MONKEYPOX
1. Context
The Kerala Health Department has issued an alert against mpox (known earlier as Monkeypox) with the World Health Organisation last week declaring that the outbreak in many African nations now has to be considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern
2. What is mpox?
- Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an uncommon zoonotic disease (a disease transmitted from animals to humans) caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family.
- This family of viruses also includes those responsible for diseases like smallpox and cowpox.
- The mpox virus spreads to humans through physical contact with an infected person, such as through direct exposure to infected blood, bodily fluids, or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes.
- Additionally, mpox can be transmitted via contact with contaminated objects, bites or scratches from infected animals, or through activities like hunting, handling, or consuming infected animals.
- There are currently two genetic groups, or clades, of mpox: clade I, primarily found in central and eastern Africa, and clade II, which is associated with more cases in western Africa.
- Although the exact source of mpox is still unclear, small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are believed to be potential carriers
3. Symptoms
- In humans, the mpox virus typically manifests as rashes, which can progress into fluid-filled blisters that may be itchy or painful. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Individuals who are infectious can transmit the virus to others until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
- Symptoms of mpox generally appear within a week of infection but can start anywhere from 1 to 21 days after exposure.
- The symptoms usually last between 2 to 4 weeks. While most people experience milder symptoms, some may develop more severe illness and require medical care.
- Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of contracting the virus
4. Treatment
- At present, there is no specific treatment for mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests supportive care, such as using medication to manage pain or fever when necessary, but symptoms generally resolve on their own.
- Individuals with mpox are encouraged to stay hydrated, eat well, get sufficient rest, avoid scratching their skin, and care for their rash by cleaning their hands before and after touching lesions, keeping the affected skin dry, and leaving it uncovered.
- An antiviral called tecovirimat, originally developed for smallpox, was approved by the European Medicines Agency in January 2022 for treating mpox under exceptional circumstances, though experience with its use is limited.
- Three vaccines — MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac — initially developed for smallpox, are also approved for preventing mpox. However, vaccination is recommended only for individuals at risk, and WHO does not advise mass vaccination against mpox
5. Current Outbreak
- Mpox infections have been reported closer to home, with Pakistan confirming three cases, as announced by the health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on August 16. Additionally, Sweden recently reported the first case of the clade I variant of mpox outside Africa.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been recorded this year, with the outbreak impacting 116 countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighboring countries have been the hardest hit. In June 2024, 19% of reported cases were in the Americas, while 11% were in Europe.
- The WHO has elevated the global mpox outbreak to an acute grade 3 emergency, the highest level under the WHO Emergency Response Framework. A grade 3 emergency demands a significant to maximum response from the WHO.
- A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is declared for extraordinary events involving the international spread of disease, potentially necessitating a coordinated global response.
- The PHEIC, the highest alert level issued by the WHO, aims to mobilize immediate international action to prevent the event from escalating into a pandemic
6. Difference between Smallpox, monkeypox, chickenpox
| Characteristic | Smallpox | Chickenpox | Mpox |
| Causative Virus | Variola virus (Orthopoxvirus genus) | Varicella-zoster virus (Herpesvirus family) | Monkeypox virus (Orthopoxvirus genus) |
| Mode of Transmission | Direct contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated objects | Direct contact, respiratory droplets, airborne particles | Direct contact with infected animals or humans, contaminated materials |
| Incubation Period | 7-17 days | 10-21 days | 1-21 days |
| Initial Symptoms | High fever, fatigue, severe headache, back pain | Mild fever, fatigue, headache, body aches | Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes |
| Rash Progression | Begins on face and spreads; lesions progress uniformly | Starts on face/trunk, spreads; lesions at different stages | Begins on face and extremities; lesions progress uniformly |
| Lesion Characteristics | Deep, firm, round vesicles; develop into pustules | Superficial, itchy blisters | Fluid-filled blisters; can be itchy or painful |
| Severity | Often severe, high mortality rate (up to 30%) | Generally mild, can be severe in adults | Typically mild to moderate, can be severe in vulnerable populations |
