July 17, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
India's Collegium System for Appointing Judges | Explained
Explore the evolution of the Collegium system for appointing judges in India, tracing its roots back to the Bar Council of India's recommendations and the landmark judicial pronouncements in the Second and Third Judges' Cases. Delve into the advantages of the Collegium system, such as ensuring judicial independence and expertise-based selections. Examine its shortcomings, including the lack of transparency and accountability, potential appointment delays, and concerns related to checks and balances. Explore ongoing discussions for potential reforms to enhance transparency and strengthen the appointment process.
Highlights of the Day
1. India's Hoolock Gibbon Faces Alarming Conservation Crisis
India's hoolock gibbon, the country's sole ape species, faces a grave conservation challenge. At a recent global gibbon event in China, experts expressed concern over the endangered status of all 20 gibbon species worldwide. With just 12,000 estimated hoolock gibbons remaining, rampant deforestation for infrastructure projects poses a severe threat. The Global Gibbon Network (GGN) aims to protect these intelligent and unique apes, while Aaranyak, an Assam-based conservation organization, is actively involved as a founding member of the GGN. Recent genetic analysis by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) confirmed that India has a single gibbon species, challenging previous assumptions. However, the western hoolock gibbon remains endangered, while the presumed eastern hoolock gibbon is classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. Swift action is crucial to avert the impending extinction of the hoolock gibbon [1].
2. India Stresses Peace and Prosperity in Mekong Region for Security and Growth
India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, emphasized the significance of peace and prosperity in the Mekong region in realizing India's vision for security and growth under its Act East policy. Speaking at the 12th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism meeting, he highlighted the historical and contemporary importance of the lower Mekong region to India. The MGC, a collaboration between India and five ASEAN countries, aims to foster cooperation in tourism, culture, education, transportation, and communications. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to comprehensive connectivity within the region and highlighted various flagship projects demonstrating their dedication to tangible action. He also discussed the importance of ensuring peace and stability in border areas during a meeting with his Myanmar counterpart, Than Swe. He stressed the need to expedite projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway [2].
3. Cross-Border Rail Line from Kurtha to Bijalpura Becomes Operational, Boosting Connectivity and Trade Between India and Nepal
The rail section from Kurtha to Bijalpura of the cross-border Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas rail line has become operational. This is the second phase of the rail line project, constructed with the assistance of the Government of India. The rail line covers a distance of 17.3 km and includes five stations. The connectivity between the two countries is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people linkages. The train service has already had a positive impact on the local economy by increasing the movement of religious tourists [3].
4. India to Launch Pilot Program on Tax and Financial Crime Investigation in South Asia Region
The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the launch of a pilot program on tax and financial crime investigation in collaboration with the OECD for the South Asian region. The program aims to address financial crimes such as tax evasion, corruption, and money laundering. Sitharaman highlighted the importance of financial transparency and emphasized the progress in developing the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework and updating the Common Reporting Standard as positive steps. The pilot program will commence on July 18, 2023, at the Regional Campus of the National Academy of Direct Taxes in New Delhi [4].
5. Union Government Opposes Declaring Lightning as Natural Disaster, Emphasizes Education and Awareness for Prevention
The Union government opposes declaring lightning a natural disaster, citing the potential for prevention through education and awareness. India has an advanced lightning early warning system, providing forecasts up to three hours in advance. Some states, including Bihar and West Bengal, seek compensation for lightning deaths from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Currently, the SDRF covers disasters like cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and droughts. Bihar, highly vulnerable to lightning strikes, has witnessed over 1,500 deaths in the past five years. Despite issuing timely alerts and distributing awareness pamphlets, compliance is variable, especially among the most vulnerable populations. Lightning accounted for 40% of accidental deaths caused by natural forces in 2021, with increasing proportions compared to other disasters. While lightning frequency is high in northeastern and certain states, the number of deaths is higher in central Indian states [5].
Source: The Hindu | Financial Express | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act was enacted in 2015 to replace the collegium system of appointing judges in India.
Statement 2: The NJAC Act was struck down by the Supreme Court of India as unconstitutional.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Statement 1 only
(b) Statement 2 only
(c) Both Statements 1 and 2
(d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2
Q2: Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution.
Statement 2: The Inter-State Council is headed by the President of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Statement 1 only
(b) Statement 2 only
(c) Both Statements 1 and 2
(d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2
Q3: Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
Statement 2: The NITI Aayog replaces the erstwhile Planning Commission as the apex planning body in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Statement 1 only
(b) Statement 2 only
(c) Both Statements 1 and 2
(d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2
Q4: The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, officially ended which major historical event?
a) World War I
b) World War II
c) Cold War
d) American Civil War
Q5: The enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars is called:
a) Lipase
b) Amylase
c) Protease
d) Cellulase
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
The concept of social justice is central to the Indian Constitution. Discuss the evolution of social justice in India, highlighting the role of affirmative action policies. Evaluate the effectiveness of these policies in addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity and equality in Indian society. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
In the context of Indian Polity, the role of the governor, powers, and privileges have been asked repeatedly in UPSC Prelims. Aspirants are advised to have a clear understanding of the governor and State administration.
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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