fostering equitable economic growth, and ushering in transformative reforms to ensure the viability of India’s agricultural ecosystem.
Try this question from CS Mains (2018)
What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap? [150 Words, 10 Marks]
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved ₹340/quintal as the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for sugar season 2024-25 at sugar recovery rate of 10.25%.
This is about 8% higher than FRP of sugarcane for the current season 2023-24.
Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): Explained
Legal Framework: FRP is established under the Sugarcane Control Order, 1966.
Minimum Payment: It denotes the minimum price obligated to be paid by sugar mills to farmers for their sugarcane produce.
State Agreed Price (SAP): States have the authority to determine their SAP, typically higher than the FRP.
The fixation of FRP considers various factors, including:
Cost of sugarcane production,
Return from alternative crops,
Consumer sugar prices,
Sale price of sugar,
Sugarcane-to-sugar recovery rate,
Income from by-products (e.g., molasses, bagasse),
Adequate profit margins for sugarcane growers.
Determining Sugarcane Prices
Central Determination: FRP is set by the Central Government based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and endorsed by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
State Role: States announce SAP, often surpassing the FRP.
Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for Sugar
Market Dynamics: Sugar prices fluctuate based on market demand and supply.
Introducing MSP: To safeguard farmers’ interests, MSP for sugar was introduced in 2018.
Components Considered: MSP incorporates elements of FRP for sugarcane and the minimal conversion cost of efficient mills.
Basis of Price Determination
Transition from SMP to FRP: In 2009-10, FRP replaced the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) of sugarcane.
Consultative Process: The Central Government, in consultation with state authorities and sugar industry associations, determines the sugarcane price based on CACP recommendations.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:
Q. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the:
(a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
(b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
(c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CE20, Working of Cryogenic Engine
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its quest for human spaceflight with the successful human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine.
The ground qualification tests, conducted at the High Altitude Test Facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, have been successfully completed, validating the CE20 engine for the Gaganyaan programme.
What is Cryogenic Engine?
It is a type of rocket engine that operates on cryogenic (extremely low-temperature) fuels and oxidizers, typically liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
They are highly efficient due to the high energy density of cryogenic fuels.
They provide greater thrust compared to traditional rocket engines, making them suitable for launching heavy payloads into space.
They are commonly used in the upper stages of space launch vehicles, where they propel payloads from initial launch phases into desired orbits.
They operate at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C (-238°F) for liquid hydrogen and below -183°C (-297°F) for liquid oxygen.
About CE20 Cryogenic Engine
It has been designed and developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), a subsidiary of ISRO.
It is the first Indian cryogenic engine to feature a gas-generator cycle.
It is one of the most powerful upper-stage cryogenic engines in the world.
This engine develops a nominal thrust of 186.36 kN in vacuum.
Key Highlights of Ground Qualification Tests
Thorough Evaluation: The CE20 engine underwent extensive testing, including evaluation under nominal and off-nominal conditions related to thrust, mixture ratio, and propellant tank pressure.
Hot Firing Tests: Four engines underwent a total of 39 hot firing tests, accumulating a cumulative duration of 8,810 seconds, surpassing the minimum human rating qualification standard requirement of 6,350 seconds.
Update on First Unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) Mission
Mission Objectives: The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capabilities by launching a crew of three members into a 400 km orbit for a 3-day mission, followed by a safe return to Earth with a landing in Indian sea waters.
Acceptance Tests: ISRO has completed the acceptance tests of the flight engine designated for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission, scheduled tentatively for the second quarter of 2024.
Engine Specifications: The flight engine, which will power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle, boasts a thrust capability of 19 to 22 tonnes and a specific impulse of 442.5 seconds.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kapilvastu Relics
Mains level: Places associated with Buddha
Introduction
India will showcase some relics of Lord Buddha, currently in its possession, in Thailand from February 22 to March 18.
Kapilvastu Relics: Details
Designation: The relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana are known as the ‘Kapilvastu Relics.’
Origin: These relics, comprising 20 bone fragments, have been preserved at India’s National Museum.
Discovery: They were recovered in 1898 from a site in Bihar believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu. It was an inscribed casket found at the stupa site in Piprahwa (near Siddharthnagar in UP) that helped identify Kapilavastu.
Age: Dating back to the 4th or 5th Century BC, these relics were discovered in Bihar’s Piprahwa, believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu.
Excavation Details: The ASI unearthed these relics during excavations conducted from 1971 to 1977, discovering two inscribed steatite stone caskets containing 12 and 10 sacred relics, respectively.
Public Display in Thailand
Previous Exhibitions: Portions of these relics were earlier exhibited in Sri Lanka (1976, 2012), Mongolia (1993, 2022), Singapore (1994, 2007), South Korea (1995), and Thailand (1995).
Construction of Pagoda: The Thai government has built a special pagoda in Bangkok to enshrine the relics during the exhibition.
Significance of Display: Promotion of Indian Diplomacy
Diplomatic Achievement: This event signifies a diplomatic achievement for India, strengthening ties with Thailand and promoting cultural exchange.
Buddhist Circuit Development: The initiative aligns with India’s ‘Look East’ policy and emphasizes the promotion of soft power through cultural exchanges.
Past Engagements: India previously sent the relics to Mongolia in 2022 and Sri Lanka in 2012, showcasing its commitment to fostering cultural and spiritual ties.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: government's efforts in addressing housing challenges
Central Idea:
The article discusses the commendable steps taken by the government in the interim Budget 2024 towards achieving the ‘Housing for All’ initiative, particularly focusing on the construction of affordable houses and addressing environmental concerns. It emphasizes the need for integrating modern technologies and passive design strategies to ensure both affordability and sustainability in housing projects.
Key Highlights:
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the construction of two crore additional houses over the next five years under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) and introduced a new housing scheme for the middle class.
The success of the PMAY scheme is acknowledged, with nearly three crore rural and 80 lakh urban affordable houses constructed since 2015.
The adoption of modern technologies, such as Light House Projects (LHPs) and alternative construction methods like Mivan, is emphasized to reduce construction time, costs, and environmental impact.
However, there’s a need to address the trade-offs between mass production and quality of life, particularly regarding thermal comfort and environmental sustainability.
Passive design strategies are suggested as a solution to ensure thermal comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the operational stage of buildings.
Initiatives like Eco Niwas Samhita and Smart Ghar III project in Rajkot are cited as examples of integrating passive design elements into affordable housing projects.
Challenges include multi-stakeholder involvement, lack of awareness among end-users about the benefits of passive designs, and the need for systemic changes to incentivize sustainable practices across the building value chain.
Key Challenges:
Balancing mass production with quality and sustainability.
Addressing thermal comfort and environmental concerns in affordable housing projects.
Overcoming multi-stakeholder involvement and lack of awareness about passive design benefits.
Incentivizing developers to prioritize sustainability in housing projects.
“The announcement also prompts us to critically think about the potential trade-offs with quality of life and environmental concerns as a result of the rapid expansion of the housing sector.”
“This underscores a critical paradox, wherein a technology deemed to offer a low-carbon alternative inadvertently contributes to elevated emissions during the operational stage.”
