DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th September 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –Environment and Ecology

Context: The World’s first prototype of the BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex fuel vehicle’ was launched recently.

Background:-

• These vehicle technologies will provide the opportunity for greater substitution of petrol by Ethanol as it is capable of using any of the higher blends of ethanol mix beyond 20%.

About Electrified Flex fuel vehicle:-

IMAGE SOURCE: U.S. Department of Energy

• Flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) are capable of running on 100% petrol,100% bio-ethanol, or a combination of both.
• These vehicles are equipped with engines that can adjust their fuel mixture based on the available fuel blend.
• Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles are an advanced version of FFVs.
• They are able to operate on both ethanol-based fuels and electricity. ( The technology powering hybrid electric vehicles)
• They provide increased fuel efficiency.
• They reduce emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles.
• An Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle has both a Flexi Fuel engine and an electric powertrain.
• This gives it the ability to provide the dual benefit of higher ethanol use and much higher fuel efficiency.
• A Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV), can provide 30-50% higher Fuel Efficiency as it can run 40-60% in EV mode with engine shut off.
• The world’s 1st BS-6 Stage-II, Electrified Flex fuel vehicle, has been developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
• It has both a flex-fuel engine as well as an electric powertrain, thereby offering higher use of ethanol combined with better fuel efficiencies.

About Bharat Stage VI (BS VI):

• It is a set of emission standards established to regulate the level of air pollutants emitted from internal combustion and spark-ignition engine equipment.
• BS-VI contains enhanced fuel quality, and reduced the permissible Sulphur content by 80%, from 50 Parts Per Million (ppm) to a maximum of 10 ppm.
• India has made it mandatory to follow BS-VI emission (from previously BS-IV) norms in two phases:-
• Phase 1: Effective from April 1, 2020.
• It witnessed substantial reductions in permissible pollutant limits, setting new standards for emissions.
• Phase 2: Initiated on April 1, 2023.
• It focuses on Real Driving Emission (RDE) testing which measures emissions emitted by a vehicle while in real-world driving conditions.

MUST READ: (Flex Fuel Technology)

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) The “Common Carbon Metric” supported by UNEP, has been developed for (2021)

1. Assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world.
2. Enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading.
3. Enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries.
4. Assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit of time.

Q.2) “R2 Code of Practices” constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of (2021)

1. Environmentally responsible practices in the electronics recycling industry.
2. Ecological management of ‘’Wetlands of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention.
3. Sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands.
4. ‘’Environmental Impact Assessment’’ in the exploitation of natural resources.

Syllabus

• Prelims – Government initiatives

Context: The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) recently announced plans to integrate Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) into its existing Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform.

Background:-

• PAL’s software-based approach will allow each student to have an individualized learning experience over the course of the curriculum based on their unique needs and abilities.
• The Ministry of Education intends to begin PAL implementation for challenging subjects like Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics for Classes 9 to 12.
• By focusing on these subjects, the initiative aims to improve learning outcomes and school retention rates, addressing the issue of dropouts after Class 10.

About Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL):-

• It is an educational approach that uses technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to customize the learning experience for individual students. (A new global standard for AI ethics)
• It is based to cater individual student’s unique needs, abilities, and progress.
• It employs AI to monitor student progress and identify areas of difficulty.
• For instance, if a student makes a mistake in a calculation, the system detects it and redirects the student to relevant foundational content, ensuring a better understanding of the concept.
• PAL adapts to the unique progress and challenges faced by each student, offering a more effective and engaging learning experience.

Benefits of PAL:-

• Personalized Study Plans.
• Support for Special Needs.
• Flexibility in Learning.

Challenges faced by states in implementing PAL:-

• States like Assam and Haryana have faced budget constraints when implementing PAL.
• While Assam discontinued the project due to funding issues.
• Haryana found the streaming costs for content to be prohibitively high, leading to a standstill in the adoption process.

About DIKSHA:-

• Launched: 2017.
• Ministry: Ministry of Education.
• DIKSHA is the platform for providing quality e-content for school education in States/UTs and QR-coded Energized Textbooks for all grades.
• It aids teachers in learning and training themselves for which assessment resources will be available.
• It houses digitized National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, teaching videos, and practice questions.
• It also has assistive technologies for learners with disabilities, but it’s a static content repository.

MUST READ: Regulating Artificial Intelligence

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following: (2022)

1. Aarogya Setu
2. COWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA

Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q.2) With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-speech conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
2. 1, 3, and 4 only
3. 2, 4, and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Syllabus

• Prelims – Science and Technology

Context: Recently, CSIR-CMERI developed a Compact Electric Tractor- CSIR PRIMA ET11.

