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INSAT 3DS satellite, designed for enhanced meteorological observation, has been flagged off to launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

INSAT 3DS Satellite Flagged Off to SDSC-SHAR

• According to ISRO, the satellite has successfully completed assembly, integration, and testing activities at U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, and it will be launched by GSLV F-14 (a more advanced rocket using liquid propellant).

About INSAT 3DS

• Indian National Satellite 3DS is an exclusive meteorological satellite designed for enhanced meteorological observation of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster management. 
• It is the third in a series of INSAT 3D satellites. Its predecessors were INSAT-3D (launched in 2013), and INSAT-3DR (2016).

• Development: It is a byproduct of the collaborative efforts of ISRO and the Indian Meteorological Organisation (IMO).
• User-Funded Project: The satellite is funded by the Ministry of Earth Science, and configured around ISRO’s I-2k bus platform with a lift-off mass of 2275 kg.
• Payload: 
  • Meteorology: Equipped with 6-channel imager and 19-channel sounder for enhanced meteorological observation.
  • Communication: It includes Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and Satellite aided search and Rescue (SAS$R) transponder.

How does INSAT 3DS Work?

• The Data Relay Transponder (DRT) instrument enhances weather forecasting capabilities by receiving meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data from automatic data collection platforms or automatic weather stations (AWS).

Significance of INSAT 3DS

• Provides more accurate weather information. 
• Providing real-time information. It will be crucial for disaster management.
• It will be helpful in analysing environmental impact on different geographies (from forests to oceans to glaciers).

News Source: The Hindu

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An operation was launched by experts from Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve to rescue an adult male tiger sighted in Elluru Forest Range, Andhra Pradesh.

• One of the biggest challenges for the authorities is to locate the pugmarks of big cats since the thick growth of oil palm plantations dominates the area.

About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

• Origin of Name: Two major dams located in the region, namely Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and the Srisailam Dam, are contributors to the name of Tiger Reserve Nagarjuna-Srisailam.
• Location: 
• • Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is situated in the Nallamala hill range, part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. It attained tiger status in 1983.
  • The tiger reserve encompasses Nallamala Hill and spans across five districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 
  • The Krishna River bisects it.
  • Area: It is the largest tiger reserve in the country. The total area of the tiger reserve is 3727 km sq.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: The Tiger Reserve is mainly constituted by two wildlife sanctuaries, namely the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Vegetation: Ecology
• • Flora: It features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation and houses rich floral diversity comprising trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers. The most prominent trees found here are Nallamaddi, Chirumanu, Billudu, Yepi, etc.
  • Fauna: Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Wild dog, Sloth bear, Wolf, etc.

News Source:  The Hindu

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• As part of the U.K. ‘s ongoing ‘100000 Genome Project’, a study of over 13,800 cancer patients has been published suggesting cancer genomics could transform cancer care.
• Enhanced Customization in Cancer Therapy: The program showed how genome sequencing combined with regular clinical data could increase the level of customization in cancer therapy. 

About Cancer

• Cancer is a disease of the genome which is caused by changes in genes that cause some cells to divide in an uncontrolled way. 
• Causes: These changes can be inherited or acquired. Inherited genetic variants form the basis of many hereditary cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer. 
• Major Public Health Concern: Cancer has emerged as a major public health concern worldwide with about 20 million new patients being added every year. 
  • According to estimates from the World Health Organization, over the next ten years, the incidence of cancer will rise by about 60%, making it the second leading cause of death. 
  • According to the National Cancer Registry, there are almost 1.4 million new cancer cases in India alone each year, accounting for nearly 1 in 1,000 diagnoses among Indians.

100000 Genomes Project

• Genome Sequencing Analysis: Under this 100000 Genomes Project, researchers obtained, sequenced, and analysed the genomes of people with different types of cancers. 
  • Their analysis can be applied in clinical settings to guide treatment strategies for cancer patients.
• Identifying New Target for Treatment: The study found that a greater percentage of those with lung or bowel cancers as well as those with brain tumours had unique DNA alterations that may serve as new targets for treatment. 
• Insights into ovarian cancers and sarcomas: The study also provided insights that could reshape even the understanding of challenging conditions like ovarian cancers and sarcomas.
  • For example, approximately 10% of sarcomas (rare cancers of the bone and soft tissue) exhibited genetic changes that could impact treatment decisions. 
  • The researchers also identified a corresponding proportion of ovarian cancers as being potentially inherited.

