1. Concern for Nature READ MORE
2. Public servants can be found guilty of graft on circumstantial proof: Supreme Court READ MORE
3. Approach truth directly, not via intermediaries READ MORE
4. Swami Vivekananda: true icon for youths READ MORE

1. Oceans Had Hottest Year on Record in 2022. And It Is Only Going To Get Worse. READ MORE
2. Nariman Point can be repositioned as an education hub for foreign universities READ MORE

1. Case in Supreme Court: Can an underage Muslim girl marry after attaining puberty? READ MORE
2. Old poison scheme: GoI must build a consensus against old pension system READ MORE

1. Bound supremacy: On Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s remarks and the basic structure doctrine READ MORE
2. As V-P Dhankhar criticises Basic Structure, recalling what BJP margdarshak L K Advani once wrote: ‘One of law’s greatest ever triumphs’ READ MORE
3. LG versus CM READ MORE
4. Governance Model READ MORE
5. Democracy not synonymous with `reasonable nexus’ or `good intentions’ READ MORE
6. Governor vs govt not new in India but Constitution doesn’t guarantee a solution READ MORE
7. Who Controls Delhi’s Civil Servants? Supreme Court Sets Out to Decide READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. V-P Jagdeep Dhankhar sparks debate with remarks on Basic Structure of Constitution; what is it? READ MORE  
2. 13th Ministerial-level meeting of the India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF) in Washington, DC READ MORE
3. First time in India, FSSAI notifies comprehensive regulatory standards for Basmati Rice; Will be enforced from 1st August, 2023 READ MORE
4. Under Constitution, law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all READ MORE
5. Notification of minorities | Centre submits views of 24 States to Supreme Court READ MORE
6. 80% shortfall of specialist doctors in CHCs: Health Ministry report READ MORE
7. Clean Ganga? 29 sewage treatment plants in UP not complying with standards, shows report READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Oceans Had Hottest Year on Record in 2022. And It Is Only Going To Get Worse. READ MORE
2. Case in Supreme Court: Can an underage Muslim girl marry after attaining puberty? READ MORE
3. Old poison scheme: GoI must build a consensus against old pension system READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Bound supremacy: On Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s remarks and the basic structure doctrine READ MORE
2. As V-P Dhankhar criticises Basic Structure, recalling what BJP margdarshak L K Advani once wrote: ‘One of law’s greatest ever triumphs’ READ MORE
3. LG versus CM READ MORE
4. Governance Model READ MORE
5. Democracy not synonymous with `reasonable nexus’ or `good intentions’ READ MORE
6. Governor vs govt not new in India but Constitution doesn’t guarantee a solution READ MORE
7. Who Controls Delhi’s Civil Servants? Supreme Court Sets Out to Decide READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Nariman Point can be repositioned as an education hub for foreign universities READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. BIMSTEC and the fate of multilateralism READ MORE
2. Analysing the current Chinese discourse on India READ MORE
3. India is the voice of the global south READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Punjab can sow seeds of a millet revolution READ MORE
2. Stop demonising demonetization READ MORE
3. India’s green GDP is improving, but govt faces tough choices to ensure environmental protection READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Why Amendments to the Wild Life Act Are Scheduled To Fail

TECHNOLOGY

1. AI CAN HELP FIGHT FOOD CRISIS READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Three reasons why govt is apprehensive of a National Security Strategy document for India READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Concern for Nature READ MORE
2. Public servants can be found guilty of graft on circumstantial proof: Supreme Court READ MORE
3. Approach truth directly, not via intermediaries READ MORE
4. Swami Vivekananda: true icon for youths READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘The main purpose of the basic structure doctrine is to ensure that some fundamental features of the Constitution are not legislated out of existence’. Examine.
2. Despite being a grouping that has members from what is frequently referred to as the least integrated region in the world, BIMSTEC continues to show intent. Critically analyse.  

