Current Affairs search results for: "E GOVERNANCE "

1. Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Index

Tags: National News

The report on the State of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in India which highlights the importance of early education years in the overall development of a child was released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). 

• Foundation Literacy and Numeracy refers to basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills of children aged below ten years in India.

Key Highlights of the report:

• The report was prepared by “Institute of Competitiveness” and released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
• The index includes five pillars: 

(a) Educational Infrastructure,

(b) Access to Education

(c) Basic Health

(d) Learning Outcomes

(e) Governance. 

States and UT (Union Territory) were grouped into four categories, i.e. Large States, Small States, Union Territories and North Eastern States.

•  Among the Large State Category , West Bengal (58.95) topped the ranking followed by Tamil Nadu (55.49) and Maharashtra (53.11) and Bihar was at the bottom.
•  Among the Small States category, the top ranked state was Kerala (67.95) followed by Himachal Pradesh (57.36) and Punjab (56.17).
•  Among the Union Territories category, the top ranked UT was Lakshadweep (52.69) followed by Delhi (50.74) and Puducherry (50.08).
• Mizoram (51.64) is the top North-Estern State.
• The poor performing states in the overall index were Jharkhand (45.28), Odisha (45.58), Madhya Pradesh (38.69), Uttar Pradesh (38.49), Bihar (36.81).

About EAC-PM

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) is a non-constitutional, non-statutory , independent body constituted to give economic advice to the Government of India, specifically the Prime Minister.

• The council serves to highlight key economic issues facing the country to the government of India from a neutral viewpoint.
• It advises the Prime Minister on economic issues like inflation, microfinance, and industrial output.
• It was first constituted in 2017.

The main functions of PMEAC are as follows:

• Analyzing any issue, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the Prime Minister and advising him thereon;
• Addressing issues of macro-economic importance and presenting views there on to the Prime Minister. This could be either suo-moto or on a reference from the Prime Minister or anyone else:
• Submitting periodic reports to the Prime Minister on macroeconomic developments and issues with implications for economic policy;
• Attending to any other task as may be desired by the Prime Minister from time to time.
• The current Chairman of the EAC-PM is Bibek Debroy. 

2. Punjab approach Supreme Court on BSF jurisdiction in the state

Tags: National News

• Punjab has filed a suit in the Supreme Court against the Centre’s move to increase the limits of jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) from 15 km to 50 km along the India-Pakistan International Border.
• The State has filed an original suit challenging the October 11,2021 notification issued by the Union Home Ministry extending the Central force’s area of jurisdiction, calling it a breach of the federal form of governance under the Constitution.
• The border area with Pakistan and Bangladesh is guarded by Border Security Forces(BSF)

Background to the Issue  October 11 ,2021, the Centre invoked  section 139(1) (i) of the BSF Act, 1968  to authorise the force to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a larger 50 km stretch, instead of the existing 15 kms, from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. In Gujarat, which shares a border with Pakistan, the same limit was reduced from 80 km to 50 km, and in Rajasthan, it was kept unchanged at 50 km. Section 139 (1) (i) of the BSF Act, 1968 empowers the Central Government  to confer powers and duties on members of the force in respect  of any Central Acts for   the purposes specified therein.  According to the Central government it was done for  better and more effective control on trans-border crimes in conjunction and co-operation with the State Police.  Later the BSF chief Pankaj Kumar said that the jurisdiction of the BSF was increased in these states to curb illegal infiltration from Bangladesh which was      causing a demographic change in the border district of these States creating a security threat to these states and to India. However, Punjab and West Bengal governments have  opposed the move and said that it was an encroachment on state rights by the central government. The Punjab legislative Assembly passed a resolution against this move of the center .

Supreme Court’s Original Jurisdiction  There are certain type of cases which only the Supreme Court of India can hear ,which is called the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court  Article 131 of the Indian Constitution provides for the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court Only the Supreme Court shall hear the following cases : (a)  any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States; or (b)  dispute between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other States on the other; or (c) dispute between two or more States, if  the dispute involves any question of law or fact.

3. PM Modi Addresses Democracy Summit

Tags: International News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a virtual address on 10th December 2021 at the Summit for Democracy, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, that Democracies should jointly deal with social media and cryptocurrencies.

The PM further added that, we all need to constantly improve our democratic practices and systems. And, we all need to continuously enhance inclusion, transparency, human dignity, responsive grievance redressal and decentralization of power.

In this context, today's assembly provides a timely platform for furthering cooperation among democracies. India would be happy to share its expertise in holding free and fair elections, and in enhancing transparency in all areas of governance through innovative digital solutions. We must also jointly shape global norms for emerging technologies like social media and crypto-currencies, so that they are used to empower democracy, not to undermine it.

For more information about the Democracy Summit, see news of 10th December.

4. Allahabad High Court Decision on Uniform Civil Code:

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Why in the news?

Recently, the Allahabad High Court has called upon the Central government to initiate the process for implementation of Uniform Civil Code.

