2023 08 14
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- Bill introduced: Reforms in Indian Criminal Law
- A Shift in India’s Democratic Landscape
- Teaching in the mother tongue
Content for Mains Enrichment
- How climate change is killing languages
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Aromatic rice ‘Mushkbudji’
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
- IMF Quota Review
- New Soil Health Card Scheme
- Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI)
- Asian Elephant
Mapping
- Hydropower Dams in Arunachal Pradesh
Bill introduced: Reforms in Indian Criminal Law
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Governance: Indian Criminal Justice System
Source: PIB
Context: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha, namely the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023.
Aim: These bills replace the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898, and Indian Evidence Act 1872.
Issues with the previous laws:
- British Legacy: The old laws were remnants of British colonial rule, designed to maintain their control over India’s justice system.
- Punitive Approach: The focus of the old laws was punishment rather than ensuring justice for citizens.
- Outdated: The laws, enacted in the 19th century, didn’t align with modern societal norms, technology, or justice requirements.
- Low Conviction Rates: The outdated laws contributed to low conviction rates and delayed justice, eroding public trust in the legal system.
- Gender Insensitivity: The old laws inadequately addressed crimes against women and children, reflecting an insensitive approach.
- Complex Procedures: Cumbersome procedures and paperwork led to delayed trials and inefficiencies in the criminal justice system.
- Misuse of Powers: The laws could be misused by authorities to target individuals and curtail civil liberties, such as the misuse of sedition charges.
- Lack of Victim Focus: The focus was often on legal technicalities rather than providing support and justice for victims.
- Lack of Technological Integration: The old laws lacked provisions for utilizing modern technology, hindering efficient investigation and evidence presentation.
- Limited Scope: The laws failed to address contemporary issues like cybercrimes, terrorism, and organized crime adequately.
Major provisions of the three new bills:
| Provisions | Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023 | Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023 | Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023 |
| Replaces | Indian Penal Code, 1860 | Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 | Indian Evidence Act, 1872 |
| Focus | Reflects Indian ethos, justice-oriented | Enhances citizens’ protection | Modernizes evidence presentation |
| Sections | 356 sections (replacing 511) | 533 sections (160 changed) | 170 sections (23 changed) |
| Women and Children | · A separate chapter is dedicated to them; · Sexual intercourse on the false promise of marriage, employment, etc., has been made a new offence. · Initiating children into crime made punishable |
Protection, priority in crimes | |
| Digital Integration | Expanded definition of documents | Digitization of processes | · Video recording, electronic evidence; · Accepted documents include electronic and digital records, emails, etc; |
| Speedy Trials | Summary trials, time limits | · Trial expedited, Summary trial for petty offences; · Fixing the 90-day window for investigation after filing of chargesheet · Witness protection scheme to be made by states; · Bail after serving 1/3rd of the maximum sentence for first-time offenders. |
|
| Victim Support | Compulsory status updates of victim support | Protection, timely information | Video recording of search and seizure operations by the police |
| Modernized Punishments | Address newer crimes, cyber offences | ||
| Terrorism and Organized Crime | New definitions of Terrorism for 1st time, property confiscation; armed rebellion, separatist activities, organized crimes, etc., have been made separate offences; Mob lynching made an offence explicitly | Harsher provisions against gangs | Define, and address organized crimes |
| Fugitive Trials | Trials for fugitives in absentia | ||
| FIR | Zero FIR, e-FIR introduced | Zero FIR, e-FIR introduced; introducing community service as punishment | Mandatory digitization of FIR, chargesheets, etc.; Mandatory use of Forensic services for offences punishable with 7 or more years |
| Sedition Law | Repealed |
Significance: The new laws aim to expedite justice delivery while protecting citizens’ rights and addressing modern challenges. They emphasize accountability, digitization, and justice rather than mere punishment. In May 2020, an Expert Committee led by Ranbir Singh was established to propose reforms in the realm of criminal law.
Insta Links:
India’s Criminal Justice System
Mains Links:
Comprehensive reforms are needed in the criminal justice system to ensure effective enforcement of the law, uphold accountability, have a well-trained workforce and speedy disposal of the cases. Comment. (250 words)
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023, Today's Article
A Shift in India’s Democratic Landscape
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Governance
Source: IE
Context: As per the author Suhas Palshikar, “In recent times, India is witnessing a transformation from an imperfect democratic system to an unusual sense of democracy that discards democratic norms”.