“The escalating heat stress worldwide is anticipated to affect various population segments, leading to a substantial increase in the demand for cooling.”
“However, the challenge lies in their implementation because of the multi-stakeholder nature of the building value chain.”
“By weaving environmental consciousness into the fabric of housing initiatives, we can ensure that the homes we build not only shelter individuals but are also robust structures that make residents resilient to a warming climate.”
Anecdotes/Useful Statements:
Example: The Smart Ghar III project in Rajkot demonstrates the integration of passive design strategies into affordable housing, ensuring indoor thermal comfort.
Fact: Nearly three crore rural and 80 lakh urban affordable houses have been constructed under the PMAY scheme since 2015.
Data: Construction technologies like Mivan offer higher efficiency and reduce the overall duration and cost of projects.
Example: The Global Housing Technology Challenge (GHTC) includes Light House Projects (LHPs) across six sites in six states, leveraging modern technology for affordable housing.
Fact: The lack of tangible benefits perceived by end-users hinders the adoption of passive designs in housing projects.
Critical Analysis:
The article effectively highlights the government’s efforts in addressing housing challenges while also acknowledging the environmental concerns associated with rapid construction. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that integrates modern technologies with passive design strategies to ensure both affordability and sustainability in housing projects. However, it also identifies key challenges such as multi-stakeholder involvement and lack of awareness among end-users, indicating the complexity of implementing sustainable practices across the building value chain.
Way Forward:
Implementing passive design strategies in affordable housing projects.
Raising awareness among stakeholders about the benefits of sustainable practices.
Incentivizing developers to prioritize sustainability through policy interventions.
Strengthening building codes to incorporate environmental considerations.
Fostering collaboration among stakeholders to drive systemic changes in the building sector.
Overall, the article calls for a holistic approach towards housing development that not only meets the immediate needs of the population but also ensures long-term environmental sustainability.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Na
Mains level: importance of prioritizing primary healthcare
Central Idea:
The article discusses the importance of health reform in India, highlighting the necessity for political parties to prioritize it in their manifestos. It emphasizes the need to strengthen primary healthcare systems, citing successful examples from other countries like Thailand, and proposes comprehensive reforms to address India’s healthcare challenges.
Key Highlights:
Manifestos serve as important documents reflecting political parties’ priorities and commitments.
Both BJP and Congress manifestos in 2014 and 2019 highlighted the importance of revamping the primary healthcare system, but with differing perspectives on healthcare delivery.
Past initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission under the UPA and policy continuity under the NDA have made incremental progress but haven’t addressed fundamental healthcare system flaws.
Comparison with countries like Thailand and Turkey underscores India’s need for more ambitious and effective healthcare reforms.
The focus should shift towards strengthening primary and secondary healthcare infrastructure to address the majority of health needs effectively.
Successful reform examples emphasize deliberate planning, strong local capacity building, and a focus on community outcomes.
Challenges include political will, overcoming preoccupation with high-end hospitals, and implementing synchronized reforms at the grassroots level.
Key Challenges:
Political reluctance to prioritize primary healthcare over high-end hospital infrastructure.
Resistance to reforming entrenched healthcare delivery models and governance structures.
Capacity building and resource allocation at the district level to implement reforms effectively.
Varying levels of capability across states necessitate tailored approaches to reform implementation.
Addressing lifestyle factors contributing to disease incidence and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Overcoming market failures and governance challenges in healthcare service provision.
Main Terms or key terms for answer writing:
Primary healthcare
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Health reform
Public-private partnerships (PPP)
Human resources for health
Social health insurance
Medical curriculum reform
Decentralization
Operational flexibilities
Accountability framework
Important Phrases for quality answers:
“Reforming the very architecture of the health system”
“Building a system ‘fit for purpose'”
“Operational flexibilities within a proactive, accountability framework”
“Imagination to design the process of reform”
“Infusion of new institutional and organizational capacities”
“Reducing demand for hospitalization”
“Out-of-pocket expenditures”
Quotes that you can use for essay writing:
“Manifestos are useful documents… enabling people to hold the elected party accountable.”
“India’s strategy for UHC has hinged on purchasing services from a private sector operating on the inflationary a fee for service model…”
“Can our political parties commit themselves to such a process in their manifestos? Or, is that a big ask?”
Useful Statements:
“Twenty years is a long time… Thailand… achieved significant outcomes within half the time span.”
“India has a long way to go… States such as Bihar still have one doctor serving per 20,000 population.”
“Successful examples of such reform processes show deliberate intent executed to a plan.”
Examples and References for value addition in your mains answer:
Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage implementation in 2000.
Turkey’s Health Transformation Program in 2003.
India’s National Rural Health Mission and National Medical Commission establishment.
Facts and Data:
India’s maternal mortality is three times more than the global average.
95% of ailments and disease reduction can be handled at the primary and secondary level.
India’s public spending on healthcare has hovered around an average of 1.2% of GDP.
Critical Analysis:
The article provides a critical analysis of past healthcare initiatives in India, highlighting their incremental nature and failure to address fundamental system flaws. It underscores the importance of prioritizing primary healthcare and comprehensive reform to achieve equitable, effective healthcare delivery.
Implement comprehensive healthcare reforms addressing governance, human resources, and service delivery.
Tailor reform strategies to suit varying state capabilities.
Shift focus towards community outcomes and accountability.
Address lifestyle factors contributing to healthcare burden.
Overcome political reluctance and vested interests to achieve meaningful reform.
Answer the following question and write your answer in comment box
How can India learn from successful healthcare reform initiatives in other countries like Thailand and Turkey to address its own healthcare challenges effectively?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: The Wildlife Trust of India
Mains level: human fatalities due to wildlife attacks
Central Idea:
The article discusses the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad, Kerala, attributing it to the loss of ecological connectivity and habitat fragmentation caused by human activities such as deforestation, monoculture plantations, and unchecked tourism. It emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts from government departments and stakeholders to address the crisis and restore ecological balance in the region.
Key Highlights:
Recent tragic incidents involving human fatalities due to wildlife attacks, highlighting the severity of the conflict.
Decline in elephant corridors over the past two decades, leading to increased wildlife incursions into human settlements.
Impact of wildlife attacks on human lives, agriculture sector, and domestic animals.
Destructive effects of deforestation, monoculture plantations, and tourism on the ecosystem.
Failure of authorities to address concerns raised by scientists and activists regarding habitat management and conservation strategies.
Inadequate response from the government, including the lack of proper surveillance and monitoring in wildlife management operations.
Key Challenges:
Loss of ecological connectivity and habitat fragmentation due to human activities.
Escalating human-wildlife conflict resulting in fatalities and economic losses.
Lack of effective coordination among government departments and stakeholders.
Failure to enforce environmental laws and conservation measures.
Insufficient surveillance and monitoring in wildlife management operations.
Main Terms:
Human-wildlife conflict: Conflict arising from interactions between humans and wild animals, often due to habitat loss and encroachment.
Ecological connectivity: The uninterrupted movement of species between habitats, essential for maintaining biodiversity.