Key highlights:

• The court has announced that the Uniform Civil Code “is a necessity and mandatorily required today.
• It would promote gender parity in Indian society.
• UCC would accommodate the aspirations of the young population who imbibe liberal ideology.
• The UCC aims to provide protection to vulnerable sections as envisaged by Ambedkar including women and religious minorities.
• Secularism is the objective enshrined in the Preamble, a secular republic needs a common law for all citizens rather than differentiated rules based on religious practices.
• Its implementation would thus support national integration.

What is UCC?

• A Uniform Civil Code is one that would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.
• Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a UCC for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
• Article 44 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy. These, as defined in Article 37, are not justiciable (not enforceable by any court) but the principles laid down therein are fundamental in governance.
• In 1941, BN Rau Committee recommended a codified Hindu law, which would give equal rights to women in keeping with the modern trends of society.
• Tracts of the Constituent Assembly debates reveal that there was no consensus in the Constituent Assembly about what a potential uniform civil code would entail.

Why does India need Uniform Civil Code?

• For Gender Parity: The rights of women are generally restricted under religious law, be it Hindu or Muslim. Triple talaq, priority given to men in terms of succession and inheritance are some examples.
• Many practices governed by religious tradition are contrary to the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Indian constitution.
• National Integration:  UCC would make the dream of “One Nation, One Law” come true. India believes in one nation and hence no community shall claim separate religious laws. In this way, it’ll promote national integration.
• Violation of religious freedom:  UCC is considered by religious minorities as an encroachment on their rights to religious freedom. They fear that their traditional religious practices will be replaced by the rules and diktats of majority religious communities.
• Nature of India: A secular republic like India needs a common law for all citizens rather than differentiated rules based on religious practices
• Freedom of Choice: A religion neutral personal law would encourage protection of couples in case of inter-caste and inter-religious marriages. 
•  Even Acts like the Special Marriage Act, 1954 permits any citizen to have a civil marriage outside the realm of any specific religious personal law.

What are the hurdles with UCC?

• The UCC is often perceived by the minorities as an encroachment on religious freedom.
• Article 25 of Indian constitution, that seeks to preserve the freedom to practise and propagate any religion ge
• There are practical difficulties due to religious and cultural diversity in India.
• Affects Majority as well: For example,  even Hindus themselves have separate Hindu laws for themselves. Thus, it is not merely a question for minorities but it also affects the majority.

Does India not already have a uniform code in civil matters?

• Indian laws do follow a uniform code in most civil matters — Indian Contract Act, Civil Procedure Code, Sale of Goods Act, Transfer of Property Act, Partnership Act, Evidence Act, etc. States, however, have made hundreds of amendments and, therefore, in certain matters, there is diversity even under these secular civil laws. Recently, several states refused to be governed by the uniform Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.

5. Bribery Risk Matrix 2021:

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Why in the news?

Recently, Bribery Risk Matrix 2021 was released by anti-bribery standard setting organisation(TRACE).

Key highlights:

• India ranked 82nd with a score of 44.(2021)
• In 2019, India’s rank stood 78 position with a score of 48 while in 2020 the country was ranked 77 with a score of 45.
• India performed better than Pakistan, China, Nepal and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Bhutan was ranked 20 places above India, at 62nd.
• North Korea, Turkmenistan, Venezuela and Eritrea posed the highest commercial bribery risk, while Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and New Zealand had the lowest.

About TRACE:

• 
  The TRACE Matrix was originally developed in 2014 in collaboration with RAND Corporation.
•  It is updated annually by TRACE.
• The TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix (TRACE Matrix) measures business bribery risk in 194 jurisdictions, territories, and autonomous and semi-autonomous regions.
• The matrix aggregates relevant data obtained from leading public interest and international organisations, including the United Nations, World Bank, V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg and World Economic Forum.
• This data helps companies to assess the likely risk of bribe demands in each country and to design compliance and due diligence programs tailored to that risk.

 

The score is based on four factors:

•  Business interactions with the government.
• Anti-bribery deterrence and enforcement.
• Government and civil service transparency.
• Capacity for civil society oversight, including the role of the media.

 

Steps taken by India to stop the corruption:

• Government of India, in pursuance of its commitment to “Zero Tolerance Against Corruption” has taken several measures to combat corruption which, inter alia, include:
• Systemic improvements and reforms to provide transparent citizen-friendly services and reduce corruption. 

These, inter alia, include:

• Disbursement of welfare benefits directly to the citizens under various schemes of the Government in a transparent manner through the Direct Benefit Transfer initiative.
• Implementation of E-tendering in public procurements.
• Introduction of e-Governance and simplification of procedure and systems.
• Introduction of Government procurement through the Government e- Marketplace (GeM).
• The Central Vigilance Commission, though created in 1964, became an independent statutory body only in 2003 by an Act of parliament based on a judgement of the supreme court. 
• Its mandate is to oversee the vigilance administration and to advise and assist the executive in matters relating to corruption. 
• It investigates cases of corruption arising out of complaints or detection by vigilance wings in the various departments and recommends punishment wherever required. 
• It is then for the executive to punish the individual official.

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 :

• It is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to combat corruption in government agencies and public sector businesses in India.

