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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today penned his thoughts on Sant Shiromani Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Maharaj Ji.

• He was  a renowned saint in the Digambar Jain community, and passed away after undertaking ‘sallekhna’.

About Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj

• Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj was a renowned monk in the Jain community, known for his wisdom and spiritual guidance. 
• He entered monastic life early and attained the esteemed title of Acharya, reflecting his profound knowledge and spiritual attainment.
• He is known for his work in the fields of education, healthcare, environmental advocacy and sustainable agriculture.
• He worked for social reforms and urged people to actively participate in democratic processes.
• He undertook voluntarily fasting to death and had quit intake of food and liquids in the last three days of his life.

About Sallekhana

• Sallekhana: Also called Santhara, Samadhi-marana, Sanyasana-marana, is a Jain religious practice involving voluntary fasting and meditation unto death for spiritual purification.
• Practised by Whom: Sallekhana (by Digambar)/Santhara (by Swetambars) is practised by the most devout Jains when they are nearing the end of their life and normal life is no longer possible due to old age or incurable disease.
• Philosophy: The practice is rooted in the Jain principle of non-violence (ahimsa) and detachment from the physical body.
• Historical Evidence: The Pratikramana Sutra in Shravaka Anuvrata (the code of conduct for Jains) clearly explains santhara, saying that when all purposes of life have been served, or when the body is unable to serve any more purpose, a person can opt for it.

Legality of the Practice of Sallekhana

• Nikhil Soni v. Union of India: The 2006 PIL argued that Sallekhana was not a fundamental right under Article 25 , because it violated the right to life guaranteed under Article 21.
  • In 2015, Rajasthan High Court led to ban on the practice of Sallekhana, comparing it to an act of suicide. 
  • The High Court also stated that the practice was not an essential practice of the Jain religion.
• Appeal To Supreme Court: The Supreme Court restored the Jain religious practice of a ritualistic fast unto death by staying an order of the Rajasthan High Court.
• SC Observation:  
  • The practice of Sallekhna does not interfere with public order, health or morality.
  • The right to practice Santhara or Sallekhana is safeguarded under the right to privacy, 
  • Its prevalence has been acknowledged since ancient times, even recognized by the Privy Council in 1863. 
  • Additionally, Article 26 ensures that every religious denomination has the right to manage its own religious affairs.

Source: PIB

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for Sugar Season 2024-25.

• The FRP of sugarcane was raised by 8 per cent to Rs 340 per quintal for Sugar Season 2024-25 (October-September) from the existing Rs 315 per quintal.

FRP: Fair and Remunerative Price

• Fair and remunerative price (FRP): It is the minimum price at which sugarcane is to be purchased by sugar mills from farmers.
• Criteria of Determination: The prices are determined based on the quantity and sugar recovery rate from the canes. 
  • Sugar Recovery Rate indicates the sugar production from per metric ton of sugarcane.

• FRP Determining Body: The FRP is fixed by the Union government (CCEA) on the basis of recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
• Committee: The FRP is based on the recommendations of the Rangarajan Committee report on reorganising the sugarcane industry.
• Statutory Provision: The pricing of sugarcane is governed by the statutory provisions of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 issued under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955.
• Methodology: Recommended FRP is arrived at by taking into account various factors such as cost of production, demand-supply situation, domestic & international prices, inter-crop price parity etc.
• State Advised Prices (SAP): The State Government of key sugarcane-producing states announces the State Advised Prices (SAP).
  • SAP is generally higher than the FRP set by the Central Government.

Significance of Increased FRP

• Doubling of Farmer’s Income: An increase in FRP would directly benefit more than 5 crore sugarcane farmers (including family members) and lakhs of other persons involved in the sugar sector in doubling their income.
• Increased Margin to Farmers:  FRP assures margins to farmers, irrespective of whether sugar mills generate a profit or not.
• Nationwide Implementation of FRP and State-Advised Prices: The FRP would be implemented nationwide. Additionally, states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu set a State Advised Price, usually above the FRP.