A shift in India’s governance:
- Use of forceful measures to restore order: The use of demolitions and physical coercion to maintain law and order marks this shift. E.g., the use of Bulldozers to demolish houses of those involved in riots, or other heinous crimes
- State Practices: State governments are increasingly resorting to demolitions as a means of governance, disregarding due process and accountability.
- State Monitoring: Governments use surveillance techniques, including drones and facial recognition, to monitor citizens.
- Citizen Acceptance: E.g., the use of terms like “bulldozer baba” by leaders to resort to tough stances, endorsing instant justice.
Issues with the new type of instant justice Governance:
| Issues | Examples |
| Selective Targeting | In the Haryana demolition drive, only homes belonging to a specific section of the population were singled out for demolition. |
| Rule of Law Violation | The principle of the rule of law, ensuring legal equality and equal protection, is disregarded. |
| Absence of Accountability | This type of governance reflects cynicism about accountability, assuming that the ruler’s authority is benevolent and above scrutiny. |
| Lack of Judicial Scrutiny | The Supreme Court’s lukewarm response to demolitions in Uttar Pradesh raised concerns about its role in questioning executive actions. |
| Procedural Erosion | Legislative techniques such as reducing recourse to parliamentary committees and rushing bills demonstrate an erosion of procedural safeguards. |
Ethical issues concerned:
The ethical issue with this type of governance lies in its disregard for democratic principles, accountability, and the rule of law. This approach to governance involves using coercive measures and unchecked executive power to swiftly implement decisions, often targeting specific groups or communities. This raises concerns about fairness, justice, and the potential for abuse of power. The lack of transparency, accountability, and respect for individual rights undermines the ethical foundation of democratic governance, leading to potential violations of human rights and the erosion of democratic norms.
Insta links:
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, governance, Today's Article
Teaching in the mother tongue
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Polity, Social Justice – Education
Source: TOI
Context: The article underscores the significance of teaching children in their mother tongue for better comprehension, enhanced learning, and cultural preservation.
Historical Efforts:
- Mahatma Gandhi believed that English as a primary medium created a divide between elites and the masses, hindering knowledge dissemination.
- Leaders like C Rajagopalachari, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Annie Besant stressed an Indian-controlled education system that values the country’s ethos.
Government Efforts:
- The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a directive, emphasizing the use of the mother tongue for instruction and displaying its commitment to native language education.
- The National Education Policy supports the promotion of mother tongue instruction.
| Constitutional Provisions | Description and Impact |
| Article 30 (1) | Grants linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. |
| Article 351 | Directs the Union to promote Hindi as a means of expression across India, potentially overshadowing other languages. |
| Article 350 A | Mandates state to provide primary education in the mother tongue. |
| Article 350 B | Establishes a ‘Special Officer’ to address matters concerning linguistic minorities and report them to the President. |
| Court Definitions | The Supreme Court defined a linguistic minority as a community with a spoken language, regardless of script existence. |
| It emphasized that linguistic minority status should be determined within the context of states, not the entire country. |
UNESCO Findings on Mother Tongue Instruction:
- UNESCO has consistently advocated for mother tongue education since 1953 through Global Education Monitoring Reports.
- At least six years of mother tongue instruction is recommended to bridge learning gaps for minority language speakers.
Recommended Actions:
- Implement the CBSE’s directive to prioritize mother tongue instruction.
- Address challenges in teacher recruitment, curriculum development, and teaching materials to accommodate linguistic diversity.
- Government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas should lead in implementing mother-tongue instruction.
Insta Links:
Importance of Mother Tongue in Education
Mains Link:
Education in the mother tongue is a key factor for inclusion and quality learning, and it also improves learning outcomes and academic performance. Elaborate.
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, EDUCATION, GS2, Mother tongue, Polity, Teaching in the mother tongue, Today's Article
How climate change is killing languages
Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: DTE
Climate change-induced forced migration is causing language extinction, particularly in regions rich in languages. Environmental disasters like floods and storms are displacing people, leading to language loss.
Migration for economic benefits also drives language shift, as seen with Indigenous languages in the US and Australia.
Environmental-driven migration in vulnerable regions like South Asia endangers languages in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines. Small communities dispersing due to migration hinder traditional preservation methods, accelerating language loss.
Usage: The case study can be used in an Indian Society/ Anthropology / Sociology question paper.
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, Today's Article
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Ministry of External Affairs has defended the inclusion of the Sanskrit term “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family) in the G-20 logo.
- Moreover, India will use the English version of the phrase – “One Earth, One Family, One Future” – in summary documents and outcome statements.
Meaning of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam?
