21 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. Govt. lifts ban partially, gives nod for export of million tonnes of sugar
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)
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Potential Benefits:
- Price Stability: The decision aims to stabilize domestic sugar prices by allowing controlled exports, preventing prices from plummeting due to surplus stocks.
- Support for Farmers: By enabling exports, sugar mills will have better liquidity, ensuring timely payments to the five crore farmer families involved in sugarcane production.
- Boost to Sugar Mills: The export allowance helps sugar mills by clearing surplus stock, improving cash flow, and enhancing their financial position.
- Employment Boost: The move is expected to benefit approximately five lakh workers in the sugar industry, contributing to job security.
- Enhances India’s Sugar Sector: This decision strengthens the sugar sector by improving overall market stability and ensuring its growth potential.
Challenges:
- Risk of Domestic Shortages: Exporting sugar could potentially create a shortage in the domestic market if not monitored carefully, which may lead to price hikes.
- International Market Dynamics: The global sugar market’s volatility could affect the benefits of export, especially if demand fluctuates or international prices fall.
- Logistical and Regulatory Hurdles: Coordinating exports through traders and ensuring compliance with export quotas can create operational challenges.
Conclusion:
- The move to allow sugar exports is a balanced approach to support the sugar industry, farmers, and workers – but requires careful monitoring to avoid negative consequences on domestic availability and prices.
| Practice Question: Examine the potential benefits and challenges of the Union government’s decision to lift the ban on sugar exports partially. How might this move impact India’s sugar industry and farmers? (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. Birla urges parties to devise internal code for members
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)
| Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity |
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Need for Internal Code of Conduct:
- Ensures orderly proceedings and upholds the decorum of the House, maintaining a professional environment for legislative work.
- Prevents disruptive behavior and encourages meaningful debates, thus improving the quality of discussions.
- Strengthens democratic values by ensuring that elected representatives respect constitutional and parliamentary traditions.
Benefits:
- A well-implemented code of conduct promotes constructive dialogue and reduces conflicts during sessions.
- It provides clarity on acceptable behavior, thereby preventing unruly incidents and frequent adjournments.
- The House remains focused on legislative work, improving the efficiency and productivity of sessions.
- Encourages legislators to fulfill their duties responsibly and respect the roles and opinions of other members.
- A code of conduct can lead to enhanced cooperation across party lines, fostering a more collaborative approach to governance.
Challenges:
- Political parties may face difficulty in implementing due to differing political ideologies and agendas.
- Resistance from members who might view the code as limiting their freedom of expression or political strategy.
- Ensuring compliance with the code across a diverse group of legislators from various backgrounds and states.
- Overcoming entrenched partisan behavior and the reluctance to adopt reforms.
Way Forward:
- Political parties must engage in constructive dialogue to devise a code of conduct that aligns with democratic principles and respects constitutional values.
- Empowering presiding officers to enforce the code and ensuring accountability.
- Promoting training and awareness programs for legislators about the importance of maintaining decorum.
| Practice Question: Examine the need for an internal code of conduct for legislators in the Indian Parliament. What are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing such a code, and how can it strengthen democratic functioning? (250 Words /15 marks) |
3. Kolkata Court Sentences Sanjoy Roy to Life Imprisonment: A Test of the ‘Rarest of Rare’ Doctrine
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 11)
| Topic: GS2 – Polity |
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Analysis of the news:
The ‘Rarest of Rare’ Doctrine
- The Supreme Court, in Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980), upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty but limited its application to the “rarest of rare” cases.
- Courts must consider aggravating and mitigating circumstances to determine whether a death sentence is warranted.
Aggravating Circumstances:
- Pre-planned, brutal, and depraved murders.
- Murders of public servants or law enforcement officers on duty.
Mitigating Circumstances:
- Emotional or mental disturbance of the accused.
- Young or advanced age.
- Potential for reformation and rehabilitation.
Evolving Interpretations
The understanding of these circumstances has evolved, with varying emphasis on factors like age and the possibility of reform. For instance:
- Age: In Ramnaresh v. State of Chhattisgarh (2012), the young age of the accused was considered a mitigating factor. However, inconsistency in considering age was noted in Shankar Khade v. State of Maharashtra (2013).
- Nature of Offence: In Machhi Singh v. State of Punjab (1983), the court emphasized societal conscience, often prioritizing crime severity over the possibility of reform.
