CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
- Total strength of the assembly: 389
- 296 seats for British India and 93 seats to princely states
- 292 seats allocated for British India were to be from eleven governor’s provinces and four from Chief commissioner’s provinces
- Seats were allocated based in proportion to their respective population.
- Seats allocated to each British province were to be decided among the three principal communities- Muslims, Sikhs and general
- Representatives of each communities were to be elected by members of that community in the provincial legislative assembly and voting was to be by the method of proportional representation by means of single transferrable vote
- Representatives of princely states were to be nominated by head of these princely states
- Partly elected and partly nominated
- Indirect election by provincial assemblies who themselves were elected on a limited franchise
- Though indirect mode of election, it included representatives from all sections of the society
Several committees were constituted to perform the various tasks associated with framing of the Constitution. Some of the major and minor constituent assembly committees are given below:
4.1.Major committees
- Union Powers committee: presided by J Nehru
- Union Constitution Committee: president by j Nehru
- Provincial constitution committee: Presided by S Patel
- Drafting committee: president by Dr BR Ambedkar
- Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights, minorities and Tribal and excluded areas- Presided by S Patel. It had the following sub-committees:
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- FR sub-committee: JB Kripalani
- Minorities sub-committee: HC Mukherjee
- North-East Frontier Tribal Areas and Assam excluded and partially excluded areas sub-committee- Gopinath Bardoloi
- Excluded and partially excluded areas sub-committee: AV Thakkar
- Rule procedure committee: Dr Rajendra Prasad
- States committee for negotiating with states: J Nehru
- Steering committee: Dr Rajendra Prasad
- Committee on the functions of the constituent Assembly: GV Mavalankar
- Order of Business committee: Dr KM Munshi
- House committee: B Pattabhi Sitaramayya
- Ad-hoc committee on the National flag: Dr Rajendra Prasad
- Special committee to examine the draft constitution: Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
- It was considered to be the most important committee of the constituent assembly
- It was chaired by Dr BR Ambedkar
- He played a pivotal role in drafting the constitution and also in passage of the constitution in the assembly
- The committee published the first draft of the constitution in February 1948. The second draft was published after incorporating changes suggested by the public in October 1948
- In the concluding session of the Committee, on November 25, 1949, B.R. Ambedkar drew attention to a lacuna in the draft
- “The second thing we are wanting in is recognition of the principle of fraternity. What does fraternity mean? Fraternity means a sense of common brotherhood of all Indians — if Indians being one people. It is the principle which gives unity and solidarity to social life. It is a difficult thing to achieve....”
- He added elsewhere that ‘without fraternity[,] equality and liberty will be no deeper than coats of paint’; that fraternity has been most forgotten in our Constitution and in our electoral process, that in turn are reproduced in our hearts and homes
- The idea of fraternity is closely linked to that of social solidarity, which is impossible to accomplish without public empathy
- So along with liberty, equality and justice, fraternity was added to the principles in the Preamble
- There was little discussion nor was it sufficiently clarified that a sense of fraternity enriches and strengthens the gains emanating from the other three
- Those in the audience(Representatives) familiar with the history of the French Revolution might have recalled with some disquiet the message of the 1792 Edict of Fraternity (‘All governments are our enemies, all people our friends’)
- Kripalani, on October 17, 1949, drew attention to some implications. He pointed out that the contents of the Preamble were not only legal and political principles but also had a moral, spiritual and mystical content
- If we want to use democracy as only a legal, constitutional and formal device, I submit, we shall fail.... the whole country should understand the moral, the spiritual and the mystic implication of the word democracy... If we have not done that, we shall fail as they have failed in other countries
- Democracy will be made into autocracy and it will be made into imperialism, and it will be made into fascism. But as a moral principle, it must be lived in life
- It is not lived in life, and the whole of it in all its departments, it becomes only a formal and a legal principle.
- Final draft of the constitution was introduced in the assembly in 1948
- After subsequent readings, the constituent assembly adopted, enacted and gave to themselves the constitution on November 26, 1949
- Some provisions of the constitution came into force on the above-mentioned date. However, most provisions came into force on January 26th, 1950. This date is referred to in the constitution as the ‘date of its commencement’. This day is celebrated as ‘Republic day’ every year
- This day was chosen by the constitution-makers to pay homage to the ‘Purna Swaraj’ which started on January 26th, 1930.
