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INDIA-UK Free Trade Agreement

Why in News Recently, India and the United Kingdom (UK) affirmed their shared commitment towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the 14th...

28 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Presidential Form of Government

This article is based on “Case for presidential system” which was published in The Indian Express on 25/07/2020. It talks about the...

27 Jul 2020 News Editorials
Preamble to the Indian Constitution

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Parliamentary vs Presidential Form of Government

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Asteroid 2020 ND

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27 Jul 2020 News Analysis
Maratha Quota

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Collaboration with Israel in Defence Sector under FDI

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Khelo India Youth Games 2021

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Safeguarding the Autonomy of Tribunals

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Pied Cuckoo to be Tracked

Why in News Recently, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has decided to study the migration of the Pied Cuckoo Bird (Jacobin Cuckoo or Chaatak),...

25 Jul 2020 News Analysis
KURMA App

Why in News KURMA is a mobile-based application aimed at turtle conservation. It was launched on the occasion of World Turtle Day (23rd May). Key...

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AuditOnline Application for Local Bodies

Why in News The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has decided to conduct an online audit of accounts of about 50,000 Gram Panchayats (GPs) through its...

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Refusal of Rajasthan Speaker’s Plea by Supreme Court

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India-South Korea Relations

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24 Jul 2020 News Editorials
Chandra Shekhar Azad

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Bal Gangadhar Tilak

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Restrictions on Public Procurement

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Rajya Sabha Members Facing Criminal Charges

