Month: July 2023

The Indian Constitution’s Eighth Schedule

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 23, 2023

The Supreme Court ruled that it cannot order the inclusion of Rajasthani as an official language in the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule.

Approximately the eighth schedule

The Republic of India’s official languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule.
The Constitution has constitutional provisions relating to the Eighth Schedule in Articles 344(1) and 351.
It was originally established to provide representation on the Official Languages Commission and to develop Hindi and English, the Union’s official languages.
Candidates taking public service examinations have the option of answering exam papers in any language from the Eighth Schedule.

Languages included

Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu were among the 22 languages.
Tamil (designated in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014) are among the classical languages.

Chronological Updates

The Constitution’s Eighth Schedule previously featured 14 languages.
Sindhi was included as part of the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act in 1967.
The 71st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 included Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), and Nepali.
Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added as part of the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 2003.
The spelling “Oriya” was substituted with “Odia” by the 96th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2011.

Source: https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/EighthSchedule_19052017.pdf

Trivia

Kerch Bridge

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 22, 2023

The Kerch Bridge, which connects the Russian mainland to the Crimean Peninsula, was attacked by Ukrainian maritime drones, prompting Russia to retaliate.

Concerning the Kerch Bridge

The Kerch Bridge spans the Kerch Strait and is 19 km long, with two parallel rail and highways.
It was launched with considerable ceremony in 2018 by Russian President Vladimir Putin, four years after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in a contentious referendum.
It also represents Russia’s rule over Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
It is symbolic for Russia since it allows direct link between the mainland and annexed Crimea.

The Kerch Bridge’s Importance for Russia

Creating Connectivity: Following Crimea’s takeover in 2014, the bridge was built to ensure a “land bridge” between mainland Russia and Crimea.
Logistical Supply Link: The bridge is vital for delivering supplies to Russian troops in southern Ukraine.
Strategic Vulnerability: Because the bridge is still within range of Ukrainian fire, its security is critical to Russia’s military activities.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/specials/text-and-context/explained-why-is-kerch-bridge-attack-significant/article67101627.ece

Governance

Section 69 (A) of the Information Technology Act

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 22, 2023

The Indian government acted in accordance with Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
It requested that a video depicting the naked parade and sexual assault of two Manipur women be removed from Twitter and other social media platforms.

What is the meaning of Section 69(A) of the IT Act?

Section 69(A) empowers the government to issue content-blocking orders to online intermediaries such as ISPs, web hosting firms, search engines, and so on.
Content can be blocked if it is deemed to pose a threat to India’s national security, sovereignty, public order, or cordial relations with foreign governments, or if it incites the commission of cognizable offences.
Requests for blocking content made by the government are forwarded to a review committee, which issues the required instructions. Such orders are usually kept private.

The Supreme Court’s Decision on Section 69(A)

Overturning Section 66A: In Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India (2015), the Supreme Court invalidated Section 66A of the IT Act, which penalised the transmission of inflammatory information over communication services.
Section 69 Validated: The Court maintained the validity of Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Rules 2009, noting that it is narrowly worded and contains various protections.
Blocking Power Is Limited: The Court emphasised that blocking can only be carried out if the Central Government is convinced of its importance, and that the reasons for blocking must be documented in writing for legal challenges.

Other Rulings on Section 69(A)

Twitter’s Challenge: In July of last year, Twitter filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court, appealing the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) content-blocking orders issued under Section 69(A).
Court’s Decision: In July, a single-judge bench of the Karnataka High Court dismissed Twitter’s petition, claiming that the Centre had the right to restrict posts.
Extending Blocking Powers: According to Justice Krishna D Dixit, the Centre’s blocking powers extend not only to individual tweets but also to whole user accounts.

@the end

Section 69(A)’s applicability has been the topic of legal and societal dispute, since it seeks to balance national security and public order issues with the protection of free speech and expression.

Source: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/10190353/#:~:text=(1)%20Where%20the%20Central%20Government,or%20public%20order%20or%20for

Polity

Parliamentary Debates of Limited Duration

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 22, 2023

The opposition requested that all other business be suspended under Rule 267 to examine the Manipur problem, while the government chose a “Short Duration Discussion” under Rule 176.
Understanding the subtleties of these regulations and their repercussions is critical for productive legislative debate.

