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: Rajya Sabha Elections
Mains level: Women's representation in legislation;
Why in the News?
During the historic passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), 2023, the Vice President reconstituted the panel to include only women, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the Upper House.
What specific measures have been recently taken to promote women’s participation in Rajya Sabha?
Reconstitution of the Vice-Chairpersons Panel: The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha reconstituted the panel to include only women during the historic passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), 2023.
Increased Representation in the Vice-Chairpersons Panel: The practice of nominating four women members (50% of the panel) was introduced, including significant figures like S. Phangnon Konyak and P.T. Usha.
Training of Women Officers for House Duties: Women officers of the Secretariat were trained to perform House duties, breaking the stereotype that these tasks were a male domain. Women now largely manage the Table of the House.
Introduction of ‘Vahan’ Application: A system to facilitate safe commutation for women officers working late hours was introduced, ensuring their safety during odd hours.
Appointment of Women in Key Roles: Women officers were appointed to key positions in human resources, legislative sections, and parliamentary committees.
What are the key outcomes from Nari Shakti Adhiniyam (2023)?
33% Reservation for Women in Legislatures: The Bill reserves 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, aiming to increase women’s participation in governance.
Long-term Impact on Women’s Representation: The Bill ensures that women are better represented in the political process, potentially reshaping the political landscape by empowering women as decision-makers.
Women as Key Participants in Development: By providing more opportunities for women in legislatures, it aligns with the goal of women-led development, where women set the agenda for governance and development policies.
Empowering women not just as beneficiaries but as leaders of development:
Leadership Development Programs: Implement targeted initiatives to cultivate leadership skills among women, enabling them to take active roles in decision-making processes within their communities and organizations.
Access to Resources and Opportunities: Ensure women have equitable access to education, financial resources, and training programs, empowering them to drive sustainable development and entrepreneurship.
Advocacy and Representation: Promote women’s representation in governance and policy-making, ensuring their voices and perspectives shape development agendas and priorities at all levels.
Challenges India Faces in Implementing Women-led Development Initiatives:
Economic Disparities: Women face significant challenges in accessing financial resources, property rights, and entrepreneurial opportunities, limiting their ability to lead development initiatives. As per the 2015-16 Agriculture Census, only 13.9% of landowners were women.
Political Representation: Despite progress like the Women’s Reservation Bill, women’s political representation at the local and national levels remains below the desired level. Currently, only 82 women serve in India’s Parliament, constituting about 15.2% of the Lok Sabha and 13% of the Rajya Sabha.
Safety and Mobility: Ensuring women’s safety and mobility, particularly in public spaces, remains a major challenge. For instance, according to the NCRB report, India recorded over 405,861 cases of crimes against women in 2021, including 32,033 cases of rape.
Way forward:
Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Enforcement: Enhancing the implementation of existing laws, along with stricter penalties for gender-based violence, will ensure a safer environment for women.
Promoting Economic Empowerment and Education: Expanding access to education, financial resources, and skill-building opportunities for women can bridge economic disparities, empowering them to take leadership roles in governance, business, and community development.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.(UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India-Israel relation;
Why in the News?
A Supreme Court Bench, led by the Chief Justice of India, recently dismissed a petition by former civil servants and activists seeking suspension of military export licenses to Israel during the ongoing conflict.
India’s Ongoing Exports to Israel
India exports military equipment and arms to Israel, which includes both public sector and private sector companies supplying defense-related materials.
During the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Indian government has continued to issue licenses for the export of arms and military equipment to Israel, despite international concerns about potential violations of humanitarian law.
India has developed a strong defense relationship with Israel, marked by regular arms deals, military cooperation, and technology transfers.
How does India’s arms exports to Israel violate the law?
Complicity in Genocide: By exporting arms to Israel, India risks being complicit in violations of international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes and genocide committed by Israel, as indicated by various international bodies.
As a signatory to the Genocide Convention, India is obligated (Article 1) to prevent genocide and avoid providing aid or assistance to any state engaged in such acts.
