RENEWABLE ENERGY
1. Context
The New and Renewable Energy Ministry has made a case before a parliamentary committee for a significant expansion of its administrative authority over India’s renewable energy sector, arguing that it should be recognised as the “Central Government” in all matters pertaining to renewables under the Electricity Act, 2003.
2. Why use Renewable energy
- Today we primarily use fossil fuels to heat and power our homes and fuel our cars.
- It’s convenient to use coal, oil, and natural gas for meeting our energy needs, but we have a limited supply of these fuels on Earth.
- We’re using them much more rapidly than they are being created. Eventually, they will run out.
- And because of safety concerns and waste disposal problems, the United States will retire much of its nuclear capacity by 2020.
- In the meantime, the nation’s energy needs are expected to grow by 33 per cent during the next 20 years.
- Renewable energy can help fill the gap
- Even if we had an unlimited supply of fossil fuels, using renewable energy is better for the environment.
- We often call renewable energy technologies “clean” or “green” because they produce few if any pollutants.
- Burning fossil fuels, however, sends greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping the sun’s heat and contributing to global warming.
- Climate scientists generally agree that the Earth’s average temperature has risen in the past century.
- If this trend continues, sea levels will rise, and scientists predict that floods, heat waves, droughts, and other extreme weather conditions could occur more often.
- Other pollutants are released into the air, soil, and water when fossil fuels are burned.
- These pollutants take a dramatic toll on the environment—and humans.
- Air pollution contributes to diseases like asthma.
- Acid rain from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides harms plants and fish. Nitrogen oxides also contribute to smog.
- Renewable energy will also help us develop energy independence and security.
- Replacing some of our petroleum with fuels made from plant matter, for example, could save money and strengthen our energy security.
- Renewable energy is plentiful, and the technologies are improving all the time.
- There are many ways to use renewable energy.
- Most of us already use renewable energy in our daily lives.
2.1.Hydropower
- Hydropower is our most mature and largest source of renewable power, producing about 10 per cent of the nation’s electricity.
- Existing hydropower capacity is about 77,000 megawatts (MW). Hydropower plants convert the energy in flowing water into electricity.
- The most common form of hydropower uses a dam on a river to retain a large reservoir of water. Water is released through turbines to generate power.
- “Run of the river” systems, however, divert water from the river and direct it through a pipeline to a turbine.
- Hydropower plants produce no air emissions but can affect water quality and wildlife habitats.
2.2.Bioenergy
- Bioenergy is the energy derived from biomass (organic matter), such as plants. If you’ve ever burned wood in a fireplace or campfire, you’ve used bioenergy.
- But we don’t get all of our biomass resources directly from trees or other plants.
- Many industries, such as those involved in construction or the processing of agricultural products, can create large quantities of unused or residual biomass, which can serve as a bioenergy source.
2.3.Geothermal Energy
- The Earth’s core, 4,000 miles below the surface, can reach temperatures of 9000° F.
- This heat—geothermal energy—flows outward from the core, heating the surrounding area, which can form underground reservoirs of hot water and steam.
- These reservoirs can be tapped for a variety of uses, such as to generate electricity or heat buildings.
- By using geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), we can even take advantage of the shallow ground’s stable temperature for heating and cooling buildings.
2.4.Solar Energy
- Solar technologies tap directly into the infinite power of the sun and use that energy to produce heat, light, and power.
2.5. Wind Energy
- For hundreds of years, people have used windmills to harness the wind’s energy.
- Today’s wind turbines, which operate differently from windmills, are a much more efficient technology.
- Wind turbine technology may look simple: the wind spins turbine blades around a central hub; the hub is connected to a shaft, which powers a generator to make electricity.
- However, turbines are highly sophisticated power systems that capture the wind’s energy using new blade designs or airfoils.
- Modern, mechanical drive systems, combined with advanced generators, convert that energy into electricity.
- Wind turbines that provide electricity to the utility grid range in size from 50 kW to 6
- Wind energy has been the fastest growing source of energy since 1990.
2.6.Ocean Energy
- The ocean can produce two types of energy: thermal energy from the sun’s heat, and mechanical energy from the tides and waves.
- Ocean thermal energy can be used for many applications, including electricity generation.
- Electricity conversion systems use either the warm surface water or boil the seawater to turn a turbine, which activates a generator.
- The electricity conversion of both tidal and wave energy usually involves mechanical devices.
- A dam is typically used to convert tidal energy into electricity by forcing the water through turbines and activating a generator.
- Meanwhile, wave energy uses mechanical power to directly activate a generator or to transfer to a working fluid, water, or air, which then drives a turbine/generator.
2.7.Hydrogen
- Hydrogen is high in energy, yet its use as a fuel produces water as the only emission.
- Hydrogen is the universe’s most abundant element and also its simplest.
- A hydrogen atom consists of only one proton and one electron.
- Despite its abundance and simplicity, it doesn’t occur naturally as a gas on the Earth.
- Today, industry produces more than 4 trillion cubic feet of hydrogen annually.
- Most of this hydrogen is produced through a process called reforming, which involves the application of heat to separate hydrogen from carbon. Researchers are developing highly efficient, advanced reformers to produce hydrogen from natural gas for what’s called Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells.
3. Steps were taken by the government to promote Renewable energy
The Indian renewable energy sector is the fourth most attractive renewable energy market in the world. India was ranked fourth in wind power, fifth in solar power and fourth in renewable power installed capacity, as of 2020.
3.1.Distribution of prominent renewable energy Hubs
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Telangana
- Tamil Nadu
3.2.Steps taken
- Permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100 per cent under the automatic route,
- Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025,
- Declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2022,
- Setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to provide land and transmission to RE developers on a plug-and-play basis,
- Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Solar Rooftop Phase II, 12000 MW CPSU Scheme Phase II, etc,
- Laying of new transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme for evacuation of renewable power,
- Setting up of Project Development Cell for attracting and facilitating investments,
- Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding process for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV and Wind Projects.