Habitat fragmentation: Division of natural habitats into smaller, isolated patches, disrupting wildlife movement and ecological processes.
Monoculture plantations: Agricultural or forestry practices where only one species is cultivated, leading to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Ecotourism: Tourism focused on visiting natural areas while conserving the environment and improving the well-being of local people.
Wildlife corridors: Strips of habitat connecting fragmented patches, facilitating the movement of wildlife.
Important Phrases:
“Loss of ecological connectivity and habitat fragmentation”
“Escalating human-wildlife conflict”
“Destructive effects of deforestation and monoculture plantations”
“Failure of authorities to address concerns”
“Inadequate response from the government”
Quotes:
“In a war with nature, no human would survive.”
“The continuous struggle of scientists and activists demanding the revival of habitat management has fallen on deaf ears.”
“The recent Operation Jumbo parade captured nine elephants but lacked adequate surveillance and monitoring.”
Useful Statements:
“Loss of ecological connectivity due to habitat fragmentation exacerbates the human-wildlife conflict.”
“Government efforts must focus on coordinated strategies to address the crisis and restore ecological balance.”
“Failure to enforce environmental laws and conservation measures further aggravates the situation.”
Examples and References:
Recent incidents involving human fatalities due to wildlife attacks in Wayanad.
Official data documenting human deaths and crop losses due to wildlife attacks.
Facts and Data:
Documented human deaths due to wildlife attacks in Wayanad in the last 10 years.
Cases of crop loss and domestic animal deaths due to wildlife incursions from 2017 to 2023.
Hectares of monoculture plantations out of total forest area in Wayanad.
Critical Analysis:
The article effectively highlights the interconnected factors contributing to the human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad, emphasizing the role of human activities such as deforestation and unchecked tourism. However, it lacks detailed analysis of specific policy failures and potential solutions to address the crisis.
Way Forward:
Implement coordinated strategies involving government departments and stakeholders to restore ecological balance.
Enforce environmental laws and conservation measures to mitigate habitat loss and fragmentation.
Enhance surveillance and monitoring in wildlife management operations to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.
Promote sustainable land use practices and eco-friendly tourism initiatives to preserve natural habitats and biodiversity.
Answer the following question in comment box
“How can governments, stakeholders, and communities combat escalating human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad, Kerala, addressing habitat loss, deforestation, and tourism? Additionally, how can they restore ecological balance, mitigate economic losses, and ensure safety for both humans and wildlife?”
Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Money Bill
Mains level: Legislative bypass created by Money Bills
Introduction
Against the backdrop of significant judicial pronouncements, including recent decisions on the electoral bond scheme and the Aadhaar Act, the Supreme Court grapples with a pivotal question: the delineation of a money Bill.
Why discuss this?
The ongoing examination before a seven-judge constitution bench highlights the crucial need to define the scope of a money Bill and its broader implications.
This issue carries substantial weight for legislative efficiency and constitutional adherence.
What are Money Bills?
Description
About
A financial legislation exclusively dealing with revenue, taxation, government expenditures, and borrowing.
Constitutional Basis
Article 109: Specifies special procedure for Money Bills.
Article 110(1): Specifies matters related to taxation, borrowing, and appropriation of funds.
Article 110(3): Grants the Speaker of the Lok Sabha the final decision on whether a bill qualifies as a Money Bill.
Procedure
Introduction in Lok Sabha with the President’s recommendation.
Consideration and passage in Lok Sabha.
Transmission to Rajya Sabha for recommendations (no amendments).
Return to Lok Sabha for consideration of recommendations.
Acceptance or rejection of recommendations by Lok Sabha.
Assent by the President without the power to return for reconsideration.
Criteria for a Money Bill
Imposition, abolition, or regulation of taxes.
Regulation of borrowing or giving guarantees by the Government of India.
Custody of the Consolidated Fund or the Contingency Fund of India.
Appropriation of money from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Declaration of any expenditure as expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Receipt of money into or out of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of India.
Any matter incidental to the specified criteria.
Decision Authority
Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the final decision on whether a bill qualifies as a Money Bill.
President’s Role
President can either accept or reject a Money Bill but cannot return it for reconsideration.
Joint Sitting
No provision for Joint sitting for the passage such Bill.
Key Legal Precedents
[1] Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Amendments:
Amendments introduced since 2015 to the PMLA expanded the Enforcement Directorate’s powers, triggering concerns over their passage as Money Bills.
Critics argue that such significant alterations should have undergone standard parliamentary scrutiny involving both houses.
[2] Finance Act of 2017:
The Finance Act of 2017, designated as a Money Bill, attracted scrutiny for purportedly aiming to reshape appointments to 19 crucial judicial tribunals.
Allegations surfaced suggesting a deliberate manoeuvre to enhance executive authority over these tribunals by categorizing the Act as a Money Bill.
Additionally, changes within the Act relaxed qualifications and experience prerequisites for staffing these pivotal judicial entities, raising concerns of dilution.
[3] Aadhaar Act, 2016:
The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling upheld the validity of the Aadhaar Act as a Money Bill, despite lingering legal and procedural uncertainties.
The government’s argument hinged on the Act’s nexus to subsidies disbursed from the Consolidated Fund of India, justifying its classification as a Money Bill.
However, the verdict prompted calls for a comprehensive reevaluation, reflecting lingering doubts over the Act’s classification and its implications for parliamentary oversight.
Legal Implications
Parliamentary Bypass: By categorizing crucial amendments as Money Bills, the standard legislative process involving both houses of Parliament is bypassed, limiting comprehensive scrutiny and deliberation.
Eroding Rajya Sabha Scrutiny: Critics argue that such amendments, which often encompass far-reaching implications, should undergo thorough examination and debate in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Hasty Lawmaking: Designating important legislations as Money Bills undermines the role of the Rajya Sabha, curtailing its authority in the lawmaking process.
Against Democratic-Ethos: This erosion of parliamentary oversight raises concerns about the equitable distribution of legislative power and the preservation of democratic principles.
Lack of Judicial Scrutiny: The judiciary plays a crucial role in adjudicating the legality and constitutional conformity of categorizing amendments as Money Bills.
Future Prospects
Impending Legal Clarity: The anticipated verdict by the seven-judge bench holds the potential to reshape legislative dynamics, potentially paving the way for renewed challenges against contentious enactments.
Judicial Review: The judiciary’s vigilance in scrutinizing the validity of money Bills underscores its commitment to upholding constitutional principles and safeguarding legislative integrity.
Democratic Accountability: The evolving jurisprudence surrounding money Bills epitomizes the judiciary’s role in navigating complex constitutional nuances, ensuring robust legislative frameworks and institutional accountability.
Conclusion
As the legal saga unfolds, the apex court’s forthcoming pronouncement holds profound implications for India’s legislative landscape and institutional accountability, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s constitutional journey.
Try this PYQ:
Q. Regarding the Money Bill, which of the following statements is not correct? (CSP 2018)
(a) A bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions relating to the imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax.
(b) A Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India.
(c) A Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of money out of the Contingency Fund of India.
