2. About Red Sanders

2.1 Characteristics and Growth

• Red Sanders, scientifically known as Pterocarpus santalinus, is a variety of sandalwood.
• Unlike its fragrant counterpart, it is non-fragrant and primarily thrives in rocky, hilly terrains.
• These trees start with rapid growth, reaching heights of 8 to 10 meters within 3-4 years, but their growth rate slows down significantly afterwards.
• To obtain the valuable deep redwood, it takes a minimum of 20-25 years.
• Interestingly, this particular variety of Red Sanders is unique to specific regions.

2.2 Natural Habitat

• Red Sanders predominantly grows in the thorny scrub and dry deciduous forests of the central Deccan region.
• Geographically, they are found in a limited area of approximately 5,200 sq km, mainly in the Palakonda and Seshachalam hills within the Kadapa and Chittoor districts.
• Some contiguous regions in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka also witness limited wild growth.

Image Source: Amazon

3. The Coveted Red Sanders

• The scarcity of Red Sanders is a crucial factor in its desirability.
• The species is rapidly dwindling, primarily due to illegal felling.
• Moreover, its export is tightly regulated, requiring permits even for trees on private farms.
• Despite these restrictions, there is a high demand for Red Sanders in foreign markets, particularly in China and Japan, where it is sought after for furniture, chess sets, and musical instruments.
• In the black market, a tonne of Red Sanders can fetch anywhere between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 30 lakh, depending on its quality.

4. Regulation of the Trade

• Red Sanders is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora.
• Until 2014, the auction or trade of seized logs was prohibited.
• However, this ban was lifted due to the accumulation of over 10,000 tonnes of logs in Andhra Pradesh government godowns.
• Presently, only e-auctions are permitted, and in December of the previous year, the state government raised Rs 991 crore through e-auctions, averaging around Rs 27 lakh per tonne.

5. Rampant Smuggling

• The smuggling of Red Sanders is a significant issue, with estimates indicating that approximately 500 tonnes are illicitly transported out of India every year.
• China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UAE are believed to be destinations or transit points for these consignments.
• Smugglers use various routes, including ports in Chennai and Mumbai, as well as cross-border routes through Nepal and the Northeastern states.

6. Police-Smuggler Confrontations

• Forest personnel and smugglers engage in frequent confrontations in regions such as Chittoor, Nellore, Kadapa, and Kurnool.
• These clashes are particularly intense in the Seshachalam forests, where smugglers often infiltrate from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Tragically, these confrontations sometimes turn fatal. In December 2013, two forest officers were stoned and axed to death by a gang of suspected smugglers in the Seshachalam forests near Tirupati.
• This incident was preceded by another in 2011 when a forest officer was killed in Panuguru near Chittoor. Such incidents underscore the dangers faced by forest officials.
• Forest officers often find themselves powerless against these ruthless smuggler gangs.
• The gangs frequently launch violent attacks using stones and sharp instruments against anyone who attempts to thwart their activities.

7. Smuggler Operations

• Tamil Nadu is identified as the primary base for smuggling gangs. These groups often set up camps in hotels and lodges in towns like Proddatur and Mydukur in Kadapa district.
• They engage local villagers on the forest periphery to fell Red Sanders, paying them daily wages of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000.
• Agents overseeing these operations can earn up to Rs 1 lakh per venture.
• Smugglers employ modern technology, including cell phones and GPS, to monitor forest vehicles and their own personnel and trucks.
• They are also known to carry firearms and large sums of cash to bribe forest guards.
• Smugglers employ a well-coordinated modus operandi to evade authorities.
• Decoy motorcyclists are used to alert truck drivers in case they encounter vigilance squads or forest guards.
• A 'pilot' vehicle, often carrying an agent, arrives to assess whether officials can be bribed. If bribery fails, confrontations frequently escalate, sometimes involving gunfire.
• To combat this menace, authorities have arrested numerous ringleaders operating in Kadapa under the Andhra Pradesh Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Dacoits, Drug Offenders, Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders, and Land Grabbers Act (PD Act).
• Members of a police task force assigned to protect forest officials have faced allegations of accepting bribes from smugglers.
• An inquiry conducted by the AP Vigilance Department revealed that two senior officers responsible for safeguarding forest officers and monitoring smuggler activities were accepting substantial bribes, allowing smugglers to access the forests.