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24 Jul 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'INDIA-UK Free Trade Agreement',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and the United Kingdom (UK) affirmed their shared commitment towards a <strong>Free Trade Agreement</strong> (FTA) during the 14<sup>th</sup> virtual <strong>Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting</strong>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The next meeting is scheduled to be held around September, 2020 in New Delhi to carry forward the dialogue.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595926774_North%20Sea (Map).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595926774_North Sea (Map).png" width="449" height="446" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> The meeting was held by India and UK to revive and revitalise the long standing trade and economic linkages between them.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They agreed to an <strong>early harvest scheme or a limited trade agreement</strong> to lower tariffs on a small set of goods apart from easing rules for select services.</li>
<li>They also resolved to cooperate in the health sector especially in the wake of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Previously, India and the UK were involved in discussing a <strong>preferential trading arrangement</strong> under the proposed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-eu-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-European Union FTA</strong></a>.</li>
<li>In FTA, two trading partners eliminate or significantly reduce import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-UK Trade:</strong> India has had strong historical ties with the U.K. and currently, it is one of India’s most important trading partners.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a significant partner of India as an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-foreign-direct-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI investor after Mauritius and Singapore</strong></a> which ranked second and first respectively.</li>
<li>Similarly, the U.K. is one of the <strong>largest investors in India,</strong> among the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G20 countries</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The bilateral trade between the two countries stood at <strong>15.5 billion USD</strong> in 2019-20 as against 16.87 USD billion in 2018-19.</li>
<li>India has engagement with the UK in sectors like pharma, textiles, leather, industrial machinery, furniture, and toys.</li>
<li>India is also looking to the UK to support it with technology based products such as high quality cameras, medical devices, and automobiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brexit:</strong> The UK has been pushing India for a bilateral trading arrangement ever since it voted to <strong>leave the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU) in June 2016 and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/impact-of-brexit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>left finally in january 2020</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, India had been resisting these efforts as it decided that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brexit-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Brexit</strong></a> process should complete first.</li>
<li>India has been keen to understand how much of a <strong>"special and preferential"</strong> access the UK will get in the vast European market when it is out of the EU’s single-market dynamics.</li>
<li>Hence, these talks would help in intensifying the beneficial aspect of the UK as a trading partner of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exit from RCEP:</strong> India opted out of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep#:~:text=Recently%2C%20India%20decided%20to%20opt,significant%20outstanding%20issues%E2%80%9D%20are%20resolved." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership deal</strong></a> in November 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, there is renewed focus on trade deals with the US, the European Union and the UK, which are key markets for Indian exporters and are keen to diversify their sourcing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Partner:</strong> The UK is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and one of the <strong>strategic partners of India</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strengthening bonds with the trade would seek UKs support at global issues like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/galwan-valley-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>standoff with China</strong></a> in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc#:~:text=In%20this%20context%2C%20India%20is,including%20the%20UN%20Security%20Council.&text=India%20is%20the%20natural%20claimant,the%20United%20Nations%20Security%20Council." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>claim for permanent seat at UNSC</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Review of Trades:</strong> India could seek a review of trading agreements including renegotiating tariffs on some items along with the tightening of provisions governing <strong>country-of-origin certification</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Joint Economic Trade Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>JETCO</strong> provides a<strong> forum to United Kingdom companies to enhance</strong> their links and develop new partnerships with India business and decision-makers.</li>
<li>Government to Government negotiations, which address issues of market liberalization and market access, are conducted through the JETCO process.</li>
<li>The <strong>UK India Business Council plays</strong> a key role in feeding the views of the UK business community into the JETCO process with a view to achieving favorable outcomes for UK companies.</li>
<li>One of the key objectives of the JETCO process is to unveil opportunities for UK’s most prominent institutional investors to invest in India.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is one of the fastest growing large economies of the world and FTA with the UK has played a significant role in enhancing the trade volume of the country.</li>
<li>However, according to policymakers, <strong>FTAs signed by India with the UK have not brought</strong> the expected tangible benefits and, on the contrary, have hurt the country’s manufacturing sector due to liberal rules of origin.</li>
<li>Therefore, there is a need for a <strong>detailed assessment of FTAs in terms of goods, services and investment flows</strong> by all the stakeholders involved.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1641126#:~:text=Minister%20Goyal%20and%20Ms%20Truss,deals%20in%20a%20staged%20manner.&text=The%20Co%2Dchairs%20of%20Business,their%20recommendations%20to%20the%20Ministers." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Presidential Form of Government',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rajasthan-political-crisis-parliamentary-system-shashi-tharoor-6522100/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Case for presidential system&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 25/07/2020. It talks about the viability of the presidential form of government in India.</p>
</div>
<p>India's system of democracy is based on the Parliamentary form of government, whereby the Head of state is different from the Head of the government.</p>
<p>However, from time to time it has been suggested by many experts that India should adopt the <strong>Presidential form of government</strong> instead of the <strong>Parliamentary style of democracy,</strong> inherited from the British.</p>
<p>These suggestions have been given in the backdrop of frequent elections and related administrative as well as financial burden owned by India. In this context, it is a good time to evaluate the suitability of the Presidential system of Government for India.</p>
<h3>Issues Related To The Parliamentary System</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of Specialists in Cabinet:</strong> Parliamentary system limits executive posts to those who are elected rather than to those who are talented. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The prime minister cannot appoint a cabinet of his choice and sometimes he has to cater to the wishes of the political leaders of coalition parties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevalence of Defections and Horse-trading:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/speaker-and-anti-defection-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anti-defection Act of 1985</strong></a> has not been very successful to cure the menace of defections. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In present times, the politics of defection has shifted to getting enough MLAs to resign to topple a government, while promising them offices when they win the subsequent by-elections.</li>
<li>This has reduced the parliamentary form of government from being democracy of people to democracy of numbers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suppression of Representative Democracy:</strong> Most laws are drafted by the executive and parliamentary input into their formulation and passage is minimal, with many bills being passed after barely a few minutes of debate.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, the ruling party inevitably issues a whip to its members in order to ensure unimpeded passage of a bill, and since defiance of a whip itself attracts disqualification, MPs blindly vote as their party directs.</li>
<li>This undermines the basis of parliamentary democracy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Politics of Disruption:</strong> In India&rsquo;s Parliament, many opposition members feel that the best way to show the strength of their feelings is to disrupt law-making rather than debate the law.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In present times, Parliament or Assembly serves not as a solemn deliberative body,as those parties who do not get into government use legislature as theatre for the demonstration of their power to disrupt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Focusing Politics rather than Policy:</strong> For 25 years till 2014, our system has also produced coalition governments which have been obliged to focus more on politics than on policy or performance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Parliamentary form of government sometimes promotes a system of democracy where leaders don&rsquo;t focus on governance rather staying in power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Case: In Favour of Presidential System For India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Applying Separation of Power Doctrine:</strong> In present times, due to the rubber-stamp majority in the Lok Sabha, Indian parliamentary system is running in a presidential style. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This undermines checks and balances as the legislature cannot truly hold the executive accountable since the government wields the majority in the House.</li>
<li>This paves way for an unfettered executive with an automatic parliamentary majority. Thus, the presidential system will provide check and balance by establishing an independent legislature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Swift Decision Making:</strong> Current economic and political challenges faced by India require a political arrangement that permits decisive action.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be provided by the presidential system of government.</li>
<li>Also, since the directly elected President will not have coalition partners to blame for his or her inaction, a presidential term will have to be justified in terms of results, and accountability will be direct and personal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dictatorship of Cabinet:</strong> Emergency rule in 1975, showed that even a parliamentary system can be distorted to permit autocratic rule.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, fear of dictatorship linked to the presidential form of government is baseless, as dictatorship is not the result of a particular type of governmental system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leveraging Multi-party System:</strong> Presidential system in India, instead of facing a monolithic opposition, would have the opportunity to build issue-based coalitions on different issues, mobilising different temporary alliances of different smaller parties from one policy to the next.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is opposite of the dictatorial steamroller some fear a presidential system could produce.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Case: Against Presidential Form of Government In India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Risk of Dictatorship:</strong> A presidential system centralises power in one individual unlike the parliamentary system, where the Prime Minister is the first among equals. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The surrender to the authority of one individual, as in the presidential system, is dangerous for democracy.</li>
<li>Thus, the serious objection advanced by many constitutional experts is that the presidential system carries with it the risk of dictatorship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against Basic Structure of Constitution:</strong> A switchover to the presidential system is not possible under our present constitutional scheme as the parliamentary form of government is part of the &lsquo;basic structure&rsquo; doctrine propounded by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li><strong>Affecting Pluralism:</strong> A diverse country like India cannot function without consensus-building. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The &ldquo;winner takes it all&rdquo; approach, which is a necessary consequence of the presidential system, is likely to lead to a situation where the views of an individual can ride roughshod over the interests of different segments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issue of Governance:</strong> If the legislature is dominated by the same party to which the President belongs, a charismatic President or a &ldquo;strong President&rdquo; may allow any move from the legislature. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On the other hand, if the legislature is dominated by a party opposed to the President&rsquo;s party and decides to checkmate him, it could lead to a stalemate in governance because both the President and the legislature would have democratic legitimacy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flawed Argument related to Outside Talent</strong>: The argument against the parliamentary form of government, that it excludes outside talent is flawed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As, there are many cases of specialist people like C.D. Deshmukh, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were brought into the parliamentary system.</li>
<li>On the other hand, bringing &lsquo;outside&rsquo; talent in a presidential system without people being democratically elected would deter people from giving independent advice to the chief executive because they owe their appointment to him/her.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The present parliamentary system has been tried and tested for nearly 70 years. Rather than change the system, there is a need to reform thoroughly &amp; cleanse the electoral processes and make Indian democracy more robust.</p>
<p>In this context, reforms ranging from limiting expenditure of political parties and deciding the ceiling on the expenditure, to holding simultaneous elections are steps in the right direction.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595854160_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595854160_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f2ffe6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the viability of switching from parliamentary form of government to presidential form in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/presidential-form-of-government'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Preamble to the Indian Constitution',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>What is a Preamble?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A preamble is an introductory statement in a document that explains the document&rsquo;s <strong>philosophy and objectives.</strong></li>
<li>In a Constitution, it presents the <strong>intention of its framers,</strong> the <strong>history behind its creation,</strong> and the <strong>core values</strong> and<strong> principles of the nation.</strong></li>
<li>The preamble basically gives idea of the following things/objects:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Source of the Constitution</strong></li>
<li><strong>Nature of Indian State</strong></li>
<li><strong>Statement of its objectives</strong></li>
<li><strong>Date of its adoption</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>History of the Preamble to Indian Constitution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ideals behind the Preamble to India&rsquo;s Constitution were laid down by <strong>Jawaharlal Nehru&rsquo;s Objectives Resolution,</strong> adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.</li>
<li>Although not enforceable in court, the Preamble states the objectives of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles when language is found ambiguous.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Components of Preamble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is indicated by the Preamble that the <strong>source of authority</strong> of the Constitution lies with the <strong>people of India.</strong></li>
<li>Preamble declares India to be a <strong>sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.</strong></li>
<li>The objectives stated by the Preamble are to<strong> secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.</strong></li>
<li>The date is mentioned in the preamble when it was adopted i.e. <strong>November 26, 1949.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key words in the Preamble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>We, the people of India:</strong> It indicates the <strong>ultimate sovereignty of the people of India.</strong> Sovereignty means the independent authority of the State, not being subject to the control of any other State or external power.</li>
<li><strong>Sovereign:</strong> The term means that India has its own independent authority and it is not a dominion of any other external power. In the country, the legislature has the power to make laws which are subject to certain limitations.</li>
<li><strong>Socialist:</strong> The term means the <strong>achievement of socialist ends through democratic</strong> means. It holds faith in a mixed economy where both private and public sectors co-exist side by side.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was added in the Preamble by 42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment, 1976.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Secular:</strong> The term means that all the religions in India get equal respect, protection and support from the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was incorporated in the Preamble by 42<sup>nd</sup> Constitutional Amendment, 1976.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Democratic:</strong> The term implies that the Constitution of India has an established form of Constitution which gets its authority from the will of the people expressed in an election.</li>
<li><strong>Republic:</strong> The term indicates that the head of the state is elected by the people. In India, the President of India is the elected head of the state.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Objectives of the Indian Constitution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution is the supreme law and it helps to <strong>maintain integrity in the society</strong> and to <strong>promote unity among the citizens</strong> to build a great nation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The main objective of the Indian Constitution is to <strong>promote harmony throughout the nation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The factors which help in achieving this objective are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Justice:</strong> It is necessary to maintain order in society that is promised through various provisions of <strong>Fundamental Rights</strong> and <strong>Directive Principles of State Policy</strong> provided by the Constitution of India. It comprises three elements, which is <strong>social, economic, and political.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Social Justice &ndash;</strong> Social justice means that the Constitution wants to create a society without discrimination on any grounds like caste, creed, gender, religion, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Economic Justice &ndash;</strong> Economic Justice means no discrimination can be caused by people on the basis of their wealth, income, and economic status. Every person must be paid equally for an equal position and all people must get opportunities to earn for their living.</li>
<li><strong>Political Justice &ndash;</strong> Political Justice means all the people have an equal, free and fair right without any discrimination to participate in political opportunities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equality:</strong> The term &lsquo;Equality&rsquo; means no section of society has any special privileges and all the people have given equal opportunities for everything without any discriminations. Everyone is equal before the law.</li>
<li><strong>Liberty:</strong> The term &lsquo;Liberty&rsquo; means freedom for the people to choose their way of life, have political views and behavior in society. Liberty does not mean freedom to do anything, a person can do anything but in the limit set by the law.</li>
<li><strong>Fraternity:</strong> The term &lsquo;Fraternity&rsquo; means a feeling of brotherhood and an emotional attachment with the country and all the people. Fraternity helps to promote dignity and unity in the nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Objectives:</strong> It provides a way of life. It includes <strong>fraternity, liberty,</strong> and <strong>equality</strong> as the notion of a happy life and which can not be taken from each other. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Liberty cannot be divorced from equality, equality cannot be divorced from liberty. Nor can liberty and equality be divorced from fraternity.</li>
<li>Without equality, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many.</li>
<li>Equality without liberty would kill individual initiative.</li>
<li>Without fraternity, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many.</li>
<li>Without fraternity, liberty and equality could not become a natural course of things.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Status of Preamble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The preamble being part of the Constitution is discussed several times in the Supreme Court. It can be understood by reading the following two cases. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Berubari Case:</strong> It was used as a reference under <strong>Article 143(1)</strong> of the Constitution which was on the implementation of the Indo-Pakistan Agreement related to the Berubari Union and in exchanging the enclaves which were decided for consideration by the bench consisting of eight judges.</li>
<li>Through the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendment-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Berubari case</strong></a>, the Court stated that &lsquo;Preamble is the key to open the mind of the makers&rsquo; but it can not be considered as part of the Constitution. Therefore it is not enforceable in a court of law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kesavananda Bharati Case:</strong> In this <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">case</a></strong>, for the first time, a bench of 13 judges was assembled to hear a writ petition. The Court held that:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Preamble of the Constitution</strong> will now be considered <strong>as part of the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li>The Preamble is not the supreme power or source of any restriction or prohibition but it plays an important role in the interpretation of statutes and provisions of the Constitution.</li>
<li>So, it can be concluded that preamble is part of the introductory part of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the 1995 case of<strong> Union Government Vs LIC of India</strong> also, the Supreme Court has once again held that Preamble is the integral part of the Constitution but is not directly enforceable in a court of justice in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Amendment of the Preamble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act, 1976:</strong> After the judgment of the Kesavanand Bharati case, it was accepted that the preamble is part of the Constitution. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a part of the Constitution, preamble can be amended under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/debate-on-the-procedure-of-amendment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 368</strong> </a>of the Constitution, but the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>basic structure</strong></a> of the preamble can not be amended.</li>
<li>Because the structure of the Constitution is based on the basic elements of the Preamble. As of now, the preamble is only amended once through the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendments-part-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act, 1976.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The term &lsquo;Socialist&rsquo;, &lsquo;Secular&rsquo;, and &lsquo;Integrity&rsquo; were added to the preamble through 42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act, 1976.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>&lsquo;Socialist&rsquo; and &lsquo;Secular&rsquo; were added between &lsquo;Sovereign&rsquo; and &lsquo;Democratic&rsquo;.</li>
<li>&lsquo;Unity of the Nation&rsquo; was changed to &lsquo;Unity and Integrity of the Nation&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Fact:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Article 394 of the Constitution states that Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 367, 379 and 394 came into force since the adoption of the Constitution on 26th November 1949 and the rest of the provisions on 26<sup>th</sup> January 1950.</li>
<li>The concept of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in our Preamble was adopted from the French Motto of the French Revolution.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595847102_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595847102_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="563" height="765" /></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/preamble-to-the-indian-constitution'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Parliamentary vs Presidential Form of Government',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, it has been suggested that India<strong> should adopt the presidential form of government</strong> instead of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-strengthening-parliamentary-institutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>parliamentary</strong></a> style of democracy, inherited from the British.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These suggestions have been given in the <strong>backdrop of frequent elections</strong> and related administrative as well as financial burden owned by India.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Parliamentary System of Government</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are <strong>two executives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The nominal executive is the head of state e.g. President while the real executive is the Prime Minister, who is the head of government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In such a system, the role of president or monarch is primarily ceremonial and the Prime Minister along with the cabinet wields effective power.</li>
<li>Countries with such a system include Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom as well as Portugal.</li>
<li>The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, both at the Centre and in the States.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Articles 74 and 75 deal</strong> with the parliamentary system of government at the Union level and <strong>Articles 163 and 164</strong> contain provisions with regard to the States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Executive is responsible</strong> to the legislature for its policies and acts.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Presidential System of Government</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is only<strong> one executive.</strong></li>
<li>In this system, the President is both head of state and government, e.g. USA, South Korea etc.</li>
<li>The executive is <strong>not responsible to the legislature</strong> for its policies and acts, and is constitutionally independent of the legislature in respect of its term of office.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Arguments Against the Parliamentary System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unqualified Legislators:</strong> The parliamentary system has created unqualified legislators, who have sought election only in order to wield executive power.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It limits <strong>executive posts to those who are electable</strong> rather than to those <strong>who are able,</strong> e.g. the prime minister cannot appoint a cabinet of his choice; he has to cater to the wishes of the political leaders of several parties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powerful Executive:</strong> Most of the laws are drafted by the executive and parliamentary input into their formulation and passage is minimal. It has been seen that the ruling party issues a whip to its members in order to ensure unimpeded passage of a bill.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since defiance of a whip itself attracts disqualification, MPs blindly vote as their party directs.</li>
<li>Hence, the parliamentary system does not permit the existence of a legislature distinct from the executive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fickle Legislative Majority:</strong> It has forced governments to concentrate less on governing than on staying in office, and obliged them to cater their coalitions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It puts insurance on <strong>defections and horse-trading.</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/anti-defection-law-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>anti-defection Act of 1985</strong></a> has failed to cure the problem, since the bargaining has shifted to getting enough <strong>MLAs to resign to topple a government,</strong> while promising them offices when they win the subsequent by-elections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distorted Voting Preference:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has distorted the voting preferences of an electorate that knows which individual it wants to vote for but not necessarily which party.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments in Favour of Presidential System:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Stable Executive:</strong> It establishes a stable executive which does not depend upon the <strong>fluctuating will of the legislature</strong> especially in case of coalition governments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A system of directly elected chief executives at all levels &ndash; panchayat chiefs, town mayors, Chief Ministers (or Governors) and a national President &ndash; elected for a fixed term of office, invulnerable to the whims of the legislature, and with clearly defined authority in their respective domains &ndash; would permit India to deal more efficiently with its critical economic and social challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ability Over Electability:</strong> Cabinet posts would not be limited to those who are electable rather than those who are able.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The President can appoint anyone as secretaries (equivalent to minister).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effective Check and Balance:</strong> It establishes the presidency and the legislature as two parallel structures. This allows each structure to <strong>monitor and check the other,</strong> hence preventing the abuse of power.</li>
<li><strong>Role of Citizens:</strong> At the end of a fixed period of time, the public would be able to judge the individual&rsquo;s performance, rather than on political skill at keeping a government in office.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, the Indian voter will be able to vote directly for the individual he or she wants to be chosen as a head rather than a majority of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/introduction-of-private-member-s-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Members of Parliament</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/legislative-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Legislative</strong> </a>assembly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Argument Against the Presidential Form:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Cooperation:</strong> A weakness of the system is its failure to ensure the<strong> co-operation between law-makers and administrators.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Frequent conflicts between the legislature and the executive may lead to <strong>deadlocks.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autocratic:</strong> A presidential system <strong>centralises power in one individual</strong> unlike the parliamentary system, where the Prime Minister is the first among equals. The surrender to the authority of one individual, as in the presidential system, is dangerous for democracy.</li>
<li><strong>Concerns over Separation of Powers:</strong> If the legislature is dominated by the same party to which the <strong>President belongs,</strong> he may prevent any move from the legislature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit of Parliamentary System:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ensures Diverse Representation:</strong> By looking at the diversity and the number of parties from different states, India needs a diverse cabinet to fulfill the aspirations of millions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hence, the parliamentary system ensures the <strong>regional representations</strong> by selecting candidates from different parts of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Basic Structure of Constitution:</strong> It is part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>basic structure of the Constitution.</strong></a> Altering the parliament system would face legal hurdles.</li>
<li><strong>Prevents Authoritarianism:</strong> Since the executive is responsible to the legislature, and can vote it out in a motion of no confidence, there is no authoritarianism. Also, unlike the presidential system, power is not concentrated in one hand, rather in a <strong>group of individuals</strong> (Council of Ministers).</li>
<li><strong>Better Coordination:</strong> Since the executive is a part of the legislature, and generally the majority of the legislature support the government, it is easier to pass laws and implement them.</li>
<li><strong>Matured System:</strong> It is an old system and can give news ideas with its experience in a democartic setup.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We should ensure a system of government whose leaders can focus on governance rather than on staying in power. The present parliamentary system has been tried and tested for nearly 70 years. It can be reformed thoroughly to remove the challenges thrown up by it.</li>
<li>Further there is a need to reform the electoral processes to make democracy more robust. The debate should be on <strong>various loopholes in electoral processes</strong> i.e from limiting expenditure of political parties and deciding the ceiling on the expenditure, to holding simultaneous elections, declaring the results for a combination of booths instead of constituencies, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/shashi-tharoor-presidential-system-parliament-6522482/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/parliamentary-vs-presidential-form-of-government'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Hurricane Hanna',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Hurricane Hanna</strong> has made <strong>landfall</strong> (the point at which a <strong>hurricane</strong> reaches land) in <strong>Texas</strong> with life-threatening storm surge and strong winds.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tropical cyclones</strong></a> are called hurricanes in the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has<strong> reached wind speeds of up to 90 mph</strong> and is expected to produce heavy rains across portions of<strong> southern Texas and northeastern Mexico,</strong> which will result in flash flooding and isolated minor to moderate river flooding.</li>
<li>It has been categorised as a<strong> Category 1 storm on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-dorian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saffir&ndash;Simpson hurricane wind scale</a> (SSHWS).</strong></li>
<li>This year,<strong> an &ldquo;above-normal&rdquo; hurricane season is expected in the USA.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One reason for this is the<strong> warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures</strong> in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, along with <strong>weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds</strong> and an<strong> enhanced west African monsoon.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595843764_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595843764_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="288" /></strong></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Hurricane</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tropical cyclone</strong></a> that occurs in the <strong>Atlantic Ocean</strong> and the <strong>northeastern Pacific Ocean.</strong></li>
<li>These are formed over the <strong>warm ocean waters near the equator.</strong></li>
<li>Hurricanes typically form between <strong>5 to 15 degrees latitude north and south of the equator.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>1 to 5 rating based</strong> on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595843785_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595843785_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/hurricane-hanna-how-hurricanes-are-formed-named-6524528/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-hanna'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Asteroid 2020 ND',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Aeronautics and Space Administration</strong></a> (NASA) has issued a warning that a huge<strong> &ldquo;Asteroid 2020 ND&rdquo;</strong> will move past Earth on 24<sup>th</sup> July.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> The asteroid, about 170 metres-long, will be <strong>as close as 0.034 Astronomical Unit (AU- Astronomical Unit is the distance between the Earth and the Sun and is roughly 150 million km) to the Earth,</strong> and is travelling at a speed of 48,000 kilometres per hour.</li>
<li>It is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2020-cd3-mini-moon" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Near-Earth Objects</strong> </a>(NEO) and its distance from Earth has placed it in the <strong>Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA)</strong> category.</li>
<li><strong>Potentially Hazardous Asteroids:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It means that an asteroid has the potential to make <strong>threatening close approaches</strong> to the Earth.</li>
<li>Specifically, all asteroids with a <strong>Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance</strong> (MOID) of 0.05 AU (which is about 7,480,000 Km) or less and an <strong>Absolute Magnitude</strong> (H) of 22.0 (about 150 mt in diameter) or less are considered PHAs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>MOID is a <strong>method for calculating the minimum distance</strong> between two almost overlapping elliptical orbits.</li>
<li>The <strong>absolute magnitude</strong> is a measure of the star's luminosity i.e. the total amount of energy radiated by the star every second.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Solutions</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Deflecting Asteroids:</strong> Blowing up the asteroid before it reaches Earth, or deflecting it off its Earth-bound course by hitting it with a spacecraft may ward off the threat.</li>
<li><strong>AIDA:</strong> The measure undertaken so far is the <strong>Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA),</strong> which includes <strong>NASA&rsquo;s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solar-orbiter-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Space Agency&rsquo;s</strong> </a>(ESA) <strong>Hera.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>DART:</strong> In 2018, NASA announced that it had started the construction of DART, which is scheduled to launch in 2021 with an aim to slam into the smaller asteroid of the <strong>Didymos system at around 6 km per second in 2022. Didymos,</strong> is a binary near-Earth asteroid, that could pose the most likely significant threat to Earth.</li>
<li><strong>Hera:</strong> It is scheduled to launch in 2024, and will arrive at the Didymos system in 2027 to measure the <strong>impact crater produced by the DART collision</strong> and study the <strong>change in the asteroid&rsquo;s orbital trajectory.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Monitoring of PHAs:</strong> It is not necessary that asteroids classified as PHAs will impact the Earth. It only <strong>means there is a possibility of a threat.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By<strong> monitoring these PHAs</strong> and updating their orbits as new observations, it is possible to predict the close-approach statistics and thus their Earth-impact threat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scientific interest in<strong> comets and asteroids</strong> is largely due to their status as relatively unchanged remnant debris from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/length-of-a-day-on-each-planet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>solar system</strong></a> formation process over 4.6 billion years ago. Therefore, they<strong> offer clues about the chemical mixture</strong> from the planets formed.</li>