About CSIR PRIMA ET11:-

• Developed by: CSIR-CMERI.
• CSIR PRIMA ET11 is an indigenously designed, compact, 100% Pure Electric Tractor. ( First-ever Electric Tractor)
• Capacity: It can tow a 8-ton capacity trolley with a max speed of 25 mph. (Tractor industry)
• Objective: to cater to small and marginal farmers of India.
• Application: It caters to the demands of agriculture field applications.
• Design: Its dynamics, weight distribution, transmission engagements, then lever and pedal position everything has been well designed.
• Special characteristic: It has been made women-friendly with all the levers, switches, etc. being placed for an easy approach to the women.
  • Many mechanical systems are also being replaced with electronic switches for easy operations.
• Battery: It has a state-of-the-art Lithium-ion battery with Prismatic cell confirmation.
  • When the tractor is not in operation, its battery power can be utilized for other secondary applications like pump and irrigation, etc.
  • The farmers can charge the tractor using a conventional home charging socket in 7 to 8 hours and operate the tractor for more than 4 hours at the field. ( Lithium reserves in India)
• Benefit: The tractor design helps to achieve the desired efficiency at a minimum cost.

MUST READ: India’s First CNG Tractor to be launched

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following actions: (2023)

1. Detection of car crash/ collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.
2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off
3. of the hard drive.
4. Detection of the tilt of the smartphone which results in the rotation of the display between portrait and landscape mode.

In how many of the above actions is the function of the accelerometer required?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is a national campaign to (2016)

1. Rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood
2. Release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood
3. Eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers
4. Release the bonded laborers from their bondage and rehabilitate them

Syllabus

• Prelims – Art and Culture

Context: Saint Narayana Guru’s birth anniversary was celebrated recently.

Background:-

• Social reformer and saint Narayana Guru’s birth anniversary was celebrated in Yadgir on 31, August 2023.

About Saint Narayana Guru:-

• Narayana Guru was a saint & and social reformer of India. (Bhakti Movement)
• He has been credited with transforming the social fabric of
• He fought the caste system and for equality among people from all communities.
• He was a great thinker of that era.
• He raised his voice for the people of downtrodden communities and for their rights.
• He guided people against superstition, which was deep-rooted in society.
• He built a temple for Dalits who were denied entry into temples for worship.
• He preached the ‘oneness’ of humanity He preached the ‘oneness’ of humanity, crossing the boundaries of caste and creed.
• In 1888, he installed an idol of Siva at Aravippuram in Kerala in his effort to show that the consecration of god’s image was not a monopoly of the Brahmins.
  • This is popularly known as the Aravippuram movement.
• He contributed many important literary works, the most influential being Atmopadesa Satakam which he composed in 1897.

MUST READ: Sant Kabir

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: (2022)

1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina’s texts

1. 1,2 and 3
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1,3 and 4
4. 2, 3 and 4

Q.2) With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
4. Annamacharya kirtans are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. 2, 3 and 4

Syllabus

• Prelims –Geography

Context: As per recent reports, Rayagada shawls, and Koraput’s kala jeera rice are most likely to get GI tags.

About Rayagada shawls:-

• From Rayagada district in Odisha.
• It is also called Kapdaganda.
• It is the handwoven shawls weaved by the Dongria Kondhs of Odisha.
  • Dongria Kondhs: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) community in Odisha.
• The shawl is weaved and embroidered with their tribal motifs.
• It has been an age-old practice in the Dongria Kondh tribal community.
• It has become an important source of income for 1,800 tribal women in Rayagada district.
• These traditional shawls are being sold far and wide. (Pashmina Shawls)

Koraput’s kala jeera rice:-

• From Koraput district in Odisha.
• The rice is grown in Koraput district’s Tolla, Patraput, Pujariput, Baliguda, and Mohuli areas.
• The farmers of Koraput district have domesticated Kalajeera rice over generations.
• It is called the ‘Prince of Rice’.
• It is an aromatic variety of rice. (Basmati Rice)
• It is popular for its black colour, good aroma, taste, and texture.
• The ancient text explains that Kalajeera rice improves memory and controls diabetes.
• It is believed to increase hemoglobin levels and the body’s metabolism.
• This fragrant grain has antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, antibacterial, astringent, and sedative

MUST READ: GI tag for Narasinghapettai nagaswaram

SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. The Board has overseas offices in Dubai and Moscow.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

1. 1 and 3
2. 2 and 4
3. 3 and 4
4. 1 and 4

Q.2) System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practiced, results in: (2022)

1. Reduced seed requirement
2. Reduced methane production
3. Reduced electricity consumption

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims –Environment and Ecology

Context: According to recent reports, released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), children in 48 African countries are at high risk of climate change impacts.