| Complications | Scarring, blindness, arthritis, death | Bacterial infections, pneumonia, encephalitis | Pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, death (rare) |
| Vaccine Availability | Yes, smallpox vaccine (eradicated globally) | Yes, Varicella vaccine | Yes, smallpox vaccines (MVA-BN, LC16, OrthopoxVac) for prevention |
| Global Status | Eradicated (last case in 1977) | Common worldwide | Endemic in some regions, outbreaks reported globally |
| Treatment | No specific treatment; supportive care, antiviral (Tecovirimat) for severe cases | Antivirals (Acyclovir), supportive care | Supportive care, Tecovirimat under special circumstances |
7. Way Forward
The recent surge in mpox cases worldwide, including in regions previously unaffected, underscores the urgent need for global vigilance and coordinated public health efforts. The WHO's classification of the outbreak as a grade 3 emergency and the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern highlight the severity of the situation. While cases have been reported in various countries, with significant impacts in regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the spread to other areas, such as Pakistan and Sweden, signals that mpox remains a global health challenge. It is crucial for governments, healthcare providers, and the public to continue monitoring the situation, promote preventive measures, and ensure preparedness to mitigate the potential for further spread and escalation
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains: GS III - Science & technology
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Previous Year Questions
1.The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (UPSC CSE 2021) (a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants (b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system (c) radio collars for wildlife tracking (d) spread of viral diseases Answer (d) 1.Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Answer (b) Mains 1.Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (2020) |
Source: The Hindu
WHO
1.Context
Meghalaya Health Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh on Wednesday said the World Health Organization (WHO) was conducting a thorough investigation to determine if a new strain of polio has infected a two-year-old child at Tikrikilla in West Garo Hills district of the State
2. About WHO
- The World Health Organization (WHO) was born three years later, when its constitution came into effect on April 7, 1948
- It states that health is a human right that every human being is entitled to, “without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition” and that “the health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security.”
- The organization’s headquarters are based in Geneva, Switzerland, with six regional and 150 country offices across the world
- WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage
- They direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies and promote healthier lives from pregnancy care through old age
- WHO’s work remains firmly rooted in the basic human right to health and well-being principles, as outlined in their 1948 Constitution.
- The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO and is attended by delegations from all Member States
- The Global Health Histories project was established within the WHO headquarters in late 2004 and expanded into the regional offices from 2009 onwards
- An official WHO activity, its mission is based on the principle that understanding the history of health, especially during the last 60 years, helps the global public health community to respond to the challenges of today and help shape a healthier future for everyone, especially those most in need
3. Challenges faced by WHO
3.1. Small Pox
- One of the biggest successes in the WHO’s quest to ensure the global population’s well-being came in 1980, when the organization officially announced it had wiped out a common but deadly centuries-old infectious disease
- Smallpox eradication was a perfect example of when the WHO works best
- During the Cold War, there was wide-reaching agreement across the two blocs that the eradication of smallpox was a goal to be tackled. That’s when the WHO has seen its biggest successes: When members agree on which projects are worthy to be undertaken and how
3.2. Ebola Outbreak
- 2014 Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leoneoffers an example of a WHO job less well done
- The organization was criticized, among other things, for not reacting swiftly enough to address the epidemic
- There were unrealistic expectations for WHO, with many expecting, to go in force to the affected countries to confront the outbreak
- This is not within the WHO’s mandate. Its role is to guide the response, develop guidance, but not to go into a country to help address a specific health threat
- In fact, the WHO has no authority to take action in a member state unless that member state asks for help
- After the Ebola epidemic from 2014 to 2016, the organization made significant changes to its structure
- Example: It now relies to a lesser degree on national governments for crucial health information, thus lowering the chances of missing the start of another serious disease outbreak
3.3. Malaria Eradication attempt
- The organization’s agreement to give up on trying to eradicate malaria in the 1960s represents another example of what some consider a botched job
- The WHO launched the Global Malaria Eradication Programme (GMEP) in 1955.
