29 March | Daily Current Affairs : Free speech is an integral part of healthy and civilised society: SC And More

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GS PAPER 1

Polity & Governance

The Supreme Court quashed a criminal case filed by Gujarat Police against Congress MP Imran Pratapgadhi for allegedly inciting discord through his poem.

  • The court reaffirmed that poetry, satire, theatre, and stand-up comedy are legitimate expressions of free speech and must be protected.

Key Judicial Observations:

  • Fundamental Right to Free Speech:
    • Free expression is vital for a healthy and civilised society.
    • Speech cannot be silenced merely because the majority dislikes it.
  • Reasonable Restrictions:
    • While free speech is subject to reasonable restrictions, these must not be oppressive or harmful.
    • Law enforcement must adopt the perspective of strong-minded and courageous individuals, not weak or insecure ones.
  • State’s Role in Free Speech:
    • The State and police must not be used as tools to victimise individuals who express critical opinions.
    • The court condemned the tendency to stifle artistic expressions due to political sensitivities.
  • Legal and Constitutional Angle:
    • Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
    • Article 19(2) provides for reasonable restrictions on grounds such as public order, morality, and national security.
    • The ruling reaffirms judicial precedence that mere discomfort or offense cannot be grounds to criminalize speech.
  • Implications of the Judgment:
    • Strengthens democratic discourse by protecting dissent and artistic freedom.
    • Limits misuse of sedition laws and hate speech provisions to curb political criticism.
    • Sets a precedent against arbitrary criminalization of speech under laws like Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
  • This judgment strengthens the constitutional commitment to free speech while cautioning against state overreach in criminalizing expression.

UPSC Prilims Practice Question

Ques :Freedom of speech is the foundation of a democratic society. However, it is not absolute. Discuss the judicial interpretation of reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution.

GS PAPER 2

Disaster Management

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest Sagaing, Myanmar, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, causing widespread destruction.

  • The quake affected Myanmar and Thailand, killing at least 152 people and injuring hundreds.
  • Myanmar’s junta government, struggling with civil war and weak infrastructure, has sought international aid.

Key Aspects of the Disaster:

  • Geographical Context:
    • Tectonic Causes:
      • Myanmar lies in a seismically active region near the Sunda Trench and Indo-Burmese Arc.
      • The tremor was shallow, making its impact more destructive.
    • Affected Areas:
      • Myanmar: Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyidaw.
      • Thailand: Bangkok and nearby regions.
    • Humanitarian and Infrastructure Impact:
      • Casualties & Damage:
        • Over 150 dead, 700+ injured.
        • Hospitals overwhelmed, emergency zones declared.
        • 30-storey building collapsed in Bangkok, affecting metro services.
      • Weak Infrastructure in Myanmar:
        • Civil war has crippled healthcare and disaster response mechanisms.
        • Many affected areas lack rescue teams and medical facilities.
      • International Response & Aid:
        • Myanmar’s Junta Seeks Foreign Assistance:
        • Unusual move due to Myanmar’s political isolation post-military coup.
      • Global Assistance:
        • India, France, European Union, and WHO have extended help.
        • WHO mobilizing trauma relief supplies from Dubai logistics hub.

Key Issues & Challenges:

  • Disaster Management in Conflict Zones:
    • Civil war in Myanmar has weakened governance, making relief efforts difficult.
    • State capacity is compromised, affecting coordination of aid.
  • Urban Infrastructure & Earthquake Preparedness:
    • Myanmar: Poorly enforced building codes lead to high structural collapse rates.
    • Thailand: Rarely experiences quakes; hence, urban structures are not designed for seismic resistance.
  • Regional & International Implications:
    • Myanmar’s political isolation could affect aid efforts.
    • Disruptions in cross-border trade & logistics in Southeast Asia.
    • Potential refugee movement if affected populations migrate for safety.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques :   Earthquake preparedness is crucial for reducing disaster impact. Analyze how developing nations can improve their urban resilience against seismic hazards. (250 words)

GS PAPER 3

Prelims Fact

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld the Competition Commission of India (CCI)’s ruling that Google abused its dominant position in the digital payments and app store market.

  • However, the fine was reduced from ₹936.44 crore to ₹216.69 crore.
  • Google must now allow alternative payment systems and cannot discriminate against UPI-based payment systems.

Key Facts for Prelims:

  • What is the Issue?
    • Google mandated the use of its Google Play Billing System (GPBS) for app developers.
    • High commission charges (15-30%) were levied on transactions.
    • Restricted alternative payment options like UPI or third-party payment gateways.
    • Barred developers from informing users about alternative payment methods.
  • Key Rulings by NCLAT:
    • Google’s practices violated India’s competition laws by restricting market access.
    • Google must allow alternative billing systems for in-app purchases.
    • No discrimination against UPI-based payment providers.
  • What is Ex-Ante vs. Ex-Post Regulation?
    • Ex-Post Regulation: Action taken after an anti-competitive practice occurs (current CCI model).
    • Ex-Ante Regulation: Pre-emptive action before monopolistic behavior arises (being considered for digital markets).
    • NCLAT recognized the need for Ex-Ante regulation but stated that CCI lacks legal power to enforce it.

Prelims Bits:

  • What is CCI?
    • Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body under the Competition Act, 2002.
    • Ensures fair competition and prevents anti-competitive practices.
  • What is NCLAT?
    • National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) hears appeals against CCI orders.
    • Established under Companies Act, 2013.
  • What is UPI?
    • Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
  • Global Comparison:
    • EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and USA’s Antitrust Laws also regulate Big Tech dominance.
    • India may introduce a Digital Competition Law.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Ques :Which of the following statements about the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is correct?