Background:-

• The report of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was released on September 1, 2023.
• Children in 48 out of 49 African countries assessed were categorized as at ‘high’ or ‘extremely high’ risk of climate change, the report said. (Horn of Africa)

About United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):-

• Establishment: 1946.
• HQ: New York, USA.
• Historical Background: It was created in 1946 as the International Children’s Emergency Fund (ICEF) by the UN Relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children affected by World War II.
• Objective: to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
• It works to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere.
• Its Executive Board is the governing body of UNICEF.
• It works in over 190 countries and territories with 7 regional offices
• It became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.
• It is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly.
• It is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.
• 1965: It was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace for the “promotion of brotherhood among the nations”.

MUST READ: India-Africa: Challenges & Way Ahead

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following pairs: (2022)

Region often mentioned in the news:       Country

1. Anatolia                                                  Turkey
2. Amhara                                                   Ethiopia
3. Cabo Delgado                                        Spain
4. Catalonia                                                Italy

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

1. Only one pair
2. Only two pairs
3. Only three pairs
4. All four pairs

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2019)

1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member states to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 2 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Syllabus

• Prelims –Important Awards

Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the winners of the National Teachers Award 2023.

Background:-

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the winners at his official residence in New Delhi on the eve of Teachers’ Day.
• Seventy-five award winners participated in the interaction.
• The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of teachers in nurturing the young minds of the country.

About National Teachers Award 2023:-

• Objective: to recognize the distinctive contributions of some of the finest faculty members in the country and honor them.
• The Award seeks to recognize and honour the unique and path-breaking achievements of faculty members in teaching, research, institutional service, community outreach, and novelty of work in the field of higher education.
• The ceremony is held on 5th September every year.

Eligibility:-

• The award is open to all the faculty members of colleges/universities/higher educational institutions in India, satisfying the following conditions:-
• Should be a regular faculty member.
• Should have at least five years of full-time teaching experience at the Undergraduate and/or Post-graduate level.
• Should not be above 55 years of age as of the last date of receiving application for the awards.
• Vice-Chancellor/ Director/Principal (regular or officiating) are NOT eligible to apply.

Decoration:-

• Each awardee shall be presented with the following.
• A medal
• A certificate
• Cash Prize of Rs 50,000/-

No. of Awardees:-

• A total of Fifty Awards (25 in Category II and 25 in Category III) shall be conferred every year.

Nominations:-

Nominations for the award can be made by any of the following:

• Vice-Chancellor/Director/Principal of the same University/Institute/College, a colleague, or any other faculty member, including former faculty member/ Head/Dean of the same institution.

Exclusions:-

• Self-nomination is NOT allowed.
• One person can make only one nomination at a time.
• A nomination is eligible for re-nomination.
• Former Vice-Chancellor/Director/Principal may apply subject to full-time current teaching assignment.
• Members of the Search cum Screening Committees may also take suo-moto cognizance of an outstanding faculty member and may nominate.
• Award Jury are NOT eligible to make a nomination for this award.
• The nominator may please ensure that the nomination form is duly completed and information, as required by the Committee, is included.
• Nominations received after the due date shall not be considered.
• Vigilance clearance and Integrity certificate are to be mandatorily provided by the HEI as per Annexure -1 stated in the scheme document.

MUST READ: Gandhi Mandela Award

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics: (2021)

1. The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’.
2. Sports climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate, and Baseball are included in this.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Consider the following statements in respect of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements is not correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 1 (Society)

Context: Recently the Assam government has constituted a three-member panel to draft the proposed law to end polygamy in the State.

About Polygamy:

• Polygamy comes from two words: “poly,” which means “many,” and “gamos,” which means “marriage.”
  • As a result, polygamy relates to marriages that are several.
• Thus, polygamy is marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time.
• Traditionally, polygamy mainly the situation of a man having more than one wife — was practiced widely in India.
  • The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 outlawed the practice.
• The Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954 allows individuals to perform inter-religious marriages, but it forbids polygamy.
  • The Act has been used by many Muslim women to help them stop practicing polygamy.