Suspension of Business Overview:

Rule 267 empowers Rajya Sabha MPs to suspend all listed business and engage in debates on national issues.
Suspension and Consent: According to the Rajya Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, any member may seek the Chairman’s consent to suspend the application of a rule pertaining to the day’s listed business.
Temporary Suspension: If the motion is approved, the rule in question is temporarily suspended.

Short-Duration Discussions in accordance with Rule 176

Brief Discussions: Rule 176 allows for short-duration Rajya Sabha debates of up to two and a half hours.
Notice and Explanatory Note: MPs who wish to raise pressing public issues must provide the Secretary-General with written notice, as well as an explanatory note supporting the discussion.
Scheduling and Procedure: The discussion is scheduled without formal motions or voting by the Chairman, in collaboration with the Leader of the Council.
Statement and Response: The member who issued the notice makes a brief statement, which is followed by a brief response from the Minister.

Controversy Over Rule 267

The opposition is dissatisfied since their notices under Rule 267 have not been handled recently.
Previous debates: Several debates on various themes have occurred in the past under this rule during the tenures of several Chairmen.
Misuse of Rule: According to experts, Rule 267 is being abused as a replacement for the adjournment motion in Lok Sabha, where discussions involve motions including aspects of censure that do not apply in Rajya Sabha.

Why are we debating this?

Parliamentary discussions are extremely valuable in addressing pressing public issues and discussing subjects that are essential to the nation.
They give a forum for representatives from various political parties to engage in educated debate, resulting in more effective decision-making and better government.

Source: https://erskinemay.parliament.uk/section/5182/timelimited-debates

Polity

Parliament will have a monsoon session to decide the fate of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 22, 2023

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, is expected to be introduced during the Parliament’s monsoon session. It was scheduled to be debated in the Lok Sabha on March 29, 2023, but was postponed.
The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, introduced in 2021, attempts to alter the 2002 Biological Diversity Act. However, it has been met with criticism and objections because of fears that certain revisions may favour business interests while failing to maintain the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). So far, the bill’s progress has generated concerns about its possible influence on biodiversity conservation in India.

The Bill’s Objectives

The amendment bill’s major goals are to loosen rules on wild medicinal plants.
Promote the Indian medical system.
Create an environment conducive to collaborative research and investment.
Reduce the burden on practitioners and enterprises producing medical products of acquiring authorization from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).

Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 Controversial Provisions

The bill aims to decriminalise infractions of biodiversity rules and removes the National Biodiversity Authority’s (NBA) authority to file a First Information Report (FIR) against defaulting parties.
The measure allows domestic businesses to use biodiversity without obtaining permission from biodiversity boards. Only foreign-controlled enterprises must obtain authorisation.
The term codified traditional knowledge appears in the bill, and it exempts users, including practitioners of Indian systems of medicine, from the terms of permissions for accessing or sharing benefits.

Concerns expressed by activists

Some critics say that the planned revisions will undermine India’s biodiversity conservation efforts.
Lack of control and accountability may result in unrestrained use of biodiversity resources, negatively impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Profit-seeking domestic firms may be able to exploit codified traditional knowledge without fairly paying the communities that have conserved and developed it for decades.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasises the fair and equitable distribution of benefits derived from biodiversity utilisation. The suggested adjustments may not be completely consistent with these concepts.
While the bill seeks to promote traditional medicine and reduce rules, it may fall short of addressing the larger challenges of biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, and the need for stronger conservation measures.
Weakening biodiversity protection and benefit-sharing systems may have a disproportionate impact on indigenous and local populations, which frequently rely on biodiversity for their livelihoods and cultural practises.

