2. Status of the SEBI Probe

• SEBI was directed to investigate potential violations of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957, specifically Rule 19A, which mandates a minimum of 25 per cent public shareholding for listed companies.
• SEBI was also tasked with examining the disclosure of transactions and relevant information related to "related parties" to ensure compliance with the law.
• The investigation aimed to determine if there was any stock price manipulation contrary to existing regulations.
• SEBI requested an extension due to the complexity of the transactions under investigation and the court granted additional time.
• Meanwhile, the Expert Committee submitted its report to the court on May 6, stating that there was "no regulatory failure" on SEBIs' part.

3. Expert Panel's Findings

• The Expert Committee's report indicates a potential large-scale scam involving serious economic offences committed by the Adani Group.
• SEBI initiated investigations in October 2020 based on complaints received in June-July 2020.
• However, SEBI failed to take regulatory action, such as issuing show-cause notices, claiming the absence of a prima facie case.
• SEBI's investigation focused on 13 suspected overseas entities primarily foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), based in tax havens like Mauritius, which were believed to be front companies for the Adani Group Promoters.
• These FPIs held significant shares in five listed Adani group companies as of March 2020.
• The Expert Committee noted that SEBI could not establish the Ultimate beneficial owner of these overseas entities, despite suspicions.

4. Regulatory Loopholes and Amendments

• The report highlights successive amendments to SEBI regulations, diluting definitions of "beneficial owners and related party transactions" which created regulatory loopholes.
• These amendments enabled the Adani Group promoters to conceal the true beneficiaries of suspected FPIs, thus evading regulatory scrutiny.
• SEBI approached the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for further investigation, but both agencies required SEBI to register a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and tax laws, respectively.
• This "chicken and egg" situation hindered progress.

Image Source: The Hindu

5. Price Manipulation Concerns

• The report raises questions about potential price manipulation.
• The Adani Scrips experienced significant price increases while under SEBIs scrutiny since October 2020.
• The Expert Committee noted that 849 alerts were generated regarding Adani group companies' shares through SEBI's surveillance systems, with many related to price volume movements and suspected insider trading.
• However, SEBI did not consider these alerts unusual as long as prices were rising.
• It was only after the Hindenburg accusations and subsequent stock price declines that SEBI acknowledged "unusual price movement".
• The report suggests that SEBI's silence on the stock price surge and reluctance to take action against the Adani Group Comprise is evidence of regulatory failure and complicity.

6. Implications

• Despite presenting a substantial body of evidence regarding regulatory failure, the Expert Committee's conclusions remain ambiguous.
• The report calls for Supreme Court to draw its conclusions based on the evidence provided.

PHONONS

 

1. Context

Quantum computers and artificial intelligence are two of the emerging areas of interest in the realm of computing. Recently, IBM published a paper in which it claimed to have demonstrated that a quantum computer could solve a useful problem that today’s conventional computers can’t, a result merited by concerns that their computations might become too unreliable when they also become complicated.

2. What are Qubits?

• Quantum computers utilize qubits as their fundamental units of information.
• Qubits can be particles (e.g., electrons), collections of particles, or engineered quantum systems that mimic particle behavior.
• Quantum particles can exhibit unique behaviors governed by the rules of quantum physics, such as being in a superposition of 'on' and 'off' states simultaneously.
• Information can be encoded in specific properties of particles, like electron spin, to leverage their peculiar abilities.
• Quantum computers are expected to perform complex calculations surpassing the capabilities of today's best supercomputers.
• Linear optical quantum computing (LOQC) employs photons (particles of light) as qubits, using optical equipment like mirrors, lenses, and waveplates to process information.
• In theory, any particle controllable and manipulable through quantum-mechanical phenomena can serve as an information unit in a quantum computer.

3. Using Phonons as Qubits

• Researchers have explored the possibility of using phonons, packets of vibrational energy, as qubits in quantum computers.
• A recent study by the University of Chicago researchers introduced an acoustic beam splitter to manipulate phonons.
• Beam-splitters, commonly used in optics research, spilt a stream of photons into two beams by reflecting 50% of the photons and allowing the rest to pass through.
• The functioning of a beam-splitter relies on quantum physics when even shining photons one by one at the beam-spitter creates interference patterns.
• This phenomenon arises due to the wave-particle duality of particles and the superposition of quantum systems, where a single wave can exist in a superposition of reflected and transmitted states. 
• The development of tools for manipulating phonons opens up possibilities for building quantum computers with sound-based information units.