4. Employment Generation
- Deployment of large-scale renewable energy (RE) has the potential to create numerous employment opportunities in rural India in the coming decades. By 2030, it is projected that the clean-energy sectors could provide jobs for around one million individuals in the country.
- However, the expansion of RE may have significant impacts on communities reliant on the land, involving changes in land use, modifications to ecosystems, shifts in livelihoods, and overall effects on land productivity.
- As India progresses in scaling up RE, striking a balance between these interests may result in project commissioning delays, contributing to a waning interest among developers in RE tenders.
- In 2020, wind developers, facing setbacks such as delays in land allocation, sought to terminate power-purchase agreements for approximately 565 MW wind capacity signed with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), prompting a decline in developers' enthusiasm for RE projects. Commissioning delays not only pose substantial financial risks but also jeopardize the reputation of RE developers.
- In the pursuit of responsible RE deployment and the enhancement of communities in and around project sites, many developers actively support local development activities and community-led programs through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
- As an illustration, Tata Power Solar has established integrated vocational training programs for women and youth in multiple project sites.
- Given the pivotal role of project developers in interacting with communities during land acquisition, construction, and operational phases, they play a crucial role in driving responsible practices. Additionally, regulators and investors prioritize assessing the responsible practices of new projects.
- To encourage all developers to contribute to the rapidly growing RE ecosystem and promote responsible practices, two essential prerequisites need to be addressed
5. Way forward
The push for responsible energy is not to create new barriers for developers but is with the benefit of hindsight, that energy projects have externalities that must be addressed at the outset before they become entrenched. Responsible RE will strengthen the renewable ecosystem in India, and address roadblocks in siting, public acceptance and find the right synergy between energy security, society and the environment
Source: The Hindu
MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT (MCC)
1. Context
Following the announcement of the schedule for the five upcoming Assembly polls at an Election Commission press conference at 4 pm on Sunday (March 15), the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force. With that, the EC has begun deploying security personnel and appointing officers for the smooth conduct of elections.
2.How Election Commission describe MCC?
- The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for political parties and candidates during elections.
- The MCC is designed to ensure free and fair elections by preventing the misuse of government machinery, maintaining a level playing field for all candidates, and avoiding any activities that could unduly influence voters.
- The Election Commission describes the Model Code of Conduct as a set of norms and rules that political parties and candidates must adhere to during the election process.
- The MCC comes into effect as soon as the election dates are announced and remains in force until the results are declared.
- It includes guidelines on various aspects of electioneering, such as campaigning, speeches, processions, polling day activities, and the content of election manifestos.
- The goal is to promote a fair and ethical electoral process, minimizing the chances of corrupt practices and ensuring that the democratic principles are upheld during elections
3.What is the Model Code of Conduct?
- The Model Code of Conduct, issued by the Election Commission, serves as a set of guidelines to oversee the conduct of political parties and candidates before elections.
- These guidelines encompass various aspects such as speeches, polling day procedures, polling booths, ministerial portfolios, election manifesto content, processions, and overall behavior. The aim is to ensure the integrity of elections.
- According to information from the Press Information Bureau, a version of the MCC was initially introduced during the 1960 state assembly elections in Kerala.
- It gained widespread adherence in the 1962 elections and has been consistently followed in subsequent general elections. In October 1979, the Election Commission expanded the MCC to include a section regulating the conduct of the 'party in power' to prevent any undue advantage during elections.
- The MCC is activated from the announcement of the election schedule until the declaration of results. Consequently, it comes into effect from the present evening and remains applicable until the conclusion of the entire election process.
- The MCC comprises eight provisions addressing general conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling booths, observers, the party in power, and election manifestos
4.When does the Model Code of Conduct come into effect?
- Once the code comes into effect, the governing party, whether at the national or state level, must ensure that its official position is not exploited for campaign purposes.
- Consequently, no policies, projects, or schemes should be announced that could sway voting behavior. The party is also prohibited from utilizing public funds for advertising or using official media platforms to publicize achievements with the intention of enhancing electoral prospects.
- The guidelines further dictate that ministers should refrain from combining official visits with election-related activities or utilizing official resources for such purposes.
- The ruling party is barred from employing government transportation or machinery for campaign activities. Additionally, it is mandated to provide opposition parties with equal access to public spaces like grounds for conducting election meetings, as well as amenities such as helipads, under the same terms and conditions applied to the ruling party.
- Any advertisements at the expense of the public treasury in newspapers and other media outlets are considered an offense. The ruling government is also restricted from making ad-hoc appointments in governmental bodies and public enterprises that may unduly influence voters.
- The Model Code of Conduct strictly prohibits the use of caste and communal sentiments to attract voters, allowing criticism of political parties or candidates solely based on their track record. Places of worship, including mosques, churches, and temples, are not to be employed for election propaganda.
- Practices such as bribery, intimidation, and voter impersonation are explicitly forbidden. Public meetings within the 48-hour period leading up to the poll closing time are also proscribed, known as the "election silence," aiming to provide voters with a campaign-free environment for reflection before casting their votes
5.Is the Model Code of Conduct legally binding?
- The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is not a legally binding document in the sense that it is not enforceable by law. It is a set of guidelines and ethical standards issued by election management bodies, such as the Election Commission of India, to ensure fair play and ethical behavior during elections.
- The MCC is followed by political parties and candidates on a voluntary basis, and adherence is more a matter of political ethics and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
- While the MCC itself does not have statutory backing, certain aspects of it may be supported by legal provisions. For example, if a political party or candidate violates specific principles outlined in the MCC, they may be subject to legal action under relevant electoral laws. However, the MCC, as a whole, is more of a moral and ethical code that relies on the cooperation and voluntary compliance of political participants.
- The Election Commission, as the custodian of the MCC, can take various actions against those who violate its principles.