<li>Significantly, among all the reasons that will eventually cause the extinction of life on Earth, an asteroid hit is <strong>widely acknowledged as one of the likeliest.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Asteroids</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Asteroids orbit the Sun and are small bodies in the solar system.</li>
<li>They are made up of metals and rocks.</li>
<li>They tend to have shorter and elliptical orbits.</li>
<li>They <strong>do not produce a coma or tail atmosphere.</strong></li>
<li>The asteroid belt is a torus-shaped region in the Solar System, located roughly between the orbits of the planets Jupiter and Mars.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comet</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Comets also orbit the Sun and are relatively small bodies of the solar system.</li>
<li>They are made up of <strong>ice and hydrocarbons.</strong></li>
<li>Comets have an eccentric orbit.</li>
<li>When comets approach the sun, some part of their ice melts and the other materials vapourise due to the heat of the sun. This results in a glowing halo that extends outwards through space.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, a <strong>thin atmospheric tail is formed</strong> when close to the Sun.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-nasa-asteroid-2020-potentially-dangerous-to-earth-6515170/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asteroid-2020-nd'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Maratha Quota',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> (SC) is set to commence the final hearing on the batch of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-leave-petition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Special Leave Petitions</strong></a> (SLPs-<strong>Article 136) against Maratha reservation in Maharashtra</strong> on a daily basis through video-conferencing.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The apex court will also hear a petition challenging admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses under the quota in the state.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SLPs <strong>challenged the Bombay High Court (HC) decision,</strong> which <strong>upheld the constitutional validity of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maharashtra-assembly-passes-bill-for-reservation-for-marathas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maratha quota</a></strong> under the state&rsquo;s <strong>Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SEBC Act provides for <strong>reservation of seats for admission in educational institutions</strong> in the state and for <strong>reservation of posts for appointments in public services</strong> and posts under the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Maharashtra is <strong>one of the few states which have more than 50% reservation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Telangana</strong> also exceed the reservation cap.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/creamy-layer-for-sc-s-st-s" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>Indra Sawhney case 1992</strong></em></a> ruled that the <strong>total reservation for backward classes cannot go beyond the 50% mark.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A group of aspiring medical students <strong>challenged the constitutional validity of an amendment to the SEBC Act, 2018</strong> allowing Maratha reservation for 2019-2020 admissions to MBBS courses.</li>
<li>In July 2019, the<strong> Bombay HC dismissed</strong> the petition.</li>
<li>The <strong>SC refused to stay the judgement</strong> and have, time and again, refused to put an interim stay on the quota.</li>
<li>Recently, the <strong>SC refused to grant interim stay on a plea</strong> by medical students, seeking a direction that the <strong>12% quota not be made applicable for admissions</strong> in postgraduate medical and dental courses for the <strong>academic year 2020-21.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Marathas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>politically dominant community in Maharashtra</strong> comprising mainly <strong>peasants and landowners</strong> and forms<strong> nearly one-third of the population</strong> of the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Majority of the Chief Ministers of the state have been from this community</strong> since the formation of the state in 1960.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Marathas are<strong> mostly Marathi-speaking</strong> but not all Marathi-speaking people belong to the Maratha community.</li>
<li>Historically, they have been <strong>identified as a &lsquo;warrior&rsquo; caste</strong> with large land-holdings.</li>
<li>While the division of land and agrarian problems over the years have led to a decline of prosperity among the middle class and lower-middle-class Marathas, the community <strong>still plays an important role in the rural economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bombay High Court Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In<strong> July 2019,</strong> it ruled that the<strong> 16% quota granted by the state was not &lsquo;justifiable&rsquo; and reduced it to 12% in education and 13% in government jobs,</strong> as recommended by the 11-member <strong>Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission</strong> (MSBCC).</li>
<li>The limit of the reservation <strong>should not exceed 50%</strong> but in <strong>exceptional circumstances and extraordinary situations, this limit can be crossed</strong> subject to availability of quantifiable and contemporary data reflecting backwardness, the inadequacy of representation and without affecting the efficiency in administration.</li>
<li>While the <strong>backwardness of the community</strong> was not comparable with Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), it was<strong> comparable with several other backward classes,</strong> which find a place in the list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) pursuant to the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/reservation-in-india#:~:text=Mandal%20Commission,-In%20exercise%20of&amp;text=Mandal.,the%20advancement%20of%20those%20classes." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mandal Commission.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It surveyed about 45,000 families from two villages from each of 355 talukas with more than 50% Maratha population.</li>
<li><strong>Social Backwardness:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>76.86% of Maratha families are engaged in agriculture and agricultural labour for their livelihood.</li>
<li>Nearly 70% reside in Kachha dwellings.</li>
<li>Only 35-39% have personal tap water connections.</li>
<li>During 2013-2018, total 13,368 farmers committed suicides and 23.56% of them were Marathas.</li>
<li>88.81% of Maratha women are involved in physical labour for earning a livelihood, besides their physical domestic work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Educational Backwardness:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>13.42% of Marathas are illiterate, 35.31% primary educated, 43.79% Secondary and Higher Secondary educated, 6.71% undergraduates and postgraduates and 0.77% technically and professionally qualified.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Backwardness:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>93% of Maratha families have an annual income of Rs. 1 lakh, which was below the average income of middle-class families.</li>
<li>37.38% of families were <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/poverty-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Below Poverty Line</strong></a> (BPL) against the state average of 24%.</li>
<li>71% own less than 2.5 acres of land, whereas only 2.7% of big farmers own 10 acres of land.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The commission <strong>submitted its report on 15<sup>th</sup> November 2018</strong> in which it established that the <strong>Maratha community is socially, economically and educationally backwards</strong> and also <strong>established inadequacy of representation of the Maratha community in public employment</strong> in the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Existing Total Reservation in Maharashtra:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Following the <strong>2001 State Reservation Act,</strong> the total reservation was <strong>52%.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This included quotas for SCs (13%), STs (7%), OBCs (19%), Special Backward Class (2%), Vimukta Jati (3%), Nomadic Tribe B (2.5%), Nomadic Tribe C-Dhangar (3.5%) and Nomadic Tribe D-Vanjari (2%).</li>
<li>The quotas for Nomadic Tribes and Special Backward Classes have been carved out of the total OBC quota.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With the <strong>addition of 12-13% Maratha quota,</strong> the total reservation in the state is <strong>64-65%.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>10% <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/states-prerogative-to-provide-10-reservation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Economically Weaker Sections</a></strong> (EWS) quota is <strong>also effective</strong> in the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/supreme-court-to-begin-hearing-challenges-to-maratha-quota-6524661/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maratha-quota'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Collaboration with Israel in Defence Sector under FDI',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India has collaborated with the Israeli defence companies under the new liberalised <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment</strong></a> (FDI) regime in <strong>defence manufacturing.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, the government has increased the limit for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI</strong></a> <strong>in defence</strong> through the automatic route from <strong>49% to 74%.</strong></li>
<li>FDI is an <strong>investment made by a firm or individual</strong> in one country into business interests located in another country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Context:</strong> Recently, the Defence Ministry has given <strong>emergency powers to the Armed Forces</strong> to procure weapons systems up to Rs. 300 crore on an urgent basis without any further clearances <strong>to cut short the procurement cycle.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, Indian Armed Forces are undertaking a series of emergency defence purchases amid ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tensions with China on the border.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Army has decided to order launchers, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/spike-lr-anti-tank-guided-missiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missiles</strong></a> (ATGM) and additional <strong>Heron <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-unmanned-aircraft-system-uas-rules-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unmanned Aerial Vehicles</a></strong> (UAV), from Israel through the emergency procurement route.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Israel Defence Cooperation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> The strong bilateral ties of India and Israel are driven by their respective national interests&mdash;i.e., India&rsquo;s long-sought goals of <strong>military modernisation,</strong> and Israel&rsquo;s comparative advantage in <strong>commercialising its arms industries.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ambit of defence cooperation has widened to include other domains like <strong>space, counter-terrorism, and cyber security and intelligence sharing</strong> besides Israeli arms sales to India.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> was the <strong>largest arms customer of Israel in 2017</strong> with sales worth 715 million USD.</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-among-top-military-spenders-sipri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report</strong></a>, <strong>Israel</strong> is the <strong>third largest supplier of defence items</strong> to India after <strong>Russia and the USA,</strong> the first and second respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong> The strategic cooperation between the two countries began during the<strong> Sino-India War of 1962.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1965, Israel supplied M-58 160-mm mortar ammunition to India in the war against Pakistan.</li>
<li>It was one of the few countries that <strong>chose not to condemn India&rsquo;s Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998.</strong></li>
<li>It continued its arms trade with India even after the sanctions and international isolation after the nuclear tests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Patrolling and Surveillance:</strong> The Israeli imports eases the operational ability of armed forces in wartime. For instance, the missile defence systems, and ammunition played a crucial role in controlling the escalation between India and Pakistan <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bombs-jaish-e-muhammad-camp-in-pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>post-Balakot air strikes.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Make in India:</strong> The export-oriented Israeli defence industry and its openness to establishing joint ventures complement both <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/five-years-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;</strong> </a>and<strong> &lsquo;Make with India&rsquo;</strong> in defence.</li>
<li><strong>Trusted Supplier:</strong> Israel has always been a &lsquo;no-questions-asked supplier&rsquo;, i.e., it transfers even its most advanced technology without placing limits to its use.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its credibility was reinforced during the <strong>Kargil War of 1999</strong> when it supplied the <strong>Indian Air Force (IAF)</strong> with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) &lsquo;Searcher&rsquo; and surveillance systems for Jaguar and Mirage squadrons.</li>
<li>Similar weapons were used in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-post-balakot-challenge-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Balakot strike</strong></a> in February 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ready to Use Technology:</strong> India suffers from many constraints in defence production and acquisition including lack of technical expertise, lack of manufacturing infrastructure, inadequate funding and project delays. Israel fills these shortcomings by<strong> supplying ready-to-use critical technologies,</strong> even on short notices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Influence of USA:</strong> Some of the<strong> Israeli technologies utilise USA components</strong> because of which the USA has veto powers over the sale of those technologies. Hence, it may cause hurdles in transportation of technologies.</li>
<li><strong>Cold War Politics:</strong> The potential of<strong> India-Israel ties</strong> have been sacrificed on the altar of Cold War politics. Factors like <strong>Arab&ndash;Israeli conflict, Iran-Israel conflict, constant interference of countries like Russia and USA</strong> in such issues and overall relationship of India with these countries have impacted the ties with Israel.</li>
<li><strong>Non Alignment:</strong> India&rsquo;s commitment to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revival-of-non-alignment-movement#:~:text=The%20Non%2DAligned%20Movement%20was,to%20remain%20independent%20or%20neutral." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-alignment</strong></a> causes freezing relations with Israel that were increasingly seen as leaning towards the Western bloc. India must strategically balance its relationship with Israel on conflict issues.</li>
<li><strong>Dependence for Energy Security:</strong> India&rsquo;s dependence on Arab states for oil imports led to a pro-Arab tilt in its West Asia Policy, which has further constrained Israel's options in the region.</li>
<li><strong>Israel Palestine Conflict:</strong> The<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> territorial conflicts of Gaza Strip and West Bank</strong> </a>have played an important role in shaping India-Israel relationships.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to Israel-Palestine peace negotiations <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oslo-peace-accords" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Oslo Accords of 1993)</strong></a> <strong>India</strong> has started normalising the relationship with Israel.</li>
<li>However, as a part of <strong>Link West Policy,</strong> India has de-hyphenated its relationship with<strong> Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Defence Technologies Imported by India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Searcher:</strong> It is a<strong> multi-mission tactical UAV</strong> for surveillance, target acquisition, artillery adjustment and damage assessment.</li>
<li><strong>Hermes 900:</strong> In December 2018, Adani Defence and Elbit Systems inaugurated the <strong>first India-Israel joint venture in defence</strong> at Hyderabad. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This facility will manufacture high-technology, cost-effective Hermes 900 to be deployed in all-weather terrains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Heron:</strong> It is a <strong>medium-altitude long-endurance</strong> unmanned air vehicle (UAV) system primarily designed to perform strategic actions .</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Air Defence Systems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>BARAK:</strong> The<strong> surface-to-air missile</strong> can be deployed as a low-range air defence interceptor. In India, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-25th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> BARAK</strong></a> version is known as BARAK-8 (for naval vessels).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Missiles:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Spike:</strong> These are the <strong>4<sup>th</sup> generation Anti-Tank Missiles</strong> with a range of up to 4km, which can be operated in fire-and-forget mode.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These are manufactured by the Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Israel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Crystal Maze:</strong> It is an <strong>Indian variant of the air-to-surface missile AGM-142A Popeye &ndash;</strong> jointly developed by the Israeli-based Rafael and US-based Lockheed Martin.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sensors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Search Track and Guidance Radar (STGR):</strong> India imported the STGR radar to make <strong>INS Kolkata, INS Shivalik and Kamorta-class frigates</strong> compatible for deploying BARAK-8 SAM missiles.</li>
<li><strong>Phalcon: </strong>This airborne warning and control system (AWACS), is also hailed as Indian Airforce Force&rsquo;s <strong>&ldquo;eyes in the skies''.</strong></li>
<li>Phalcon performs <strong>surveillance and intelligence gathering beyond the visual range</strong> to warn against the incoming missiles or aircrafts in the airspace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> strategic cooperation between India and Israel</strong> carries immense potential and India must<strong> harness the technological expertise from Israel</strong> to modernise an indigenous defence industry.</li>
<li>As the USA sees a major role for India in <strong>maintaining the balance of power</strong> in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a> more technologies are likely to be transferable in the future. With improving<strong> strategic understanding between India and the US</strong> these technologies can be flexibly deployed to various wings of the military.</li>
<li>Indo-Israel <strong>defence cooperation must be up-scaled</strong> in terms of<strong> Joint Ventures (JV) and Joint Research and Development (RD)</strong> which can be a force multiplier to realistically achieve India&rsquo;s ambition to be a major global power.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/border-row-with-china-figures-in-rajnaths-telephonic-talks-with-israeli-defence-minister/article32183371.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/collaboration-with-israel-in-defence-sector-under-fdi'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Khelo India Youth Games 2021',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the government has announced that <strong>Haryana will host the fourth edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The 2021 Khelo India Youth Games <strong>are scheduled to take place after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics</strong> and will be held in<strong> Panchkula (Haryana).</strong></li>
<li>The 2021 Tokyo Olympics are set to open on <strong>23<sup>rd</sup> July.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, for the first time, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tokyo-olympics-2020-postponed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Olympics were postponed following the Covid-19 outbreak.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Usually,</strong> the<strong> KIYG takes place in January</strong> of every year.</li>
<li>KIYG is a<strong> part of</strong> the revamped national programme for development of sports <strong>&lsquo;Khelo India&rsquo;</strong> which was approved by the Union Cabinet in <strong>2017.</strong> The 2020 edition of KIYG was held in Guwahati (Assam).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Khelo India Scheme</strong> aims to encourage sports all over the country, thus allowing the population to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence, namely holistic development of children &amp; youth, community development, social integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic opportunities related to sports development.</li>
<li>Under the Scheme,<strong> talented players</strong> identified in<strong> priority sports disciplines</strong> at various levels are provided <strong>annual financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh per annum for 8 years.</strong></li>
<li>Khelo India App, developed by the<strong> Sports Authority of India (SAI),</strong> aims to create awareness about sports and fitness in the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SAI is under the <strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595836090_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595836090_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1641273" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/khelo-india-youth-games-2021'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Safeguarding the Autonomy of Tribunals',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/safeguarding-the-autonomy-of-tribunals/story-sTaztHIM2iZBhyaUTowxVM.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Safeguarding the autonomy of tribunals&rdquo;</strong></a> published in The Hindustan Times on 23/07/2020. It evaluates the new rules promulgated by the centre pertaining to the functioning of the tribunals.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Union Ministry of Finance framed a new set of rules called the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/supreme-court-ruling-on-finance-act-2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal, and other Authorities (Qualifications, Experience and other Conditions of Service of Members) Rules, 2020</strong></a> that prescribe uniform norms for the appointment and service conditions of members to various <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/tribunals-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tribunals</strong></a>.</p>
<p>The new rules have been framed by the government as the previous Rules of 2017 were struck down by the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in November 2019 in the case <strong>Rojer Mathew vs South Indian Bank.</strong></p>
<p>However, the new rules carry out only cosmetic changes and some of the provisions contravene the spirit of law laid down by the Supreme Court (SC) on matters related to tribunals.</p>
<h3>Issues With the New Rules</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conflict of Interest:</strong> The new rules do not remove the control of parent administrative ministries (ministries against which the tribunals have to pass orders) over tribunals.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, the tribunals such as the Armed Forces Tribunal functions under the same ministry which is a party in litigation and the ministry also wields rule-making powers and controls finances, infrastructure and manpower in the tribunal.</li>
<li>This is against the spirit of Natural Justice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rules Diluting Judicial Independence:</strong> The selection committee under the new rules can function even in absence of any judicial member, meaning that a committee entirely (or majorly) comprising officers of the executive can select members of tribunals.</li>
<li><strong>Unwarranted Influence of Executive:</strong> The new rules also ensure that the secretary of the ministry against which the tribunal is to pass orders sits on the committee for selecting adjudicating members of the same tribunal.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This system was termed as <strong>&ldquo;mockery of the Constitution&rdquo;</strong> by SC in Madras Bar Association case, 2014.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Affecting Independence of Members:</strong> The new rules provide for a retirement age of 65 years even for former judges who retire at 62 from the high courts (HCs), which gives them at best a three-year tenure.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is against the minimum five to seven years tenure mandated by SC in the <strong>Union of India vs R. Gandhi case, 2010</strong> to ensure continuity.</li>
<li>Further the bar on employment with the government after retiring from tribunals has been removed. Thus, gravely affecting the independence of members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inconsistent with SC rulings:</strong> The new rules contain ambiguous clauses stating that any person with experience in economics, commerce, management, industry and administration can be appointed as a member of certain tribunals.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This may allow even members with non-judicial/legal background to become chairpersons of tribunals, contrary to SC ruling in the <strong>R Gandhi case.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tribunal is a quasi-judicial institution that is set up to deal with problems such as resolving administrative or tax-related disputes.</li>
<li>It performs a number of functions like adjudicating disputes, determining rights between contesting parties, making an administrative decision, reviewing an existing administrative decision and so forth.</li>
<li>Tribunals were not part of the original constitution, it was incorporated in the Indian Constitution by 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Article 323-A deals with Administrative Tribunals.</li>
<li>Article 323-B deals with tribunals for other matters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Maintain Independence of the Tribunal:</strong> Unless steps are taken in compliance with the law laid down by SC for tribunals, neither their independence nor their ability to reduce the burden on the regular judiciary can be guaranteed.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tribunals must not be seen as an extension of the executive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Separate and Independent Authority for Administration</strong>: SC in the cases of L Chandra Kumar (1997), R Gandhi (2010), Madras Bar Association (2014) and Swiss Ribbons (2019) has ruled that tribunals cannot be made to function under the ministries against which they are to pass orders and they must be placed under the law ministry instead.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the need to ensure the <strong>separate and independent authority</strong> for administration of the tribunals is required.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Best Performing: Income Tax Appellate Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal was created in 1941, at that time it was put under the finance department, but moved to the legislative department (Ministry of Law and Justice) a year later to ensure its independence.</li>
<li>This arrangement continues till date, and is perhaps the primary reason that it is one of the best-performing tribunals.</li>
<li>Thus, other tribunals can also be made to function under the law ministry rather than ministries against which they are to pass orders.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Easing Pressure on Constitutional Courts:</strong> Further, in order to remove unnecessary burden on SC and make justice affordable and accessible, it needs to be ensured that the tribunals work efficiently.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, the high courts, being equally effective constitutional courts, practically should become the last and final court in most litigation after tribunals pass the order.</li>
<li>Thus, SC can be allowed to focus more on constitutional points of law of general public importance, Centre-state/inter-state disputes or where there is a major conflict between decisions of two or more high courts. &ldquo;Special Leave to Appeal&rdquo; may be extended only to really &ldquo;special&rdquo; cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These measures will not only provide consistency and stability but also promote judicial discipline in the tribunal as well as the whole judicial system.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is the need of the hour that the Union government shows enough will to force systemic tribunal reforms. A reform to the tribunals system in India may as well be one of the keys to remedy the age old problem that still cripples the Indian judicial system &ndash; the problem of judicial delay and backlog.</p>
<p>In this context, an independent autonomous body such as a <strong>National Tribunals Commission (NTC),</strong> responsible for oversight as well as administration, can go a long way in remedying issues that plague the functioning of tribunals.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595678822_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595678822_image5.png" caption="false" width="560" height="400" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f3ffe6;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Reform in the tribunals system in India can address the problems that still cripples the Indian judicial system.&rdquo; Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AhIKbvOLV-0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/dissent-contempt-supreme-court-is-too-big-an-institution-to-be-undermined-by-one-mans-criticism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Dissent, Contempt&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Times of India on July 24<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube Channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/safeguarding-the-autonomy-of-tribunals'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Day 6',
			'catname' => '60 days refresher',
			'desc' => '<h2 style="text-align: center;">Important Constitutional And Non-Constitutional Bodies</h2>
<p>This is an all time favourite topic for UPSC, as a lot of questions have been asked over the years. By analyzing the kind of questions asked on this topic, one can have a fair idea on what can be expected in the prelims.</p>
<h3>Constitutional Bodies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission of India </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/state-election-commission-s-autonomy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State Election Commission's Autonomy</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/need-to-set-up-state-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Need to set up State Finance Commission</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/printpdf/constitutional-status-for-national-commission-for-backward-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Constitutional Status for National Commission for Backward Classes</a> </strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/comptroller-and-auditor-general-of-india-cag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG)</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/attorney-general-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Attorney General of India</a> </strong></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/tribunals-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tribunals</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court of India</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Non-Constitutional Bodies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-investigation-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Investigation Agency </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/food-corporation-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food Corporation of India (FCI) </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/competition-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Competition Commission of India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/law-commission-of-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Law Commission of India</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-vigilance-commission-cvc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)</a> </strong></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-bank-for-agriculture-and-rural-development-nabard" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/lokpal-lokayukta-ombudsman-upsc-governance-transparency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lokpal and Lokayukta</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/food-safety-and-standards-authority-of-india-fssai" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-bureau-of-investigation-cbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/22nd-meeting-of-fsdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Stability and Development Council</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #000080;">Previous Year Questions on Schedules in Important Constitutional And Non-Constitutional Bodies</span></h3>
<p>Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)</p>
<ol>
<li>The Election Commission of India is a five member body.</li>
<li>Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.</li>
<li>Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1 and 2 only</p>
<p>(b) 2 only</p>
<p>(c) 2 and 3 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(d) 3 only</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>Q. Consider the following statements: (2013)</p>
<p>Attorney General of India can</p>
<ol>
<li>take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha</li>
<li>be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha</li>
<li>speak in the Lok Sabha</li>
<li>vote in the Lok Sabha</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1 only</p>
<p>(b) 2 and 4</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(c) 1, 2 and 3</strong></span></p>
<p>(d) 1 and 3 only</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)? (2012)</p>
<ol>
<li>CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.</li>
<li>CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.</li>
<li>Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.</li>
<li>While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1, 3 and 4 only</p>
<p>(b) 2 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(c) 2 and 3 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. Who of the following shall cause every recommendation made by the Finance Commission to be laid before each House of Parliament? (2010)</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(a) The President of India</strong></span></p>
<p>(b) The Speaker of Lok Sabha</p>
<p>(c) The Prime Minister of India</p>
<p>(d) The Union Finance Minister</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)</p>
<ol>
<li>The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.</li>
<li>The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(b) 2 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(c) Both 1 and 2</p>
<p>(d) Neither 1 nor 2</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)</p>
<ol>
<li>The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.</li>
<li>The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(a) 1 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(b) 2 only</p>
<p>(c) Both 1 and 2</p>
<p>(d) Neither 1 nor 2</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the: (2015)</p>
<p>(a) Human Rights Commission</p>
<p>(b) Finance Commission</p>
<p>(c) Law Commission</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(d) Planning Commission</strong></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Right To Information</h2>
<p>This is an important topic for this year's prelims, as it has remained in the news because of the controversy over the <strong>PM CARES, RTI Amendment 2019, 15<sup>th</sup> anniversary of RTI Act.</strong> Apart from it, many questions have been asked on aspects related to this topic. One can find all streamlined and exam oriented information in the following links:</p>
<p>Context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cji-under-the-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CJI under the RTI Act</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-related-to-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Challenges Related To RTI Act</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-cares-not-under-rti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-CARES Not Under RTI</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper4/good-governance-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Good Governance</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/evms-not-under-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>EVMs Not Under RTI Act</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/compliance-to-the-rti-act-2005" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Compliance to the RTI Act, 2005</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jan-soochna-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jan Soochna Portal</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/explainer-right-information-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Explainer: The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Wetlands</h2>
<p>There has been a trend that quite often UPSC asks about the latest news related to different wetlands/water bodies etc. This can be depicted from the previous year questions. Thus, in this context, the present topic becomes very important for this year's prelims.</p>
<p>Context: Destruction of wetlands</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/wetlands-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wetlands</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-wetlands-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Wetlands Day</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wetlands-restoration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wetlands Restoration</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/addition-to-ramsar-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Addition to Ramsar Sites</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sukhna-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sukhna Lake</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-backs-dhanauri-for-ramsar-site-tag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Backs Dhanauri for Ramsar Site Tag</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oussudu-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Oussudu Lake</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agreement-to-save-coastal-wetlands" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agreement to Save Coastal Wetlands</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-coast-is-unclear-on-the-2018-crz-notification" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Coast is Unclear: On the 2018 CRZ Notification</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #000080;">Previous Year Questions on Schedules on Wetlands</span></h3>
<p>Q. Consider the following statements:</p>
<ol>
<li>Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.</li>
<li>The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.</li>
<li>The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1 and 2 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(b) 2 and 3 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(c) 3 only</p>
<p>(d) 1, 2 and 3</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. Consider the following pairs: (2014)</p>
<p>&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Wetlands</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<strong> &nbsp;Confluence of rivers</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Harike Wetlands&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej</li>
<li>Keoladeo Ghana&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; : Confluence of Banas and National Park Chambal</li>
<li>Kolleru Lake&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; : Confluence of Musi and Krishna</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #008000;">(a) 1 only</span></strong></p>
<p>(b) 2 and 3 only</p>
<p>(c) 1 and 3 only</p>
<p>(d) 1, 2 and 3</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements: (2012)</p>
<ol>
<li>The country&rsquo;s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States.</li>
<li>In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(a) 1 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(b) 2 only</p>
<p>(c) Both 1 and 2</p>
<p>(d) Neither 1 nor 2</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Panchayati Raj Institution</h2>
