1.

UPSC Current Affairs: Indian Judiciary

UPSC Syllabus: Mains| GS-2 (Polity and Governance)

Sub Theme: Judicial system |UPSC

Context: Addressing the valedictory event of the two-day National Conference of the District
Judiciary, President Droupadi Murmu said that delays in deciding heinous crime cases such as rape
forces the common man to think that the judicial process lacks sensitivity.

Challenges:

1. Backlog of Cases: The judicial process in India is notoriously slow, burdened by procedural
complexities, adjournments, and lengthy documentation requirements. This slow pace of
justice leads to frustration among litigants, loss of evidence over time, and diminished public
confidence in the judiciary.
2. Judicial Overreach and Activism: Problem arises when lines get blurred and activism turns
into overreach
3. Judicial Vacancies: There is a significant shortage of judges in India. With fewer judges, the
workload per judge increases, leading to burnout and reduced efficiency.
4. Inequality in Access to Justice: Access to legal representation and justice remains unequal in
India, with marginalized communities often unable to afford legal services.
5. Resistant to Reforms: Higher Judiciary has blocked the attempts to bring changes to opaque
collegium system. The judiciary has been resistant to some changes, such as the
establishment of an All India Judicial Service (AIJS) for recruiting judges.
6. Lack of Infrastructure and Technology: Many courts in India lack basic infrastructure,
including proper courtrooms, libraries, and digital facilities.
7. Lack of gender equity: Underrepresentation limits diverse perspectives and affects decisions
on gender-sensitive issues.

Way forward

1. Creation of an All India Judicial Service (AIJS): The AIJS aims to centralize the recruitment of
judges at the entry level for subordinate courts, similar to the Indian Administrative Service
(IAS). This would ensure uniformity, transparency, and merit-based selection across states.
2. Filling Judicial Vacancies: Both the Law Commission and CJI N.V. Ramana have emphasized
the urgent need to fill existing judicial vacancies. Regular and timely appointments are
essential to reducing the backlog of cases and ensuring the judiciary operates at full strength.
3. Improving Infrastructure and Technology Integration: The Law Commission has
recommended significant investments in judicial infrastructure, including modernizing
courtrooms, digitizing case records, and enhancing e-Court facilities.
4. Introducing Performance Evaluation and Accountability Mechanisms: The Law Commission
has suggested the introduction of performance evaluations for judges to ensure
accountability. This could include periodic assessments, peer reviews, and feedback from
litigants and lawyers.
 5. Promoting Gender Diversity: CJI N.V. Ramana has advocated for greater gender diversity in
the judiciary, including proactive measures to appoint more women judges and create a
more inclusive environment in courts.
6. Judicial Education and Training: The Law Commission has recommended regular judicial
education and training programs to keep judges updated on legal developments, case
management techniques, and ethical standards.
7. Strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms: To alleviate the burden
on courts, the Law Commission has suggested expanding the use of ADR methods, such as
mediation and arbitration, for resolving disputes outside the courtroom.
8. Enhancing Transparency in Judicial Appointments: The Law Commission and CJI N.V.
Ramana have called for greater transparency in the Collegium system, which is responsible
for appointing judges to higher courts. This includes clear criteria for appointments and a
more open selection process. Transparency in judicial appointments would improve public
trust in the judiciary, reduce perceptions of bias, and ensure that appointments are based on
merit.

2. UPSC Current Affairs: De-hyphenating wheat-rice

UPSC Syllabus: Mains| GS-3 (Economy)

Sub Theme: Agriculture |UPSC

Context: Wheat is grappling with production challenges despite increasing consumption, while rice is
experiencing a surplus issue, causing the two cereals to diverge significantly in their circumstances.

Scenario of wheat and rice production and export of India

• Rice Surplus:

o Export Data: India exported 21.21 million tonnes (mt) of rice in 2021-22, 22.35 mt in
2022-23, and 16.36 mt in 2023-24.

o Stock Levels: As of August 1, 2024, rice stocks were at an all-time high of 45.48 mt.