- These actions may include issuing warnings, reprimands, and, in severe cases, canceling candidature or disqualification. The idea behind the MCC is to foster a fair and transparent electoral process and to prevent the misuse of power during election campaigns
6. Way forward
The ECI can issue a notice to a politician or a party for alleged breach of the MCC either on its own or on the basis of a complaint by another party or individual. Once a notice is issued, the person or party must reply in writing — either accepting fault and tendering an unconditional apology or rebutting the allegation. In the latter case, if the person or party is found guilty subsequently, he/it can attract a written censure from the ECI — something that many see as a mere slap on the wrist
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance. For Mains: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. |
Source: Indianexpress
GLOBAL WARMING
1. Context
Not all greenhouse gases behave the same way. Some linger for centuries; others hit hard and fade fast. Yet climate policy has long treated them as broadly comparable, using a single yardstick. A new study argues that this may be skewing carbon markets, and undervaluing some of the quickest ways to slow warming today.
2. The difference in Temperature rise
- Temperature rises over land is much higher than over oceans. Overland the annual mean temperatures have risen by as much as 1.59 degree Celsius since preindustrial times, according to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Oceans, in contrast, have warmed by about 0.88 degree Celsius. The warming trends over the Indian region are very different.
- An assessment of climate change over the Indian subcontinent, published by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2020, said annual mean temperatures had risen by 0.7 degree Celsius from 1900.
- This is significantly lower than the 1.59 degree Celsius rise for land temperatures across the world. It could give the impression that the problem of climate change in India was not as acute as in other parts of the world. But that is not entirely accurate.
3. Why is warming over India is lower?
- The relatively lower rise in temperatures over India is not a surprise. Also, India is not a special case. The increase in temperatures is known to be more prominent in the higher altitudes, near the polar regions, than near the equator.
- This is attributable to a complex set of atmospheric phenomena, including heat transfers from the tropics to the poles through prevailing systems of air circulation. India happens to be in the tropical region, quite close to the equator.
- A substantial part of the difference between the temperature rise over India and that over the entire world can be explained by understanding what the different numbers represent.
- The planet as a whole has warmed by 1.1 degree Celsius compared with preindustrial times.
- But, as mentioned earlier, this is just the average. Different regions have seen very different levels of warming.
- The polar regions, particularly the Arctic, have seen significantly greater warming. The IPCC report says the Arctic region has warmed at least twice as much as the world average.
- Its current annual mean temperatures are about 2 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial times. Some other studies suggest the Arctic could be warming even faster.
- Again, this happens because of a variety of reasons, including the processes mentioned earlier. Another prominent cause is what is known as the albedo effect, or how much sunlight a surface reflects. The ice cover in the Arctic is melting, because of which more land or water is getting exposed to the Sun.
- Ice traps the least amount of heat and reflects most of the solar radiation when compared with land or water.
- More recent research suggests that the higher warming in the polar region could be attributed to a host of factors, including the albedo effect, changes in clouds, water vapour, and atmospheric temperatures.
- The warming in the polar regions accounts for a substantial part of the 1.1-degree Celsius temperature rise over the entire globe.
4. Higher warming over land than oceans
- However, the 0.7 degree Celsius temperature rise over India has to be compared with the warming seen over land areas, not the entire planet.
- As mentioned, land areas have become warmer by 1.59 degree Celsius. Land areas tend to get heated faster and by a larger amount, than oceans.
- Daily and seasonal variations in heating over land and oceans are usually explained in terms of their different heat capacities. Oceans have a higher capacity to cool themselves down through the process of evaporation.
- The warmer water evaporates, leaving the rest of the ocean relatively cooler. However, longer-term enhanced heating trends over land have to be attributed to other, more complicated, physical processes involving land-ocean-atmospheric interactions.
5. Impact of Aerosols
- Aerosols refer to all kinds of particles suspended in the atmosphere. These particles have the potential to affect the local temperature in multiple ways.
- Many of these scatter sunlight back, so that lesser heat is absorbed by the land. Aerosols also affect cloud formation.
- Clouds, in turn, have an impact on how much sunlight is reflected or absorbed.
Aerosol concentration in the Indian region is quite high, due to natural as well as man-made reasons. - Due to its location in the tropics and the arid climate, India is no stranger to dust. But it also happens to be experiencing heavy pollution right now.
- Emissions from vehicles, industries, construction, and other activities add a lot of aerosols to the Indian region. A reduction in warming could be an unintended but positive side effect.
| For Prelims: Global Warming, Intercontinental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Aerosols, Albedo, Climate change, and land-ocean-atmospheric interactions. |
Previous year Questions
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1. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration? (UPSC 2017)
1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
3. Subterranean deep saline formations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3 only
Answer: D
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. Climatic and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons.
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: B
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Source: The Indian Express
MAHAD SATYAGRAHA
1. Context
The republic must mark the centenary of the Mahad Satyagraha with the seriousness it deserves; it calls for a year of honest reckoning to ask whether the constitutional promise of dignity and freedom from untouchability has become a lived reality for all
2. Situations led to Satyagraha
- The events that led to the Mahad Satyagraha began to unfold in August 1923.
- The Bombay Legislative Council passed a resolution moved by the social reformer Rao Bahadur S K Bole, which said “the Untouchable classes be allowed to use all public water sources, wells and dharmashalas which are built and maintained out of public funds or administered by bodies appointed by the Government or created by statute, as well as public schools, courts, offices and dispensaries.”