4. Acoustic Beam-Splitter for Phonons:

• Researchers developed an acoustic beam-splitter using a tiny comb-like device with 16 metal bars in a two-mm-long lithium niobate channel.
• The channel contained superconducting qubits capable of emitting and detecting individual phonons.
• The entire setup was maintained at an ultra-low temperature.
• Phonons used in the study had frequencies too high for human hearing and represented the collective vibration of around one quadrillion atoms.
• Phonons interacted with the comb-like low photons interacting with an optical beam splitter.
• A phonon emitted from one side of the channel was refreshed.
• A phonon emitted from one side of the channel was reflected 50% of the time and transmitted to the other the remaining 50%.
• Simultaneously emitted phonons from both sides both ended up on the one, confirming expectations.

5. The Behavior of Phonons and Future Prospects

• Andrew Cleland, a physicist from the Praizker School of Molecular Engineering, confirmed through tests that phonons behave in accordance with quantum mechanics.
• However, the development of a fully functional quantum computer utilizing phonons as an information unit is still a distant goal.
• Physicist Andrew Armour from the University of Nottingham expressed the broader perspective of extending the quantum toolbox.
• The research on photons will serve as a foundation for further advancements, indicating a continuous progression in quantum computing.
• The field shows promising potential and ongoing growth, with no indications of progress slowing down anytime soon.

For Prelims: Quantum Computing, Qubits, Linear optical quantum computing (LOQC), Acoustic Beam Splitter. For Mains: 1. Discuss the concept of qubits and their significance in quantum computing. How do qubits differ from classical bits? (250 words)

 

Previous year Question 1. Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned? (UPSC 2022) A. Cloud Services B. Quantum Computing C. Visible Light Communication Technologies D. Wireless Communication Technologies  Answer: B

 Source: The Hindu

THE PRIDE FLAG

 

1. Context

The month of June recognized worldwide as Pride Month, is marked by many events across India to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. And you might have noticed that most of these events are marked by a flag a simple red-to-violet rainbow, and in some cases, the more updated version of it, which is known as the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag, created by Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK in 2021. This is actually a new version of the previous Progress Pride Flag created in 2018 by Daniel Quasar.

 

Image Source: The Indian Express

2. What is a Pride Flag?

• A Pride flag essentially represents the pride associated with LGTQIA+ social movements.
• For centuries people belonging to the community have had to fight for basic rights in countries across the world.
• The struggle continues in many countries. Uganda, for instance, recently passed a law criminalizing the LGBTQIA+ community. 
• In India, too, gay sex was decriminalized as recently as 2018.
• The Pride flag was used by activists, members of the community, and allies as a symbol of resistance and acceptance.
• It was designed by renowned American artist and activist Gilbert Baker.

3. Evolution of the Rainbow Pride Flag:

• The original Rainbow Pride Flag was designed by Gilbert Baker and debuted in 1978.
• It was created in response to the request from Harvey Milk and Artie Bressan Jr. to represent a new gay consciousness and freedom.
•  The flag symbolized hope and inclusivity, transcending nationalistic and territorial connotations.
• Over the years, new elements have been added to the flag to reflect the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
• In 2017, black and brown stripes were added to represent people of color, conceptualized by Amber Hikes.
• In 2018, Daniel Quasar redesigned the flag, incorporating transgender flag colors and a chevron shape symbolizing forward movement.
• The most recent update in 2021 by Valentino Vecchietti introduced an intersex-inclusive element, featuring a purple circle over a yellow triangle in the chevron part of the flag, representing the Intersex pride flag.

4. Inclusion of Intersex in the Pride Flag:

• Intersex people have often been underrepresented within LGBTQIA+ narratives.
• Intersex individuals are born with sex characteristics that do not align with typical binary notions of male or female bodies.
• In 2021, Intersex Equality Rights (UK) incorporated the intersex flag into the Pride Progress flag, creating the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag.
• The redesign aimed to raise awareness and visibility for intersex rights and representation.
• The Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag features the colors yellow and purple, contrasting with the traditional gendered colors of blue and pink.
• The inclusion of the intersex flag recognizes the unique experiences and challenges faced by intersex individuals within the broader LGBTQIA+ community.