The way forward

Reconsider and redraft the bill’s controversial elements, particularly those relating to decriminalising infractions, exempting local firms from requesting permission, and codifying traditional knowledge.
Create strong and transparent procedures for equitable benefit sharing through biodiversity usage.
Appropriately recompense indigenous people and traditional knowledge bearers for their contributions to biodiversity conservation and preservation.
Encourage firms to prioritise resource conservation and sustainable resource use.
Increase enforcement to guarantee that biodiversity conservation requirements are followed. To deter noncompliance, impose appropriate consequences for infractions.
Align the measure with India’s international commitments, particularly those reached during the CBD’s 15th Conference of Parties.
Strengthen biodiversity governance bodies’ competence and power, such as the National Biodiversity power (NBA), to effectively regulate and monitor biodiversity-related activities.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/monsoon-session-of-parliament-to-decide-fate-of-biological-diversity-amendment-bill-90754

Science & Tech

Bacteriophages

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 21, 2023

The Beneficial Viruses Bacteria and viruses have had a tremendous impact on human history, triggering lethal disease outbreaks.

However, not all viruses are dangerous, and scientists are learning about the virome (bacteriophages).

What exactly are Virome?

What it is: A virus microbiome is a collection of viruses in our bodies that contribute to our health, comparable to a bacterial microbiome.
Bacteriophages: The vast majority of viruses in our bodies are bacteriophages, which eliminate bacteria in our microbiomes without harming human cells.
Large in number: Our bodies contain approximately 380 trillion virus particles, which is ten times the number of bacteria.
Viruses that are beneficial: Some viruses are helpful in eliminating cancer cells, educating the immune system, fighting pathogens, and controlling gene expression during pregnancy.

Bacteriophages and Phage Therapy

Bacteriophages hunt down bacteria, attach to their surface, inject viral DNA, and reproduce inside the bacteria before bursting the bacterial cell and releasing new viral particles.
Scientists investigated phages as potential therapies for bacterial infections in the early twentieth century, but antibiotic development dominated this study.
Antibiotic Resistance: As antibiotic-resistant bacteria proliferate, scientists are reconsidering phage therapy as a treatment option for bacterial illnesses.
Phages have the following advantages: they successfully target multi-resistant infections, they are precise in removing bacterial strains, and they do not damage the gut microbiota like antibiotics do.

Phage Therapy in Practice

Historically, phage therapy was used in nations where antibiotics were limited, such as Georgia, Ukraine, and Russia. These areas have seen effective antibiotic-resistant illness treatment outcomes.
Phage therapy is gaining popularity in nations such as Belgium, the United States, and Germany, with specialised therapy institutes and calls for more investigation and utilisation.
Hurdles and Safety: The hurdles of standardising therapy and customising phages to specific bacteria causing infection remain. Phage treatments, on the other hand, have an excellent safety record and are well tolerated by human bodies.

Prospects for the Future

Phages are unlikely to replace antibiotics, but they could be used in conjunction to improve antibiotic efficiency, particularly against resistant bacterial species.
Clinical and research projects: More large-scale research and clinical trials are needed to develop effective phage treatments for various types of illnesses.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493185/

International Relations

Key Takeaways from the NATO Vilnius Summit in 2023

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 21, 2023

The Vilnius Summit, held in July 2023, was critical in appraising the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) progress over the previous year and preparing for future wars.

While hopes for Ukraine’s membership timeline were high, the conference fell short in this area.

About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
Formation	Established on April 4, 1949
Members	Consists of 30 member countries
Headquarters	Located in Brussels, Belgium
Mission	Safeguard freedom and security through political and military cooperation
Key feature: Article 5	Mutual defense provision, attack on one is an attack on all
Operations	Involved in peacekeeping and crisis management operations worldwide
NATO-Russia Relations	Complex relationship with Russia, involving cooperation and tensions
Evolving Security Challenges	Adapts to address evolving security challenges like terrorism, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare

Key takeaways from Vilnius Summit

(1) NATO’s Response to Threats:

Russian Threat: The summit communique identified Russia as the most significant and direct threat to NATO partners’ security, peace, and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region.
Concerns about Belarus and Iran: NATO is concerned that Belarus may provide territory and infrastructure for Russian assault against Ukraine. It also emphasised Iran’s sale of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for attacks on Ukraine’s key infrastructure.