- Albeit with reluctance, the Bombay government adopted the resolution in the following month, and issued directions for its implementation
- The situation on the ground, however, remained unchanged upper caste Hindus would not allow the lower castes to access public water sources
- At that point, Ramchandra Babaji More, a Mahad-based Dalit political leader, approached Ambedkar to preside “over a conference of the Untouchables in Konkan”
- Ambedkar at the time was helping Dalits fight against the social evil of untouchability through the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha, the institution that he had founded in 1924
- Ambedkar agreed to More’s proposition, and involved himself in overseeing the preparations for the conference, which was to take place in Mahad town in the Konkan (now in Maharashtra’s Raigad district) on March 19 and 20, 1927
- He conducted meetings with local Dalit leaders, stressed on creating “a wave of awakening” among the lower caste people of Konkan, and directed other organisers to conduct meetings to propagate news of the conference
- The volunteers collected Rs 3 from each of the 40 villages and also collected rice and wheat to feed the participants at Mahad. It took nearly two months of preparations to hold the Conference
- Workers and leaders personally met depressed class people and explained to them the importance of the Conference
- Soon after the conference came to an end, a priest of a local temple went around the town claiming that Dalits were planning to enter the temple, and asked people to help thwart them.
- This resulted in a clash in which “20 people were seriously injured and 60-70 people, including 3 to 4 women were wounded”, Teltumbde wrote.
- Some upper caste Hindus filed a case in court against Ambedkar and his followers on December 12, claiming that the tank was private property
- Two days later, the court issued a temporary injunction, prohibiting Babasaheb and other Dalits from going to the tank or taking water from it until further orders.
3. What happened at Mahad?
- On March 20, 1927, B. R. Ambedkar led a massive march through the streets of Mahad, then a small town in the Bombay Presidency.
- The procession headed toward the Chavdar Tale, a public tank that had been legally opened to the depressed classes following the Bole Resolution and a municipal order in 1924.
- However, despite these official decisions, entrenched caste prejudices ensured that these rights were not implemented in practice.
- Ambedkar approached the tank, bent down, and drank water from it. Inspired by his act, thousands—men, women, and children—did the same. For many, it was a historic moment: accessing a public water source as a right, rather than through secrecy or benevolence.
- The assertion of equality, however, triggered a violent backlash. Rumours circulated that the protesters planned to enter the Veereshwar Temple, provoking attacks on participants as they returned home.
- In a symbolic act of exclusion, the tank was later “purified” using cow dung and urine, reflecting the deep-seated social discrimination of the time.
- When Ambedkar returned to Mahad in December 1927 for another gathering, the movement took on a stronger ideological dimension. On December 25, 1927, participants publicly burned copies of the Manusmriti.
- This act went beyond protest—it signified a rejection of the hierarchical social order and affirmed that any future republic must be founded on equality and rights, rather than inherited inequality
4. Significance of Satyagraha
- The Mahad Satyagraha is considered to be the “foundational event” of the Dalit movement. This was the first time that the community collectively displayed its resolve to reject the caste system and assert their human rights.
- Although anti-caste protests had taken place before the Mahad Satyagraha, they were mostly localised and sporadic
- The difference between (the) Mahad (Satyagraha) and them mainly lay in the organisation and leadership; they lacked in elements of organisation and the charismatic leadership of Dr Ambedkar
- The Mahad Satyagraha was to become the blueprint for organising future movements against the caste system and its practices.
- It marked an important point in Ambedkar’s political journey, catapulting him to the leadership of the downtrodden and oppressed classes in the country
5. Court Struggles
- The dominant castes in Mahad did not limit their response to physical attacks—they also turned to legal action. On December 12, 1927, even before the second conference began, local Hindu residents filed a civil suit in the Kolaba District Court, seeking a temporary injunction to bar the depressed classes from accessing the Chavdar Tale. The court granted this injunction on December 14, 1927.
- B. R. Ambedkar, committed to constitutional principles, chose to comply with the court’s directive while proceeding with the conference. He addressed the gathering and presided over the symbolic burning of the Manusmriti, but refrained from visiting the tank.
- The legal battle stretched over nearly ten years, moving from the trial court in Mahad to the Assistant Judge’s court in Thana. At each stage, the judiciary concluded that the plaintiffs could not prove any long-standing custom that justified excluding untouchables from the tank.
- The dispute ultimately reached the Bombay High Court, which delivered its verdict on March 17, 1937, in the case of Narhari Damodar Vaidya v. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
- Justices Broomfield and N. J. Wadia ruled that the claimed customary rights had not been established. The tank, being municipal property, was a public resource, and untouchables had full rights to use it.
- What began as a simple act in 1927—asserting the right to draw water from a public tank—took a full decade to be legally affirmed. While the judgment ultimately upheld Ambedkar’s position, the prolonged struggle highlights the entrenched resistance he had to overcome
6. Salt vs Water
- Three years after the events at Mahad, on March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi began his historic march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. The Salt Satyagraha was a brilliant act of mass mobilisation that directly challenged the economic foundations of colonial rule and drew global attention. Its significance in India’s freedom struggle is unquestioned. Yet, a closer look at the demands of each satyagraha reveals an important contrast.
- The Salt March sought liberation from British rule. In contrast, the Mahad Satyagraha called for freedom from social oppression within Indian society itself.
- While Dandi confronted an external colonial power, Mahad exposed a deep-rooted internal injustice, urging society to reform from within.
- One required defiance against a foreign authority; the other demanded the far more difficult task of confronting entrenched social attitudes and practices among one’s own people.
- Recognizing this distinction does not diminish the importance of the Salt March, but it does highlight a historical imbalance in how these movements are remembered. The salt tax was a colonial imposition that could be repealed once independence was achieved.
- Untouchability, however, was not a product of colonial rule—it had been embedded in the social structure for centuries and required profound transformation in values, customs, and perceptions of human dignity.
- It is therefore significant that B. R. Ambedkar, who led the struggle at Mahad, later became the chief architect of the Constitution of India. The principles enshrined in its Fundamental Rights reflect the spirit of Mahad.
- Article 15, which prohibits caste-based discrimination and ensures equal access to public spaces such as wells and tanks, echoes the struggle over the Chavdar tank. Similarly, Article 17 transforms the moral assertion of Mahad into enforceable law by abolishing untouchability and criminalising its practice.
