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Values Complilation Daily Current Affairs-16-02-24
Values Complilation Daily Current Affairs-16-02-24
Changes to Section 182 of the Companies Act, 2013, were also made by the
Finance Act, 2017.
Previously, this section limited the amount a company could donate to political
parties and required disclosure of such contributions, including details of the
recipient party.
The amendment removed the donation cap and eliminated the need to specify the
recipient party or the amount donated.
The Supreme Court deemed this amendment as granting undue influence to
companies in the electoral process and reinstated the original provision aimed at
curbing corruption in electoral financing.
The Finance Act, 2017, amended Section 13A(b) of the Income-tax Act,
1961, exempting political parties from maintaining records of donations received
through Electoral Bonds.
Additionally, a new Section 13A(d) was added, mandating certain methods for
donations exceeding Rs 2,000, including Electoral Bonds.
However, the Supreme Court held that exempting political parties from recording
Electoral Bond donations violated voters’ right to information.
Consequently, the court struck down both the amendment to Section 13A(b) and
the new Section 13A(d).
Conclusion:
Practice Question: Discuss the implications of the recent Supreme Court judgment nullifying
amendments made to key electoral financing laws, including the Representation of the People
Act, 1951, Income-tax Act, 1961, and Companies Act, 2013. Analyze the significance of the
court’s decision in restoring transparency and accountability in political party funding, and
assess its broader implications for Indian democracy. (250 words/15 m)
2. Supreme Court Strikes Down Electoral Bonds Scheme,
Upholds Proportionality Test for Fundamental Rights
Topic: GS2 – Governance – Important aspects of governance: Transparency and
accountability GS2 – Polity – Judiciary This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains
in the context of knowing facts about application of constitutional principles, such as the
right to free speech, right to privacy, and the proportionality test, in the context of state
actions.
Context:
The recent decision by a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led by
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, to unanimously strike down the
Electoral Bonds Scheme underscores the importance of the proportionality test in
assessing the validity of state actions encroaching upon individual rights.
Essentially, this judicial review involved examining whether the state’s
interference with fundamental rights, such as the right to free speech, is
proportional to achieving its objectives, including curbing black money and
protecting donor privacy.
A key aspect of this review process is the proportionality test, which determines
whether a state action constitutes a reasonable restriction on fundamental
rights, as outlined in Article 19(1) of the Constitution.
This test, established through judicial precedent, ensures that state actions are
necessary, proportionate, and aligned with democratic principles.
In the case of the Electoral Bonds Scheme, the government argued that both
curbing black money and protecting donor anonymity are legitimate state
interests.
However, the Supreme Court, through its application of the proportionality test,
determined that donor anonymity cannot justify the scheme’s infringement on
voters’ right to know about political party funding.
Notably, Justice Khanna emphasized that voters’ right to information
supersedes donor anonymity in political funding.
Conclusion:
It violates the right to information: The scheme hides the source of funding of
political parties from the public, which is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)
(a). The scheme also enables black money, foreign funding, and corporate influence in
politics, which harm the public interest and the sovereignty of the nation.
It violates the principle of equality: The scheme discriminates between different
political parties based on their vote share, giving an unfair advantage to the ruling
party and the major opposition parties, while excluding the smaller and regional
parties. The scheme also creates a disparity between the donors and the voters, as the
former can sway the policies and decisions of the political parties, while the latter are
kept in the dark.
It violates the constitutional scheme of electoral reforms: The scheme goes against
the constitutional aim of curbing corruption and criminalization of politics. The
scheme is also contrary to the recommendations of various committees and
commissions that have called for more transparency and disclosure in political
funding. The scheme is also in conflict with the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951,
that requires the political parties to disclose their contributions and expenditure.
Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the proportionality test in evaluating the
constitutionality of state actions, with reference to the recent Supreme Court judgment
nullifying the Electoral Bonds Scheme. (250 words/15 m)
3. India Resumes Venezuelan Oil Imports, Emerges as Top Buyer
After Three-Year Hiatus
Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Issues relating to mobilization of
resources. GS2- International relations- Bilateral Relations This topic is relevant for both
Prelims and Mains in the context of knowing facts about the import of Venezuelan crude
oil by India which has significant economic implications, considering India’s heavy
reliance on oil imports to meet its energy needs.
Context:
After a hiatus of over three years, India has emerged as the top buyer of
Venezuelan crude oil in December and January, as indicated by shipping fixtures
and ship tracking data.
This marks a significant shift since Indian refiners halted oil imports from Venezuela
in 2020 following US sanctions on Caracas.
Increased Imports:
Economic Considerations:
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has expressed India’s willingness to buy
Venezuelan oil if the economic conditions are favorable.
As the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil, India heavily depends on
imports to meet over 85% of its requirements.
The increase in Venezuelan oil exports to India has come at the expense of
Chinese refiners.
Venezuelan oil exports to China significantly declined following the easing of
US sanctions, with Indian refiners now emerging as key buyers.
Venezuelan oil dispatches to Indian refiners, particularly RIL, IOC, and HPCL-
Mittal Energy, have increased, with December and January loading data showing
substantial volumes.
The destination ports for the remaining volumes are yet to be confirmed, but
indications suggest a significant portion may be headed for RIL’s refineries.
Market analysts suggest that India’s interest in Venezuelan oil remains strong,
especially with the uncertainty surrounding US sanctions waivers.
The possibility of Indian refiners waiting for potential waivers extension from the
Biden administration before further purchases remains a topic of discussion.
Conclusion:
PYQ: The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s
economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.
