Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (09-08-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: Government amends CAA guidelines on documents to prove foreign origin |
| Waqf Bill referred to joint parliamentary panel |
| Economy: About e-rupee -Google Pay, PhonePe want to join RBI’s digital rupee project |
| International Relations: What is India’s policy on refugees? |
| Social Welfare: Odisha plans India’s 1st university for the blind |
Government amends CAA guidelines on documents to prove foreign origin
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 – Polity and Governance
Context: Amendment to CAA guidelines
Why in News
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended a provision of the Rules of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).
Background on CAA:
- The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, facilitates a path to Indian citizenship for certain non-Muslim communities—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, provided they entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
- The Act reduces the residency requirement from 11 years to 5 years for these applicants.
Original Requirement:
- Initially, the rules required applicants to provide documents from the governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan to prove their or their ancestors’ nationality.
- These documents were meant to show that the applicant or their forebears were citizens of these countries.
Amended Provision:
The recent amendments have expanded the range of acceptable documents:
- Alternative Documentation: Instead of only documents from the three countries in question, applicants can now provide any document issued by the Indian central or state governments, or quasi-judicial bodies in India, such as land records or judicial orders.
- Flexibility in Documentation: The addition of “etc.” (et cetera) in the rules allows for some discretion by government officials if the documentation is incomplete or not entirely clear.
- Certification of Faith: Local priests or community institutions can now certify the applicant’s faith, addressing some challenges faced by applicants without formal religious documentation.
Rationale and Impact:
- Challenges in Documentation: The change addresses the difficulties faced by many applicants, particularly those who fled from Bangladesh or Pakistan without official documentation. For instance, people who came to India after the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War may not have proper documentation from their countries of origin.
- West Bengal Focus: The amendments are particularly relevant in West Bengal, where a significant number of potential beneficiaries from the Matua and Namasudra communities live. Many of these individuals only have local Indian documents like election cards and passports.
- Political and Administrative Response: The amendments follow concerns raised about the effectiveness of the CAA and its implementation, especially in light of the 2024 elections where the CAA did not generate the expected political benefits for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The changes aim to clarify the process and make it more accessible to those eligible under the CAA.
What is the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019?
- The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.
- The CAA provides citizenship on the basis of religion to six undocumented non-Muslim communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians) from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who entered India on or before 31st December, 2014.
- It exempts the members of the six communities from any criminal case under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport Act, 1920.
- The two Acts specify punishment for entering the country illegally and staying here on expired visas and permits.
Rules Issued by the Government Concerning the Citizenship Amendment Act?
- Historical Context: The government has previously taken steps to address the plight of refugees, including amendments to the Citizenship Rules in 2004 and notifications in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018.
- CAA Rules 2024: The application process for citizenship under CAA has been made under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Applicants need to prove their country of origin, religion, date of entry into India, and knowledge of an Indian language to qualify for Indian citizenship.
- Proof of Country of Origin: Relaxed requirements allow various documents, including birth or educational certificates, identity documents, licenses, land records, or any document proving previous citizenship of the mentioned countries.
- Date of Entry into India: Applicants can provide 20 different documents as proof of entry into India, including visas, residential permits, census slips, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, government or court letters, birth certificates.
Conclusion:
- These amendments to the CAA Rules are intended to simplify the process for obtaining citizenship under the CAA by broadening the types of acceptable documentation and adding flexibility in evaluating applications.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent amendments to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) Rules, 2019:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (a) |
| Answer 1– B
Explanation:
|
Waqf Bill referred to joint parliamentary panel
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- Polity and Governance
Context: Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Why in News
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has been referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC).
Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Composition of Waqf Boards:
- Inclusion of Members: The Bill proposes the inclusion of two Muslim women and two non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards. This aims to diversify the composition of these boards, which traditionally comprised only Muslim members.
