- Women Reservation and 73rd and 74th amendment bill
- India- Canada Relation amidst Khalistani Issue
- Five eyes Alliance patronaging the Khalistani Probe
- Global Impact of High Blood Pressure: WHO Report
- India’s Digital Revolution Journey
- Rastriya Vigyan Puraskar
- Green Nudges
WOMEN RESERVATION BILL AND 73RD AND 74TH AMENDMENT BILL
Context:
The recent introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill in 2023 signifies a significant milestone in India’s history as it seeks to reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies for women.
Foundations: The 73rd and 74th Amendments
In 1992, India witnessed pioneering constitutional amendments, namely the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, 1992, and the Constitution (Seventy-fourth Amendment) Act, 1992, which laid the groundwork for women’s reservation in political institutions.
Narasimha Rao’s Tenure
- These pivotal amendments were enacted during Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao’s tenure and mandated the reservation of one-third of seats for women not only in Panchayati Raj institutions and chairperson positions at all levels but also in urban local bodies.
- They came into effect on April 24, 1993, and June 1, 1993, respectively.
Background to the Amendments
- The roots of these amendments can be traced back to the Balwantrai Mehta Committee in 1957, which recommended the establishment of village-level agencies for community representation and the execution of government development programs.
- This committee advocated for elected local bodies with devolved resources and authority.
- Subsequently, the Asoka Mehta Committee in 1977 proposed a transformation of Panchayati Raj into a political institution, identifying bureaucratic resistance, political apathy, and role ambiguity as obstacles.
State Initiatives and Unsuccessful Attempts
- States like Karnataka, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh passed laws based on the recommendations of the Asoka Mehta Committee to strengthen Panchayati Raj.
- An endeavor to enact a national strengthening law through The Constitution (Sixty-fourth Amendment) Bill in 1989, during Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, faced failure in the Rajya Sabha.
Key Features of the Amendments
- The 73rd and 74th Constitution Amendment Acts introduced local self-governance in rural and urban India, respectively, designating Panchayats and municipalities as “institutions of self-government.”
- These amendments empowered the gram sabha as the foundational unit of village democracy and established “ward committees” within municipalities to hold the Panchayats and municipalities accountable.
- The amendments also introduced direct elections for all three governance tiers: gram panchayat at the village level, taluka or block panchayat at the intermediate level, and zila panchayat or parishad at the district level, with exemptions for states with populations under 20 lakh.
- Furthermore, they mandated one-third reservation of seats for women, along with an additional 33% reservation for SCs and STs. Office-bearer and chairperson positions at all levels were also reserved for women.
- Each body had a fixed five-year tenure, and elections for successor bodies had to conclude before the previous body’s term ended.
- In cases of dissolution, elections had to occur within six months. Additionally, each state established a State Election Commission for electoral roll supervision.
- Panchayats were entrusted with the task of formulating economic development and social justice plans, covering subjects in the Eleventh Schedule, such as agriculture, land, irrigation, animal husbandry, fisheries, cottage industries, and drinking water.
- The 74th Amendment introduced District Planning Committees to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and municipalities.
Conclusion
The journey toward achieving women’s political representation in India has been characterized by decades of struggle, from grassroots committees to constitutional amendments.
The 73rd and 74th Amendments have been instrumental in empowering local self-governance in both rural and urban areas.
The inclusion of women’s reservation as a pivotal component reflects India’s dedication to achieving gender parity in political decision-making at all levels.
As India introduces the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill in 2023, it takes another significant step towards advancing gender equality and empowerment.
INDIA- CANADA RELATION AMIDST KHALISTAN ISSUE
Context:
- The relationship between India and Canada has experienced a notable deterioration, marked by allegations of Canada’s leniency towards Khalistani supporters and accusations of India’s involvement in a recent killing.
- This issue is not recent but has deep historical roots dating back to the mid-20th century.
- Current tensions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding Khalistani extremism have exacerbated these longstanding strains.
Historical Origins of the Khalistan Movement in Canada:
- Establishment of Khalistan Office: In 1982, Surjan Singh Gill established the ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in Vancouver, issuing Khalistani passports and currency.
- Impact of Militancy: The early 1980s saw the spread of militancy in Punjab, which had repercussions in Canada, leading to the emergence of organizations like the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), the Babbar Khalsa, and the World Sikh Organisation.
