TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related POLITY 1. The SC ruling on Sena vs. Sena 2. The jurisdictional conflict in the running of Delhi C. GS 3 Related ECONOMY 1. What is the stalemate over the U.S. debt ceiling? D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. The problem with India’s multi-alignment stand F. Prelims Facts 1. Monkeypox 2. Cham Lama G. Tidbits 1. Pakistan SC calls Imran Khan’s arrest ‘illegal’; orders his release H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
1. The SC ruling on Sena vs. Sena
Syllabus: State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Prelims: About Anti-Defection Law and Whip in India
Mains: Key highlights of the Supreme Court’s judgement in the Sena v/s Sena Case
Context
The Supreme Court of India recently delivered its judgment in the Sena v/s Sena Case.
Background
- In 2022, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, consisting of Shiv Sena (led by Uddhav Thackeray), NCP, and Congress was toppled and replaced by another government, consisting of a faction of the Shiv Sena, BJP and other Independent MLAs.
- Eknath Shinde, who was the leader of the breakaway Sena faction, became Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
- Later, a petition was filed by Mr. Shinde after notices were issued by the then Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly against 40 rebel MLAs under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution (Anti-Defection Law).
- Furthermore, petitions were also filed by the actual Shiv Sena group that challenged the decision of the then Maharashtra Governor to call for a trust vote and the swearing-in of a new Chief Minister. The election of the new Speaker was also contested.
- A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) gave its judgement after hearing the petitions and arguments made by both parties.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
- In a unanimous judgment, the Constitution Bench of the SC said that the then Maharashtra Governor’s call for a trust vote, which resulted in the resignation of the MVA government, was “illegal”.
- The bench pointed out that the Governor was “not justified” in calling the then Chief Minister to prove his majority on the floor of the House.
- This is because the Governor did not have any reasons based on objective material before him, to reach a conclusion that Uddhav Thackeray had lost the trust of the House.
- However, the apex court said that “status quo ante cannot be restored” i.e. it could not reinstate Uddhav Thackeray as the Chief Minister, as he had resigned voluntarily instead of facing the floor test.
- On the questions over whose Whip is binding, i.e. the Whip appointed by the political party or the Whip acting on behalf of the legislature party, the apex court noted:
- If a Whip appointed by a legislature party is considered binding then it would sever the figurative umbilical cord which connects a member of the House to the political party.
- The court also held that the directions to vote in a specific manner or abstain from it are issued by the political party, and not the legislature party.
- Further, the court said that both the Whip and the Leader of the party are to be appointed only by the political party and regarded the Speaker’s action of approving Eknath Shinde as the leader of Shiv Sena in the House as “contrary to law”.
- The Speaker is the authority to adjudicate petitions for disqualification under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution.
- The Supreme Court has stated that it cannot ordinarily adjudicate petitions for disqualification under the 10th Schedule.
- The court also noted that there are no extraordinary circumstances in this case that require the exercise of jurisdiction by the Court to adjudicate disqualification petitions.
- The Court, however, said that the Speaker must decide disqualification petitions within a reasonable period.”
- Additionally, the Court noted that a member has the right to participate in the proceedings of the House regardless of the pendency of any petitions for their disqualification.
- Further, the court also said that “the validity of the proceedings of the House in the interregnum (the period between a regime change) is not ‘subject to’ the outcome of the disqualification petitions.”
Nut graf: The apex court in its ruling in Maharashtra’s Sena vs Sena case has held that the then Maharashtra Governor’s decision to call for a floor test that toppled the MVA government was not in accordance with the law. However, the court also said that the status quo ante cannot be restored as the former Chief Minister resigned the post voluntarily without facing a floor test.
2. The jurisdictional conflict in the running of Delhi
Syllabus: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
Prelims: About Article 239AA and Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi
Mains: The conflict between the government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi.
Context
On 11th of May 2023, the Supreme Court said that the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has legislative and executive power over administrative services in the National Capital, other than the matters relating to public order, police and land.
Details
- A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court headed by the Chief Justice of India held that the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) can exercise executive power on behalf of the Centre only in the three areas of public order, police and land in Delhi as mentioned in Article 239AA(3)(a).