(2) Recalibrations in the Baltic Sea:

Inclusion of Finland and Sweden: The summit marked Finland’s first participation as a NATO member, while Turkey agreed to ratify Sweden’s application to join the alliance.
Russian supremacy is being challenged: This prepares the door for a strategic realignment in the Baltic Sea region, which was formerly dominated by Russia.

(3) Commitments to Ukraine:

Despite anticipation, no specific timescale for Ukraine’s NATO membership was announced.
Concrete Results: Ukraine obtained short- and long-term security pledges from NATO countries, including the formation of the NATO-Ukraine Council and a multi-year programme to assist in the modernization of Ukrainian troops.
Defence Assistance: Members such as Germany, Norway, and France have pledged to assist Ukraine with its defence, including financial assistance, military equipment, and bilateral security cooperation.

(4) Concerns over China:

The summit reaffirmed NATO’s assessment of China as a danger to its security, interests, and values. It emphasised China’s ambiguous strategy, goals, military buildup, and assistance for Russia.
NATO emphasised the importance of the Indo-Pacific region’s security, connecting it to Euro-Atlantic security.

(5) Defense Spending and Readiness:

Burden-Sharing: Due to the more disputed security order, NATO accepted the necessity for greater defence spending over the baseline of 2% of GDP.
Regional Defence Plans: Allies agreed on regional defence plans to improve alliance readiness. The plans prioritise military modernization, interoperability, and financial considerations.

Source: https://inkstickmedia.com/five-takeaways-from-the-2023-nato-summit-in-vilnius/

Polity

A unique land parcel identification number (ULPIN) is being used to combat land-related illegal activities

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 21, 2023

President Murmu stressed the significance of instituting a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN).

What is ULPIN?

ULPIN, also known as Bhu-Aadhaar, is a 14-digit Alpha-Numeric Unique ID assigned to each land property.
This is the second phase of the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), which began in 2008.
The identification will be based on the land parcel’s longitude and latitude coordinates and will be dependent on comprehensive surveys and geo-referenced cadastral maps.
During the import of the geo-referenced shape file into BhuNaksha, NIC’s cadastral mapping system, ULPIN is generated utilising the Electronic Commerce Code Management Association (ECCMA) standards.

The Advantages of ULPIN

Misconduct: The introduction of ULPIN and the digitization of land records can considerably minimise unethical and illegal land-related activities. The increased transparency brought about by digitization improves accountability and reduces misconduct.
Efficient Land Use: ULPIN will aid in the creation and execution of new programmes by facilitating the proper utilisation of land parcels.
Connection to E-Courts: Connecting E-Courts to land records and registration databases provides numerous benefits, including enhanced information accessibility and faster legal processes linked to land disputes.
Indestructible documentation: Digitization of land records is useful in times of disasters such as floods and fires since it prevents the loss of papers and speeds up the recovery process.

Impacts on Development and Welfare

Developmental and Welfare Implications Digitization serves as a catalyst for informed decision-making and successful resource management by making land information visible and accessible.
Effective Scheme Implementation: Linking land records with other government offices makes it easier to conduct welfare programmes like the PM Awas Yojana.
Beneficiary identification and targeting: Accurate and up-to-date land data assists in identifying beneficiaries and ensuring targeted distribution of benefits and services.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/digitisation-will-curb-land-linked-illegal-activities-president-droupadi-murmu-8847265/

International Relations

Review the Indus Waters Treaty rather than going to court

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 21, 2023

When Pakistan requested arbitration at the Permanent Court of Arbitration to resolve the interpretation and application of the IWT, India objected.
On July 6, 2023, the court unanimously rejected each of India’s concerns in a judgement (which is binding on both parties without appeal).

The Big Idea

Despite their stormy relationship, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 has long been lauded as a great example of collaboration between India and Pakistan. The treaty has survived multiple disagreements and created thorough dispute settlement procedures. However, there has been an increase in the use of legal procedures to address disputes resulting from India’s building of run-of-river hydroelectric projects in recent years.

What is Indus Water Treaty (IWT)?