In 2018, some changes were made in it, which are as follows:

• Punishment for bribe-taking enhanced: Minimum punishment of 3 yrs, extendable up to 7 yrs with fine; from the earlier 6 months, with extension up to 3 yrs.
• Gifts criminalised: Gifts received for established undue advantage/mala-fide motive are now considered an act of corruption.
• Superiors to be held if an employee/agent has bribed with their approval, for advancement of the organisation’s interests.
• For the first time, the giving of bribe has now been made a direct offence on par with taking of bribe.

6. Celebration of First Audit Diwas:

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Why in the news?

The Prime Minister unveiled the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India to mark the First Audit Diwas (16th November, 2021)

Key highlights:

• This is the First edition of the Audit Diwas is celebrated to mark the historic origins of the institution of CAG and the contribution made by it to the governance, transparency and accountability.
• Shri Girish Chandra Murmu assumed office as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on 8th August 2020.

What is CAG?

• 
  
  • Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
  • CAG is the Constitutional Authority in India.
  •  It was established in accordance with Article 148 of the Constitution of India. 
  • The Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). 
  • He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
  • The CAG is the statutory auditor of Government-owned corporations.
  • The accountability of the executive to the Parliament in the sphere of financial administration is secured through audit reports of the CAG.
  • The CAG has been ranked at 9th place in the order of precedence. 
  • It enjoys the same status as the sitting judge of the Supreme Court.
  • Appointment: Appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal.
  • Tenure: A period of six years or upto the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of any state, after he ceases to hold his office.
• Salary and other service : conditions are determined by the Parliament.
• The administrative expenses of the office of the CAG, including all salaries, allowances and pensions of persons serving in that office are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India.

Constitutional provisions:

• Art. 148:  broadly speaks of the CAG, his appointment, oath and conditions of service
• Art. 149:  broadly speaks of the Duties and Powers of the CAG
• Art. 150:  The accounts of the Union and of the States shall be kept in such form as the President may, on the advice of the CAG, prescribe.
• Art. 151:  Audit Reports: The reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India relating to the accounts of the Union shall be submitted to the president, who shall cause them to be laid before each House of Parliament.

Duties:

• He audits all expenditure from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India as well as the Contingency Fund and Public Account of each state.
• He audits all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept by any department of the Central Government and the state governments.
• He audits all transactions of the Central and state governments related to debt, sinking funds, deposits, advances, suspense accounts and remittance business.
• He advises the President with regard to the prescription of the form in which the accounts of the Centre and states shall be kept.
• He acts as a guide, friend and philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.

7. UIDAI wants exemption from Data Protection Bill:

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Why in news?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has asked for exemption from the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law.

Why?

To avoid the duplicity of the laws

Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019:

• It aims to provide protection to personal data of individuals.
• It seeks to create a framework for processing personal data, by establishing a Data Protection Authority.
• It governs processing of personal data by government, companies included in India, as well as foreign companies that deals with personal data of individuals in India.
• It categories personal data like financial data, caste, religious & political beliefs, biometric data etc as sensitive personal data.

What are the provisions of the bill?

• Section 35 call on sovereignty & integrity of India, security of the state, public order and friendly relations with foreign states to provide powers to the Central government for suspend all or any provisions of the Act for government agencies.
• Section 12 of the Act gives UIDAI some leeway from the rights of the Bill as it enables for processing data for provision of a service or benefit to the data principal.
• THE AADHAAR (TARGETED DELIVERY OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER SUBSIDIES, BENEFITS AND SERVICES) ACT, 2016: An Act to provide for, as a good governance, efficient, transparent, and targeted delivery of

UIDAI:

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
• The UIDAI is mandated to assign a 12-digit unique identification (UID) number (Aadhaar) to all the residents of India.

8. Tele-Law on Wheels: Campaign

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Why in news?

Department of Justice launched the week-long “Tele-Law on Wheels” campaign, joining the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Key points:

• The campaign was started from November 8 and it will continue November 14, 2021.
• Tele-Law Mobile App launched by Minister of Law and Justice and Minister of State for Law and Justice.
• Under the campaign, several activities are being undertaken for empowering people by pre-litigation advice in order to rightfully claim their entitlements and timely redressal of their difficulties.
• This one week is dedicated for ensuring "Justice for All by digital legal empowerment" of the needy people.
• This App will help in connecting the beneficiaries directly with Panel Lawyers who are offering legal advice and consultation.
• The Tele-Law on Wheels Campaign is being organized with aid of “CSC e-Governance”. 
• CSC e-Governance is a network of more than 4 lakh digitally enabled CSCs across India.

What is CSC e-Governance?

• CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle, has been set up by the Ministry of Electronics & IT under the Companies Act, 1956 to oversee the implementation of the CSC scheme.
• CSC Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV) provides a centralized collaborative framework for delivery of services to citizens through CSCs, besides ensuring systemic viability and sustainability of the Scheme.

Other Information:

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav:

• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
• This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in it's evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Modi's vision of activating India 2.0, fueled by the spirit of Atmanirbhar India.

Minister of Law and Justice and Minister of State for Law and Justice:

• Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister)
• Singh Baghel (Minister of State)

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