Significance of 100000 Genomes Project

• Harnessing Genomic Medicine for Enhanced Cancer Care:  The impetus behind this study aligns with the vision of England’s public health system.
  • The National Health Service (NHS) has been keen on understanding how genomic medicine can be harnessed to enhance cancer care. 
• Realisation of Precision Medicine: The study signifies the realisation of the promise of precision medicine, envisioned with the launch of the 100000 Genomes Project.
• Under the project, patients were recruited as part of a larger genomics initiative whose focus was as much cancer as rare genetic diseases.
• Real World Applications: The lessons learned from it are finding real-world applications in some parts of the U.K. 
  • Hospital trusts in East Midlands are incorporating insights from genome-sequencing and referring individuals with certain genetic mutations to clinical trials for certain therapies.

Precision Oncology

• Precision Oncology is an innovative approach to cancer treatment that ensures  treatment is specifically designed and targeted to unique forms of cancer. 
• It’s the science of using each patient’s individual genetics – the genes that are mutated, causing their cancer to grow – to create a treatment protocol just for them, based on those genetic mutations.

Limitations of Precision Medicine in Cancer

• Requirements for Gene or Protein Alterations in Cancer Cells: Eligibility for participation in a precision medicine clinical trial requires specific gene or protein alterations in the individual’s cancer cells, aligning with the targeted therapy under investigation. 
• Accessibility Challenges: Access to precision medicine trials is frequently restricted to larger cancer centres, potentially limiting opportunities for participation among certain individuals.
• Increased Costs: Tests for gene and protein changes can be expensive, especially if many changes are being tested for, and insurance might not cover all testing costs.

Also Read: 

• Bio-Imaging Bank
• AktoCyte Tablets
• CAR T-cell Therapy

News Source: The Hindu

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The  National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation was chaired by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying  at Koteshwar (Kori Creek), Kutch, Gujarat.

Seaweed Cultivation in India

• The Pilot was conducted at the Koteshwar (Kori Creek), Kutch, Gujarat where diverse  methods of seaweed cultivation viz. Monoline, tube-net and rafts were  demonstrated by CMFRI, CSMCRI and NFDB during the National Conference on Seaweed Development.

About Seaweeds

• Seaweeds are a form of macroscopic algae, a primitive type of plant lacking true roots, stems and leavesHabitat: They  grow  in the marine and shallow coastal waters or brackish water habitats and on rocky shores.
• Types:   seaweeds are recognized into Four groups  according to their pigments that absorb light of particular wavelengths. 

• • These are Chlorophyta (green algae), Phaeophyta (brown algae) and Rhodophyta (red algae) and Blue algae.
  • India possesses around 434 species of Red Algae, 194 species of Brown Algae, and 216 species of Green Algae.
• In India: Around 844 species of seaweeds have been reported from Indian seas primarily found along the coast of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat  and around Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Application of Seaweed

• Renewable  source of Food, energy, chemicals and medicines with manifold nutritional, industrial, biomedical, agriculture and personal care applications.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: They are used as laxatives, for making pharmaceutical capsules, in the treatment of goitre cancer, in bone-replacement therapy and in cardiovascular surgeries.
• Industrial:  They are a source of Agar, Alginates and Carrageenan used in laboratories, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cardboard, paper, paint and processed foods. 
• Environmental Benefits: Seaweeds are incredibly efficient at sucking up carbon dioxide and using it to grow.
  • For Example: Eelgrass, mangroves, and salt marshes are  known for their ability to store carbon.
• Bioplastic: The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has developed a bioplastic film using marine seaweed and PEG-3000 which could have a huge impact on limiting the usage of non-biodegradable plastics and a game-changer in the plastic industry

Seaweed Cultivation in India: Status, Importance and Challenges

• In 2022, the global production of seaweed was close to 35 million tonnes  worth about $16.5 billion. In comparison, India only had a production of 34,000 tonnes.
  • The Indian government has created a package of Rs 640 crore to promote seaweed cultivation of up to 1.12 million tonnes by 2025.
  • India has the potential to produce around 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed per year, according to the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute.

• Importance of Seaweed Cultivation

• • Additional income source: It provides occupation and source of income  for the coastal people.
  • Address scarcity concerns: Provide a continuous supply of raw materials for seaweed-based industry.
  • Conservation efforts: Conserve natural populations of concerned seaweeds.
  • Eco-friendly: Seaweed cultivation is a major tool to treat coastal pollution in the sea and reduce CO2

• Challenges in Cultivation

  • Overexploitation of sea beds: leading to a scarcity of raw material, poor quality raw material
  • Manpower unavailability: labour shortages during the paddy harvesting season
  • Technological backwardness: lack of technology to improve processed product quality 
  • Information deficit: lack of information on new and alternative sources of raw materials. 