News Source: PIB

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An alternative route for trade to bypass the Red Sea was announced by  the Israeli transport minister.

Red Sea Attacks Foster Arab-Israeli Trade Link by Land

• Landbridge Agreement: Israel-based Trucknet signed a cooperation agreement with Emirati-based  Puretrans  and the Dubai port-operating company to enter into an agreement connecting the ports of Dubai or Bahrain, passing through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and getting to the port of Haifa, as well as Egypt, where cargo can continue to Europe.
• New Continental Routes:  A similar route is the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which connected Mumbai ports to Greece via the Middle Eastern countries.

Mundra Port in India Serves as Alternative Route For Israel

• The proposed new route is mainly a  land corridor first  proposed during the Abraham Accords  in 2020 (It was between Israel and the UAE, Morocco and Bahrain)
• India Role: India’s addition to the route will give it a multi-modal nature by connecting it to India’s  western Ports.
• The Route: It starts from the Mundra port in Gujarat to UAE’s Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, by sea, and then via land through Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Israel and further to Egypt.
• Truck-based: A major part of the land transport will be carried out on trucks with the trucks being operated by two shipping companies, Israel’s Trucknet and the UAE’s PureTrans.

Significance: 

• Transit time: Travel time is estimated to reduce by 80 per cent compared to maritime routes 
• Revenue Generator: The new route will  generate revenue for Saudi Arabia and Jordan  through  transport fees and duties in addition to cutting costs for Israel
• Alternative to Maritime Trade: It can provide a secure and efficient continental alternative route characterised by high standards and competitive pricing.
• Shipping  time: The shipping time will be reduced by 10 days; unloading and putting the cargo on trucks via the land route will take just four days.
• Security of International Trade: The attacks from Iran backed houthi militants in Red Sea has raised the shipping and insurance cost to trade significantly which is hampering global trade security and resilience.

News Source: The Indian Express

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A recent study conducted by scientists at Columbia University in New York has found that a litre of bottled water may contain over one hundred thousand particles of micro and nano plastics.

• The prefix ‘micro’ signifies a fraction of one-millionth, while ‘nano’ indicates a fraction of one-billionth.

About Microplastic and Nano Plastic

Microplastics:

• Microplastics are extremely small plastic particles. 
• Size Range:  These particles range from 100 nanometers (nm) to 5 millimetres (mm).
• Sources: They come from various places such as plastic waste, the breakdown of larger plastic items, and industrial activities.
• Widespread Presence: Microplastics are everywhere, including oceans, rivers, soil, and even the air.
• Detection Challenges: Their tiny size makes them difficult to detect without special equipment.

Nano Plastics:

• Nano plastics are even tinier than microplastics. 
• Smaller Size: These particles’ dimensions are less than 100 nm (about 1/10,000 mm).
• Invisibility: They are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye or microscopes.
• Formation: Nano plastics can form from the breakdown of larger plastic particles or through deliberate engineering at the nanoscale.

Key Findings of the Study

• Nanoplastic Prevalence: The study found approximately 240,000 micro and nano plastic particles per litre of bottled water. 
  • Tiny Particles Predominate: Roughly 90% of plastic particles detected are those that were previously invisible through conventional imaging techniques.
    • Microplastics Concentration: The remaining 10% identified as microplastics have a concentration of about 30,000 particles per litre. These particles are smaller than 2 µm.
    • Larger particle concentration: Larger particles (>2 µm), easier to spot using regular optical microscopy, are found in similar quantities as reported in microplastic analyses, depending on the detection limitations of different technologies.
• Presence of Unmatched Particles: The study also detected particles in the sample that didn’t correspond to existing standards.
• • Implications Beyond Plastic Contaminants: This suggests that the composition of particles in bottled water may encompass elements beyond what is typically considered plastic contaminants.
• Types of Plastics found in the bottled water:  The study found various plastic particles polyamide 66, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
• Increased Threat to Human Health: Nanoplastics are considered to pose a bigger danger to human well-being compared to microplastics due to their size. 
  • Ability to Enter Bloodstream and Cells: Their small size allows them to enter the bloodstream and penetrate human cells, potentially affecting organs.
  • Heightened Toxicity: Nanoplastics are considered more toxic due to their smaller size, making it easier for them to enter the human body than larger microplastics.
  • Potential Impact on Unborn Babies: These tiny plastic particles can also cross the placenta and enter the bodies of unborn babies.
• Presence of plastics in all ecosystems:  Microplastics are present in all ecosystems from ocean trenches to the tops of Himalayan mountains.