(d) A Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Section 125 of CrPC
Mains level: Personal Laws contradicting with Gender Equality
Introduction
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of maintenance entitlements for divorced Muslim women under Section 125 of the CrPC reignites the discourse on the supremacy of secular laws versus personal laws.
The ongoing case underscores the need for judicial clarity in navigating the intersection of religious rights and gender equality.
Maintenance Entitlements: Evolution
Section 125 of CrPC codified to provide maintenance for destitute family members.
It includes divorced spouses, without religious distinction, subject to the Magistrate’s discretion.
Exception for Muslim Women
Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986: Introduced to address perceived conflicts with religious law post the Shah Bano case, offering maintenance during iddat and extending till remarriage.
Judicial Pronouncements: Varied interpretations emerged post Danial Latifi v. Union of India (2001), with courts affirming both CrPC and 1986 Act remedies for divorced Muslim women.
Case Background
Dispute Synopsis: Originating from a challenge by a Muslim man against a Telangana High Court directive for interim maintenance to his divorced wife under CrPC Section 125.
Legal Argument: Husband contends 1986 Act supersedes CrPC provisions, citing jurisdictional overlap and prior payment during iddat, while wife asserts her right to CrPC maintenance.
Court Proceedings and Observations
Interpretive Dilemma: Supreme Court underscores the non-obstante clause of the 1986 Act, preserving alternative remedies under CrPC.
Constitutional Imperatives: Justices emphasize constitutional guarantees of equality, rejecting the notion of legislative intent to bar Muslim women from CrPC relief.
Precedential Insight: Recent High Court decisions affirm divorced Muslim women’s right to CrPC maintenance, notwithstanding iddat completion or khula pronouncement.
Judgments Referenced in the Input
Danial Latifi v. Union Of India (2001): Upheld the constitutional validity of the 1986 Act, extending maintenance rights to divorced Muslim women till remarriage, albeit limited to the iddat period.
Arshiya Rizvi v. State of U.P. and Anr (2022): Allahabad High Court reaffirmed divorced Muslim women’s entitlement to CrPC maintenance post iddat, ensuring continued financial support.
Razia v. State of U.P. (2022): Further reiterated by the Allahabad High Court, emphasizing the availability of CrPC remedies beyond iddat completion.
Shakila Khatun v. State of U.P (2023): High Court upheld divorced Muslim women’s right to seek CrPC maintenance, irrespective of religious personal laws.
Injustice Caused to Muslim Women
Limited maintenance: The 1986 law offers limited maintenance only during the iddat period and extends till remarriage.
Burden of personal laws: Unlike divorced women from other communities who can seek maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC without limitations, Muslim women face restrictions imposed by personal laws.
Financial crisis: This results in inconsistent and inadequate financial support for divorced Muslim women, undermining their economic security and perpetuating gender inequality.
Unequal treatment: The injustice lies in the unequal treatment of Muslim women under the law, depriving them of the same level of protection and support afforded to women from other communities in matters of divorce and maintenance.
Implications and Future Trajectory
Judicial Deliberation: Pending verdict poised to shape the landscape of maintenance entitlements, balancing religious autonomy with gender justice.
Policy Implications: Clarification sought on legislative intent vis-à-vis CrPC and 1986 Act, crucial for uniform application and equitable access to justice.
Societal Impact: The outcome resonates beyond legal corridors, reflecting evolving societal norms and rights consciousness among marginalized communities.
Way Forward
Dialogue and Engagement: Foster open dialogue between religious leaders, legal experts, policymakers, and the Muslim community to understand concerns and perspectives.
Legal Reforms: Consider amending existing laws or introducing new legislation to balance religious autonomy with gender justice, especially in provisions related to maintenance for divorced Muslim women.
Sensitivity Training: Provide training to legal professionals on handling cases involving Muslim women with cultural competence and understanding of Islamic law while upholding equality principles.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Encourage the use of mediation and arbitration within Islamic law to resolve family disputes, including matters of maintenance, fairly and amicably.
Consultation and Collaboration: Include Muslim women in decision-making processes and policy formulation through consultation, ensuring their voices are heard and perspectives considered.
Respect for Diversity: Acknowledge diversity within the Muslim community, avoiding generalizations, and upholding principles of pluralism and tolerance in addressing women’s rights issues.
Conclusion
The apex court’s forthcoming ruling holds the potential to bridge legal schisms and affirm the rights of marginalized segments, reinforcing the constitutional ethos of equality and justice for all.
Try this Question from CS Mains:
Q.1) Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in Modern India? (2023)
Q.2) What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? (2019)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nanoplastics in Water Bottles
Mains level: Health and ecological hazards of Nanoplastics
Introduction
A recent study conducted by scientists at Columbia University sheds light on the pervasive presence of micro- and nano-plastics in bottled water, with nano-plastics comprising a staggering 90% of the detected particles.
What areNanoplastics?
Definition: Nanoplastics, measured in billionths of a metre, are minuscule particles that evade detection by the naked eye, posing challenges for identification and quantification.
Comparative Analysis: Smaller than microplastics, nano-plastics exemplify dimensions that are 70 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, rendering them inconspicuous yet ubiquitous.
Key Findings
Elevated Concentration: Bottled water contains approximately 2.4 lakh micro- and nano-plastic particles per litre, highlighting a significant underestimation of plastic concentration compared to previous assessments.
Dominance of Nanoplastics: Nano-sized particles, previously overlooked by conventional imaging techniques, emerge as the predominant component, constituting 90% of the total plastic population.
Complex Particle Dynamics: Analysis reveals a diverse array of plastic compositions, shapes, and sizes, elucidating the intricate interplay between different plastic types within the aquatic environment.
How were they assessed?
Challenges in Analysis: Nanoplastics pose analytical challenges due to their diminutive size and the limitations of existing diagnostic methods.
Innovative Approach: Researchers utilize a custom hyperspectral Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) imaging platform to overcome these challenges, enabling detailed molecular analysis at the single-particle level.
Raman Scattering Principle: SRS microscopy leverages the Raman Effect, allowing for the identification of plastic particles based on their unique spectral signatures.
What is Raman Effect?
Discovered by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928, it describes the scattering of light by molecules, resulting in a shift in wavelength due to energy exchange.
Raman Effect occurs spontaneously when light interacts with matter, causing a small fraction of light shift to longer or shorter wavelengths.
SRS is a controlled process where two laser beams with different frequencies interact with a material, amplifying the Raman signal.
Unlike the weak signal of the Raman Effect, SRS involves amplifying the Raman signal by the presence of pump and Stokes laser beams.
SRS find applications in various fields such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and chemical analysis, with SRS offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity due to its controlled nature.
India celebrates National Science Day on February 28 each year to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman on 28 February 1928
Implications
Environmental Significance: The study underscores the pervasive nature of plastic pollution, with microplastics infiltrating ecosystems worldwide, including bottled water sources.
Biological Impact: Sub-micrometre plastic particles pose potential health risks, as they can traverse biological barriers and accumulate within living organisms.
Technological Advancements: The adoption of advanced imaging technologies enhances our understanding of nanoplastic dynamics, facilitating more accurate assessments of plastic pollution levels.
Try this question from CSP 2017
Q.Which Indian astrophysicist and Nobel laureate predicted rapidly rotating stars emit polarized light?