- Not a representative body since members were not directly elected
- It was not a sovereign body since it was established based on British order
- It consumed unduly long time to make the constitution
- It was dominated predominantly by congress party.
- It was dominated by lawyer-politician to a greater degree
- It was dominated by Hindus predominantly
CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (CBI)
1. Context
2. About the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India. It functions under Dept. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India. The CBI was established in 1941, to investigate cases of corruption in procurement during the Second World War. The Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption recommended the establishment of the CBI. Under Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
2.1. Organisation
- The CBI is headed by a Director, who is an IPS officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police.
- The Director is appointed by the Government of India on the recommendation of a Collegium consisting of the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister of India, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- The CBI has a headquarters in New Delhi and zonal offices in major cities across India. It also has branches in several countries around the world.
2.2. The CBI is organized into four divisions
- Anti-Corruption Division Investigates corruption cases against public servants.
- The Economic Offences Division Investigates economic offences, such as bank fraud, tax evasion, and securities scams.
- The Special Crime Division Investigates special crimes, such as murder, kidnapping, and extortion.
- Cyber Crime Division Investigates cyber crimes, such as hacking, online fraud, and child pornography.
2.3. The main functions of the CBI are
- To investigate serious crimes such as corruption, murder, and terrorism.
- To coordinate investigations between different state police forces.
- To assist state governments in investigating serious crimes.
- To collect and maintain intelligence on crime.
- To train police officers in investigation techniques.
- To collaborate with international law enforcement agencies.
3. Santhanam Committee
- The Santhanam Committee was a committee appointed by the Government of India in 1962 to investigate corruption in the administration. The committee was headed by K. Santhanam, a retired Indian Civil Service officer.
- The committee submitted its report in 1963. The report was highly critical of the government's efforts to combat corruption. The report recommended several reforms, including the establishment of a central agency to investigate corruption in high places.
- The government accepted the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee. The Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) was established in 1963. The DSPE was later renamed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- The Santhanam Committee's report had a significant impact on the fight against corruption in India. The establishment of the CBI was a major step forward in the government's efforts to combat corruption.
3.1. The key recommendations of the Santhanam Committee
- The establishment of a central agency to investigate corruption in high places.
- The agency should be independent of the government.
- The agency should have the power to arrest and prosecute offenders.
- The agency should have the power to investigate any crime that is committed by a public servant or that affects the security of India.
The Santhanam Committee's report was a landmark document in the fight against corruption in India. It helped to lay the foundation for the establishment of the CBI and the strengthening of the government's anti-corruption efforts.
4. About the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946
The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 (DSPE Act) is an act of the Indian Parliament that provides for the constitution of a special police force called the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) for the investigation of certain offences in India.
4.1. Key Provisions of the DSPE Act
- Establishes the DSPE, a special police force under the superintendence of the Central Government.
- Empower the DSPE to investigate offences notified by the Central Government.
- Grants the DSPE the powers and jurisdiction of a police force in any area of India.
- Allows the Central Government to extend the powers and jurisdiction of the DSPE to other areas of India.
4.2. Significance of the DSPE Act
- Plays a crucial role in investigating serious crimes, particularly corruption and economic offences.
- Acts as a central investigative agency, facilitating coordination between different state police forces.
- Enhances the investigative capacity of the Indian government, enabling it to address complex and high-profile cases.
The DSPE Act is a vital piece of legislation in India's fight against crime. It empowers the government to effectively investigate and prosecute serious offences, contributing to a safer and more just society.
5. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex Indian governmental body created in 1964 to address governmental corruption. In 2003, the Parliament enacted a law conferring statutory status on the CVC. It has the status of an autonomous body, free of control from any executive authority, charged with monitoring all vigilance activity under the Central Government of India, advising various authorities in central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work.
5.1. Objectives of CVC
- To promote efficiency and integrity in the administration.
- To investigate and monitor corruption cases in central government ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
- To propose remedial measures to prevent corruption.