- The Bench said that the L-G does not have sweeping executive powers over the national capital, and the Centre should be mindful of the unique “asymmetric federal model” of governance adopted for Delhi.
- The court also noted that the sui generis (special status) granted to Delhi should align with “cooperative federalism”.
This topic has been comprehensively covered in the following article:
UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis dated 18 Aug 2020
Also read: Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021
C. GS 3 Related
1. What is the stalemate over the U.S. debt ceiling?
Syllabus: Government Budgeting
Mains: Details about the U.S. debt ceiling and issues associated with it
Context
The Secretary of Treasury informed the U.S. Congress that the country could default on its debt in the coming months if a consensus to raise or suspend the debt ceiling is not reached between the Republican-dominated House of Representatives and the President’s White House.
The U.S. debt ceiling
- A budget deficit occurs when any government spends more than it brings in. During such instances, the government has to borrow money to meet its financial obligations thereby accruing debt.
- In the case of the U.S., the federal government borrows money by creating and selling debt securities such as bonds to domestic or foreign investors, companies, banks, and other countries.
- A majority portion of such debt instruments is owned by the federal government itself in order to fund various social security schemes, healthcare, federal pensions, etc.
- The taxation and spending aspects are decided by the administration and Congress, whereas the collection of taxes and the borrowing of funds is managed by the Treasury Department of the U.S.
- In 1917, Congress enacted the Second Liberty Bond Act, which permitted then-President Woodrow Wilson to make use of the money to fund the requirements that arose during the First World War without the approval of Congress lawmakers.
- However, Congress put in place a borrowing limit which created a debt ceiling that could only be raised by the approval of Congress (i,e. the House and Senate).
Read more on the US debt ceiling issue in the linked article.
Stalemate over the issue of debt ceiling
- The debt ceiling is not a “forward-looking” budgeting instrument, i.e. it does not reveal or mention the ideal levels of spending.
- Congress usually approves various programmes or initiatives without having the entire funding and then a limit is placed on how much the Treasury can borrow to pay for these initiatives.
- Example: If Congress approves $100 of spending on a programme out of which $70 comes from taxes but there is a ceiling on the government that it can borrow only $15 to pay for the rest.
- Also, the move to raise or suspend such ceilings which must be approved by Congress has turned into a political issue in recent times.
- The Opposition has used the debt ceiling to get budgetary and other legislative concessions.
- Example: The U.S. almost defaulted on its debt in 2011 when there was a stalemate between the Republicans and the Obama administration on increasing the ceiling.
Key concerns associated with debt ceiling
- Ever since the introduction of the debt ceiling, the U.S. government has reached or come close to reaching the debt ceiling several times.
- As per the Treasury Department, since 1960, Congress has acted about 78 times to permanently raise, or temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt ceiling.
- While the government can receive taxation revenue even after reaching the debt ceiling, it cannot borrow any more to pay the existing bills which makes the U.S. unable to pay its debt-holders, ultimately leading to a default.
- Economists have cautioned the government about the possible catastrophic implications on the American as well as the global financial markets if the federal government defaults on the interest payments that it owes to domestic and foreign investors.
- Experts believe that a U.S. default can result in the downgrading of U.S. creditworthiness by interventional agencies, large-scale job losses, weakening of the dollar, stock sell-offs, and also increase the cost of borrowing for the U.S. government.
Nut graf: There has been an impasse between the Republicans and the Biden administration over the issue of the debt ceiling and the economists have recommended removing such debt ceilings as they do not contribute to fiscal discipline anymore and lead to frequent political grandstanding which ultimately threatens national and global financial stability.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The problem with India’s multi-alignment stand
Syllabus: Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India’s Interests
Mains: Significance of India as a soft power
Context: This article discusses different conflict resolution approaches by India and China.
Introduction:
- The recent Ukraine crisis has highlighted the differences between India’s approach to conflict resolution and China’s.
- India has used various symbolic instruments to enhance its soft power appeal, projecting itself as a “mother of democracies” and a “moral force” for global peace.
- Prime Minister Modi has spoken to Ukraine President Zelenskyy multiple times, expressing India’s solidarity and support for peace efforts.