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• I am by nature a dealer in words, and words are the most powerful drug known to humanity.
• The Chinese side is of the opinion that the real conflict between China and India is not at the LAC but on the development front.
• Despite being a grouping that has members from what is frequently referred to as the least integrated region in the world, BIMSTEC continues to show intent.
• A flawed process led to erroneous policy which is counterproductive and which resulted in not only damage to democracy but to huge adverse impact on the public, especially the poor. The process by which a policy is arrived at, also determines the outcomes.
• Two features about the post of the Governor are important to note when considering the relations between his office and the respective elected government.
• Sinking of Joshimath has provoked larger concerns about the environment. And though India’s green record is better, govt must heed environmental warnings, prioritise water conservation.
• ‘Minimum government and maximum governance’ is an idea implying that government will be efficient, and that a smaller bureaucracy with more trained and skilled people will be more effective than a large and untrained one.
• The main purpose of the doctrine is to ensure that some fundamental features of the Constitution are not legislated out of existence.

50-WORD TALK

• Bombay HC’s sharp words against CBI for flouting criminal procedural law in arresting Chanda Kochhar is a reminder to probe agencies to desist from arbitrary detentions and arrests. Investigations mustn’t become a tool for harassment. Judiciary guarding personal liberty is laudable. It must punish investigators showing wanton disregard for it.
• Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi is showing an uncanny penchant for controversies. Proclaiming himself Tamizhaga governor, dropping state emblem from Pongal invitations and changing government-approved assembly speech were unwarranted and provocative. Raj Bhawans in non-NDA-ruled states have made a charade of PM Modi’s cooperative federalism talks. Blame is on him.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

ART AND CULTURE

1. MAGH BIHU- MAKAR SANKRANTI

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-I-ART & CULTURE

THE CONTEXT:Recently, the President of India greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Lohri (which falls on 13th January 2023) Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu and Pongal (which fall on 14th January 2023).

THE EXPLANATION:

Bihu

• Bihu is one of Assam’s most prominent cultural events, celebrating the changing seasons.
• The festival of Bihu has three forms: Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu. Each of these falls in the agriculture calendar.
• This day is considered auspicious in the Hindu lunar year as well and is known as the Makar Sankranti, i.e., the day when the sun begins its northward journey or Uttarayan and transitions into the Hindu zodiac sign of Makara.

Makar Sankranti

• It is celebrated in different ways across India under different names, each region having its unique customs and traditions.
• In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Thai Pongal, where the festival is celebrated for four days, with the first day being Bhogi Pongal, the second day being Surya Pongal, the third day being Mattu Pongal and the fourth day being Kaanum Pongal.
• In Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Kerala, Bihar, Goa, Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, and Uttar Pradesh, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti.
• In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is celebrated as Uttarayana, and people take a dip in holy rivers and perform rituals to mark the beginning of the sun’s northward journey.
• In Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri, where people light bonfires and perform folk dances around them.

HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

2. UNITED NATIONS INSTITUTE FOR WATER, ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH (UNU-INWEH)

TAGS:GS-II & III- HEALTH ISSUES- ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

THE CONTEXT:A report was recently released by United Nations Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) that stated that world will lose 26% storage by 2050 to trapped sediment.

THE EXPLANATION:

Key findings of the report:

• About 50,000 large dams across the world will lose 24-28 % water storage capacity by 2050 due to sediment trapped in them.
• These water reservoirs have already lost about 13-19 % capacity to sedimentation.
• Sedimentation is caused when a river carrying eroded soil is blocked by a dam at its watershed.
• Sediment helps to maintain the aquatic ecosystem.
• Poor management Sedimentation can lead to nutritional disbalances causing eutrophication, damages in habitations downstream, choke of dam and turbine system.
• Shallow water formed due to sedimentation also reduces the recreational value of the reservoirs.
• United Kingdom, Panama, Ireland, Japan and Seychelles will experience highest water storage losses by 2050 losing between 35% and 50% of their original capacities.
• Bhutan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Guinea and Niger will be five least-affected countries losing less than 15 % by 2050.
• Dredging can be costly and only temporary.
• PT POINTERS: Dredging– to clear the mud from the bottom of a river, canal, etc. using a special machine.

