20th April 2025-Current Affairs

1. Article 142: Understanding Its Role and Implications – Polity

What is Article 142?

Key Nature: Extraordinary, discretionary, binding force (until Parliament legislates otherwise).

Objectives of Article 142

• Ensure Complete Justice: Fills gaps where law is absent, silent, or inadequate.
• Uphold Fundamental Rights: Acts beyond statutory limitations if required to enforce constitutional values.
• Prevent Executive-Legislative Failures: Provides remedies when other institutions fail to act justly.
• Judicial Innovation: Enables creation of interim guidelines in public interest before Parliament legislates.

Key Judicial Applications of Article 142

Debates and Criticism

Vice-President’s View: Labeling Article 142 as a “nuclear missile” emphasizes fears that unchecked discretionary powers could undermine elected governments and democratic forces.

Why Only Supreme Court Has Article 142 Powers?

• The Constituent Assembly recognized the Supreme Court as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution, justifying this extraordinary power.
• No similar provision exists for High Courts or subordinate judiciary.

Relevance & Local Application

• GS Paper II – Judiciary’s Constitutional Role:
  Helps explain judicial activism, constitutional remedies, and federal governance challenges.
• For Himachal Pradesh:
  • Critical for questions on Centre–State relations.
  • HP High Court also plays a role in shaping rights enforcement, though without Article 142-like powers.

Summary

Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to pass orders to ensure “complete justice,” allowing it to fill legal gaps and enforce rights beyond statutory limits. It has been invoked in landmark cases like the Bhopal gas tragedy, Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, and Vishaka guidelines. While this power upholds constitutional ideals, critics argue it risks judicial overreach and threatens democratic checks and balances. Its extraordinary nature, exclusive to the Supreme Court, demands careful use to preserve separation of powers.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Article 142 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to:
a) Review its own judgments.
b) Enforce fundamental rights directly.
c) Ensure complete justice in any pending matter.
d) Advise the President of India.

Answer: c) Ensure complete justice in any pending matter

2. The term “Complete Justice” in the context of the Indian Constitution is associated with:
a) Article 32
b) Article 142
c) Article 124
d) Article 226

Answer: b) Article 142

Mains :

1. “Article 142 acts as a double-edged sword—while it strengthens constitutional justice, it also poses risks to democratic accountability.” Critically examine in light of recent judicial interventions.
   (GS Paper II – Polity / Judiciary / Constitutional Law)
2. Discuss the evolution of Article 142 jurisprudence in India. Should there be clearer guidelines to regulate its use by the Supreme Court?
   (GS Paper II – Polity / Governance)

2. Andhra Pradesh SC Sub-Categorisation Ordinance – Polity

What is Sub-Categorisation of SCs?

Why Was It Needed?

• Unequal Benefits: More advanced SC sub-castes disproportionately enjoyed reservation advantages, leaving others historically marginalized.
• Promoting Equity: Aim to ensure fairer distribution of state-sponsored benefits among all sub-castes.
• Supreme Court’s Nod (2024): The Court ruled that states can sub-classify SCs and STs within the quota framework without violating the Constitution.

Rajeev Ranjan Mishra Commission Recommendations

Proposed Sub-Group Classification

Total SC Reservation Remains at 15% (no change in the overall quota).

Constitutional and Judicial Backing

Challenges and Concerns

Relevance & Local Application

• GS Paper II – Reservation Policies & Affirmative Action:
  • Important for writing answers on equitable development, positive discrimination, and constitutional interpretation.
• For Himachal Pradesh:
  • HP also has diverse Scheduled Caste communities (e.g., Chamar, Balmiki, Koli) where discussions around equitable access to reservations may arise.
  • Useful while discussing Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and social welfare initiatives.

Summary

Andhra Pradesh has introduced an ordinance to sub-categorize Scheduled Castes for more equitable distribution of the 15% SC reservation quota. Based on the Rajeev Ranjan Mishra Commission’s findings, the SCs are classified into three groups by socio-economic backwardness. This move follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling allowing sub-classification within SCs and STs to uphold substantive equality. While the ordinance aims to correct historical imbalances, concerns remain over social divisions and legal scrutiny under Article 14.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers the State to make provisions for reservation in public employment for backward classes?
a) Article 15(4)
b) Article 16(4)
c) Article 17
d) Article 46

Answer: b) Article 16(4)

2. In India, who has the authority to specify the Scheduled Castes for a particular State or Union Territory?
a) Supreme Court
b) Parliament
c) President of India
d) State Governor

Answer: c) President of India (under Article 341)

Mains :

1. “Reservation within reservation is crucial to ensure that the most marginalized among Scheduled Castes benefit equitably from affirmative action policies.” Critically examine in the light of recent developments in Andhra Pradesh.
   (GS Paper II – Polity / Social Justice)
2. Discuss the constitutional and social implications of sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes. How can states ensure that such initiatives promote inclusivity without deepening caste divisions?
   (GS Paper II – Governance / Social Policy)

3. Steering the Decarbonisation of India’s Logistics Sector – Environment

Why in News?