Indian Constitution: Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty to citizens as well as to foreigners.
International Court of Justice (ICJ) Precedents: ICJ rulings have repeatedly warned states against exporting arms to conflict zones where such weapons might be used to violate international law.
Genocide Convention (1948)
Definition and Purpose: The Genocide Convention, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, aims to prevent and punish acts of genocide, which include killings and other acts intended to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
Obligations of Signatory States:
States party to the Convention are obligated to prevent and punish acts of genocide, both within their territories and in international contexts.
Article III of the Convention makes states’ complicity in genocide a punishable offense, meaning states must refrain from providing material or logistical support to nations engaged in genocide.
India’s Commitment: India ratified the Genocide Convention, thereby binding itself to these obligations. Under this Convention, India is required to ensure that it is not complicit in such crimes through its actions, including military exports.
International Pressure and ICJ Opinions
ICJ Provisional Measures (2023): In January 2023, the ICJ ordered provisional measures against Israel for violations of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip, including an immediate halt to killings and destruction.
Global Response: Many countries like Canada, Spain, and the UK have suspended arms exports to Israel, in compliance with their obligations under international law to prevent genocide and war crimes.
India’s Non-Compliance: Despite these international legal obligations and warnings, India continues to provide military aid to Israel, raising questions about its commitment to international humanitarian law.
Conclusion: India’s continued arms exports to Israel, despite international legal concerns, highlight the delicate balance between strategic defence relations and adherence to international humanitarian obligations under the Genocide and Geneva Conventions.
Mains PYQ:
Q India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Emergency;
Mains level: Impact of emergency on Federalism;
Why in the News?
The recent surge in violence in Manipur has reignited discussions on Centre-State relations and the use of emergency provisions by the Centre.
What is the federal structure of governance in India?
Federal System with Centre-State Powers: India follows a federal structure of governance where powers are divided between the Centre and the States. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution demarcates subjects under the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, defining respective jurisdictions.
State’s Domain on Law and Order: Maintenance of law and order is primarily the responsibility of State governments, aligning with the decentralized governance model of federalism. States are sovereign in areas assigned to them by the Constitution.
Cooperative Federalism: India’s federal structure also emphasises cooperative federalism, where both the Centre and States work together on certain subjects, particularly in the Concurrent List.
How do Articles 355 and 356 affect Federalism?
Article 355 (Duty of the Centre): Article 355 places a constitutional duty on the Union to protect States from external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure governance as per the Constitution.
Article 356 (President’s Rule): Article 356 allows the Centre to impose President’s Rule in a State if there is a failure of the constitutional machinery. This provision can undermine federalism if misused, as it enables the Centre to dismiss a State government and take over its administration.
Impact on Federalism:
Cooperative Federalism:Article 355 allows the central government for intervention in state matters, which can be seen as a deviation from cooperative federalism.
Central Overreach: Historically, Article 356 was often misused to dismiss State governments, leading to concerns over central overreach and the undermining of State autonomy.
Judicial Safeguards: The S.R. Bommai case (1994) limited its misuse by subjecting it to judicial review, ensuring it is invoked only in cases of a breakdown of constitutional governance, not merely law and order issues.
Way forward:
Sarkaria Commission (1987): Suggested that Article 355 grants the Union both the duty and the authority to act to ensure constitutional governance in the States.
National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002): Reinforced the need for careful use of emergency provisions, emphasizing the role of Article 355 in providing support and corrective measures.
Punchhi Commission (2010): Advocated for the use of Article 356 only in the most critical circumstances and stressed the importance of using Article 355 to address issues before considering the President’s Rule.
Mains PYQ:
Q Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BRICS-11, New members of BRICS
Why in the News?
Turkey has officially applied to join the BRICS group after Russia supported its entry. Russia is set to hold the BRICS Summit in Kazan from October 22 to 24, 2024.
Malaysia and Thailand had also expressed their interest in joining the expanded BRICS group of emerging economies.