Major highlights of the report in the Asia-Pacific region:

• Asia has 35,252 large dams, making it the world’s most heavily dammed region.
• Region has 60% of the world’s population and water storage is crucial for sustaining water and food security.
• In 2022, region will lose 13% of its initial dam storage capacity.
• It will lose nearly a quarter (23%) of initial storage capacity by 2050.
• Loss of storage capacity of Japan’s 3,052 dams is most acute in the region.
• India’s Central Water Commission reported in 2015 that-
• Among 141 large reservoirs that are over 50 years old, one-quarter had already lost at least 30% of their initial storage capacity.
• UNU-INWEH estimates that India’s 3,700 large dams will have lost on average 26% of their initial total storage by 2050.
• China, world’s most heavily dammed nation has lost about 10% of its storage and will lose a further 10% by 2050.

VALUE ADDITION:

About UNU-INWEH:

• UNU-INWEH was established in 1996 as subsidiary body of the United Nations University (UNU) institutes and an academic arm of the UN.
• Its operations are secured through long-term host-country and core-funding agreements with the Government of Canada.
• The Institute is located in Hamilton, Canada; its facilities are supported by McMaster University.
• It specializes on water for development, working, primarily with countries in the Global South, and addressing water issues of global significance.
• It is the UN Think Tank on Water created by the UNU Governing Council.
• UNU-INWEH is the only Institute in UNU that focuses entirely and solely on water issues.
• It is also the only entirely water-focused UN entity in Canada.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

3. BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS (BIS)

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT:Union Minister for Commerce recently launched many initiatives to improve the quality of standards in India on the occasion of 76th Foundation Day of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

THE EXPLANATION:

• BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
• BIS has been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy in a number of ways –

• providing safe reliable quality goods;
• minimizing health hazards to consumers;
• promoting exports and imports substitute;
• control over proliferation of varieties etc. through standardization, certification and testing.

• BIS has its Headquarters at New Delhi and its 05 Regional Offices (ROs) are at Kolkata (Eastern), Chennai (Southern), Mumbai (Western), Chandigarh (Northern) and Delhi (Central).
• Keeping in view, the interest of consumers as well as the industry, BIS is involved in various activities as given below:

• Standards Formulation
• Product Certification Scheme
• Compulsory Registration Scheme
• Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme
• Hall Marking Scheme
• Laboratory Services
• Laboratory Recognition Scheme
• Sale of Indian Standards
• Consumer Affairs Activities
• Promotional Activities
• Training Services, National and International level and
• Information Services

4. DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (DMD)

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, IIT Jodhpur, Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART) and AIIMS Jodhpur are working on developing an affordable treatment for a rare and incurable genetic disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

THE EXPLANATION:

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)?

• It is the most common and fatal type of muscular dystrophy marked by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to alterations of a protein called “dystrophin” that helps keep muscle cells intact.
• Patients (usually children) have reduced bone density and an increased risk of developing fractures.
• India has over 5 lakh patients in the country suffering from DMD and the condition is predominantly seen in boys, but in rare cases, it can also affect girls.
• It can begin as early as age 2 or 3, first affecting the proximal muscles (those close to the core of the body) and later affecting the distal limb muscles (those close to the extremities).
• Symptoms:  Enlargement of calves, a waddling gait, and lumbar lordosis (an inward curve of the spine)
• The current therapeutic options available to treat DMD are minimal and highly expensive treatment and are mostly imported from abroad.

5. BASMATI RICE

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, For the first time in the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specified the identity standards for Basmati Rice.

THE EXPLANATION:

• As per these standards, Basmati rice shall possess natural fragrance characteristics of basmati rice and be free from artificial colouring, polishing agents and artificial fragrances.
• It was issued to Brown Basmati Rice, Milled Basmati Rice, Parboiled Brown Basmati Rice and Milled Parboiled Basmati Rice.
• The standards are aimed at establishing fair practices in the trade of Basmati rice and protecting consumer interest, both domestically and globally. These standards will be enforced from 1st August 2023.

What is the Uniqueness of Basmati Rice?

• It is cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian sub-continent and is universally known for its long grain size, fluffy texture and unique inherent aroma and flavour.

What are the Climatic conditions required for rice cultivation?