Places in news | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mayor in ULBs, Powers and functions
Mains level: NA
PC: Hindustan Times
Introduction
The Supreme Court has nullified the outcome of the mayoral election held on January 30 in Chandigarh.
Who is a Mayor?
In India, the mayor is the head of an urban local body, which is responsible for providing essential services and infrastructure to the residents of a city or town.
The mayor is usually elected by the membersof the Municipal Corporation or Council.
He/She serves as the ceremonial head of the local government.
History of Mayor’s elections in India
Municipal corporation mechanisms in India was introduced during British Rule with formation of municipal corporation in Madras (Chennai) in 1688, later followed by municipal corporations in Bombay (Mumbai) and Calcutta (Kolkata) by 1762.
However the process of introduction for an elected President in the municipalities was made in Lord Mayo’s Resolution of 1870.
Since then the current formand structure of municipal bodies followed is similar to Lord Ripon’s Resolution adopted in 1882 on local self-governance.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 was introduced providing for the transfer of 18 different powers to urban local bodies, including the election of a mayor and to recognise them which included Municipal Corporations, Nagar Panchayats, and Municipal Councils.
Elections and tenure
The method of electing mayor and their tenure varies for each city in India.
In Bengaluru (Karnataka) the election process is indirect with a tenure being for one year.
In Mumbai (Maharashtra) it follows indirect elections with tenure for 2.5 years and Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) follows a directly elected mayor with a term for 5 years.
Roles and Responsibilities
Governs the local civic body.
Fixed tenure varying in different towns.
First citizen of city.
Has two varied roles:
Representation and upholding of the dignity of the city during ceremonial times and
Presiding over discussions of the civic house with elected representatives in functional capacity.
The Mayor’s role is confined to the corporation hall of presiding authority at various meetings relating to corporation.
The Mayor’s role extends much beyond the local city and country as the presiding authority at corporation meetings during visits of a foreign dignitary to the city as he is invited by the state government to receive and represent the citizens to the guest of honour.
At government, civic and other social functions he is given prominence.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INDUS-X
Mains level: India-US defence collaboration
About the News:
The INDUS-X Summit will be held on February 20-21 in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between India and the US in defense innovation.
What is INDUS-X?
The ‘INDUS-X’ summit is a joint initiative between India and the US, which signifies a pivotal milestone in bilateral defense cooperation, fostering strategic technology partnerships and industrial collaboration.
Inception: June 2023.
Aim: To bolster defense innovation and technology collaboration between the two nations.
Objectives:
Advancing strategic co-operation: By expanding strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation.
Bridging Innovation Gaps: Establish a defense innovation bridge encompassing joint challenges, academia engagement, industry-startup connect, and investment in defense projects.
Focus Areas:
Fostering greater horizontal cooperation between governments, academia, and laboratories, as well as vertical partnerships between established defense primes and startups or Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Increasing the number of contact points between startups and prime contractors for critical defense assets such as jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles.
Supporting India’s goal of achieving $5 billionin defense exports by 2025.
Contributing to a more stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Key Participants:
India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), U.S. Department of Defense, U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
About Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX)
iDEX is a flagship initiative launched in 2018by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Aim: Fostering innovation and technology development in the defense and aerospace sectors.
Objective: Creating an ecosystem to rapidly develop new, indigenized, and innovative technologies for the Indian defense and aerospace sector.
It’s Significance:
Funding: The program provides grants and funds to support research and development efforts and facilitate the creation of functional prototypes of products/technologies relevant to national security.
Inclusive Growth: The program creates a culture of engagement with innovative startups, encourages co-creation for defense and aerospace sectors, and empowers a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the defense and aerospace sectors.
Engagement with the Industrial sector: The program focuses on engaging industries, including MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators, to deliver technologically advanced solutions for modernizing the defense and aerospace sectors.
Collaboration: iDEX works through various programs such as the Defense India Startup Challenge (DISC), which involves problem statements from the Armed Forces, DPSUs, and OFB.
Implementation of Program:
The iDEX framework is implemented by the Defense Innovation Organization (DIO) a not-for-profit company formed under the Companies Act 2013, which acts as a bridge between the requirements of the Armed Forces and the solution providers.
Therefore, the program focuses on making India self-reliant and self-sufficient in defense matters by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development in the defense and aerospace sector.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Federalism
Mains level: a critical analysis of the state of Indian democracy
Central Idea:
The article by M.K. Narayanan highlights the concerning decline in parliamentary practices and the polarization of Indian politics, particularly in the lead-up to the general election. It discusses the divisive nature of recent parliamentary sessions, the erosion of democratic principles, and the growing rift between the ruling party and the opposition. Narayanan emphasizes the need for adherence to constitutional mandates, the preservation of federalism, and the importance of managing differences within a rules-based order to safeguard India’s democracy.
Key Highlights:
The final parliamentary session before the general election was marked by divisiveness and acrimony between the ruling party and the opposition.
Narayanan underscores India’s historical commitment to democracy and parliamentary practices, citing the Constitution’s provisions for Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and Directive Principles of State Policy.
Despite external stability, internal challenges persist, including potential flashpoints like the farmers’ agitation in Punjab and Haryana and unrest in the northeast.
The article reflects on the heightened polarization in Indian politics, with the Prime Minister accusing the opposition of divisive tactics and vice versa.
Issues such as the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and attempts to enforce an Uniform Civil Code have become politicized, further exacerbating divisions.
The erosion of federalism is noted, with the ruling party accused of centralizing power and undermining regional parties.
Engineered defections to the ruling party raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and democratic principles.
The role of Governors in opposition-ruled states is contentious, with accusations of central interference leading to strained Centre-State relations.
Key Challenges:
Divisiveness and acrimony in parliamentary sessions.
Polarization and politicization of issues.
Erosion of federalism and centralization of power.
Tensions between Centre and opposition-ruled states.
Threats to constitutional mandates and democratic norms.
Main Terms and key words for answer writing:
Parliamentary democracy
Federalism
Polarization
Divisiveness
Constitution
Centre-State relations
Electoral integrity
Democratic principles
Rule of law
Defections
Important Phrases for answer quality enrichment:
“Divided nation”
“Engineered defections”
“Polarized politics”
“Centralization of power”
“Constitutional niceties”
“Rules-based order”
“Centre-State relations”
“Erosion of democratic norms”
Quotes:
“The unseemly spectacle has given rise to concerns about the future of parliamentary democracy in the country.”
“The country today appears more divided than it has at any time in the recent past.”
“The absence of a rules-based order… could overturn the system altogether.”
“Tolerating differences is the first order of priority.”
“Everything has to be subordinated to the requirements of the Constitution.”
Useful Statements:
“The erosion of democratic principles undermines the foundation of our parliamentary democracy.”
“The politicization of issues further exacerbates divisions and hampers constructive dialogue.”
“Adherence to constitutional mandates is essential to preserve the integrity of our democratic institutions.”
“The centralization of power at the expense of federalism threatens the balance of governance.”
“The integrity of the electoral process must be upheld to ensure the legitimacy of democratic outcomes.”