- It looked promising, with 15 countries and one territory managing to eradicate the disease
- But there was little to no progress in sub-Saharan Africa under the program, and in many places, failure to sustain GMEP actually led to a resurgence of malaria. In 1969, the program was discontinued
- One reason that the eradication didn’t work, is that malaria isn’t solely a human disease, but has reservoirs in nature. This differentiates it from smallpox
3.4. Covid-19
- Some critics, then-US-President Donald Trump among them, complained at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that the WHO was not doing enough to support member states in their fight against the disease
- But experts like El-Sadr and Gradmann say that it wasn’t the WHO’s job to take action and introduce initiatives at the height of the coronavirus pandemic
- During COVID, the WHO provided data and did administrative work, But initiatives to fight The disease had to come from the individual member states. I don’t think the WHO played a large role in the COVID pandemic
- Members’ national governments were in charge of making decisions on how to best contain the pandemic in their country
Source: WHO, indianexpress
WAQF ACT
1. Context
As deliberations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 commence this Thursday, Muslim organisations have got into active parleys with non-BJP parties, including National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners and Opposition parties
2. India's Waqf Law
- In Islamic law, a waqf refers to property dedicated to God for religious or charitable purposes. This can include any type of property, either movable or immovable, that is set aside for the benefit of the public, serving as an act of piety that enables Muslims to continue their charitable contributions even after death.
- A waqf can be created through a formal document, or property may be recognized as waqf if it has been consistently used for religious or charitable purposes over time. The income generated from such properties is usually directed towards the upkeep of mosques, funding educational institutions, or aiding the needy.
- Once a property is designated as waqf, it cannot be inherited, sold, or given away. Non-Muslims are also permitted to establish a waqf, provided the purpose aligns with Islamic values.
- In India, waqfs are governed by the 1995 Act. The identification and delineation of waqf properties are carried out by a survey conducted by the State government.
- A survey commissioner, appointed under this Act, identifies these properties through local inquiries, witness statements, and examination of public records. Once identified, the properties are listed in the State’s official gazette, and a record is maintained by the State Waqf Board.
- Each waqf is managed by a mutawalli (caretaker) responsible for its administration. While waqfs are similar to trusts under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882, unlike trusts, waqfs cannot be dissolved by a Board
3. Functions and role of Waqf board
- The 1995 Act creates Waqf Boards in each State, responsible for overseeing the management of waqf properties within their respective areas. These Boards are legally recognized entities, enabling them to initiate or face legal action.
- Each State Waqf Board is led by a chairperson and includes one or two representatives from the State government, Muslim legislators, acknowledged Islamic scholars, and mutawallis (caretakers) of the waqfs.
- The Act also requires the appointment of a full-time Chief Executive Officer for each Board, who must be a practicing Muslim and hold a rank equivalent to at least a Deputy Secretary in the State government.
- The Waqf Board is empowered to manage waqf properties and undertake actions to reclaim lost assets. It also has the authority to approve the transfer of immovable waqf properties through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease, but such transactions require the consent of at least two-thirds of the Board members.
- The 2013 amendments to the 1995 Act further enhanced the Board's powers, making it almost impossible to sell waqf properties, as neither the mutawalli nor the Board is permitted to sell such property.
- In addition to the State Waqf Boards, the legislation also establishes the Central Waqf Council, a national advisory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- This Council ensures consistent administration of waqf properties across the country and is chaired by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs.
- The Council also advises the Union government on waqf-related matters, including policy formulation, implementation of waqf laws, and the resolution of inter-state disputes
4. Proposed Changes in the bill
- The definition of ‘waqf’ has been revised under the new Bill. Now, only lawful property owners who have practiced Islam for at least five years are permitted to establish waqf properties through formal deeds.
- This change eliminates the concept of ‘waqf by use,’ which allowed a property to be considered waqf based on its usage, even if the original deed was contested. Historically, waqf properties were often designated orally until formal documentation became more common.
- To prevent fraudulent claims of waqf status, the Bill stipulates that any government property identified or declared as waqf, either before or after the enactment of this Act, will not be recognized as waqf property. The law also allows widows, divorced women, and orphans to benefit from waqf proceeds.
- The responsibility for surveying waqf properties, previously handled by survey commissioners under the 1995 Act, will now be transferred to district collectors or officers of equivalent rank under the new Bill.
- To enhance the accuracy of waqf property records, the Bill proposes the establishment of a centralized registration system. All information regarding waqf properties must be uploaded to this portal within six months of the law’s enactment, and any new waqf property registrations must be submitted through this portal to the Waqf Boards.