News Source: PIB

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Iran faces the severe challenge of air pollution and acid rain. 

About Acid Rain

• Acid rain is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. 
• Formation: It results when sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. 
• • When these molecules dissolve in water droplets and the droplets precipitate, the precipitation that is formed is known as acid rain. The typical pH of acid rain is around 4.2-4.4. 
• Major sources of SO2 and NOX:
  • Burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity.
  • Vehicular emission.
  • Manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries.
• Challenges: 
  • Impact on Biodiversity: It renders the water inhospitable and destroys some bacteria which in turn adversely affects forests and other large ecosystems in complex ways. 
  • A Global Concern: Winds can blow SO2 and NOX over long distances and across borders, making acid rain a global problem.
  • Corrosive in Nature: It is highly corrosive, hence impacts the infrastructure too.
  • Acid rain also leads to lower visibility.
• Mitigation: 
  • Flue-gas Desulphurisation: Flue-gas desulfurization is a set of technologies that removes sulphur dioxide (SO2) from flue gases produced from industrial combustion.
  • Liming Process: Liming adds acid-neutralising substances (usually powdered lime or limestone) into the affected lake or river. 
    • The lime neutralises some of the acid and raises the pH of the water. 
  • Reducing emissions from vehicles, industries, etc. 
  • Collaborative Action: Many governments worldwide have also been working together to minimise acid rain. Example- The Acid Deposition Monitoring  Network in East Asia (EANET) in Asia.

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The Junta (military rule) led countries in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have declared their abrupt withdrawal from the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States).

Junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to Withdraw from ECOWAS

• They accused the ECOWAS of “drifting from the principles set by its founding fathers and the essence of Pan-Africanism” under the influence of foreign powers.
• Battling with Insurgencies: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are grappling with escalating jihadist insurgencies and pervasive poverty, the regimes have strained ties with ECOWAS worsened following military coups that ousted democratically elected governments in Niger (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Mali (2020). 

About ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States)

• About: The Economic Community of West African States is a regional political and economic union comprising fifteen countries situated in West Africa. 
• Goal: To facilitate “collective self-sufficiency” for member states by establishing a unified, integrated trading zone by creating a comprehensive economic and trading union and elevate the living standards of the region’s population.
• Origin: Established on May 28, 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its stated mission is to promote economic integration across the region. 
• Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria.
• Members: The fifteen ECOWAS member countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. 

News Source: BBC

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The policy to dereservation any reserved faculty positions in  UGC’s draft guidelines  has been scrapped as clarified by the Education Ministry and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

UGC Draft Guidelines Over Dereservation

• The ‘Final Draft Guidelines for Implementation of the Reservation Policy of the Government of India in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) was released for public feedback by January 28. 
• The draft guidelines on implementing the reservation policy in higher education institutions 
• This draft is prepared by a four-member committee headed by the director of the Institute of Public Administration, Dr H S Rana.
• De-reservation in case of Promotion: In case of promotion, if sufficient number of SC/ST candidates fit for promotion against reserved vacancies are not available, such vacancies may be de-reserved and filled by the candidates of other communities.
  • The power to accord approval to dereservation of the reserved vacancies in such cases is delegated to the administrative Ministries and Departments

The Draft Guidelines 

• Chapter on dereservation of unfilled quota: It said that in exceptional circumstances  unfilled posts meant for teachers, officers, and employees of a university from the ST/SC and OBC category can be filled by General candidates, provided the university gives adequate justification for it.
• The proposal: It will consist of information such as the designation, pay scale, name of the service, responsibilities, required qualifications, efforts made to fill the post, and why it cannot be allowed to remain vacant.
  • Group A and B posts: Proposals for de-reservation should be submitted to the Education Ministry
  • Group C and D posts: Proposal should be  forwarded to the Executive Council (the top decision making body) of the university for special permission. 

Current Recruitment Policy

• As per the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019 reservation in CEIs is provided for all posts in direct recruitment in the  teacher’s cadre 
• The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) permits de-reservation in exceptional circumstances exclusively for Group A posts but this provision has not been put into effect in universities. 
• Unfilled quota positions undergo re-advertisement, and universities organise special recruitment drives until suitable candidates are identified.

News Source: The Indian Express

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Recently, a working group (WG) constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made certain recommendations to address issues relating to guarantees extended by State governments.

• Establishment: The WG was constituted in July 2022 and composed members from the Ministry of Finance, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and some State governments. 