• India’s logistics sector contributes 13.5% of the country’s total GHG emissions.
• Road transport alone accounts for over 88% of logistics emissions.
• Decarbonisation of logistics is now critical for building a resilient, green, and competitive economy.

Environmental Impact of India’s Logistics Sector

Logistics is second only to energy generation in carbon emissions.

Key Strategies for Decarbonising Logistics

Global Insights and India’s Initiatives

Challenges in Greening Logistics

Relevance & Local Application

• GS Paper III – Sustainable Development and Infrastructure:
  • Useful for writing on climate-resilient infrastructure, green economy, and public-private partnerships.
• For Himachal Pradesh:
  • HP’s own logistics (agriculture, horticulture, tourism supply chains) can benefit from low-carbon transport solutions like electric trucks for apple logistics or solar-powered warehouses in rural areas.

Summary

India’s logistics sector, especially road transport, is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, contributing over 13% of national emissions. To build a green and competitive economy, strategies like shifting freight to railways and waterways, adopting EVs, using alternative fuels, and deploying renewable energy in warehouses are being pushed. Government initiatives like the National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti aim to support this transition. However, challenges such as high costs, sectoral fragmentation, and infrastructure gaps remain significant barriers.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Which sector is the largest contributor to carbon emissions within India’s logistics sector?
a) Rail transport
b) Road transport
c) Inland water transport
d) Air transport

Answer: b) Road transport

2. The “PM Gati Shakti Plan” primarily aims to:
a) Electrify rural households.
b) Improve multi-modal logistics infrastructure.
c) Increase solar energy production.
d) Regulate e-commerce platforms.

Answer: b) Improve multi-modal logistics infrastructure

Mains :

1. “Decarbonising the logistics sector is crucial for achieving India’s Net-Zero targets by 2070.” Examine the challenges and suggest a roadmap for greener logistics in India.
   (GS Paper III – Economy / Environment)
2. Discuss the significance of shifting from road to rail and coastal shipping for reducing India’s carbon footprint. What measures can the government take to accelerate this transition?
   (GS Paper III – Sustainable Infrastructure / Policy Reforms)

4. Particulate Matter Emission Trading Scheme (PM-ETS) in Gujarat – Environment

What is PM-ETS?

How Does PM-ETS Work?

Each permit = 1 kg of PM emissions allowed.

Successes of PM-ETS

Limitations and Challenges

Comparison: PM-ETS vs Traditional Regulation

Relevance & Local Application

• GS Paper III – Pollution Control and Innovation:
  Demonstrates a modern approach to air quality management.
• For Himachal Pradesh:
  • Though HP has relatively better air quality, industrial clusters like Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) face particulate pollution.
  • Emission Trading Schemes could be considered in HP’s industrial zones to balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability.

Summary

Gujarat’s Particulate Matter Emission Trading Scheme (PM-ETS), launched in Surat in 2019, is India’s first market-based mechanism to control industrial air pollution. By setting an emissions cap and allowing industries to trade permits, the scheme reduced particulate emissions by 20–30% while promoting cost-effective compliance. Real-time monitoring ensured transparency, but challenges like over-reliance on free permits and limited geographical scope remain. PM-ETS represents a flexible alternative to traditional regulation and offers a scalable model for cleaner industrial growth.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Surat’s PM-ETS initiative is related to:
a) Carbon emissions from vehicles
b) Trading of particulate matter emissions by industries
c) Management of plastic waste
d) Renewable energy certificate trading

Answer: b) Trading of particulate matter emissions by industries

2. [UPSC 2011] Regarding “carbon credits,” which of the following statements is not correct?
a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol.
b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.
c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emissions.
d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Program.

Answer: d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Program.
(Correct info: Carbon credits are traded in voluntary or compliance markets at prices determined by market forces, not by UNEP.)