- Air India Kanishka Bombing: In 1985, the Babbar Khalsa orchestrated the bombing of Air India Kanishka, resulting in the tragic deaths of 331 civilians.
Recent Developments:
- Strained Relations: India and Canada’s relations have deteriorated due to Canada’s perceived leniency towards Khalistani supporters. Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India, in Surrey in June.
- Khalistan-Related Tensions: Tensions surrounding Khalistan extremism have persisted for years, sparked by Trudeau’s appointment of Sikh ministers in 2015, which led to controversy and accusations of his proximity to Khalistan sympathizers.
- Incidents Fueling Tensions: Various incidents, including the refusal of meetings by Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Trudeau’s lukewarm reception during his India visit, have further strained India-Canada relations.
- Report on Sikh Extremism: In 2018, Canada released a report mentioning ‘Sikh extremism’ and Khalistan as threats but later revised the report, removing these references, causing additional strain.
- Alliance with NDP: In March 2022, Trudeau’s Liberal Party formed an alliance with the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, who openly endorsed the Khalistan Referendum on Canadian soil.
- G20 Summit Concerns: During the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, PM Modi expressed strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.
Influence of the Sikh Community:
- Political Influence: Canada’s Sikh community, making up approximately 2 percent of the population, has gained significant political sway, exemplified by the election of Sikh Members of Parliament and their active involvement in Canadian politics.
- Representation in Canadian Parliament: Sikh Canadians have held important political positions, including Members of Parliament, with 18 Sikh MPs in the Canadian parliament in 2019, surpassing the number of Sikh MPs in India.
- Cultural Impact: Sikh festivals, particularly Vaisakhi, are widely celebrated in Canada and have become integral to the country’s multicultural fabric.
- Social Activism: Sikh organizations in Canada are known for their social and humanitarian initiatives, such as providing free meals (langar) to those in need, reflecting their commitment to community welfare.
- Business and Economic Contributions: Sikh Canadians have made substantial contributions to Canada’s business and economic landscape, with numerous Sikh-owned businesses playing pivotal roles in the country’s economy.
Evolution of the Political Landscape:
- Varied Responses: Canada’s stance on the Khalistan movement has shifted over the years, with some governments engaging with Khalistanis while others sought reconciliation with India.
- Strong Relations under Stephen Harper: During Stephen Harper’s tenure as Canadian PM, Canada and India enjoyed robust relations, characterized by high-level visits and agreements.
- Efforts at Reconciliation: Both the Modi and Harper governments initially made efforts toward reconciliation, including removing individuals from blacklists and engaging with radicals.
Consequences and Perspectives:
- Impact on Bilateral Relations: Khalistan-related tensions have strained India-Canada bilateral relations, affecting diplomatic interactions and cooperation in various areas such as trade, counter-terrorism, and education.
- Security Concerns: Both countries have expressed concerns about the presence and activities of Khalistani extremists on their respective soils, leading to heightened security measures and intelligence sharing.
- Asylum Claims: The rise in asylum claims by Indian nationals in Canada, especially from Punjab, is seen as a consequence of Khalistan-related tensions, presenting a complex immigration challenge for Canadian authorities.
- Shift in Focus: The article suggests that Canada’s focus on Khalistan has at times overshadowed other important aspects of the bilateral relationship, potentially hindering broader cooperation.
- Changing Perceptions: Research indicates that interest in the Khalistan movement in Canada is waning, particularly among younger generations. This shift in perceptions could impact the movement’s future.
Path Forward:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Resolving Khalistan-related tensions may require sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue between India and Canada to address each other’s concerns and find common ground.
- Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Both countries can enhance their cooperation on counter-terrorism measures, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement efforts to effectively counter extremist activities.
- Community Outreach: Canadian authorities can engage with the Sikh community to better understand their concerns and perspectives while respecting Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
- Balanced Foreign Policy: Canada can strive for a balanced foreign policy that addresses the aspirations of its Sikh community while maintaining strong diplomatic relations with India, a significant global partner.
- Promotion of Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue and understanding among different communities and advocacy groups within Canada can contribute to peaceful coexistence and reduce tensions related to Khalistan.
- Addressing Root Causes: Proactively exploring and addressing the root causes of extremism and radicalization within the Sikh community can be a step toward preventing future tensions.
