1. Nobody is the giver of misery READ MORE
2. Spiritual impulse READ MORE

1. India lost 668,400 ha forests in 5 years, 2nd highest globally: Report READ MORE
2. Why most plastic can’t be recycled READ MORE
3. Kashmir: How Glacier Melt Is Triggering a Change in Land Use Patterns READ MORE
4. Why air pollution in India is a public health crisis and demands urgent action READ MORE

1. Moving forward with a newer concept of Universal Health Care READ MORE   
2. Explained | What is India’s stand on same-sex marriage? READ MORE

1. The Conduct of LS Speaker and the RS Chairman Goes Against the Vision of a Level Playing Field READ MORE
2. As health goes digital in India, where does privacy stand? READ MORE
3. The India Fix: What does Parliament’s disruption by the ruling party say about Indian democracy? READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Putin makes surprise trip to Mariupol, first to occupied Donbas in Ukraine READ MORE  
2. No antibiotics, plasma therapy to treat adult COVID patients: government READ MORE
3. Modi, Hasina open 131.5-km oil pipeline to Bangladesh READ MORE
4. At a high dose, sucralose impairs mouse immune responses READ MORE
5. Active volcano found on Venus: What a new study says READ MORE
6. Why most plastic can’t be recycled READ MORE
7. What is Generative AI, the technology behind OpenAI’s ChatGPT? READ MORE
8. Earth sciences ministry’s revised budget estimate reduced by 22%, multiple delays cited as reasons READ MORE
9. Green coal: Can it tackle twin challenges of reducing emission, waste management? READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. India lost 668,400 ha forests in 5 years, 2nd highest globally: Report READ MORE
2. Swamiji and Tagore READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The Conduct of LS Speaker and the RS Chairman Goes Against the Vision of a Level Playing Field READ MORE
2. As health goes digital in India, where does privacy stand? READ MORE
3. The India Fix: What does Parliament’s disruption by the ruling party say about Indian democracy? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Moving forward with a newer concept of Universal Health Care READ MORE   
2. Explained | What is India’s stand on same-sex marriage? READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Slow steps to India-China border tranquillity READ MORE   
2. AUKUS | A three-way alliance in the Indo-Pacific READ MORE
3. Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida writes: Japan and India renewing a pledge READ MORE
4. G20 must set up an international panel on technological change READ MORE
5. India, China, and developments in the Persian Gulf READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Spectre of stagflation: On the overall macroeconomic outlook READ MORE
2. Explained | Will the SVB collapse impact Indian start-ups? READ MORE
3. Indian economy gets the jobs boost it was lacking READ MORE
4. Many gaps in the PLI scheme READ MORE
5. Worst of inflation behind us: Cautious optimism comes with terse message for banks READ MORE
6. Rupee far from being a global currency READ MORE
7. Rising national income but declining welfare of people READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Artificial intelligence may make us work more, not less READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Why most plastic can’t be recycled READ MORE
2. Kashmir: How Glacier Melt Is Triggering a Change in Land Use Patterns READ MORE
3. Why air pollution in India is a public health crisis and demands urgent action READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Nobody is the giver of misery READ MORE
2. Spiritual impulse READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The growing presence of China and India in the Persian Gulf indicates the prospects of power relations between regional, continental, and global actors in this region. Analyse the statement in the light of recent developments.
2. The Quad gives India a cushion to develop its capabilities and ramp up its defences, modernise its military, and develop its border infrastructure to be better equipped in the future to thwart China. Comment.
3. The PLI scheme is a classic case of ‘ good intentions but bad approach’. If India wants to fulfil its dream of becoming a global manufacturing hub, the structural problems within the policy design and economic system need to first be addressed. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• You cannot withstand continual setbacks unless you’ve seen a worthwhile vision.
• The Quad gives India a cushion to develop its capabilities and ramp up its defences, modernise its military, and develop its border infrastructure to be better equipped in the future to thwart China.
• We cannot afford to subject future generations to air pollution that will subject them to lifelong medical dependence and reduce their quality of life. So, it’s high time that it is given a prominent seat in the public policy discourse and debate.
• If incomes represent the welfare of an individual, then the average does not reflect the welfare of the people at the bottom of the pyramid of incomes, especially given that a large number of people are at the base of the pyramid.
• Due to huge disparities, per capita income does not capture the welfare of the poor. Not only that, the rising extent of social waste further reduces welfare. Thus, the poor are losing far more than the paltry support they get from the government.
• The growing presence of China and India in the Persian Gulf indicates the prospects of power relations between regional, continental, and global actors in this region.
• It is tragic that presiding officers of both Houses of parliament are acting in a manner that generates an unmistakable impression that the ‘doctrine of differential rights’ governs their conduct vis-à-vis treasury and opposition benches.
• The PLI scheme is a classic case of ‘ good intentions but bad approach’. For the scheme to deliver positive results, the structural problems within the policy design and economic system need to first be addressed. Only then will India fulfil its dream of becoming a global manufacturing hub.
• ailure to engender enduring price stability could lead to stagflation. Unless supply side measures such as GST rationalisation and fuel price cuts are expedited, the overall macroeconomic outlook appears worrying.