• Wheat Shortage:

o Export Data: Wheat exports fell from 7.24 mt in 2021-22 to 0.19 mt in 2023-24, with
a ban on exports since May 2022.

o Stock Levels: Central pool stocks of wheat on August 1, 2024, were at 26.81 mt, the
lowest in recent times.

• Usually, rice stocks are below that of wheat at this time of the year.

• This is because wheat is harvested and marketed during April-June, whereas the main kharif
rice crop comes in only from October.

• The last three years have been unusual, with rice stock levels on August 1, at the tail-end of
the crop marketing year, being higher than that of wheat.
Production constraints

• Rice:

o Geographical Spread: Cultivated across 16 states including Telangana, Tamil Nadu,

Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and others. Grown in both rabi and kharif season

o Water Dependency: Limited primarily by water availability, with Telangana

significantly increasing its rice output due to improved irrigation and support prices.

• Wheat:

o Geographical Concentration: Grown mainly in eight states, with the top four states
(UP, MP, Punjab, Haryana) contributing over 76% of the output. Wheat has a single
rabi cropping season.

o Climate Sensitivity: Vulnerable to changing climate conditions such as shorter

winters and fluctuating temperatures, affecting production.

Divergence in Consumption: Wheat vs. Rice

o Wheat Consumption Trends: Current Consumption Levels:

▪ Rural India: 3.9 kg per capita per month.

▪ Urban India: 3.6 kg per capita per month.

▪ Total Consumption: Approximately 65 million tonnes (mt) for a population of

1,425 million.
o Forms of Wheat Consumption:

▪ Whole-Grain Flour (Atta): Used for basic bread items like roti, chapati,
paratha, and poori, as well as dishes like upma and rava kesari.

▪ Semi-Processed Flour (Sooji/Rava): Coarse flour used in various dishes.

o Processed Wheat Products:

▪ Maida: Refined flour produced from wheat that has been stripped of its bran
and germ.

▪ Production: Involves grinding the endosperm of the wheat grain, filtering,

and bleaching.

▪ Uses: Key ingredients in bakery products (bread, buns, biscuits, cakes),

convenience foods (sandwiches, noodles, pasta, pizza, momos, pav-bhaji),
and sweetmeats (gulab jamun, jalebi).

▪ Characteristics: Known for its fine texture, softness, and longer shelf life, but
lacks dietary fiber, minerals, B vitamins, and proteins.

o Consumption Trends:

▪ Increasing Use of Processed Wheat: With rising incomes and urbanization,

the consumption of wheat in processed forms like maida is growing.

▪ Data Gaps: Exact figures for processed wheat consumption are not available,
but the trend indicates a significant increase.

o Rice Consumption Trends:Current Consumption:

▪ Limited Innovation: Processing and convenience food innovations for rice

have been relatively minimal.

▪ Common Products: Includes traditional dishes such as idli, dosa, murukku,

puffed rice (murmura), puddings, and biryani.

o Consumption Dynamics:

▪ Less Diversification: Unlike wheat, rice has not seen significant growth in
processed forms or new food products.

▪ Wheat: Increasing consumption, especially in processed forms like maida,

driven by rising incomes and urbanization. Consumption is significant both in
traditional whole-grain forms and processed products.

▪ Rice: Consumption remains stable with limited diversification into processed

products and convenience foods.
Policy Implications

• Wheat Policy Considerations: Current Consumption Patterns:

o South India: Wheat is a staple, consumed in some form at least once daily.

o North India: Rice has not become as prevalent as wheat in South India.

• Processing Infrastructure:

o Roller Flour Mills (RFMs):

▪ Quantity: Approximately 1,500 RFMs.

▪ Capacity: Process 50 to 500 tonnes of wheat per day into products like
maida, sooji/rava, bran, and germ.

o Stone Chakkis:

▪ Quantity: Numerous roadside and around 700 organized stone chakkis.

▪ Capacity: Grind 50 to 300 kg of wheat per hour to produce whole atta flour.