- Decision-Making on Waqf Properties:
- District Collector as Arbitrator: The Bill introduces the role of the District Collector as an arbiter to decide if a property is Waqf (a religious endowment) or government land. Previously, such decisions were made by Waqf tribunals.
- Prevention of Wrongful Declarations:
- New Section: A new section is proposed to prevent the wrongful declaration of properties as Waqf. This addresses issues where properties might have been inaccurately or fraudulently classified as Waqf.
- Appeal Mechanism:
- Higher Court Appeals: The Bill aims to provide a mechanism to appeal decisions made by Waqf tribunals to higher courts, addressing concerns that existing provisions were above constitutional laws.
- Repeal of Colonial-Era Legislation:
- Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923: The Bill also seeks to repeal this outdated legislation to streamline the management of Waqf properties in contemporary India.
- Political and Procedural Aspects:
- Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC): The Bill has been referred to a JPC following strong opposition objections. The JPC will review the Bill in detail and provide recommendations.
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)
Purpose and Function:
- Special Investigation: A JPC is set up to investigate a particular issue or subject of public importance. It operates as a fact-finding body and makes recommendations based on its findings.
- Composition: A JPC typically includes members from both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The composition is often proportional to the strength of different political parties in Parliament.
- Mandate: The mandate of a JPC is clearly defined when it is constituted. The committee has the authority to call witnesses, examine records, and summon any person or document necessary for its investigation.
Process:
- Formation: A JPC is formed through a motion passed by one of the Houses of Parliament. The motion outlines the subject of investigation and the powers of the committee.
- Inquiry: The JPC conducts an in-depth inquiry into the matter assigned to it. This may involve examining government officials, experts, and other stakeholders.
- Reporting: After completing its investigation, the JPC submits its report to Parliament. The report includes its findings and recommendations.
- Action: The government is not bound to act on the JPC’s recommendations but is expected to consider them seriously. The report and the government’s response may be debated in Parliament.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Which of the following statements about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is/are correct?
Correct code: A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. With reference to the schemes launched by the Union Government, consider the following statements:(2009)
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 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 2– B
Explanation:
|
About e-rupee -Google Pay, PhonePe want to join RBI’s digital rupee project
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS-3 Economy
Context: Indian central bank’s digital currency proect
Why in News
- Fintech companies are looking to join the Indian central bank’s digital currency project by allowing their users to transact in e-rupee via Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
What is the e-rupee?
- The e-rupee, also known as the digital rupee, is a digital form of the Indian rupee issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- It represents a legal tender that exists entirely in electronic form.
- Unlike physical banknotes, the e-rupee can only be used for online transactions.
Key Characteristics of the e-rupee:
- Legal Tender: Like physical currency issued by the RBI, the e-rupee is recognized as legal tender for transactions.
- Electronic Only: It does not exist in physical form and can only be transacted online.
- No Interest: Unlike traditional bank deposits, the digital rupee does not accrue interest.
- Convertible: Bank deposits can be converted into e-rupee and vice versa, facilitating easy use.
Difference Between e-rupee and Banknotes
- Form: The e-rupee exists purely digitally, whereas banknotes are physical.
- Interest: E-rupee does not earn interest, unlike deposits in banks.
- Transactions: E-rupee is used for online transactions only, while banknotes are used for physical transactions.
Launch and Purpose:
- Pilot Launch: The digital rupee was introduced on a pilot basis in December 2022. Initially, it was available through a select group of banks in major cities and could be used for person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.
- Objective: The digital rupee was conceived as an alternative to cryptocurrencies, which many view as a replacement for fiat currencies. The RBI intended the digital rupee to enhance transaction transparency and reduce the costs associated with producing physical currency.
Current Status and Adoption
- Initial Adoption: The digital rupee saw growing adoption initially, with daily transactions exceeding 1 million late last year.
- Current Usage: However, its usage has since declined significantly to about 100,000-200,000 transactions per day.