- Additionally, the Bill removes section 40, which previously allowed waqf tribunals to determine whether a property qualifies as waqf. Instead, the district collector is now designated as the final authority on such matters.
- Once a decision is made, the collector must update the revenue records and report to the State government. Importantly, the Bill states that the disputed property cannot be treated as waqf property until the collector submits a final report, meaning the Waqf Board cannot take control of the land until the government resolves the issue.
- One of the most debated provisions in the Bill is the proposal to include non-Muslims in key waqf institutions, such as the Central Waqf Council, State Waqf Boards, and waqf tribunals.
- The Bill authorizes the Centre to appoint three Members of Parliament (two from the Lok Sabha and one from the Rajya Sabha) to the Central Waqf Council without requiring them to be Muslims. Previously, under the 1995 Act, these MPs had to be from the Muslim community.
- The new Bill also mandates that State Waqf Boards must include two non-Muslims and two women as members. The composition of waqf tribunals has been altered from a three-member body to a two-member body, consisting of a district judge and an officer of joint secretary rank to the State government.
- The proposed law requires tribunals to resolve disputes within six months, with a possible six-month extension.
- Furthermore, the Bill gives the Centre the authority to “direct the audit of any waqf at any time by an auditor appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, or by any officer designated by the Central Government for that purpose.”
- The Waqf Boards are required to audit their accounts annually, selecting auditors from a panel formed by the State governments. Mutawallis who fail to maintain proper accounts will face penalties.
- The proposed law also allows courts to intervene in waqf disputes by removing the finality of waqf tribunal decisions, enabling aggrieved parties to appeal directly to the relevant High Court. This measure aims to increase judicial oversight and reduce instances of arbitrary power exercised by Waqf Boards or tribunals
5. Way forward
Following its introduction in Parliament, the Bill was sent to a joint parliamentary committee for further examination after the Congress-led INDIA bloc opposed the proposed legislation in its current form.
In March of the previous year, the Union government informed the Delhi High Court that nearly 120 petitions challenging various provisions of the 1995 Act are currently pending in courts across the country
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For Prelims: Waqf board, Amendment process in Parliament
For Mains: GS II - Indian Governance
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Source: The Hindu
LIGHTNING
1. Context
The earth is surrounded by a bubble-shaped magnetic field that shields the planet from radiation from the Sun and other celestial objects. This field is called the earth’s magnetosphere
2. What is lightning and how does it occur?
- Lightning is an electrical discharge that occurs when there is an imbalance between the storm clouds and the earth or even within the clouds.
- Scientists believe that for lightning to occur, positive and negative charges must separate within a cloud.
- This happens, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), when the water droplets in the bottom part of the cloud are moved upwards, where the much colder atmosphere freezes them into small ice crystals.
- As these small ice crystals continue to go up, they gain more mass and eventually become so heavy that they start to fall down to earth.
- This causes a system in which ice crystals going down collides with the water vapors coming up, leading to the accumulation of positive charges on the top of the cloud and negative changes gathering at the base, while the atmosphere between them in the cloud acts as an insulator.
- When the positive and negative charges grow large enough, their strength overpowers the insulating properties of the properties.
- As a result, the two kinds of changes meet with each other and produce lightning.
- Although most of the lightning takes place within the clouds, sometimes it is directed towards Earth also. With the base of the cloud becoming negatively charged, positive charges start accumulating on tall objects, like trees, poles, and buildings.
3. Why is it a matter of concern?
- Data from the National Crime Records Bureau show that since 2005, lightning has been responsible for at least 2,000 fatalities annually.
- Rural areas account for more than 90% of lightning-related fatalities,
- It is not considered a natural calamity, thus unlike in the case of floods or earthquakes, the afflicted people are not entitled to government compensation.
4. Where are the lightning hotspots around the world?
- It has been discovered by scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama that lightning strikes the tropics more than 100 million times a year.
- Asia, South America, North America, Australia, and Africa are the other continents having the highest concentration of lightning hotspots.
- According to experts, lightning strikes are expected to rise by 25-50% as a result of climate change.
5. Findings of the latest study
- The researchers analyzed 5,858 selected lightning-ignited fires based on satellite images of US wildfires between 1992 and 2018 and found that approximately 90 percent of them might have been started by "hot lightning" strikes.