- To advise the government on the implementation of anti-corruption policies.
- To review the effectiveness of vigilance systems in government organizations.
- To exercise superintendence over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in respect of investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
5.2. Functions of CVC
- To receive and examine complaints relating to corruption and misuse of power by public servants.
- To inquire or cause inquiry into any matters concerning corruption or misuse of power by public servants.
- To investigate or cause investigation into offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
- To advise the government on matters relating to corruption and vigilance administration.
- To examine the systems of vigilance and corruption prevention in government organizations and public sector undertakings and to recommend measures for their improvement.
- To monitor the implementation of the government's policies on corruption prevention and to evaluate their effectiveness.
- To undertake research and studies on corruption and to disseminate information and knowledge on the subject.
- To coordinate the activities of various agencies engaged in the fight against corruption.
- To collaborate with international organizations in the fight against corruption.
5.3. Powers of CVC
- To summon any person and examine him on oath.
- To require the production of any document or thing.
- To enter and inspect any premises occupied by any public servant.
- To seize any document or thing which may be relevant to any matter under inquiry.
- To arrest any person against whom a case of corruption is registered.
- To prosecute any person against whom a case of corruption is registered.
- To recommend to the government to take disciplinary action against any public servant against whom a case of corruption is registered.
6. The key differences between the CVC and the CBI
| Feature | CVC | CBI |
| Role | Monitoring and preventing corruption | Investigating corruption and other serious crimes |
| Head | Central Vigilance Commissioner | Director |
| Composition | Officers drawn from the IAS, IRS, and other central services | Officers drawn from the IPS, IRS, and other central services |
| Powers | Advisory, review | Investigative, prosecutorial |
| Relationship | Provides information to CBI, reviews CBI investigations | Investigates cases referred by CVC and other agencies |
| Independence | Independent of the government |
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For Prelims: Central Bureau of Investigation, Solicitor General, Dept. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Santhanam Committee, Prevention of Corruption, Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, Cyber Crime, Central Vigilance Commission,
For Mains:
1. Evaluate the role of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in promoting transparency and integrity within government organizations in India. (250 Words)
2. Explore the challenges faced by the CBI in maintaining independence and impartiality while operating under the administrative control of the central government. (250 Words)
3. Discuss the effectiveness of the CBI in addressing corruption cases and its contribution to the anti-corruption efforts in India. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
Prelims
1. "Central Bureau of Intelligence and Investigation" is listed in the __________ list given in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. (SSC CGL 2017)
A. Union B. State C. Global D. Concurrent
Answer: A
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. Attorney General of India and Solicitor General of India are the only officers of the Government who are allowed to participate in the meetings of the Parliament of India.
2. According to the Constitution of India, the Attorney General of India submits his resignation when the Government which appointed him resigns.
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: D
3. santhanam committee was established for prevention of which social problem- (RPSC 2015)
A. dowry system B. communal riots C. aids D. corruption
Answer: D
4. The Central Vigilance Commission was established on the recommendation of which one of the following Committees? (NDA 2018)
A. Santhanam Committee B. Dinesh Goswami Committee
C. Tarkunde Committee D. Narasimham Committee
Answer: A
5. Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018 amends various provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) ______. (UPSSSC Forest Guard 2018) (UP Police SI 2021)
A. 1971 B. 1988 C. 1994 D. 2003
Answer: B
6. With reference to the ‘Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 (PBPT Act)’, consider the following statements: (2017)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only Answer: B Mains 1. Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (UPSC 2021)
2. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (UPSC 2020)
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INDIA-RUSSIA
2. How is Indo-Russia Relations?
- India and Russia have traditionally enjoyed a close relationship, characterized by cooperation across political, security, economic, and cultural spheres, it's important to avoid oversimplification. Examining the relationship through a nuanced lens reveals a more complex story.
- The India-Russia partnership boasts a strong foundation, cemented by the "Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership" in 2000 and rooted in Cold War-era ties between India and the Soviet Union. This historical depth and shared strategic interests continue to hold value for both nations.