8. The WayForward

• The Indian government has taken several steps to combat Red Sanders smuggling, including increasing the number of forest guards and police officers patrolling the forests where Red Sanders grows.
• The government has also cracked down on smuggling gangs and has arrested several high-profile smugglers.
• However, the Red Sanders smuggling trade remains a major problem and continues to threaten the survival of this endangered species.

e-VIDHAN APPLICATION

 

 

1. Context

A delegation of MLAs from Gujarat visited the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, to learn about the novel e-Vidhan system for paperless proceedings that has been recently adopted by the UP state assembly

 

2. e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)

• The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is a system for digitising the legislative bodies of all Indian states and the Parliament through a single platform on which house proceedings, starred/unstarred questions and answers, committee reports etc. will be available
• Nagaland became the first state to implement NeVA, in March 2023.
• The NeVA system has been developed to make all the work and data related to legislative bodies available online for the use of both citizens and the members of Assemblies. It includes a website and a mobile app

 

3. Necessity of NeVA

• This has been done for streamlining information related to various state assemblies, and to eliminate the use of paper in day-to-day functioning.
• Its website states: “Several thousand tons of papers would be saved, which in turn would help in saving lakhs of trees annually”.
• Himachal Pradesh’s Legislative Assembly implemented the pilot project of NeVA in 2014, where touch-screen devices replaced paper at the tables of the MLAs
• The then Chief Minister, the Congress party’s Virbhadra Singh, had inaugurated the e-Vidhan system. Though reluctant to learn the new system at the age of 80 years, he later appreciated the technology becoming “more useful for the MLAs”.
• According to the state government’s website, by adopting the digitised system, the state has annually saved 6,000 trees, and around Rs 15 crore in expenditure

4. Challenges

The International Parliamentary Union, an organisation of more than 170 parliaments including India, in a 2018 report outlined some challenges in this regard

Access, particularly for legislators representing rural constituencies, to devices and reliable internet and electricity was an issue.

In its 2020 report, it said lack of training and heightened concerns over security are some more recent issues in the road to digitisation.

 

Source: indianexpress

COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA

 

 

1. Context

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a Rs 936.44-crore penalty on the company for “abusing its dominant market position with respect to its Play Store policies.

 

2. Competition Commission of India

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a regulatory authority established in India to promote and protect fair competition in the marketplace.
• It was established under the Competition Act, 2002, and became fully functional in 2009.
• The primary objective of the CCI is to prevent anti-competitive practices, ensure a level playing field for businesses, and promote consumer welfare
• The Competition Commission of India (within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs) has been established to enforce the competition law under the Competition Act, 2002.
• It should be noted that on the recommendations of Raghavan committee, the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) was repealed and replaced by the Competition Act, 2002
• The Commission consists of a Chairperson and not more than 6 Members appointed by the Central Government
• It is the statutory duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having an adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade carried on by other participants, in markets in India as provided in the Preamble as well as Section 18 of the Act.
• The Commission is also mandated to give its opinion on competition issues to government or statutory authority and to undertake competition advocacy for creating awareness of competition law.
• Advocacy is at the core of effective competition regulation. Competition Commission of India (CCI), which has been entrusted with implementation of law, has always believed in complementing robust enforcement with facilitative advocacy. It is a quasi-judicial body.

 

3. Key functions and responsibilities 

Here are some key functions and responsibilities of the Competition Commission of India:

1. Competition Advocacy: The CCI engages in advocacy and education activities to promote competition awareness among businesses, government agencies, and the public.

2. Antitrust Enforcement: The CCI investigates and takes action against anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance by companies, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions. It can impose penalties and remedies on entities found to be in violation of competition laws.

3. Merger Control: The CCI reviews and approves or disapproves mergers, acquisitions, and combinations that may have an adverse impact on competition in the Indian market. It assesses whether these transactions are likely to cause a substantial lessening of competition.