- Also known as long continuing current (LOC), this type of lightning strike can last from around 40 milliseconds to nearly a third of a second.
6. Why Hot lighting has more potential of triggering a wildfire than typical lightning?
- Lightning with continuing currents can transport more energy from cloud to ground than typical lightning. When lightning with continuing currents attaches to ground or vegetation, they produce more Joule heating and higher temperature than typical lightning, increasing the probability of ignition.
- With the help of computer simulations, the researchers also looked at the frequency of "hot lightning" strikes and observed that as the atmosphere warms, there might be an increase of 41 percent in the incidents of LCC strikes by 2090.
- This means that the rate of such lightning flashes could jump from three strikes per second globally to four strikes per second. Meanwhile, the frequency of all cloud-to-ground strikes might increase to nearly eight flashes per second, a 28 percent jump.
- According to the study, the areas that might witness a significant increase in wildfires triggered by the LCC strikes are Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, Australia, North, America, and Europe.
- The researchers predicted this after accounting for changes in precipitation, humidity, and temperature.
- However, many northern polar regions might see a decrease in wildfires as rainfall is projected to increase while "hot lightning " rates remain constant.
7. Government initiatives to tackle this problem
- Lightning Alert System provides a location-specific forecast of thunder, lightning, strong winds, high winds, and hailstorms occurrences for up to 48 hours.
- The Common Alert Protocol (CAP) system has been released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to alert citizens to imminent thunderstorms and lightning.
- From the INSAT-3DR satellite, which uploads data every 15 minutes, ISRO provides information about convective clouds.
- A GPS notification from the Damini App, which was created by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Earth System Science organization, alerts users when lightning is nearby and is between 20 to 40 kilometers away.
8. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is an American Scientific and regulatory agency within the United States Department of Commerce that forecasts weather monitors oceanic and atmospheric conditions, chart the seas, conducts deep sea exploration, and manages fishing and protection of marine mammals and endangered species.
NOAA provides services to its customers and information pertaining to the state of the oceans and the atmosphere, such as weather warnings and forecasts via the National Weather Service.
NOAA’s five fundamental activities are
- Monitoring and observing Earth systems with instruments and data collection networks.
- Understanding and describing Earth systems through research and analysis of data.
- Assessing and predicting the changes in these systems over time.
- Engaging, advising, and informing the public and partner organizations with relevant information.
- Custodianship of environmental resources.
Previous year question
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1. During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the (UPSC 2013)
1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
2. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
3. violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A.1 only B.2 and 3 C.1 and 3 D.None of the above produces the thunder
Answer : D
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For Prelims & Mains
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For Prelims: Lightning, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Common Alert Protocol (CAP) system, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), INSAT-3DR satellite, Long continuing current (LOC), and Damini App.
For Mains:1. What is lightning and discuss how does it occur and explain why Hot lighting has more potential of triggering a wildfire than typical lightning?
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Source: The Indian Express
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI)
1. Context
From the recent conclusion of the 18th Lok Sabha elections to the announcement of dates for Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, the Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a crucial role in ensuring transparent, free and fair elections.
2. Election Commission of India (ECI)
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent and independent constitutional body tasked with ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections across the Union and States of India.
- The ECI has the authority to supervise, direct, and manage elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India. However, since the ECI does not manage elections for state-level urban bodies such as municipalities and panchayats, a separate State Election Commission exists for this purpose.
- Notably, based on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's guidance at the Constituent Assembly, a committee tasked with addressing Fundamental Rights suggested that the independence of elections and the protection from executive interference in legislative elections should be considered a fundamental right and included in the chapter on Fundamental Rights.
- While the idea was generally accepted, some members proposed that it be placed in a different section of the Constitution. Consequently, the Drafting Committee, following the House's decision, moved this provision from the Fundamental Rights chapter to another part of the Constitution
3. Constitution and Election Commission of India
The Constitution includes a series of articles (Articles 324–329) that grant powers to the Election Commission and outline its possible roles and responsibilities.
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Article 324: Grants the authority for overseeing, directing, and controlling the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
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Article 325: Prohibits exclusion from electoral rolls based on religion, race, caste, sex, or any of these factors.