- In contrast, China has positioned itself as an opponent to the American approach by holding NATO‘s eastward expansion responsible for instigating the war and painting America as the biggest obstacle to a ceasefire.
Different approaches:
- India’s approach to conflict resolution emphasizes its status as a responsible global player and promoter of peace. India has historically been a strong advocate of multilateralism and has been involved in numerous international peacekeeping missions.
- In contrast, China often takes a more assertive approach to conflict resolution. China has been known to use economic leverage, such as trade sanctions, to assert its interests in global issues. China has also become more aggressive in its military posture in recent years, especially in the South China Sea.
- Unlike China, India sees its role as being supportive of peace and has extended support to Ukraine in various ways.
- The use of the “Vishwaguru” phrase by Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister highlights India’s nationalist foreign policy discourse and the unique nature of soft power in foreign policy debates.
- This may be understandable as India has often taken an evasive position on conflicts that involve its traditional allies.
- India’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression is in line with its adherence to the Westphalian notion of sovereignty.
- India’s historical ties with Russia and dependence on military resources also limit its ability to play a role in mediating the conflict.
- India’s lack of hard power has been acknowledged, with some criticizing India’s ambiguous position on the Ukraine crisis, especially considering India’s aspiration to become a permanent member of the UNSC.
- However, India’s political elite does not resonate with Russia’s justifications for its military actions in Ukraine.
- China’s offensive in Ukraine is aimed at increasing Russia’s dependency on China. India must ensure that its refusal to condemn Russia is not seen as a pro-Moscow approach, even as it seeks to find manoeuvring space in the emerging nexus between Russia and China.
Nut Graf: The ongoing Ukraine crisis has brought to light the differences in conflict resolution approaches between India and China. While India has used soft power to support peace, China has taken a confrontational stance. India’s lack of hard power and its historical ties with Russia limit its ability to play a role in mediating the conflict.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Monkeypox
Syllabus: GS-3; Science and Technology; Awareness about various diseases
Prelims: About Monkeypox
Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Monkeypox (mpox) no longer constitutes a global health emergency.
Monkeypox disease
- Monkeypox disease is caused due to the Monkeypox virus.
- The virus belongs to the poxvirus family and was first identified in monkeys in 1958.
- The first human case was reported in 1970 from the Democratic Republic of Congo and many sporadic outbreaks of animal-to-human as well as human-to-human transmission have been reported in Central and West Africa with significant mortality.
- Since the eradication of smallpox, monkeypox is said to be one of the dominant poxviruses in humans, with cases increasing over the years.
- As the transmission happens only due to close contact, the outbreaks are self-limiting.
- The incubation period is found to be between five to 21 days in the majority of affected people and is often mild or self-limiting.
- The outbreaks in Central Africa are considered to be due to their close contact with animals in the region.
- While monkeys are said to be the only hosts, the reservoir is not known and it is believed that rodents and non-human primates could be potential reservoirs.
Read more – Monkeypox/MPox
2. Cham Lama
Syllabus: GS-1; Art and Culture; Salient aspects of Art Forms
Prelims: About Cham Lama Dance
Context
A Cham Lama performance was held during the celebration of Buddha Jayanti at Tupchiling Gompa in Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh.
Cham Lama Dance
Image Source: The Hindu
- The Cham dance is a form of dance that is performed during Buddhist festivals, such as Losar (the Tibetan New Year), and Buddha Jayanti.
- The traditional Cham Lama dance is usually performed at Tibetan monasteries during special Buddhist festivals.
- It is performed in the traditional Vajrayana or Tantric schools of Buddhism in India, Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal, and Tibet.
- Cham dance was introduced in the eighth century by Padmasambhava to subjugate the local demons that were obstructing the building of the first monastery in Tibet.
- It is believed that the Cham dance is performed to exorcise evil spirits and demons.
- The performance involves monks in elaborate and colourful masks, headgear and costumes dancing slowly to the music played using traditional instruments such as drums and cymbals also performed by monks.