Examples and References:
The farmers’ agitation in Punjab and Haryana.
Tensions between the Centre and opposition-ruled states.
Instances of engineered defections to the ruling party.
Accusations of central interference in the functioning of opposition-ruled states.
Passage of resolutions in Parliament on contentious issues like the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Facts and Data:
India’s historical commitment to democracy and adherence to constitutional principles.
Instances of engineered defections and accusations of central interference in opposition-ruled states.
Polarization and acrimony observed in parliamentary sessions leading up to the general election.
Critical Analysis:
The article provides a critical analysis of the state of Indian democracy, highlighting the erosion of parliamentary practices, growing polarization, and challenges to federalism. It underscores the need for adherence to constitutional mandates, the preservation of democratic norms, and the importance of constructive dialogue to address contentious issues. The article raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the erosion of democratic principles, calling for urgent action to safeguard India’s democracy.
Way Forward:
Uphold constitutional mandates and democratic principles.
Foster constructive dialogue and mutual respect between political parties.
Safeguard federalism and decentralize power to promote inclusivity and diversity.
Ensure the integrity of the electoral process and prevent engineered defections.
Prioritize the national interest over partisan politics and work towards consensus-building on key issues.
Overall, the article underscores the importance of upholding democratic values and institutions to ensure the continued stability and prosperity of India’s democracy.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Acts
Mains level: Ensuring greater devolution of powers and responsibilities to lower tiers of panchayats
Central Idea:
The article discusses the progress and challenges of decentralization in India, focusing on the effectiveness of Panchayati Raj institutions in local governance. It highlights the limited success in revenue generation by these institutions despite constitutional provisions and emphasizes the need for greater efforts towards self-sufficiency.
Key Highlights:
Background of Decentralization:The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Acts aimed to empower local bodies for self-governance, leading to the establishment of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in 2004.
Fiscal Devolution: The constitutional amendment outlined fiscal devolution details, including own revenue generation by panchayats. However, most revenue still comes from grants, with only 1% generated through taxes.
Avenues for Revenue: The article lists various avenues for revenue generation by panchayats, including property tax, user charges, and innovative projects like rural business hubs and renewable energy initiatives.
Role of Gram Sabhas: Gram sabhas play a crucial role in local development and revenue generation by leveraging local resources, engaging in planning, and imposing taxes for community welfare.
Challenges: Despite potential avenues for revenue, panchayats face challenges such as a culture of dependency on grants, reluctance to impose taxes, and lack of authority in tax collection.
Dependency Syndrome: The article discusses the prevalent “freebie culture” and the reluctance of elected representatives to impose taxes due to concerns about popularity.
Key Challenges:
Overreliance on grants from central and state governments.
Reluctance of elected representatives to impose taxes due to concerns about popularity.
Lack of authority and capacity in tax collection by panchayats.
Prevailing “freebie culture” hindering public willingness to pay taxes.
Main Terms:
Decentralization: Transfer of authority and responsibility from central to local government.
Panchayati Raj: System of local self-government in rural areas.
Fiscal Devolution: Transfer of financial powers from central to local governments.
Own Source of Revenue (OSR): Revenue generated by local bodies through taxes, fees, and other means.
Gram Sabha: Village assembly responsible for local governance and decision-making.
Important Phrases for answer writing:
“Decentralization initiatives”
“Revenue generation efforts”
“Own source of revenue”
“Freebie culture”
“Dependency syndrome”
Quotes for answer quality improvement:
“Panchayats earn only 1% of the revenue through taxes.”
“Gram sabhas have a significant role in fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable development.”
“The dependency syndrome for grants has to be minimized.”
Useful Statements that can be used for essay:
“Despite efforts towards decentralization, many panchayats still rely heavily on grants for revenue.”
“Gram sabhas can play a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship and local development.”
“There is a need to educate elected representatives and the public on the significance of revenue generation for panchayat development.”
Examples and References:
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Acts.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s expert committee report on own source of revenue.
Data highlighting the percentage of revenue generated by panchayats through taxes.
Examples of successful revenue generation initiatives by panchayats, such as property tax and user charges.
Facts and Data for critical arguments in answer:
Panchayats earn only 1% of revenue through taxes, with 80% from the Centre and 15% from the States.
Allocation for rural local bodies increased significantly in recent Finance Commissions, reaching ₹2,80,733 crore in the 15th Finance Commission.
Tax revenue collected by panchayats decreased from ₹3,12,075 lakh in 2018-19 to ₹2,71,386 lakh in 2021-2022.
Critical Analysis:
While constitutional amendments and expert committee reports have outlined mechanisms for fiscal devolution and revenue generation, there remains a significant gap between policy intent and implementation. Factors such as political reluctance, administrative capacity constraints, and societal attitudes towards taxation pose significant challenges to effective decentralization.
Way Forward:
Strengthening capacity building initiatives for panchayats in tax administration and financial management.
Encouraging public awareness campaigns to promote the importance of local revenue generation for sustainable development.
Ensuring greater devolution of powers and responsibilities to lower tiers of panchayats.
Exploring innovative revenue generation avenues such as public-private partnerships and leveraging local resources for economic development.
Improve your answer writing with us and crack the mains
Try to attempt following question and write the answer in comment box below
“What are the various sources available for Panchayats to generate revenue, and how can these sources contribute to enhancing the financial autonomy and sustainability of Panchayati Raj institutions?”
“What are the main challenges hindering the financial autonomy of Panchayati Raj?”
“Why is financial autonomy crucial for the effective functioning of local governance?”
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IT Rules 2021
Mains level: importance of upholding free speech in the digital age
Central Idea:
Justice Gautam Patel’s landmark decision on the Kunal Kamra’s case underscores the critical importance of upholding the constitutional right to free speech, particularly in the realm of social media. The decision highlights the inherent dangers of arbitrary censorship and the need for clear, reasonable restrictions in line with constitutional principles.
Key Highlights:
Upholding Free Speech: The decision reaffirms the sacrosanct nature of the constitutional guarantee of free speech, emphasizing its protection against undue state encroachment.
Rejection of Arbitrary Censorship: Justice Patel condemns the amended Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the IT Rules 2021 as vague and overbroad, posing a threat to critical discourse and debate.
Constitutional Principles: The judgment invokes Article 19 and Article 14 of the Constitution, arguing that the amended rule infringes upon fundamental rights and lacks reasonable standards.
Importance of Judicial Review: The decision underscores the role of judicial review in curbing potential abuses of power by government entities, particularly in safeguarding democratic principles.
Recognition of Digital Regulation: While acknowledging the need to combat misinformation, the judgment insists on the importance of balanced regulation that respects free speech rights.
Key Challenges:
Interpretation of Constitutional Rights: Balancing free speech with the need for regulation presents a challenge in defining clear and reasonable restrictions.
Enforcement and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with constitutional principles and judicial decisions poses challenges in a dynamic digital landscape.
Government Response: The government’s response to judicial decisions and its commitment to upholding constitutional principles may vary, influencing the effectiveness of legal interventions.