5. What do the colors of the new flag signify?

• Red= Life
• Orange= Healing
• Yellow= New Ideas
• Green= Prosperity
• Blue= Serenity
• Violet= Spirit
• Chevron Part
• Black and brown= people of color
• White, blue, and pink= transpeople
• Yellow with purple circle= Intersex people

For Prelims: LGBTQIA+ community, Pride flag, Intersex Equality Rights (UK) For Mains:1.How has the recognition and acceptance of the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag evolved in India, and what does it signify for the LGBTQIA+ community? Discuss its significance in promoting inclusivity. (250 Words).

 

Previous year Question 1. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? (UPSC 2020) 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs.1,00,000 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000 3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000 4. All Senior Citizens Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 and 4 only C. 2 and 3 only D.1 and 4 only Answer: A

 Source: The Indian Express

GANDHI PEACE PRIZE 

1. Context 

Gita Press was selected for the Gandhi Peace Prize 2021 for its outstanding contribution to social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and Gandhian methods.

 

2. About Gandhi Peace Prize

The Gandhi Peace Prize is an esteemed award presented by the Government of India in recognition of individuals or organizations who have made remarkable contributions to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violence and Gandhian principles. 

Establishment and Purpose

The Gandhi Peace Prize was established in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The purpose of this award is to recognize and honour individuals or organizations that have worked towards promoting peace, non-violence, and harmony.

Selection Process

The recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize is chosen by a jury headed by the Prime Minister of India. The jury members evaluate the nominations and select the most deserving candidate based on their contributions and impact on society.

Criteria for Selection

The award is conferred upon individuals or institutions that have demonstrated exceptional contributions to peace-building, conflict resolution, social upliftment, and welfare.

The emphasis is on the use of non-violent methods and adherence to Gandhian principles.

Significance

The Gandhi Peace Prize holds great significance as it symbolizes the ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi an advocate of non-violence. It serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations that have actively worked towards promoting peace and harmony.

Previous Recipients

The Gandhi Peace Prize has been awarded to numerous individuals and institutions who have made substantial contributions to various fields. Some notable recipients include Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, Vaclav Havel, Grameen Bank (Bangladesh), and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

 

3. Founding of Gita Press

• Established officially in 1923 by Jaydayal Goyandka, a religious Marwari businessman.
• Inspired by discussions on religious texts, especially the Bhagavad Gita, during his business travels.
• Unable to find an authentic translation, Goyandka decided to start his own publishing house.
• Ghanshyamdas Jalan, a friend from Gorakhpur, offered to set up the press.

4. Gita Press takes off with Kalyan

• In 1926, Gita Press gained prominence with the launch of its monthly magazine, Kalyan.
• First exclusive monthly journal devoted to Hinduism and Played a significant role in sociopolitical developments
• Contributed to the consolidation of Hindi as a language of Hindus and Acted as a vehicle to spread Hindu nationalist ideas during a period of political nationalism.

5. Cultivating the feeling of being Hindu

• Kalyan, along with affordable and high-quality editions of Hindu religious texts, established Gita Press as a vital institution in modern Hinduism and Hindu nationalism.
• Successfully reconciled reformist and traditionalist organizations within the Hindu community.
• Focused on emotional cultivation and providing a point of reference for Hindus as a whole.

6. Gita Press today

• One of the world's largest publishers and the only indigenous publishing enterprise from colonial India that thrives in the 21st century.
• Publishes books in 15 languages, including English, Urdu, and Nepali.
• Operates through 20 retail outlets and over 2500 booksellers worldwide.
• Experienced growth during the pandemic despite challenges faced by publishers globally.
• Sold over 2.40 crore books in the financial year 2022-23, generating nearly Rs 111 crore in revenue.
• High demand for publications such as Ramcharitmanas and Kalyan.

7. Conclusion

• Gita Press's recognition through the Gandhi Peace Prize highlights its significant contributions to society.
• Continues to promote and spread the principles of Sanatana Dharma through its subsidized publications.
• Upholds its principles by accepting the citation but declining the cash award.
• Gita Press remains a leading publisher, enriching the lives of millions with its extensive collection of religious books and magazines.