Involvement of Fintech Companies:
- Fintech Integration: Major fintech companies like Google Pay, PhonePe, Amazon Pay, Cred, and MobiKwik, which dominate digital payments via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), are looking to integrate e-rupee transactions. These platforms collectively handle over 85% of digital payments through UPI.
- Objective: By integrating e-rupee transactions, these fintech companies aim to broaden the use cases of digital rupee and boost its adoption.
Future Plans:
- RBI’s Approach: The RBI is focused on increasing the adoption of the e-rupee. Despite the growing interest from fintech companies, the RBI has no immediate plans for a full-scale rollout. The digital rupee is expected to remain in the pilot stage for the next few years.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the e-rupee (digital rupee):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements : (2023)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (c)
|
| Answer 3 C
Explanation
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What is India’s policy on refugees?
Source: New Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 International Relations
Context: Bangladesh Crisis
Why in News
- India’s refugee policy has been a topic of considerable discussion in recent times due to several factors, including the ongoing situation in neighboring countries like Myanmar, Afghanistan, and more recently, the fleeing of Former Bangladesh Prime Minister to India amid violent protests.
Background
- Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid violent protests in Bangladesh.
- She initially planned to seek asylum in the UK, where her family resides.
- However, because she does not have a UK visa and asylum applications must be made within the UK, she faces a “technical roadblock.”
- India has allowed her to stay despite not having an official refugee policy.
Who is a Refugee?
- Definition: According to the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol, a refugee is someone who is outside their country of origin and unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Stateless persons can also be considered refugees.
India’s Approach to Refugees
- Refugees Welcomed: India has hosted various refugees, such as Tibetans, Chakmas, and those from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Despite this, India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention or the 1967 Protocol and lacks a formal refugee policy.
- Current Ambiguity: India’s approach allows flexibility but also creates ambiguity. The government can treat refugees as illegal immigrants and manage them under the Foreigners Act or Passport Act.
Rohingya Refugees:
- Background: The Rohingya crisis began with a military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine state in 2017, creating a massive refugee crisis. Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh hosts the largest refugee camp globally.
- Indian Response: India has about 40,000 Rohingya refugees. Despite UNHCR’s efforts to verify and provide identity cards, the Indian government has been inconsistent. The Supreme Court has supported deportation according to the Foreigners Act, but practical challenges exist.
Legal and Humanitarian Challenges
- Deportation Issues: Deporting Rohingya is complex as Myanmar does not accept them back. The principle of “non-refoulement” (not returning refugees to places where they face persecution) is a key concern, as India has pledged to uphold it but faces challenges due to its non-signatory status to key international treaties.
- Voluntary Repatriation: For Sri Lankan Tamils, India has facilitated voluntary repatriation and provided support, which aligns with the principle of non-refoulement.
Non-Refoulement:
- Definition: This principle prohibits returning refugees to countries where they risk persecution. While India supports this principle in international forums, its application is inconsistent, particularly with the Rohingya crisis.
Refugee Policies and Laws:
- Lack of Formal Policy: India’s lack of a specific refugee policy means that decisions on refugees are often ad hoc and influenced by political and public sentiments.
- Citizenship Amendment Act (2019): This Act provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for refugees from specific non-Muslim communities, highlighting India’s selective approach.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding refugees and India’s approach towards them:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Answer: B |
| Answer 4 D
Explanation
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Odisha plans India’s 1st university for the Blind
Source: Times of India
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance, Social issues
Context: India’s first international university for the blind in Odisha
Why in news
- The plan to establish India’s first international university for the blind in Odisha represents a significant step towards inclusivity in education for people with visual impairments.
Purpose and Need
- Population: India has over 5 million blind people, with more than 500,000 residing in Odisha. Among these, around 200,000 are young individuals.
- Gap in Education: There is a recognized need for specialized education and training tailored to the needs of visually impaired individuals. The university aims to address this gap by offering dedicated educational opportunities and technical training.