(250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017)
Practice Question: Discuss the significance of India’s decision to resume Venezuelan oil
imports and its emergence as the top buyer after a three-year hiatus. Analyze the economic,
geopolitical, and environmental implications of this development. (250 words/15 m)
4. Cost of Kaleshwaram project may exceed ₹1.47 lakh cr.: CAG
Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure UPSC Significance: Kaleshwaram project
audit reveals fiscal mismanagement, emphasizing the need for transparent and accurate
infrastructure planning.
Context
Comptroller and Auditor General: Kaleshwaram project cost in Telangana may surpass
₹1.47 lakh crore, due to understated estimates and modifications.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India revealed concerns about the
Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project in Telangana.
Project cost likely to surpass ₹1.47 lakh crore, exceeding the initially stated
amount.
Understated cost attributed to outdated price levels in the Detailed Project Report
and omission of provisions for price escalation.
Subsequent modifications in project works further contributed to cost escalation.
The report, presented in the State Assembly, highlights the need for accurate
estimates and transparent reporting to avoid such discrepancies in major
infrastructure projects.
PYQ: In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-
weather inland navigation in India? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2017)
5. Special officer to mitigate human-wildlife conflict
Topic: GS3 – Environment and Ecology – Conservation UPSC candidates need to grasp
wildlife conservation challenges, governance strategies, and conflict resolution for
comprehensive preparation.
Context
A meeting chaired by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in Wayanad addresses the surging
human-wildlife conflict, appointing a Chief Conservator of Forest and implementing
measures for public safety and compensation.
Implications:
Loss of life and livelihood: Both humans and animals suffer injuries, fatalities, and
economic losses due to direct conflict.
Property damage: Crops, livestock, and homes can be destroyed, causing economic
hardship for communities.
Disease transmission: Increased contact fosters the spread of diseases between
humans and animals, posing health risks to both.
Biodiversity loss: Conflict can harm populations of vulnerable species, accelerating
biodiversity decline and ecosystem disruption.
Social and economic tension: Man-animal conflict can create fear, anger, and distrust
between communities, impacting social cohesion and development.
Way Forward:
Practice Question: Examine the root causes of human-wildlife conflict in India, its
environmental, social, and economic consequences, and suggest a multi-pronged approach for
sustainable mitigation.(150 words/10 m)
6. Indian martial arts training for Army post Galwan clash
Topic: GS1 – Indian Art And Culture Understanding traditional Indian martial arts aids
in comprehending cultural heritage and military strategies for UPSC aspirants.
Context
Post-Galwan clash with China, Indian Army introduces martial arts like Gatka, Khukri
dance, and Kalaripayattu into routine training to enhance troops’ physical and mental
preparedness for challenging terrains.
Indian Army incorporates martial arts into routine training post Galwan clash with
China.
Examples include Gatka in Punjab regiment, Khukri dance in Gorkha
Regiment, and Kalaripayattu in Madras regiment.
A unit in eastern Arunachal Pradesh demonstrates martial arts training to cope
with challenging terrains during patrolling.
Major Kartikey Jaiswal emphasizes training’s role in facing challenges like fast-
flowing rivers and changing weather conditions.
Practice Question: Examine the significance of incorporating traditional Indian martial arts,
such as Kalaripayattu and Gatka, into the routine training of military regiments, considering
their historical, cultural, and practical aspects. (150 words/10 m)
7. The diversity blindspot in health policy
Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health
UPSC aspirants must grasp gender and diversity issues in health governance for a
holistic understanding of social dynamics and policies.
Context
The article highlights gender and diversity gaps in India’s health committees, revealing
an over-concentration of men, doctors, and bureaucrats, impacting policymaking and
healthcare outcomes.
Introduction:
o Women constitute nearly half of India’s health workers.
o Despite this, only 18% reach leadership positions, creating a significant
gender disparity.
Analysis of National Health Committees:
o New analysis (1943-2020) reveals an “over-concentration” of men,
doctors, Delhi-NCR individuals, and bureaucrats at the top.
o Privileged actors’ over-representation suggests a “centralization” of health
policy.
Impact of Lack of Diversity:
o Skewed health systems result from concentration of power based on
gender, geography, and socio-economic markers.
o Decision-makers lack understanding of the diverse lives of 70%
affected by policies.
Gender Disparities:
o Only 11% women in 23 health committees, with 36% having no
women members.
o Gender diversity improves marginally post-2000 but remains low.
Women in Healthcare Workforce:
o Women in lower-paid positions face limited career opportunities.
o Medicine’s demanding nature seen as untenable for primary caretakers,
contributing to the gender pay gap.
Global Context:
o Globally, women occupy only 25% of senior positions and 5% of
leadership roles in healthcare despite being 70% of the workforce.
Recommendations:
o Affirmative policies, including reserved seats for women and
marginalized groups on health committees, suggested.
o Emphasizes the importance of a “bottom-up approach” for inclusive
health policies.
Leadership Competency Gap:
o National Health Policy promotes diversity but faces a competency
gap, with Delhi-NCR concentration and dominance of doctors noted.
Balance of Power and Conflicts:
o Bureaucracy holds significant power; concerns about conflicts of
interest and dissenting views.
Redefining Policy-Making:
o Calls for a shift from clinical medicine-centric views to incorporate
preventive care and people’s perspectives.
o Advocates for inclusive policymaking involving the 80 crore people
affected by government schemes.
Conclusion:
o In conclusion, the article underscores the critical need for inclusive
policymaking in India’s health sector, exposing gender and diversity
disparities.
o Addressing these gaps is imperative for fostering equitable healthcare
outcomes and a representative decision-making process.
PYQ: In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care
policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.
(150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2020)
Practice Question: How do gender and diversity gaps in India’s health committees impact
policymaking and healthcare outcomes? Discuss with relevant examples. (250 words/15 m)