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Article 326: Establishes adult suffrage as the foundation for elections to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies.
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Article 327: Allows Parliament to pass laws, in accordance with the Constitution, regarding all matters related to elections to Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
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Article 328: Empowers state legislatures to enact laws concerning all matters related to elections to the state's legislative bodies.
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Article 329: Prevents courts from interfering in electoral matters
4. ECI Responsibilities and Functions
The responsibilities and functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) can be categorized into advisory, quasi-judicial, and administrative roles.
- Advisory: The Constitution grants the ECI the authority to advise on the post-election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures. The ECI is also consulted in cases where individuals are found guilty of corrupt practices during elections, as brought before the Supreme Court and High Courts, to decide if they should be disqualified from contesting future elections and for how long. In such matters, the President or, where applicable, the Governor, is required to follow the ECI's advice.
- Quasi-Judicial: The ECI has the power to disqualify a candidate who fails to submit their election expense accounts within the legally required timeframe and format. It also has the authority to remove or reduce other legal disqualifications. Additionally, the ECI resolves disputes related to the recognition of political parties and the allocation of election symbols. The commission sets a model code of conduct and ensures compliance by all candidates and political parties during elections.
- Administrative: The ECI's administrative duties include delimiting electoral constituencies and managing the registration of eligible voters, as well as regularly updating electoral rolls. The commission is responsible for announcing election schedules and dates, reviewing nomination documents, recognizing political parties, and assigning them election symbols. The ECI can also nullify voting in cases of violence, booth capturing, tampering, or other irregularities. It oversees the financial expenditure of political parties on candidates' campaigns impartially.
The ECI also designates specific roles to register political parties for elections and grants them the status of national or state parties based on their performance in the polls. These roles include the person in charge of elections, the District Election Officer, and the Election Registration and Returning Officer
5. Composition of Election Commission of India
- Since its inception in 1950, the Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC) was the sole member of the Election Commission of India (ECI). However, after the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1989, a large influx of new voters was added. To manage this increased workload, two additional commissioners were appointed, expanding the ECI to include three commissioners.
- In January 1990, some changes were made to the structure of the ECI, but it was soon reverted to its original form. Following discussions and debates in the political sphere, the President ultimately reconstituted the commission in 1993, adding two more commissioners, establishing the current structure of the ECI.
- The Chief Election Commissioner and the other election commissioners are appointed by the President, who also determines their terms of office and service conditions. All commissioners, including the CEC, receive the same salary, benefits, and powers as judges of the Supreme Court.
- If there is a disagreement among the three members, decisions are made by a majority vote. Commissioners serve a term of up to six years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first. They hold a status equivalent to that of Supreme Court justices in India.
- The Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed from office through the same process used to remove a Supreme Court judge. This involves the President dismissing the CEC based on a resolution supported by a special majority in both Houses of Parliament, on grounds of proven misconduct or incapacity.
- In conclusion, as outlined by the Constitution, the ECI is responsible for supervising, directing, and conducting elections for the offices of President, Vice President, state legislatures, and Parliament.
- For elections to state-level urban bodies like municipalities and panchayats, a separate State Election Commission exists. The ECI plays a crucial role in upholding the democratic process by ensuring free and fair elections for key political positions in the country
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For Prelims: Election Commission of India, Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, State Election Commission, Article 324, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India. How does the Election Commission ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in the Country? (250 words).
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Previous year Question1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 3 only
Answer: D
2. Consider the following statements : (UPSC 2021)
1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.
2. In the 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies.
3. As per the- existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3
D. 2 and 3
Answer: B
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Source: Indianexpress
LATERAL ENTRY
1. Context
THREE DAYS after it invited invitations for lateral entry posts in the bureaucracy, the government announced Tuesday that the recruitment was being cancelled.
2. What is lateral entry?
Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of professionals and experts from the private sector, academia, or other non-governmental organizations directly into mid-level or senior positions in government or public administration. This approach is used to bring in fresh perspectives, specialized skills, and expertise that may not be readily available within the traditional civil service.
In India, lateral entry into government services has been used to infuse new ideas and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. Professionals recruited through lateral entry typically join at the level of Joint Secretary or Director in various ministries and departments, positions that are usually occupied by career civil servants.