RBI Working Group Recommendation On State Guarantee

• On the Definition of State Guarantee: 

  • Wider Scope: The ‘State guarantee’ should include all instruments, if they create an obligation on the guarantor (State) to make a payment on behalf of the borrower at a future date. 
  • Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility: The government guarantees should not be used to obtain finance through State-owned entities and also should not be allowed to create direct liability/de-facto liability on the State.  

• On Guidelines: 

  • Follow the Guidelines: Need to adhere with the Government of India guidelines that stipulate that guarantees be given only for the principal amount and normal interest component of the underlying loan. 
  • Limited Provision: The Guarantee must not be extended for external commercial borrowings, for more than 80% of the project loan (depending on the conditions imposed by the lender) and for private sector companies and institutions.  

• On Appropriate Preconditions: 

  • Specified: The period of guarantee, levy of fee to cover risk, govt representation on the management board of the borrowing entity, and right to audit, etc., must be specified.  

• On Risk Determination: 

  • Assessment: Similar to the prior mandate recommendation of 2002, the WG suggested that States assign appropriate risk weights (indicator of the holding the lender should ideally have to adjust the associated risk) before extending guarantees. 
  • Consideration: The categorisation could be high, medium or low risk, must also consider the past record of defaults. They must also disclose the methodology of assigning.  
    • States conservatively keep the lowest slab at 100%.  

• On Fees & Ceiling:

  • Fees: On the basis of the risk assessment, also taking into account the tenure, the base fee or minimum guarantee fee must be set at a minimum of 2.5% per annum. 
    • Additional risk premium may be considered based on the risk assessment.  
• Ceiling: To manage the potential stress, for incremental guarantees issued during a year, WG proposes a ceiling at 5% of Revenue Receipts or 0.5% of GSDP– whichever is less. 

• On Disclosures: 

  • Disclosure for Improvement: RBI may consider advising banks/NBFCs to disclose the credit extended to State-owned entities, backed by State-government guarantees. 
  • A proper Database: For all extended guarantees.
    • Availability of data, both from issuer and the lender may improve the credibility of the data reported by the State government.
  • A Tracking Unit: A unit may be set up at the State level to track the same alongside its compilation and consolidation.  

• On Honouring Guaranteed Obligations: 

• • Careful Decisions: States must be wary before extending any fresh finance to entities that have failed in honouring commitments before.
    • Also, fresh guarantees issued by the State Government may not be readily accepted by the lenders/investors. 

Concerns Raised by the RBI Working Group

•  Fiscal Burden: The Guidelines has been widely used as may be an upfront cash payment is usually not required. While guarantees are safe in good times, it may lead to significant fiscal risks and burden the State at other times.
• The guarantee can be triggered by certain events, the quantum and timing of potential costs/cash outflows are often difficult to estimate. 
  • The implementation of given recommendations are “expected to facilitate better fiscal management by State governments.”

News Source: The Hindu

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Assam Chief Minister laid the foundation of the first yoga and naturopathy hospital in the northeast.

About Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN)

• Aim: To integrate traditional practices with modern healthcare, contributing to holistic wellness and research advancement.
• It is Northeast’s First Yoga and Naturopathy Hospital.
• It would be developed as a centre of excellence in yoga and naturopathy for cardiovascular diseases in India and develop protocols for the management of non-communicable diseases.
• Location: Dihing Khamtighat, Dibrugarh district, Assam
• Investment: Approximately ₹100 crore
• Services Offered by CRIYN:
  • Patient Care: Inpatient, outpatient, and daycare services.
  • Therapies: Naturopathy, yoga therapy, massage, acupressure, acupuncture, chemotherapy, magneto therapy, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy.

News Source: The Hindu

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As per diplomatic sources, Germany has presented a proposal to sell six advanced conventional submarines to India under the Navy’s Project 75i procurement program.

Germany Proposes Submarine Sale to India for Project 75i

• High-Level Discussions: German Defence Minister visited India in June 2023 and advocated for Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
  • ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany is a group and holding company of providers of naval vessels, surface ships and submarines.
• Strategic Partnership Criteria: Only Germany and Spain meet the technical criteria to submit bids under the P-75I deadline. 

About Project 75

• Background: Project 75 was conceived in 1997 for the construction of two indigenous SSK Submarines known as Type 1500.
  • In 1999, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved a 30-year plan for the Navy to build 24 submarines by 2030. 

