AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (8^th July 2024)

New private investment plans slumped to 20-year low in Q1

GS 3: Economy- Investment

Why is it in the news?

• New investment plans in India dropped to a 20-year low in the April-June quarter of 2024, with only ₹44,300 crore announced by corporates.
• This is a stark contrast to the nearly ₹7.9 lakh crore in Q1 of 2023-24 and ₹12.35 lakh crore in the January-March 2024 quarter. Last year, investment announcements totalled ₹27.1 lakh crore, the second highest in a decade.

More about the news

• Part of the low investment in Q1 2024-25 may be due to a wait-and-watch approach amid the Lok Sabha elections. However, the investment levels are significantly lower than those during the 2014 and 2019 elections. In Q1 of 2014-15 and 2019-20, new investments were ₹2.9 lakh crore and ₹2.1 lakh crore, respectively.
• Experts suggests that the sluggish investment plans might be due to the industry’s cautious stance, expecting investments to pick up in later quarters. Although Q1 generally sees lower investment announcements, this year’s drop is notably steep, unlike previous election years. Additionally, high investment announcements from the past two years may still be playing out.
• According to the Bank of Baroda Report, the investment might rise in the second quarter, particularly after the budget announcement at the end of July. A good monsoon and steady festival season demand could spur faster investment growth from August to December.
• Manufacturing dominated the ₹44,300 crore investments announced in Q1 2024-25, accounting for 46.4%, followed by electricity and services. A significant fall in investment announcements, particularly in the transport services sector (61%), was observed due to the airline industry’s aircraft purchase plans from last year. The electricity sector also saw a decline, primarily in the renewable space.

SC: Bail cannot be withheld as a form of punishment

GS 2: Polity and Governance- SC on Bail

Why is it in the news?

• The Supreme Court ruled that bail cannot be withheld as a form of punishment, regardless of the crime’s severity.
• The Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that an accused’s right to bail should not be denied due to the inability of the state, prosecution agencies, or courts to ensure a speedy trial.

More about the news

• The court reminded that refusing bail unjustly punishes the accused, who remains innocent until proven guilty. Article 21 of the Constitution, guaranteeing the right to a speedy trial, applies regardless of the crime’s nature. If the state or prosecuting agencies cannot uphold this right, they should not oppose bail on the grounds of the crime’s seriousness.
• The ruling came in response to Javed Gulam Nabi Shaikh’s appeal against a Bombay High Court decision denying him bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The Supreme Court rejected the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) request to adjourn the case and granted bail.

Additional Information:

Background of the case:

• Javed Gulam Nabi Shaikh was arrested by Mumbai police for possessing counterfeit Rs. 2000 notes. He faced charges under Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) sections 489B, 489C, 120B, and 34.
• The National Investigating Agency later took over the case. Shaikh appealed to the Bombay High Court for bail under the UAPA, which was denied, leading to the current legal challenge.

What is Bail?

• Bail refers to the temporary release of a person under arrest, pending trial or investigation, where the specific terms and conditions are set by the court.
• The term Bail has not been defined under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC).
• Only the terms ‘Bailable Offence’ and ‘Non-Bailable Offence’ has been defined under Section 2(a) of the Code.

Types of Bail:

• Regular Bail: Granted by the court after the accused deposits the bail amount, facilitating release from police custody. Sections 437 and 439 of the CrPC govern this process.
• Interim Bail: A temporary release ordered by the court while the accused’s regular or anticipatory bail application is still pending.
• Anticipatory Bail: A precautionary measure allowing a person fearing arrest for a non-bailable offence to seek protection from arrest, typically applied for in High Court or Court of Session under Section 438 of the CrPC.

Landmark cases:

• Gurbaksh Singh Sibbia v. State of Punjab (1980): Established principles of anticipatory bail, focusing on ensuring the accused’s presence at trial.
• Hussainara Khatoon v. Home Secy. State of Bihar (1980): Declared the right to speedy trial as inherent in Article 21 of the Constitution for criminal offenders.
• Abdul Rehman Antulay v. R.S. Nayak (1992): Emphasized the state’s duty to proceed with trials promptly and the potential for delay to favor granting bail.
• Satender Kumar Antil v. Central Bureau of Investigation (2022): Affirmed the application of Section 436A of the CrPC to Special Acts and stressed the presumption of innocence and accountability in arrests pending trial.

How jumping genes and RNA bridges promise to shake up biomedicine

GS 3: Science and Technology- Genome

Context

• In 1948, Barbara McClintock at the Carnegie Institution made a groundbreaking discovery that challenged the prevailing belief that genes are stable and orderly arranged on chromosomes. While studying maize, she found that some genes, which she called mobile elements or transposons, could move around within the genome.
• This movement could reversibly alter gene expression depending on where the transposons were inserted. McClintock used the colour variations in corn kernels to study these genetic changes. Her revolutionary work on transposons earned her the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983.