4. Market Studies and Research: The CCI conducts studies and research to understand market dynamics, competition issues, and emerging trends. This information helps in formulating policies and recommendations to improve competition.

5. Competition Advocacy: The commission engages in advocacy efforts to promote competition principles and practices among businesses, government agencies, and the public.

6. Consumer Protection: While primarily focused on promoting competition, the CCI also indirectly promotes consumer welfare by ensuring that markets remain competitive and that consumers have choices and access to fair prices.

7. Regulation of Anti-Competitive Practices: The CCI addresses practices such as price-fixing, bid rigging, and abuse of market power that can harm competition and consumers.

8. Legal Proceedings: The CCI has the authority to conduct investigations, hold hearings, and pass orders. Its decisions can be appealed to higher courts in India.

4. What is the Competition Act?

 

• The Competition Act, 2002, as amended by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007, follows the philosophy of modern competition laws.
• The Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements, and abuse of dominant position by enterprises and regulates combinations (acquisition, acquiring of control and M&A), which causes or likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India
• In accordance with the provisions of the Amendment Act, the Competition Commission of India and the Competition Appellate Tribunal have been established
• The government of India replaced Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in 2017
• The provisions of the Competition Act relating to anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position were notified on May 20, 2009

Competition is the best means of ensuring that the ‘Common Man’ or ‘Aam Aadmi’ has access to the broadest range of goods and services at the most competitive prices. With increased competition, producers will have maximum incentive to innovate and specialize. This would result in reduced costs and wider choice to consumers. A fair competition in market is essential to achieve this objective. Our goal is to create and sustain fair competition in the economy that will provide a ‘level playing field’ to the producers and make the markets work for the welfare of the consumers

 

5. What is Cartelisation?

Cartels can be difficult to define. According to CCI, a “Cartel includes an association of producers, sellers, distributors, traders or service providers who, by agreement amongst themselves, limit, control or attempt to control the production, distribution, sale or price of, or, trade in goods or provision of services”

The International Competition Network, which is a global body dedicated to enforcing competition law, has a simpler definition. The three common components of a cartel are:

• an agreement;
• between competitors;
• to restrict competition.

6. Way forward

CCI needs to revisit its definition of ‘relevant market’. In the age of digital world, defining relevant market has been a tough task for regulators world-wide. Technological developments like Web 3.0, AI, IoT, Blockchain and issues like data protection and privacy, search bias, platform neutrality, confidentiality, etc, have created a need for a robust competition law. Such a law should meet the demands of the technological era we live in.

 

 

For Prelims: Statutory board, Constitutional body For Mains: 1.Discuss the role and functions of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in promoting and ensuring fair competition in the Indian market 2.Examine the challenges and limitations faced by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in effectively regulating and promoting competition in the digital economy

 

Previous year Questions  1. Competition Commission of India is which kind of body? (RSMSSB Sanganak 2018) A. Statutory body B. Constitutional. C. Single Member D. Private Answer (A)

 

Source: indianexpress

SOCIALIST AND SECULAR

1. Context

Recently, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha, has claimed that the words "socialist" and "secular" were missing from the Preamble of the Constitution of India in the copies that were given to MPs. 

2. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution

• The Preamble of the Indian Constitution serves as an introduction to the document and encapsulates its fundamental principles and objectives.
• It was influenced by the Objectives Resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
• The original Preamble, adopted in 1950, outlined India's commitment to being a sovereign democratic republic and ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens.

2.1. The Original Preamble (1950)

The Preamble of the Constitution that commenced in 1950

“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

• JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
• LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
• EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all
• FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.”

3. The Addition of "Socialist" and "Secular"

3.1. The Inclusion of "Socialist"

• Indira Gandhi aimed to establish a pro-poor and socialist image, with slogans like “garibi hatao” (Eradicate poverty).
• During the Emergency, her government inserted the word "socialist" into the Preamble to emphasize that socialism was a key goal and philosophy of the Indian state.
• It's important to note that the Indian version of socialism did not envision the nationalization of all means of production, as seen in the USSR or China at the time.
• Indira clarified that "we have our own brand of socialism," and that nationalization would only occur where deemed necessary.