- However, the post-Cold War landscape has introduced new complexities. Russia's close links with China and Pakistan, both considered geopolitical rivals of India, have caused friction. Additionally, India's diversifying foreign policy and growing engagement with the West create further strains.
- The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have further complicated the picture. While India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, it faces increasing pressure to condemn Russia. This adds to the growing perception of a potential "downfall" in relations.
- Instead of painting a solely negative picture, it's crucial to recognize the multifaceted nature of the relationship. Areas of cooperation still exist, particularly in defence, energy, and space exploration. Moreover, public opinion in India largely remains supportive of the partnership, highlighting its continued relevance despite the challenges.
3. Important Areas of Cooperation
- The highest institutionalized dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between India and Russia is the Annual Summit meeting between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held their first informal Summit in Sochi, Russia, in 2018.
- In 2019, President Putin awarded PM Narendra Modi Russia’s highest state decoration, The Order of St Andrew the Apostle, for his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India.
- Two Inter-Governmental Commissions – on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) – meet annually.
- India-Russia military-technical cooperation has evolved from a buyer-seller framework to joint research, development, and production of advanced defence technologies.
- Joint military programs include the BrahMos cruise missile, 5th generation fighter jet, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Ilyushin/HAL Tactical Transport Aircraft, KA-226T twin-engine utility helicopters, and some frigates.
- India has acquired military hardware from Russia, including the S-400 Triumf, Kamov Ka-226 (made in India under Make in India), T-90S Bhishma, INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier, and submarines.
- Russia is a crucial partner for India in peaceful nuclear energy use, with cooperation in the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in India and the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project in Bangladesh.
- Cooperation in outer space includes satellite launches, the GLONASS navigation system, and joint activities in the field of the Human Spaceflight Programme.
- Institutional mechanisms for bilateral Science and Technology cooperation include the Working Group on Science and Technology, the Integrated Long-Term Programme (ILTP), and the Basic Science Cooperation Programme.
- Cultural ties involve the teaching of Hindi and other Indian languages in Russian institutions, as well as the promotion of Indian dance, music, yoga, and Ayurveda in Russia.
4. India's Significance for Russia
- The border tensions in eastern Ladakh marked a turning point in India-China relations, highlighting the potential role of Russia in defusing such conflicts. Russia organized a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China, signalling a diplomatic effort to address the situation in the Galwan Valley.
- Beyond traditional cooperation in weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds, new avenues for economic engagement are emerging. Sectors like mining, agro-industrial activities, and high technology (robotics, nanotech, and biotech) are expected to play a significant role. India's expanding footprint in the Russian Far East and the Arctic is set to boost connectivity projects.
- India and Russia are collaborating to address challenges in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for the early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to strengthen their collective efforts against terrorism.
- Russia lends support to India's aspirations for permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, reflecting shared interests in global governance.
- Russia has been a major arms exporter to India, even though its share in India's arms imports declined by over 50% in the last five years compared to the previous period (2011–2015). Over the past two decades, India has imported arms and weapons worth USD 35 billion from Russia, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, underscoring the enduring defence partnership between the two countries.
5. Russia's Significance for India
Strategic Partner
- Military Powerhouse: Russia provides crucial access to advanced weapons and military technology, vital for India's security interests against regional rivals like China and Pakistan.
- Nuclear Fuel Supplier: Russia is a key source of nuclear fuel for India's growing nuclear power program, ensuring energy security and independence.
- Political Ally: Russia supports India's position on key issues like Kashmir and UN reform, offering diplomatic backing and counterbalancing Western pressure.
- Counterbalance to the West: Russia's partnership helps India diversify its foreign relations and hedge against Western dominance, promoting a multipolar global order.
Economic Partner
- Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade is growing, though below potential. Both nations aim to increase it significantly, offering mutual economic benefits.
- Emerging Areas of Cooperation: New sectors like mining, agro-industrial, and high technology (robotics, nanotech, biotech) hold promising potential for collaboration and economic growth.
- Connectivity Projects: India's participation in Russia's Arctic and Far East development initiatives can open up new avenues for trade and resource access.
Security Collaborator
- Joint counter-terrorism efforts: Both nations face similar threats and collaborate on intelligence sharing, training, and operations to combat terrorism.