More about the news

• Between 1948 and 1983, researchers discovered transposons in various life forms, including bacteriophages, bacteria, plants, worms, fruit flies, mosquitos, mice, and humans. Nicknamed ‘jumping genes,’ transposons have greatly enhanced our understanding of genetics. They influence gene effects by turning genes on or off through various epigenetic mechanisms. This ability to rearrange the genome introduces genetic diversity, making transposons important tools of evolution.
• In humans, more than 45% of the genome consists of transposable elements. While they contribute to diversity, they can also cause mutations leading to diseases. Most transposons have inherited mutations and are inactive, preventing them from moving within the genome.
• Researchers have worked to reactivate these inactive transposons for potential biomedical applications, such as genetic correction to cure diseases or gene therapy. In 1997, researchers reconstructed a transposon called ‘sleeping beauty’ from fish genomes. This transposon had become dormant in vertebrates millions of years ago. By reprogramming the synthetic version, they made it functional in human cells. Future synthetic transposons inspired by nature could turn off problematic genes or enhance desirable characteristics by over-expressing other genes. Researchers have already discovered several naturally occurring vertebrate transposons and are searching for more.
• On June 26, a paper published in Nature described a new RNA-guided gene editing system developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Arc Institute. This system builds on a previous discovery: that one of the genes in the IS110 family of bacterial transposons contains instructions for making an RNA molecule with two loops. This RNA can bind to two pieces of DNA, forming a bridge between them, a useful ability for gene editing.
• In their study, the researchers used the bridge RNA to edit DNA. One loop of the RNA identifies the target site in the genome, while the other specifies the DNA to be inserted. Each loop is independently programmable, allowing researchers to mix and match target and donor DNA sequences. In Escherichia coli, the bridge RNA achieved over 60% insertion efficiency and 94% specificity.
• On the same day, researchers from the University of Tokyo published a paper on the structural and molecular mechanisms of genome modification guided by bridge RNA. Using cryo-electron microscopy, they found that the IS110 transposons work as a dimer, with one copy binding to the target DNA and the other to the donor DNA, bridged by the RNA. This method offers several advantages over CRISPR-mediated editing, which can leave small nucleotide additions or deletions during the repair process. In contrast, RNA-mediated recombination creates a clean cut, making the edit specific and tidy. It can also facilitate the addition, deletion, or inversion of DNA sequences of any length.
• This ability is significant for synthetic biology, where entire gene sets may need to be inserted or removed from organisms. The technique could also manage or treat various genetic diseases by replacing a faulty gene with a functional copy in a specific genomic location. It might even address chromosomal inversions or deletions, which are currently beyond the reach of existing editing tools.

Conclusion

• Barbara McClintock, in her Nobel Prize lecture in 1983, predicted ongoing revolutionary phases in genetics that would continue to alter our understanding of cellular components and their functions.
• The discoveries and advancements in transposon research and RNA-guided gene editing systems represent such a phase, promising to transform biomedicine with potential applications in genetic correction, disease treatment, and synthetic biology.

A Law around low-carbon climate resilient development 

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Rights against Climate change

Why is it in the news?

• The Supreme Court of India recognized the right to be “free from the adverse impacts of climate change” in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India, deriving it from the right to life and equality.
• This significant step raises the question of how this right will be protected, necessitating a comprehensive and systemic approach rather than piecemeal judicial interventions.

More about the news

• India must reorient its development towards low-carbon and climate-resilient futures. Climate laws must embed these objectives in decision-making at all levels, addressing more than emissions but also the long-term trade-offs of developmental choices. The right to climate protection should be realized through well-defined legal procedures supported by a robust institutional structure.
• Further, India’s climate legislation must consider its low per capita emissions and high vulnerability to climate impacts. The law should ensure development in a low-carbon direction while building resilience and addressing social equity. It should facilitate thoughtful decision-making for urban planning, transportation, and other developmental aspects.
• A framework climate law should establish a ‘low-carbon development commission’ to guide governments in achieving low-carbon growth and resilience. This body would also involve vulnerable communities in decision-making, ensuring longer-lasting policy outcomes.
• A high-level strategic body or ‘climate cabinet’ should drive climate strategy across government, addressing siloed decision-making. The Ministry of Environment should be complemented by higher-level coordination, with clearly defined legal powers and duties.
• The law must engage with India’s federal structure, providing channels for subnational governments to access national scientific capacity and outlining financing mechanisms for local action. Coordination mechanisms for major climate decisions and state-specific solutions should also be established.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court’s decision opens the door for actionable climate rights, but this requires a tailored climate law.
• This law should steer development towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future while advancing justice.

The ANRF plan has got off on the wrong foot 

GS 2: Polity and Governance- University Research ecosystem

Why is it in the news?

• The ANRF, established through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Bill in 2023, was envisioned as a transformative initiative to catalyze research within India’s educational institutions. However, its initial governance arrangements have sparked criticism.

More about the news

• The recently formed 15-member Governing Board and 16-member Executive Council are notably lacking in representation from the very institutions — state and central universities — that ANRF aims to support and uplift. Instead, these bodies predominantly comprise government officials, international experts, and individuals from prestigious research institutions.
• Critics argue that this composition overlooks the practical knowledge and ground-level insights necessary to address the systemic challenges within India’s university research ecosystem.
• They emphasize the importance of including voices that understand the specific bottlenecks hindering research and innovation at local universities and colleges. This lack of direct representation from academia in the governance structure raises concerns about ANRF’s ability to effectively understand and respond to the needs of the institutions it intends to benefit.
• Another significant critique revolves around the inadequate representation of industry stakeholders on the board and council. Given ANRF’s ambitious goal to raise a substantial portion of its funding from non-government sources, the presence of only one industry representative, who is based outside India, underscores a missed opportunity to engage with domestic industries crucial for fostering innovation partnerships and sustainable funding sources.
• Moreover, India’s historical underinvestment in research and development highlights broader challenges that ANRF must address. Beyond increasing the R&D budget, ANRF needs to overhaul its grant management processes, streamline peer review mechanisms, and ensure swift disbursement of research grants and fellowships. Critics advocate for reducing bureaucratic red tape both in the funding allocation process and within recipient institutions, aiming for a more agile and responsive funding framework.