Name and Inspiration
- Bhima Bhoi University: The university will be named after Bhima Bhoi, a 19th-century blind poet and social reformer.
- This choice reflects the university’s commitment to honoring figures who have contributed to the empowerment and upliftment of people with disabilities.
Features and Facilities
- Centre of Excellence: The university will feature a Centre of Excellence in technology, focusing on advanced technological tools and resources to aid education for the blind.
- Schools for Higher Education: It will include educational institutions that cater to higher education, offering specialized courses and training.
- Accessible Facilities: The campus will have accessible residential facilities, including an advanced digital lab to support the learning needs of students.
International Collaboration:
- Japanese Delegation: A delegation from Japan’s University of Tsukuba, renowned for its special education for the blind, visited Odisha to discuss the project.
- Their involvement indicates a collaboration that may bring international expertise and best practices to the university.
Proposed Courses and Research:
- Vocational Training: The university will offer vocational courses such as acupuncture and physiotherapy, aimed at equipping students with practical skills for employment.
- Policy Research: In addition to technical and vocational training, the university plans to engage in policy research related to disability and accessibility.
Approval and Development:
- Proposal: The plan for the university is pending approval from the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi.
- The delegation from Japan will also be meeting with him to discuss the proposal.
Significance of the Initiative
- Inclusivity in Education: This university will be a pioneering step in providing specialized education and training for blind individuals, which is crucial for their empowerment and integration into various professional fields.
- Global Collaboration: The involvement of international institutions highlights the global commitment to improving education and opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Vocational and Research Opportunities: By offering vocational training and engaging in policy research, the university aims to address both practical and systemic challenges faced by people with visual impairments.
Bhima Bhoi
- Bhima Bhoi (1850-1895) was a prominent 19th-century blind poet and social reformer from Odisha, India.
- His life and work are celebrated for their significant contributions to literature, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Biography and Early Life
- Birth and Early Life: Bhima Bhoi was born in the early 1850s in the Bhoi community of Odisha. He lost his sight at a young age due to an illness, which had a profound impact on his life and perspective.
- Education and Training: Despite his blindness, Bhima Bhoi was well-educated in the traditional Odia literary and religious texts.
- He was deeply influenced by the teachings of various saints and philosophers, which shaped his views on social justice and spirituality.
Literary Contributions
- Poetry and Literature: Bhima Bhoi is renowned for his devotional poetry, which primarily revolves around his deep spirituality and philosophical insights.
- His works include hymns, poems, and songs that express his devotion to Lord Jagannath, a major deity in Odisha. His poetry often reflects themes of human suffering, divine grace, and social reform.
- Language and Style: His poetry was written in the Odia language and is noted for its lyrical quality and emotional depth. Bhima Bhoi’s use of language effectively communicated his spiritual beliefs and social messages to a wide audience.
Social Reform and Impact
- Advocacy for the Blind: Bhima Bhoi’s life and work were marked by a strong advocacy for the rights and dignity of blind individuals and other marginalized groups. His personal experiences as a blind person led him to challenge societal norms and prejudices against the disabled.
- Social Justice: He was actively involved in social reform efforts aimed at improving the conditions of the underprivileged. His writings and speeches often addressed issues such as caste discrimination and social inequality, reflecting his commitment to social justice.
Legacy and Recognition
- Bhima Bhoi’s Legacy: Bhima Bhoi is remembered as a visionary figure who used his poetry and activism to promote a message of inclusivity, equality, and spiritual enlightenment. His life and work continue to inspire social reformers and activists in India.
- Cultural and Educational Influence: The decision to name the first international university for the blind in India after Bhima Bhoi underscores his enduring legacy and the recognition of his contributions to literature and social reform. The university aims to honor his memory and extend his vision of empowerment and education for the blind community.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements with regards to Bhima Koi:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located? (2023)
(a) Andhra (b) Gandhara (c) Kalinga (d) Magadha Ans: a |
| Answer 5 B
Explanation
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