News Source: The Hindu

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ISRO achieves human rating of CE20 cryogenic engine CE20 for Gaganyaan mission.

Successful Completion of Human Rating of CE20 Cryogenic Engine for Gaganyaan Mission

• ISRO has accomplished a major milestone in the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine, which powers the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle for Gaganyaan missions.
  • Human-rating refers to rating a system that is capable of safely transporting humans. 
    • The tests involved life demonstration tests, endurance tests, and performance assessments under nominal operating conditions as well as off-nominal conditions.
• The human-rated HLVM3 rocket consists of a crew escape system, crew module, and orbital module.
  • Crew Escape System (CES): It ensures that crew module along with the crew is taken to a safe distance in case of any emergency either at launch pad or during ascent phase.
  • Orbital Module (OM): It will be orbiting the Earth and comprises a crew module (CM) and a service module (SM). 
    • OM is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics systems with adequate redundancy for human safety.

CE20 Cryogenic Engine

• CE20 Cryogenic engine: It is a rocket engine that uses a cryogenic fuel and oxidizer, meaning that both of these components are liquefied gasses that are kept at extremely low temperatures.
• Fuel Used: It typically makes use of liquid oxygen (LOX), which liquefies at -183 deg C, and liquid hydrogen (LH2), which liquefies at -253 deg C.
  • LH2 acts as the fuel, while LOX acts as the oxidizer that explosively reacts with the hydrogen, producing thrust.
• Stage of Usage: They are highly efficient propulsion systems with increased payload capacity and are used in the upper stages of rockets. 
• Other Cryogenic Engines: ISRO has used three cryogenic engines over the years: KVD-1, CE-7.5, and CE-20. 
  • The last two are India-made, although the design of the CE-7.5 is based on the KVD-1, which the Soviet Union supplied to India in the early 1980s.

Significance of Cryogenic Engines: 

• Higher Payload carrying capability: These engines enable rockets to carry larger payloads, critical for complex missions including satellite deployment and interplanetary exploration
• Advanced Propulsion: Cryogenic rocket stage is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to solid and earth-storable liquid propellant rocket stages.
• Technological Milestone: It is a significant achievement for ISRO, as only six countries have developed their own cryogenic engines: the US, France/European Space Agency, Russia, China, Japan, and India.

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The Union Cabinet has approved the amendment in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on the space sector.

Indian Government Approves 100% FDI in Space Sector

• Existing Policy: As per the existing FDI policy, FDI is permitted to establish and operate Satellites through the Government approval route only.
• Indian Space Policy 2023: In line with the vision and strategy under the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Cabinet has eased the FDI policy on the Space sector.
• Liberalized FDI Thresholds: The satellite sub-sector has been divided into three different categories with defined limits for foreign investment in each such sector
• Impact on Non-Government Entities (NGEs): This policy shift is expected to enhance NGEs’ capabilities in satellite and launch vehicle domains, promoting product sophistication and global market presence.

Amendments in the FDI Policy

• Clarity in Policy: The amendments  prescribing liberalised entry route and providing clarity for FDI in Satellites, Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft and manufacturing of space related components and systems.
• Categorization and Liberalisation of FDI: The amendment provides for three categories of liberalised entry route. 
  • Upto 74% under Automatic route: Satellites-Manufacturing & Operation, Satellite Data Products and Ground Segment & User Segment. Beyond 74% these activities are under the government route.
  • Upto 49% under Automatic route: Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft. Beyond 49% these activities are under government route.
  • Upto 100% under Automatic route: Manufacturing of components and systems/ sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment.