G. Tidbits
1. Pakistan SC calls Imran Khan’s arrest ‘illegal’; orders his release
- Pakistan’s Supreme Court has declared that the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s(PTI) chairman Imran Khan was “illegal” and ordered his release.
- The arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan resulted in unrest and large-scale protests in Pakistan. A mob attacked Army properties and installations.
- The SC ruling comes a day after the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated that May 9 would go down in history as a “dark chapter”.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements about Biodiversity Hotspots:(Level – Moderate)
- The term was coined by UNESCO.
- There are 36 Biodiversity hotspots globally, covering 2.5% of Earth’s land.
- 4 Biodiversity Hotspots are located in India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only 1 statement
- Only 2 statements
- All 3 statements
- None of the statements
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, The term “Biodiversity hotspots” was coined by a British environmentalist named Norman Myers.
- “Biodiversity hotspots” are defined as regions which are known for their high species richness and endemism.
- Statement 2 is correct, Around the world, there are currently 36 biodiversity hotspots that account for 2.5% of Earth’s land surface.
- Statement 3 is correct, There are four biodiversity hotspots in India namely – the Himalayas, Indo-Burma Region, the Western Ghats and the Sundaland.
Q2. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched with regards to the river, and the country boundary it marks? (Level – Difficult)
- Rio Grande: USA and Mexico
- Orange River: Namibia and South Africa
- Amur River: China and Russia
Options:
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Pair 1 is correct, The River Rio Grande marks the boundary between Mexico and the United States.
- Pair 2 is correct, The Orange River is a river in Southern Africa that forms part of the international borders between South Africa and Namibia.
- It also forms a boundary between South Africa and Lesotho.
- Pair 3 is correct, The Amur is the world’s tenth-longest river that forms a border between the Russian Far East and Northeastern China.
Q3. Which of the following can be the impact of waiving off import duties by the government? (Level – Easy)
- It can reduce inflation in the domestic market.
- It can increase the spending capacity of the citizens.
- It can disturb the country’s balance of payment.
- It can give a boost to domestic industries.
Options:
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 3 and 4
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Reduction in or waiving of import duties helps arrest high inflation in the domestic market.
- Statement 2 is correct, Since the waiving of import duties reduces the prices of the products, the spending capacity of the citizens increases.
- Statement 3 is correct, An import duty has a perverse impact on the balance of payments hence waning import duties can disturb the country’s balance of payment.
- Statement 4 is correct, Freezing import duties and reducing duty slabs can provide a boost to domestic manufacturing industries.
Q4. Identify the correct statements: (Level – Difficult)
- The Cham lama dance is associated with Tibetan Buddhism.
- In India, it is performed only in Ladakh in India.
- Special masks and headgear are adorned by the performers in this dance.
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3
- 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, The Cham dance is a form of dance that is performed by Tibetan Buddhists during Buddhist festivals, such as Losar (the Tibetan New Year), and Buddha Jayanti.
- Statement 2 is not correct, The Cham Lama dance is popular in Tibetan settlement areas of Himachal Pradesh, such as Lahaul & Spiti, Ladakh and Kinnaur.
- Statement 3 is correct, The performance involves monks in elaborate and colourful masks, headgear and costumes dancing slowly to the music played using traditional instruments such as drums and cymbals also performed by monks.
Q5. A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village which was situated 5 km east of the point where he was standing. He had no instruments to find the direction but he located the polestar. The most convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the: (Level – Moderate) [PYQ - 2012]
- Direction facing the polestar
- Direction opposite to the polestar
- Direction keeping the polestar to his left
- Direction keeping the polestar to his right
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- The Pole Star’s position with respect to the rotating earth never changes and it always points in the north direction and the Pole Star is in the rotation axis of the sky.
- In ancient times, people used the position of the Pole star to determine directions during the night.
- Since the Pole star always points towards the northern direction, walking in the direction keeping the pole star to his left will help the person reach his village located in the east.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- How would China’s new policy of playing a mediator in international conflicts impact India? Discuss. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-2; International Relations)
- Anti–defection law takes away the right of the legislators to express their true opinion. Do you agree? Critically analyze this statement. (250 words; 15 marks) (GS-2; Polity)
Read the previous CNA here.
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