• Phases of the Project 75: 

  • First Phase: Two lines of production were to be established, each line producing six submarines.
    • First: P-75  
    • Second: P-75i

• Project 75

  • The contract for P-75 was signed in 2005 with the Naval Group and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).
  • The six submarines under project 75 are: INS Kalvari, INS Vagsheer, INS Vela, , INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, and INS Vagir.
  • Features of Scorpene Class:
    • Submarines under Project 75, like the Scorpene Class, boast advanced stealth features, including:
      • Improved acoustic absorption techniques
      • Low radiated noise levels
      • Long-range guided torpedoes
      • Tube-launched anti-ship missiles
      • Sonars and sensor suites
  • Significance: 
    • It is one of the most significant ‘Make in India’ projects. 
    • It will allow for faster and more significant technological adoption, as well as the development of a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India.
    • It promotes self-sufficiency by reducing current reliance on imports.
  • Limitations of Project 75 Submarines
    • Battery-Powered Constraints: Despite advancements, Project 75submarines, relying on electrical batteries, need to surface every 48 hours for recharging.

• Project 75i

  • It is a follow-up to Project 75 and improves upon the design and technology of its predecessor.
  • It is India’s first under the Strategic Partnership Model.
  • It focuses on enhancing design and technology for India’s conventional diesel-electric submarines.
  • Project 75i: AIP Technology Implementation
    • Project 75i incorporates Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology to overcome limitations. 
    • AIP enables submarines to stay submerged for an extended period, up to two weeks.

Current Indian Submarine Fleet

• Existing Fleet: India presently has 16 conventional diesel-electric submarines (SSKs). 
  • The commissioning of the last two Kalvari Class subs under Project 75 will raise the count to 18. Additionally, India has two nuclear ballistic submarines (SSBN).
• Types of Submarines
  • The fleet includes four Shishumar Class (collaboration with Germany), eight for Kilo Class (from Russia), and four Kalvari Class (built in India at MDL).

News Source: The Hindu

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The Laughing Gull, a North American bird, was discovered in Chithari Estuary in Kasaragod in Kerala, marking the first recorded instance of this species being observed in India.

Laughing Gull Spotted in Kasaragod, Kerala

• e-Bird application: It played an important role in disseminating this finding.
  • It is a dedicated application to collecting scientific bird information.
• Other Birds Found in Estuary: Lesser black-backed gull, slender-billed gull, brown-headed gull, great crested, lesser crested tern, Caspian tern etc.
• Total Number of Bird Species: The discovery increases the total number of bird species found in India to 1,367, with Kasaragod district contributing 400 species.

About Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus Atricilla)

• Name: The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls, resembling human laughter.
• Protection Status: 
  • IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern.
  • CITES and CMS Status: Not Evaluated
• Range: They are most common on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America.
• Description: Smaller than typical seagulls, they have black beaks and legs, with dark wings setting them apart from other seagull species. 
  • Laughing gulls are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds.
• Migration: During winter, these birds embark on migratory journeys, with occasional sightings along Africa’s southern coast. 
  • Its presence in Asia had been recorded only in countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines.

News Source: TH

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This article is based on the news “Death by nitrogen: Why this Alabama execution is polarising” which was published in the Indian Express. In Alabama, USA a convict has been executed using nitrogen hypoxia for the first time as a method of capital punishment.

What is Capital Punishment?

• About: Capital Punishment is defined as a death penalty ordered by the state owing to the commission of a Crime. Crimes that can result in the death penalty are known as capital crimes or capital offences.
• Purpose of Capital Punishment: The prime reason behind capital punishment is its efficacy in deterring identical or similar crimes.

Status of Capital Punishment Across World

• 36 countries worldwide practise it, and 103 countries have completely abolished it for all crimes.
  • European Union: Article 2 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibits the use of capital punishment. 
  • Council of Europe: It has 47 member states, and also prohibits the use of the death penalty by its members.
• UN General Assembly Resolution: In 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014, the UN General Assembly passed non-binding resolutions advocating for an international moratorium on executions to ultimately abolish them. 
  • Although many nations have abolished capital punishment, China, India, the United States and Indonesia, continue to apply the death penalty (although in India and in many US states it is rarely employed). 
  • Each of these four nations has consistently voted against the General Assembly resolutions.

Capital Punishment in India: Status

• Death Penalty in India: According to the ‘Death Penalty in India: Annual Statistics 2022’ report released by Project 39A, the Supreme Court awarded the death penalty to only seven people from 2007 to 2022.
  • All death sentences were either set aside or commuted to life in 2023, as they did not fall under the “rarest of rare cases”.
• Capital punishment by Trial Courts: Trial courts awarded 165 death sentences in 2022, the highest in over two decades.
  • 98.3% of the death penalty cases were decided by trial courts “without any materials on mitigating circumstances of the accused and without any state-led evidence on the question of reform.

Provisions For Capital Punishment in India

• Statutory Provision: The Air Force Act, of 1950, The Army Act, of 1950, and The Navy Act, 1957 provide punishment for offences, including hanging or death by shooting.