Types of polygamy:

• Polygyny: It is the matrimonial structure in which a male individual has numerous wives. Polygamy in this form is more common or widespread.
  • Monarchs and emperors in the Indus Valley Civilisation were believed to have several wives.
• Polyandry: It is a type of marriage in which a female has several husbands.
  • Nevertheless, this can be an extremely uncommon occurrence.
• Bigamy: When one is already married additionally, the marriage continues to be valid, then married with someone else is known as bigamy plus the person committing this will be called bigamist.
  • It is considered a criminal offense in many countries, including India.

Status of Polygamy in India:

• The government data shows that polygamy cases in the country had come down to 4 per cent in 2019-20 as against 1.9 per cent in 2005-06.
  • This rate has been higher in the northeastern states.
  • According to reports, in Meghalaya, it is 6.1 per cent and in Tripura, it is 2 per cent.
  • Polygamy is prevalent in Assam’s three districts of the Barak Valley and the areas of Hojai and Jamunamukh.
• This practice continues in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha as well among some castes.
• Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, this practice is more prevalent among Muslims than Hindus.

Major reasons for polygamy in India:

• Religion: Some religions allow or encourage polygamy as a part of their doctrine or tradition.
  • For example, Islam permits a man to have up to four wives if he can treat them fairly and provide for them adequately.
• Culture: Some cultures accept or promote polygamy as a part of their social norms or values.
  • For example, some tribal and rural communities practice polygamy as a way of increasing their population or maintaining their lineage.
• Economics: Some people practice polygamy as a way of securing their economic interests or improving their social status.
  • For example, some men practice polygamy because they want to have more children who can work or earn for them.
  • Some women practice polygamy because they want to have more resources or security from their husbands.
• Politics: Some people practice polygamy as a way of asserting their political rights or challenging the state authority.
  • For example, some separatist groups in India practice polygamy as a way of expressing their resistance or rebellion against the Indian government.
• Social pressures: Some people practice polygamy because they face social pressures or expectations from their peers or elders.
  • For example, some men practice polygamy because they want to prove their masculinity or virility.
• Personal preferences: Some people practice polygamy because they prefer it over monogamy or celibacy.
  • For example, some men practice polygamy because they want to have variety or satisfaction in their life.

Consequences of Polygamy in India

• For Women: polygamy often means a lack of autonomy, dignity and security.
  • They have to share their husband’s attention, resources and affection with other wives, which can lead to jealousy, conflict and violence.
  • They also face a higher risk of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, reproductive health problems and mental stress.
• For Children: polygamy can result in neglect, deprivation and discrimination.
  • They may not receive adequate care, nutrition and education from their parents, especially if they belong to a less favoured wife.
• For Society: polygamy can cause social instability, inequality and disharmony.
  • It can also create gender imbalance and reduce the availability of marriageable partners for single men and women.
  • lead to social problems such as domestic violence, child abuse, divorce, adultery and prostitution.
• Economic impact: Polygyny can increase the financial burden on the husband and his family.
  • The husband may have to provide for multiple households, wives and children, which may affect his savings, investments and standard of living.
  • The wives may have to compete for limited resources and may not have enough income or assets of their own.

Views of judiciary on Polygamy:

• Parayankandiyal v. K. Devi & Others (1996): The Supreme Court (SC) concluded that monogamous relationships were the standard and ideology of Hindu society, which scorned and condemned a second marriage.
  • Polygamy was not allowed to become a part of Hindu culture due to the influence of religion.
• Javed & Others v. State of Haryana & Others (2003): The SC decided that under Article 25 freedom is subjected to social harmony, dignity, and wellness.
  • Muslim law allows for the marriage of four women, but it is not compulsory.
  • This will not be violating religious practice to not marry four women.

Legality of polygamy:

• Polygamy is permissible and legal exclusively for Muslims in nations such as India, Singapore, as well as Malaysia.
• Polygamy is still recognised and practiced in nations such as Algeria, Egypt, and Cameroon.
  • These are the only areas in the world where polygamy is still legal.

Way Forward:

As per the United Nations Human Rights Committee, polygamy should be abolished in regions where it exists because it violates women’s dignity and restricts their free will. Laws such as polygamy, triple talaq and nikah halala are not only archaic, but they are also debilitating for Muslim women. The legality of such laws needs to be challenged and subsequently discarded.

Source:    The Hindu

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (Governance) and GS 4 (Ethics)

Context: Recently many activists observed that  the Right to Information act has been weakened over the years.

About Right to Information (RTI) Act:

• It was enacted by Parliament in 2005 .
• It empowers Indian citizens to seek accessible information from a Public Authority and makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible.
• It mandates timely response within 30 days to citizen requests for government information.
• Section 4 of the Right to Information Act deals with the obligations of public authorities.
• The right to information has been upheld by the Supreme Court as a fundamental right flowing from Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to free speech and expression
• Section 24 of the RTI Act provides that the Act does not apply to the security and intelligence organisations specified in the Second Schedule of the Act.