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is the phrase that finds its origin in the Maha Upanishad, essentially meaning “the world is family”. It emphasizes the interconnectedness and unity of all people and nations, promoting a sense of global harmony, cooperation, and shared responsibility for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
Why has China objected to its use?
China objected to non-UN languages like Sanskrit in G-20 texts. The G-20’s working language is English. Official languages of the UN: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish
Importance of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” in Indian Foreign Policy:
| Importance | Examples |
| Broad Conveyance of Global Norms | Conveys India’s ideals and liberal global norms. |
| Represents themes of globalization and global commons. | |
| Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) | India’s commitment to global peace by not aligning with blocs. |
| Ensures sovereignty and autonomy in foreign relations. | |
| Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) | Advocates for open knowledge sharing instead of monopolization. |
| Fosters equitable access to innovations for societal benefit. | |
| Vaccine Diplomacy | Donated vaccines globally, emphasizing global well-being. |
| Demonstrates humanitarian and cooperative approach. | |
| International Aid in Calamities | Provided relief packages promptly |
| Exhibits solidarity and support during crises. | |
| India Peace Keeping Forces | Deploys forces for UN-sanctioned peacekeeping missions. |
| Contributes to global peace and stability. |
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, china, Today's Article, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Aromatic rice ‘Mushkbudji’
Facts For Prelims
Source: Deccan Herald
Context: An aromatic rice named “Mushkbudji” from Kashmir received a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag recently.
- Mushkbudji rice, which was granted the GI tag along with eight other products from Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its short, bold grains and rich aroma.
In the past, the consumption of this aromatic rice was restricted to special events due to its limited availability and high cost.
The government’s efforts to revive this rice variety in 2007 after its decline in the 1970s due to blast disease have also contributed to its resurgence. More farmers are now drawn to cultivate this unique and fragrant rice variety due to its promising qualities and potential for higher income.
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, Aromatic rice 'Mushkbudji’, Arts and Culture, GI tag, GS1, Today's Article
IMF Quota Review
Facts For Prelims
Source: TH
Context: Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das has called for the timely completion of the 16th general review of quotas at the International Monetary Fund (IMF),%2012.57%20billion%20to%20India.) highlighting its potential to enable the IMF to better support distressed nations.
Issues highlighted by RBI:
- IMF’s funding conditions often lead countries in urgent need of funds to seek assistance elsewhere due to conditions and stigmas associated with IMF support.
- Riders like fiscal austerity, and high interest rates associated with lending can be counterproductive for target economies
- There is a need for a larger, stronger and more inclusive IMF capable of managing country risks
- IMF and World Bank play a crucial role in addressing global debt vulnerabilities and need to do more for countries in debt distress.
Suggestions:
- RBI suggested that fewer conditionalities could be applied to programs for countries with reasonably resilient macro-fundamentals.
- A multilateral debt relief program providing targeted assistance to low-income countries with high debt levels such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan
- Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) for countries should be realistic regarding growth and fiscal projections
- Need to expeditiously complete quota review to enhance the IMF’s legitimacy and policy influence in the international monetary system.
IMF%2012.57%20billion%20to%20India.) Quota System and SDRs:
| Quota Subscription | Each member contributes a sum known as a quota subscription upon joining the IMF. The quota is determined using a formula. |
| Quota Formula | The calculation involves a weighted average of GDP (50%), openness (30%), economic variability (15%), and international reserves (5%). |
| GDP Measurement | GDP is measured using market exchange rates (60%) and purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates (40%). |
| Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) | SDRs are IMF’s unit of account, not a currency. Its value is determined by a basket of major currencies: U.S. dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling, and Chinese renminbi. |
| Currency Valuation | SDR value is calculated daily based on market exchange rates. The valuation basket is reviewed and adjusted every five years. |
| Quotas in SDRs | Quotas expressed in SDRs, representing member countries’ contributions to the IMF. |
| Claim to Currency | SDRs represent claims to currency held by IMF members, exchangeable among member countries. |
| Voting Power | Voting power is linked to quotas; larger quotas mean greater influence in decision-making. |
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, IMF Quota Review, Today's Article
New Soil Health Card Scheme
Facts For Prelims
Source: [PIB](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1947891#:~:text=Under%20Soil%20Health%20Cards%20(SHCs,all%20farmers%20in%20the%20country.)
Context: The Soil Health Cards (SHCs) Scheme, initiated in 2014-15, involves soil sampling, testing, and issuance of soil health cards to assist all farmers in the country.
- These cards provide insights into soil nutrient status and recommend appropriate nutrient dosages for enhancing soil fertility and health.