3.2. The Inclusion of "Secular"

• India is a diverse nation with people professing numerous faiths.
• To promote unity and fraternity among its citizens, regardless of religious beliefs, the concept of "secularism" was enshrined in the Preamble.
• This meant that the state would protect all religions equally, maintain neutrality and impartiality towards all religions, and not favour any one religion as a "state religion."
• In essence, the secular Indian state was founded on the principle that the state's concern lies in the relationship between individuals, rather than between individuals and God, which is a matter of individual choice and conscience.
• Articles 25-28 of the Constitution secure the secular nature of the Indian state.

3.3. "Socialist" and "Secular" in the Constitution

• It's worth noting that the philosophy of socialism and secularism was always inherent in the Constitution.
• Articles 25, 26, and 27 were intentionally included by the founders to promote secularism.
• The 42nd Amendment, in 1976, formally inserted the words "socialist" and "secular" into the Preamble, making explicit what was already implicit in various provisions and the overall philosophy of the Constitution.

Image Source: NCERT

4. Past Debates and Petitions

• The addition of "socialist" and "secular" to the Preamble has sparked debates over the years.
• Various petitions have sought their removal, arguing that these terms were not originally intended to be part of the Constitution.
• However, the Supreme Court has upheld their inclusion, emphasizing the broad and evolving meaning of "socialism" and its connection to welfare measures.

5. Conclusion

• The inclusion of "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects the evolving political and ideological landscape of the country.
• While these terms were added during a specific period in history, the principles of secularism and welfare have been integral to the Constitution's philosophy from the beginning.
• The ongoing debates and discussions surrounding these terms highlight the complex and dynamic nature of India's constitutional framework.

For Prelims: Indian Constitution, Socialist, secular, Preamble, Constituent Assembly, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, garibi hatao, Article 25, Article 26, Article 27, Article 28, 42nd Amendment, in 1976,  For Mains:  1. Explain the significance of the Preamble in the Indian Constitution. How does it encapsulate the fundamental principles and objectives of the Constitution? (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015) 1. It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes. 2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship to the proletariat. 3. It advocated separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only          B. 3 only            C. 1, 2 and 3            D. None Answer: D   2. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is (UPSC 2020)  A. a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect B. not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either C. a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part D. a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts   Answer: D   3. In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty? (UPSC 2019) A. Protection against the tyranny of political rulers B. Absence of restraint C. Opportunity to do whatever one likes D. Opportunity to develop oneself fully Answer: D   4. Which one of the following statements about 'personal liberty' is not correct? (UPSC CAPF 2021)  A. State does not have the authority to deprive any person within the territory of India of his/her personal liberty without any rational basis. B. Basis of depriving a person of his/her personal liberty must be in accordance with procedures established by law. C. Personal liberty can be secured by the judicial writ of Habeas Corpus. D. The majority view of the Supreme Court in A. K. Gopalan vs. State of Madras case invented 'due process of law'.   Answer: D   5. One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of (UPSC 2017) A. Privileges        B. Restraints         C. Competition         D. Ideology   Answer: A   6. Regarding the word 'Fraternity' in the preamble of the Indian Constitution, choose the correct statement(s) (TNPSC Group 1 2021) (a) It leaves no room for regionalism (b) It leaves room for communalism (c) It leaves no room for casteism A. (a) and (c)          B. (b) only             C. (a) and (b) (c) only         D. Answer not known Answer: A   7. The slogan 'Garibi Hatao' was introduced in  (Haryana Civil Services 2014) (APPSC Group 2 2017) A. First plan       B. Fifth plan        C. Fourth plan           D. Second plan Answer: B   8. According to Article 25 of the constitution, the right to freedom of religion is not subject to whom? (RPSC RAS Prelims 2013) A. Public order      B. Health       C.  Virtue        D. Humanism Answer: D   9. According to Article 25 - 28 of Fundamental Rights, find the incorrect statements about it from below: (MPSC 2019) A. No religions instructions shall be provided in any education institution wholly funded by the state. B. Secularism is the basic feature of the Constitution. C. State shall not compel any person to pay any taxed which shall to be used to promote and maintain any particular religion. D. This right is available to Indian citizens only.   Answer: C   10. Article 26 of the Indian Constitution deals with which of the following? (DSSSB TGT 2021)  A. Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion B. Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc. C. Freedom to manage religious affairs D. Protection of interests of minorities Answer: C   11. The 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of India was enacted in the year ________. (SSC CHSL 2018)  A.1947         B. 1976          C. 1991          D.  2016   Answer: B