Benefits of Liberalising FDI in Space Sector

• Attract Potential Investors: The liberalized entry routes under the amended policy are aimed to attract potential investors to invest in Indian companies in space
• Enhance Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): The FDI policy reform will enhance EoDB in the country, leading to greater FDI inflows and contributing to the growth of investment and income.
• Increased Share in the Global Market: It could steer India to capture a larger chunk of the global space market. Currently, it accounts for only around 2 percent of the international commercial market.
• Employment Generation: Increased investment and growth of the space sector would result in growth of employment in the country. Currently the sector employs only around 50000 people. 
• Absorption of Modern Technology: The sector with increased FDI and collaboration with the private sector would absorb global technologies and make the sector self-reliant.
• Integration with Global Supply Chain: Liberalized FDI would integrate Indian companies into global value chains, enabling companies to set up their manufacturing facilities within the country, thus encouraging ‘Make In India (MII)‘ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat‘ initiatives.

Source: PIB

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The Union Cabinet approves the  Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) for a period of additional  five years.

Flood Management and Border Areas Programme: Key Highlights

• The programme was approved with a total budget of Rs. 4,100 crore for a period of 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• The Scheme will incentivise  States that  implement flood plain zoning, recognised as an effective non-structural measure for flood management. 

Flood Management and Border Areas Programme

• About: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme whereby the Government of India provides technical guidance and financial assistance to State Governments and supports their efforts in Flood management and control.

• Objectives:

  • To save  towns, villages, industrial establishments, communication links, agricultural fields, infrastructure, etc. from the devastation caused by floods and erosion. 
    • The catchment area treatment works will help in the reduction of sediment load into rivers. 
• Nodal Ministry: Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Launch: It was launched  during the XI five year plan (2007-2012)

• Components: 

The Flood Management and Border Areas Programme has two components – 

• • Flood Management Programme (FMP): Central assistance in the ratio 90 (centre): 10 (state)  for Special Category States and 60::40 for General states will be provided for taking up critical works related to flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development and anti-sea erosion, etc
    • Under this component 522 projects are taken up out of which 427 projects have been completed providing area benefit of 4.99 mha.

  • River Management and Border Areas (RMBA): 

    • It is a 100% centrally funded component. 
    • It will include hydrological observations and flood forecasting on common border rivers and also an investigation of water resources projects in neighbouring countries, pre-construction activities for water resources projects on common border rivers, and activities of the Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC).
    • The works also protect important installations of security agencies, border outposts, etc.  along the border rivers from flood and erosion. 

News source: PIB

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Recently, the 9th Edition of Raisina Dialogue 2024 began in New Delhi.

Raisina Dialogue 2024: Date, Chief Guest, and Theme

• Raisina Dialogue 2024 inaugurated by: PM Narendra Modi.
• Chief Guest of this year’s conference: Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
• 2024 Raisina Dialogue: Held from: 21st Feb-23 Feb 2024 in New Delhi.
  • Theme: Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create

• • 6 Thematic Pillars: (i) Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities; (ii) Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate; (iii) War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries; (iv) Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion; (v) The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress; and (vi) Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty.
  • Participants:  over 2500 from over 115 countries will gather at this ideas arena. 

About: The Raisina Dialogue

• Origin of Name: “Raisina Dialogue” is derived from Raisina Hill, a New Delhi seat of the Government of India & the Presidential Palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan. 
• It is India’s flagship conference on Geopolitics and Geoeconomics, 
• Hosted by: the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs, GoI.
• It is held annually, First Session Held in 2016.

• Objective: 

  • To share unique perspectives, concerns, and experiences that are essential for charting important pathways, building consensus, and strengthening communities for our common future.