New Developments:
- The Government of India has introduced technological enhancements to the scheme. The Soil Health Card portal has been upgraded and integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS), allowing test results to be visualized on a map.
- The mobile application for the scheme has been improved, enabling smooth implementation and easy access to soil health cards.
- Notable features include restricted sample collection regions, automated latitude and longitude selection, and QR code generation for linking samples with test results directly on the portal.
- The Soil Health Card scheme has been merged into the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) cafeteria scheme as a component named ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ from 2022-23.
- Guidelines for Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) were issued recently and these labs can be established by individual entrepreneurs, rural youth, community-based groups like Self Help Groups (SHGs), schools, and agricultural universities.
- VLSTLs educate farmers about soil sampling, testing, generating soil health cards, and provide fertilizer and crop recommendations.
Overall, these initiatives aim to enhance agricultural productivity by providing farmers with critical soil information and recommendations, thereby improving soil health, fertility, and crop yields.
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, AGRICULTURE, GS3, New Soil Health Card Scheme, Today's Article
Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI)
Facts For Prelims
Source: DTE
Context: A recent report focusing on the first phase of the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) highlights that although there has been an increase in funding commitments for Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IP and LC) to enhance conservation efforts, the overall funding landscape for them remains largely unchanged.
- The report, on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, notes that despite growing evidence of the positive impact of IP and LC involvement in conservation, donors have allocated less than 1% of climate change mitigation and adaptation funding to them.
The report highlights that in Latin America, while national and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) implement 26% of disbursements, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations are attributed with 41% of the funding, emphasizing the central role of local efforts in conservation financing.
About Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI):
- Endorsed by GEF in 2022
- To support Indigenous Peoples and local communities- ILPC to secure and enhance their stewardship over landscapes, seascapes and territories with high biodiversity and irreplaceable ecosystems.
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI), Indigenous Peoples and local communities, Today's Article
Asian Elephant
Facts For Prelims
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav, addressing World Elephant Day, highlighted India’s vital role in conserving wild Asian elephants due to its largest population.
Status of Elephants in India:
- India has about 30,000 Asian Elephants, which is the world’s largest population of the species (More than 60% of the world’s elephant population is in India)
- As per Elephant Census (2017), Karnataka has the highest number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054)
August 12 is celebrated as World Elephant Day every year. The theme for World Elephant Day 2023 is “Ending the Illegal Wildlife Trade”
Steps taken by the government for elephant conservation:
| Initiative | Description |
| National Heritage Animal | India declared elephants as the National Heritage Animals, affording them protection under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| Project Elephant | Initiated in 1991-92, a centrally funded program aimed to conserve elephants, their habitats, and corridors. |
| Protecting Corridors | Efforts to mitigate the impact of roads and railways on elephant movement, including collaboration with states to identify critical sites along railways, constructing underpasses, overpasses, and ramps, and establishing speed limits and level crossings. |
| Minimizing Human-Animal Conflict | Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) applied to elephant reserves to enhance habitats, water sources, and bamboo growth. Designation of 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states. |
| Genetic Database for Captive Elephants | Developed a comprehensive genetic database using the Gaj Soochna App for over 326 captive elephants, aiming to prevent illegal transfers. |
| Gaj Yatra | a nationwide awareness campaign to protect elephants |
| MIKE program (2003) | Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) program (2003) to monitor the effectiveness of field conservation efforts |
| Asian Elephant Alliance | an umbrella initiative by five NGOs, had, last year, come together to secure 96 out of the 101 existing corridors used by elephants across 12 States in India. |
| Frontline Staff Field Manual | Introduced a field manual in multiple languages to aid frontline staff in managing human-elephant conflicts. |
| Land Use Land Cover Analysis | Conducting analysis of Elephant Reserves’ land use and land cover to better understand and manage their habitats. |
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, Asian Elephant, Today's Article
Hydropower Dams in Arunachal Pradesh
Mapping
Source: PIB
Context: The Indian government and the Arunachal Pradesh government have collaborated to revive and execute 12 stalled hydroelectric power projects in the state.
These projects, with a combined installed capacity of around 11,517 MW, have been allotted to Hydro Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) (under the Ministry of Power).
Arunachal Pradesh has high hydropower potential due to its mountainous terrain, abundant water resources, heavy rainfall, elevation differences, river gradients, and natural gorges. Its estimated hydropower potential is around 50,000 MW, which is among the highest in India.
August 14, 2023 /14 August 2023, Hydropower Dams in Arunachal Pradesh, Today's Article