 

Source: The Indian Express

 

SATYAMANGALAM TIGER RESERVE

 

1. Context

Tamil Nadu Forest department commenced a elephant census at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

 

2. Satyamangalam Tiger reserve

Image Source: The Hindu

 

• Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) is a protected area and tiger reserve located in the southern states of India, primarily spanning the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2010 and is one of the largest contiguous tiger habitats in the country.
• The STR is a significant ecosystem and a wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.
• It is also a genetic link between the five other protected areas which it adjoins, including the Billigiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park, and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The STR is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, gaurs, black bucks, four-horned antelopes, leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs.
• It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 300 species of birds recorded in the reserve.

3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Fauna 

The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and rich fauna. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including many endangered and threatened animals. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

Fauna	Description	Picture
1.Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris):	The reserve is known for its population of Bengal tigers, one of the most iconic and endangered big cat species in the world.
2.Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus):	The reserve is home to a significant population of Indian elephants, which are an important keystone species in the region
3.Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca):	Leopards are another apex predator found in the reserve. They are known for their adaptability and stealth.
4.Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus):	Also known as the Indian bison, the Indian gaur is a large and powerful herbivore that inhabits the forests of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
5.Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus):	These shaggy-coated bears are found in the reserve and are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior.
6.Dhole (Cuon alpinus):	Dholes, or Indian wild dogs, are social predators that can be spotted in the reserve
7.Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor):	Sambar deer are one of the most common herbivores in the reserve and serve as prey for many of the carnivores.
8.Spotted Deer (Axis axis):	Also known as chital, these deer are easily recognizable due to their distinctive spotted coat.
9.Wild Boar (Sus scrofa):	Wild boars are abundant in the reserve and are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plants and small animals
10.Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata):	This rare and endangered species of pangolin can be found in the reserve, although it is elusive and seldom seen
11.Indian Porcupine (Hystrix indica):	These nocturnal rodents are equipped with sharp quills for defense.
12.Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica):	Known for their vibrant fur and long bushy tails, these squirrels are arboreal and can be seen in the treetops
13.Malabar Giant Hornbill (Buceros malabaricus):	This large and colorful bird is one of the flagship species of the Western Ghats and can be spotted in the reserve.

 

 

4. Significance for Tiger reserve

The Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) is significant for tiger conservation for a number of reasons

Here are some key points highlighting the significance of the Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

1. Biodiversity: Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered and rare species. The reserve acts as a critical habitat for these species.

2. Tiger Population: One of the primary reasons for the establishment of this reserve was the protection of the tiger population. It is an important corridor connecting the Western and Eastern Ghats, allowing for the movement of tigers and ensuring genetic diversity among tiger populations.

3. Elephant Corridor: Apart from tigers, the reserve also serves as an essential corridor for the movement of Asian elephants between the Western and Eastern Ghats. This corridor is crucial for maintaining the genetic diversity of elephant populations.

4. Conservation Efforts: Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve has been actively involved in conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration. These efforts have helped in the recovery of tiger and elephant populations in the region.

5. Ecological Connectivity: The reserve plays a vital role in maintaining ecological connectivity between different forest patches. This connectivity is crucial for the survival and migration of various wildlife species.

5. Way forward

 The Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve is of significant ecological and conservation importance due to its role in protecting and conserving wildlife, including tigers and elephants, as well as its contribution to maintaining biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and sustainable land use practices in the region

 

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?(UPSC CSE 2017) (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (b) Nallamala Forest (c) Nagarhole National Park (d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Answer (a)

Source: Indianexpress