Conclusion

• To effectively fulfil its mandate, ANRF must urgently reevaluate its governance strategy to incorporate diverse voices from academia, industry, and relevant stakeholders. This inclusive approach would not only enhance the legitimacy of ANRF’s decision-making but also foster innovation and excellence across India’s educational and research landscape.
• Additionally, appointing a CEO with a strong background in both academia and industry would be crucial to navigating complex global innovation ecosystems and securing sustainable funding streams essential for ANRF’s long-term success.

Additional Information:

About Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023:

• The bill will repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which was established by an act of Parliament in 2008, and incorporate it into the National Research Foundation (NRF).
• The NRF, with an expanded mandate, will encompass not only the existing activities of SERB but also additional initiatives.
• The National Research Foundation (NRF), an apex body established to provide high-level strategic direction for scientific research in India as per the National Education Policy (NEP) recommendations, will be set up with a budget of ₹50,000 crore for the period 2023-28.
• Goals:
• Increase private sector contributions to research in India.
• Ensure a larger portion of government funds are allocated to state universities and colleges.
• Administration and Governance:
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will serve as NRF’s administrative department.
• The NRF will be overseen by a Governing Board composed of eminent researchers and professionals from various disciplines.
• The Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board, with the Union Minister of Science & Technology and the Union Minister of Education serving as ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
• An Executive Council, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, will govern the NRF’s functioning.

Significance of the National Research Foundation (NRF):

• Democratization of Science Funding: The NRF will prioritize funding for projects in underserved areas, such as rural and semi-urban regions, which typically receive little support for scientific endeavors.
• Broadening Research Scope: The NRF will support research beyond the natural sciences and engineering, extending to fields like social sciences, arts, and humanities.
• Efficient and Integrated Management: The NRF will provide an efficient and integrated management system for implementing major missions, including the supercomputer mission and the quantum mission.
• Enhancing Collaboration: The NRF will foster collaboration among businesses, academia, government agencies, and research institutions, leveraging private sector financial resources to create a sustainable research ecosystem.
• National Priorities: The NRF aims to identify priority areas where science and technology can contribute to national objectives, such as clean energy, climate change, sustainable infrastructure, improved transportation, and accessible, affordable healthcare.

 Limitations of the National Research Foundation (NRF):

• Limited Government Funding: Of the ₹50,000 crore allocated for 2023-2028, around 70% is expected to come from the private sector. The NRF Act lacks a mechanism to ensure this support.
• Increased Centralization: The Bill does not adhere to cooperative federalism, excluding state government representatives from the decision-making process.
• Exclusion of Key Stakeholders: The Act does not define the roles of economic and social ministry actors in the NRF’s decision-making structures.
• No Role for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs): CPSEs are not involved in decision-making, despite their potential to facilitate the transfer of R&D benefits from academia to strategic manufacturing areas.

Way forward:

• The establishment of the NRF in India has the potential to revolutionize the scientific research landscape by broadening participation, focusing on national priorities, increasing funding, and fostering innovation, thereby significantly enhancing the research ecosystem and addressing critical challenges.

Old traditions, new ties: On the importance of the India-Russia partnership

GS 2: International Relations: India-Russia

Why is it in the news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow has reinforced the deep-rooted and strategic nature of the India-Russia partnership, characterized by their longstanding tradition of annual summits.
• This visit diverged from the typical practice where Indian Prime Ministers prioritize neighbouring countries for their first standalone visits in a new term, underscoring Russia’s pivotal role in India’s foreign policy calculus.

A Perspective

• The 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, notable for being the first Modi-Putin meeting since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, aimed to address various bilateral issues. These include enhancing trade relations, advancing cooperation in energy sectors critical to India’s space ambitions like the Gaganyaan mission, and navigating challenges related to defense supplies.
• Despite India’s efforts towards indigenous defense production through initiatives like “Make in India,” concerns persist over the reliability of Russian defense deliveries and the complexities surrounding payment mechanisms.
• Modi’s presence in Moscow also carried significant geopolitical implications, particularly in the context of global tensions and Western sanctions against Russia.
• While NATO leaders convened in Washington to showcase solidarity and isolate Russia on its 75th anniversary, Modi’s visit to Russia emphasized India’s unique position in global diplomacy as a non-aligned and multipolar actor. This stance is rooted in India’s historical ties with Russia, dating back to the Soviet-era Peace and Friendship treaty of 1971, which continues to shape their bilateral engagements.

Conclusion

• Amidst international efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis, Modi’s visit signalled India’s commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomacy.
• By engaging bilaterally with Russia and participating actively in forums like the SCO, BRICS, and the G-20, India seeks to contribute towards global stability and conflict resolution, maintaining a balanced approach while navigating complex international dynamics.

Additional Information:

Evolution of India-Russia Bilateral Relations:

Historical Genesis:

• Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty of 1971: Amid the Indo-Pak war of 1971, Russia supported India while the US and China supported Pakistan.
• Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership: In October 2000, India and Russia established a strategic partnership, significantly enhancing cooperation across nearly all bilateral areas.
• Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership: In December 2010, during the Russian President’s visit to India, the partnership was elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
• During a recent visit to Russia, the Indian Foreign Minister described India-Russia relations as “very steady, very strong, and mutually beneficial,” based on “strategic convergence” and “geopolitical interests.”

