28th March 2025-Current Affairs

1. Judicial Appointments in India – Evolution, Challenges, and the NJAC Verdict – Polity

Why in News?

• A large stash of cash was recently found at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, sparking debate on judicial accountability and reforms in appointments.
• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar reignited the NJAC debate, stating that judicial reforms were stalled by the 2015 verdict striking down the NJAC.

Constitutional Framework

• Article 124 – Appointment of Supreme Court judges by the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other judges as deemed necessary.
• Article 217 – Deals with High Court appointments.

Evolution of Judicial Appointments

Collegium System

• Not mentioned in the Constitution.
• Formed via judicial interpretation.
• Criticisms:
  • Lack of transparency
  • No accountability
  • “Judges appointing judges”
  • No formal selection criteria

National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)

• Enacted via 99th Constitutional Amendment (2014).
• NJAC Composition:
  • CJI (Chairperson)
  • 2 senior-most SC judges
  • Union Law Minister
  • 2 Eminent Persons (appointed by PM, CJI, and LoP)

Goal: Democratize judicial appointments, add transparency and diversity.

2015: Supreme Court Verdict on NJAC

• SC struck down NJAC as unconstitutional in Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India.
• Key Issues:
  • Judicial independence threatened
  • Executive could influence appointments via Law Minister and Eminent Persons
  • Veto power to non-judicial members was unacceptable

Challenges in Current System

• Opaque Collegium with no published criteria
• Delays in appointments → judicial backlog
• No diversity or regional representation
• Lack of accountability even in misconduct cases (e.g. Yashwant Varma case)

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims MCQs

1. Which of the following is/are correct about the NJAC?
   1. It was established through a constitutional amendment.
   2. It included members from the executive and civil society.
   3. It was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2015.
   • (a) 1 and 2 only ✅
   • (b) 1 and 3 only
   • (c) 2 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2, and 3
2. Match the following:

Mains Questions

1. GS Paper II:
   “Discuss the evolution of the judicial appointment system in India. Critically evaluate the NJAC and the reasons for its invalidation by the Supreme Court.” (250 words)
2. Essay:
   “An independent judiciary is essential, but so is accountability. Discuss in the context of judicial appointments in India.”

Final Outcome / Key Takeaways

• The judiciary–executive tussle over appointments remains unresolved.
• The NJAC was a promising but flawed attempt; a revised version with better checks and transparency is the need of the hour.
• The Collegium system, though constitutionally protected, must evolve to include accountability, diversity, and public trust.
• The Yashwant Varma case underscores the urgency of systemic reform, not just in appointments but also in judicial conduct.

2. Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – Polity

Why in News?

The Parliament has passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which introduces key reforms across several banking laws to improve customer service, bank governance, and regulatory efficiency.

Key Highlights of the Bill

Laws Amended

The Bill amends five core banking legislations, including:

1. Banking Regulation Act, 1949
2. Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts
3. The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
4. The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act
5. The Cooperative Societies Act (relevant to co-op banks)

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims-Based MCQ

Q.1 Which of the following are features of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024?

1. Customers can appoint up to four nominees.
2. Auditor’s salary is now regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The term of co-operative bank directors has been increased.
4. Unclaimed funds older than seven years are transferred to the IEPF.

Options:
(a) 1, 3, and 4 ✅
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4
(d) All of the above

Mains-Based (GS Paper II / III)

1. “The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 marks a shift towards customer-centric and autonomous banking governance.”
   Discuss with reference to recent reforms in the Indian banking system.
2. Discuss the challenges in regulating co-operative banks in India. Evaluate the significance of recent amendments in enhancing transparency and autonomy.

Final Outcome / Takeaways

• The Bill empowers customers (nomination flexibility), enhances co-op bank governance, and modernizes definitions.
• It reflects a move towards liberalization, bank autonomy, and reducing regulatory burdens.
• But concerns remain:
  • Lack of oversight on auditor appointments
  • Minimal focus on addressing non-performing assets (NPAs)
  • Opposition critique: potential dilution of RBI control

Summary

The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 brings long-awaited changes to strengthen banking governance and improve customer engagement. However, its real impact will depend on implementation, oversight, and future reforms, especially in co-operative and rural banking.

3. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) – International Relations

Why in News?