50-WORD TALK

• Once again, as in Afghanistan and Iraq, the western gamble seems to have failed. But this time, the consequences of the war may not stay confined to Ukraine; they will affect the prosperous countries of the West, such as Germany and France. In addition to the problems of millions of Ukrainian refugees and the cost of rebuilding the country, western Europe will also face long-term threats to its security, caused by a failed state in Eurasia.
• The Defence Ministry has presented a Bill in Lok Sabha for powering tri-service commanders to undertake disciplinary action, 22 years after the first such Command. What is actually required is Common Military Justice Code with inbuilt provisions for service-specific peculiarities as the Indian military moves towards theatre commands.

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.

THE CONTEXT: All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police  2022 was organised at the National Agricultural Science Complex, PUSA, New Delhi on 21-22 January 2023. The three-day Conference was held from January 20 to 22, 2023, in a hybrid format. The conference discussed a wide range of issues including Cyber Crime, Technology in Policing, Counter Terrorism challenges, Left Wing Extremism, capacity building, Prison Reforms, among others. The broad consensus was arrived to reform the police system in India.

POLICE IN FEDERAL POLITY IN INDIA

• As per Seventh Schedule, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Constitution, and as such the primary responsibility of prevention, detection, registration, investigation and prosecution of crimes, including crimes against SC/ST lies with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.

WHAT IS POLICE REFORM IN INDIA?

• Police reform aims to transform the old cultures, policies and practices of police organizations so that Police can perform their duties with respect to democratic values, human rights and the rule of law. Police reform mainly aims to maintain law and order in the state with more accountability and transparency in the work.
• However, before going into details about the need of the police reform , there is a need to discuss the issues in the police system in India.

ISSUES IN THE POLICE SYSTEM

COLONIAL POLICE SYSTEM:

• Britishers formed the Indian Police Act in 1861 and our country still follows the same old laws which were made to favor the rulers and suppress the common Indians.

OVERBURDENED POLICE

• Vacancies have been around 24%-25% in state police forces since 2009. The sanctioned police strength was 181 police per lakh persons in 2016, however, the actual strength was 137 police. It is to be noted that the United Nations recommended 222 police per lakh persons. Global average police population ratios 270/ 1 Lakh people.
• 24% vacancies in state forces; 7% in central forces

Sources: Bureau of Police Research and Development

• 86% of the state police comprises of the constabulary. Constables are typically promoted once during their service, and normally retire as head constables. This could weaken their incentive to perform well.

FUNDING TO THE POLICE

• Expenditure on Police accounts for about 3% of the central and state government budgets.

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Police accountability involves holding both individual police officers, as well as law enforcement agencies responsible for effectively delivering basic services of crime control and maintaining order while treating individuals fairly and within the bounds of law.
• However, there are many grievances against the Police such as unlawful arrests, unlawful search, custodial death, torture in custody, corruption issue and misuse of law for personal or political gain.
• Transparency International ranked India at 85 among 180 countries in its Corruption Perception Index report

CUSTODIAL DEATH:

• Custodial death is perhaps one of the worst crimes in a civilized society governed by the Rule of Law. It is a crime against humanity and a violation of human rights, so reforms are needed for much more accountability.
• According to The National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB)  data shows India has in total recorded 88 custodial deaths in the year 2021., Over the last 20 years, 1,888 custodial deaths were reported across the country, 893 cases registered against police personnel and 358 personnel charge-sheeted. But only 26 policemen were convicted in this period, official records show.
• E.g. There are custodial deaths of a father and son in Tamil Nadu who the Police tortured for more than seven hours.

NO LAW ON CUSTODIAL TORTURE

• India is a signatory of the United Nations Convention against torture and other cruel activities since 1997, but it has not ratified it as India doe not have any comprehensive law on torture.

POLITICAL INTERFERENCE:

• Police officers are not able to do their work due to the interference of political leader. Hence its necessary to break political nexuses with Police. We needed reform for fairness and transparency in the system this will help to gain public trust.
• Vohra Committee gave recommendations to reform the criminal justice system By breaking the nexus between politicians and criminals

POOR QUALITY OF INVESTIGATION

• Police are accountable for prevention control reporting and investigation of the crime, so there is a conflict of interest(in preventation and investigation). This decreases the quality of the investigation.
• Crime per lakh population has increased by 28% over the last decade (2005-2015). However, convictions have been low. In 2015, convictions were secured in 47% of the cases registered under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The Law Commission has observed that one of the reasons behind this is the poor quality of investigations.
• The Police do not have the necessary training or expertise to undertake professional investigations. They also lack legal understanding (on issues such as the admission of evidence), and their forensic and cyberinfrastructure is both weak and antiquated.
• Another reason for the lack of quality in the investigation is the transfer of officers during the investigation which causes delay and the newly appointed officer needs to study the case and restart the investigation process

IMPROPER POLICE INFRASTRUCTURE:

• CAG audits have found shortages in weaponry with state police forces. For example, Rajasthan and West Bengal had shortages of 75% and 71% respectively in required weaponry with the state police.
• Utilisation of funds for modernisation (%)

Sources: Bureau of Police Research and Development

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICE AND THE PUBLIC

• There is insensitivity towards problems faced by people. There is a lack of trust between Police and people. People view the Police as inefficient, corrupt, and violent due to which the relationship between them has a severe lack of confidence. This leads to an automatic problem of less coordination due to which the Police find it improbable to perform their functions.

THESE ISSUES CALL FOR REFORM IN THE POLICE SYSTEM

Expert bodies that have examined police reforms

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY

There is need to balance accountability and operational freedom of the Police. To allow the Police greater operational freedom while ensuring accountability, various experts have recommended that the political executive’s power of superintendence over police forces be limited.

• Second Administrative Reforms Commission has recommended that this power be limited to promoting professional efficiency and ensuring that Police is acting in accordance with law.
• National Police Commission (1977-81) suggested that superintendence be defined in the law to exclude instructions that interfere with due process of law, or that influence operational decisions, or that unlawfully influence police personnel transfers, recruitments, etc
• Second Administrative Reforms Commission and the Supreme Court have observed that there is a need to have an independent complaints authority to inquire into cases of police misconduct.