Supreme Court Judgement on Capital Punishment in India

• Jagmohan Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1972): The constitutional validity of the death penalty was upheld by the SC. 
• Rajender Prasad v. State of Uttar Pradesh:  The court held that the death penalty directly affects the life of the people guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. To impose death penalty, the two things are required:
  • The special reasons should be recorded for imposing the death penalty in a case.
  • The death penalty must be imposed only in extraordinary circumstances.
• Bachan Singh vs State of Punjab (1980): In this case, the SC upheld the death penalty, but limited it to the ‘rarest of rare cases’.
  • It upheld the Rule of Law which holds that the death sentence is only legal if it serves as an alternative to life in prison. 
  • It strengthens the policy that life imprisonment is the rule and death punishment is an exception.
• Deena Dayal vs Union of India And Others (1983): It upheld the capital punishment by ruling that hanging is “as painless as possible” and “causes no greater pain than any other known method”.

Arguments in Favour of Capital Punishment in India

• Retribution: According to this theory, real justice requires people to suffer for their wrongdoing, and to suffer in a way appropriate for the crime. 
  • Death sentence is seen as just retribution for murderers, providing closure for victime’s family and society.
• Utilitarianism: Utilitarian theory propounded by Jeremy Bentham aims at welfare-maximising actions and conveys that the consequential welfare of the society outweighs the deprivation of life of the criminal. 
• Deterrence: It has been argued that it gives victims’ families satisfaction and serves as a deterrence to potential offenders, preventing them from committing these extremely horrible crimes again.
• Public Safety: The public has to be safeguarded against the possibility of release of a murderer which may cause further crimes.
• Least Humane Method: The government argues that hanging should remain legal because it is the least common method of execution that goes wrong, in addition to not being harsh or inhumane.

Arguments Against Capital Punishment in India

• Violation of Right to Life: The death penalty also violates the fundamental right to life guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. 
  • The Indian Constitution, under Article 21, states that no person shall be deprived of his “Right to Life” unless done with due process. 
  • When the death penalty is imposed, it also restricts the scope of introducing fresh evidence or legal rules into the case. 
• Methods of Penalty: According to the Indian Constitution, state-sanctioned executions have to be as comfortable and painless as possible but there is no easy method available for this.
  • The most popular technique, lethal injection, has been involved in controversy due to unsuccessful executions. 
  • Ex- One Oklahoma prisoner experienced an apparent heart attack forty-three minutes following the initial injection in 2014.
• Poor Deterrence Effect: There is no proof that the death penalty serves as any kind of deterrence. 
  • Social scientists had shown the death penalty had no deterrent effect; and that public opinion worldwide was in favour of its abolition. 

• Discriminatory: The death penalty is discriminatory. It is often used against the most vulnerable in society, including the poor, ethnic and religious minorities, and people with mental disabilities.
  • The death penalty Report of India clearly shows that around 76% of convicts of Death Penalty belonged to lower and backward castes contravening the philosophy of ethics and morality. 
  • Additionally 93.5% sentenced to death penalty for crimes of terror belong to Scheduled Castes or religious minorities. 
• Scope for Reform: Life imprisonment offers a chance for rehabilitation, whereas the death penalty limits any opportunity for redemption.
  • The sanctity of life and the dignity of death are held in high moral regard, and capital punishment is widely condemned as a grave violation of human rights.
• Execution of Innocent: Utilitarian theory and its “goal oriented” may lead to wrongful executions, especially in cases of terrorism where unfair trials and coerced confessions are common.
  • In some cases, special or military courts set up through counterterrorism laws have sentenced civilians to death, undermining international standards. 

Way forward

• Life Imprisonment as an Alternative: The  Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 has defined ‘life imprisonment’ as a term for the remainder of one’s natural life, and this should be the default alternative to death sentences. 
• Option for Remission: Remission should be a humanitarian act and never a source of political controversy. 
  • Removing capital punishment from the statute book and introducing a rational and universal remission policy will be a substantive reform in the justice system.
  • The case for the abolition of the death penalty in India will gain strength if the trend of seeking the premature release of life convicts on political grounds is arrested and life terms without remission become more common. 
• Rehabilitation: The reason behind commission of crime may in a lot of cases be the deeply rooted “Psychosocial maladjustment”. The correction of this maladjustment must be made the prime goal to deter repeat offences.
  • Rehabilitation has its theoretical base in the belief that unfavourable social conditions are the reason behind commission of crime. Therefore, it is the moral right of the convict to seek the help of society. 
• Law Commission Recommendation:  As recommended by the Law Commission report, death penalty should be abolished , except in certain cases where the accused is convicted in terror related offence.