India will assume chairmanship of IORA in November 2025 for a two-year term.
Focus areas under India’s leadership:

• Enhancing funding mechanisms
• Technological integration for data and policy
• Maritime-oriented education and capacity building

About IORA

IORA’s Objectives

• Promote regional cooperation and sustainable development
• Foster balanced economic growth
• Enhance maritime security, disaster preparedness, and academic cooperation
• Address climate change, illegal fishing, and regional connectivity

Six Priority Areas

Relevance for Exam

India’s Strategic Goals as IORA Chair

• Use technology for data collection and policy coordination
• Academic collaborations to promote marine education
• Improve financial sustainability of IORA projects
• Position IORA as a counterbalance to China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific
• Strengthen SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements about the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

1. It was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Indonesia.
2. India is a founding member of IORA.
3. The IORA includes both member states and dialogue partners.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only ✅
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Mains Questions (GS-II)

1. “IORA offers India a platform to shape maritime governance in the Indian Ocean Region.”
   Discuss India’s leadership priorities in IORA and their significance for regional diplomacy.
2. Discuss the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region for India. How does IORA enhance India’s regional influence?

Final Takeaways / Outcome

• IORA is central to India’s Indian Ocean diplomacy and SAGAR initiative.
• India’s chairmanship in 2025 is a diplomatic opportunity to:
  • Promote regional stability,
  • Strengthen blue economy partnerships, and
  • Counter China’s strategic influence in the IOR.
• It also aligns with India’s vision of being a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific.

4. Government Report to Delhi HC – Deepfakes & Content Labelling – Governance

Why in News?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) submitted a status report to the Delhi High Court on the growing concerns around deepfakes — AI-generated synthetic content (video, audio, images) that can deceive viewers and pose threats to public trust, democratic integrity, and personal dignity.

Understanding Deepfakes

Current Legal Framework (India)

There is no standalone law on deepfakes in India yet. However, existing provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and IPC are being used:

Key Petitions in Delhi HC

1. Rajat Sharma Petition:
   • Demands blocking of deepfake apps.
   • Warns of misinformation risks, especially during elections.
2. Chaitanya Rohilla Petition:
   • Asks for AI-specific oversight mechanisms and safeguards.
3. Kanchan Nagar Petition:
   • Seeks a ban on non-consensual deepfakes and compensation for artists.

Court & Government Response

• November 2024: Court ordered formation of 9-member MeitY committee.
• January 2025: Stakeholder consultations held.
• Recommendations discussed:
  • Mandatory watermarking/disclosure of AI-generated content.
  • Labelling standards for synthetic media.
  • Improved digital literacy and awareness campaigns.
  • Leverage existing IT Rules, 2021 and intermediary guidelines.

Challenges in Regulation

• Rapid tech evolution.
• Cross-border nature of content.
• Difficulty in tracing origin.
• Balancing free speech and protection from harm.
• Deepfake detectors are often less accurate than generators.

Exam Relevance

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims (MCQ)

Q. Deepfake content in India is currently regulated under which of the following sections of the Information Technology Act?

1. Section 66D
2. Section 67A
3. Section 66E
4. Section 79

Choose the correct option:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 ✅
(c) 2, 3, and 4
(d) 1, 3, and 4

Mains

Q. “The rise of deepfakes presents a major challenge to India’s legal and governance frameworks.”
Discuss existing regulations, challenges, and suggest a roadmap for effective oversight.

Final Outcome

• The Delhi HC and MeitY have recognized the urgency of regulating deepfakes.
• Rather than drafting new laws immediately, India is exploring:
  • Disclosure norms
  • Public consultations
  • Strengthening enforcement under current IT laws
• A balanced regulatory ecosystem must protect citizens from harm without stifling innovation.

5. The CBSE’s Two-Exam Scheme – Governance

Why in News?

CBSE has announced that Class 10 board exams will be held twice a year starting in 2026, offering students an opportunity to improve scores and reduce pressure. This move is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility, competency-based learning, and assessment reform.

Objectives of the Policy

Concerns and Challenges

1. Academic and Psychological Burden

• Students may feel pressured to prepare for both exams.
• Short remediation window (1–2 months) may not be enough to improve weak areas.
• Mental health stress could increase due to continuous preparation cycles.

2. Equity Concerns

3. Systemic Gaps

• Many schools lack remedial support systems.
• Over-dependence on external coaching.
• Infrastructure and teacher readiness may be inadequate for implementation.

Suggested Reforms for Better Implementation

Exam Relevance

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims MCQ

Q. The CBSE’s two-exam policy for board exams is aligned with which of the following principles of NEP 2020?

1. Competency-based learning
2. Multilingual education
3. Continuous assessment
4. Flexibility in assessment

Correct Answer: ✅ 1 and 4 only

Mains

Q. “The CBSE’s two-exam scheme may reduce academic pressure but risks deepening educational inequality.”
Critically examine the merits and challenges of the new policy, suggesting safeguards to ensure inclusive implementation.

Final Outcome

The two-exam scheme is well-intentioned and could democratize success by offering second chances. However, unless supported by remedial frameworks, fee flexibility, and teacher readiness, it risks:

• Widening the equity gap, and
• Reinforcing a coaching-driven education model.

To truly fulfill NEP 2020’s goals, the reform must be implemented with sensitivity to students’ diverse socio-economic realities.