For Prelims: Gita Press, Gandhi Peace Prize, Sanatana Dharma, Kalyan magazine, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, Vaclav Havel, Grameen Bank (Bangladesh), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Bhagavad Gita, Gandhian principles, Ramcharitmanas,    For Mains:  1. Assess the influence of Gita Press in the growth and development of Hindi as a language and its role in strengthening Hindu identity in colonial and post-colonial India. (250 words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. The Gandhi Peace Prize Carries an amount of Rs. __________. (OSSC CGL 2022)  A.1 crore          B. 5 crores            C. 2 crores             D. 50 Lakhs   Answer: A   2. Which one of the following is correctly matched?  (UPPSC Combined State Exam 2022)  A. Radhaswami Satsang - Lahore B. Bharat Dharma Mahamandal - Delhi C. Sanatan Dharma Rakshini Sabha - Calcutta D. Deva Samaj - Banaras   Answer: C   3. Nelson Mandela was the President of- (JVVNL Technical Helper 2013) A. Nigeria      B.  Tanzania       C. Zimbabwe         D. Ethiopia       E. South Africa   Answer: E   4. Who received the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi International Peace Award for ‘Peace and Reconciliation in 2013? (KVS PRT  2013)  A. Vaclav Havel        B. Brigalia Bam      C. Nelson Mandela           D. None of these   Answer: B   5. Who is the founder of Grameen Bank? (SSC GD  2019) A. Muhammad Yunus     B. Abdullah Abu Sayed       C. Anu Muhammad     D. Atiur Rahman   Answer: A   6. Grameen Bank of Bangladesh was formed in the year _________ . (ICAR Technician 2022) A. 1983     B.  1970         C. 1981            D. 1976   Answer: A   7. The first regional rural bank set up in India was _____________. (SSC CHSL 2022)  A. Grameen Bank          B. Aarohan Bank    C.  Prathama Grameen Bank      D. Vikas Bank   Answer: C   8. The Regional Rural Banks were established on the recommendations of the ______ on Rural Credit.  (SSC CGL 2022)  A. Rekhi Committee B. Narsimha Committee C. Kelkar Committee D. Tandon Committee   Answer: B   9. Which one of the following is main teaching of Gita? (CGPSC Civil Service 2017) A. Karma yoga         B. Gyan yoga      C. Bhakti yoga    D. Nishkama Karma yoga E. Asparsha yoga   Answer: D   10. Bhagavad Gita was said to have been compiled by ______. (HSSC Group D 2018)  A. Shankaracharya       B. Madvacharya       C. Veda Vyasa          D. Vallabhacharya   Answer: C     11. Geeta is (REET 2011) A. Veda           B. Independent epic        C.  a part of Ramayana        D. a part of Mahahbharata   Answer: D   12. The Gandhian Principles or Philosophy have been enumerated in the: (OPSC OAS 2019)  A. Fundamental Rights                                         B.  Preamble    C.  Directive Principles of State Policy                D. Fundamental Duties   Answer: C   13. Tulsidas was the author of (UPSC CAPF 2020) 1. Ramcharitmanas      2. Padavali 3. Kavitavali Select the correct answer using the code given below:   A. 1 only         B. 2 and 3 only          C. 1, 2 and 3          D. 1 and 3 only   Answer: D   14. Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas was written in (CTET 2021)  A. Sanskrit          B.  Hindustani       C.  Brijbhasha         D. Awadhi   Answer: D

 

 

Source: The Indian Express

COLLEGIUM VS NJAC

 

1. Context

Justice Ramesh Deokinandan Dhanuka, who retired as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court on May 30, said the present Collegium system for appointment of judges is better than the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and continuation of the same will help in ensuring independence of judiciary. Justice Dhanuka, who served as a HC judge for over 11 years and practiced as a lawyer for nearly 27 years, added that there should not be any confrontation between judiciary and the executive in public and the issues should be sorted behind closed door meetings

2. Collegium System

• The Collegium system is not rooted in the Constitution. Instead, it has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court.
• Under the system, the Chief Justice of India along with four senior-most Supreme Court judges recommend appointments and transfers of judges.
• A High Court Collegium, meanwhile, is led by the incumbent Chief Justice and the two senior-most judges of that court.
• In this system, the government’s role is limited to getting an inquiry conducted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) if a lawyer is to be elevated as a judge in a High Court or the Supreme Court.
• The government can also raise objections and seek clarifications regarding the Collegium’s choices, but, if the Collegium reiterates the same names, the government is bound, under Constitution Bench judgments, to appoint them to the post. 