• Temperature: Between 22-32°C with high humidity.
• Rainfall: Around 150-300 cm.
• Soil Type: Deep clayey and loamy soil.
• Top Rice Producing States: West Bengal > Punjab > Uttar Pradesh > Andhra Pradesh

The Context- As the political parties are the most significant part of the democratic system in India, it is expected that they themselves function on a democratic basis. Hence, internal elections in parties are emphasized.  However, the appointment of a “Permanent President” by a political party in Andhra Pradesh recently, has reignited  the debate on the need for mandatory internal elections in the Indian political parties. This article examines this issue in detail.

LEGAL PROVISION FOR INTERNAL PARTY ELECTION IN INDIA

Presently, there is no statutory backing for internal democratic regulation of political parties in India, and the only governing provision is under Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples’ Act, 1951. All rules and regulations apply more to candidates than to political parties in India.

However, Political parties in their constitution have elaborate provisions on Internal Party elections of which some can be cited as:

Ø  Indian National Congress- Its constitution says that each state has a Pradesh Congress Committee. No office bearer at the block or district level can hold the position for more than two consecutive terms, but this structure does not apply to the state or national level.

Ø  Bahujan Samaj Party- Its constitution says that the national president is elected by vote or by consensus among delegates. The national president then nominates other office bearers of the Central Executive Committee, which leads the party. The president’s power is absolute.

Ø  Communist Party of India- Its constitution says that members of the central committee, the highest authority of the party, elect delegates to the Polit bureau. The general secretary is part of the Polit bureau. The party has a system of checks and balances through which the general secretary is not given unmitigated power. There are elections for all posts every three years.

NECESSITY TO PROMOTE INTERNAL PARTY DEMOCRACY

On a pragmatic level, the parties using internally democratic procedures are likely to select more capable and appealing leaders, have more responsive policies, and, as a result, enjoy greater electoral success. Moreover, the political parties “practice what they preach,” in the sense of using internally democratic procedures for their deliberation and decisions, strengthening democratic culture generally. So, there is a necessity to promote Internal Party Democracy as:

REDUCE TRUST DEFICIT AND HERO WORSHIP

Inner-party democracy enhances the ‘visibility’ of fair and transparent procedures in selecting leaders within political parties which counters a general trust deficit amongst the public. In the absence of such a provision, parties often tend to be centered around charismatic figures which can foster blind hero worship as one individual becomes central to the power, vision, and authority in the party’s agenda.

INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION

The opaque nature of selecting party candidates also runs the risk of excluding marginalized groups. A transparent process of election will allow proper ticket distribution and candidate selection. The selection would not be based on the whims of a few powerful leaders in the party but will represent the choice of the larger party.

DECENTRALIZATION AND PARTICIPATION.

Election at each level be it at the district or local level allows the creation of power centers at different levels. Further, providing  autonomy may lead to more creative, innovative, and responsive programs by allowing local  experimentation.

DECLINE IN CRIMINALIZATION OF POLITICS

Transparency deficit in selecting candidates within political parties becomes a breeding ground for criminalization in Indian politics. According to data released by the ADR, the 17th Lok Sabha holds the infamous record of 43% of members facing criminal charges against them.

COUNTERS FACTIONALISM

Democratizing political parties can also work as a safety valve against factionalism and splits into parties. Various incidents of internal party rivalry have culminated in splits, for instance, the split in Shiv Sena owing to differences between Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.

HOW DEMOCRATIZATION OF PARTIES ENRICH THE DEMOCRACY MATRIX?

The political parties are instrumental in carrying out free and fair elections. By virtue of their near monopoly in contesting elections, they determine the nature of (democratic) government. There are two types of democracy, procedural and substantive democracy. The first one focuses on the processes and procedures like conducting  free and fair elections, whereas the second one is more focused on bringing socio-economic change. The internal organization structure of parties would determine the way it participates in both these aspects of democracy. Activities like campaigns, canvassing, and grievance redressal mechanisms of political parties have huge implications for society at large.

A political party based on democratic lines would choose the candidate in the most transparent manner by conducting elections. It would select those candidates who are not only qualified but also those who showcase democratic ethos. It means a government that is formed on democratic credentials will act democratically. The laws and policies formulated by such a government would reflect democratic ideals of freedom, equality, and justice. In India, where the government touches every aspect of social life and follows individuals from cradle to grave, it is expected that the government will work to enhance and enrich democracy in society.

However, the  political parties structured on the basis of favoritism, caste, and communal lines, will end up polarizing society. When such political parties form the government, their actions eventually lead to a democratic deficit. Hence, political parties organized on democratic lines through internal elections can have a salutary effect on the institutions(broadest sense of the term) of the country. As politics and political institutions influence society, economy, administration, culture, and the people at large, their nature of working will ultimately decide whether democracy becomes a way of life.

PERSPECTIVE ON HOLDING INTERNAL PARTY ELECTION AS A CHALLENGE

‘One reason for the relative neglect of the internal life of political parties is that these organizations have long been commonly regarded in liberal theory as private associations, which should be entitled to compete freely in the electoral marketplace and govern their own internal structures and processes. Any legal regulation by the state, or any outside intervention by international agencies, was regarded in this view as potentially harmful by either distorting or even suppressing pluralist party competition with a country.’

WHY DO THE PARTIES RESIST INTERNAL PARTY ELECTIONS?

DYNASTY POLITICS

• The lack of intra-party democracy has contributed to the growing nepotism in political parties. With senior party leaders fielding their kin in elections, succession plans for “family” constituencies are being put in place.

CENTRALIZED STRUCTURE OF POLITICAL PARTIES

• The centralized mode of functioning of the political parties and the stringent anti-defection law of 1985 deters party legislators from voting in the national and state legislatures according to their individual preferences.

LACK OF LAW

• Currently, there is no express provision for internal democratic regulation of political parties in India and the only governing law is provided by Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples’ Act, 1951 which provides for registration of political parties with the ECI. However, ECI does not have any statutory power to enforce internal democracy in parties or to mandate elections.

PERSONALITY CULT

• There is a tendency of hero worship in people and many times a leader takes over the party and builds his own coterie, ending all forms of intra-party democracy.

EASY TO SUBVERT INTERNAL ELECTIONS

• The ability of existing repositories of power to subvert internal institutional processes to consolidate power and maintain the status quo is unquestionable.

GLOBAL SCENARIO-BEST PRACTICES

●  Germany’s intra-party democracy regulations- They were originally enacted to respond to international political pressure to convince the world of the country’s objection to fascism and totalitarianism of all sorts. This resulted in regulations on intra-party democracy regarding party registration, candidate selection, and leadership elections which are present still today.

●  In Finland, both political elites, as well as the public, have continuously acknowledged the regulations on candidate selection, leadership elections, and democratic internal rules promoting Intra Party Democracy.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Political parties shall take appropriate steps to ensure the holding of elections at all levels. The recently concluded Presidential election in the Congress party can work as a template for other parties(See the box below)

CONGRESS PARTY PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PROCESS

The Central Election Authority (CEA) of the Congress, recruited a massive team of 943 returning officers from within the party for overseeing the process of choosing the delegate from each block unit. Any of them could choose to contest for the post of president by getting the support of 10 other delegates. Voting is through a secret paper ballot under a rank-choice voting system. This mammoth exercise is only possible due to the institutional structure of the CEA, the constitutionally prescribed election rules, and an experienced team of nearly a thousand people working on it for over a year.

• Exploring options for providing such powers to the Election Commission of India and/or carrying out amendments in the RPA to bring meaningful internal democracy in the working of the political parties.
• The Anti-Defection Act of 1985 requires the party legislators to act according to the party whip which is decided by the diktats of the highest party leadership. One way to democratize political parties is to promote intra-party dissent.

THE CONCLUSION: Those who emphasize the participatory aspects of democracy place the most value on intra-party democracy as an end in itself. They see parties not primarily as intermediaries, but rather as incubators that nurture citizens’ political competence. Be that the case may be, the idea of  mandatory internal elections in parties may require wider debate on the constitutional, legal, administrative and logistical challenges.

Mains Practice Questions:

Q.1 Discuss the desirability of giving statutory status to Internal elections in political parties for enriching democracy in India.

Q.2 ‘Intra party democracy promotes accountability, inclusivity, and counter factionalism’. Comment.

Q.3. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality be solved by engendering Intra Party Democracy? Analyze your view.