Main Terms or key terms for answer writing:
Free Speech
Constitutional Guarantee
Social Media Regulation
Arbitrary Censorship
Judicial Review
Fundamental Rights
Digital Platforms
Misinformation
Democratic Principles
Important Phrases for good marks in mains:
“The sacrosanctity of the inviolate constitutional guarantee of free speech”
“Vague and overbroad”
“The imperative of combatting fakery and misinformation”
“A bulwark against the excesses of majoritarian assemblies”
“Agents of injustice”
“Inter-institutional comity”
Quotes that you can use in essay for value addition:
“The cacophony of dissent and disagreement is the symphony of a democracy at work.”
“Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it.”
“The will of the State is subject to scrutiny by those affected by the exercise of State power.”
“Democratic power is a trust held upon conditions.”
Useful Statements for value addition:
“The decision reaffirms the constitutional conscience and rejects the potential for wanton abuse of power.”
“Fear-instilled stillness ill serves the case of a vibrant democracy.”
“A law that permits its enforcers to become agents of injustice cannot be countenanced in a constitutional democracy.”
Facts and Data for value addition and credibility to your arguments:
Mention of the amended Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the IT Rules 2021.
Reference to Justice Patel’s decision on the Kunal Kamra’s case, dated 31st January.
Critical Analysis:
Justice Patel’s decision serves as a significant safeguard against potential abuses of power and underscores the importance of upholding free speech in the digital age. By rejecting arbitrary censorship and emphasizing the need for clear, reasonable restrictions, the judgment sets a crucial precedent for protecting democratic principles.
Way Forward:
Ensure compliance with constitutional principles in regulating digital platforms.
Encourage balanced regulation that combats misinformation while respecting free speech rights.
Foster inter-institutional comity by heeding judicial decisions and promoting democratic accountability.
By adhering to these principles, policymakers can navigate the complexities of digital regulation while upholding fundamental rights and democratic values.
Improve your answer writing with us and crack the mains
Try to attempt following question and write the answer in comment box below
How does Justice Patel’s decision in the Kunal Kamra’s case uphold the constitutional right to free speech?
What are the key challenges in balancing free speech with the need for regulation, as highlighted in the judgment?
How does the judgment emphasize the importance of judicial review in safeguarding democratic principles in the digital age?
The Supreme Court issued an interim order on February 19, 2024, emphasizing that states and Union territories (UTs) must adhere to the Definition of ‘Forest’ as established in the TN Godavarman Thirumalpad v. Union of India judgement of 1996.
This order came during the hearing of a public interest litigation challenging the constitutionality of the Forest (Conservation) Act, which was amended by the Union government in 2023.
Why such move?
The petitioners highlighted concerns that the 2023 amendment had narrowed the expansive definition of ‘forest’ provided in the Godavarman judgement.
They argue that this move potentially aims at diverting forest lands for non-forest use.
What is Godavarman Judgement?
The Godavarman Judgment is a landmark environmental case in India, first heard in the Supreme Court in 1996, commonly referred to as the “Godavarman Case.”
Originating as a PIL filed by Mr Godavarman, a retired forest officer, it addressed concerns about forest degradation due to various developmental activities without proper environmental clearances.
Key Legal and Regulatory Framework
Forest Conservation Act (FCA) and Rules: The case primarily interprets and implements the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 1981, aiming at forest conservation and wildlife protection.
Powers of Central Government: The FCA empowers the central government to declare areas as “reserved forest” or “protected forest,” prohibiting non-forest activities without prior approval. It extends to all forests in India, not just declared reserves.
Defining Forest: The order defined as any area recorded as forest in the Government record irrespective of the ownership. This definition is broad and encompasses any area recorded as a forest in government records, regardless of its legal status or ownership.
Analysis:
Diversion of Forest Land: The case tackled the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, emphasizing compliance with the law and due diligence.
Extent of Central Government’s Powers: It clarified that the central government’s authority under the FCA extends to all forests, irrespective of ownership, emphasizing stringent regulation.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development: The court stressed the importance of sustainable development in forest conservation and protecting the rights of forest dwellers and tribal communities.
Impact of the Judgement
Strengthening Forest Conservation Laws: The case led to stricter interpretation and implementation of forest laws, focusing on conservation and protection.
Increased Judicial Role in Environmental Governance: It established the judiciary as a watchdog in environmental governance, promoting public scrutiny of environmental decisions.
Protection of Forest Lands: Resulted in the cancellation of projects diverting forest land, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
Recognition of Rights: Emphasized the recognition and protection of rights of forest dwellers and tribal communities.
Promotion of Sustainable Development: Highlighted the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection.
Criticism of the Judgement
Hindrance to Economic Development: Criticized for hindering economic development and displacing communities.
Role of Judiciary: Criticized for causing delays in decision-making and project implementation.
Key Points of the Recent Order
Adherence to 1996 Order: The bench, led by CJI emphasized that states and Union territories (UTs) must adhere to the definition of ‘forest’ as per the Godavarman judgement until the completion of the process of land recorded as ‘forests’ in government records.
Recording Forest Land: State and UT administrations are directed to prepare records on forest land within a year from the notification of the 2023 amendment as per Rule 16 of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023.
Expert Committees: The Union government is instructed to provide a comprehensive record of land registered as ‘forest’ by expert committees constituted by states and UTs within two weeks.
Compliance Deadline: All states and UTs must comply with the directions by forwarding the reports of the expert committees by March 31, 2024.
Additional Directions
Zoo and Safari Establishment: Any proposal for the establishment of zoos and safaris in forest areas other than protected areas shall not be finally approved without prior permission from the Supreme Court.
Exemption Clause: Section 5 of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, exempts zoos and safaris from the definition of ‘forests’ within forest areas, excluding protected areas.
Government Undertaking: The Union government submitted an undertaking that no precipitative steps would be taken concerning forest areas as per the dictionary sense, in line with the Godavarman judgement.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s interim order underscores the importance of preserving forest lands as per the Godavarman judgement and ensuring compliance with environmental protection measures.
It aims to safeguard the ecological balance and prevent misuse of forest resources for non-forest purposes.
Back2Basics:Universal Definition of Forest
As per the Conference of Parties (CoP) 9-Kyoto Protocol, the forest can be defined by any country depending upon the capacities and capabilities of the country.
Forest- Forest is defined structurally on the basis of
Crown cover percentage: Tree crown cover- 10 to 30% (India 10%)
Minimum area of stand: area between 0.05 and 1 hectare (India 1.0 hectare) and
Minimum height of trees: Potential to reach a minimum height at maturity in situ of 2 to 5 m (India 2m)
India’s definition of Forests
The definition of forest cover has clearly been defined in all the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) and in all the International communications of India.
The forest cover is defined as ‘all land, more than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10 percent irrespective of ownership and legal status.
Such land may not necessarily be a recorded forest area. It also includes orchards, bamboo and palm’.
Classification of forest cover
In ISFR 2021 recently published has divided the forest cover as:
Inside Recorded Forest Area: These are basically natural forests and plantations of Forest Department.
Outside Recorded Forest Area: These cover mango orchards, coconut plantations, block plantations of agroforestry.
Forest Survey of India (FSI) Classification
FSI classifies forest cover in 4 classes.