The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank signed in Karachi in 1960.
This deal granted India authority over the water flowing in three eastern rivers in India: the Beas, the Ravi, and the Sutlej.
The pact granted Pakistan jurisdiction over the water flowing in three western rivers of India: the Indus, the Chenab, and the Jhelum.
Partitioning the Indus River System was unavoidable following India’s division in 1947.
The sharing mechanism developed after lengthy talks divided the Indus system in half.
The pact is based on the idea that water does not respect international boundaries and that upper riparians have a responsibility to lower riparians.

What are the Disputes and Challenges?

Construction and design of run-of-river hydroelectric projects by India–Kishanganga (a tributary of the Jhelum) and Ratle, a hydroelectric plant on the Chenab–objection from Pakistan–may have an impact on the flow and utilisation of water downstream.
Pakistan initiated arbitration at the Permanent Court of Arbitration; India opposed to the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the neutral expert method should be used instead.
There is a pervasive environment of suspicion and difficult relations between India and Pakistan, which impedes efficient treaty cooperation.
The premise of unchanging water availability under the IWT becomes increasingly dubious when precipitation patterns and runoff change.
The allocation of water resources in the treaty does not fully account for the possible impact of climate change on future water supply, necessitating the need for flexible methods.
The IWT does not adequately serve both countries’ rapidly rising industrial and agricultural needs.

Course on Water Principles

Equitable and Reasonable Utilisation (ERU): This principle emphasises riparian governments’ fair and reasonable use of water resources.
The No Harm or Do No Harm Rule (NHR) asserts that riparian states should not cause major harm to neighbouring states that share the same watercourse. It necessitates taking the required precautions to avoid or mitigate any negative consequences that may result from water-related activity.
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): The IWRM approach views water resources as an interconnected system that takes social, economic, and environmental concerns into account. Optimise and sustain the utilisation of water resources.
Water resources should be handled at the basin or watershed level since it is the most natural unit for water management.
Prior Informed Consent: Obtaining the permission of affected communities and stakeholders before carrying out projects or activities that may have a substantial impact on water resources.
Environmental Protection: Watercourses’ ecological integrity must be protected and conserved. Water quality, biodiversity, and aquatic habitats must all be preserved.
The World Bank’s Role: As a signatory to the treaty, the World Bank might use its platform to build a transnational alliance of epistemic communities.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/more-than-court-action-revisit-the-indus-waters-treaty/article67098290.ece

Polity

In Political Alliances, the moniker ‘INDIA’ is used

Post author By balancedreport
Post date July 21, 2023

A case has been filed with the Delhi police against 26 Opposition parties for alleged “improper use” of the moniker ‘INDIA’ in their newly formed coalition.

Why discuss this?

According to the complainant, the parties breached the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act of 1950.
It is accused of attempting to obtain “undue influence” in elections by utilising the moniker ‘INDIA’ for their coalition.
It claims that by dubbing their coalition ‘INDIA,’ they intended to exert undue influence on the electorate and could face charges under Section 171F of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

The Emblems Act of 1950

The symbols Act of 1950 seeks to ban the unauthorised use of certain symbols and names for commercial or other purposes.
The Act aims to safeguard the dignity and sanctity of national emblems, insignia, and the names of international organisations.

Key features of the Emblem Act

	Description	Article/Sections
Protected Emblems and Names	Identifies certain emblems and names protected by the Act, such as national emblems, United Nations emblems, Red Cross emblems, and notified emblems. It protects their dignity and holiness.	Section 3
Prohibition of Improper Use	The use of protected emblems and names for commercial or deceptive purposes is prohibited. Keeps their integrity and respect.	Section 5
Offenses and Penalties	Penalties for breaking the Act’s requirements, including imprisonment and fines, are established.	Section 7
Exceptions and Permitted Use	Allows for the use of protected emblems and names in particular circumstances and for specific purposes with the authorization of the competent authorities.	Section 4
Enforcement and Authorities	Authorises the Police to enforce, investigate, and take legal action against violators.	Section 8

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/complaint-filed-against-26-opposition-parties-for-naming-alliance-india/article67099287.ece