• Future Outlook:

o Short-Term: India may need to become a wheat importer due to rising consumption
and production challenges.

o Long-Term Strategy:

▪ Improve Yields: Focus on increasing per-acre wheat yields.

▪ Develop Climate-Smart Varieties: Breed wheat varieties that can withstand

changing climate conditions.

• Rice Policy Considerations: Current Production vs. Consumption

o Production: High levels of rice production.

o Consumption: Domestic consumption does not match the production levels, leading
to surplus.

• Export Restrictions:

o Export Ban: Current ban on exports of white non-basmati rice should be lifted.

o Duties and Floor Prices:

▪ Parboiled Non-Basmati Rice: Remove the 20% duty.

▪ Basmati Rice: Eliminate the $950/tonne floor price on shipments.

• Stock Management:
 o Action Required: Immediate policy changes are needed to prevent unmanageable
excess stocks.

• Wheat: Requires a shift in policy to address rising consumption and production issues,
including improving yields and adapting to climate change. The trend suggests India may
need to import wheat soon.

• Rice: Needs policy adjustments to manage surplus, including lifting export bans and duties to
balance production and consumption.

3. UPSC Current Affairs: Safe Harbour

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: Polity and Governance |UPSC

Context: The legal action initiated by the French authorities against Durov impinges on the
protection that is accorded to social media platforms across jurisdictions under a provision known as
“safe harbour”.

What are ‘Safe Harbour’ Rules?

● Since social media platforms are generally understood to be crucial tools of free speech, safe
harbour is viewed as a basic tenet of enabling freedom of expression on these platforms.
● The basic premise of safe harbour protection is: since social media platforms cannot control at
the first instance what users post, they should not be held legally liable for any objectionable
content that they host, provided they are willing to take down such content when flagged by
the government or courts.

Legal Protection in India

● Section 79 of Information Technology Act, 2000 it classifies social media platforms as
intermediaries and broadly shields them from legal action over the content that users post.
● However, this protection extends to companies operating in India with some caveats.
○ Under The Information Technology Rules, 2021, social media companies with more
than 5 million Indian users have to appoint a chief compliance officer who can be held
criminally liable if the platform does not adhere to a takedown request, or violates
other norms.
● Hence, certain officials from the social media company in question can be legally prosecuted
if the platform violates laid-down rules.

Q. Protection under ‘safe harbour’ is an intrinsic part of Freedom of Expression. Which of the
following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?
(a) Article 22 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution
(b) Article 20 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(d) Article 19 and the provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000
Answer: (d)

PYQ 2018: Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above
statement?
(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution
Answer: (c)

4. UPSC Current Affairs: Polygraph Test

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims
Sub Theme: Polity and Governance| UPSC

Context: The CBI has obtained permission to conduct polygraph test in the ongoing investigation of
RG Kar Medical College rape case.

About Deception detection tests: Deception detection tests (DDTs) are scientific procedures
employed to detect probable deception during interrogation. These tests include narco-analysis,
polygraph tests, and brain mapping.

● Polygraph Test: This test measures physiological responses believed to be associated with
lying, such as blood pressure, galvanic skin response (sweating), breathing rate, and pulse
rate. Instruments like cardio-cuffs or electrodes are attached to the subject, and as questions
are posed, these physiological responses are monitored to detect possible deception.
● Narco-Analysis: This test involves the administration of a drug, typically sodium pentothal,
which puts the subject into a hypnotic or sedated state. The assumption is that in this state,
the subject's ability to lie is weakened, making them more likely to reveal truthful
information. The drug is sometimes referred to as a "truth serum."
● Brain Mapping: This test measures the subject's neural activity, specifically brainwaves, by
attaching electrodes to the face and neck. It operates on the principle that the brain
generates distinctive brain waves when exposed to familiar stimuli (such as images or
sounds), which can indicate recognition and potentially reveal deception.