- Afghanistan crisis: Both have concerns about the situation in Afghanistan and cooperate to promote stability and prevent the resurgence of extremist groups.
- Space Exploration: Collaborative projects in satellite launches, navigation systems, and human spaceflight programs strengthen scientific and technological advancements.
6. Trade Between India and Russia
India-Russia Trade Relations
- The two countries intend to increase bilateral investment to US$50 billion and bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2025.
- Bilateral trade during FY 2020 amounted to USD 8.1 billion.
- From 2013 to 2016 there was a major decline in the trade percentage between the two countries. However, it increased from 2017 onwards and a constant increase was noticed in 2018 and 2019 as well.
Increasing Dependency on Russian Oil Imports
- India's oil imports have shifted significantly towards Russia, surpassing traditional suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
- Russia's geopolitical situation, including Western sanctions following the military operation in Ukraine, has prompted Moscow to offer steep discounts on its crude oil, finding a ready market in India.
- India, unlike Western countries, has chosen not to impose formal sanctions on Russia, leading to a nearly 13-fold increase in crude oil imports from Russia in 2022-23, reaching over $31 billion.
Payment Challenges and Geopolitical Ramifications
- India faces difficulties in paying for Russian oil due to breaching the $60 per barrel price cap set by the US and European nations, as Russia offers lower discounts on its crude.
- Using currencies like the Chinese yuan for payments raises geopolitical concerns due to strained ties with Beijing.
- Western sanctions have limited Russia's access to the global secure interbank system (SWIFT), making it challenging for Indian exporters to receive payments for goods already shipped to Russia.
The Rupee-Rouble Mechanism and Trade Deficit Concerns
- Negotiations between India and Russia to reactivate the rupee-rouble trade arrangement, an alternative payment mechanism, have faced obstacles.
- Concerns over the rouble's convertibility and volatility, along with India's ballooning trade deficit, have hindered the implementation of the rupee-rouble payment mechanism.
- India's trade deficit with Russia reached $43 billion in 2022-23, leading to significant amounts of Indian rupees in Russian banks that cannot be utilized for Russia's war efforts.
De-Dollarisation Efforts and Alternative Payment Methods
- The US sanctions have prompted countries to explore de-dollarisation, replacing the US dollar as the global reserve currency.
- India has released a roadmap for the internationalization of the Indian rupee to enhance its acceptance globally.
- Indian refiners have settled non-dollar payments for Russian oil using currencies like the Chinese yuan and the UAE dirham.
7. Challenges and Uncertainties
Geopolitical
- Ukraine War: Russia's invasion of Ukraine has strained its relations with the West, potentially impacting India's ties with both nations. India's neutral stance faces increasing pressure to condemn Russia, creating a delicate balancing act.
- China's Shadow: Russia's close relationship with China, India's geopolitical rival, creates friction and uncertainty. While Russia played a mediating role in the Ladakh border tensions, its alignment with China raises concerns for India's security interests.
- Diversifying Foreign Policy: India's growing engagement with the US and other Western powers could further complicate the relationship with Russia, potentially leading to strategic competition and conflicting interests.
Economic
- Trade below potential: Bilateral trade between India and Russia remains below its potential, despite ambitious goals to increase it significantly. This could be due to factors like infrastructure limitations, lack of diversification, and competition from other trading partners.
- Investment gaps: While both countries desire increased investment, attracting Russian investment to India remains a challenge. This could be due to concerns about regulatory hurdles, bureaucratic complexities, and competition from other investment destinations.
- Energy dependence: India's reliance on Russia for critical resources like nuclear fuel and military equipment creates vulnerability to potential disruptions in supply or price fluctuations. Diversifying energy sources and arms imports is a long-term goal, but comes with its own challenges.
Strategic
- Shifting military landscape: India's efforts to diversify its arms imports and develop its own defence capabilities could gradually reduce its dependence on Russian military technology. This could potentially weaken the strategic partnership in the long run.
- Differing priorities: While both nations share some strategic interests, their priorities may not always align perfectly. This could lead to disagreements on issues like regional security, international sanctions, or global governance.