<p>It remains a very important topic for UPSC. A lot of questions have been asked over the years. Questions on Panchayati Raj Institution have been repeatedly asked in the successive years. So there is a fair bit of chance that the question can be asked on it this year too.</p>
<p>Context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/panchayati-raj-institutions-and-participative-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions and Participative Democracy</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-panchayati-raj-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Panchayati Raj Day</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-panchayati-raj" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/growth-models-for-rural-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Growth Models for Rural India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bhuvan-panchayat-3-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhuvan Panchayat 3.0</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quota-for-disabled-in-panchayats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quota for Disabled in Panchayats</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/democratic-decentralisation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Democratic Decentralisation in India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-rural-economic-transformation-project-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Rural Economic Transformation Project</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #000080;">Previous Year Questions on Schedules in Panchayati Raj Institution</span></h3>
<p>Q. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in: (2017)</p>
<p>(a) Federalism</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(b) Democratic decentralisation</strong></span></p>
<p>(c) Administrative delegation</p>
<p>(d) Direct democracy</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. The fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (2015)</p>
<ol>
<li>People&rsquo;s participation in development</li>
<li>Political accountability</li>
<li>Democratic decentralization</li>
<li>Financial mobilization</li>
</ol>
<p>Select the correct answer using the code given below:</p>
<p>(a) 1, 2 and 3 only</p>
<p>(b) 2 and 4 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(c) 1 and 3 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective? (2013)</p>
<p>(a) To provide self-governance</p>
<p>(b) To recognize traditional rights</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas</strong></span></p>
<p>(d) To free tribal people from exploitation</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Coalition For Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</h2>
<p>Indian Prime Minister, at the Hamburg G20 meet in 2017, proposed a Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and many disasters this year. Thus, in this context this topic becomes a hot topic for this year&rsquo;s prelims. One can find related articles in the following links.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-workshop-on-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/flood-management-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Flood Management In India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-amphan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyclone Amphan</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/swarm-of-desert-locust" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swarm of Desert Locust</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vizag-gas-leak" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vizag Gas Leak</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/civil-defence-volunteers-against-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Civil Defence Volunteers Against Covid-19</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-sanjeevani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Operation Sanjeevani</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-cares-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM - CARES Fund</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disaster-management-tool" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Tool</strong></a></li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/60-days-refresher-programme/day-6'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Pied Cuckoo to be Tracked',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sal-forest-tortoise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Institute of India (WII)</strong></a>, has decided to study the migration of the <strong>Pied Cuckoo Bird <em>(Jacobin Cuckoo or Chaatak)</em>,</strong> by tagging the bird with satellite transmitters.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The study will be conducted along with the <strong>Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS)</strong> and the <strong>Government of India&rsquo;s Department of Biotechnology.</strong></li>
<li>IIRS is a constituent unit of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</strong></a>. It is <strong>headquartered in Dehradun.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is the <strong>first study in the country</strong> that seeks to trace and observe the migratory routes of the pied cuckoo.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims</strong> to gather data and information on<strong> climate change and the monsoon.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Pied cuckoo is known for its <strong>close association with the monsoon in India.</strong></li>
<li>Farmers have traditionally relied on the arrival of the pied cuckoo as a signal of arrival of monsoon and seed sowing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is part of a larger project called the <strong>Indian Bioresource Information Network (IBIN)</strong> funded by the Government of India&rsquo;s Department of Biotechnology (DBT), which aims to put relevant Indian bioresources information online.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gathering information about the migratory route can be invaluable for research on climatic variations taking place in the world, especially since the species has such a close association with the monsoon.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will give us information on the monsoon, changes in the monsoon and monsoon winds, erratic rainfall, seasonal fluctuations, water vapour pressure, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The extent of the <strong>effect of ecologies changing</strong> can be seen in the movement of species from a less favourable region to a more favourable region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pied Cuckoo:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595671961_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595671961_image3.jpg" style="float: right;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a bird with black and white plumage (pied) with a fancy crest on the head. Its scientific name is <em><strong>Clamator jacobinus.</strong> </em>It is <strong>found in Africa and Asia.</strong></li>
<li>There are<strong> two types</strong> of pied cuckoos found in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In <strong>central and northern parts of India,</strong> pied cuckoos are<strong> migratory,</strong> they are seen only from just before the monsoon to early winter.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is believed that the pied cuckoos that come to the Himalayan foothills are from Africa.</li>
<li>They have high site fidelity, that is, they come back to the same location year after year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Pied cuckoos are also found in <strong>southern India,</strong> but those are resident birds and not migratory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The bird is primarily<strong> arboreal,</strong> which means that it mostly lives on trees. It is a <strong>brood parasite</strong> i.e. It lays its eggs in nests that belong to other birds.</li>
<li>It is one of the few species that come to India in the summer. Most other migratory species come in winter.</li>
<li><strong>IUCN Status:</strong> Least Concerned.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pied-cuckoo-monsoon-climate-change-study-6522324/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pied-cuckoo-to-be-tracked'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'KURMA App',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>KURMA is a mobile-based application aimed at turtle conservation. It was launched on the occasion of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-turtle-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Turtle Day (23<sup>rd</sup> May).</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> It is developed by the<strong> Indian Turtle Conservation Action Network (ITCAN)</strong> in collaboration with the <strong>Turtle Survival Alliance-India</strong> and <strong>Wildlife Conservation Society-India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The KURMA App has a built-in digital field guide covering <strong>29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoise of India,</strong> and information on turtle identification, distribution, vernacular names, and threats.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> It provides users a <strong>database to identify a species.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provides the <strong>location of the nearest rescue centre</strong> for turtles across the country.</li>
<li>Advices about the reported species and its conservation.</li>
<li>Once a sizable database is ready, KURMA will start identifying species <strong>automatically</strong> through<strong> artificial intelligence.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Present Scenario:</strong> Tortoise and freshwater turtles are among the most trafficked in the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A report released in 2019 by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/traffic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>TRAFFIC</strong></a>, showed that at least 11,000 tortoises and freshwater turtles fall prey to illicit poaching and smuggling every year, adding up to over 1,11,130 turtles poached or smuggled between September 2009 and September 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Challenge:</strong> One of the major challenges for freshwater turtle conservation in the country is that wildlife crime prevention agencies are<strong> not sufficiently equipped</strong> to know how to distinguish one species from the other.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are also not aware of their protection status in accordance with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)</strong> </a>and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Turtle Survival Alliance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) was <strong>formed in 2001</strong> as an<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)</strong></a> partnership for sustainable captive management of freshwater turtles and tortoises.</li>
<li>The TSA arose in response to the <strong>rampant and unsustainable harvest of Asian turtle populations to supply Chinese markets,</strong> a situation known as the<strong> Asian Turtle Crisis.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mission: &lsquo;Zero Turtle Extinctions in the 21st Century&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/mobile-app-kurma-helps-save-turtles-in-india/article32126427.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kurma-app'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'AuditOnline Application for Local Bodies',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Panchayati Raj</strong> has decided to <strong>conduct an online audit of accounts of about 50,000 Gram Panchayats (GPs)</strong> through its application <strong>AuditOnline</strong> during the current financial year (2020-21).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will be the<strong> first such exercise.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Online Audit of Accounts:</strong> 50,000 GPs&rsquo; books of accounts for 2019-20 will be audited with a focus on how they used <strong>Finance Commission (FC) grants.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>50,000 is equivalent to the 20% of the estimated 2.5 lakh GPs</strong> across the country.</li>
<li>In the <strong>next financial year (2021-22),</strong> the exercise will be scaled up to cover <strong>all the GPs.</strong></li>
<li>The 15<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-funding-for-panchayats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FC recommended an allocation of Rs. 60,750 crore for rural local bodies during 2020-21</strong></a>, almost the same as last year under the 14<sup>th</sup> FC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>AuditOnline:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>application developed as a part of Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) under e-panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP)</strong> initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).</li>
<li>It facilitates the financial audit of accounts at <strong>all the three levels of Panchayats</strong> viz District, Block and Village Panchayats, <strong>Urban Local Bodies (ULB)</strong> and <strong>Line department</strong> by Auditors.</li>
<li>It not only facilitates the online and offline audit of accounts but also serves the purpose of <strong>maintaining the past audit records</strong> of the auditee with associated list of the auditors and audit team involved in the audit.</li>
<li>Also the<strong> information remains available in public domain</strong> and for usage by other PES applications.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits of Online Audit:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595664505_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595664505_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Online audit with the option of physical verification <strong>assumes greater relevance given the pandemic</strong> and the lockdown.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As some works (done under other schemes) are geo-tagged, auditors can do a sample check by visiting the site.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, it<strong> ensures accountability</strong> in the utilisation of funds at the ground level.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the offline system, <strong>timely availability of records</strong> is a major issue. However, in the online system, the auditors will be able to see online all documents related to work approval and payments. They can even ask for additional documents such as photographs as a proof of work done.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Moreover, an online audit <strong>can be monitored at all levels: district-state-centre.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenge:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than 15% of Panchayats in several states have not completed their books of accounts for the year 2019-20. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Completing and closing the accounts is a prerequisite for the online audit.</li>
<li>While 100% of Panchayats in Maharashtra and Haryana have closed their 2019-20 accounts, no Panchayat has done this in Arunachal Pradesh and Bihar. States like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are also low performers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Panchayat Enterprise Suite</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has undertaken e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (e-Panchayat MMP) with a view to <strong>introduce and strengthen e-Governance in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)</a></strong> across the country and build associated capacities of the PRIs for effective adoption of the e-Governance initiative.</li>
<li>Under e-Panchayat, a suite of <strong>11 Core Common Applications</strong> has been deployed that address nearly the entire spectrum of Panchayats' functioning viz. from internal core functions such as Planning, Monitoring, Budgeting, Accounting, Social Audit etc. to citizen service delivery operations like issue of certificates, licenses etc.</li>
<li>Together these 11 software Applications<strong> constitute the Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES).</strong> A list of these 11 Applications is tabulated below:</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #1e093b; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>S.No.</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #1e093b; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>PES Application Name</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #1e093b; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Description</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">1</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Local Government Directory - LGD</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Captures all details of local governments and assigns unique code. Also maps Panchayats with Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 15px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">2</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 15px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Area Profiler</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 15px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Captures geographic, demographic, infrastructural, socio-economic and natural resources profile of a village/panchayat. Universal database for planning of all sectoral programmes and also provides details of Elected Representatives, etc.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">3</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">PlanPlus</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Helps Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies and line departments in preparing Perspective, Annual and Action Plans.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">4</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/e-gram-swaraj-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PRIASoft</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Captures receipt &amp; expenditure details through voucher entries and automatically generates cash book, registers, etc.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">5</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">ActionSoft</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Facilitates monitoring of physical &amp; financial outcomes/outputs under various programmes.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">6</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">National Asset Directory (NAD)</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Captures details of assets created/maintained; helps avoid duplication of works.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">7</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">ServicePlus</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">A dynamic metadata-based service delivery portal to help in providing electronic delivery of all services in all States. The functionality of the erstwhile Grievance Redressal Application has also been subsumed into this Application.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 47px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 47px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">8</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 47px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Gram Manchitra (GIS Application)</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 47px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Gram Manchitra is a geo-spatial planning application for Gram Panchayat users to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across different sectors and provide a decision support system for Gram Panchayat Development Plan.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 22px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">9</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 22px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Training Management</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 22px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Portal to address training needs of stakeholders including citizens, their feedback, training materials etc.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 21px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">10</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 21px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">National Panchayat Portal (NPP)</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 21px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Dynamic Web site for each Panchayat to share information in the public domain.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">11</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">AuditOnline</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">AuditOnline aims to facilitate audit of Government Institutions online.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>If the Panchayats are to perform efficiently and effectively all the mandated tasks, which are increasing day by day, extensive use of <strong>Information and Communication Technology (ICT)</strong> is needed. The launch of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-panchayati-raj-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-GramSwaraj and Swamitva Programme</strong></a> underlines the same.</li>
<li>Moreover, there is a strong need to build a <strong>"digital inclusive society"</strong> where large sections of the rural population are able to benefit from new technologies; can access and share information and services freely and can participate in the development process more effectively.</li>
<li>The same will be in line with the vision of the <strong>National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) 2.0.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/first-time-panchayat-funds-to-be-audited-online-6522285/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/auditonline-application-for-local-bodies'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Refusal of Rajasthan Speaker’s Plea by Supreme Court',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> (SC) has <strong>refused Rajasthan Assembly <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/speaker-and-anti-defection-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speaker&rsquo;s</a></strong> plea to stop the <strong>State&rsquo;s High Court</strong> from deciding the<strong> validity</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/politics-of-defection" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>anti-defection</strong></a> notices.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, the Speaker had issued notice to the 19 dissident Congress MLAs of the ruling Party on the ground of plotting conspiracy to bring down the government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenge-to-anti-defection-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>19 rebel MLAs of Rajasthan's ruling party (Congress) have filed a petition</strong></a> before the High Court challenging the disqualification notices issued to them by the Assembly Speaker under Anti Defection Law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High Court&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The High Court directed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disqualification-powers-of-speakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>speaker</strong></a> to defer action on the disqualification notices by stating that he cannot decide the matter.</li>
<li>It also directed him to extend the time to file replies to disqualification notices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Speaker&rsquo;s Argument:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unconstitutional:</strong> Seeking a stay on the High Court&rsquo;s direction, the speaker stated that <strong>it is unconstitutional and in derogation of the powers of the Speaker</strong> under the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Non Intervention of HC:</strong> Giving the reference to the <em><strong>Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachillu and Others, 1992</strong></em> he argued that his decision is totally in the domain of the Speaker to decide on disqualification of members, and <strong>no court can intervene</strong> in between.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>He also stated that HC has no jurisdiction to ask him to defer the proceedings.</li>
<li>The proceedings under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disqualification-of-karnataka-mlas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Tenth Schedule</strong></a> before the Speaker are proceedings of the Legislature and as such cannot be interfered with, <strong>as envisaged under Article 212</strong> which has been read with para 6(2) of the Tenth Schedule.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Show Cause Notice:</strong> He said he had only issued <strong>show cause notices to the MLAs</strong> on a complaint filed by the Congress chief.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Show cause notice means an order that requires a party to explain why a certain course of action should not be taken against it. If the party cannot convince or fails to appear, that course of action is taken.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The notice was an opportunity for the MLAs to explain their conduct.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Supreme Court's Argument:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Voice of Dissent:</strong> SC has questioned about shutting down a legislator&rsquo;s<strong> &ldquo;voice of dissent&rdquo;</strong> with the threat of disqualification in a<strong> democracy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It asked whether expressing dissent amounts to voluntarily giving up the party membership under <strong>Paragraph 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution</strong> and inviting anti-defection proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Speaker as a Tribunal:</strong> It further stated that the Speaker is like a tribunal and he must not have acted with political intentions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Disqualification under the Tenth Schedule</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Anti-Defection Law</strong> was passed in <strong>1985 through the 52<sup>nd</sup> amendment</strong> to the Constitution. It added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. The main intent of the law was to combat &ldquo;the evil of political defections&rdquo;.</li>
<li>According to it, a <strong>member of a House belonging to any political party</strong> becomes disqualified for being a member of the House, if:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He <strong>voluntarily gives up</strong> his membership of such political party; or</li>
<li>He <strong>votes or abstains from voting</strong> in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party within 15 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Exceptions to the Disqualification on the Ground of Defection</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>If a <strong>member goes out of his party as a result of a merger</strong> of the party with another party. A merger takes place when two-thirds of the members of the party have agreed to such a merger.</li>
<li>If a member, after <strong>being elected</strong> as the presiding officer of the House,<strong> voluntarily gives up the membership</strong> of his party or rejoins it after he ceases to hold that office. This exemption has been provided in view of the dignity and impartiality of the office.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Powers of Speaker with regard to Anti-Defection Law</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any question <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/disqualification-powers-of-speakers-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>regarding disqualification</strong></a> arising out of defection is to be decided by the presiding officer of the House.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajasthan-political-crisis-supreme-court-refuses-rajasthan-speakers-plea-against-high-court-order/article32171704.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/refusal-of-rajasthan-speaker-s-plea-by-supreme-court'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'India-South Korea Relations',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/deepening-india-s-korea-ties/article32175582.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Deepening India-South Korea ties&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 24/07/2020. It talks about the need for developing people to people between India and South Korea.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/prime-ministers-visit-to-south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-South Korea relations</strong></a> have made rapid strides in recent years. With the convergence of India&rsquo;s <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East Policy (AEP)</strong></a> and South Korea&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/korean-president-on-a-state-visit-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Southern Policy (NSP)</strong></a>, there has been an acceleration of economic and strategic relations between the two countries.</p>
<p>Bilateral ties, especially in the last decade, have grown robust and multi-dimensional, encompassing a wide range of interests, including nuclear disarmament, maritime security, regional economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and energy cooperation.</p>
<p>Despite the many positive stories and the massive turn-around in ties, there remains immense potential in India-South Korea relations, particularly in the realms of cultural and institutional exchanges.</p>
<h3>India-South Korea Ties: Historical Overview</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Engagement During Korean War:</strong> India played a crucial and decisive role in Korean affairs soon after the latter&rsquo;s independence in 1945.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s first foreign secretary, K P S Menon, served as Chairman of the nine-member United Nations (UN) Commission that was set up in 1947 to oversee elections in Korea.</li>
<li>During the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/70-years-of-korean-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Korean War (1950-53)</strong></a>, the warring sides accepted a UN resolution sponsored by India calling for a ceasefire; one was declared on 27 July 1953.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Start of Bilateral Relations:</strong> The relationship started only in 1962 that the two countries established consular relations. It was upgraded to Ambassador-level in 1973.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This development caused a little impact on trade and commercial relations, let alone political and people-to-people ties.</li>
<li>Even then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao&rsquo;s much talked about <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Look East Policy (LEP)</strong></a> in the 1990s failed to make any visible positive change in India-South Korea relations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Start of Strategic Convergence:</strong> An important visit by the then Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam at a critical juncture to Seoul in February 2006 opened the door for a more vibrant phase in India-South Korea relations.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It resulted in the launching of a Joint Task Force to conclude a bilateral <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)</strong></a>, which was operationalised on 1 January 2010.</li>
<li>Also, it led to the strategic partnership between the two countries, which was later upgraded to &lsquo;special strategic partnership&rsquo; in 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Opportunities</h3>
<p>In any international relationship, mutual respect regarding cultural values is the key to building a robust partnership between the two countries. In this context, India and South Korea can explore cooperation in the following areas.</p>
<p><strong>Shared Values of Democracy</strong></p>
<p>One of the most unexplored areas of cooperation to strengthen the relationship between India and South Korea is democracy. A fundamental shortcoming of democracy in Asia is the lack of government-to-government cooperation on promoting democratic values.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Further, in Asia, India and South Korea, as democracies, share common values and have been seen above convergent interests in the region.</li>
<li>As middle-power democracies in Asia where there are growing and the collective threat from authoritarian China, democracy building and cooperation can be a critical platform.</li>
<li>The region, which is already experiencing the evolution of a democratic bloc in the name of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific quadrilateral</strong></a> involving India, Japan, Australia, and the US, needs the support of other middle powers such as South Korea and Indonesia.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a need for serious thinking and deliberation among the various stakeholders representing South Korea and India.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Swacch Bharat and the New Village Movement</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</a>,</strong> launched in 2014, aims to stop open defecation and draw basic attention to sanitation and public health for overall development.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although the initiative has emerged as a national awareness movement, it continues to struggle with a lack of resources.</li>
<li>It is in this regard that the country can learn from the experience of South Korea, especially its <strong>Saemaul Undong or New Village Movement.</strong></li>
<li>The New Village Movement (launched in 1970) encourages self-help and voluntarism for households and schools to clean up their neighbourhoods.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The movement has had a significant impact on improving several sectors of the economy, apart from rural health and livelihoods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Bollywood, K-pop and Korean Cuisine</strong></p>
<p>For years, many aspects of Korean culture have emerged as a critical point of consumption among several states in India&rsquo;s northeast. Besides, there has also been a growing fondness of Indian Bollywood films in South Korea.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Films, music, cuisines among other cultural affinities have a huge potential to drive and deepen people-to-people relations and can act as a bridge between India and South Korea.</li>
<li>It needs more institutionalised attention.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Other Areas of Cooperation</strong></p>
<p>India and South Korea can cooperate on fighting global issues/challenges: climate change, freedom of navigation, internet governance, and outer space.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from it, the two countries can develop synergies on <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable development goals (SDGs)</strong></a>, trade agreements, and connectivity norms.</li>
<li>Also, there is a need for more openness between the think tanks/NGOs/networks of scholars/activists of the two countries.</li>
<li>Promoting institutions like the <strong>Indian Culture Centre (ICC)</strong> will also be a step in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>There is massive scope to expand ties between India and South Korea and make it a unique relationship in Asia. What is needed is political will and new imagination in diverse areas such as cultural relations, building on people-to-people contacts, harnessing democracy and liberal values, and cementing civilisational connections.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595594447_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595594447_image8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fcfced;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>With no unpleasant historical memories between them nor geopolitical rivalries, there exists a limitless potential in India-South Korea ties. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4eMQqYyuPQQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/another-front/article32165636.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Another Front&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on July 23<sup>rd</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube Channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-south-korea-relations'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Chandra Shekhar Azad',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On 23<sup>rd</sup> July, India paid tribute to the freedom fighter <strong>Chandra Shekhar Azad</strong> on his <strong>birth anniversary.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595585727_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595585727_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Birth:</strong> Azad was born on <strong>23<sup>rd</sup> July 1906</strong> in the <strong>Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Early Life:</strong> Chandra Shekhar, then a 15-year-old student, joined a <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-208" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Cooperation Movement</strong></a> in December 1921. As a result, he was arrested.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On being presented before a magistrate, he gave his name as<strong> "Azad" (The Free),</strong> his father's name as "Swatantrata" (Independence) and his residence as "Jail".</li>
<li>Therefore, he came to be known as <strong>Chandra Shekhar Azad.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution to Freedom Movement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Hindustan Republican Association:</strong> After the suspension of the non-cooperation movement in 1922 by Gandhi, Azad joined Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>HRA was a revolutionary organization of India established in 1924 in East Bengal by <strong>Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Narendra Mohan Sen and Pratul Ganguly</strong> as an offshoot of <strong>Anushilan Samiti.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> Bhagat Singh, <strong>Chandra Shekhar Azad,</strong> Sukhdev, Ram Prasad Bismil, Roshan Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kakori Conspiracy:</strong> Most of the fund collection for revolutionary activities was done through <strong>robberies of government property.</strong> In line with the same, Kakori Train Robbery near Kakori, Lucknow was done in <strong>1925 by HRA.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>plan was executed</strong> by Chandra Shekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Manmathnath Gupta.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hindustan Socialist Republican Association:</strong> HRA was later reorganised as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established in <strong>1928</strong> at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi by Chandra Shekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/martyrs-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhagat Singh</strong></a>, Sukhdev Thapar and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee.</li>
<li>HSRA planned the<strong> shooting of J. P. Saunders,</strong> a British Policeman at Lahore in 1928 <strong>to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death:</strong> He died at <strong>Azad Park in Allahabad</strong> on 27<sup>th</sup> February 1931.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1640655" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chandra-shekhar-azad'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Bal Gangadhar Tilak',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On 23<sup>rd</sup> July, India paid tribute to the freedom fighter and educationist <strong>Bal Gangadhar Tilak</strong> on his <strong>birth anniversary.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595585397_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595585397_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Birth:</strong> He was born on <strong>23<sup>rd</sup> July 1856</strong> in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Freedom fighter and lawyer, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, is also known as <strong>Lokmanya Tilak.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Educationist:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Founder of the <strong>Deccan Education Society (1884)</strong> along with his associate Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and others.</li>
<li>One of the founders of the <strong>Fergusson College (1885)</strong> in Pune through the Deccan Education Society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ideology:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He was a devout Hindu and used Hindu scriptures to rouse people to fight oppression.</li>
<li>Stressed on the <strong>need for self-rule</strong> and believed that without self-rule or swarajya, no progress was possible.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Slogan:</strong> &ldquo;Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!&rdquo;</li>
<li>A book<strong> &lsquo;Indian Unrest&rsquo;</strong> written by <strong>Valentine Chirol,</strong> an English journalist, stated <strong>Tilak the &lsquo;father of Indian unrest&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Emphasised the importance of a cultural and religious revival to go with the political movements. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Popularised the<strong> Ganesh Chaturthi festival</strong> in the Maharashtra region.</li>
<li>Propounded the <strong>celebration of Shiv Jayanti</strong> on the birth anniversary of the monarch Chhatrapati Shivaji.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Life:</strong> He was one of the earliest and the most vocal proponents of complete independence or swarajya (self-rule). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Along with <strong>Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal,</strong> he was part of the <strong>Lal-Bal-Pal trio</strong> of leaders with extremist outlooks.</li>