Focus on Reformation
- In Bachan Singh and subsequent cases like Santosh Bariyar v. State of Maharashtra (2009), the SC stressed that the state must provide evidence that the convict cannot be reformed, with a presumption against the death penalty.
- Clear, objective evidence is crucial to ensure fairness in sentencing.
Sentencing Procedures
- A separate hearing after conviction is essential for determining the penalty. However, the SC has raised concerns over the adequacy of such hearings, particularly when they occur on the same day as the conviction.
- In Dattaraya v. State of Maharashtra (2020), lack of an effective hearing led to commuting a death sentence to life imprisonment.
Conclusion
- The sentencing in the RG Kar case highlights the judiciary’s reliance on the “rarest of rare” doctrine, balancing crime severity and the potential for reformation.
- The decision reflects the evolving discourse on mitigating circumstances, procedural fairness, and the critical need for a consistent, objective approach to death penalty cases.
| Scope of the Rarest of Rare Test |
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| Practice Question: Examine the significance of the “rarest of rare” doctrine in the context of capital punishment in India. Discuss the challenges and inconsistencies in its application with reference to recent judicial interpretations. (250 Words /15 marks) |
4. Supreme Court Upholds Statutory Bail Exception for Women, Criticizes ED’s Misinterpretation of PMLA
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 11)
| Topic: GS2 – Polity |
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Analysis of the news:
Bail Provisions Under PMLA
- Section 45 of the PMLA imposes stringent conditions for bail, requiring the accused to prove no prima facie case against them.
- However, an exception exists for women, minors, and the sick or infirm, allowing for bail at the discretion of the Special Court.
- This exception aligns with similar exemptions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Legal Precedents on Women’s Bail Exception
- Delhi High Court (2023): In Preeti Chandra v. Directorate of Enforcement, the court rejected attempts to restrict the exception for women based on socio-economic status or education level, affirming the broad application of the law.
- K Kavitha Case (2024): A trial court denied bail, citing the accused’s education and societal position. However, the Supreme Court later overruled this decision.
These cases highlight judicial inconsistency in interpreting the exception for women under PMLA.
Case Analysis: Shashi Bala
- Shashi Bala, accused of assisting the Shine City Group in laundering ₹36 lakh, was arrested in 2023.
- The Allahabad High Court denied her bail, arguing she was not a “vulnerable” woman under the PMLA exception.
- The Supreme Court rejected the ED’s argument, emphasizing that the law does not differentiate among women based on social or economic factors.
Judicial Observations
- Justice Oka criticized the ED’s argument, stating, “We will not tolerate conduct…contrary to statute.”
- The SC underscored that statutory exceptions must be uniformly applied without arbitrary classifications, ensuring the rule of law prevails.
Conclusion
- The Shashi Bala case underscores the need for consistent judicial interpretation of PMLA provisions.
- The Supreme Court’s stance reinforces the importance of statutory safeguards for women, emphasizing the principle of equal access to justice.
| The Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA) |
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| PYQ: With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021) When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither I nor 2 Ans: (b) |
| Practice Question: Examine the role of statutory exceptions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in ensuring equitable justice. Discuss the challenges posed by inconsistent judicial interpretations, citing recent cases. (250 Words /15 marks) |
5. National Conference of DMs on PM JANMAN on 21st January 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2094648®=3&lang=1 )
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PM JANMAN:
- Focus: Empowers Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through 11 critical interventions.
- Scope: Involves 9 Ministries, targeting 75 PVTG communities across India.
- Budget: Allocated Rs. 24,104 crore for comprehensive development.
- Objectives: Aims to create sustainable livelihoods, reduce disparities, and empower PVTGs to lead dignified lives.
- Key Interventions: Cover housing, water, sanitation, education, healthcare, skill development, and financial inclusion.
- Implementation: Involves a multi-pronged approach with active participation of government agencies, NGOs, and community members.
- Significance: Represents a major step towards inclusive development and social justice for marginalized tribal communities.
Prelims Facts
1. Study categorises 268 tribes, moots inclusion of 179 communities on SC, ST, and OBC lists
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
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Analysis of the news:
- The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) conducted a three-year-long ethnographic study.
- The study categorized 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes that were previously unclassified, including tribes like Banjara, Gonds, Kanjar, Dhangar, Saharia, and Rajputs.
- Of these, 46 communities are recommended for OBC status, including Banjara and Gonds, 29 for SC status, including Saharias and Dhangars, and 10 for ST status, including Gonds and Kanjar.
- Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of fresh additions, with 19 communities recommended for inclusion, such as Saharias, Dhangars, and Kanjar.
- 63 communities were classified as “not traceable,” indicating possible assimilation or migration.
- The study’s findings are under scrutiny by the NITI Aayog panel.
- The report may impact the debate over caste-based quotas and the inclusion of these communities in the next Census.
2. BoJ set to raise rates to highest in 17 years
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)
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Why did the bank of Japan decide to increase the rates?
- The Bank of Japan (BoJ) decided to increase rates to control inflation.
- Inflation has exceeded the BoJ’s 2% target for nearly three years.
- The weak yen has kept import costs high, contributing to rising inflation.
- Broadening wage gains in Japan are helping sustain economic growth.
- This move is also to ensure Japan stays on track to hit its inflation target sustainably.
- The rate increase will help balance the economy, avoiding overheating or stagnation.
3. A giant palm unearthed amid ASI excavation in Ratnagiri
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network- Page No. – 09)
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Analysis of the news:
Objective of the Excavations
- In December, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed excavations at the 5th-13th century Buddhist site in Ratnagiri, Odisha, after a 60-year hiatus.
- Led by D. B. Garnayak, the team aimed to further uncover the Buddhist complex and investigate its links to Southeast Asian culture.
Key Discoveries
- The team unearthed significant artifacts, including a colossal Buddha head (3-4 feet tall), a massive palm (5 feet), ancient walls, and inscribed Buddhist relics, estimated to date back to the 8th-9th century AD.
- These findings underscore Ratnagiri’s historical and cultural importance as a Buddhist center.
Historical Significance of Ratnagiri
- Located 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar and part of Odisha’s “Diamond Triangle,” Ratnagiri was first documented in 1905.
- Earlier excavations (1958-61) uncovered numerous relics, including a brick stupa, monastic complexes, and votive stupas, establishing its reputation as Odisha’s most excavated Buddhist site.
Odisha’s Role in Buddhism and Southeast Asia
- Odisha’s maritime trade with Southeast Asia historically facilitated the spread of Buddhism.
- The Baliyatra festival commemorates these 2,000-year-old trade links with regions like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Burma.
- Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War further elevated the state’s Buddhist prominence.
Ratnagiri as a Learning Center
- Between the 7th and 10th centuries, Ratnagiri rivaled Nalanda as a hub for Buddhist learning, especially for Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) sects.
- Scholars believe the site was visited by Hiuen Tsang during 638-639 AD and played a pivotal role in the region’s intellectual and religious history.
4. World Economic Forum 2025
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 11)
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Analysis of the news:
Purpose and Initiation of the WEF
- The World Economic Forum was founded by German professor Klaus Schwab in 1971, originally as the European Management Forum.
- Schwab, a professor of business policy, introduced the concept of “stakeholder capitalism,” advocating for businesses to create long-term value by considering the interests of all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
- This vision evolved the WEF into a platform for global leaders to come together and address economic and social challenges.
WEF’s Evolution and Activities
- Initially focused on improving European management practices, the WEF shifted its scope after significant global events in 1973, such as the collapse of the Bretton Woods system and the Arab-Israeli War.
- By 1975, the Forum expanded its membership to include the world’s leading 1,000 companies.
- Over the years, it has become a prominent venue for tackling critical global issues, including AI, geopolitical risks, and climate change, and features over 500 sessions where thousands of participants, including business leaders, politicians, and experts, collaborate on solutions.
Funding and Location of the WEF
- The WEF is largely financed by global corporations with annual revenues exceeding $5 billion.
- The choice of Davos, a serene Swiss town, as the meeting location is inspired by its calm and focused atmosphere, which helps foster effective discussions.
- This setting has also witnessed landmark moments in international diplomacy, such as the first meetings between North and South Korea and key interactions during the South African political transition.
Historical Significance and Diplomatic Impact
- Throughout its history, the WEF has been a venue for groundbreaking diplomatic engagements.
- It played a key role in South African reconciliation, including the first joint appearance of Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, and Mangosuthu Buthelezi in 1992.
- Additionally, the WEF has been instrumental in the establishment of the G20, which was first discussed at the 1998 meeting, and continues to influence global policy decisions through initiatives like the Global Competitiveness Report and the Global Gender Gap Report.
For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out- 20 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