- Domestic politics: Internal political dynamics in both countries can also impact the relationship. Changes in leadership or shifts in public opinion could lead to changes in priorities or policies, potentially creating uncertainty and instability.
8. The Way Forward
Indo-Russia relations are a complex tapestry woven with historical ties, strategic interests, and evolving geopolitical realities. While facing challenges, the partnership holds significant value for both sides and is likely to continue adapting to the changing global landscape.
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For Prelims: India-Russia, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Cold War, Russia-Ukraine War, Covid-19 Pandemic For Mains: 1. Discuss the challenges and opportunities for increasing bilateral trade and investment between India and Russia. What specific initiatives can be undertaken to overcome existing obstacles and achieve the set goals? (250 Words)
2. Critically evaluate the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on its relations with India, considering both geopolitical implications and domestic public opinion. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (UPSC 2019) (a) Japan Answer: B 2. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2014) Region often in news Country 1. Chechnya Russian Federation 2. Darfur Mali 3. Swat Valley Iraq Which of the above pair is/are correctly matched? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answers: 1-B, 2-A Mains1. What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC 2020) |
Source: The Indian Express
PLATFORM-BASED GIG WORKERS BILL
1. Context
2. Gig Workers
- Gig workers, also known as freelancers, independent contractors, or contingent workers, are individuals who work on a temporary or project-based basis, often for multiple employers or clients.
- Unlike traditional employees, gig workers are not tied to a specific company or employer and have the flexibility to choose when, where, and how they work.
- This emerging workforce is redefining the way work is done and is becoming an integral part of the modern economy.
3. Characteristics of Gig Workers
- Gig workers can be found across various industries, from rideshare drivers and food delivery couriers to freelance writers, designers, and consultants.
- They are characterized by their flexibility and autonomy, enabling them to take on multiple projects simultaneously or focus on specific niches where their skills excel.
- Gig workers often use digital platforms and online marketplaces to connect with clients and find work opportunities, making use of technology to enhance their employability and reach.
4. Advantages of Gig Work:
- Flexibility: Gig work offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing individuals to create a work schedule that fits their lifestyle and personal commitments. This flexibility is particularly appealing to parents, students, or individuals pursuing other interests alongside their work.
- Diverse Opportunities: Gig workers can explore diverse opportunities and gain experience in various industries and projects. This variety can lead to skill development, exposure to different working environments, and the chance to build a diverse professional portfolio.
- Autonomy and Independence: Gig workers enjoy a higher degree of autonomy and control over their work. They can choose projects they are passionate about, negotiate terms with clients, and take charge of their career paths.
- Location Independence: The nature of gig work often allows workers to perform their tasks remotely, providing the freedom to work from any location with an internet connection.
5. Challenges and Concerns
- Income Stability: Gig work may lack the stability of a traditional job, as gig workers may experience fluctuations in income depending on the availability of projects or clients.
- Lack of Benefits: Gig workers are typically not entitled to employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off, which can pose financial challenges and reduce social security.
- Legal Protections: Some gig workers face legal uncertainties regarding their employment status, leading to concerns about worker rights, job security, and access to legal protections.
- Work-life Balance: While gig work offers flexibility, it can also blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to potential challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
6. What does the bill propose?
- The Gig Worker Welfare Bill applies to aggregators and primary employers in the gig economy.
- Aggregators are digital intermediaries connecting buyers and sellers, while primary employers engage platform-based workers.
- The proposed Welfare Board will comprise State officials, representatives from gig workers and aggregators, and civil society members.
- The Board's responsibilities include setting up a welfare fund, registering platform-based gig workers, aggregators, and primary employers, and ensuring social security for gig workers.
- Each gig worker will receive a unique ID, which will be valid indefinitely, and the Board will maintain a database of companies and workers.
- Labour unions raised concerns about vague terminologies in the Bill that may create loopholes for companies.
7. Social Security and Welfare Fund:
- The Board will create a "Social Security and Welfare Fund" for gig workers.
- The fund will comprise contributions from individual workers, State government aids, and a 'welfare cess' paid by aggregators.
- The welfare cess will be up to 2% or not less than 1% of the value of each transaction.