<li>Joined the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/important-indian-national-congress-sessions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Congress</strong></a> (INC) in 1890.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Surat Split:</strong> It was the splitting of the INC into two groups - the Extremists and the Moderates - at the Surat session in 1907.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> The extremists wanted either<strong> Tilak or <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lajpat Rai</a> to be president,</strong> so when <strong>Rasbehari Ghose was announced as president,</strong> the extremist resorted to violence. Hence Surat Split happened.</li>
<li>While <strong>extremists</strong> wanted to end the tyranny rule of British through protest, <strong>Moderates</strong> were aimed at administrative and constitutional reforms.</li>
<li>The <strong>Extremist camp was led by Lal Bal and Pal</strong> and the <strong>moderate</strong> camp was led by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gopal-krishna-gokhale" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gopal Krishna Gokhle.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution to Freedom Movement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Propagated <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-82#:~:text=The%20Swadeshi%20movement%20led%20the,of%20the%20police%20and%20imprisonment.&amp;text=It%20forced%20British%20dispensation%20to,Morley%2DMinto%20reforms%20in%201909." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>swadeshi movements</strong></a> and encouraged people to boycott foreign goods.</li>
<li><strong>Indian Home Rule Movement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was a movement in British India on the lines of Irish Home Rule movement.</li>
<li>Started in 1916, it is believed to have set the stage for the independence movement under the <strong>leadership of Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak</strong> for the educated English speaking upper class Indians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>All India Home Rule League:</strong> Founded by Tilak in April 1916 at Belgaum.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It worked in <strong>Maharashtra (except Bombay), the Central Provinces, Karnataka and Berar.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lucknow Pact (1916):</strong> Between the INC headed by Tilak and All-India Muslim League led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah for hindu-muslim unity in nationalist struggle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Jail:</strong> Between 1908 and 1914, he spent 6 years in Mandalay Prison for defending the actions of revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki had tried to<strong> assassinate the District Judge, Mr. Kingsford</strong> by <strong>throwing bombs</strong> at the carriage in which he was supposed to travel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Newspapers:</strong> Weeklies Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English)</li>
<li><strong>Books:</strong> Gita Rhasya and Arctic Home of the Vedas.</li>
<li><strong>Death:</strong> He died on 1<sup>st</sup> August 1920.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bal-gangadhar-tilak'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Restrictions on Public Procurement',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of India <strong>imposed restrictions on public procurement from bidders of countries that share a land border with India,</strong> citing grounds of defence and national security.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This was done by amending the<strong> General Financial Rules 2017.</strong></li>
<li>Earlier the Central government has made it mandatory for sellers on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/country-of-origin-made-mandatory-on-gem" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Government e-Marketplace (GeM)</strong></a> portal to clarify the country of origin of goods when registering new products.</li>
<li>The government also amended <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule#:~:text=pursuing%20many%20goals.-,Foreign%20Direct%20Investment,securities%20from%20a%20foreign%20country." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></a> rules mandating prior approval for investment by entities in countries that share land borders with India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reason:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to experts, this decision has been taken to<strong> prevent the influx of Chinese products and investments</strong> into India, following the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>clashes between Indian and Chinese troops</strong></a> in Galwan Valley.</li>
<li>To push for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a> (self-reliant India).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bidders from these countries will be eligible only if they are <strong>registered with the Registration Committee (Competent Authority)</strong> constituted by the <strong>Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For national security reasons, the Registration Committee shall not be required to give reasons for rejection/cancellation of registration of a bidder.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Bidders will also be required to take<strong> mandatory political and security clearance from the ministries of External Affairs and Home respectively.</strong></li>
<li>The order will be applicable for public sector banks and financial institutions, Autonomous Bodies, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and Public Private Partnership projects receiving financial support from the Government or its undertakings.</li>
<li>The <strong>order will not apply to procurement by the private sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Order Mandatory for State Governments:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Central government has invoked the provisions of <strong>Article 257(1) of the Constitution,</strong> directing the state governments to implement this order for all public procurement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For State government procurement, the Competent Authority will be constituted by the states but political and security clearance from Central government ministries will remain necessary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relaxations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Relaxation will be provided for procurement of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> medical supplies till 31st December 2020.</li>
<li>The order for prior registration <strong>will not apply for countries</strong> to which India extends <strong>lines of credit</strong> or <strong>provides development assistance,</strong> even if they share a land border with India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India shares its border with China, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Myanmar.</li>
<li>As per official data, out of these, the government has extended lines of credit to <strong>Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar.</strong></li>
<li>India also provides various developmental assistance to <strong>Bhutan and Afghanistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Article 257(1)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It states that the<strong> executive power of every State</strong> shall be so exercised as <strong>not to impede or prejudice</strong> the exercise of the executive power of the Union.</li>
<li>It also authorises the Union to give such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.</li>
<li>In case <strong>if the state failed to comply</strong> with (or to give effect to) any directions given by the Centre under Article 257(1), it will be lawful for the President to impose <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/president-s-rule-in-maharashtra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>President&rsquo;s rule</strong> </a>under Article 356.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1640778" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/restrictions-on-public-procurement'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Rajya Sabha Members Facing Criminal Charges',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to an analysis by the <strong>Association for Democratic Reforms</strong> (ADR), about 24% of the sitting<strong> Rajya Sabha members</strong> have declared <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/decriminalising-the-politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>criminal cases</strong></a> against themselves.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Data Analysis:</strong> Analysis of 229 of the 233 Rajya Sabha seats showed that 54 MPs had declared criminal cases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Among the <strong>newly-elected representatives 28 or 12%</strong> had declared serious criminal cases.</li>
<li>It also found out from their self-sworn affidavits that <strong>89%</strong> have declared <strong>assets estimated</strong> at over <strong>Rs. 1 crore.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>17<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha:</strong> According to the finding of Association of Democratic Reforms, about <strong>43% of members elected</strong> to 17<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha are<strong> facing criminal charges</strong> in court of law, while<strong> 84% have self-declared assets</strong> worth<strong> more than Rs. 1 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is the highest number of members of parliament facing serious criminal charges like rape, murder and kidnapping, <strong>since 2004.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ADR is an Indian non-governmental organization established in 1999 situated in New Delhi.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With <strong>National Election Watch (NEW),</strong> ADR is striving to bring<strong> transparency and accountability in Indian politics</strong> and reduce the influence of <strong>money and muscle power</strong> in elections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Criminalisation of Politics</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595588976_Images.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595589234_Images.jpg" width="500" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Criminalization of politics is the <strong>involvement of the candidates with criminal charges</strong> in politics through the elections and even getting elected to the Parliament and state legislature. It takes place primarily because of the nexus between the criminals and the politicians.</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Political Will: Section 8</strong> of the Ac the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/representation-of-people-s-act-part-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Representation of Peoples (RP) Act</strong></a>, 1951 disqualifies a <strong>person convicted</strong> with a sentence of two years or more from contesting elections. But those <strong>under trial continued to be eligible</strong> to contest elections.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Therefore, in order to curb <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/criminalisation-of-politics-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>criminalisation of politics</strong></a>, Parliament needs to bring an amendment in the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Muscle and Money Power:</strong> Candidates with <strong>serious criminal records</strong> seem to do well despite their <strong>bad public image,</strong> largely due to their ability to finance their own elections and further fund their respective parties for different election activities.</li>
<li><strong>Vote Bank:</strong> Criminals are being wooed by political parties and given cabinet posts because their muscle and money fetches crucial votes.</li>
<li><strong>Narrow Self-interests of Voters:</strong> Some voters tend to view such candidates through a narrow prism of being able to represent their community interests by hook or by crook.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Choices:</strong> Sometimes voters are left with no options, as all competing candidates have criminal records.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Consequences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ineffective Democracy:</strong> It affects the efficacy of the democratic process in delivering good governance as law breakers become law makers.</li>
<li><strong>Culture of Violence:</strong> It introduces a culture of violence in society and sets a bad precedent for the youth to follow.</li>
<li><strong>Black Money:</strong> It also leads to increased circulation of black money during and after elections, diluting probity in public life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 149px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 100%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; background-color: #211161;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Measures Taken by the Supreme Court</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; background-color: #a3a1cf;"><strong>Case/Year</strong></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; background-color: #a3a1cf;"><b>Judgment/Measures</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>Union of India (UOI) vs. Association for Democratic Reforms, 2002</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;">The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> held that every candidate, contesting an election to the Parliament, State Legislatures or Municipal Corporation, has to declare their criminal records, financial records and educational qualifications.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>Ramesh Dalal vs. Union of India, 2005</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;">A sitting <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/code-of-conduct-for-lok-sabha-mps" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Member of Parliament (MP)</strong></a> or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/annulment-of-election-of-mla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Member of State Legislature (MLA)</strong></a> shall also be subject to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/speaker-and-anti-defection-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>disqualification</strong></a> from contesting elections if he is <strong>convicted and sentenced to not less than 2 years of imprisonment by a court of law.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>Lily Thomas vs. Union of India, 2013</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><strong>Section 8(4) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951</strong> was declared unconstitutional which allowed MPs and MLAs who were convicted to continue in office till an appeal against such conviction was disposed of.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>People's Union for Civil Liberties vs. Union of India, 2013</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;">The Supreme Court asked Election Commission to provide <strong>'none of the above'</strong> choice to voters to exercise their right to express <strong>no confidence in all candidates.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; height: 35px; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>2017</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; height: 35px; background-color: #f2f4fc;">The Supreme Court had directed the Centre to set up <strong>special fast-track courts</strong> to exclusively try lawmakers and politicians facing criminal cases.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Election Commission's Recommendations:</strong> In 1997, Election Commission directed all the <strong>Returning Officers (ROs) to reject</strong> the nomination papers of any candidate who <strong>stands convicted</strong> on the day of filing the nomination papers even if his sentence is suspended.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It recommended that<strong> if a person is found guilty</strong> by a commission of Inquiry then he shall be disqualified from contesting elections.</li>
<li>The <strong>First Past The Post (FPTP) electoral system</strong> shall be replaced by the <strong>2-ballot system</strong> under which a candidate is declared elected from a territorial constituency on the basis of majority principle. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If no one wins 50 percent of the vote, all candidates except the top two are excluded and voters are asked to vote a second time. In the second round, the candidate who wins the most votes is elected.</li>
<li>The 2-ballot system will make winning elections very difficult for criminals as they will have to garner the widest possible support from the voters to get the majority votes.</li>
<li>Along with the 2-ballot system, the <strong>negative vote</strong> shall also be introduced.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Measures:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Right to recall:</strong> It confers the <strong>power on the registered voters</strong> in a constituency to recall their elected representatives from the house <strong>on the ground of non-performance.</strong> It could empower the people at grassroot level. The elected representative could be made truly accountable to the people.</li>
<li><strong>State Funding of Elections:</strong> It means the government would extend <strong>financial assistance to the political parties</strong> to contest elections in part or in full, in kind or in cash.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Various <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-electoral-politics-need-for-reform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>committees</strong></a> (Dinesh Goswami, Inderjeet Committee) on the electoral reforms have recommended for state funding of elections.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-regulating-anonymous-donations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State funding of elections</strong></a> will curb use of black money to a large extent and thereby will have a significant impact on limiting criminalization of politics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need for fixing the <strong>governance system and effective regulation of political financing</strong> along with bold <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-electoral-politics-need-for-reform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reforms</strong></a> to break the vicious cycle of criminals and politics. It is crucial to plug the loopholes in the current laws to make the entire governance machinery more accountable and transparent.</li>
<li><strong>Citizens</strong> must vote in <strong>elections based on character, conduct and capability</strong> of the candidates and not based on cash, caste, community and criminal prowess. This could be the ultimate solution to check money power in politics.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/24-of-sitting-rs-members-have-declared-criminal-cases-adr/article32159963.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'INDIA-UK Free Trade Agreement',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and the United Kingdom (UK) affirmed their shared commitment towards a <strong>Free Trade Agreement</strong> (FTA) during the 14<sup>th</sup> virtual <strong>Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting</strong>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The next meeting is scheduled to be held around September, 2020 in New Delhi to carry forward the dialogue.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595926774_North%20Sea (Map).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595926774_North Sea (Map).png" width="449" height="446" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> The meeting was held by India and UK to revive and revitalise the long standing trade and economic linkages between them.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They agreed to an <strong>early harvest scheme or a limited trade agreement</strong> to lower tariffs on a small set of goods apart from easing rules for select services.</li>
<li>They also resolved to cooperate in the health sector especially in the wake of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Previously, India and the UK were involved in discussing a <strong>preferential trading arrangement</strong> under the proposed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-eu-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-European Union FTA</strong></a>.</li>
<li>In FTA, two trading partners eliminate or significantly reduce import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-UK Trade:</strong> India has had strong historical ties with the U.K. and currently, it is one of India’s most important trading partners.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a significant partner of India as an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-foreign-direct-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI investor after Mauritius and Singapore</strong></a> which ranked second and first respectively.</li>
<li>Similarly, the U.K. is one of the <strong>largest investors in India,</strong> among the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G20 countries</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The bilateral trade between the two countries stood at <strong>15.5 billion USD</strong> in 2019-20 as against 16.87 USD billion in 2018-19.</li>
<li>India has engagement with the UK in sectors like pharma, textiles, leather, industrial machinery, furniture, and toys.</li>
<li>India is also looking to the UK to support it with technology based products such as high quality cameras, medical devices, and automobiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brexit:</strong> The UK has been pushing India for a bilateral trading arrangement ever since it voted to <strong>leave the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU) in June 2016 and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/impact-of-brexit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>left finally in january 2020</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, India had been resisting these efforts as it decided that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brexit-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Brexit</strong></a> process should complete first.</li>
<li>India has been keen to understand how much of a <strong>"special and preferential"</strong> access the UK will get in the vast European market when it is out of the EU’s single-market dynamics.</li>
<li>Hence, these talks would help in intensifying the beneficial aspect of the UK as a trading partner of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exit from RCEP:</strong> India opted out of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep#:~:text=Recently%2C%20India%20decided%20to%20opt,significant%20outstanding%20issues%E2%80%9D%20are%20resolved." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership deal</strong></a> in November 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, there is renewed focus on trade deals with the US, the European Union and the UK, which are key markets for Indian exporters and are keen to diversify their sourcing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Partner:</strong> The UK is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and one of the <strong>strategic partners of India</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strengthening bonds with the trade would seek UKs support at global issues like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/galwan-valley-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>standoff with China</strong></a> in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc#:~:text=In%20this%20context%2C%20India%20is,including%20the%20UN%20Security%20Council.&text=India%20is%20the%20natural%20claimant,the%20United%20Nations%20Security%20Council." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>claim for permanent seat at UNSC</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Review of Trades:</strong> India could seek a review of trading agreements including renegotiating tariffs on some items along with the tightening of provisions governing <strong>country-of-origin certification</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Joint Economic Trade Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>JETCO</strong> provides a<strong> forum to United Kingdom companies to enhance</strong> their links and develop new partnerships with India business and decision-makers.</li>
<li>Government to Government negotiations, which address issues of market liberalization and market access, are conducted through the JETCO process.</li>
<li>The <strong>UK India Business Council plays</strong> a key role in feeding the views of the UK business community into the JETCO process with a view to achieving favorable outcomes for UK companies.</li>
<li>One of the key objectives of the JETCO process is to unveil opportunities for UK’s most prominent institutional investors to invest in India.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is one of the fastest growing large economies of the world and FTA with the UK has played a significant role in enhancing the trade volume of the country.</li>
<li>However, according to policymakers, <strong>FTAs signed by India with the UK have not brought</strong> the expected tangible benefits and, on the contrary, have hurt the country’s manufacturing sector due to liberal rules of origin.</li>
<li>Therefore, there is a need for a <strong>detailed assessment of FTAs in terms of goods, services and investment flows</strong> by all the stakeholders involved.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1641126#:~:text=Minister%20Goyal%20and%20Ms%20Truss,deals%20in%20a%20staged%20manner.&text=The%20Co%2Dchairs%20of%20Business,their%20recommendations%20to%20the%20Ministers." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Presidential Form of Government',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rajasthan-political-crisis-parliamentary-system-shashi-tharoor-6522100/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Case for presidential system&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 25/07/2020. It talks about the viability of the presidential form of government in India.</p>
</div>
<p>India's system of democracy is based on the Parliamentary form of government, whereby the Head of state is different from the Head of the government.</p>
<p>However, from time to time it has been suggested by many experts that India should adopt the <strong>Presidential form of government</strong> instead of the <strong>Parliamentary style of democracy,</strong> inherited from the British.</p>
<p>These suggestions have been given in the backdrop of frequent elections and related administrative as well as financial burden owned by India. In this context, it is a good time to evaluate the suitability of the Presidential system of Government for India.</p>
<h3>Issues Related To The Parliamentary System</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of Specialists in Cabinet:</strong> Parliamentary system limits executive posts to those who are elected rather than to those who are talented. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The prime minister cannot appoint a cabinet of his choice and sometimes he has to cater to the wishes of the political leaders of coalition parties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevalence of Defections and Horse-trading:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/speaker-and-anti-defection-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anti-defection Act of 1985</strong></a> has not been very successful to cure the menace of defections. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In present times, the politics of defection has shifted to getting enough MLAs to resign to topple a government, while promising them offices when they win the subsequent by-elections.</li>
<li>This has reduced the parliamentary form of government from being democracy of people to democracy of numbers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suppression of Representative Democracy:</strong> Most laws are drafted by the executive and parliamentary input into their formulation and passage is minimal, with many bills being passed after barely a few minutes of debate.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, the ruling party inevitably issues a whip to its members in order to ensure unimpeded passage of a bill, and since defiance of a whip itself attracts disqualification, MPs blindly vote as their party directs.</li>
<li>This undermines the basis of parliamentary democracy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Politics of Disruption:</strong> In India&rsquo;s Parliament, many opposition members feel that the best way to show the strength of their feelings is to disrupt law-making rather than debate the law.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In present times, Parliament or Assembly serves not as a solemn deliberative body,as those parties who do not get into government use legislature as theatre for the demonstration of their power to disrupt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Focusing Politics rather than Policy:</strong> For 25 years till 2014, our system has also produced coalition governments which have been obliged to focus more on politics than on policy or performance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Parliamentary form of government sometimes promotes a system of democracy where leaders don&rsquo;t focus on governance rather staying in power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Case: In Favour of Presidential System For India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Applying Separation of Power Doctrine:</strong> In present times, due to the rubber-stamp majority in the Lok Sabha, Indian parliamentary system is running in a presidential style. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This undermines checks and balances as the legislature cannot truly hold the executive accountable since the government wields the majority in the House.</li>
<li>This paves way for an unfettered executive with an automatic parliamentary majority. Thus, the presidential system will provide check and balance by establishing an independent legislature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Swift Decision Making:</strong> Current economic and political challenges faced by India require a political arrangement that permits decisive action.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be provided by the presidential system of government.</li>
<li>Also, since the directly elected President will not have coalition partners to blame for his or her inaction, a presidential term will have to be justified in terms of results, and accountability will be direct and personal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dictatorship of Cabinet:</strong> Emergency rule in 1975, showed that even a parliamentary system can be distorted to permit autocratic rule.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, fear of dictatorship linked to the presidential form of government is baseless, as dictatorship is not the result of a particular type of governmental system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leveraging Multi-party System:</strong> Presidential system in India, instead of facing a monolithic opposition, would have the opportunity to build issue-based coalitions on different issues, mobilising different temporary alliances of different smaller parties from one policy to the next.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is opposite of the dictatorial steamroller some fear a presidential system could produce.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Case: Against Presidential Form of Government In India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Risk of Dictatorship:</strong> A presidential system centralises power in one individual unlike the parliamentary system, where the Prime Minister is the first among equals. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The surrender to the authority of one individual, as in the presidential system, is dangerous for democracy.</li>
<li>Thus, the serious objection advanced by many constitutional experts is that the presidential system carries with it the risk of dictatorship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against Basic Structure of Constitution:</strong> A switchover to the presidential system is not possible under our present constitutional scheme as the parliamentary form of government is part of the &lsquo;basic structure&rsquo; doctrine propounded by the Supreme Court.</li>
<li><strong>Affecting Pluralism:</strong> A diverse country like India cannot function without consensus-building. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The &ldquo;winner takes it all&rdquo; approach, which is a necessary consequence of the presidential system, is likely to lead to a situation where the views of an individual can ride roughshod over the interests of different segments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issue of Governance:</strong> If the legislature is dominated by the same party to which the President belongs, a charismatic President or a &ldquo;strong President&rdquo; may allow any move from the legislature. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On the other hand, if the legislature is dominated by a party opposed to the President&rsquo;s party and decides to checkmate him, it could lead to a stalemate in governance because both the President and the legislature would have democratic legitimacy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flawed Argument related to Outside Talent</strong>: The argument against the parliamentary form of government, that it excludes outside talent is flawed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As, there are many cases of specialist people like C.D. Deshmukh, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were brought into the parliamentary system.</li>
<li>On the other hand, bringing &lsquo;outside&rsquo; talent in a presidential system without people being democratically elected would deter people from giving independent advice to the chief executive because they owe their appointment to him/her.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The present parliamentary system has been tried and tested for nearly 70 years. Rather than change the system, there is a need to reform thoroughly &amp; cleanse the electoral processes and make Indian democracy more robust.</p>
<p>In this context, reforms ranging from limiting expenditure of political parties and deciding the ceiling on the expenditure, to holding simultaneous elections are steps in the right direction.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595854160_image5.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595854160_image5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f2ffe6;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the viability of switching from parliamentary form of government to presidential form in India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/presidential-form-of-government'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Preamble to the Indian Constitution',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>What is a Preamble?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A preamble is an introductory statement in a document that explains the document&rsquo;s <strong>philosophy and objectives.</strong></li>
<li>In a Constitution, it presents the <strong>intention of its framers,</strong> the <strong>history behind its creation,</strong> and the <strong>core values</strong> and<strong> principles of the nation.</strong></li>
<li>The preamble basically gives idea of the following things/objects:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Source of the Constitution</strong></li>
<li><strong>Nature of Indian State</strong></li>
<li><strong>Statement of its objectives</strong></li>
<li><strong>Date of its adoption</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>History of the Preamble to Indian Constitution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ideals behind the Preamble to India&rsquo;s Constitution were laid down by <strong>Jawaharlal Nehru&rsquo;s Objectives Resolution,</strong> adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.</li>
<li>Although not enforceable in court, the Preamble states the objectives of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles when language is found ambiguous.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Components of Preamble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is indicated by the Preamble that the <strong>source of authority</strong> of the Constitution lies with the <strong>people of India.</strong></li>
<li>Preamble declares India to be a <strong>sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.</strong></li>
<li>The objectives stated by the Preamble are to<strong> secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.</strong></li>
<li>The date is mentioned in the preamble when it was adopted i.e. <strong>November 26, 1949.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key words in the Preamble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>We, the people of India:</strong> It indicates the <strong>ultimate sovereignty of the people of India.</strong> Sovereignty means the independent authority of the State, not being subject to the control of any other State or external power.</li>
<li><strong>Sovereign:</strong> The term means that India has its own independent authority and it is not a dominion of any other external power. In the country, the legislature has the power to make laws which are subject to certain limitations.</li>
<li><strong>Socialist:</strong> The term means the <strong>achievement of socialist ends through democratic</strong> means. It holds faith in a mixed economy where both private and public sectors co-exist side by side.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was added in the Preamble by 42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment, 1976.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Secular:</strong> The term means that all the religions in India get equal respect, protection and support from the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was incorporated in the Preamble by 42<sup>nd</sup> Constitutional Amendment, 1976.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Democratic:</strong> The term implies that the Constitution of India has an established form of Constitution which gets its authority from the will of the people expressed in an election.</li>
<li><strong>Republic:</strong> The term indicates that the head of the state is elected by the people. In India, the President of India is the elected head of the state.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Objectives of the Indian Constitution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution is the supreme law and it helps to <strong>maintain integrity in the society</strong> and to <strong>promote unity among the citizens</strong> to build a great nation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The main objective of the Indian Constitution is to <strong>promote harmony throughout the nation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The factors which help in achieving this objective are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Justice:</strong> It is necessary to maintain order in society that is promised through various provisions of <strong>Fundamental Rights</strong> and <strong>Directive Principles of State Policy</strong> provided by the Constitution of India. It comprises three elements, which is <strong>social, economic, and political.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Social Justice &ndash;</strong> Social justice means that the Constitution wants to create a society without discrimination on any grounds like caste, creed, gender, religion, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Economic Justice &ndash;</strong> Economic Justice means no discrimination can be caused by people on the basis of their wealth, income, and economic status. Every person must be paid equally for an equal position and all people must get opportunities to earn for their living.</li>
<li><strong>Political Justice &ndash;</strong> Political Justice means all the people have an equal, free and fair right without any discrimination to participate in political opportunities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equality:</strong> The term &lsquo;Equality&rsquo; means no section of society has any special privileges and all the people have given equal opportunities for everything without any discriminations. Everyone is equal before the law.</li>
<li><strong>Liberty:</strong> The term &lsquo;Liberty&rsquo; means freedom for the people to choose their way of life, have political views and behavior in society. Liberty does not mean freedom to do anything, a person can do anything but in the limit set by the law.</li>
<li><strong>Fraternity:</strong> The term &lsquo;Fraternity&rsquo; means a feeling of brotherhood and an emotional attachment with the country and all the people. Fraternity helps to promote dignity and unity in the nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Objectives:</strong> It provides a way of life. It includes <strong>fraternity, liberty,</strong> and <strong>equality</strong> as the notion of a happy life and which can not be taken from each other. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Liberty cannot be divorced from equality, equality cannot be divorced from liberty. Nor can liberty and equality be divorced from fraternity.</li>
<li>Without equality, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many.</li>
<li>Equality without liberty would kill individual initiative.</li>
<li>Without fraternity, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many.</li>
<li>Without fraternity, liberty and equality could not become a natural course of things.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Status of Preamble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The preamble being part of the Constitution is discussed several times in the Supreme Court. It can be understood by reading the following two cases. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Berubari Case:</strong> It was used as a reference under <strong>Article 143(1)</strong> of the Constitution which was on the implementation of the Indo-Pakistan Agreement related to the Berubari Union and in exchanging the enclaves which were decided for consideration by the bench consisting of eight judges.</li>