Turkey’s Geopolitical Position:
Joining BRICS could signify Turkey’s foreignpolicy shift, possibly distancing the country further from its long-standing ambition to join the European Union (EU).
Turkey has faced Western criticism for its purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems, its ties with Russia, and its stance on sanctions.
Ankara is positioning itself as a middle power that can balance relationships between the West and the Global South.
What is BRICS?
Details
Members
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
Origin
Coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 as BRIC, formalised as BRICS in 2010
Formation
First meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers in 2006. South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December 2010
Global share of BRICS
Population: 41%
GDP: 24%
Global trade: 16%
Chairmanship
Rotated annually among members, following sequence B-R-I-C-S
India’s Hosting
Hosted the 2021 BRICS Summit
Key Initiatives
New Development Bank (NDB) established in 2014: Approved 70 infrastructure and sustainable development projects
Contingent Reserve Arrangement signed in 2014: Aims to forestall short-term balance of payments pressures and strengthen financial stability
Customs agreements signed for trade facilitation
BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation initiated in 2021: Involves six existing satellites developed by members
Expansion
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined as new full members on January 1, 2024.
Argentina refused to join the BRICS group in 2024
Malaysia, Thailand and Turkey have bid for its membership.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BHASKAR Platform
Why in the News?
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched the BHASKAR platform.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Objective
To strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by centralizing resources and facilitating collaboration
Target Audience
Startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies
Key Features
Networking and Collaboration: Connects startups, investors, and mentors, enabling interaction across sectors.
Centralized Access to Resources: Provides instant access to critical tools, knowledge, and resources for startups, enhancing decision-making and growth.
Personalized BHASKAR IDs: Each stakeholder (startup, investor, mentor) receives a unique ID for tailored interactions and services.
Enhanced Discoverability: Users can easily search and find relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities using powerful search features.
Access to Funding Opportunities: Facilitates connections between startups and potential investors for funding.
Global Outreach: Supports cross-border collaborations and fosters India’s global presence in the innovation ecosystem.
Impact
Promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation
Enhances India’s status as a global leader in startups
Growth of the Startup Ecosystem
As of May 2023, India boasts over 99,000 officially recognized startups, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. This growth reflects an increase from 84,012 startups in 2022 and a notable rise from just 452 in 2016.
The ecosystem has also produced 108 unicorns, startups valued at over $1 billion, collectively worth approximately $340.80 billion
PYQ:
[2015] “Success of ‘Make in India’ program depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cheetah Action Plan (CAP)
Why in the News?
The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) which aimed to introduce African cheetahs into India’s Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs), is completing its two years.
About Cheetah:
The cheetah is a fast-running big cat, and there are two types of Cheetahs globally:
African (savannahs, arid mountains, and hilly deserts)
Asiatic (desert and semi-desert areas only in Iran)
Cheetahs live in three main groups: females with cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males. They hunt during the day, preferring dawn and dusk.
The global cheetah population was 6,500 mature individuals (IUCN, 2021).
IUCN Status: Vulnerable (Globally) and Critically Endangered (Asiatic Cheetah)
Cheetah Reintroduction in India:
In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s due to hunting and the loss of their habitat.
Cheetahs (i.e. Southeast African Cheetah) from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park(MP) under the Project Cheetah.
This area was deemed a habitat parallel to Maasai Mara (National Park) in Kenya, suitable for cheetahs.
Current Issues:
Despite the initial excitement, all of these cheetahs remain in captivity at Kuno.
Unfortunately, no cheetahs are currently roaming freely in the wild, raising concerns about the success of the reintroduction efforts.
What is Project Cheetah?
Aim: To conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The plan involves partnering with other countries to conserve cheetahs, enhancing conservation and eco-tourism in India’s dry forests.
The population should reach Kuno National Park’s capacity in 15 years, needing sustained support.
Sunset Clause: The concept of a sunset clause in the context of Project Cheetah refers to the long-term criteria (at least 30-40 years) for establishing a viable cheetah population in India.
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following: (2012)
Black-necked crane
Cheetah
Flying squirrel
Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