  1. a) It is a constitutional body.
  2. b) It regulates anti-competitive practices in India.
  3. c) It is under the Ministry of Finance.
  4. d) It can impose ex-ante regulations on digital markets.

Answer: (b) It regulates anti-competitive practices in India.

GS PAPER 4

Prelims fact

The Union Cabinet approved a ₹22,919 crore scheme to boost electronics component manufacturing in India for six years.

  • The scheme is different from PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) and instead provides incentives based on turnover and employment creation.

Key Facts for Prelims:

  • Scheme Objectives:
    • Boost domestic value addition in electronics manufacturing.
    • Reduce dependence on imported electronic components.
    • Attract ₹59,350 crore investments.
    • Generate ₹4,56,500 crore worth of production.
    • Create 91,600 direct jobs.
  • What Will Be Covered?
    • Active Components: Includes semiconductors and other high-tech critical components.
    • Sub-Assemblies: Controllers for displays and phone cameras.
    • Bare Components: Circuit boards, lithium-ion batteries, and hardware enclosures.
  • How Is This Different from PLI?
    • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI): Manufacturers get incentives based on incremental production.
    • New Scheme: Provides incentives based on factory turnover and employment generation.

Prelims Bits:

  • What is the PLI Scheme?
    • Launched in 2020 to boost domestic manufacturing across multiple sectors.
    • Currently implemented in 14 sectors including semiconductors, IT hardware, and mobile phones.
  • What is Semiconductor Manufacturing?
    • Semiconductors are essential for electronics, AI, and telecom.
    • India is setting up semiconductor fabrication units (fabs) under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • Related Government Initiatives:
    • Make in India – Promotes domestic manufacturing.
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat – Reduces import dependency.
    • Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) – Encourages local semiconductor manufacturing.

 UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Ques :The recently approved ₹22,919 crore scheme for electronics component manufacturing aims to:

  1. a) Promote semiconductor fabrication units.
  2. b) Provide incentives based on turnover and employment creation.
  3. c) Increase mobile phone exports.
  4. d) Support only large multinational corporations.

Answer: (b) Provide incentives based on turnover and employment creation.

 In News :Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications & Geo-informatics

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India recently signed an agreement with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) to leverage advanced technologies in geographic information systems and remote sensing.

About Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics

  • It is an autonomous scientific society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
  • Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
  • Objective: To undertake technology development & management, research & development, facilitate national and international cooperation, capacity building, and support technology transfer & entrepreneurship development in the area of geospatial technology.
  • BISAG-N has three main domain areas: satellite communication, geo-informatics and geo-spatial technology.
  • BISAG-N provides specialized services and solutions in implementing map-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • BISAG-N undertakes all services for the entire process of implementing an enterprise level GIS system.
  • These services include GIS database design and development, map creation/updation and finishing, data migration/conversion and format translation, software development and customization, systems integration, and technical consulting.
  • BISAG-N also provides complete GIS solutions, which bundle hardware and software with GIS systems development services.
  • BISAG-N offers comprehensive GIS/Photogrammetric solutions over large geographical areas.
  • These include solutions and services in the areas of mapping, cartography, imaging, photogrammetry, and utility/environment resource management. BISAG-N provides solutions based on Remote Sensing, using multispectral data, for specific applications like agricultural crop monitoring, watershed management, forest fire mapping, etc.
  • The Institute works in close coordination with GoI Ministries and State Government departments/agencies and has thus emerged as a National level agency to use satellite communication and Space & Geo-spatial technologies for the planning and development activities in various sectors of the Government.

GS PAPER 5

Editorial Analysis

Context :

  • Former Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti argues that India must expand its geopolitical role to match its economic growth and strategic aspirations.
  • While India has traditionally been cautious in global conflicts, the changing world order demands a more proactive approach.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Article

  • India’s Historical Geopolitical Role
    • Active interventions in the neighborhood:
      • 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War – Military action to stop genocide and create Bangladesh.
      • 1988 Maldives Operation Cactus – Prevented a coup attempt.
      • 2009 Sri Lanka Conflict – Assisted in defeating the LTTE.
      • Combating Piracy – Engaged in maritime security operations.
    • Global Diplomatic Contributions:
      • Led the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during the Cold War.
      • Played a key role in the Korean War peace process (1951-52).
      • Bridged divergent views in the UN Security Council (2021-22).
    • Why is India Cautious Today?
      • Economic Prioritization: Focused on GDP growth and becoming a $5 trillion economy.
      • Bilateral Sensitivities: Avoiding conflict involvement to maintain strong ties with all major powers.
      • Regional Policy Gaps: Limited engagement in West Asia, Central Asia, and Africa compared to nations like Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
      • Lack of Proactive Diplomacy: Reluctance to propose bold initiatives in conflicts like Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, and Indo-Pacific tensions.

 Why Should India Expand Its Geopolitical Role?

  • Global Expectations: As the 5th largest economy, India must actively shape world affairs.
  • UNSC Ambitions: Claiming a permanent seat in the UNSC requires active global engagement.
  • Strategic Influence: Nations like Türkiye, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are expanding their diplomatic role—India should not cede space.
  • Emerging Global Power Vacuum: The U.S. may reduce global engagement, requiring India to step up in Europe, West Asia, and Africa.
  • China’s Challenge: China’s growing influence in global institutions and trade requires India to counterbalance through strategic alliances.

India’s Strategy Moving Forward

  • Regional Engagement: Move beyond bilateral ties and engage with regional groupings (e.g., West Asia, Central Asia, and Africa).
  • Stronger Ties with Europe: Europe faces economic and security challenges, offering opportunities for India.
  • Economic Reforms: Enhance trade policies and competitiveness to strengthen relations with major partners like the U.S.
  • Geopolitical Assertion: India should not wait for invitations but must actively shape global narratives.
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