Various Areas of Cooperation in India-Russia Bilateral Relations:

• Political Engagement: India and Russia maintain robust political relations through the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission’s two divisions (1.Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation; 2.Military & Military-Technical Cooperation), enhanced by the 2+2 Dialogue initiated in 2021, and regular interactions at multilateral engagements like the East Asia Summit, BRICS, SCO, and G20.
• Trade: In April-December 2022, India-Russia bilateral trade hit a record $45 billion, with a $35 billion trade deficit favoring Russia, featuring Indian exports like pharmaceuticals and machinery, and Russian imports such as oil, fertilizers, and precious metals etc,. (Russia ranks as India’s seventh largest trading partner).
• Defence: India’s extensive defense cooperation with Russia, governed by the 2021-2031 Agreement on Military Technical Cooperation, includes projects such as the S-400 supply, T-90 tank and Su-30 MKI production, MiG-29 and Kamov helicopter supply, AK-203 rifle production in India, and BrahMos missile development.
• Science & Technology: India and Russia’s longstanding scientific collaboration, dating from Soviet assistance crucial for the Bhilai Steel Plant, IIT Bombay, and India’s space program after independence, continues today with joint efforts in basic sciences, materials science, mathematics, and pioneering initiatives such as India’s Gaganyaan manned space mission, advancements in nanotechnology, quantum computing, and the establishment of India’s only nuclear power plant in collaboration with Russia at Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu.
• Education: Education serves as a significant avenue for the Indian community in Russia, with approximately 25,000 Indian nationals currently residing there, predominantly comprising students studying medicine.
• Cultural: In recent years, Indian cinema has seen a resurgence in Russia, marked by more frequent film screenings. Additionally, yoga enjoys immense popularity, drawing enthusiastic crowds for large gatherings on the International Day of Yoga annually.

Key Challenges in India-Russia Relations:

• Strategic Shifts:
• Closer Ties with China: Russia aims to avoid conflicts on multiple fronts, impacting India’s strategic considerations.
• Increased Sino-Russian Cooperation: Growing military and economic collaboration between Russia and China influences India’s strategic calculus.
• Improved Relations with Pakistan: Driven partly by strengthened US-India ties, complicating India’s regional strategy.
• India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act: India faces the challenge of navigating between its “comprehensive global strategic partnership” with the US and its “special and privileged partnership” with Russia.
• Russia-Ukraine Crisis Response: India faced criticism from the West for refraining from condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and continuing to expand energy and economic ties with Moscow.
• Declining Defence Imports: India’s decreasing defence purchases from Russia reflect its efforts to diversify imports and heightened competition from other suppliers, potentially including Pakistan.

Way forward:

• Enduring Defense Partnership: Russia is expected to remain a crucial defense partner for India in the foreseeable future, with substantial Russian equipment integrated into India’s armed forces.
• Collaborative Export Strategy: India and Russia are exploring opportunities to make India a manufacturing hub for Russian defense equipment, aiming to export products like the Ka-226T helicopters to third countries.
• Diversification of Economic Ties: Beyond defense, both nations are enhancing cooperation in energy, technology, and space sectors, exemplified by projects like the Sakhalin-1 energy collaboration.
• Strategic Balancing: India aims to maintain its ‘special and privileged partnership’ with Russia while managing relations with other global powers, participating actively in forums like BRICS, SCO, and engaging with Quad nations.
• Space Collaboration: Enhanced cooperation is envisioned in space exploration and satellite technology, including joint missions for deep space exploration and satellite-based navigation systems.
• Forging Technological Cooperation: Both countries seek to foster collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy through joint research and development initiatives.
• Energy Security: Opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, including joint ventures in oil and gas exploration, renewable energy projects, and energy infrastructure development, are being explored to address mutual energy security concerns.
• Promoting Cultural Connectivity:
• Yoga and Cultural Diplomacy: Leveraging the popularity of yoga in Russia to enhance cultural diplomacy, promoting cultural events, language education, and exchanges to deepen mutual cultural understanding.
• Public Diplomacy: Engaging in public diplomacy efforts through media, social platforms, and cultural events to foster awareness and understanding of the bilateral relationship among the citizens of both countries, promoting positive narratives.

The Problem of Special Packages 

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Discretionary grants

Why is it in the news?

• The recent resurgence of coalition politics at the national level has reignited debates surrounding State-specific discretionary grants, commonly referred to as ‘special packages’.
• Unlike the constitutionally mandated allocations overseen by bodies such as the Finance Commission, these special packages are granted at the discretion of the central government, often in response to political negotiations rather than objective criteria of need. This divergence from established fiscal federalism principles, which emphasize transparency and equity in resource distribution, poses significant challenges.

An Analysis

• Special packages, granted under Article 282 of the Constitution as ‘Miscellaneous Financial Provisions’, have become increasingly prevalent. They are typically negotiated between the central government and regional parties holding sway in the Parliament, where their support is crucial for maintaining a majority.
• Such discretionary allocations bypass the structured framework provided by the Finance Commission, which is constitutionally mandated to recommend the division of taxes between the Union and the States, and to allocate grants based on objective criteria of fiscal need.
• The concern with these special packages lies in their potential to undermine the principles of fiscal federalism. By allowing political exigencies to dictate resource allocation rather than objective assessments of state needs, there is a risk of diverting national resources away from states with genuine developmental requirements. This could lead to disparities and inequities in the distribution of funds, contrary to the constitutional intent of ensuring balanced development across all states.
• Historically, the Constitution has provisions (like Articles 280 and 275) to ensure that financial transfers between the Union and the States are fair and equitable. The Finance Commission, constituted periodically, plays a crucial role in this process by recommending the distribution of taxes and grants based on comprehensive assessments of states’ fiscal capacities and developmental needs. However, the rising prominence of discretionary special packages threatens to overshadow these constitutional provisions, potentially weakening the foundational principles of fiscal federalism.
• Moreover, the current scenario underscores broader questions about the nature of India’s federal structure. While the Constitution is often described as embodying a quasi-federal framework, recent trends in discretionary grant allocations raise concerns about the extent to which federalism is being upheld in practice. This is particularly pertinent in a diverse country like India, where states vary widely in terms of linguistic, cultural, and economic characteristics, necessitating a balanced and transparent approach to fiscal distribution.

