16 Aug 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

16 August 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMY
1. Consumption-based poverty estimates have relevance
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
GOVERNANCE
1. Why is the Cauvery water sharing issue flaring up again?
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The Myanmar junta’s empty gestures
F. Prelims Facts
G. Tidbits
1. On IDay, Stalin seeks transfer of education back to State List
2. Bindeshwar Pathak, who brought in public toilet revolution, dies at 80
3. SC plans expansion of infra; eCourts to offer national link
4. With amended Act kicking in, Odisha has no ‘deemed forest’
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

2. Bindeshwar Pathak, who brought in public toilet revolution, dies at 80

  • Who: Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, a well-known social worker and recipient of the Padma Bhushan award, has died at the age of 80 due to a heart attack at AIIMS in Delhi.
  • Achievements: Bindeshwar Pathak is credited with introducing the innovative Sulabh Complex public toilet system in India, which played a significant role in reducing open defecation and manual scavenging.
  • Legacy: Bindeshwar Pathak was active in his non-profit work until his last days. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
  • Condolences: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over Dr. Pathak’s death. He acknowledged Bindeshwar Pathak’s visionary efforts for societal progress and empowering marginalised communities. He praised Pathak’s contribution to the Swachh Bharat Mission.
  • Accomplishments: Born and educated in Bihar, Pathak founded Sulabh International in 1970 to introduce a public toilet system across India, positively impacting many towns. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and became an ambassador for the Swachh Bharat Mission.
  • Welfare Initiatives: Sulabh International not only advanced sanitation but also helped those involved in manual scavenging transition out of this occupation. The organisation received the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2016.
  • Tributes: President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences, acknowledging Pathak’s revolutionary contribution to cleanliness and social welfare.

3. SC plans expansion of infra; eCourts to offer national link

Introduction

  • Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud announced a project to modernise the court infrastructure for improved accessibility and inclusivity.
  • The new project aims to build a new structure to house extra courts, judges’ chambers, registrar courtrooms, registrar chambers, and other necessary spaces for lawyers and litigants.

Role of Judiciary and Access to Justice

  • The Chief Justice emphasised the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring that government institutions operate within constitutional boundaries.
  • Courts provide a safe space for individuals to seek the protection of their rights and liberties.
  • The Supreme Court has played a key role in promoting access to justice and upholding constitutional values.

Technology and Modernization

  • Technology is a powerful tool to enhance court efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
  • Phase 3 of the e-Courts project aims to revolutionise the court system by connecting courts nationwide, establishing paperless processes, digitising records, and creating advanced e-sewa kendras in court complexes.
  • The Supreme Court uses technology to make its premises and services friendly for people with disabilities.
  • Measures like screen-readable websites and case files are implemented to aid the blind community in accessing court services.

4. With amended Act kicking in, Odisha has no ‘deemed forest’

  • The government of Odisha has informed district officials that requests to use forest land for non-forestry purposes should now align with the revised Forest Act. The concept of “deemed forests” will no longer exist.
  • “Deemed forest” refers to land not officially designated as forest by the Central or State governments. 
  • A 1996 Supreme Court decision required states to identify and protect such land if it meets the dictionary definition of a forest.
  • Approximately half of Odisha’s forest land falls under the category of “deemed forest.” However, the Odisha government’s interpretation of the Forest Act could potentially lead to an increase in deforestation.
  • This interpretation may contrast with assurances given by the Environment Ministry to a parliamentary committee that “deemed forests” would continue to be safeguarded.
  • Protection under the Forest Act means that land cannot be converted without the consent of both the Central government and local gram panchayats. Those changing land use must plant trees on double the cleared area and pay a significant fine.
  • The 1980 Forest Act, now known as the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, offers protection only to officially declared forests and land specified as forest after October 25, 1980.
  • In 1996, the Supreme Court expanded the Act’s scope to include areas that fit the dictionary definition of forests but were not officially labelled as such.
  • States were expected to form expert committees to identify such areas; however, not all states provided these reports, leaving room for states to define or exclude large land parcels from the forest definition.
  • The Ministry of Environment introduced amendments to bring clarity to forest law applications, stating that changes were necessary to eliminate ambiguity.
  • According to the amended Act, if forest land was legally converted for non-forest use between 1980 and 1996, the Forest Conservation Act would not apply. This implies that land would lose protection unless officially designated as forest.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements about a prominent social reformer and Padma 
Bhushan recipient:

He was known for his efforts in sanitation, and introduced the revolutionary Sulabh Complex public toilet system in India, significantly reducing open defecation and manual scavenging. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and later became an ambassador for the government’s Swachh Bharat Mission. Sulabh International, under his leadership, also worked towards improving the lives of individuals involved in manual scavenging. Sulabh International was given Gandhi Peace Prize in 2016.

Identify the individual from the following options:

  1. Kailash Satyarthi
  2. Bindeshwar Pathak
  3. Arvind Kejriwal
  4. Kiran Bedi
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: 

The passage describes Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh International, known for his contributions to sanitation, and social work, and for receiving the Padma Bhushan award.

Q2. Which amendment transferred education from the State List to the Concurrent List 
in the Indian Constitution?
  1. 44th Amendment Act
  2. 42nd Amendment Act
  3. 73rd Amendment Act
  4. 86th Amendment Act
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: 

The 42nd Amendment Act transferred education from the State List to the Concurrent List, allowing both the Union and States to legislate on matters related to education.

Q3. Consider the following statements:
  1. The Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam protects only those forests declared under the Forest Act, 1927 and land notified as forest after October 25, 1980.
  2. The Supreme Court’s Godavarman verdict (1996) expanded the Act’s scope to areas conforming to the ‘dictionary’ definition of forests.
  3. ‘Deemed forest’ refers to forest land notified by the Centre or States after 1980.

How many of the statements given above are incorrect?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

Statement 3 is incorrect as ‘Deemed forest’ is forest land that has not been notified as such by the Centre or States.

Q4. With reference to Inter-State Water Disputes Tribunals in India, consider the 
following statements:
  1. These tribunals are constituted under Article 262 of the Constitution of India.
  2. The tribunals have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes related to the use, distribution, and control of inter-state river waters.
  3. The decision of these tribunals is final and cannot be challenged in any court.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: 

Statement 3 is incorrect; the decisions of these tribunals can be challenged in the Supreme Court (under Article 136 and in violation of Article 21).

Q5. With reference to e-Courts in India, consider the following statements:
  1. It aims to facilitate electronic filing of cases, online payment of fees, and virtual hearings.
  2. The e-Courts project is under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
  3. The e-Courts project covers only the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. All three
  4. None
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

Statements 2 & 3 are incorrect; the e-Courts project is under the Ministry of Law and Justice, and it covers all levels of courts.

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