- Unions objected to worker contributions due to fluctuating and inadequate pay.
8. Recognition of Workers' Rights:
- Existing labour laws often do not recognize gig workers as 'employees' since they do not have a fixed term of employment.
- The Rajasthan Bill eliminates "restrictive criteria" about eligibility, allowing any person to be registered upon joining an app-based platform.
- The Welfare Board will formulate schemes for social security, including accidental and health insurance.
- Unions suggest clarifying the benefits available to gig workers in the Bill.
9. Grievance Redressal:
- Gig workers can raise grievances related to entitlements, payments, and benefits provided under the Act.
- Petitions can be filed physically or online through the web portal.
- The employer can object to the order within 90 days before an 'Appellate Authority.'
- Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of current redressal mechanisms, as evidenced by protests from Urban Company workers.
10. Aggregator's Duties under the Bill:
- Aggregators must deposit the welfare cess on time, which is a percentage of each transaction's value.
- Aggregators are responsible for updating the database of gig workers regularly.
- Aggregators must document any changes in the number of gig workers within one month of such variations.
- For first offences, primary employers will be fined up to ₹10,000, while aggregators will face fines up to ₹5 lahks.
- Subsequent violations will incur higher penalties, with primary employers paying up to ₹2 lakh and aggregators facing fines up to ₹50 lahks.
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For Prelims: Gig Workers, Gig Economy, Social Security and Welfare Fund, Aggregators, and Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023.
For Mains: 1. Examine the role of the 'Gig Economy' in the process of empowerment of women in India (UPSC 2021).
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Previous year Question1. With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. All casual workers are entitled to Employees Provident Fund coverage.
2. All casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment.
3. The government can by a Notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.
Which of the above statements is correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
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ARTIFICIAL GENERAL INTELLIGENCE (AGI)
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AGI refers to a machine or software capable of executing any intellectual task within the human capacity. AGI aims to replicate human cognitive functions, enabling it to tackle unfamiliar challenges, learn from novel experiences, and apply acquired knowledge innovatively.
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The primary distinction between AGI and the more prevalent form of AI, termed narrow AI, lies in their breadth and capabilities. Narrow AI is engineered for specific tasks like image recognition, translation, or strategic games like chess, where it can surpass human performance, yet it remains constrained within predefined parameters. Conversely, AGI envisions a broader, more generalized intelligence akin to humans, not confined to singular tasks, which positions it as the pinnacle of AI advancements.
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The concept of AGI first surfaced in the 20th century through a seminal paper by Alan Turing, renowned as the progenitor of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.
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Theoretically, AGI holds vast potential across diverse domains such as healthcare, education, finance, and commerce.
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Despite the promising prospects of AGI, it elicits widespread concerns for various reasons. Notably, the immense computational resources required for AGI development raise apprehensions regarding its environmental impact, stemming from energy consumption and e-waste generation. Additionally, AGI adoption could precipitate significant job displacement and exacerbate socioeconomic disparities.
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AGI deployment may introduce novel security vulnerabilities, and its rapid advancement might outpace regulatory frameworks established by governments and international bodies. Moreover, reliance on AGI could potentially erode fundamental human skills and capabilities. Yet, the most pressing concern surrounding AGI is the possibility of its capabilities surpassing human comprehension, rendering its actions unpredictable and challenging to decipher
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be categorized into various types based on their capabilities and functionalities.
Here are the main categories:
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Narrow AI (Weak AI): Narrow AI is designed to perform specific tasks within a limited domain. These AI systems excel at performing one particular task or a set of closely related tasks, but they lack the ability to generalize or adapt to new situations outside their predefined scope. Examples of narrow AI include virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, recommendation systems, spam filters, and autonomous vehicles.
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General AI (Strong AI): General AI refers to AI systems with the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across different domains, similar to human intelligence. These systems possess cognitive abilities that enable them to solve a wide range of problems and tasks, adapt to new environments, and learn from experience. True general AI, which is capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can do, remains a theoretical concept and has not yet been achieved.