Conclusion:
The enduring strain in India-Canada relations due to Khalistan remains a complex issue rooted in historical events and contemporary political dynamics.
Resolving these tensions necessitates nuanced diplomacy and a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of the Khalistan movement within Canada.
FIVE EYES ALLIANCE PATRONAGING THE KHALISTANI PROBE
Context:
Canada’s assertion regarding India’s potential involvement in the assassination of a Khalistani fugitive has garnered support from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
About the Five Eyes Alliance
- Formation Year: The Five Eyes alliance originated with the UK-USA Agreement established during World War II and was subsequently expanded.
- Member Countries: It includes the United States (1946), the United Kingdom (1946), Canada (1948), Australia (1956), and New Zealand (1956).
- Purpose: The alliance serves as an intelligence-sharing consortium primarily focused on signals intelligence (SIGINT) and surveillance.
- Origins: It was initially created during World War II to facilitate intelligence exchange between the UK and the U.S.
- Scope: The primary mission is the collection and analysis of global electronic communications.
- Principles: The Five Eyes alliance is built on principles of cooperative intelligence-sharing, mutual trust, and shared security objectives.
- Controversies: The alliance has faced scrutiny over privacy concerns and allegations of mass surveillance.
- Activities: Its activities involve monitoring and analyzing worldwide communications to ensure national security.
- Significance: The Five Eyes alliance is recognized as one of the most prominent and long-standing intelligence-sharing partnerships globally.
- Current Status: The alliance continues to collaborate in the realms of signals intelligence and cybersecurity.
Response of the Five Eyes Alliance to Trudeau’s Statements:
- United States Engagement: The U.S. State Department confirmed close communication with Canadian authorities regarding allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of Nijjar.
- Critique: An American expert criticized Prime Minister Trudeau’s assertion of a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the Khalistani leader’s assassination as “unsubstantiated and opportunistic.”
- United Kingdom’s Stance: The UK government acknowledged the gravity of the allegations but emphasized that they would not hinder ongoing trade negotiations with India.
4. Australia’s Vigilance: The Australian Foreign Minister expressed concern regarding the assassination and affirmed their active monitoring of developments in coordination with their alliance partners.
Global Impact of High Blood Pressure: WHO Report
Context:
In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its inaugural report concerning hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer.”
About:
- Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels within the arteries.
- This condition is typically gauged through two numerical values: systolic pressure (measured during heartbeats) and diastolic pressure (measured when the heart is at rest).
- Fortunately, hypertension can be effectively managed with cost-effective medication and preventative measures.
- Implementing a healthy diet, quitting tobacco use, and increasing physical activity can all contribute to reducing high blood pressure.
Key Findings
- The report’s key findings underscore a sobering reality. Approximately four out of five individuals with hypertension do not receive adequate treatment. Nevertheless, by implementing widespread coverage, it is possible to avert a staggering 76 million deaths between 2023 and 2050.
- This comprehensive report is founded on the analysis of data revealing that a blood pressure reading of 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher, or the use of medication to manage the condition, serves as the threshold for inclusion.
- The global prevalence of hypertension has doubled between 1990 and 2019, surging from 650 million to a staggering 1.3 billion individuals.
4. Astonishingly, nearly half of the global population suffering from hypertension remains unaware of their condition, with more than three-quarters of adults grappling with hypertension residing in low- and middle-income nations.
India specific Findings:
- Turning our focus to India, hypertension emerges as the most significant risk factor contributing to mortality and disability within the country.
- Astonishingly, only 37 percent of individuals with hypertension in India receive a formal diagnosis, and a mere 30 percent undergo treatment.
- At present, a mere 15 percent of those afflicted with hypertension in the country successfully manage the condition. Alarmingly, over half of all deaths in India, amounting to 52 percent, attributed to cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, can be linked to elevated blood pressure levels.
- The primary culprits behind hypertension in India include excessive salt consumption, tobacco usage (at 28 percent), obesity, alcohol intake, and a lack of physical activity (at 34 percent).
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), hypertension prevalence surged to 24 percent among men and 21 percent among women during 2016-2020, marking an increase from the 2015-16 figures of 19 percent and 17 percent, respectively.
India’s Digital Revolution Journey
Context:
India has taken significant strides in establishing a pioneering role within the realm of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and recognizing its profound impact on governance, technology, and society.