Mains :

1. Discuss the significance of Emission Trading Schemes (ETS) in managing industrial pollution in India. What lessons can be drawn from Surat’s PM-ETS initiative?
   (GS Paper III – Environment / Economy)
2. “Market-based approaches offer innovative solutions for environmental regulation, but they come with inherent challenges.” Critically analyze in the context of India’s efforts to reduce air pollution.
   (GS Paper III – Environmental Governance)

5. A Welcome Move: Supreme Court Order on Wikipedia and Safe Harbour – Polity

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court’s Judgment

Understanding ‘Safe Harbour’ (Section 79, IT Act, 2000)

Concerns Highlighted

Legal Principles Reaffirmed

• Specificity in Defamation Pleas: Only specific content identified as defamatory can be challenged.
• Freedom of Expression vs Reputation: Balance needed; reputation is protected under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), but freedom of speech must not be curtailed arbitrarily.
• Due Process for Intermediaries: Before directing removal, courts must follow procedures ensuring fairness and minimal restriction on platforms.

Relevance & Local Application

• GS Paper II – Judiciary and Governance:
  • Shows evolving Indian jurisprudence on free speech, internet regulation, and platform responsibilities.
• For Himachal Pradesh:
  • Important in contexts where social media regulation or online reputation concerns arise, including fake news regulation in hill areas where digital literacy may vary.

Summary

The Supreme Court upheld Wikipedia’s protection under the IT Act’s “safe harbour” clause, ruling that platforms like Wikimedia cannot be held liable for vague, blanket claims of defamation. It emphasized that only specifically identified defamatory content can be challenged, preserving freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a). The Court reinforced due process and rejected overbroad takedown orders to prevent online censorship. This landmark judgment balances platform accountability with user rights in India’s evolving digital space.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the term “safe harbour” refers to:
a) A protection given to government employees from prosecution.
b) Protection to intermediaries from liability for user-generated content.
c) A security measure for critical cyber infrastructure.
d) Protection against data breaches.

Answer: b) Protection to intermediaries from liability for user-generated content

2. Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression?
a) Article 14
b) Article 19(1)(a)
c) Article 21
d) Article 32

Answer: b) Article 19(1)(a)

Mains :

1. “The protection of intermediaries under the IT Act must be balanced carefully with the need to prevent online defamation.” Critically discuss in the context of the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on Wikimedia.
   (GS Paper II – Polity / Governance / Cyber Laws)
2. Discuss the role of judicial oversight in regulating online speech without infringing upon fundamental freedoms. Illustrate your answer with recent examples.
   (GS Paper II – Polity / Rights and Responsibilities)

6. When Governments Disagree with the Central Bank: Fed vs. RBI – Economy

Key Events and Comparisons

Understanding Section 7(1) of RBI Act, 1934 (India)

Key Reasons for Government–Central Bank Tensions

Historical Reflections

• In the US, even Presidents like Ronald Reagan pressured the Fed but mostly respected its independence.
• In India, even during the 1991 economic crisis, backchannel negotiations (not public confrontations) helped preserve RBI’s reputation.

Implications of Central Bank-Government Conflict

Way Forward

Relevance & Local Application

• GS Paper III – Indian Economy & Governance:
  • Useful for writing on central bank independence, monetary policy formulation, and executive-judiciary-institutional relations.
• For Himachal Pradesh:
  • HP’s own fiscal stability and cooperation with RBI for disaster funding, agriculture financing, and MSME support depends on robust central-state financial coordination.

Summary

Conflicts between governments and central banks, seen in both the US and India, often arise from differing priorities—short-term political needs versus long-term economic stability. In India, tensions peaked in 2018 when Section 7(1) of the RBI Act was invoked, raising concerns over central bank autonomy. Such confrontations can undermine investor confidence and policy credibility. Experts suggest institutional mechanisms like a coordination council and clearer limits on Section 7 to safeguard monetary independence and ensure stable governance.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Section 7(1) of the RBI Act, 1934 deals with:
a) Issuance of currency notes
b) Government’s power to give directions to RBI
c) RBI’s power to regulate cooperative banks
d) The appointment of the RBI Governor

Answer: b) Government’s power to give directions to RBI

2. Which of the following best explains the principle of “Central Bank Independence”?
a) The central bank operates under direct control of the Finance Ministry.
b) The central bank has the autonomy to formulate monetary policies without political interference.
c) The central bank must seek legislative approval for every interest rate change.
d) The central bank is a private entity with no government oversight.

Answer: b) The central bank has the autonomy to formulate monetary policies without political interference.

Mains :

1. “An independent central bank is crucial for maintaining macroeconomic stability.” In the context of recent government–RBI tensions, examine the role and importance of central bank autonomy in India.
   (GS Paper III – Indian Economy)
2. Compare and contrast the approaches taken by the United States and India in dealing with conflicts between their respective central banks and governments. Suggest measures to institutionalize conflict resolution.
   (GS Paper III – Economy / Governance)