- While the Dandi March inspired the ideal of Swaraj, the movement at Mahad laid the foundation for equality. The aspiration for self-rule could have emerged from many leaders, but the articulation of equality in its deepest sense came from one who had personally experienced exclusion and indignity
7. Centenary of the Mahad Satyagraha
- The centenary of the Mahad Satyagraha will be observed on March 20, 2027; we are currently in its 99th year. If the republic truly values its origins and remembers the struggles that shaped its Constitution, this milestone deserves to be commemorated with depth and dignity.
- One way forward would be to organise a year-long observance beginning on March 20, 2026, culminating on March 20, 2027, with a large public gathering at the Chavdar Tale.
- People from all sections of society could come together in Mahad and symbolically share water, reaffirming the constitutional promise that no individual should be diminished by birth.
- However, commemoration should go beyond symbolic acts. This milestone should also prompt reflection. It is worth questioning whether a child in a rural government school today—whether a Dalit boy, an Adivasi girl, or the daughter of a sanitation worker—truly experiences equality, or whether discrimination persists in subtler forms.
- Similarly, one must ask whether those engaged in manual scavenging today occupy a position fundamentally different from those once denied access to public resources like the Chavdar tank, and whether constitutional guarantees have translated into lived realities.
- The centenary, therefore, should serve as a moment of introspection and renewed commitment to equality—especially for those still pushed to the margins by circumstances of birth. The memory of the Chavdar tank must not remain confined to history; it should inspire ongoing efforts to ensure dignity and justice for all citizens.
- B. R. Ambedkar did more than draft the Constitution of India. His earlier act at Mahad—walking to a public tank and asserting the right to drink from it—demonstrated, in the most direct way, the humanity and rights of those long denied them.
- That simple yet transformative act stands as a foundational moment in India’s constitutional journey
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For Prelims: Mahad Satyagraha, Ambedkar, Salt Satyagraha, Indian independence revolution
For Mains: GS I - Modern Indian History
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Previous Year Questions:
1. In 1927, Who started the Mahad Satyagraha in Maharashtra (NDA 2022)
A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Sardar Vallabhai Patel
C. Dr. Ambedkar
D. Jyotiba Phule
Answer: C
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Source: indianexpress
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)
1. Context
The ongoing crisis in West Asia has adversely impacted India’s energy imports. India is heavily dependent on imports, importing 21 million tonnes, or about 65% of its LPG requirement in 2024. The ongoing crisis in West Asia has severely increased LPG prices, impacting the affordability and availability of fuel for everyday consumers
2. Global Oil Prices
- The price of LPG has been rising since November 2020; a 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi now costs Rs 949 -Rs 355 or nearly 60 per cent costlier
- A steady increase in crude prices due to the recovery in demand following the easing of Covid restrictions, slow restoration of production by oil exporters, and the Russia-Ukraine war have contributed to rising prices
- The price of India’s crude oil basket has risen from $41 per barrel in November 2020 to $115.4 as on March 23, 2022
- The government had stopped subsidies on LPG cylinders for most consumers in May 2020, adding to the price burden on consumers
- Due to high inland freight costs, the government now provides subsidies only through its direct benefit transfer scheme to customers in remote areas
3. PNG and CNG Prices
Rising international gas prices have also impacted the price of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) supplied by city gas distribution companies, as they source imported natural gas in addition to domestically produced natural gas to meet demand
Prices of PNG and CNG are expected to rise further post the next price revision of domestically produced natural gas, which is set to come into effect for a six-month period starting April 1 2023
4. LPG dependence
- LPG is the primary cooking fuel in more than 70 per cent of Indian households, and 85 per cent of households have LPG connections, according to an independent study released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
- However, 54 per cent of households continue to use traditional solid fuels such as firewood, dung cakes, agriculture residue, charcoal, and kerosene, either exclusively or with LPG increasing the exposure to indoor air pollution
- The CEEW findings are from the India Residential Energy Survey 2020, conducted in collaboration with the Initiative for Sustainable Energy Policy in FY 19-20 in nearly 15,000 urban and rural households across 152 districts in 21 most populous states
5. Future Inflation
Inflation expectations in India have been sticky as households take time in believing that a high inflation phase is ebbing. Quantitative inflation expectations in India are formed based on households’ experiences of food and fuel inflation, according to a January 2022 RBI working paper titled Taking Cognisance of Households’ Inflation Expectations in India
Households’ median inflation perceptions for the current period moderated sequentially by 70 basis points to 9.7 per cent in January in the latest round of survey conducted by the RBI. But the current period perception is still higher than the perceptions recorded in the same period a year ago
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For Prelims: Exports, Imports, Inflation, Minimum Support Price
For Mains: 1.Examine the impact of international trade agreements on India's rice exports. Discuss the role of organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional trade agreements in shaping India's rice export policies. Analyze how these agreements have influenced the growth, diversification, and sustainability of India's rice export market.
2.Evaluate the significance of Basmati rice in India's agricultural exports. Elaborate on the economic, cultural, and geopolitical factors that have contributed to the prominence of Basmati rice in India's export portfolio. Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the production and international trade of this premium rice variety
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Previous Year Questions
1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Answer: (d) 2.With reference to Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused/increased by which of the following? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only Answer: (a) 3. Consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (a) |
Source: indianexpress
BRICS SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATION
1. Context
BRICS functions as a collaborative force aimed at establishing a multipolar world system. Cooperation in science, technology and innovation has been a key agenda for the grouping and has expanded over the years to include socially relevant areas such as energy, water, health and the environment
2. About BRICS
- The BRICS bloc—consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—represents a major global coalition, distinguished by its significant share in world GDP, strong scientific and technological capabilities, abundant natural resources, and large population base.
- Over time, it has emerged as an influential platform on the global stage, articulating the perspectives of nations that aim to counterbalance Western dominance. The grouping works collectively toward promoting a multipolar international order.