3. Evolution of Collegium System

The system evolved in the three Judge's cases:

• In the First Judges case, the court held that the consultation with the CJI should be "full and effective".
• The Second Judges Case introduced the collegium system in 1993, as they ordered the CJI to consult a collegium of his two senior judges in the apex court on judicial appointments, such a "collective opinion" of the collegium would have primacy over the government.
• The Third Judges case in 1998, expanded the judicial collegium to its present composition of the CJI and four of its senior-most judges.

4. Constitutional Provisions for Appointment of Judges

Article 124(2)

Every Judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with such of the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts in the States as the President may deem necessary for the purpose and shall hold office until he attains the age of sixty-five years.

Article 217

Every Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the state, and, in the case of appointment of a Judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High court, and shall hold office, in the case of an additional or acting Judge, as provided in Article 224, and in any other case, until he attains the age of sixty-two years.

5. Procedure for replacement of Collegium System

• Replacing the Collegium system calls for a Constitutional Amendment Bill.
• It requires a majority of not less than two-thirds of MPs (Members of Parliament) present and voting in Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha.
• It also needs the ratification of legislatures of not less than one-half of the states.

6. What are the concerns associated with the Collegium system?

• Constitutional Status: The Collegium is not prescribed in the Constitution. Article 124 mentions consultation, which the SC interpreted as ‘concurrence’ in Second Judges Case (1993). During the hearing against the NJAC, the then SC Bar President had argued that the Constituent Assembly had considered a proposal for making Judges’ appointment ‘in concurrence’ with the CJI but had eventually rejected it. 
• Transparency: There is no official procedure for selection or any written manual for the functioning of the Collegium. The parameters considered for selection (or rejection) are not available in the public domain.
• Accountability: The selection of Judges by the Judges is considered undemocratic. Judges are not accountable to the people or any other organ of the State (Legislature or Executive). It can add an element of arbitrariness in functioning.
• Criticism by Judges: Many retired Judges have criticized the working of the Collegium, especially the lack of transparency. Several controversial appointments have been made despite objections by the member-Judges of the Collegium.
• No Checks: There are no checks on the process. Nor has there been any review regarding the effectiveness of the process. Critics of the system argue the phenomena of ‘Uncle Judges’ wherein near relatives, kith, and kin of sitting Judges are appointed to the higher judiciary leading to nepotism. Law Commission in its 230^th Report (2012) recommended that that the Judges, whose kith and kin are practicing in a High Court, should not be appointed in the same High Court. The absence of transparency, accountability, and external checks creates space for subjectivity and individual bias in appointments. In some cases, the principle of seniority has been ignored.
• No Reforms: The Supreme Court did not amend the contentious provisions of the NJAC Act or added safeguards to the Act. Instead, it struck down the whole Act. The Supreme Court reverted to the old Collegium System. However, the Court did not take any steps to address the concerns associated with the Collegium System.

7. What is National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)

• The Constitution (99th Amendment) Act, which established the NJAC and the NJAC Act, was passed by Parliament in 2014 to set up a commission for appointing judges,
  replacing the Collegium system.
• This would essentially increase the government’s role in the appointment of judges. 
• The laws were repealed in October 2015 after the Supreme Court struck them down.

7.1 Composition of NJAC

• The Chief Justice of India as the ex officio Chairperson.
• Two senior-most Supreme Court Judges as ex officio members.
• The Union Minister of Law and Justice as ex officio members. 
• Two eminent persons from civil society (one of whom would be nominated by a committee consisting of the CJI, Prime Minster, and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the other would be nominated from the SC/ST/OBC/minority communities or women.

For Prelims: Collegium system, National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), Supreme court, High court, Intelligence Bureau (IB), First Judges case, Second Judges Case, Third Judges Case, Article 124(2), Article 217, Law Commission, and 99th Constitutional Amendment Act. For Mains: 1. What are the two systems of the appointment of Judges that has triggered the fresh debate on the Judicial system in India? (250 Words).

 

 

Previous year Question 1. With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021) 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India. 2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgment as the Supreme Court does. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A.  1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: A   2. In India, Judicial Review implies (UPSC 2017) A. the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders B. the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures C. the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President D. the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgments given earlier in similar or different cases Answer: A   3. Consider the following statements: 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes 'incapacity and proved misbehavior' of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India 3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, of 1968. 4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A. 1 and 2 B. 3 only C. 3 and 4 only D. 1, 3 and 4 Answer: C

 

Source: The Indian Express