POLITICAL INTERFERENCE

In the Prakash Singh case, Supreme Court in its directive held that

• It is to be ensured that the DGP is appointed through merit based transparent process and secure a minimum tenure of two years.
• Also it said to constitute a State Security Commission (SSC) to

○        (i) Ensure that the state government does not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the Police

○        (ii) Lay down broad policy guidelines and

○        (iii) Evaluate the performance of the state police

• Constitute a Police Establishment Board in every state that will decide postings, transfers and promotions for officers below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, and make recommendations to the state government for officers of higher ranks.
• Constitute a National Security Commission to shortlist the candidates for appointment as Chiefs of the central armed police forces.

Above all, there is a need for political will to bring reform in the police system.

VACANCIES AND AN OVERBURDENED FORCE

2nd Administrative Reforms Commission has recommended that one way to reduce the burden of the police forces could be to outsource or redistribute some non-core police functions (such as traffic management, disaster rescue and relief, and issuing of court summons) to government departments or private agencies.

CONSTABULARY-RELATED ISSUES

A constable’s responsibilities are wide-ranging, and are not limited to basic tasks. For example, a constable is expected to exercise his judgment in tasks like intelligence gathering and surveillance work and report significant developments to his superior officers. Therefore, a constable is expected to have some analytical and decision-making capabilities.

The Padmanabhaiah Committee and the Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommendations:

• raise the qualification for entry into the civil Police to class 12th or graduation.
• expert bodies, such as the National Police Commission have also emphasised incentive to accept remote postings.

CRIME INVESTIGATION:

Recommendation:

• States must have their own specialized investigation units within the police force that are responsible for crime investigation.
• funds and qualified staffs need to be given to the forensic infrastructure
• Supreme Court said that Separate the investigating Police from the law and order police to ensure speedier investigation, better expertise and improved rapport with the people.

POLICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRAINING

• More funds need to be allocated to the modernisation of the Police also there is a need to increase the fund utilisation of the fund allocated.
• There is a need for capacity building and technology to deal with cybercrime.
• Training module of the Police should be improved.

CUSTODIAL DEATH AND TORTURE

• In D.K. Basu case, the Supreme Court laid down elaborate procedures to be followed by the Police and other investigating agencies in cases of arrest, detention and interrogation.

○        The arrestee shall be made aware of his right to get a friend or relative informed about his arrest.

○        The diary entry of the arrest, the person informed of the arrest and particulars of the arrest shall be updated in the station diary.

• Law Commission of India in 2017 has proposed anti-torture law still Government has not taken any action in this regard.

NEED TO STRENGTHEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

• The Malimath Committee submitted its report in April, 2003 which contained 158 recommendations. These pertain to strengthening of training infrastructure, forensic science laboratory and Finger Print Bureau, enactment of new Police Act, setting up of Central Law Enforcement agency to take care of federal crimes, separation of investigation wing from the law and order wing in the police stations, improvement in investigation by creating more posts, establishment of the State Security Commission, etc

POLICE-PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Need to increase the gender sensitivity of the Police.
• One way to improve  police-public relations is to have community policing. Community policing requires the Police to work with the community to prevent and detect crime, maintain public order, and resolve local conflicts, to provide a better quality of life and sense of security.
• Various states have been experimenting with community policing including Kerala through ‘Janamaithri Suraksha Project’, Rajasthan through ‘Joint Patrolling Committees’, Assam through ‘Meira Paibi’, Tamil Nadu through ‘Friends of Police’, West Bengal through the ‘Community Policing Project’, Andhra Pradesh through ‘Maithri and Maharashtra through ‘Mohalla Committees’

THE CONCLUSION: Current dispensation of the government is to build SMART Police which stands for

S stood for strict and sensitive

M for modern and mobile

A for alert and accountable

R for reliable and responsive

T for tech-savvy and trained

Thus. there is a need to reform the Police system to make it more accountable, responsible and transparent to strengthen the Social control between Citizen and State.

Mains Question

1. The police system plays an important role in the criminal justice system, but it has issues. Critically examine.
2. Despite various committees and Supreme Court guidelines for the reform in the Police system, it has not been reformed. Analyse the reasons behind it.

[WpProQuiz 445]