<li>Through the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendment-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Berubari case</strong></a>, the Court stated that &lsquo;Preamble is the key to open the mind of the makers&rsquo; but it can not be considered as part of the Constitution. Therefore it is not enforceable in a court of law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kesavananda Bharati Case:</strong> In this <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">case</a></strong>, for the first time, a bench of 13 judges was assembled to hear a writ petition. The Court held that:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Preamble of the Constitution</strong> will now be considered <strong>as part of the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li>The Preamble is not the supreme power or source of any restriction or prohibition but it plays an important role in the interpretation of statutes and provisions of the Constitution.</li>
<li>So, it can be concluded that preamble is part of the introductory part of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the 1995 case of<strong> Union Government Vs LIC of India</strong> also, the Supreme Court has once again held that Preamble is the integral part of the Constitution but is not directly enforceable in a court of justice in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Amendment of the Preamble</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act, 1976:</strong> After the judgment of the Kesavanand Bharati case, it was accepted that the preamble is part of the Constitution. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As a part of the Constitution, preamble can be amended under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/debate-on-the-procedure-of-amendment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 368</strong> </a>of the Constitution, but the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>basic structure</strong></a> of the preamble can not be amended.</li>
<li>Because the structure of the Constitution is based on the basic elements of the Preamble. As of now, the preamble is only amended once through the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendments-part-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act, 1976.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The term &lsquo;Socialist&rsquo;, &lsquo;Secular&rsquo;, and &lsquo;Integrity&rsquo; were added to the preamble through 42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act, 1976.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>&lsquo;Socialist&rsquo; and &lsquo;Secular&rsquo; were added between &lsquo;Sovereign&rsquo; and &lsquo;Democratic&rsquo;.</li>
<li>&lsquo;Unity of the Nation&rsquo; was changed to &lsquo;Unity and Integrity of the Nation&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Fact:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Article 394 of the Constitution states that Articles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 60, 324, 367, 379 and 394 came into force since the adoption of the Constitution on 26th November 1949 and the rest of the provisions on 26<sup>th</sup> January 1950.</li>
<li>The concept of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in our Preamble was adopted from the French Motto of the French Revolution.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595847102_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595847102_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="563" height="765" /></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/preamble-to-the-indian-constitution'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Parliamentary vs Presidential Form of Government',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, it has been suggested that India<strong> should adopt the presidential form of government</strong> instead of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-strengthening-parliamentary-institutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>parliamentary</strong></a> style of democracy, inherited from the British.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These suggestions have been given in the <strong>backdrop of frequent elections</strong> and related administrative as well as financial burden owned by India.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Parliamentary System of Government</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are <strong>two executives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The nominal executive is the head of state e.g. President while the real executive is the Prime Minister, who is the head of government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In such a system, the role of president or monarch is primarily ceremonial and the Prime Minister along with the cabinet wields effective power.</li>
<li>Countries with such a system include Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom as well as Portugal.</li>
<li>The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, both at the Centre and in the States.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Articles 74 and 75 deal</strong> with the parliamentary system of government at the Union level and <strong>Articles 163 and 164</strong> contain provisions with regard to the States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Executive is responsible</strong> to the legislature for its policies and acts.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Presidential System of Government</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is only<strong> one executive.</strong></li>
<li>In this system, the President is both head of state and government, e.g. USA, South Korea etc.</li>
<li>The executive is <strong>not responsible to the legislature</strong> for its policies and acts, and is constitutionally independent of the legislature in respect of its term of office.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Arguments Against the Parliamentary System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unqualified Legislators:</strong> The parliamentary system has created unqualified legislators, who have sought election only in order to wield executive power.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It limits <strong>executive posts to those who are electable</strong> rather than to those <strong>who are able,</strong> e.g. the prime minister cannot appoint a cabinet of his choice; he has to cater to the wishes of the political leaders of several parties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Powerful Executive:</strong> Most of the laws are drafted by the executive and parliamentary input into their formulation and passage is minimal. It has been seen that the ruling party issues a whip to its members in order to ensure unimpeded passage of a bill.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since defiance of a whip itself attracts disqualification, MPs blindly vote as their party directs.</li>
<li>Hence, the parliamentary system does not permit the existence of a legislature distinct from the executive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fickle Legislative Majority:</strong> It has forced governments to concentrate less on governing than on staying in office, and obliged them to cater their coalitions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It puts insurance on <strong>defections and horse-trading.</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/anti-defection-law-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>anti-defection Act of 1985</strong></a> has failed to cure the problem, since the bargaining has shifted to getting enough <strong>MLAs to resign to topple a government,</strong> while promising them offices when they win the subsequent by-elections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distorted Voting Preference:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has distorted the voting preferences of an electorate that knows which individual it wants to vote for but not necessarily which party.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments in Favour of Presidential System:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Stable Executive:</strong> It establishes a stable executive which does not depend upon the <strong>fluctuating will of the legislature</strong> especially in case of coalition governments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A system of directly elected chief executives at all levels &ndash; panchayat chiefs, town mayors, Chief Ministers (or Governors) and a national President &ndash; elected for a fixed term of office, invulnerable to the whims of the legislature, and with clearly defined authority in their respective domains &ndash; would permit India to deal more efficiently with its critical economic and social challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ability Over Electability:</strong> Cabinet posts would not be limited to those who are electable rather than those who are able.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The President can appoint anyone as secretaries (equivalent to minister).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effective Check and Balance:</strong> It establishes the presidency and the legislature as two parallel structures. This allows each structure to <strong>monitor and check the other,</strong> hence preventing the abuse of power.</li>
<li><strong>Role of Citizens:</strong> At the end of a fixed period of time, the public would be able to judge the individual&rsquo;s performance, rather than on political skill at keeping a government in office.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, the Indian voter will be able to vote directly for the individual he or she wants to be chosen as a head rather than a majority of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/introduction-of-private-member-s-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Members of Parliament</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/legislative-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Legislative</strong> </a>assembly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Argument Against the Presidential Form:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Cooperation:</strong> A weakness of the system is its failure to ensure the<strong> co-operation between law-makers and administrators.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Frequent conflicts between the legislature and the executive may lead to <strong>deadlocks.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autocratic:</strong> A presidential system <strong>centralises power in one individual</strong> unlike the parliamentary system, where the Prime Minister is the first among equals. The surrender to the authority of one individual, as in the presidential system, is dangerous for democracy.</li>
<li><strong>Concerns over Separation of Powers:</strong> If the legislature is dominated by the same party to which the <strong>President belongs,</strong> he may prevent any move from the legislature.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit of Parliamentary System:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ensures Diverse Representation:</strong> By looking at the diversity and the number of parties from different states, India needs a diverse cabinet to fulfill the aspirations of millions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hence, the parliamentary system ensures the <strong>regional representations</strong> by selecting candidates from different parts of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Basic Structure of Constitution:</strong> It is part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>basic structure of the Constitution.</strong></a> Altering the parliament system would face legal hurdles.</li>
<li><strong>Prevents Authoritarianism:</strong> Since the executive is responsible to the legislature, and can vote it out in a motion of no confidence, there is no authoritarianism. Also, unlike the presidential system, power is not concentrated in one hand, rather in a <strong>group of individuals</strong> (Council of Ministers).</li>
<li><strong>Better Coordination:</strong> Since the executive is a part of the legislature, and generally the majority of the legislature support the government, it is easier to pass laws and implement them.</li>
<li><strong>Matured System:</strong> It is an old system and can give news ideas with its experience in a democartic setup.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>We should ensure a system of government whose leaders can focus on governance rather than on staying in power. The present parliamentary system has been tried and tested for nearly 70 years. It can be reformed thoroughly to remove the challenges thrown up by it.</li>
<li>Further there is a need to reform the electoral processes to make democracy more robust. The debate should be on <strong>various loopholes in electoral processes</strong> i.e from limiting expenditure of political parties and deciding the ceiling on the expenditure, to holding simultaneous elections, declaring the results for a combination of booths instead of constituencies, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/shashi-tharoor-presidential-system-parliament-6522482/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/parliamentary-vs-presidential-form-of-government'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Hurricane Hanna',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Hurricane Hanna</strong> has made <strong>landfall</strong> (the point at which a <strong>hurricane</strong> reaches land) in <strong>Texas</strong> with life-threatening storm surge and strong winds.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tropical cyclones</strong></a> are called hurricanes in the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has<strong> reached wind speeds of up to 90 mph</strong> and is expected to produce heavy rains across portions of<strong> southern Texas and northeastern Mexico,</strong> which will result in flash flooding and isolated minor to moderate river flooding.</li>
<li>It has been categorised as a<strong> Category 1 storm on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-dorian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saffir&ndash;Simpson hurricane wind scale</a> (SSHWS).</strong></li>
<li>This year,<strong> an &ldquo;above-normal&rdquo; hurricane season is expected in the USA.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One reason for this is the<strong> warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures</strong> in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, along with <strong>weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds</strong> and an<strong> enhanced west African monsoon.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595843764_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595843764_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="288" /></strong></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Hurricane</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tropical cyclone</strong></a> that occurs in the <strong>Atlantic Ocean</strong> and the <strong>northeastern Pacific Ocean.</strong></li>
<li>These are formed over the <strong>warm ocean waters near the equator.</strong></li>
<li>Hurricanes typically form between <strong>5 to 15 degrees latitude north and south of the equator.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>1 to 5 rating based</strong> on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595843785_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595843785_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/hurricane-hanna-how-hurricanes-are-formed-named-6524528/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-hanna'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Asteroid 2020 ND',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Aeronautics and Space Administration</strong></a> (NASA) has issued a warning that a huge<strong> &ldquo;Asteroid 2020 ND&rdquo;</strong> will move past Earth on 24<sup>th</sup> July.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> The asteroid, about 170 metres-long, will be <strong>as close as 0.034 Astronomical Unit (AU- Astronomical Unit is the distance between the Earth and the Sun and is roughly 150 million km) to the Earth,</strong> and is travelling at a speed of 48,000 kilometres per hour.</li>
<li>It is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2020-cd3-mini-moon" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Near-Earth Objects</strong> </a>(NEO) and its distance from Earth has placed it in the <strong>Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA)</strong> category.</li>
<li><strong>Potentially Hazardous Asteroids:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It means that an asteroid has the potential to make <strong>threatening close approaches</strong> to the Earth.</li>
<li>Specifically, all asteroids with a <strong>Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance</strong> (MOID) of 0.05 AU (which is about 7,480,000 Km) or less and an <strong>Absolute Magnitude</strong> (H) of 22.0 (about 150 mt in diameter) or less are considered PHAs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>MOID is a <strong>method for calculating the minimum distance</strong> between two almost overlapping elliptical orbits.</li>
<li>The <strong>absolute magnitude</strong> is a measure of the star's luminosity i.e. the total amount of energy radiated by the star every second.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Solutions</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Deflecting Asteroids:</strong> Blowing up the asteroid before it reaches Earth, or deflecting it off its Earth-bound course by hitting it with a spacecraft may ward off the threat.</li>
<li><strong>AIDA:</strong> The measure undertaken so far is the <strong>Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA),</strong> which includes <strong>NASA&rsquo;s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solar-orbiter-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Space Agency&rsquo;s</strong> </a>(ESA) <strong>Hera.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>DART:</strong> In 2018, NASA announced that it had started the construction of DART, which is scheduled to launch in 2021 with an aim to slam into the smaller asteroid of the <strong>Didymos system at around 6 km per second in 2022. Didymos,</strong> is a binary near-Earth asteroid, that could pose the most likely significant threat to Earth.</li>
<li><strong>Hera:</strong> It is scheduled to launch in 2024, and will arrive at the Didymos system in 2027 to measure the <strong>impact crater produced by the DART collision</strong> and study the <strong>change in the asteroid&rsquo;s orbital trajectory.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Monitoring of PHAs:</strong> It is not necessary that asteroids classified as PHAs will impact the Earth. It only <strong>means there is a possibility of a threat.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By<strong> monitoring these PHAs</strong> and updating their orbits as new observations, it is possible to predict the close-approach statistics and thus their Earth-impact threat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scientific interest in<strong> comets and asteroids</strong> is largely due to their status as relatively unchanged remnant debris from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/length-of-a-day-on-each-planet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>solar system</strong></a> formation process over 4.6 billion years ago. Therefore, they<strong> offer clues about the chemical mixture</strong> from the planets formed.</li>
<li>Significantly, among all the reasons that will eventually cause the extinction of life on Earth, an asteroid hit is <strong>widely acknowledged as one of the likeliest.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Asteroids</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Asteroids orbit the Sun and are small bodies in the solar system.</li>
<li>They are made up of metals and rocks.</li>
<li>They tend to have shorter and elliptical orbits.</li>
<li>They <strong>do not produce a coma or tail atmosphere.</strong></li>
<li>The asteroid belt is a torus-shaped region in the Solar System, located roughly between the orbits of the planets Jupiter and Mars.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comet</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Comets also orbit the Sun and are relatively small bodies of the solar system.</li>
<li>They are made up of <strong>ice and hydrocarbons.</strong></li>
<li>Comets have an eccentric orbit.</li>
<li>When comets approach the sun, some part of their ice melts and the other materials vapourise due to the heat of the sun. This results in a glowing halo that extends outwards through space.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, a <strong>thin atmospheric tail is formed</strong> when close to the Sun.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-nasa-asteroid-2020-potentially-dangerous-to-earth-6515170/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asteroid-2020-nd'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Maratha Quota',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> (SC) is set to commence the final hearing on the batch of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-leave-petition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Special Leave Petitions</strong></a> (SLPs-<strong>Article 136) against Maratha reservation in Maharashtra</strong> on a daily basis through video-conferencing.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The apex court will also hear a petition challenging admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses under the quota in the state.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SLPs <strong>challenged the Bombay High Court (HC) decision,</strong> which <strong>upheld the constitutional validity of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maharashtra-assembly-passes-bill-for-reservation-for-marathas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maratha quota</a></strong> under the state&rsquo;s <strong>Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2018.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SEBC Act provides for <strong>reservation of seats for admission in educational institutions</strong> in the state and for <strong>reservation of posts for appointments in public services</strong> and posts under the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Maharashtra is <strong>one of the few states which have more than 50% reservation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Telangana</strong> also exceed the reservation cap.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/creamy-layer-for-sc-s-st-s" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>Indra Sawhney case 1992</strong></em></a> ruled that the <strong>total reservation for backward classes cannot go beyond the 50% mark.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A group of aspiring medical students <strong>challenged the constitutional validity of an amendment to the SEBC Act, 2018</strong> allowing Maratha reservation for 2019-2020 admissions to MBBS courses.</li>
<li>In July 2019, the<strong> Bombay HC dismissed</strong> the petition.</li>
<li>The <strong>SC refused to stay the judgement</strong> and have, time and again, refused to put an interim stay on the quota.</li>
<li>Recently, the <strong>SC refused to grant interim stay on a plea</strong> by medical students, seeking a direction that the <strong>12% quota not be made applicable for admissions</strong> in postgraduate medical and dental courses for the <strong>academic year 2020-21.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Marathas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>politically dominant community in Maharashtra</strong> comprising mainly <strong>peasants and landowners</strong> and forms<strong> nearly one-third of the population</strong> of the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Majority of the Chief Ministers of the state have been from this community</strong> since the formation of the state in 1960.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Marathas are<strong> mostly Marathi-speaking</strong> but not all Marathi-speaking people belong to the Maratha community.</li>
<li>Historically, they have been <strong>identified as a &lsquo;warrior&rsquo; caste</strong> with large land-holdings.</li>
<li>While the division of land and agrarian problems over the years have led to a decline of prosperity among the middle class and lower-middle-class Marathas, the community <strong>still plays an important role in the rural economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bombay High Court Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In<strong> July 2019,</strong> it ruled that the<strong> 16% quota granted by the state was not &lsquo;justifiable&rsquo; and reduced it to 12% in education and 13% in government jobs,</strong> as recommended by the 11-member <strong>Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission</strong> (MSBCC).</li>
<li>The limit of the reservation <strong>should not exceed 50%</strong> but in <strong>exceptional circumstances and extraordinary situations, this limit can be crossed</strong> subject to availability of quantifiable and contemporary data reflecting backwardness, the inadequacy of representation and without affecting the efficiency in administration.</li>
<li>While the <strong>backwardness of the community</strong> was not comparable with Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), it was<strong> comparable with several other backward classes,</strong> which find a place in the list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) pursuant to the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/reservation-in-india#:~:text=Mandal%20Commission,-In%20exercise%20of&amp;text=Mandal.,the%20advancement%20of%20those%20classes." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mandal Commission.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings of Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It surveyed about 45,000 families from two villages from each of 355 talukas with more than 50% Maratha population.</li>
<li><strong>Social Backwardness:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>76.86% of Maratha families are engaged in agriculture and agricultural labour for their livelihood.</li>
<li>Nearly 70% reside in Kachha dwellings.</li>
<li>Only 35-39% have personal tap water connections.</li>
<li>During 2013-2018, total 13,368 farmers committed suicides and 23.56% of them were Marathas.</li>
<li>88.81% of Maratha women are involved in physical labour for earning a livelihood, besides their physical domestic work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Educational Backwardness:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>13.42% of Marathas are illiterate, 35.31% primary educated, 43.79% Secondary and Higher Secondary educated, 6.71% undergraduates and postgraduates and 0.77% technically and professionally qualified.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Backwardness:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>93% of Maratha families have an annual income of Rs. 1 lakh, which was below the average income of middle-class families.</li>
<li>37.38% of families were <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/poverty-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Below Poverty Line</strong></a> (BPL) against the state average of 24%.</li>
<li>71% own less than 2.5 acres of land, whereas only 2.7% of big farmers own 10 acres of land.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The commission <strong>submitted its report on 15<sup>th</sup> November 2018</strong> in which it established that the <strong>Maratha community is socially, economically and educationally backwards</strong> and also <strong>established inadequacy of representation of the Maratha community in public employment</strong> in the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Existing Total Reservation in Maharashtra:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Following the <strong>2001 State Reservation Act,</strong> the total reservation was <strong>52%.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This included quotas for SCs (13%), STs (7%), OBCs (19%), Special Backward Class (2%), Vimukta Jati (3%), Nomadic Tribe B (2.5%), Nomadic Tribe C-Dhangar (3.5%) and Nomadic Tribe D-Vanjari (2%).</li>
<li>The quotas for Nomadic Tribes and Special Backward Classes have been carved out of the total OBC quota.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With the <strong>addition of 12-13% Maratha quota,</strong> the total reservation in the state is <strong>64-65%.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>10% <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/states-prerogative-to-provide-10-reservation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Economically Weaker Sections</a></strong> (EWS) quota is <strong>also effective</strong> in the state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/supreme-court-to-begin-hearing-challenges-to-maratha-quota-6524661/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maratha-quota'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Collaboration with Israel in Defence Sector under FDI',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India has collaborated with the Israeli defence companies under the new liberalised <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment</strong></a> (FDI) regime in <strong>defence manufacturing.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, the government has increased the limit for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FDI</strong></a> <strong>in defence</strong> through the automatic route from <strong>49% to 74%.</strong></li>
<li>FDI is an <strong>investment made by a firm or individual</strong> in one country into business interests located in another country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Context:</strong> Recently, the Defence Ministry has given <strong>emergency powers to the Armed Forces</strong> to procure weapons systems up to Rs. 300 crore on an urgent basis without any further clearances <strong>to cut short the procurement cycle.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, Indian Armed Forces are undertaking a series of emergency defence purchases amid ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tensions with China on the border.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Army has decided to order launchers, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/spike-lr-anti-tank-guided-missiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missiles</strong></a> (ATGM) and additional <strong>Heron <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-unmanned-aircraft-system-uas-rules-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unmanned Aerial Vehicles</a></strong> (UAV), from Israel through the emergency procurement route.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Israel Defence Cooperation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong> The strong bilateral ties of India and Israel are driven by their respective national interests&mdash;i.e., India&rsquo;s long-sought goals of <strong>military modernisation,</strong> and Israel&rsquo;s comparative advantage in <strong>commercialising its arms industries.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ambit of defence cooperation has widened to include other domains like <strong>space, counter-terrorism, and cyber security and intelligence sharing</strong> besides Israeli arms sales to India.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> was the <strong>largest arms customer of Israel in 2017</strong> with sales worth 715 million USD.</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-among-top-military-spenders-sipri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report</strong></a>, <strong>Israel</strong> is the <strong>third largest supplier of defence items</strong> to India after <strong>Russia and the USA,</strong> the first and second respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong> The strategic cooperation between the two countries began during the<strong> Sino-India War of 1962.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1965, Israel supplied M-58 160-mm mortar ammunition to India in the war against Pakistan.</li>
<li>It was one of the few countries that <strong>chose not to condemn India&rsquo;s Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998.</strong></li>
<li>It continued its arms trade with India even after the sanctions and international isolation after the nuclear tests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Patrolling and Surveillance:</strong> The Israeli imports eases the operational ability of armed forces in wartime. For instance, the missile defence systems, and ammunition played a crucial role in controlling the escalation between India and Pakistan <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bombs-jaish-e-muhammad-camp-in-pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>post-Balakot air strikes.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Make in India:</strong> The export-oriented Israeli defence industry and its openness to establishing joint ventures complement both <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/five-years-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;</strong> </a>and<strong> &lsquo;Make with India&rsquo;</strong> in defence.</li>
<li><strong>Trusted Supplier:</strong> Israel has always been a &lsquo;no-questions-asked supplier&rsquo;, i.e., it transfers even its most advanced technology without placing limits to its use.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Its credibility was reinforced during the <strong>Kargil War of 1999</strong> when it supplied the <strong>Indian Air Force (IAF)</strong> with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) &lsquo;Searcher&rsquo; and surveillance systems for Jaguar and Mirage squadrons.</li>
<li>Similar weapons were used in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-post-balakot-challenge-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Balakot strike</strong></a> in February 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ready to Use Technology:</strong> India suffers from many constraints in defence production and acquisition including lack of technical expertise, lack of manufacturing infrastructure, inadequate funding and project delays. Israel fills these shortcomings by<strong> supplying ready-to-use critical technologies,</strong> even on short notices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Influence of USA:</strong> Some of the<strong> Israeli technologies utilise USA components</strong> because of which the USA has veto powers over the sale of those technologies. Hence, it may cause hurdles in transportation of technologies.</li>
<li><strong>Cold War Politics:</strong> The potential of<strong> India-Israel ties</strong> have been sacrificed on the altar of Cold War politics. Factors like <strong>Arab&ndash;Israeli conflict, Iran-Israel conflict, constant interference of countries like Russia and USA</strong> in such issues and overall relationship of India with these countries have impacted the ties with Israel.</li>
<li><strong>Non Alignment:</strong> India&rsquo;s commitment to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revival-of-non-alignment-movement#:~:text=The%20Non%2DAligned%20Movement%20was,to%20remain%20independent%20or%20neutral." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-alignment</strong></a> causes freezing relations with Israel that were increasingly seen as leaning towards the Western bloc. India must strategically balance its relationship with Israel on conflict issues.</li>
<li><strong>Dependence for Energy Security:</strong> India&rsquo;s dependence on Arab states for oil imports led to a pro-Arab tilt in its West Asia Policy, which has further constrained Israel's options in the region.</li>
<li><strong>Israel Palestine Conflict:</strong> The<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> territorial conflicts of Gaza Strip and West Bank</strong> </a>have played an important role in shaping India-Israel relationships.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to Israel-Palestine peace negotiations <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oslo-peace-accords" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(Oslo Accords of 1993)</strong></a> <strong>India</strong> has started normalising the relationship with Israel.</li>
<li>However, as a part of <strong>Link West Policy,</strong> India has de-hyphenated its relationship with<strong> Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Defence Technologies Imported by India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Searcher:</strong> It is a<strong> multi-mission tactical UAV</strong> for surveillance, target acquisition, artillery adjustment and damage assessment.</li>
<li><strong>Hermes 900:</strong> In December 2018, Adani Defence and Elbit Systems inaugurated the <strong>first India-Israel joint venture in defence</strong> at Hyderabad. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This facility will manufacture high-technology, cost-effective Hermes 900 to be deployed in all-weather terrains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Heron:</strong> It is a <strong>medium-altitude long-endurance</strong> unmanned air vehicle (UAV) system primarily designed to perform strategic actions .</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Air Defence Systems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>BARAK:</strong> The<strong> surface-to-air missile</strong> can be deployed as a low-range air defence interceptor. In India, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-25th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> BARAK</strong></a> version is known as BARAK-8 (for naval vessels).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Missiles:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Spike:</strong> These are the <strong>4<sup>th</sup> generation Anti-Tank Missiles</strong> with a range of up to 4km, which can be operated in fire-and-forget mode.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These are manufactured by the Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Israel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Crystal Maze:</strong> It is an <strong>Indian variant of the air-to-surface missile AGM-142A Popeye &ndash;</strong> jointly developed by the Israeli-based Rafael and US-based Lockheed Martin.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sensors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Search Track and Guidance Radar (STGR):</strong> India imported the STGR radar to make <strong>INS Kolkata, INS Shivalik and Kamorta-class frigates</strong> compatible for deploying BARAK-8 SAM missiles.</li>
<li><strong>Phalcon: </strong>This airborne warning and control system (AWACS), is also hailed as Indian Airforce Force&rsquo;s <strong>&ldquo;eyes in the skies''.</strong></li>
<li>Phalcon performs <strong>surveillance and intelligence gathering beyond the visual range</strong> to warn against the incoming missiles or aircrafts in the airspace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> strategic cooperation between India and Israel</strong> carries immense potential and India must<strong> harness the technological expertise from Israel</strong> to modernise an indigenous defence industry.</li>
<li>As the USA sees a major role for India in <strong>maintaining the balance of power</strong> in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a> more technologies are likely to be transferable in the future. With improving<strong> strategic understanding between India and the US</strong> these technologies can be flexibly deployed to various wings of the military.</li>
<li>Indo-Israel <strong>defence cooperation must be up-scaled</strong> in terms of<strong> Joint Ventures (JV) and Joint Research and Development (RD)</strong> which can be a force multiplier to realistically achieve India&rsquo;s ambition to be a major global power.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/border-row-with-china-figures-in-rajnaths-telephonic-talks-with-israeli-defence-minister/article32183371.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/collaboration-with-israel-in-defence-sector-under-fdi'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Khelo India Youth Games 2021',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the government has announced that <strong>Haryana will host the fourth edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The 2021 Khelo India Youth Games <strong>are scheduled to take place after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics</strong> and will be held in<strong> Panchkula (Haryana).</strong></li>
<li>The 2021 Tokyo Olympics are set to open on <strong>23<sup>rd</sup> July.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, for the first time, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tokyo-olympics-2020-postponed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Olympics were postponed following the Covid-19 outbreak.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Usually,</strong> the<strong> KIYG takes place in January</strong> of every year.</li>
<li>KIYG is a<strong> part of</strong> the revamped national programme for development of sports <strong>&lsquo;Khelo India&rsquo;</strong> which was approved by the Union Cabinet in <strong>2017.</strong> The 2020 edition of KIYG was held in Guwahati (Assam).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Khelo India Scheme</strong> aims to encourage sports all over the country, thus allowing the population to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence, namely holistic development of children &amp; youth, community development, social integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic opportunities related to sports development.</li>
<li>Under the Scheme,<strong> talented players</strong> identified in<strong> priority sports disciplines</strong> at various levels are provided <strong>annual financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh per annum for 8 years.</strong></li>