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This article is based on the news “Our Panchayati Raj system is in need of funding empowerment” which was published in the Live Mint. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its report titled “Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions” for the years 2020-21 to 2022-23. 

• It presents an assessment of their finances and their role in India’s socio-economic development.

RBI Report on Panchayati Raj Finance: Key Highlights

• Panchayats’ Own Sources of Revenue: They are limited, mainly property taxes, fees, and fines. 
• Average Revenue of Panchayats: According to the report, the average revenue per Panchayat, encompassing taxes, non-taxes, and grants, was at 21.2 lakh in 2020-21, 23.2 lakh in 2021-22, and experienced a slight dip to 21.23 lakh in 2022-23.
  • The own revenues of the Panchayats were only 1.1 per cent of their total revenue during the study period.
• Average Expenditure: Panchayat witnessed a decline from 17.3 lakh in 2020-21 to 12.5 lakh in 2022-23, attributed to elevated spending during the pandemic year.
• Devolution of Power: There are sharp inter-state variations in the devolution of powers and functions to Panchayats. 
  • States having higher devolution levels exhibit better outcomes in health, education, infrastructure development, water supply and sanitation.
• Uneven Fiscal Data Availability: An assessment of the fiscal health of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is challenging due to the uneven availability of data on their revenues and expenditures. 

About Panchayati Raj

• Self Government: The term Panchayati Raj in India signifies the system of rural local self government. 
• Grass Root Level Democracy: It has been established in all the states of India by the Acts of the state legislatures to build democracy at the grass root level. 
  • Mahatma Gandhi advocated Gram Swaraj or village self-governance as a decentralised form of governance in which villages would be responsible for their own affairs, serving as cornerstones of India’s political system. 
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA): It was constitutionalised through the 73rd CAA of 1992. The act has given a practical shape to Article 40 of the Constitution.
  • This act has added a new Part-IX to the Constitution of India entitled as ‘The Panchayats’ and consists of provisions from Articles 243 to 243 O. 
  • The act has also added a new Eleventh Schedule to the Constitution. This schedule contains 29 functional items of the panchayats.

Assessment of Panchayati Raj Finance

• Central Finance Commissions  (CFCs): Successive CFC have recommended a consistent increase in grants to PRIs, from 4,381 crore by the Tenth CFC to 2.37 lakh crore by the Fifteenth CFC.
• State Finance Commission (SFC): Article 243-I of the Constitution stipulates the establishment of a SFC every five years to assess the financial status of Panchayats and propose a framework for sharing taxes between the State and Panchayats. 
  • The formation of these SFCs has, however, not been consistent across different States.
• Revenue Collection: Article 243-H of the Constitution empowers Panchayats to impose, collect, and allocate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees. 
  • The decisions regarding taxes to be decentralised to local governments are, however, mainly at the discretion of State legislatures. 
• Other Funding Sources: In addition to these revenue sources, Panchayats also receive grants from international organisations and funds for executing Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) like the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, the SVAMITVA, the National Horticulture Mission, etc.

Role of Panchayati Raj in India’s Socio-Economic Development

• Rural Development: It encompasses various sectors including agriculture, rural industries, and essential social infrastructure, such as schools, clinics, roads, communication networks, water supply systems, etc.
  • According to the 2011 Census, almost 69% of India’s population resides in rural areas, thus panchayats are critical to providing local governance and stepping up rural development. 
  • Further, PRIs prepare Village Development Plans (VDPs) and implement development projects by allocating resources based on local needs to align development initiatives with the priorities of the rural population. 
  • Panchayats also serve as implementing agencies for various Central and State government programmes and schemes to help in the targeted delivery of these programmes at the grassroots level.
• Agricultural Development: PRIs implement and oversee initiatives that boost agricultural productivity, support sustainable farming practices, and enhance the overall economic resilience of rural areas. 
  • For instance, cooperative endeavours like Amul have originated at the Panchayat level.
• SDG Localisation: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with PRIs across rural India. 
  • The Localisation of SDGs (LSDGs) is being actively pursued through 9 themes viz. (i) Poverty-free and enhanced livelihoods Panchayat; (ii) Healthy Panchayat; (iii) Child-Friendly Panchayat; (iv) Water-Sufficient Panchayat; (v) Clean and Green Panchayat; (vi) Panchayat with Self-sufficient Infrastructure; (vii) Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat; (viii) Panchayat with Good Governance; and (ix) Women-Friendly Panchayat.
• Providing Healthcare Facilities: Panchayats play a significant role in providing basic healthcare facilities through establishing and maintaining health centres, clinics, and dispensaries. 
  • Gram Panchayats contribute to improving maternal and child health by promoting institutional deliveries, encouraging prenatal and postnatal care, and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
  • From 2021-22 to 2025-26, around 0.70 lakh crore was allocated for  local governments for health, with 0.44 lakh crore specified for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs).
• Education: In rural areas, village Panchayats are responsible for constructing, maintaining and enhancing educational institutions, primary schools and community learning centres.  
  • Panchayats collaborate with schools and parents to encourage enrolment, minimise drop-out rates, and actively monitor school operations, teacher attendance, and educational quality.
  • Between 2018 and 2022, the enrolment of children aged 6-14 years in government schools in rural areas increased in all States, with Odisha, Gujarat and West Bengal recording more than 90 per cent of enrolment in government schools
• Women Empowerment: There is a positive and significant correlation between increased women’s participation and improved outcomes in local governance. 
  • For instance, E. Duflo and R. Chattopadhyay, in a study involving the working of PRIs in West Bengal and Rajasthan observed that women’s representation has had a net positive impact on the delivery of local public goods to marginalised communities. 
  • Article 243D of the Constitution guarantees women’s involvement in PRIs by stipulating a minimum one-third reservation for women in both the total seats filled by direct election and the positions of Panchayat Chairpersons.