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Artificial Superintelligence (ASI): Artificial Superintelligence is an advanced form of AI that surpasses human intelligence in virtually every aspect. ASI would possess cognitive abilities far superior to the most intelligent human beings and could potentially solve complex problems and challenges beyond human comprehension. Achieving ASI remains a subject of speculation and debate in the field of AI research
AI has a wide range of applications across various sectors and industries. Some of the key areas of AI application include:
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Healthcare: AI is used for medical image analysis, disease diagnosis, personalized treatment recommendation, drug discovery, patient monitoring, and healthcare management systems.
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Finance: In finance, AI is employed for algorithmic trading, fraud detection, risk assessment, credit scoring, customer service automation, and investment portfolio management.
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Education: AI applications in education include personalized learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, automated grading systems, adaptive learning tools, and educational content creation.
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Retail: In retail, AI is used for demand forecasting, inventory management, customer segmentation, recommendation systems, pricing optimization, and supply chain management.
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Transportation: AI is utilized in autonomous vehicles, traffic management systems, route optimization, predictive maintenance of vehicles, ride-sharing platforms, and logistics optimization.
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Manufacturing: AI applications in manufacturing include predictive maintenance, quality control, supply chain optimization, robotic automation, production scheduling, and process optimization.
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Customer Service: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are used for customer support, helpdesk automation, natural language understanding, sentiment analysis, and personalized customer engagement.
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Marketing and Advertising: AI is used for targeted advertising, content recommendation, customer segmentation, sentiment analysis, campaign optimization, and social media analytics.
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Cybersecurity: AI is employed for threat detection, anomaly detection, malware analysis, behavior analysis, network security, and incident response in cybersecurity applications.
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Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP applications include language translation, sentiment analysis, chatbots, speech recognition, text summarization, and language generation.
| What is the Turing test?
The Turing test, proposed by British mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing in 1950, is a test of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human. The test is based on the premise that if a machine can engage in natural language conversation with a human evaluator to the extent that the evaluator cannot reliably distinguish between the machine and a human, then the machine is considered to possess artificial general intelligence (AGI). Here's how the Turing test typically works:
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Achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) poses numerous challenges, both technical and ethical.
Some of the key challenges associated with AGI include:
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Complexity of Human Intelligence: Human intelligence is multifaceted and encompasses various cognitive abilities, including perception, reasoning, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Replicating these diverse capabilities in an AI system presents a significant technical challenge.
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Generalization and Adaptation: AGI systems must be able to generalize their knowledge and skills across different domains and adapt to new environments, tasks, and situations. Achieving robust generalization and adaptation capabilities remains a major research challenge in AI.
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Ethical and Societal Implications: The development and deployment of AGI raise ethical concerns regarding its potential impact on society, including issues related to job displacement, socioeconomic inequality, privacy, autonomy, and existential risks. Ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AGI is crucial but challenging.
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Safety and Control: AGI systems could potentially exhibit unpredictable behavior or unintended consequences, posing safety risks to humans and the environment. Ensuring the safety and controllability of AGI systems, including mechanisms for robust error handling and human oversight, is a critical challenge.
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Explainability and Interpretability: AGI systems are expected to make decisions and take actions autonomously, raising concerns about their transparency and interpretability. Ensuring that AGI systems can provide explanations for their decisions and actions in a human-understandable manner is essential for trust and accountability.
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Data Quality and Bias: AGI systems rely heavily on data for learning and decision-making, and the quality of the data can significantly impact their performance and behavior. Addressing issues such as data bias, fairness, and representativeness is crucial to prevent AI systems from perpetuating existing societal biases and inequalities.
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Resource Constraints: Building and training AGI systems require significant computational resources, including high-performance computing infrastructure and large-scale datasets. Overcoming resource constraints while ensuring scalability and efficiency is a practical challenge in AGI research.
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Achieving AGI requires collaboration across various disciplines, including computer science, cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and ethics. Bridging the gap between these disciplines and integrating diverse perspectives is essential for advancing AGI research effectively
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains: GS-III: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
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Previous Year Questions
1.With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 3. Disease diagnosis 4. Text-to-Speech Conversion 5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer (b) (b) 1, 3, and 4 only Explanation:
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