- While its role in global financial and macroeconomic discussions is well acknowledged, its collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI) has received comparatively limited attention.
- In an era where international scientific partnerships are increasingly shaped by geopolitical rivalries, techno-nationalism, and strategic restrictions such as sanctions and export controls, BRICS plays an important role in shaping the global STI ecosystem.
- The platform enables member countries to align their approaches, strengthen their collective bargaining power in global economic governance, and shape development financing through mechanisms such as the New Development Bank.
- BRICS nations also hold considerable importance in global trade, energy supply, and the provision of critical natural resources. The introduction of BRICS+ in 2022 marked a shift toward greater inclusivity, aiming to enhance cooperation among countries of the Global South and reduce reliance on external technological systems.
- This initiative reflects a growing effort to build shared capabilities through structured programmes. The grouping has further expanded to include countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran
3. Science, technology, and innovation (STI) Collaboration
- Science, technology, and innovation (STI) cooperation has been embedded in the BRICS agenda since its inception. It gained formal recognition in 2011 and was later strengthened through engagements among senior officials and BRICS Ministers responsible for STI.
- A landmark memorandum of understanding in 2015 elevated STI to a central strategic priority, establishing an institutional structure and operational direction for joint research and capacity-building.
- This framework has since broadened collaboration, enabling member states to utilise their complementary strengths to tackle common developmental issues and push the boundaries of advanced research.
- The first BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017–2020) assigned the Science, Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Partnership (STIEP) Working Group the responsibility of executing multiple initiatives.
- These efforts promoted entrepreneurship ecosystems, encouraged participation of youth and women in STI, and supported technology transfer along with business incubation.
- Over time, the grouping has shifted its focus from basic scientific collaboration toward innovation-driven initiatives and practical technology transfer.
- These evolving priorities are reflected in annual ministerial declarations, where BRICS Ministers of Science, Technology, and Innovation convene to endorse strategic directions.
- Within each country, designated nodal agencies manage coordination, invite research proposals, and compile project pipelines during their presidency.
- For instance, during India’s leadership, institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) play a central coordinating role.
- Recent initiatives highlight a strong push toward innovation-led and technology-enabled ecosystems.
- Platforms like iBRICS and the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre (TTC) illustrate this direction, with the TTC contributing to policy development and institutional connectivity for cross-border technology commercialisation.
- However, despite these advances, large-scale commercial deployment of such technologies remains limited.
- The scope of joint research has also evolved, moving beyond foundational science to address socially relevant sectors such as energy, water, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, bringing heightened attention to public health systems, vaccine development, biosecurity, and digital healthcare.
- More recent collaborations have incorporated areas such as high-performance computing (HPC), advanced materials, information and communication technologies (ICT), and space applications, alongside a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence and data-driven science.
- Although working groups align with shared developmental priorities, progress has been uneven across sectors.
- Notable advancements are visible in ICT and HPC, including initiatives like the BRICS Institute of Future Networks, as well as in space collaboration following a 2021 intergovernmental agreement.
- In contrast, domains requiring extensive infrastructure or long-term investment—such as mega-science projects and ocean or polar research—have progressed more slowly.
- The expansion of BRICS has further strengthened its role as an inclusive platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation.
- The 2025 Declaration on Artificial Intelligence marked a significant shift by elevating AI to a core pillar of multilateral governance, emphasising principles of inclusivity, equity, and development orientation.
- While the 2021–2024 Action Plan concentrated on building networks and thematic cooperation, subsequent strategies aim to scale up projects with greater real-world impact, particularly in biotechnology, climate technologies, industrial innovation, and AI.
- With India set to assume the 2026 Presidency under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” BRICS is poised to deepen scientific collaboration.
- The focus will be on leveraging its expanded membership to enhance collective capacities and address pressing challenges such as the digital divide, public health emergencies, and climate resilience.
- However, engagement from newer members has been uneven; among the latest entrants, only Egypt and Iran participated in the most recent call for proposals.
- Additionally, the China-BRICS Research Centre on New Quality Productive Forces, recently established in Beijing, is expected to serve as a key platform for academic exchange and technological collaboration
4. Concerns and Consequences
- When compared with countries such as South Korea, the National Innovation Systems (NIS) of BRICS nations reveal a mixed picture of capabilities and gaps.
- In particular, gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) remains relatively low across most members, with China being a notable exception.
- Studies indicate a substantial gap between BRICS countries and South Korea across multiple innovation metrics, with all members except China needing significant progress.
- With the transition to BRICS+, it becomes equally important to evaluate and strengthen the innovation ecosystems of the newly inducted members. Enhancing these systems could become a key priority over the coming decade, with the possibility of extending such improvements across the wider Global South.
- As highlighted by Stanford University scholar Irina Dezhina, the diversity among new members—both in terms of economic advancement and scientific capabilities—poses challenges in aligning priorities.
- This diversity may require BRICS+ to promote targeted bilateral or “paired” collaborations between specific countries.
- Lessons can also be drawn from the European Union (EU), which offers a broad range of STI programmes, whereas BRICS currently provides relatively limited opportunities.
- Moreover, although competition for available funding is high, the overall pool of resources remains constrained.
- Scholars argue that BRICS initiatives must evolve qualitatively to effectively address complex global challenges.
- At present, however, systematic research on STI cooperation within BRICS is limited, and there is no structured mechanism for continuous assessment and evidence-based policy inputs for member states
5. Way Forward
Despite notable progress in collaboration, concerns remain about whether the existing institutional arrangements are adequate for future demands. A major limitation is the absence of a permanent institutional framework to oversee STI cooperation. The current model—where leadership rotates annually with the presidency—is not well-suited for long-term planning. One possible solution is to adopt a model similar to the EU’s Horizon Programme by creating a centralised Secretariat responsible for managing funds, issuing research calls, tracking implementation, and evaluating outcomes.