Challenges Associated with Panchayati Raj in India

• Funds: 

  • Article 243G of the Constitution allows discretion to the States Governments in the matter of devolution of powers (funds, functions and functionaries) to Panchayats. 
  • Inadequate Financial Resources: The challenges faced by PRIs in raising local tax revenue include a limited tax base, shortage of administrative infrastructure and adequately trained staff for tax collection and lack of clear guidelines for introducing new taxes. 
    • None of the available tax sources is particularly substantial in revenue generation, except for the property tax. 
    • Consequently, some local bodies refrain from imposing and collecting taxes that they can levy.
  • Heavy reliance on Grants: Around 95 per cent of their revenues take the form of grants from higher levels of government, restricting their spending ability that is already hampered by delays in the constitution of State Finance Commissions.
  • Discrepancies in Revenue Generation: According to the RBI report on the Finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions, States like Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana reported higher non-tax revenue than others.

• Functions:

  • Lack of Effective Devolution of Power: Since the 73rd CAA does not mandate devolution of functions, local bodies have limited functional capacities, as the devolution of power and authority to panchayats has been left to the discretion of states. 
  • According to the Standing Committee on Rural Development Report on ‘Improvement in the functioning of Panchayats’, the mandatory meetings of panchayats were not taking place and had poor attendance, especially from women representatives.  

• Functionaires:

• • Under-Provision of Basic Human Resources: According to the Standing Committee on Rural Development, there is a severe lack of support staff and personnel in panchayats, such as secretaries, junior engineers, computer operators, and data entry operators.  This affects their functioning and delivery of services by them.  

Way Forward to the Panchayati Raj Finance

• Devolving 3Fs:  State governments should make adequate efforts to devolve funds, functions, and functionaries to panchayats for them to effectively plan economic development and social justice schemes.
  • The Standing Committee on Rural Development recommended that states devolve subjects like fuel and fodder, non-conventional energy sources, small scale industries including food processing industries, technical training, etc. to panchayats. 
• Timely Establishment of State FC: The report recommended that prompt establishment of SFCs, avoiding the sizable delays that occur currently, assumes importance.
  •  SFCs can strengthen the financial position of PRIs and help them in better delivery of their responsibilities for upliftment of the rural economy.
• Local Revenue Generation: PRIs can improve local revenue generation and use their limited resources more efficiently and effectively through measures such as transparent budgeting and fiscal discipline, active involvement of the local community etc.
  • According to NIRDPR, the Velpur Gram Panchayat (GP) in the Nizamabad district in Telangana has demonstrated effective revenue generation from internal sources.
• Data Generation: The G20 Data Gaps Initiative has emphasised the necessity of addressing data gaps that are relevant to policy making. 

• • At present, the primary source of Panchayat budget information on a national scale is eGramSwaraj and the available budget documents vary in terms of content and format across States and districts. 
  • According to the RBI, as India gradually aligns itself with the G20 Data Gaps Initiative, the need to bridge data disparities concerning local government finances within the country will become crucial. 
  • Reporting their finances in standardised formats would strengthen fiscal transparency and accountability at the Panchayat level.
• Improving Participation: The Standing Committee on Rural Development recommended that state governments should put a quorum in gram sabha meetings for participation of panchayat representatives, including women. 

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