Very Dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density of 70% and above.
Moderately dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 40% and 70%.
Open forests: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 10% and 40%.
Scrubs: All forest lands with poor tree growth mainly of small or stunted trees having canopy density less than 10%.
Legend has it that Lodrani, a hamlet near Dholavira in Kutch, was believed to be sitting on buried gold, prompting locals to initiate a dig around five years ago.
Contrary to expectations, the excavation led to the discovery of a fortified Harappan-era settlement, challenging the assumptions about the area’s history.
Archaeological Findings at Lodrani
Harappan-Era Settlement: Ajay Yadav and Damian Robinson from Oxford’s School of Archaeology led the archaeological exploration, revealing a well-preserved Harappan settlement.
Architectural Resemblance to Dholavira: Yadav notes striking architectural similarities between the newly discovered site, named Morodharo, and Dholavira.
Flourishing Ancient Life: Despite being initially dismissed as a medieval fortress, the site unveils evidence of a thriving civilization dating back around 4,500 years.
Significance
Harappan Pottery: The site yielded a significant amount of Harappan pottery akin to findings at Dholavira, indicating a connection between the two settlements.
Chronological Placement: Experts suggest Morodharo exhibits characteristics of mature to late Harappan periods (2,600-1,300 BCE), shedding light on the region’s ancient chronology.
Insights from Archaeologists
Dependence on the Sea: Both Dholavira and Morodharo depended on the sea, suggesting navigable waters near the Rann of Kutch during ancient times.
Archaeological Fame: Despite false starts in the past, Lodrani now claims archaeological fame, highlighting the importance of local initiatives in uncovering historical treasures.
About Dholavira
Description
Discovery
Discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi.
Importance
One of the most remarkable and well-preserved urban settlements in South Asia.
Fifth largest metropolis of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Location
Archaeological site located in the Kachchh District, Gujarat, dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE.
On Khadir bet island in the Great Rann of Kachchh.
Strategic Location
Located on the Tropic of Cancer;
Strategic for trade and access to mineral and raw material sources.
Archaeological Findings
Terracotta pottery, beads, gold and copper ornaments, seals, fish hooks, tools, urns, imported vessels.
Unique stone inscriptions in Indus Valley script.
Distinct Features
Cascading series of water reservoirs, outer fortification, multi-purpose grounds, unique gates, tumulus funerary architecture, multi-layered defenses.
Decline
Coincided with the collapse of Mesopotamia;
Affected by climate change, aridity, and drying up of ancient rivers like Saraswati.
Try this PYQ:
Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quantum Theory, Bose-Einstein Statistics, Bose-Hubbard Model
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
Satyendra Nath Bose emerged in the physics community like a comet in 1924, amidst the turbulence of a quantum revolution.
His groundbreaking work filled a significant gap in the emerging quantum theory.
Satyendra Nath Bose: Early Life
Born in Kolkata in 1894, Bose’s mathematical prowess was evident early on.
He befriended Meghnad Saha during their time at Presidency College and later collaborated with him at Rajabazar Science College.
Amidst the changing landscape of physics marked by Einstein’s theory of relativity and quantum concepts, Bose and Saha contributed significantly to translating and applying new physics concepts.
Notable Contributions
[1] Bose-Einstein Statistics:
Bose formulated a new statistical theory in 1924, known as Bose-Einstein statistics, to describe the behavior of particles that obey the laws of quantum mechanics.
He derived this statistical distribution for particles with integer spin, which later became fundamental in understanding the behavior of particles now known as bosons.
[2] Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC):
Bose’s work laid the foundation for the concept of Bose-Einstein condensate, a state of matter where particles occupy the same quantum state at low temperatures.
In 1995, scientists successfully created a BEC in a dilute gas of alkali atoms, confirming Bose’s theoretical predictions and opening up new avenues for research in quantum physics.
[3] Quantum Theory of Radiation:
Bose made significant contributions to the field of quantum theory of radiation.
He introduced a quantum mechanical theory to explain the behavior of photons, which was later incorporated into the broader framework of quantum electrodynamics.
[4] Bose-Hubbard Model:
Bose’s work also inspired the development of the Bose-Hubbard model, a fundamental model in condensed matter physics.
This model describes the behavior of ultra-cold atoms trapped in an optical lattice and has applications in quantum computing and quantum simulation.
[5] Exploring Planck’s Law
While teaching at Dhaka University, Bose delved into understanding Planck’s law of black-body radiation, a cornerstone of quantum theory.
Bose’s innovative approach eliminated classical physics from the picture, revealing the statistical essence behind Planck’s formula and pioneering the field of quantum statistics.
Legacy and Impact
Bose’s work laid the groundwork for understanding fundamental particles, distinguishing between bosons and fermions based on their statistical behavior.
Despite publishing sparingly after his groundbreaking discovery, Bose’s contribution to quantum theory remains unparalleled, earning him the status of a scientific comet that illuminated the quantum world.
Conclusion
Satyendra Nath Bose’s remarkable insight and contribution to quantum theory reshaped the trajectory of physics.
His pioneering work on Bose-Einstein statistics not only filled a crucial gap in the emerging quantum framework but also laid the foundation for subsequent advancements in particle physics and quantum mechanics.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mimas, Cassini Mission
Mains level: NA
Introduction
Recent findings published in the journal Nature suggest that beneath the icy shell of Mimas, there lies a potential liquid ocean, challenging previous assumptions about the moon’s composition and internal dynamics.
About Mimas
Description
Discovery
Discovered by William Herschel on September 17, 1789.
Characteristics
Smallest and innermost of Saturn’s major moons.
Size
Diameter of about 396 kilometers (246 miles), making it one of the smallest known astronomical bodies that is rounded in shape.
Features
Known for its large Herschel Crater,
Called as “Death Star” from the Star Wars films.
Composition
Mostly composed of water ice with a small amount of rock.
Orbit
Orbits Saturn at a distance of about 185,520 km (115,220 miles).
Exploration
Visited by the Cassini spacecraft, which captured detailed images of its surface during its mission to Saturn.
Astronomical Insights
Potential Liquid Ocean: Scientists analyzed Mimas’s orbital motion using data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, concluding that the moon’s oscillations indicate the presence of either an elongated silicate core or a global ocean.
Librational Model: Calculations based on Mimas’s librations and orbital changes reached a deadlock, prompting consideration of a subsurface ocean. Theoretical models incorporating viscoelastic outer layers and hydrostatic interior interfaces suggested an ice shell thickness of 20-30 km.
Surface Heat and Eccentricity: Estimates indicate surface heat release of approximately 25 milliwatts per sq. m, expected to reduce Mimas’s eccentricity by half in 4-5 million years. Simulations suggest the ocean may have formed 2-25 million years ago, with potential hydrothermal activity.
Implications and Findings
Comparative Analysis: Similarities between Mimas and Enceladus, another Saturn moon with a global ocean, hint at potential hydrothermal activity despite surface differences.
Ice Shell Composition: The viscoelastic nature of Mimas’s outer icy layer and hydrostatic interior interfaces align with observations, supporting the theoretical ice shell thickness determined through calculations.
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