Introduction to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
A Transformative Concept: DPI is distinguished by its commitment to open, transparent, and participatory governance, fostering innovation, inclusion, and healthy competition on a large scale.
India’s Technological Evolution: This concept has evolved into a series of infrastructure projects, known as Mission Mode Projects (MMPs), as well as the development of Aadhaar, which played a pivotal role in both identity verification and the delivery of services.
Key Lessons from Aadhaar: The journey of Aadhaar has imparted crucial lessons in minimalism, privacy, security, and open APIs, forming the bedrock of India’s DPI philosophy.
Integral Layers of DPI
- Three Fundamental Layers of DPI: DPI encompasses three essential layers – Market, governance, and technology standards. The market layer accommodates innovative players, while governance relies on robust legal frameworks and public programs. Technology standards, particularly pertaining to identity, payments, and data sharing, facilitate interoperability.
- Striking a Balance Between Public and Private: DPI achieves equilibrium by avoiding the extremes of an all-government or all-private approach, instead fostering open protocols and shared platforms.
- Pricing and Professional Management: Ideally, publicly funded DPI services should remain accessible to all without charge, thereby reducing costs and ensuring the wider benefit of the public.
Security and Scalability of DPI
- Security Considerations: Security holds paramount importance in DPIs, necessitating secure pipelines and the certification of end-user applications. Successful security models, such as those seen in Aadhaar and CoWin, offer valuable insights for the provision of DPI services.
- Advantages of DPI: Scalability is inherently embedded within DPIs, thereby minimizing the financial burden on private innovators.
Successful DPIs in India: Other initiatives like the Unified Health Interface (UHI), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and Open Network for Digital Commerce are currently in the rollout phase, with potential for further development in the future.
Rastriya Vigyan Puraskar
Context:
In the latest update, it has been announced that awards in the field of Science will be consolidated from nearly 300 individual awards into 56 centrally-administered awards, collectively known as ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.’
Key Details of the Update:
Announcement Date: These awards will be announced annually on May 11, which is National Technology Day, and the actual awards will be presented on National Space Day, August 23.
Award Categories: The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar will consist of the following categories:
- Three Vigyan Ratna awards
- 25 Vigyan Shri awards
- 25 Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards
- Three Vigyan Team awards
Categorization of Awards: These awards will be presented annually across various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics and computer science, earth science, medicine, engineering science, agricultural science, environmental science, technology and innovation, atomic energy, space science and technology, and a 13th category referred to as ‘Others.’
Eligibility for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs): The new awards will also be open to individuals of Indian origin (PIOs). However, only one PIO may receive the Vigyan Ratna award, while three PIOs can be selected for the Vigyan Shri and the VY-SSB awards. PIOs are not eligible for the Vigyan Team awards.
Selection Process:
- Vigyan Ratna awards will be conferred for “lifetime contributions combined with excellence in any scientific field.”
- Vigyan Shri awards will recognize “distinguished contributions in any scientific discipline.”
- The SSB awards will acknowledge “exceptional contributions by young scientists.”
- The team awards will be granted to teams of three or more researchers who have made an “exceptional contribution as a team.”
Age Criteria: Except for the SSB awards, there are no age restrictions for any of the awards. Recipients of the SSB award must be 45 years old or younger.
Prize Money: It should be noted that there is no specified monetary prize associated with these awards for the recipients.
Green Nudges
What are Green Nudges?
Green nudges refer to subtle interventions designed to encourage environmentally responsible behavior while preserving individual freedom of choice.
Chinese Online Food Delivery Platform Study:
- In a study conducted with a Chinese online food delivery platform, green nudges were implemented by setting “no disposable cutlery” as the default option and offering users incentives in the form of “green points.”
Effectiveness of Green Nudges:
The results of the study revealed an astonishing 648% surge in orders without cutlery, emphasising the efficacy of green nudges in influencing consumer choices positively.
Objective of Green Nudges:
- The introduction of green nudges in response to Chinese regulations aimed to mitigate the use of single-use plastics, beginning with prohibitions on straws and plastic bags.
Environmental Impact of Green Nudges:
- The implementation of green nudges yielded a decrease in waste generation and the potential for the plantation of numerous trees, thereby contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Adoption in India:
In India, Zomato, a prominent food delivery platform, has also embraced similar green nudges as part of its strategy to reduce cutlery waste.