<li>Khelo India App, developed by the<strong> Sports Authority of India (SAI),</strong> aims to create awareness about sports and fitness in the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SAI is under the <strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595836090_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595836090_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1641273" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/khelo-india-youth-games-2021'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Safeguarding the Autonomy of Tribunals',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/safeguarding-the-autonomy-of-tribunals/story-sTaztHIM2iZBhyaUTowxVM.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Safeguarding the autonomy of tribunals&rdquo;</strong></a> published in The Hindustan Times on 23/07/2020. It evaluates the new rules promulgated by the centre pertaining to the functioning of the tribunals.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Union Ministry of Finance framed a new set of rules called the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/supreme-court-ruling-on-finance-act-2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal, and other Authorities (Qualifications, Experience and other Conditions of Service of Members) Rules, 2020</strong></a> that prescribe uniform norms for the appointment and service conditions of members to various <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/tribunals-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>tribunals</strong></a>.</p>
<p>The new rules have been framed by the government as the previous Rules of 2017 were struck down by the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in November 2019 in the case <strong>Rojer Mathew vs South Indian Bank.</strong></p>
<p>However, the new rules carry out only cosmetic changes and some of the provisions contravene the spirit of law laid down by the Supreme Court (SC) on matters related to tribunals.</p>
<h3>Issues With the New Rules</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Conflict of Interest:</strong> The new rules do not remove the control of parent administrative ministries (ministries against which the tribunals have to pass orders) over tribunals.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, the tribunals such as the Armed Forces Tribunal functions under the same ministry which is a party in litigation and the ministry also wields rule-making powers and controls finances, infrastructure and manpower in the tribunal.</li>
<li>This is against the spirit of Natural Justice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rules Diluting Judicial Independence:</strong> The selection committee under the new rules can function even in absence of any judicial member, meaning that a committee entirely (or majorly) comprising officers of the executive can select members of tribunals.</li>
<li><strong>Unwarranted Influence of Executive:</strong> The new rules also ensure that the secretary of the ministry against which the tribunal is to pass orders sits on the committee for selecting adjudicating members of the same tribunal.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This system was termed as <strong>&ldquo;mockery of the Constitution&rdquo;</strong> by SC in Madras Bar Association case, 2014.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Affecting Independence of Members:</strong> The new rules provide for a retirement age of 65 years even for former judges who retire at 62 from the high courts (HCs), which gives them at best a three-year tenure.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is against the minimum five to seven years tenure mandated by SC in the <strong>Union of India vs R. Gandhi case, 2010</strong> to ensure continuity.</li>
<li>Further the bar on employment with the government after retiring from tribunals has been removed. Thus, gravely affecting the independence of members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inconsistent with SC rulings:</strong> The new rules contain ambiguous clauses stating that any person with experience in economics, commerce, management, industry and administration can be appointed as a member of certain tribunals.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This may allow even members with non-judicial/legal background to become chairpersons of tribunals, contrary to SC ruling in the <strong>R Gandhi case.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Tribunal is a quasi-judicial institution that is set up to deal with problems such as resolving administrative or tax-related disputes.</li>
<li>It performs a number of functions like adjudicating disputes, determining rights between contesting parties, making an administrative decision, reviewing an existing administrative decision and so forth.</li>
<li>Tribunals were not part of the original constitution, it was incorporated in the Indian Constitution by 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Article 323-A deals with Administrative Tribunals.</li>
<li>Article 323-B deals with tribunals for other matters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Maintain Independence of the Tribunal:</strong> Unless steps are taken in compliance with the law laid down by SC for tribunals, neither their independence nor their ability to reduce the burden on the regular judiciary can be guaranteed.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tribunals must not be seen as an extension of the executive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Separate and Independent Authority for Administration</strong>: SC in the cases of L Chandra Kumar (1997), R Gandhi (2010), Madras Bar Association (2014) and Swiss Ribbons (2019) has ruled that tribunals cannot be made to function under the ministries against which they are to pass orders and they must be placed under the law ministry instead.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the need to ensure the <strong>separate and independent authority</strong> for administration of the tribunals is required.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Best Performing: Income Tax Appellate Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal was created in 1941, at that time it was put under the finance department, but moved to the legislative department (Ministry of Law and Justice) a year later to ensure its independence.</li>
<li>This arrangement continues till date, and is perhaps the primary reason that it is one of the best-performing tribunals.</li>
<li>Thus, other tribunals can also be made to function under the law ministry rather than ministries against which they are to pass orders.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Easing Pressure on Constitutional Courts:</strong> Further, in order to remove unnecessary burden on SC and make justice affordable and accessible, it needs to be ensured that the tribunals work efficiently.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, the high courts, being equally effective constitutional courts, practically should become the last and final court in most litigation after tribunals pass the order.</li>
<li>Thus, SC can be allowed to focus more on constitutional points of law of general public importance, Centre-state/inter-state disputes or where there is a major conflict between decisions of two or more high courts. &ldquo;Special Leave to Appeal&rdquo; may be extended only to really &ldquo;special&rdquo; cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These measures will not only provide consistency and stability but also promote judicial discipline in the tribunal as well as the whole judicial system.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is the need of the hour that the Union government shows enough will to force systemic tribunal reforms. A reform to the tribunals system in India may as well be one of the keys to remedy the age old problem that still cripples the Indian judicial system &ndash; the problem of judicial delay and backlog.</p>
<p>In this context, an independent autonomous body such as a <strong>National Tribunals Commission (NTC),</strong> responsible for oversight as well as administration, can go a long way in remedying issues that plague the functioning of tribunals.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595678822_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595678822_image5.png" caption="false" width="560" height="400" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f3ffe6;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Reform in the tribunals system in India can address the problems that still cripples the Indian judicial system.&rdquo; Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AhIKbvOLV-0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/dissent-contempt-supreme-court-is-too-big-an-institution-to-be-undermined-by-one-mans-criticism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Dissent, Contempt&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Times of India on July 24<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube Channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/safeguarding-the-autonomy-of-tribunals'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Day 6',
		'catname' => '60 days refresher',
		'desc' => '<h2 style="text-align: center;">Important Constitutional And Non-Constitutional Bodies</h2>
<p>This is an all time favourite topic for UPSC, as a lot of questions have been asked over the years. By analyzing the kind of questions asked on this topic, one can have a fair idea on what can be expected in the prelims.</p>
<h3>Constitutional Bodies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission of India </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/state-election-commission-s-autonomy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State Election Commission's Autonomy</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/need-to-set-up-state-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Need to set up State Finance Commission</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/printpdf/constitutional-status-for-national-commission-for-backward-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Constitutional Status for National Commission for Backward Classes</a> </strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/comptroller-and-auditor-general-of-india-cag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG)</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/attorney-general-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Attorney General of India</a> </strong></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/tribunals-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tribunals</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court of India</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Non-Constitutional Bodies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-investigation-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Investigation Agency </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/food-corporation-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food Corporation of India (FCI) </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/competition-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Competition Commission of India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/law-commission-of-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Law Commission of India</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-vigilance-commission-cvc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)</a> </strong></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-bank-for-agriculture-and-rural-development-nabard" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/lokpal-lokayukta-ombudsman-upsc-governance-transparency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lokpal and Lokayukta</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) </strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/food-safety-and-standards-authority-of-india-fssai" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-bureau-of-investigation-cbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/22nd-meeting-of-fsdc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Stability and Development Council</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #000080;">Previous Year Questions on Schedules in Important Constitutional And Non-Constitutional Bodies</span></h3>
<p>Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)</p>
<ol>
<li>The Election Commission of India is a five member body.</li>
<li>Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.</li>
<li>Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1 and 2 only</p>
<p>(b) 2 only</p>
<p>(c) 2 and 3 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(d) 3 only</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>Q. Consider the following statements: (2013)</p>
<p>Attorney General of India can</p>
<ol>
<li>take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha</li>
<li>be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha</li>
<li>speak in the Lok Sabha</li>
<li>vote in the Lok Sabha</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1 only</p>
<p>(b) 2 and 4</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(c) 1, 2 and 3</strong></span></p>
<p>(d) 1 and 3 only</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)? (2012)</p>
<ol>
<li>CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.</li>
<li>CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.</li>
<li>Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.</li>
<li>While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1, 3 and 4 only</p>
<p>(b) 2 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(c) 2 and 3 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. Who of the following shall cause every recommendation made by the Finance Commission to be laid before each House of Parliament? (2010)</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(a) The President of India</strong></span></p>
<p>(b) The Speaker of Lok Sabha</p>
<p>(c) The Prime Minister of India</p>
<p>(d) The Union Finance Minister</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)</p>
<ol>
<li>The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.</li>
<li>The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(b) 2 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(c) Both 1 and 2</p>
<p>(d) Neither 1 nor 2</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)</p>
<ol>
<li>The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.</li>
<li>The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(a) 1 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(b) 2 only</p>
<p>(c) Both 1 and 2</p>
<p>(d) Neither 1 nor 2</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the: (2015)</p>
<p>(a) Human Rights Commission</p>
<p>(b) Finance Commission</p>
<p>(c) Law Commission</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(d) Planning Commission</strong></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Right To Information</h2>
<p>This is an important topic for this year's prelims, as it has remained in the news because of the controversy over the <strong>PM CARES, RTI Amendment 2019, 15<sup>th</sup> anniversary of RTI Act.</strong> Apart from it, many questions have been asked on aspects related to this topic. One can find all streamlined and exam oriented information in the following links:</p>
<p>Context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cji-under-the-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CJI under the RTI Act</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-related-to-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Challenges Related To RTI Act</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-cares-not-under-rti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-CARES Not Under RTI</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper4/good-governance-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Good Governance</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/evms-not-under-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>EVMs Not Under RTI Act</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/compliance-to-the-rti-act-2005" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Compliance to the RTI Act, 2005</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jan-soochna-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jan Soochna Portal</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/explainer-right-information-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Explainer: The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Wetlands</h2>
<p>There has been a trend that quite often UPSC asks about the latest news related to different wetlands/water bodies etc. This can be depicted from the previous year questions. Thus, in this context, the present topic becomes very important for this year's prelims.</p>
<p>Context: Destruction of wetlands</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/wetlands-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wetlands</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-wetlands-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Wetlands Day</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wetlands-restoration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wetlands Restoration</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/addition-to-ramsar-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Addition to Ramsar Sites</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sukhna-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sukhna Lake</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-backs-dhanauri-for-ramsar-site-tag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Backs Dhanauri for Ramsar Site Tag</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oussudu-lake" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Oussudu Lake</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agreement-to-save-coastal-wetlands" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agreement to Save Coastal Wetlands</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-coast-is-unclear-on-the-2018-crz-notification" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Coast is Unclear: On the 2018 CRZ Notification</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #000080;">Previous Year Questions on Schedules on Wetlands</span></h3>
<p>Q. Consider the following statements:</p>
<ol>
<li>Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.</li>
<li>The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.</li>
<li>The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p>(a) 1 and 2 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(b) 2 and 3 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(c) 3 only</p>
<p>(d) 1, 2 and 3</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. Consider the following pairs: (2014)</p>
<p>&nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Wetlands</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<strong> &nbsp;Confluence of rivers</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Harike Wetlands&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej</li>
<li>Keoladeo Ghana&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; : Confluence of Banas and National Park Chambal</li>
<li>Kolleru Lake&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; : Confluence of Musi and Krishna</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #008000;">(a) 1 only</span></strong></p>
<p>(b) 2 and 3 only</p>
<p>(c) 1 and 3 only</p>
<p>(d) 1, 2 and 3</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements: (2012)</p>
<ol>
<li>The country&rsquo;s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States.</li>
<li>In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands.</li>
</ol>
<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(a) 1 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(b) 2 only</p>
<p>(c) Both 1 and 2</p>
<p>(d) Neither 1 nor 2</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Panchayati Raj Institution</h2>
<p>It remains a very important topic for UPSC. A lot of questions have been asked over the years. Questions on Panchayati Raj Institution have been repeatedly asked in the successive years. So there is a fair bit of chance that the question can be asked on it this year too.</p>
<p>Context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/panchayati-raj-institutions-and-participative-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions and Participative Democracy</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-panchayati-raj-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Panchayati Raj Day</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-panchayati-raj" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/growth-models-for-rural-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Growth Models for Rural India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bhuvan-panchayat-3-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhuvan Panchayat 3.0</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quota-for-disabled-in-panchayats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quota for Disabled in Panchayats</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/democratic-decentralisation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Democratic Decentralisation in India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-rural-economic-transformation-project-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Rural Economic Transformation Project</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="color: #000080;">Previous Year Questions on Schedules in Panchayati Raj Institution</span></h3>
<p>Q. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in: (2017)</p>
<p>(a) Federalism</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(b) Democratic decentralisation</strong></span></p>
<p>(c) Administrative delegation</p>
<p>(d) Direct democracy</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. The fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (2015)</p>
<ol>
<li>People&rsquo;s participation in development</li>
<li>Political accountability</li>
<li>Democratic decentralization</li>
<li>Financial mobilization</li>
</ol>
<p>Select the correct answer using the code given below:</p>
<p>(a) 1, 2 and 3 only</p>
<p>(b) 2 and 4 only</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(c) 1 and 3 only</strong></span></p>
<p>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4</p>
<hr />
<p>Q. The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective? (2013)</p>
<p>(a) To provide self-governance</p>
<p>(b) To recognize traditional rights</p>
<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong>(c) To create autonomous regions in tribal areas</strong></span></p>
<p>(d) To free tribal people from exploitation</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">Coalition For Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</h2>
<p>Indian Prime Minister, at the Hamburg G20 meet in 2017, proposed a Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and many disasters this year. Thus, in this context this topic becomes a hot topic for this year&rsquo;s prelims. One can find related articles in the following links.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-workshop-on-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/flood-management-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Flood Management In India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-amphan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyclone Amphan</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/swarm-of-desert-locust" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swarm of Desert Locust</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vizag-gas-leak" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vizag Gas Leak</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/civil-defence-volunteers-against-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Civil Defence Volunteers Against Covid-19</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-sanjeevani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Operation Sanjeevani</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-cares-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM - CARES Fund</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disaster-management-tool" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Tool</strong></a></li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/60-days-refresher-programme/day-6'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Pied Cuckoo to be Tracked',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sal-forest-tortoise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Institute of India (WII)</strong></a>, has decided to study the migration of the <strong>Pied Cuckoo Bird <em>(Jacobin Cuckoo or Chaatak)</em>,</strong> by tagging the bird with satellite transmitters.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The study will be conducted along with the <strong>Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS)</strong> and the <strong>Government of India&rsquo;s Department of Biotechnology.</strong></li>
<li>IIRS is a constituent unit of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</strong></a>. It is <strong>headquartered in Dehradun.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is the <strong>first study in the country</strong> that seeks to trace and observe the migratory routes of the pied cuckoo.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims</strong> to gather data and information on<strong> climate change and the monsoon.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Pied cuckoo is known for its <strong>close association with the monsoon in India.</strong></li>
<li>Farmers have traditionally relied on the arrival of the pied cuckoo as a signal of arrival of monsoon and seed sowing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is part of a larger project called the <strong>Indian Bioresource Information Network (IBIN)</strong> funded by the Government of India&rsquo;s Department of Biotechnology (DBT), which aims to put relevant Indian bioresources information online.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gathering information about the migratory route can be invaluable for research on climatic variations taking place in the world, especially since the species has such a close association with the monsoon.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will give us information on the monsoon, changes in the monsoon and monsoon winds, erratic rainfall, seasonal fluctuations, water vapour pressure, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The extent of the <strong>effect of ecologies changing</strong> can be seen in the movement of species from a less favourable region to a more favourable region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pied Cuckoo:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595671961_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595671961_image3.jpg" style="float: right;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a bird with black and white plumage (pied) with a fancy crest on the head. Its scientific name is <em><strong>Clamator jacobinus.</strong> </em>It is <strong>found in Africa and Asia.</strong></li>
<li>There are<strong> two types</strong> of pied cuckoos found in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In <strong>central and northern parts of India,</strong> pied cuckoos are<strong> migratory,</strong> they are seen only from just before the monsoon to early winter.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is believed that the pied cuckoos that come to the Himalayan foothills are from Africa.</li>
<li>They have high site fidelity, that is, they come back to the same location year after year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Pied cuckoos are also found in <strong>southern India,</strong> but those are resident birds and not migratory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The bird is primarily<strong> arboreal,</strong> which means that it mostly lives on trees. It is a <strong>brood parasite</strong> i.e. It lays its eggs in nests that belong to other birds.</li>
<li>It is one of the few species that come to India in the summer. Most other migratory species come in winter.</li>
<li><strong>IUCN Status:</strong> Least Concerned.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pied-cuckoo-monsoon-climate-change-study-6522324/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pied-cuckoo-to-be-tracked'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'KURMA App',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>KURMA is a mobile-based application aimed at turtle conservation. It was launched on the occasion of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-turtle-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Turtle Day (23<sup>rd</sup> May).</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> It is developed by the<strong> Indian Turtle Conservation Action Network (ITCAN)</strong> in collaboration with the <strong>Turtle Survival Alliance-India</strong> and <strong>Wildlife Conservation Society-India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The KURMA App has a built-in digital field guide covering <strong>29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoise of India,</strong> and information on turtle identification, distribution, vernacular names, and threats.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> It provides users a <strong>database to identify a species.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provides the <strong>location of the nearest rescue centre</strong> for turtles across the country.</li>
<li>Advices about the reported species and its conservation.</li>
<li>Once a sizable database is ready, KURMA will start identifying species <strong>automatically</strong> through<strong> artificial intelligence.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Present Scenario:</strong> Tortoise and freshwater turtles are among the most trafficked in the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A report released in 2019 by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/traffic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>TRAFFIC</strong></a>, showed that at least 11,000 tortoises and freshwater turtles fall prey to illicit poaching and smuggling every year, adding up to over 1,11,130 turtles poached or smuggled between September 2009 and September 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Challenge:</strong> One of the major challenges for freshwater turtle conservation in the country is that wildlife crime prevention agencies are<strong> not sufficiently equipped</strong> to know how to distinguish one species from the other.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are also not aware of their protection status in accordance with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)</strong> </a>and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Turtle Survival Alliance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) was <strong>formed in 2001</strong> as an<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)</strong></a> partnership for sustainable captive management of freshwater turtles and tortoises.</li>
<li>The TSA arose in response to the <strong>rampant and unsustainable harvest of Asian turtle populations to supply Chinese markets,</strong> a situation known as the<strong> Asian Turtle Crisis.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mission: &lsquo;Zero Turtle Extinctions in the 21st Century&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/mobile-app-kurma-helps-save-turtles-in-india/article32126427.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kurma-app'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'AuditOnline Application for Local Bodies',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Panchayati Raj</strong> has decided to <strong>conduct an online audit of accounts of about 50,000 Gram Panchayats (GPs)</strong> through its application <strong>AuditOnline</strong> during the current financial year (2020-21).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will be the<strong> first such exercise.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Online Audit of Accounts:</strong> 50,000 GPs&rsquo; books of accounts for 2019-20 will be audited with a focus on how they used <strong>Finance Commission (FC) grants.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>50,000 is equivalent to the 20% of the estimated 2.5 lakh GPs</strong> across the country.</li>
<li>In the <strong>next financial year (2021-22),</strong> the exercise will be scaled up to cover <strong>all the GPs.</strong></li>
<li>The 15<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-funding-for-panchayats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FC recommended an allocation of Rs. 60,750 crore for rural local bodies during 2020-21</strong></a>, almost the same as last year under the 14<sup>th</sup> FC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>AuditOnline:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an <strong>application developed as a part of Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) under e-panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP)</strong> initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).</li>
<li>It facilitates the financial audit of accounts at <strong>all the three levels of Panchayats</strong> viz District, Block and Village Panchayats, <strong>Urban Local Bodies (ULB)</strong> and <strong>Line department</strong> by Auditors.</li>
<li>It not only facilitates the online and offline audit of accounts but also serves the purpose of <strong>maintaining the past audit records</strong> of the auditee with associated list of the auditors and audit team involved in the audit.</li>
<li>Also the<strong> information remains available in public domain</strong> and for usage by other PES applications.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits of Online Audit:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595664505_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595664505_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Online audit with the option of physical verification <strong>assumes greater relevance given the pandemic</strong> and the lockdown.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As some works (done under other schemes) are geo-tagged, auditors can do a sample check by visiting the site.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, it<strong> ensures accountability</strong> in the utilisation of funds at the ground level.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the offline system, <strong>timely availability of records</strong> is a major issue. However, in the online system, the auditors will be able to see online all documents related to work approval and payments. They can even ask for additional documents such as photographs as a proof of work done.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Moreover, an online audit <strong>can be monitored at all levels: district-state-centre.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenge:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than 15% of Panchayats in several states have not completed their books of accounts for the year 2019-20. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Completing and closing the accounts is a prerequisite for the online audit.</li>
<li>While 100% of Panchayats in Maharashtra and Haryana have closed their 2019-20 accounts, no Panchayat has done this in Arunachal Pradesh and Bihar. States like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are also low performers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Panchayat Enterprise Suite</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has undertaken e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (e-Panchayat MMP) with a view to <strong>introduce and strengthen e-Governance in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)</a></strong> across the country and build associated capacities of the PRIs for effective adoption of the e-Governance initiative.</li>
<li>Under e-Panchayat, a suite of <strong>11 Core Common Applications</strong> has been deployed that address nearly the entire spectrum of Panchayats' functioning viz. from internal core functions such as Planning, Monitoring, Budgeting, Accounting, Social Audit etc. to citizen service delivery operations like issue of certificates, licenses etc.</li>
<li>Together these 11 software Applications<strong> constitute the Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES).</strong> A list of these 11 Applications is tabulated below:</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #1e093b; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>S.No.</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #1e093b; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>PES Application Name</strong></span></td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; background-color: #1e093b; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Description</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">1</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Local Government Directory - LGD</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Captures all details of local governments and assigns unique code. Also maps Panchayats with Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 15px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">2</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 15px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Area Profiler</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 15px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Captures geographic, demographic, infrastructural, socio-economic and natural resources profile of a village/panchayat. Universal database for planning of all sectoral programmes and also provides details of Elected Representatives, etc.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">3</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">PlanPlus</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Helps Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies and line departments in preparing Perspective, Annual and Action Plans.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">4</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/e-gram-swaraj-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PRIASoft</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Captures receipt &amp; expenditure details through voucher entries and automatically generates cash book, registers, etc.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">5</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">ActionSoft</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Facilitates monitoring of physical &amp; financial outcomes/outputs under various programmes.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">6</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">National Asset Directory (NAD)</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Captures details of assets created/maintained; helps avoid duplication of works.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">7</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">ServicePlus</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">A dynamic metadata-based service delivery portal to help in providing electronic delivery of all services in all States. The functionality of the erstwhile Grievance Redressal Application has also been subsumed into this Application.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 47px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 47px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">8</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 47px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Gram Manchitra (GIS Application)</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 47px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Gram Manchitra is a geo-spatial planning application for Gram Panchayat users to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across different sectors and provide a decision support system for Gram Panchayat Development Plan.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 22px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">9</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 22px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Training Management</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 22px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Portal to address training needs of stakeholders including citizens, their feedback, training materials etc.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 21px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">10</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 21px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">National Panchayat Portal (NPP)</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 21px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">Dynamic Web site for each Panchayat to share information in the public domain.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 7.13522%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">11</td>
<td style="width: 28.2214%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">AuditOnline</td>
<td style="width: 64.6432%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f0f5ff;">AuditOnline aims to facilitate audit of Government Institutions online.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>If the Panchayats are to perform efficiently and effectively all the mandated tasks, which are increasing day by day, extensive use of <strong>Information and Communication Technology (ICT)</strong> is needed. The launch of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-panchayati-raj-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-GramSwaraj and Swamitva Programme</strong></a> underlines the same.</li>
<li>Moreover, there is a strong need to build a <strong>"digital inclusive society"</strong> where large sections of the rural population are able to benefit from new technologies; can access and share information and services freely and can participate in the development process more effectively.</li>
<li>The same will be in line with the vision of the <strong>National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) 2.0.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/first-time-panchayat-funds-to-be-audited-online-6522285/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/auditonline-application-for-local-bodies'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Refusal of Rajasthan Speaker’s Plea by Supreme Court',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> (SC) has <strong>refused Rajasthan Assembly <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/speaker-and-anti-defection-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speaker&rsquo;s</a></strong> plea to stop the <strong>State&rsquo;s High Court</strong> from deciding the<strong> validity</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/politics-of-defection" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>anti-defection</strong></a> notices.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier, the Speaker had issued notice to the 19 dissident Congress MLAs of the ruling Party on the ground of plotting conspiracy to bring down the government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenge-to-anti-defection-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>19 rebel MLAs of Rajasthan's ruling party (Congress) have filed a petition</strong></a> before the High Court challenging the disqualification notices issued to them by the Assembly Speaker under Anti Defection Law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High Court&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The High Court directed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disqualification-powers-of-speakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>speaker</strong></a> to defer action on the disqualification notices by stating that he cannot decide the matter.</li>
<li>It also directed him to extend the time to file replies to disqualification notices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Speaker&rsquo;s Argument:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unconstitutional:</strong> Seeking a stay on the High Court&rsquo;s direction, the speaker stated that <strong>it is unconstitutional and in derogation of the powers of the Speaker</strong> under the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>Non Intervention of HC:</strong> Giving the reference to the <em><strong>Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachillu and Others, 1992</strong></em> he argued that his decision is totally in the domain of the Speaker to decide on disqualification of members, and <strong>no court can intervene</strong> in between.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>He also stated that HC has no jurisdiction to ask him to defer the proceedings.</li>
<li>The proceedings under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/disqualification-of-karnataka-mlas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Tenth Schedule</strong></a> before the Speaker are proceedings of the Legislature and as such cannot be interfered with, <strong>as envisaged under Article 212</strong> which has been read with para 6(2) of the Tenth Schedule.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Show Cause Notice:</strong> He said he had only issued <strong>show cause notices to the MLAs</strong> on a complaint filed by the Congress chief.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Show cause notice means an order that requires a party to explain why a certain course of action should not be taken against it. If the party cannot convince or fails to appear, that course of action is taken.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The notice was an opportunity for the MLAs to explain their conduct.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Supreme Court's Argument:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Voice of Dissent:</strong> SC has questioned about shutting down a legislator&rsquo;s<strong> &ldquo;voice of dissent&rdquo;</strong> with the threat of disqualification in a<strong> democracy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It asked whether expressing dissent amounts to voluntarily giving up the party membership under <strong>Paragraph 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution</strong> and inviting anti-defection proceedings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Speaker as a Tribunal:</strong> It further stated that the Speaker is like a tribunal and he must not have acted with political intentions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Disqualification under the Tenth Schedule</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Anti-Defection Law</strong> was passed in <strong>1985 through the 52<sup>nd</sup> amendment</strong> to the Constitution. It added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. The main intent of the law was to combat &ldquo;the evil of political defections&rdquo;.</li>
<li>According to it, a <strong>member of a House belonging to any political party</strong> becomes disqualified for being a member of the House, if:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He <strong>voluntarily gives up</strong> his membership of such political party; or</li>
<li>He <strong>votes or abstains from voting</strong> in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party within 15 days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Exceptions to the Disqualification on the Ground of Defection</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>If a <strong>member goes out of his party as a result of a merger</strong> of the party with another party. A merger takes place when two-thirds of the members of the party have agreed to such a merger.</li>
<li>If a member, after <strong>being elected</strong> as the presiding officer of the House,<strong> voluntarily gives up the membership</strong> of his party or rejoins it after he ceases to hold that office. This exemption has been provided in view of the dignity and impartiality of the office.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Powers of Speaker with regard to Anti-Defection Law</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Any question <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/disqualification-powers-of-speakers-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>regarding disqualification</strong></a> arising out of defection is to be decided by the presiding officer of the House.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajasthan-political-crisis-supreme-court-refuses-rajasthan-speakers-plea-against-high-court-order/article32171704.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/refusal-of-rajasthan-speaker-s-plea-by-supreme-court'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'India-South Korea Relations',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/deepening-india-s-korea-ties/article32175582.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Deepening India-South Korea ties&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 24/07/2020. It talks about the need for developing people to people between India and South Korea.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/prime-ministers-visit-to-south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-South Korea relations</strong></a> have made rapid strides in recent years. With the convergence of India&rsquo;s <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East Policy (AEP)</strong></a> and South Korea&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/korean-president-on-a-state-visit-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Southern Policy (NSP)</strong></a>, there has been an acceleration of economic and strategic relations between the two countries.</p>
<p>Bilateral ties, especially in the last decade, have grown robust and multi-dimensional, encompassing a wide range of interests, including nuclear disarmament, maritime security, regional economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and energy cooperation.</p>
<p>Despite the many positive stories and the massive turn-around in ties, there remains immense potential in India-South Korea relations, particularly in the realms of cultural and institutional exchanges.</p>
<h3>India-South Korea Ties: Historical Overview</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Engagement During Korean War:</strong> India played a crucial and decisive role in Korean affairs soon after the latter&rsquo;s independence in 1945.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s first foreign secretary, K P S Menon, served as Chairman of the nine-member United Nations (UN) Commission that was set up in 1947 to oversee elections in Korea.</li>
<li>During the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/70-years-of-korean-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Korean War (1950-53)</strong></a>, the warring sides accepted a UN resolution sponsored by India calling for a ceasefire; one was declared on 27 July 1953.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Start of Bilateral Relations:</strong> The relationship started only in 1962 that the two countries established consular relations. It was upgraded to Ambassador-level in 1973.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This development caused a little impact on trade and commercial relations, let alone political and people-to-people ties.</li>
<li>Even then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao&rsquo;s much talked about <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Look East Policy (LEP)</strong></a> in the 1990s failed to make any visible positive change in India-South Korea relations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Start of Strategic Convergence:</strong> An important visit by the then Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam at a critical juncture to Seoul in February 2006 opened the door for a more vibrant phase in India-South Korea relations.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It resulted in the launching of a Joint Task Force to conclude a bilateral <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)</strong></a>, which was operationalised on 1 January 2010.</li>
<li>Also, it led to the strategic partnership between the two countries, which was later upgraded to &lsquo;special strategic partnership&rsquo; in 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Opportunities</h3>
<p>In any international relationship, mutual respect regarding cultural values is the key to building a robust partnership between the two countries. In this context, India and South Korea can explore cooperation in the following areas.</p>
<p><strong>Shared Values of Democracy</strong></p>
<p>One of the most unexplored areas of cooperation to strengthen the relationship between India and South Korea is democracy. A fundamental shortcoming of democracy in Asia is the lack of government-to-government cooperation on promoting democratic values.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Further, in Asia, India and South Korea, as democracies, share common values and have been seen above convergent interests in the region.</li>
<li>As middle-power democracies in Asia where there are growing and the collective threat from authoritarian China, democracy building and cooperation can be a critical platform.</li>
<li>The region, which is already experiencing the evolution of a democratic bloc in the name of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific quadrilateral</strong></a> involving India, Japan, Australia, and the US, needs the support of other middle powers such as South Korea and Indonesia.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a need for serious thinking and deliberation among the various stakeholders representing South Korea and India.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Swacch Bharat and the New Village Movement</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</a>,</strong> launched in 2014, aims to stop open defecation and draw basic attention to sanitation and public health for overall development.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although the initiative has emerged as a national awareness movement, it continues to struggle with a lack of resources.</li>
<li>It is in this regard that the country can learn from the experience of South Korea, especially its <strong>Saemaul Undong or New Village Movement.</strong></li>
<li>The New Village Movement (launched in 1970) encourages self-help and voluntarism for households and schools to clean up their neighbourhoods.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The movement has had a significant impact on improving several sectors of the economy, apart from rural health and livelihoods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Bollywood, K-pop and Korean Cuisine</strong></p>
<p>For years, many aspects of Korean culture have emerged as a critical point of consumption among several states in India&rsquo;s northeast. Besides, there has also been a growing fondness of Indian Bollywood films in South Korea.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Films, music, cuisines among other cultural affinities have a huge potential to drive and deepen people-to-people relations and can act as a bridge between India and South Korea.</li>
<li>It needs more institutionalised attention.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Other Areas of Cooperation</strong></p>
<p>India and South Korea can cooperate on fighting global issues/challenges: climate change, freedom of navigation, internet governance, and outer space.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Apart from it, the two countries can develop synergies on <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable development goals (SDGs)</strong></a>, trade agreements, and connectivity norms.</li>
<li>Also, there is a need for more openness between the think tanks/NGOs/networks of scholars/activists of the two countries.</li>
<li>Promoting institutions like the <strong>Indian Culture Centre (ICC)</strong> will also be a step in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>There is massive scope to expand ties between India and South Korea and make it a unique relationship in Asia. What is needed is political will and new imagination in diverse areas such as cultural relations, building on people-to-people contacts, harnessing democracy and liberal values, and cementing civilisational connections.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595594447_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595594447_image8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fcfced;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>With no unpleasant historical memories between them nor geopolitical rivalries, there exists a limitless potential in India-South Korea ties. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4eMQqYyuPQQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/another-front/article32165636.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Another Front&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on July 23<sup>rd</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube Channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-south-korea-relations'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Chandra Shekhar Azad',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On 23<sup>rd</sup> July, India paid tribute to the freedom fighter <strong>Chandra Shekhar Azad</strong> on his <strong>birth anniversary.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595585727_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595585727_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Birth:</strong> Azad was born on <strong>23<sup>rd</sup> July 1906</strong> in the <strong>Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Early Life:</strong> Chandra Shekhar, then a 15-year-old student, joined a <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-208" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Cooperation Movement</strong></a> in December 1921. As a result, he was arrested.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On being presented before a magistrate, he gave his name as<strong> "Azad" (The Free),</strong> his father's name as "Swatantrata" (Independence) and his residence as "Jail".</li>
<li>Therefore, he came to be known as <strong>Chandra Shekhar Azad.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution to Freedom Movement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Hindustan Republican Association:</strong> After the suspension of the non-cooperation movement in 1922 by Gandhi, Azad joined Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>HRA was a revolutionary organization of India established in 1924 in East Bengal by <strong>Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Narendra Mohan Sen and Pratul Ganguly</strong> as an offshoot of <strong>Anushilan Samiti.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> Bhagat Singh, <strong>Chandra Shekhar Azad,</strong> Sukhdev, Ram Prasad Bismil, Roshan Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kakori Conspiracy:</strong> Most of the fund collection for revolutionary activities was done through <strong>robberies of government property.</strong> In line with the same, Kakori Train Robbery near Kakori, Lucknow was done in <strong>1925 by HRA.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>plan was executed</strong> by Chandra Shekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Manmathnath Gupta.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hindustan Socialist Republican Association:</strong> HRA was later reorganised as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was established in <strong>1928</strong> at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi by Chandra Shekhar Azad, Ashfaqulla Khan, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/martyrs-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bhagat Singh</strong></a>, Sukhdev Thapar and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee.</li>
<li>HSRA planned the<strong> shooting of J. P. Saunders,</strong> a British Policeman at Lahore in 1928 <strong>to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Death:</strong> He died at <strong>Azad Park in Allahabad</strong> on 27<sup>th</sup> February 1931.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1640655" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chandra-shekhar-azad'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Bal Gangadhar Tilak',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On 23<sup>rd</sup> July, India paid tribute to the freedom fighter and educationist <strong>Bal Gangadhar Tilak</strong> on his <strong>birth anniversary.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595585397_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595585397_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Birth:</strong> He was born on <strong>23<sup>rd</sup> July 1856</strong> in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Freedom fighter and lawyer, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, is also known as <strong>Lokmanya Tilak.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Educationist:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Founder of the <strong>Deccan Education Society (1884)</strong> along with his associate Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and others.</li>
<li>One of the founders of the <strong>Fergusson College (1885)</strong> in Pune through the Deccan Education Society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ideology:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He was a devout Hindu and used Hindu scriptures to rouse people to fight oppression.</li>
<li>Stressed on the <strong>need for self-rule</strong> and believed that without self-rule or swarajya, no progress was possible.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Slogan:</strong> &ldquo;Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!&rdquo;</li>
<li>A book<strong> &lsquo;Indian Unrest&rsquo;</strong> written by <strong>Valentine Chirol,</strong> an English journalist, stated <strong>Tilak the &lsquo;father of Indian unrest&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Emphasised the importance of a cultural and religious revival to go with the political movements. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Popularised the<strong> Ganesh Chaturthi festival</strong> in the Maharashtra region.</li>
<li>Propounded the <strong>celebration of Shiv Jayanti</strong> on the birth anniversary of the monarch Chhatrapati Shivaji.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Life:</strong> He was one of the earliest and the most vocal proponents of complete independence or swarajya (self-rule). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Along with <strong>Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal,</strong> he was part of the <strong>Lal-Bal-Pal trio</strong> of leaders with extremist outlooks.</li>
<li>Joined the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/important-indian-national-congress-sessions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Congress</strong></a> (INC) in 1890.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Surat Split:</strong> It was the splitting of the INC into two groups - the Extremists and the Moderates - at the Surat session in 1907.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> The extremists wanted either<strong> Tilak or <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lajpat Rai</a> to be president,</strong> so when <strong>Rasbehari Ghose was announced as president,</strong> the extremist resorted to violence. Hence Surat Split happened.</li>
<li>While <strong>extremists</strong> wanted to end the tyranny rule of British through protest, <strong>Moderates</strong> were aimed at administrative and constitutional reforms.</li>
<li>The <strong>Extremist camp was led by Lal Bal and Pal</strong> and the <strong>moderate</strong> camp was led by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gopal-krishna-gokhale" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gopal Krishna Gokhle.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution to Freedom Movement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Propagated <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-82#:~:text=The%20Swadeshi%20movement%20led%20the,of%20the%20police%20and%20imprisonment.&amp;text=It%20forced%20British%20dispensation%20to,Morley%2DMinto%20reforms%20in%201909." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>swadeshi movements</strong></a> and encouraged people to boycott foreign goods.</li>
<li><strong>Indian Home Rule Movement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was a movement in British India on the lines of Irish Home Rule movement.</li>
<li>Started in 1916, it is believed to have set the stage for the independence movement under the <strong>leadership of Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak</strong> for the educated English speaking upper class Indians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>All India Home Rule League:</strong> Founded by Tilak in April 1916 at Belgaum.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It worked in <strong>Maharashtra (except Bombay), the Central Provinces, Karnataka and Berar.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lucknow Pact (1916):</strong> Between the INC headed by Tilak and All-India Muslim League led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah for hindu-muslim unity in nationalist struggle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Jail:</strong> Between 1908 and 1914, he spent 6 years in Mandalay Prison for defending the actions of revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki had tried to<strong> assassinate the District Judge, Mr. Kingsford</strong> by <strong>throwing bombs</strong> at the carriage in which he was supposed to travel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Newspapers:</strong> Weeklies Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English)</li>
<li><strong>Books:</strong> Gita Rhasya and Arctic Home of the Vedas.</li>
<li><strong>Death:</strong> He died on 1<sup>st</sup> August 1920.</li>
</ul>',
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	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Restrictions on Public Procurement',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of India <strong>imposed restrictions on public procurement from bidders of countries that share a land border with India,</strong> citing grounds of defence and national security.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This was done by amending the<strong> General Financial Rules 2017.</strong></li>
<li>Earlier the Central government has made it mandatory for sellers on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/country-of-origin-made-mandatory-on-gem" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Government e-Marketplace (GeM)</strong></a> portal to clarify the country of origin of goods when registering new products.</li>
<li>The government also amended <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule#:~:text=pursuing%20many%20goals.-,Foreign%20Direct%20Investment,securities%20from%20a%20foreign%20country." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></a> rules mandating prior approval for investment by entities in countries that share land borders with India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reason:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to experts, this decision has been taken to<strong> prevent the influx of Chinese products and investments</strong> into India, following the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>clashes between Indian and Chinese troops</strong></a> in Galwan Valley.</li>
<li>To push for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong></a> (self-reliant India).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bidders from these countries will be eligible only if they are <strong>registered with the Registration Committee (Competent Authority)</strong> constituted by the <strong>Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For national security reasons, the Registration Committee shall not be required to give reasons for rejection/cancellation of registration of a bidder.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Bidders will also be required to take<strong> mandatory political and security clearance from the ministries of External Affairs and Home respectively.</strong></li>
<li>The order will be applicable for public sector banks and financial institutions, Autonomous Bodies, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and Public Private Partnership projects receiving financial support from the Government or its undertakings.</li>
<li>The <strong>order will not apply to procurement by the private sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Order Mandatory for State Governments:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Central government has invoked the provisions of <strong>Article 257(1) of the Constitution,</strong> directing the state governments to implement this order for all public procurement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For State government procurement, the Competent Authority will be constituted by the states but political and security clearance from Central government ministries will remain necessary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relaxations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Relaxation will be provided for procurement of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> medical supplies till 31st December 2020.</li>
<li>The order for prior registration <strong>will not apply for countries</strong> to which India extends <strong>lines of credit</strong> or <strong>provides development assistance,</strong> even if they share a land border with India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India shares its border with China, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Myanmar.</li>
<li>As per official data, out of these, the government has extended lines of credit to <strong>Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar.</strong></li>
<li>India also provides various developmental assistance to <strong>Bhutan and Afghanistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Article 257(1)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It states that the<strong> executive power of every State</strong> shall be so exercised as <strong>not to impede or prejudice</strong> the exercise of the executive power of the Union.</li>
<li>It also authorises the Union to give such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.</li>
<li>In case <strong>if the state failed to comply</strong> with (or to give effect to) any directions given by the Centre under Article 257(1), it will be lawful for the President to impose <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/president-s-rule-in-maharashtra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>President&rsquo;s rule</strong> </a>under Article 356.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1640778" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Rajya Sabha Members Facing Criminal Charges',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to an analysis by the <strong>Association for Democratic Reforms</strong> (ADR), about 24% of the sitting<strong> Rajya Sabha members</strong> have declared <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/decriminalising-the-politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>criminal cases</strong></a> against themselves.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Data Analysis:</strong> Analysis of 229 of the 233 Rajya Sabha seats showed that 54 MPs had declared criminal cases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Among the <strong>newly-elected representatives 28 or 12%</strong> had declared serious criminal cases.</li>
<li>It also found out from their self-sworn affidavits that <strong>89%</strong> have declared <strong>assets estimated</strong> at over <strong>Rs. 1 crore.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>17<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha:</strong> According to the finding of Association of Democratic Reforms, about <strong>43% of members elected</strong> to 17<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha are<strong> facing criminal charges</strong> in court of law, while<strong> 84% have self-declared assets</strong> worth<strong> more than Rs. 1 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is the highest number of members of parliament facing serious criminal charges like rape, murder and kidnapping, <strong>since 2004.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ADR is an Indian non-governmental organization established in 1999 situated in New Delhi.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With <strong>National Election Watch (NEW),</strong> ADR is striving to bring<strong> transparency and accountability in Indian politics</strong> and reduce the influence of <strong>money and muscle power</strong> in elections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Criminalisation of Politics</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595588976_Images.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1595589234_Images.jpg" width="500" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Criminalization of politics is the <strong>involvement of the candidates with criminal charges</strong> in politics through the elections and even getting elected to the Parliament and state legislature. It takes place primarily because of the nexus between the criminals and the politicians.</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Political Will: Section 8</strong> of the Ac the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/representation-of-people-s-act-part-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Representation of Peoples (RP) Act</strong></a>, 1951 disqualifies a <strong>person convicted</strong> with a sentence of two years or more from contesting elections. But those <strong>under trial continued to be eligible</strong> to contest elections.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Therefore, in order to curb <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/criminalisation-of-politics-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>criminalisation of politics</strong></a>, Parliament needs to bring an amendment in the Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Muscle and Money Power:</strong> Candidates with <strong>serious criminal records</strong> seem to do well despite their <strong>bad public image,</strong> largely due to their ability to finance their own elections and further fund their respective parties for different election activities.</li>
<li><strong>Vote Bank:</strong> Criminals are being wooed by political parties and given cabinet posts because their muscle and money fetches crucial votes.</li>
<li><strong>Narrow Self-interests of Voters:</strong> Some voters tend to view such candidates through a narrow prism of being able to represent their community interests by hook or by crook.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Choices:</strong> Sometimes voters are left with no options, as all competing candidates have criminal records.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Consequences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ineffective Democracy:</strong> It affects the efficacy of the democratic process in delivering good governance as law breakers become law makers.</li>
<li><strong>Culture of Violence:</strong> It introduces a culture of violence in society and sets a bad precedent for the youth to follow.</li>
<li><strong>Black Money:</strong> It also leads to increased circulation of black money during and after elections, diluting probity in public life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 149px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 100%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; background-color: #211161;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Measures Taken by the Supreme Court</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; background-color: #a3a1cf;"><strong>Case/Year</strong></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; vertical-align: top; text-align: center; background-color: #a3a1cf;"><b>Judgment/Measures</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>Union of India (UOI) vs. Association for Democratic Reforms, 2002</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;">The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> held that every candidate, contesting an election to the Parliament, State Legislatures or Municipal Corporation, has to declare their criminal records, financial records and educational qualifications.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>Ramesh Dalal vs. Union of India, 2005</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;">A sitting <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/code-of-conduct-for-lok-sabha-mps" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Member of Parliament (MP)</strong></a> or <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/annulment-of-election-of-mla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Member of State Legislature (MLA)</strong></a> shall also be subject to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/speaker-and-anti-defection-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>disqualification</strong></a> from contesting elections if he is <strong>convicted and sentenced to not less than 2 years of imprisonment by a court of law.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>Lily Thomas vs. Union of India, 2013</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><strong>Section 8(4) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951</strong> was declared unconstitutional which allowed MPs and MLAs who were convicted to continue in office till an appeal against such conviction was disposed of.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>People's Union for Civil Liberties vs. Union of India, 2013</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; height: 19px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; background-color: #f2f4fc;">The Supreme Court asked Election Commission to provide <strong>'none of the above'</strong> choice to voters to exercise their right to express <strong>no confidence in all candidates.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 35px;">
<td style="width: 29.3413%; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; height: 35px; background-color: #f2f4fc;"><em><strong>2017</strong></em></td>
<td style="width: 70.6587%; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; height: 35px; background-color: #f2f4fc;">The Supreme Court had directed the Centre to set up <strong>special fast-track courts</strong> to exclusively try lawmakers and politicians facing criminal cases.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Election Commission's Recommendations:</strong> In 1997, Election Commission directed all the <strong>Returning Officers (ROs) to reject</strong> the nomination papers of any candidate who <strong>stands convicted</strong> on the day of filing the nomination papers even if his sentence is suspended.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It recommended that<strong> if a person is found guilty</strong> by a commission of Inquiry then he shall be disqualified from contesting elections.</li>
<li>The <strong>First Past The Post (FPTP) electoral system</strong> shall be replaced by the <strong>2-ballot system</strong> under which a candidate is declared elected from a territorial constituency on the basis of majority principle. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>If no one wins 50 percent of the vote, all candidates except the top two are excluded and voters are asked to vote a second time. In the second round, the candidate who wins the most votes is elected.</li>
<li>The 2-ballot system will make winning elections very difficult for criminals as they will have to garner the widest possible support from the voters to get the majority votes.</li>
<li>Along with the 2-ballot system, the <strong>negative vote</strong> shall also be introduced.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Measures:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Right to recall:</strong> It confers the <strong>power on the registered voters</strong> in a constituency to recall their elected representatives from the house <strong>on the ground of non-performance.</strong> It could empower the people at grassroot level. The elected representative could be made truly accountable to the people.</li>
<li><strong>State Funding of Elections:</strong> It means the government would extend <strong>financial assistance to the political parties</strong> to contest elections in part or in full, in kind or in cash.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Various <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-electoral-politics-need-for-reform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>committees</strong></a> (Dinesh Goswami, Inderjeet Committee) on the electoral reforms have recommended for state funding of elections.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-regulating-anonymous-donations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State funding of elections</strong></a> will curb use of black money to a large extent and thereby will have a significant impact on limiting criminalization of politics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need for fixing the <strong>governance system and effective regulation of political financing</strong> along with bold <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-electoral-politics-need-for-reform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reforms</strong></a> to break the vicious cycle of criminals and politics. It is crucial to plug the loopholes in the current laws to make the entire governance machinery more accountable and transparent.</li>
<li><strong>Citizens</strong> must vote in <strong>elections based on character, conduct and capability</strong> of the candidates and not based on cash, caste, community and criminal prowess. This could be the ultimate solution to check money power in politics.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/24-of-sitting-rs-members-have-declared-criminal-cases-adr/article32159963.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__category_id' => 'integer',
		'articles.category_id' => 'integer',
		'category_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__title' => 'string',
		'articles.title' => 'string',
		'title' => 'string',
		'articles__description' => 'text',
		'articles.description' => 'text',
		'description' => 'text',
		'articles__shortdescription' => 'string',
		'articles.shortdescription' => 'string',
		'shortdescription' => 'string',
		'articles__featuredimage' => 'string',
		'articles.featuredimage' => 'string',
		'featuredimage' => 'string',
		'articles__tag_id' => 'integer',
		'articles.tag_id' => 'integer',
		'tag_id' => 'integer',
		'articles__secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'articles.secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'secondary_tag' => 'text',
		'articles__type' => 'integer',
		'articles.type' => 'integer',
		'type' => 'integer',
		'articles__publishon' => 'datetime',
		'articles.publishon' => 'datetime',
		'publishon' => 'datetime',
		'articles__posturl' => 'string',
		'articles.posturl' => 'string',
		'posturl' => 'string',
		'articles__metatitle' => 'string',
		'articles.metatitle' => 'string',
		'metatitle' => 'string',
		'articles__metadescription' => 'string',
		'articles.metadescription' => 'string',
		'metadescription' => 'string',
		'articles__metakeyword' => 'text',
		'articles.metakeyword' => 'text',
		'metakeyword' => 'text',
		'articles__status' => 'integer',
		'articles.status' => 'integer',
		'status' => 'integer',
		'articles__sort_order' => 'integer',
		'articles.sort_order' => 'integer',
		'sort_order' => 'integer',
		'articles__addedby' => 'integer',
		'articles.addedby' => 'integer',
		'addedby' => 'integer',
		'articles__updatedby' => 'integer',
		'articles.updatedby' => 'integer',
		'updatedby' => 'integer',
		'articles__added' => 'timestamp',
		'articles.added' => 'timestamp',
		'added' => 'timestamp',
		'articles__modified' => 'timestamp',
		'articles.modified' => 'timestamp',
		'modified' => 'timestamp',
		'articles__whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'articles.whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'whatsnewid' => 'integer',
		'articles__display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'display_printpdf' => 'integer',
		'articles__display_comments' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_comments' => 'integer',
		'display_comments' => 'integer',
		'articles__pdf_name' => 'string',
		'articles.pdf_name' => 'string',
		'pdf_name' => 'string',
		'articles__display_archive' => 'integer',
		'articles.display_archive' => 'integer',
		'display_archive' => 'integer'
	],
	'decorators' => (int) 0,
	'executed' => false,
	'hydrate' => true,
	'buffered' => true,
	'formatters' => (int) 0,
	'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
	'contain' => [],
	'matching' => [],
	'extraOptions' => [],
	'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}

}
$page = (int) 53
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 274
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp, line 100
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/articlebox.ctp, line 5
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Search/index.ctp, line 85
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 765
Cake\Controller\Controller::render() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 623
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 125
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 93

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