Conclusion

• While states may have legitimate needs that merit financial support, the manner in which special packages are allocated must align with constitutional principles and the recommendations of the Finance Commission.
• Failure to adhere to these Principles risks eroding the integrity of fiscal federalism, potentially leading to uneven development and discontent among states.
• As India navigates its evolving political landscape, maintaining a robust and equitable fiscal framework will be crucial for upholding the spirit of federalism and promoting balanced development across the nation.

Representation of Women in the Lok Sabha

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Women Representation in Parliament

Context

• Representation of women in the Lok Sabha has significantly increased since the first parliamentary election in 1952 (Table 1).
• Initially, there were 22 women MPs out of 489, constituting 4.5%. In 1957, this rose to 27 out of 494 MPs (5.5%). The 17th Lok Sabha, with 543 MPs, had 78 women (14.4%).
• In the 18th Lok Sabha after the 2024 election, there are 74 women MPs out of 543 (13.6%).

Key Takeaways

• In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there was little change in the proportion of women candidates fielded by political parties compared to 2019.
• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) increased their share slightly to 15.7% from 12.6%, while the Congress maintained the same share of 12.3% by contesting fewer seats. The Trinamool Congress fielded fewer candidates (12 in 2024 vs. 23 in 2019) (Table 2).

• The success rate of BJP women candidates decreased to 44.9% in 2024 from 74.6% in 2019, despite fielding more candidates. Congress saw an increase in success rate to 18.8% from 11.5%, with 13 women elected out of 41 candidates. The Trinamool Congress had a success rate of 91.6%, with 11 out of 12 women candidates winning seats (Table 3).

• In terms of representation, women make up 40.9% of Trinamool MPs in 2019, decreasing slightly to 37.9% in 2024, still higher than other parties. BJP has 12.9% women MPs, similar to 2019’s 13.5%, while Congress has 13.1%, marginally higher than the previous 11.5% (Table 4).

Additional information

• Many commentators suggest that BJP attracted many women voters due to welfare schemes, but the National Election Study 2024 by Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies indicates diverse voting patterns among women.
• In West Bengal, 53% of women voted for Trinamool compared to 33% for BJP, leading to Trinamool’s victory.
• In Karnataka, 52% favoured Congress, while 46% opted for BJP/NDA.
• Bihar saw 50% support for NDA and 37% for INDIA bloc.
• Haryana had 49% for Congress/INDIA versus 42% for BJP/NDA.
• Madhya Pradesh had 60% supporting BJP versus 34% for Congress.
• Delhi favoured BJP with 57% versus 41% for INDIA.
• Rajasthan had 55% for BJP and 39% for Congress.
• Uttar Pradesh and Telangana leaned slightly towards INDIA, while Maharashtra slightly favoured NDA.

Additional representation:

Reasons for Low Representation of Women in Politics:

• Gender Stereotypes: Traditional roles confine women to household management, limiting their involvement in national decision-making.
• Social Conditioning: Deep-rooted gender biases in society influence candidate selection and public perceptions of women leaders.
• Competition and Reservation Concerns: Fear of losing electoral opportunities under reservation systems deters support for women’s political participation.
• Lack of Political Education: Limited access to political education and awareness hinders women from pursuing leadership roles.
• Work-Life Balance Challenges: Unequal family care responsibilities restrict women’s time and energy for political careers.
• Lack of Political Networks: Closed decision-making processes and limited insider connections impede women’s entry into politics.
• Challenges in Political Environment: Hostile political climates, including violence and corruption, create additional barriers for women in politics.

Enhancing representation of women promotes:

• Diversity of Perspectives: Women’s experiences of discrimination and social challenges bring unique insights to legislative decision-making, fostering greater sensitivity to gender-related issues and a broader understanding of societal concerns.
• Equity and Inclusiveness: Ensuring equal opportunities for women in the parliament breaks down barriers and stereotypes,  fostering their participation and leadership in national governance.
• Legitimacy and Public Trust: A parliament that mirrors societal diversity fosters greater trust and confidence among the public, reinforcing perceptions of fairness and inclusivity in legislative processes.
• International Commitments and Best Practices: Increasing women’s representation aligns with global commitments, such as UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide.

On expunction powers in Parliament

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Parliamentary Proceedings

Why is it in the news?

• The relevance of expunction has come into question in the digital age, where live telecasts and the circulation of screenshots and videos on social media can keep expunged content accessible.

Background

• The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha was marked by heated debates, with the Opposition clashing with the government over various issues during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s joint address.
• This session concluded with a significant controversy over the expunction of remarks made by the leaders of the Opposition in both Houses.
• Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar removed substantial parts of Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech, which criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
• Similarly, in the Lok Sabha, parts of Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the PM and the BJP were expunged on the orders of Speaker Om Birla, leading to accusations of applying different standards for different MPs.

When are remarks expunged from parliamentary recordings?

About Parliamentary Privileges: Parliamentary privileges, as outlined in Article 105 of the Indian Constitution, encompass special rights, immunities, and exemptions afforded to members of Parliament and their committees (under Article 194 extended to Members of Legislative Assemblies of states). These privileges, shield parliamentarians from civil liability (though not criminal liability) for statements made or actions taken in the discharge of their duties. Rather than being codified in a single law by Parliament, these privileges derive from constitutional provisions, parliamentary legislation, house rules, established conventions, and interpretations by the judiciary.