Amendments to the RTI Act:

• The RTI Act has seen significant amendments over the years.
• One notable change is the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023, which transformed the prohibition on personal data disclosure into a total ban, potentially hindering social audits in vital areas like ration distribution.
• Additionally, the Right to Information (Amendment) Act, of 2019, granted the Union Government unilateral powers over the appointment and compensation of information commissioners, raising concerns about their independence.

Significance of the RTI Act:

• Anti-corruption tool: In the past 17 years, it has been instrumental in uncovering a list of major scams.
  • Scams like Adarsh Society Scam, 2G scam, Commonwealth Games Scam, Indian Red Cross Society Scam are some noticeable achievements under RTI.
• Empowered people’s voice: It has given ordinary citizens the confidence and the right to ask questions of Government authorities.
  • The RTI Act has empowered people in containing corruption and bringing transparency and accountability in the working of the Government.
• Strengthened Democracy: Every citizen has the right to claim information from public authorities under the Act.
  • On the other hand, public authorities have an obligation to provide the sought information to the applicants (with certain exceptions).
  • This has strengthened democracy through active participation of the public.
• Transparency and Accountability: A large amount of information has to be placed in the public domain by ways of manuals prescribed under the Act.
  • All the Government departments along with a number of bodies which receive substantial funding from the Government have been brought under the RTI.
  • This has ushered in an era of transparency and accountability.

Concerns with the act:

• Bureaucratic attitude: Frequently cited as a reason for the dismissive approach towards RTI queries is the prevalence of frivolous or malicious inquiries.
  • However, it’s important to note that such queries account for only approximately 4 percent of all appeals and can be easily addressed.
• Issues in State Information Commissions: Several problems plague State Information Commissions, including
  • Vacancies Remain Unfilled.
  • Some Commissions Operate Without Appointed Chiefs.
  • Unwillingness to Disclose “Uncomfortable” Information.
• Problems with Public Information Officers (PIOs): PIOs in some cases exhibit audacious behavior.
  • For instance, an information commissioner in Madhya Pradesh had to issue an arrest warrant for a PIO who repeatedly ignored 38 summons to appear at commission hearings and failed to comply with SIC orders.
• Lack of Preparedness Among PIOs: Serious RTI inquiries, especially those involving multiple government departments, often necessitate involvement from higher-ranking officials.
  • However, it’s typically junior-level PIOs who attend hearings and frequently lack the necessary knowledge.
  • These junior officers often bear the brunt of commission scrutiny and may face penalties.

• Government negligence: Government departments often display negligence in taking disciplinary action against errant PIOs.
  • Such a cavalier attitude poses a significant challenge to the RTI regime.
• Code of conduct: Some commissioners openly expressing their political affiliations is a matter of concern, as it can raise questions about their impartiality and objectivity.
• Legal entanglements: Numerous RTI cases become entangled in lengthy judicial procedures.
  • High courts frequently issue stay orders on decisions made by Information Commissions, even though the RTI Act clearly designates the information commissions as the final appellate authority.
  • Appeals are sometimes disguised as writ petitions to seek relief from high courts.

View of the Supreme Court:

• It has directed the Central Information Commission and the State Information Commissions to ensure proper implementation of provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005 including on proactive disclosure of information by public authorities.

Way Forward:

Though the Right to Information Act, 2005, has been a milestone in promoting transparency, its effectiveness is under threat due to legislative amendments, bureaucratic challenges, and issues with online portals. To ensure its continued success in empowering citizens and holding public officials accountable, addressing these concerns and enhancing the Act’s implementation is crucial.

Source:    The Hindu

Q1) Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles provide increased fuel efficiency.

Statement-II:

The world’s 1st BS-6 Stage-II, Electrified Flex fuel vehicle, has been developed by Tata Motors.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q3) With reference to the CSIR PRIMA ET11, consider the following statements:

1. It is a 100% Pure Electric Tractor.
2. It has a state-of-the-art Lithium-ion battery with Prismatic cell confirmation.
3. The farmers can charge the tractor using a conventional home charging socket.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Mains Practice Questions

Q.1) Polygyny poses several challenges for society, women and legal aspects. How can India address these challenges and ensure the rights and dignity of all women in polygynous marriages? Suggest ways to reduce or eliminate polygyny in India? (250 words)

Q.2) Critically analyze the significance and limitations of the Right To Information Act. (250 words)

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  5th September 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – a