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GS Paper II- India and its neighbourhood- relations
1. Maldives rules out research by Chinese vessel in its waters
GS Paper II- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
2. National Financial Reporting Authority
GS Paper I- Famous Personalities
3. Karpoori Thakur awarded Bharat Ratna
GS Paper II- Indian Constitution, Judiciary
4. Default Bail
Prelims Booster
5. Grantham Inscriptions
6. Election Seizure Management System
7. Artificial Greening
GS Paper II- India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Context:
Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 is entering the Indian Ocean and headed to Maldives
Sri Lanka has allowed Chinese vessels access to its ports.
This is part of a broader engagement between Sri Lanka and China, which includes economic and infrastructure development projects.
In 2017, Sri Lanka handed over control and a 99-year lease of the Hambantota Port to a Chinese state-owned company, as it struggled with the debt incurred during the port's construction.
This move raised concerns and criticisms about the strategic implications of giving China greater influence in the region.
In 2023, Sri Lanka imposed a one-year ban on all foreign research vessels.
The recent Sri Lankan government's decision to ‘declare a pause’ on foreign research vessels for one year beginning 1 January 2024.
It is an attempt to buy peace with the large-hearted Indian neighbour and also the United States (US).
Chinese ships in the Indian Ocean:
China has been present in the Indian Ocean since 2008 under the pretext of anti-piracy operations.
The country has since maintained a continuous presence, deploying nuclear attack submarines and growing its navy from 250 to over 350 ships.
At any given time, five to nine Chinese ships are operating in the IOR in addition to research vessels, which can impact security.
While research activities are allowed in international waters, the data generated can have a dual nature including military, and on occasion, suspicious motives have been observed coinciding with India's test firing of long-range missiles.
Concerns that India have:
India perceives China's naval activities as a strategic encirclement and a security threat, particularly regarding the possibility of Chinese submarines operating in the Indian Ocean.
China's "String of Pearls" strategy, aimed at establishing military and commercial facilities in the region, fuels regional tensions and concerns about economic dominance.
India seeks to maintain influence in the Indian Ocean and has engaged in diplomatic efforts to counterbalance China's influence by strengthening ties with other maritime nations, participating in regional forums, and enhancing its naval capabilities.
India - Maldives issue:
Relations between India and Maldives turned frosty after derogatory comments were made by Maldive’s ministers against Prime Minister Modi.
Ties have been strained following Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country by March 15 and his verbal attack against India following his China trip.
Jaishankar met Maldivian counterpart Zameer on the sidelines of the NAM Summit, discussing India-Maldives ties and the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
The India-Maldives core group will meet in New Delhi next month( Feb 2024).
GS Paper II- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Context:
The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) is going to inspect the Big Four audit firms as well as other top auditors of large listed entities in 2024, an official familiar with the development told FE.
Reports for 2023:
In the inspection reports for 2023, the NFRA found that major auditors were providing non-audit services to their clients.
It was leading to a conflict of interest with the auditees, and subsequently causing lapses in the auditing process.
The other issues identified were improper communication of the auditors with the directors of the company and lack of documentation for their assessments.
About National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA):
It is a statutory body established under Section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013.
It functions as an independent authority responsible for regulating the auditing profession and accounting standards in India.
Its primary objective is to improve the quality and consistency of financial statements across the country while ensuring that businesses and financial institutions report accurate and fair information.
The body plays a crucial role in enhancing the transparency and accountability of India's financial sector.
Composition:
The Companies Act mandates that the NFRA (National Financial Reporting Authority) have a chairperson, who is appointed by the Central Government, and no more than 15 members.
The following qualifications must be met for chairperson and member appointments:
The NFRA has been granted the authority to investigate matters related to professional and other misconduct committed by any member or firm of chartered accountants registered under the Chartered Accountants Act of 1949.
These investigations can be initiated either upon the reference made to it by the Central Government or suo moto.
During the investigation process, the NFRA is empowered with the same authority as a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
In the case of proven misconduct, the NFRA has the power to impose punishment.
If any person is dissatisfied with the decision of the NFRA, they may make an appeal to the Appellate Authority.
Jurisdiction:
The NFRA's jurisdiction for investigating Chartered Accountants and their firms will now include both listed companies and large unlisted public companies.
However, the thresholds for these entities will be specified in the Rules.
Furthermore, the Central Government may refer additional entities for investigation if public interest is at stake.
GS Paper I- Famous Personalities
Context:
President Droupadi Murmu announced that the late socialist leader and former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur will be awarded the Bharat Ratna. (posthumously)
Karpoori Thakur:
This prestigious recognition is a testament to his enduring efforts as a champion for the marginalised and a stalwart of equality and justice.
Son of a marginal farmer from the Nai (barber) community, the socialist icon went on to serve twice as Chief Minister of Bihar.
First between December 1970 and June 1971 as part of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and later between December 1977 and April 1979 from the Janata Party. 
His Achievements:
He is named ‘Jannayak’, or People’s Leader.
Thakur was a freedom fighter, incarcerated during the Quit India movement in 1942, and has been seen as the architect of much of the social justice plank in Indian politics.
He was part of the anti-emergency movement, along with another great socialist leader, Jayaprakash Narayan.
During Thakur’s Chief Ministership in 1977, the Mungeri Lal Commission submitted its report recommending that backward classes be reclassified as extremely backward classes (including weaker sections of Muslims) and backward classes.
The report was implemented in 1978.
This paved the way for 26% reservation for them in the government services in Bihar in November 1978.
This reclassification was also seen as a percussor of the Mandal Commission report that recommended 27% reservations for Other Backward Classes, implemented in the 1990s.
Later on, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar used the “Karpoori Thakur formula” to classify backward classes into two categories.
Bharat Ratan:
The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award.
It was instituted in 1954. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. This award is open to anyone, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President of India.
No formal recommendations for Bharat Ratna are necessary.
The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year
The first recipient of the Bharat Ratna was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who later became the President of India.
The Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country, has been granted to 49 individuals so far, with 17 posthumously.
The most recent are:
- Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service;
- Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order; and
- Padma Shri for distinguished service.
All nominations received for the Padma Awards are placed before the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
The Padma Awards Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, the Secretary to the President and four to six eminent persons as members.
The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.
GS Paper II- Indian Constitution, Judiciary
Context:
Supreme Court said Default Bail Can't Be Claimed On Ground that Investigation Is Pending Against Other Accused.
About Default Bail:
The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) recognizes three types of bail.
Anticipatory bail is provided under Section 438, while regular bail is provided under Section 439.
Default or statutory bail, on the other hand, is granted as a right to an accused person who has been detained in custody when the police fail or are unable to complete the investigation and file a chargesheet within the specified time frame under the law.
Statutory Bail:
Default bail, also known as statutory bail, accrues as a right to an accused detained in custody when the police fail to complete the investigation and file the chargesheet within the stipulated time frame under the law.
The arresting authority must complete the investigation within a specified time, which is mandatory and not discretionary.
The statutory time frame for completing the investigation of offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and for filing the charge sheet varies depending on the severity of the crime.
- For offences punishable with imprisonment up to 10 years, the investigation must be completed within 60 days of arrest.
- For offences punishable with death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for more than 10 years, the investigation must be completed within 90 days of arrest, excluding investigations or arrests made under special statutes.
What Happens When an Investigation Isn't Completed:
If a person is arrested but the police cannot conclude their investigation within a specific timeframe, it is considered their default.
The arrested individual cannot be detained past this period and is entitled to default bail.
Default bail is a legal provision enshrined in Section 167(2) of the CrPC.
This provision applies when the police are unable to complete their investigation within the set timeframe.
Principles of Default Bail:
Context:
A team of the Archaeological and Historical Research Centre has discovered two stone inscriptions of ‘Grantham’ and Tamil dating 11th and 16th centuries respectively at Pazhnchervazhi village near Kangayam.
About Grantham Inscriptions:
Grantha is a script of immense historical significance.
It was originally used to write in Sanskrit.
It was widely used throughout South East Asia and greater Tamil Nadu.
The name Grantha is derived from the Sanskrit word for "a literary work".
At one point in time, it was widespread throughout South India.
Eventually, when the Malayalam language began to incorporate Sanskrit words and grammar, the script was adopted for writing in Malayalam and became known as Arya Ezhuthu.
Both Grantha and Tamil scripts are similar in modern forms.
The evolution of both scripts from Brahmi was quite similar to each other.
Development of the Grantha Script in Tamil Nadu:
The evolution of the Grantha script can be divided into four distinct periods: archaic and ornamental, transitional, medieval, and modern.
Context:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has conducted a training programme in virtual mode on the recently introduced Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) for the officers concerned from Andhra Pradesh.
About Election Seizure Management System:
The ESMS is a dedicated technology platform where all the enforcement agencies such as police, transportation authorities, Central tax agencies and others share information in real-time.
It is designed and developed to digitise data for intercepted/Seized items (Cash/Liquor/Drugs/ Precious Metal/Freebies/Other Items) directly from the field through a Mobile App.
Generating QR code-based receipts is another benefit for banks, allowing for easier tracking of cash movement.
A System for Streamlined Coordination and Intelligence Sharing Amongst Enforcement Agencies
Here's a platform that promotes seamless coordination and intelligence sharing among enforcement agencies.
The system allows all central and state enforcement agencies to get on board.
Once on board, these agencies can upload details of every recorded movement and seizure of illicit cash, liquor, drugs, etc.
Context:
In India, native vegetation faces displacement due to the encroachment of invasive alien plant species, presenting a considerable menace to wildlife.
- This disruption to natural habitats and the depletion of vital food sources pose significant threats to the local fauna.
Details:
Research indicates that approximately 66% of the country's natural ecosystems are affected by 11 invasive species.
About two-thirds of the food available to wild animals in the country is either compromised or under threat.
Human interventions, including horticultural practices such as crossbreeding for increased resilience, adaptability and prolific flowering, are the driving forces behind this invasion.
Artificial greening and plantations:
Artificial greening refers to the deliberate introduction or promotion of specific plant species in an area.
This practice is often used to address environmental issues, for aesthetic purposes, or ecological restoration.
These efforts generally involve the planting of selected plant species, which are typically non-native or commercially valuable, to modify or enhance the existing vegetation in a specific area.
While some experts consider artificial greening as a means of ecological restoration, livelihood enhancement, aesthetic landscaping, erosion control, and more.
It can also have irreversible effects on the overall ecological landscape if non-native species are used.