The idea behind lateral entry is to complement the existing bureaucracy with individuals who have extensive experience and domain-specific knowledge in areas such as economics, finance, infrastructure, technology, and social sectors, thus enhancing the overall administrative capabilities of the government
3.What is the process for the recruitment of a civil servant?
The recruitment process for a civil servant in India typically involves a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The most common route is through the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is used to select candidates for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Objective: The first stage is a screening test to select candidates for the Mains exam.
- Format: It consists of two objective-type papers:
- General Studies Paper I: Covers subjects like history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and current affairs.
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT): Tests logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and basic numeracy.
- Duration: Each paper is 2 hours long.
- Scoring: Only the marks of Paper I are considered for qualifying for the Mains exam, while Paper II is qualifying in nature (requiring 33% to pass).
Main Examination (Mains)
- Objective: This stage assesses the candidate's in-depth knowledge and understanding of various subjects.
- Format: It consists of nine papers, of which seven are counted for ranking, and two are qualifying in nature:
- Qualifying Papers:
- Indian Language (selected by the candidate)
- English
- Papers Counted for Merit:
- Essay
- General Studies I: Indian heritage, culture, history, and geography.
- General Studies II: Governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations.
- General Studies III: Technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.
- General Studies IV: Ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
- Optional Paper I and II: A subject chosen by the candidate from the list of optional subjects.
- Qualifying Papers:
- Scoring: The marks obtained in these seven papers determine the candidate’s rank.
Personality Test (Interview)
- Objective: The final stage is to assess the candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for a career in public service.
- Format: Conducted by a panel of experts, the interview involves questions on current affairs, personal background, and general knowledge.
- Scoring: It carries 275 marks.
Final Ranking
- The marks obtained in the Mains exam (including the essay and optional papers) and the interview are combined to produce the final merit list.
- Based on their rank in this list, candidates are allocated to various civil services and cadres.
Training
- Successful candidates undergo training at respective academies, such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) for IAS officers, to prepare them for their roles in public service.
4. What is the issue of reservation in the lateral entry system?
- The concept of lateral entry was initially introduced by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and received strong support from the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005. The Second ARC was tasked with recommending reforms to improve the efficiency, transparency, and citizen-friendliness of India's administrative system
- In its 10th Report, titled "Refurbishing of Personnel Administration: Scaling New Heights," the commission highlighted the need for changes in personnel management within civil services.
- One of its main recommendations was to implement lateral entry into higher government positions that require specialized knowledge and skills.
- The ARC identified that certain roles in government necessitated expertise not readily available within the traditional civil service and suggested recruiting professionals from the private sector, academia, and public sector undertakings to fill these gaps
- The ARC proposed creating a talent pool of professionals for short-term or contractual government roles, bringing in fresh perspectives and advanced expertise in fields like economics, finance, technology, and public policy.
- It stressed the need for a transparent, merit-based selection process for lateral entrants and recommended establishing a dedicated agency to manage their recruitment and integration. The ARC also emphasized that while integrating lateral entrants, it was crucial to uphold the integrity and ethos of the civil services
- The First ARC, set up in 1966 under Morarji Desai, who later served as Prime Minister, laid the foundation for discussions on the need for specialized skills in the civil services. Although it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry, it stressed professionalization, training, and reforms in personnel management to address the evolving challenges of the nation
- The lateral entry scheme was formally introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, recognizing the need for domain experts to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of India's administrative system.
- In 2018, the government announced vacancies for senior positions such as joint secretaries and directors, inviting applications from both private and public sector professionals for these roles.
- This initiative, influenced by the Second ARC's recommendations, effectively operationalized the concept of lateral entry, demonstrating a commitment to integrating specialized skills from outside the traditional civil service framework
5.Way Forward
The upper age limit to appear for the civil services examination in the early days was 24 years. Open market recruitments were made from among individuals who had completed the age of 25 but not the age of 40. For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates the age ceiling was 45 years. (The now-cancelled lateral entry initiative had the same age ceiling for applicants.)
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For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance
For Mains: GS II - Role of Civil services in a democracy
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Previous Year Questions
1.“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (UPSC CSE 2020)
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Source: Indianexpress
