09 Feb 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

B. GS 2 Related

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Preferential treatment of most backward is not tinkering with Presidential list: SC

Syllabus: Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.

Mains: Issues related to vulnerable section

Introduction: 

In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the authority of individual states to extend reservation benefits to the most marginalized groups within the Scheduled Castes without infringing upon Parliament’s power to create the Presidential list under Articles 341 and 342. The ruling came amidst a broader examination by the court on whether states can sub-classify particularly disadvantaged groups within the Scheduled Caste category for quota benefits.

Clarification Amidst Legal Scrutiny:

• The Supreme Court’s ruling addressed concerns regarding the potential “Balkanization” of the reservation list, asserting the importance of fairness and equality in distributing reservation benefits. Senior advocate Manoj Swarup’s arguments against subclassification underscored fears of perpetuating inequality by excluding certain groups.
• Justices emphasized that granting preference to specific sub-castes should not disadvantage others within the same category. They also cautioned against the misuse of subclassification for political gains, highlighting the need for transparent and equitable reservation policies.

Balancing Marginalized Community Interests:

The decision highlights the delicate balance between addressing the needs of marginalized communities and ensuring fairness in reservation policies. It underscores the complexities inherent in India’s reservation system and the ongoing efforts to navigate them while upholding principles of equality and social justice.

Nut Graf: The Supreme Court reaffirmed states’ authority to extend reservation benefits to marginalized groups within Scheduled Castes, clarifying concerns about the potential “Balkanization” of the reservation list. Justices emphasized fairness and transparency in reservation policies, balancing the needs of marginalized communities with principles of equality and social justice.

E. Editorials

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. Charting a path for the population committee

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Mains: Formation of a high-powered committee to address challenges of rapid population growth 

Introduction to the Population Committee’s Mandate:

• Interim Budget announcement of a high-powered committee to address challenges of rapid population growth and demographic changes.
• The mandate includes making recommendations aligned with the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

Strategies for Population Management:

• Embrace an interdisciplinary approach involving experts from demography, public health, economics, sociology, and governance.
• Conduct rigorous research, data analysis, and monitoring of demographic trends.
• Foster collaboration with stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.
• Prioritize public awareness and education campaigns on responsible family planning practices.
• Facilitate international collaboration and exchange of best practices in population management.

India’s Demographic Landscape:

• Historical shifts in demographic patterns, including declining fertility rates and increased working-age population.
• United Nations projections indicate India’s population will reach 1.46 billion by 2030.
• The anticipated demographic transition is characterised by a decreasing proportion of the child population and increasing working-age population.
• The potential demographic dividend is an opportunity for accelerated economic growth per capita.

Addressing Health, Education, and Employment Challenges:

• Ensuring access to quality healthcare and education for all segments of the population.
• Challenges in public health spending, nutritional deprivation among children, and access to education are highlighted.
• Importance of investments in health infrastructure, nutrition programs, and primary education.
• Need for bridging the gap between existing skill development initiatives and industry requirements.

Improving Evidence-Based Decision Making:

• Challenges regarding the availability of accurate and timely population data.
• Importance of modernizing data infrastructure, including data collection methods and technology adoption.
• Implementing rigorous validation and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Promotion of open data initiatives and transparency in data sharing.
• Collaboration with international organizations for access to global best practices and technical expertise.

Nut Graf: The high-powered population committee, tasked with addressing India’s demographic challenges, must adopt an interdisciplinary approach, prioritize investments in health, education, and employment, and enhance evidence-based decision-making to realize the country’s demographic potential for inclusive and sustainable development.

Category: POLITY

1. Towards uniformity

Syllabus: Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Mains: Need and issues with UCC implementation

Introduction: 

• Justice is foundational, with uniformity being a natural extension of equality.
• A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is seen as progressive for a secular nation.
• The Uttarakhand Assembly recently passed a UCC, a significant step since pre-Independence Goa.