• Parliament keeps a verbatim record of all proceedings. Article 105 of the Constitution grants MPs certain privileges and freedom of speech in Parliament, subject to other constitutional provisions and House rules.
• The presiding officers—the Chairman in the Upper House and the Speaker in the Lower House—can order the expunction of words, phrases, and expressions deemed “defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary or undignified.”
• The Lok Sabha Secretariat maintains a comprehensive list of ‘unparliamentary’ words and expressions.
• The rules of parliamentary etiquette in the Rajya Sabha dictate that offensive and unparliamentary expressions must be avoided. If the Chair deems a word or expression unparliamentary, it must be withdrawn immediately without debate.
• Expunged words are omitted from printed debates. The Speaker can also expunge words considered prejudicial to national interest, offensive to foreign dignitaries, or likely to discredit the Army, among other reasons. For instance, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru once objected to a member’s reference to the President of Pakistan during a supplementary question, leading to the expunction of the objectionable words.
• Members must withdraw remarks deemed irrelevant by the Chair, and failure to comply can result in expunction. Quoting from unreferenced documents or speaking after being asked to desist can also lead to expunction, as can continuous interruptions during speeches.

What happens if the remark is against a Minister?

• Rule 353 of the Lok Sabha outlines the procedure for making allegations against colleagues or outsiders. While it doesn’t prohibit allegations, it requires advance notice to the concerned Minister, who must then investigate and present the facts.
• This rule does not apply to allegations against Ministers in the government, as the Council of Ministers is accountable to Parliament, and MPs have the right to question Ministers and their conduct.

How do Presiding Officers expunge remarks? What do the rules say?

• The Chairman and Speaker can order the expunction of remarks under Rule 261 of the Rajya Sabha and Rules 380 and 381 of the Lok Sabha.
• Rule 261 states that if the Chairman finds any words used in debate defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified, he may order their expunction. The Lower House has similar provisions.
• Expunged portions are marked by asterisks with an explanatory footnote. If the Chair directs that nothing will go on record during a member’s speech or interruption, a footnote stating ‘not recorded’ is inserted.
• A list of expunged words and phrases is circulated to media outlets at the end of the day’s proceedings. Expunged content ceases to exist on the official record, and publishing it can lead to charges of breach of privilege of the House.

Conclusion

• While expunction is a standard parliamentary procedure meant to maintain decorum, its selective application and relevance in modern times remain contentious issues.

Internet Archive: Facing Backlash from Book Publishers

GS 3: Economy- IPRs

Why is it in the news?

• The Internet Archive, a non-profit organization, has a mission to digitize, preserve, lend, and share multimedia content. However, it is currently entangled in a major legal battle with traditional book publishers, who accuse it of copyright violations.
• The dispute centers on the Archive’s practice of scanning and distributing digital copies of books, which publishers claim infringes on their copyrights. This legal challenge threatens the removal of around half a million books from the Archive’s platform.
• The Internet Archive contends that it operates like a traditional library, but publishers vehemently disagree.

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The Case against Internet Archive

• Many of the books digitized and uploaded by the Internet Archive are in the public domain, such as historical texts and classic literature. However, traditional publishers allege that the Internet Archive also digitized and made available copyrighted books without permission.
• In the 2020 lawsuit Hachette vs. Internet Archive, prominent publishers Hachette, HarperCollins, Wiley, and Penguin Random House sued the Internet Archive. Later, in March 2023, District Judge John G. Koeltl ruled in favor of the publishers.
• Judge Koeltl’s order noted that the Internet Archive’s website includes millions of public domain e-books that users can download for free. However, it also hosts 3.6 million books protected by valid copyrights, including 33,000 titles from the suing publishers. The publishers took particular issue with the Archive’s “National Emergency Library” (NEL) initiative, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative allowed up to 10,000 users to simultaneously access each e-book, bypassing the Archive’s usual controlled digital lending system, which restricts the number of digital copies to the number of physical copies owned.
• The Internet Archive defended itself by invoking the fair use doctrine, arguing that its practices fell within legal bounds. However, the court did not uphold this defense. The organization plans to appeal the decision, with oral arguments for the appeal taking place on June 28, 2024.

Why are books being removed?

• Due to the lawsuit, the Internet Archive was compelled to remove over half a million books from its database.
• The Director of Library Services at the Internet Archive, highlighted the “profoundly negative impact” of this removal on users, particularly students who rely on these books for academic research.
• Traditional publishers argue that the Internet Archive’s approach to controlled digital lending is comparable to operating a shadow library or a piracy database. Despite the significant removal of books, the Internet Archive still provides a vast collection, including 835 billion web pages, 44 million books and texts, 15 million audio recordings, 10.6 million videos, 4.8 million images, and 1 million software programs.

What is the Wayback Machine?

• In addition to digitizing books, the Internet Archive has been preserving web pages since 1996 through the Wayback Machine. This tool allows users to explore over 866 billion saved web pages, capturing web content that might otherwise be lost to time.
• The Archive collaborates with over 1,200 library and institutional partners to identify and preserve important web pages, ensuring that digital information remains accessible.

How to use the Wayback Machine?

• Using the Wayback Machine is straightforward and free. Users can navigate to the Wayback Machine webpage and enter a URL or keywords relevant to the content they are looking for. The search results will show snapshots of the web page from different points in time. Users can click on these snapshots to view how the page looked on those dates.
• This tool is particularly useful for finding old websites that no longer exist, earlier versions of existing websites, deleted social media posts, archived versions of paywalled articles, and content blocked or censored in certain regions.
• However, the Wayback Machine is not without its limitations. The archive may not have captured every web page, especially if the content was new, rarely viewed, or deleted before being archived. Additionally, saved pages can sometimes have broken links, missing media, or other issues that prevent them from displaying correctly.
• Despite these limitations, the Wayback Machine remains a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone looking to access archived web content.
• While the Wayback Machine is a useful tool for personal research and accessing information, users should be aware that the archived data can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate.
• It is essential to cross-reference information obtained through the Wayback Machine with other sources to ensure its reliability.

Creating a buffer stock of essential food items to stabilize prices

GS 3: Economy- Buffer Stocks

Why is it in the news?

• The increasing volatility and unpredictability of food prices are largely driven by climate change, which has resulted in fewer rainy days, extended dry spells, intense precipitation, shorter winters, and heat waves.
• These climate patterns lead to supply shocks that cause significant price spikes in food items. Such instability in food prices necessitates a strategic approach to stabilize the market.

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• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintains foreign exchange reserves, currently over $650 billion, not to interfere with the normal functioning of the currency market but to ensure orderly exchange rate movements and mitigate excessive volatility. A similar approach could be applied to food markets.
• The government should consider building a buffer stock not just of rice and wheat but also of pulses, oilseeds, sugar, skimmed milk powder (SMP), and staple vegetables.
• The objective is not to control prices or replace the market but to curb excessive volatility, which benefits neither consumers nor producers and complicates the RBI’s policy decisions. For instance, when core inflation is low at 3.1% (year-on-year for May) but retail food inflation is high at 8.7%, the central bank faces a dilemma: Should it cut or raise interest rates or leave them unchanged in such an uncertain scenario?
• The volatility in food prices is exacerbated by climate change, which affects crop yields. Poor harvests of rabi pulses, tomatoes, potatoes, and wheat in central India this year have led to supply shocks and large price spikes.
• Farmers often respond to these spikes by increasing production, which subsequently leads to price crashes. For instance, last year, dairies were paying farmers Rs 37-38 per litre for cow milk in February-March. Today, the same dairies have reduced procurement prices to Rs 26-27 per litre due to a drop in SMP prices from Rs 315-320 per kg in early 2023 to Rs 200-210 per kg now. These low prices discourage dairies from procuring milk and farmers from properly feeding their animals, potentially leading to milk shortages and inflation next year.
• Creating a buffer stock of essential food items involves procuring surplus production from farmers and processors during good years and releasing these stocks during periods of crop failure or inflation. This approach can help even out extreme price fluctuations.
• The fiscal cost of maintaining such a stock should be manageable, as the commodities can be stored in stable forms (e.g., dehydrated potato, onion, and tomato in flakes, paste, or puree) and sold at near-market rates during scarcity. The government has already successfully used open market sales of wheat and chana from its buffer stocks to moderate cereal and pulses inflation.

Conclusion

• A buffer stocking policy would reduce the need for regressive measures like export bans or stock limits on private traders and processors, which often harm farmers.
• Instead, by strategically managing supply through buffer stocks, the government can ensure more stable food prices, benefiting both consumers and producers and contributing to overall economic stability.

Additional Information:

Advantages of Buffer Stocks:

• Price Stability: Maintaining buffer stocks contributes to price stability. For instance, the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) open market sales led to a decrease in wheat inflation from 25.37% in February 2023 to 6.53% in May 2024.
• Consumer Affordability: Buffer stocks ensure consumer protection by stabilizing prices. The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) sold 16.09 lakh tonnes of chana under ‘Bharat Dal’ at Rs 60/kg, keeping prices affordable for consumers.
• Support for Farmers: During surplus years, buffer stocks support farmers by guaranteeing minimum support prices (MSP). For example, NAFED purchased chana at MSP rates of Rs 5,230 and Rs 5,335 per quintal in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively.
• Supply Management: Buffer stocks effectively manage supply during periods of poor crop yields. NAFED’s chana stocks helped stabilize prices even when market rates exceeded MSP.
• Inflation Management: Interventions with buffer stocks in essential commodities contribute to controlling overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation. In May 2024, CPI inflation was at 4.75%, the lowest in 12 months, partly due to buffer stock interventions.

Strategic Steps Forward:

• Diversifying Buffer Stocks: Expand buffer stocks to include a wider range of essential commodities such as oilseeds, vegetables, and milk powder to effectively manage price spikes and supply fluctuations across sectors.
• Enhancing Procurement Strategies: Strengthen procurement mechanisms during surplus production years to ensure sufficient stocks at minimum support prices (MSPs), thereby stabilizing markets and moderating prices during scarcity.
• Broadening Procurement Scope: Increase government procurement of pulses and oilseeds, moving beyond traditional staples like rice and wheat to ensure diverse and resilient food security measures.
• Incorporating Staple Vegetables: Include staple vegetables like onion, potato, and tomato in buffer stocking initiatives, storing them in forms such as paste, flakes, or puree for future consumption and price stability.
• Establishing Milk Powder Reserves: Develop buffer stocks of skimmed milk powder (SMP) during periods of low prices, aiming to stabilize the market amid price fluctuations, such as the recent decline from Rs 315-320 to Rs 210 per kg.
• Enhancing Market Interventions: Implement proactive market interventions, releasing buffer stocks during shortages to stabilize prices, as evidenced by the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) effective reduction of cereal inflation from 16.73% to 8.69%.
• Monitoring Climate Impact: Adapt buffer stock policies to address climate-induced price volatility, ensuring strategies that protect consumers and support farmers amidst changing environmental conditions.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s priority should be to bridge trust deficit with farmers

GS 3: Economy – Agriculture

Context

• Trust is crucial in relationships, including those between farmers and policymakers. Transparency is key to building this trust, and without it, actions can be misinterpreted, leading to policy failures.
• In this context, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan must address the growing trust deficit between farmers and policymakers by establishing two agricultural councils: one with farmer representatives from each state and another with state agricultural ministers, similar to the GST Council. These councils should meet twice a year during the kharif and rabi conferences to implement essential reforms.