Additionally, launching a few long-term mega-science projects could significantly deepen cooperation among members. Over time, the scope of STI collaboration should extend beyond project funding to include research on governance frameworks and the broader societal and economic implications of emerging technologies within BRICS+. Such efforts would improve coordination in international negotiations and strengthen institutional capacity for STI governance.
In conclusion, although BRICS has made considerable strides in STI cooperation since 2015 despite various constraints, substantial improvements are still needed. Strengthening the framework to make it more responsive, efficient, and credible will enhance the group’s global standing. As the incoming chair of BRICS+ in 2026, India is well-positioned to steer this transformation
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For Prelims: BRICS, Global South Unity, Western Influence, New Development Bank (NDB), and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the Implications of BRICS' Expansion for India's Geopolitical Positioning and Influence within the Alliance.
2. Analyze India's Role in Shaping BRICS' Membership Criteria and Its Strategic Significance in the Expanded Coalition.
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Previous year Questions1. With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014)
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
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: B
2. With reference to BRIC countries, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)
1. At present, China's GDP is more than the combined GDP of all three other countries.
2. China's population is more than the combined population of any two other countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
3. The 'Fortaleza Declaration', recently in the news, is related to the affairs of (UPSC 2015)
A. ASEAN
B. BRICS
C. OECD
D. WTO
Answer: B
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Source: The Hindu
ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES ACT, 1955
1. Context
As the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz exposed the vulnerability of India’s supply chain for cooking gas, the majority of which is imported, the Union government invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. While long-term steps are needed to diversify and reduce reliance on global suppliers and expand strategic reserves, the Act is a crucial emergency tool for now. It allows the Centre to direct refiners to boost domestic LPG production, prioritise household consumption, and regulate the allocation of natural gas.
2. What is the Essential Commodities Act, 1955?
- The Act authorizes the Union government to regulate the production, supply, and distribution of key commodities, such as medicines, fertilizers, food items, edible oils, fuels, and seeds.
- According to Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, the government may issue directives to ensure adequate supply, promote increased production of essential goods, and guarantee their fair distribution so that they remain accessible to the public at reasonable prices.
- It also has the authority to fix prices and stock limits, restrict certain sales, regulate storage, transportation, and distribution, and take measures to curb hoarding and black-marketing.
- In recent years, the Act has been used to address shortages of commodities such as wheat, sugar, and pulses. It was also enforced during the COVID-19 lockdown to curb hoarding, profiteering, and black-market activities involving several essential goods
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Essential commodities are goods that are necessary for daily life and whose shortage can affect the public. Under the Act, the Central Government can declare any commodity as essential. Common examples include:
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3. Why is this law invoked now?
- Amid military strikes by the United States and Israel, Iran has responded by launching attacks on oil-producing countries in the Persian Gulf that host U.S. military bases and by targeting vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Although nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade moves through this strategic maritime route, the immediate concern for Indian consumers has been the potential disruption in the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly used as cooking fuel.
- Government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana significantly expanded LPG access in India, raising household coverage from around 62% in 2016 to almost universal access today.
- However, domestic production has not grown at the same pace as demand. In 2024–25, Indian refineries produced about 12.8 million metric tonnes of LPG, meeting only around 41% of the country’s annual requirement of 31.3 million tonnes, according to data from the Petroleum Ministry.
- The remaining demand is met through imports, nearly 90% of which pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Apart from LPG, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is also used in Indian households through pipeline networks, as well as for transportation and various commercial applications.
- Of India’s daily gas consumption of roughly 189 million metric standard cubic meters, about 52% is produced domestically.
- Meanwhile, approximately one-quarter of the total demand is satisfied through imports from the Persian Gulf
4. How does order affect LPG Production?
- On March 5, the government instructed all oil refineries across India to divert their propane and butane outputs toward LPG production instead of using them for petrochemical manufacturing.
- A follow-up directive issued on March 9 expanded the scope of this order to include oil refineries and petrochemical units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
- It further clarified that propylene, butene, and other components from the C3 and C4 hydrocarbon streams must also be utilised solely for LPG production.
- The directive applies not only to public sector refiners such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, but also to other entities including Chennai Petroleum Corporation, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, and Numaligarh Refinery Limited.
- In addition, private-sector refiners like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy have also been brought under this order.
- According to the government, these measures have already boosted domestic LPG production by about 25%. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the country’s demand—roughly half—still needs to be met through imports.
- The directive also mandates that all LPG output be supplied exclusively to Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, which have been instructed to prioritise distribution of cylinders to household consumers.
- As a result, reduced supply to commercial establishments has led several restaurants, hostels, and hotels to temporarily close or scale down their operations
5. Regulation of Natural Gas Supply
- The directive issued on March 9 regarding natural gas does not alter production levels; instead, it introduces a priority-based system for allocating gas supplies, superseding existing contractual arrangements.
- Under this framework, the highest priority is assigned to piped natural gas supplied to households, compressed natural gas used in transportation, gas required for LPG production, and fuel for pipeline compressors.
- These sectors will receive supplies equivalent to 100% of their average consumption during the previous six months, subject to overall availability.
- Fertilizer producers will be allocated about 70% of their usual requirements, although this proportion may be revised if ongoing conflict continues to disrupt supply chains during the kharif sowing season.
- Meanwhile, sectors such as tea processing, manufacturing, and other industries will receive up to 80% of their typical supply.
- Certain petrochemical units operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, GAIL, and Reliance Industries may experience partial or complete reductions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. Additionally, natural gas allocations to oil refineries are expected to fall to around 65% of their normal consumption levels
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For Prelims: Essential Commodities, liquefied natural gas (LNG), Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
For Mains: GS II - Policy and Governance
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Previous Year Questions
1.Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Strait of Hormuz?
Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (a) 2.With reference to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 only Answer: (b) 3.Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Answer: (c) |
Source: The Hindu
ARBITRATION COUNCIL OF INDIA(ACI)
1. Context
Nearly six years after the 2019 amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (1996 Act), the Union government is yet to constitute the Arbitration Council of India (ACI), envisaged as the central regulatory and promotional body for institutional arbitration.
2. What is the Arbitration Council of India (ACI)?
- The Arbitration Council of India (ACI) is a statutory body created to strengthen and professionalize the system of arbitration in India, making the country a more reliable and attractive destination for resolving commercial and legal disputes outside traditional courts.
- It was established under the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019, which amended the original Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
- In simple terms, the main purpose of the ACI is to improve the quality, credibility, and efficiency of arbitration in India.
- Arbitration is a method where disputes—especially in business and contractual matters—are settled by neutral experts called arbitrators instead of through lengthy court trials.
- By creating a national-level authority, the government aimed to bring uniform standards and oversight to how arbitration is practiced across the country.
- One of the key roles of the ACI is to grade and accredit arbitration institutions. This means it evaluates arbitral institutions based on criteria such as infrastructure, quality of arbitrators, case management practices, and transparency.
- Institutions that meet the required standards are officially recognized, which helps parties choose reliable forums for resolving their disputes. Over time, this process is meant to raise overall confidence in India’s arbitration ecosystem.
- The ACI also plays a role in maintaining a database of qualified arbitrators. This helps ensure that parties have access to trained and experienced professionals, reducing concerns about bias, lack of expertise, or procedural irregularities.
- By promoting training and setting professional benchmarks, the Council contributes to building a pool of high-quality arbitration practitioners in the country
3. Proposed Mandate
- The 2019 legislative changes put forward the creation of the Arbitration Council of India as a central regulatory authority responsible for encouraging, modernising, and strengthening arbitration practices across the country.
- This framework was shaped by the suggestions of the High-Level Committee on Arbitration, led by Justice B.N. Srikrishna, which presented its findings in July 2017.
- Under these amendments, the Council was given broad responsibilities, such as evaluating and ranking arbitral institutions, recognising professional organisations that certify arbitrators, and maintaining a national record of arbitration awards issued in India.
- The proposal also stated that the ACI would be led by a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
- This position could be held by a former Supreme Court judge, a former Chief Justice or judge of a High Court, or a distinguished expert in arbitration, along with ex officio members from the executive branch forming part of the Council
4. Institutional Independence
- One of the principal criticisms directed at the Council is its perceived lack of institutional independence.
- A majority of its members are either selected or appointed by the Union government, which has led to worries about the autonomy of the arbitration system in India—especially since the government itself is the largest party to legal disputes.
- Legal experts have pointed out that placing regulatory authority in a body dominated by government nominees, with powers to rate arbitration centres, certify arbitrators, and shape policy, raises serious concerns about neutrality and has little parallel in countries known for arbitration-friendly frameworks.
- Additional issues have been raised regarding the ACI’s responsibility for approving and assessing arbitral institutions.
- Although this approach is said to be influenced by models in Singapore and Hong Kong, there is an important difference. In those jurisdictions, arbitration is largely managed by a single, central institution rather than a regulator supervising numerous bodies.
- The 2019 amendments allow the ACI to recognise an unlimited number of arbitration institutions, which could weaken quality control, create heavy administrative burdens for the Council, and increase costs for public resources
5. Judicial Intervention restriction
- Under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, Indian courts have the authority to issue interim protections to safeguard the interests of parties involved in arbitration.
- Currently, such relief can be sought before the arbitration begins, while proceedings are ongoing, or even after an arbitral award is issued but prior to its enforcement in India.
- The draft Bill aims to redefine this role by restricting the courts’ power to grant interim measures only to two stages: before the start of arbitration or after the award has been delivered.
- It proposes a change to Section 9(2), which at present mandates that arbitration must be initiated within 90 days from the date a court grants pre-arbitration interim relief.
- Under the new proposal, this 90-day countdown would instead start from the date the application for interim relief is submitted, rather than when the court passes the order. The purpose behind this shift is to reduce delays caused by extended court involvement before arbitration formally begins.
- Another key recommendation is the addition of a new Section 9-A, which would permit parties to approach an emergency arbitrator for interim protection after arbitration has started but before the arbitral tribunal is formally constituted
6. 2024 draft bill mandate
- On October 18, 2024, the Union government issued the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and opened it up for public feedback. The proposed legislation aims to revitalise institutional arbitration by introducing a range of structural changes.
- It offers a new definition of an “arbitral institution,” describing it as any body or organisation that administers arbitration proceedings under its own procedural framework or as agreed upon by the parties.
- This represents a shift away from the 2019 framework, which required such institutions to be formally notified or designated by the Supreme Court or a High Court.
- The draft also seeks to broaden the responsibilities of arbitral institutions by granting them certain powers that are currently exercised solely by the courts.
- These include the ability to extend the deadline for issuing arbitral awards, lower arbitrators’ fees in cases where delays are caused by the tribunal, and replace arbitrators when necessary.
- If implemented, these steps are expected to limit the extent of judicial involvement in arbitration proceedings.
- However, in March 2025, while responding to a query in Parliament, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that the Bill was still being examined
7. Way Forward
The report led by Justice B.N. Srikrishna observed that the ongoing prevalence of ad hoc arbitration in India largely stems from parties’ strong inclination toward controlling their own procedures. This tendency is further strengthened by long-standing doubts about the neutrality and administrative capacity of domestic arbitration institutions. The report emphasised that closing this gap in confidence is essential if Indian arbitral bodies are to compete effectively with well-established international institutions
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For Prelims: Arbitration, Alternate Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration Centre, Foreign Direct Investment, Startup India For Mains: Alternate Dispute Resolution, Impact of Arbitration on Efficiency of Function of Judiciary, Promoting Dispute Resolution in India. |
Source: The Hindu