Historical Perspectives and Current Debates:

• The Constitution’s directive principles advocate for a UCC, but opinions vary on its implications.
• B.R. Ambedkar proposed a voluntary adoption of the UCC initially.
• Previous Law Commissions expressed reservations about the necessity of a UCC and suggested reforms within personal laws.
• The present Law Commission has reignited the debate, seeking public opinion on the matter.

Concerns Regarding the Uttarakhand UCC: 

• While uniformity is desirable, it must accommodate diverse cultural and social practices.
• The UCC introduces controversial elements, such as mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
• The imposition of a prison term for non-registration raises constitutional concerns and violates individual rights.
• Despite positive aspects like legitimizing children from live-in relationships and mandating maintenance, mandatory registration infringes on personal liberties.

Analysis of Uttarakhand UCC Provisions:

• The Uttarakhand UCC incorporates elements from existing laws but with notable omissions.
• It offers progressive provisions such as easy dissolution of marriage and removal of practices like iddat, talaq, and nikah halala.
• However, the UCC faces criticism for polarizing public discourse, especially in the context of the upcoming elections.
• The pursuit of uniformity should not overshadow the principle of justice, which should be the primary concern.

Conclusion – Balancing Uniformity and Justice:

• Uniformity should accommodate diversity and uphold individual rights.
• While a UCC may be a progressive goal, it should not compromise on principles of justice and equality.
• The Uttarakhand UCC, despite progressive elements, raises constitutional concerns and sparks polarizing debates.

Nut Graf: The Uttarakhand Assembly’s adoption of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) marks a significant step towards uniformity in civil matters. However, controversial provisions such as mandatory registration of live-in relationships raise concerns about individual rights and constitutional validity.
Category: ECONOMY

1. The Paytm Payments Bank debacle

Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning

Mains: Paytm Payments Bank Regulatory concern and the way forward

Introduction:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has penalized Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) due to persistent non-compliance and supervisory concerns.
• PPBL is barred from accepting further deposits, top-ups, or credit transactions from February 29, impacting its ability to onboard new customers and conduct banking services.
• Existing customers can still use their balances, but PPBL cannot engage in banking services, bill payments, or UPI transactions.
• The directive also requires PPBL to terminate nodal accounts and settle transactions by March 29, affecting revenue and profitability in the medium to long term.

Transition Plan and Partnership Expansion:

• Paytm plans to transition its services away from PPBL by working with other banks.
• It aims to expand partnerships with third-party banks for merchant-acquiring services.
• The transition will occur in three stages: finding partner banks, assessing commercial viability, and facilitating account-to-account migration.
• Time constraints pose challenges to the migration process, but a one-time migration option is also considered.

Concerns and Compliance Issues:

• Regulatory concerns revolve around PPBL’s licensing, which prohibits lending activities. PPBL indirectly provides credit products from third parties.
• Governance and related-party transactions are under scrutiny, with Paytm holding 49% of PPBL and founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma holding the rest.
• Paytm claims PPBL operates independently, but regulatory actions suggest non-compliance with directives.
• Recent penalties for KYC norms violations and concerns about money laundering, including multiple accounts linked to the same PAN, raise further compliance issues.

Government Response and Potential Consequences:

• RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasizes the need for regulated entities to comply with directives, indicating potential consequences for non-compliance.
• Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who reiterated the importance of regulatory compliance.
• There are potential repercussions for lending partnerships, with partners possibly reconsidering relationships.
• If fresh charges of money laundering emerge, they will be investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), highlighting the seriousness of compliance issues.

Nut Graf: The Reserve Bank of India penalizes Paytm Payments Bank Ltd for non-compliance, barring it from accepting deposits and conducting banking services. Paytm plans to transition services to other banks amidst concerns about governance and money laundering.

Q1) Which of the following is the first in the series of exclusive meteorological 
satellites built by ISRO?

Q2) Consider the following statements:

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3) Consider the following statements:

Q4) Consider the following statements related to IAEA:

Q5) What is the Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in the news?