A Perspective

• Climate change is significantly affecting agriculture, necessitating bold steps to mitigate its impact. Despite claims by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) of developing over 2,000 climate-resilient seed varieties, agricultural GDP fell to 1.4% in 2023-24 from 4.7% the previous year. This suggests that either progress in creating climate-resilient agriculture is insufficient, or innovations have not reached farmers.
• The upcoming Union Budget should increase ICAR’s funding from less than Rs 10,000 crore to about Rs 15,000 crore to invest in climate-smart agriculture. Revamping agricultural extension work is also needed to promote resilient farming practices.
• Launched in 2016, PM-Fasal Bima Yojana (PM-FBY) aimed to support farmers during crop failures. Initially, the scheme saw widespread participation, but inadequate preparation and minimal technological infusion led to corruption and a decline in participation. By 2021-22, only 20 states and 10 insurers remained in the scheme.
• Recent technological upgrades have revived PM-FBY, increasing participation to 24 states and 15 insurers. Improvements in yield estimation systems (YES-TECH) and the Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS) have reduced human intervention, leading to record-high farmer enrolment. Further, Premium rates have dropped from 17% in 2021-22 to about 10% in 2023-24, indicating a successful revival.
• Despite overall improvements, premium rates vary significantly across states. Andhra Pradesh (3.4%), Uttar Pradesh (5.7%), and Madhya Pradesh (7.5%) have relatively low premiums, while states like Chhattisgarh (14.8%), Haryana (11.7%), Karnataka (19.2%), Maharashtra (13.5%), Odisha (13.1%), Rajasthan (9.7%), and Tamil Nadu (12%) have much higher premiums.

Conclusion

• There is a need to study the reasons behind the premium variations and aim to bring all-India premiums below 7%.
• The Agriculture Minister can achieve this by enhancing the system’s technology and minimizing human manipulation.

Additional Information:

About Indian Council of Agricultural Research:

• Establishment: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was founded on 16 July 1929 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, originally known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
• Function:
• ICAR serves as the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture, encompassing horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences nationwide.
• It operates as an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, headquartered in New Delhi.
• Impact and Achievements: ICAR has been instrumental in initiating the Green Revolution and subsequent advancements in Indian agriculture. Through its research and technology development efforts, ICAR has significantly increased foodgrain production by 5.6 times, horticultural crops by 10.5 times, fish by 16.8 times, milk by 10.4 times, and eggs by 52.9 times from 1950-51 to 2017-18.

What it means and could mean to be India’s National Security Advisor

GS 2&3: Polity and Internal Security – NSA

Why is it in the news?

• The recent restructuring within the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and the appointment of an Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) have introduced significant changes that warrant closer examination.
• These changes are pivotal in shaping the dynamics of national security governance in India.

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• Previously, the National Security Advisor (NSA) oversaw a relatively smaller organization. The restructuring now includes an ANSA along with three deputy NSAs, expanding the NSA’s domain.
• The NSA’s role has shifted more towards advisory responsibilities, particularly in relation to bodies like the National Security Advisory Board and the Strategic Policy Group. This reorganization suggests a more consultative approach by the NSA rather than direct operational oversight.

Chief of Defence Staff India(CDS) is a senior military position responsible for supervising and coordinating the operations of India’s three defence services. The CDS is most crucial post for the Indian tri-service workforce to be integrated. The current CDS of India is Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan, who took office on September 30, 2022.

• Under the new structure, the NSA maintains advisory oversight over critical aspects of national security strategy and policy. Key officials such as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), service chiefs, and secretaries of defence, home, foreign affairs, and other relevant ministries are required to report to the NSA. However, they also report to their respective ministers in their daily operational capacities. This dual reporting structure aims to balance centralized strategic guidance with decentralized operational management within ministries.

• The appointment of an ANSA introduces an additional layer in the communication chain between mid-level unit heads (including the three deputy NSAs and service officers) and the NSA. This bureaucratic addition raises questions about its impact on decision-making efficiency and clarity in the chain of command. It remains unclear whether the ANSA will act as a primary conduit for daily operational updates to the Prime Minister alongside the NSA, or if their roles will be more segmented.
• The restructuring has sparked debates and speculation within both civil and military bureaucracies. There is uncertainty about the future trajectory of Ajit Doval, the current NSA, amidst speculation that his elevation may signal impending retirement. Questions loom over whether Rajinder Khanna, the appointed ANSA, is positioned as a successor to Doval, or if a future appointment from outside the current setup is envisioned. This lack of clarity poses potential challenges to the operational efficiency and strategic coherence of the restructured NSCS.

Conclusion

• Since its inception, the role of the NSA in India has evolved significantly. Originally created to streamline national security decision-making and coordination, the NSA has seen shifts in its responsibilities and organizational structure over time.
• The current restructuring reflects ongoing efforts to adapt to emerging security challenges, both domestic and international, and to enhance the effectiveness of national security governance.