Leading cases in this regard:

● Rojo George vs. Deputy Superintendent of Police (2006): The court ruled that the use of
scientific tests like polygraphs was essential for effective investigations, given the
sophistication of modern crimes. The court also stated that conducting such tests under
 expert supervision did not violate fundamental rights, thereby supporting their use even
without the accused's consent.
● Dinesh Dalmia vs. State (2006): The court held that the use of lie detection tests did not
amount to "testimonial compulsion" and could be a safer alternative to custodial violence.
This case reinforced the view that these tests were useful tools in criminal investigations.
● Sh. Shailender Sharma vs. State & Another (2008): The court allowed the administration of
narco-analysis tests, arguing that they did not suffer from constitutional infirmity. The
decision emphasized balancing the need for thorough investigation with the protection of
individual rights.
● Selvi vs. State of Karnataka (2010): This is the most significant case regarding DDTs in India.
The Supreme Court ruled that no lie detection tests (including polygraph, narco-analysis, and
brain mapping) could be conducted without the accused's consent. Forcing an individual to
undergo such tests violated their fundamental rights against self-incrimination (Article
20(3)) and their right to privacy (Article 21). The court also mandated that voluntary
consent must be obtained in the presence of a judicial magistrate and that the accused
should have access to legal counsel.
o Nandini Satpathy vs. P.L. Dani (1978): This case is often cited in discussions about
the right against self-incrimination. The Supreme Court ruled that no person could
be compelled to answer questions that would incriminate themselves, reinforcing
the protections under Article 20(3).

Issues arising out of the use of DDTs:

● Doubtful Efficacy: Deception detection tests (DDTs) like polygraph tests, narco-analysis, and
brain mapping are scientifically contentious. Studies have shown that these tests may not
reliably detect deception, with issues like high false-positive rates and the possibility of
individuals training to beat them.
● Legal Concerns: Before 2010, Indian courts largely supported these tests, even allowing them
without the accused's consent. However, the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Selvi vs. State of
Karnataka marked a significant shift, emphasizing the need for the accused's consent, citing
the fundamental right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) and the right to privacy
under Article 21.
● Use of Test Results in Court: The Supreme Court ruled that while test results cannot be
considered confessions, information discovered as a result of these tests could be
admissible. However, there are stringent requirements like the need for voluntary consent
recorded before a judicial magistrate and access to legal counsel during the course of the
test.
● Despite legal safeguards, these tests continue to be used in India, often in high-profile cases.
Critics argue that true informed consent is difficult to obtain, particularly in police custody,
and that these tests can be misused to extract false confessions.

PYQ 2021: Practice Question:

'Right to Privacy' is protected under which Article What is the present position of use of Deception
of the Constitution of India? Detection Tests (DTTs) in the Indian legal system?
(a) DDTs can be administered without the
(a) Article 15 consent of the accused to aid criminal
(b) Article 19 investigations.
(c) Article 21 (b) DDTs violate the right to equality under
(d) Article 29 Article 14 of the Constitution.
 (c) DDTs can only be conducted with the
Answer: Article 21 voluntary consent of the accused,
ensuring protection under Article 20(3)
and Article 21 of the Constitution.
(d) The Court has allowed the use of DDTs as
evidence in court if they are conducted
under judicial supervision.

Answer: (c) DDTs can only be conducted with the

voluntary consent of the accused, ensuring
protection under Article 20(3) and Article 21 of
the Constitution.
Explanation:
● The Supreme Court in Selvi vs. State of
Karnataka (2010) ruled that DDTs cannot
be administered without the voluntary
consent of the accused, citing protections
against self-incrimination under Article
20(3) and the right to privacy and
personal liberty under Article 21.

5. UPSC Current Affairs: Kondh tribe

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims
Sub Theme: Geography | UPSC

Context: Generations of Dongria Kondh tribals in Odisha’s Rayagada district have not been to school
because of the challenges of living in a hilly area in the forest.

About Kondh tribe:

● It is the largest tribal group in the state of Odisha. They are an also designated Scheduled
Tribe in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
● They speak Kui and Kuvi as their native languages. They are most closely related to the
Gondi language. Both are Dravidian languages and are written with the Odia script.
● Traditionally their religious beliefs were syncretic combining totemism, animism, ancestor
worship, shamanism and nature worship.
● The tribe has a number of sub-tribes, such as the Dongria, Kovi, Kuttia, Languli, Penga, and
Jharnia.
● While many Khond have transitioned to rice cultivation, some groups, like the Kuttia Khond,
continue to engage in slash-and-burn agriculture (kondhs call it dongar chaas or podu chaas)

About Dongria Khond:

● The Niyamgiri hills in Odisha are home to the Dongria Khond, recognized as a Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Group.
 ● They speak Kui, a Dravidian language, like other Kondh sub-groups.
● They are primarily horticulturists, skilled in banana and turmeric cultivation.
● The Dongria Kondhs have a strong animistic belief system, with a deep reverence for nature.
o They worship Niyam Raja, the deity of the Niyamgiri Hills, whom they consider their
supreme god and protector.
o The Niyamgiri Hills are seen as the embodiment of Niyam Raja, and the tribe performs
various rituals to honour this deity.

Practice question:
Q. With respect to the Dongria Kondh of India, consider the following statements:
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. They speak the Kui language.
3. They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)

Statement 1 is not correct: The Dongria Kondh is a sub-group of the Kondh tribe, primarily residing
in the Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha, India.

Statement 2 is correct: They speak Kui, a Dravidian language, like other Kondh sub-groups.

Statement 3 is correct: They are recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.

PYQ(2019)
Q. Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in
India :
1.PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2.A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3.There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4.Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a)1, 2 and 3
(b)2, 3 and 4
(c)1, 2 and 4
(d)1, 3 and 4
Answer: (c)

6. UPSC Current Affairs: Emihokoro Rice

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims
Sub Theme: Science and Technology| UPSC
Context: Japan is currently grappling with a rice shortage caused by extreme weather conditions,
resulting in private rice stocks reaching their lowest levels since 1999 and a projected 20% decline in
rice production by 2100. To combat this, Japan is focusing on developing heat-resistant rice
varieties.

Heat-Resistant Rice:
● High temperatures and dry conditions last summer led to reduced rice yields and poor grain
quality, resulting in the lowest rice inventories in 25 years.
o High heat disrupts starch accumulation in rice grains, causing them to become
opaque and mottled, with white flecks and less desirable for human consumption,
which reduces their market value.
● The Saitama Agricultural Technology Centre in Japan is working on new varieties like
'Emihokoro' that can withstand higher temperatures while maintaining quality.
o Emihokoro has been planted in 31 fields as a trial this year.
o This research involves cultivating and cross-pollinating seeds to produce more
resilient strains.
Cross-pollination:
● Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from the anther of one plant is transferred to the
stigma of another plant of the same species.
● Outbreeding produces seeds that incorporate both parents’ inherited features, and the
resulting progeny are more diverse than those produced through self-pollination.
● This genetic recombination results in offspring that often exhibit enhanced vigour, better
disease resistance, and other advantageous traits.
● Cross-pollinated varieties like the ‘Ambrosia’ corn have been bred for improved resistance
to common fungal diseases such as corn smut, ensuring healthier crops.
● The 'Golden Rice' project, which cross-pollinated different strains of rice, aimed to
enhance yield while also increasing nutritional content, particularly Vitamin A.
Prelims Previous Year Question (2021):
Q. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of:
(a) Clonal propagation of crop plants
(b) Developing genetically modified crop plants
(c) Production of plant growth substances
(d) Production of biofertilizers
Answer: (b)

Practice Question for Prelims:

Q. The term ‘Emihokoro’, often mentioned in news in the context of:
(a) An Endemic disease in the African region.
(b) New Satellite system developed by China.
(c) A hybrid maize variety with strong resistance against pests.
(d) A rice variety with enhanced resistance to higher temperatures.
Answer: (d)