• Organized on the lines of : 

  • Shangri La Dialogue (takes place annually in Singapore) & 
  • Munich Security Conference (the 60th edition of which took place recently in February 2024)

• Conference Structure: 

  • It is a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving global policymakers like heads of states, cabinet ministers, and local government officials. 
  • It also includes major private sector executives, media members, and academia. 

Significance of the Raisina Conference: 

• Leading Engagement Platform: Provides opportunities for India to engage on key regional and global issues on geopolitics and geo-economics.
• Focused on Rule-based International Order: Reflects India’s commitment to be a rules-based, inclusive, cooperative world order and contributor in the international arena.
• Highlights Significant Achievements: Highlights India’s achievements and potential in various fields. 
• Exemplifying India’s Capabilities: Illustrating India’s strengths and impactful global engagements. 
• Cultivating Regional Collaboration: Facilitating mutual comprehension, particularly within the Indo-Pacific. 
• Forging Collaborative Networks: Building alliances with diverse institutions and organizations to advance shared objectives. 
• Upholding Values: Maintaining independence, inclusiveness, and promoting cooperation. 

News Source: IE   

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Astronomers have discovered a rare class of stars, called helium-covered hot stars.

Astronomers Discover a Hot Helium Star

• After the research, scientists finally discovered a missing population of stars that confirms a key prediction of how Binary Star evolved.

What Is a Helium Star?

• It is a class O or B star (blue), which has extraordinarily strong helium lines, and weaker than normal Hydrogen lines, indicating strong stellar winds.

• • Extreme Helium Stars are scarce stars that are almost completely devoid of hydrogen.
• Temperature: Helium-rich stars are the hottest star category, almost 10 times as hot as the Sun.
  • Their immense heat means that despite being exceptionally rare, they make an outsize contribution to the universe’s stock of heavier elements.
• Hypothetical Star: A Helium star is also a term for a hypothetical star that could occur if two helium white dwarfs subsequently start nuclear fusion of helium, with a lifetime of a few hundred million years.
• This may only happen if these two binary masses share the same type of envelope phase. It is believed this is the origin of the extreme helium stars.

News Source: ILF Science and The Hindu   

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This article is based on the news “Cabinet approves Proposal for Implementation of Umbrella Scheme on “Women Safety” which was published in the Pib. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of continuation of the implementation of Umbrella Scheme on ‘Women Safety in India’ at a total cost of Rs.1179.72 crore during the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Proposal For Implementation of Umbrella Scheme on “Women Safety in India”

• There is a proposal to set up six Cyber Forensic Science Laboratories in Pune, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Delhi, Kamrup, and Bhopal. 
  • These laboratories aim to enhance the efficiency and promptness of scientific investigations in cyber-related cases.

Umbrella Scheme On ‘Women Safety in India’

• This scheme comprises various projects for ensuring women safety in India. 
• Budget Outlay: Out of the total project outlay of Rs.1179.72 crore, MHA will provide Rs. 885.49 from its own budget whereas Nirbhaya fund will give a fund of Rs. 294.23 crore. 

• Key Projects Under the Umbrella Scheme for “Women Safety”

• • Enhancement of the 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0
  • Modernization of Central Forensic Sciences Laboratories, including the establishment of a National Forensic Data Centre
  • Strengthening DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic capabilities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs)
  • Targeted initiatives to combat Cyber Crimes against Women and Children
  • Capacity building and training programs for investigators and prosecutors handling cases of sexual assault involving women and children
  • Establishment of Women Help Desks & Anti-Human Trafficking Units

Objectives of Umbrella Scheme On ‘Women Safety”

• Strengthening State and Union Territory Systems
• Making Investigations Faster and More Effective
• Empowering Law Enforcement and Judiciary
• Setting Up and Improving Support Services
• Teaching Women About Their Rights

Women Safety:

• Women safety involves implementing strategies, practices, and policies aimed at reducing gender-based violence, including violence against women, as well as addressing women’s fear of crime.

Challenges Faced by Women in India

• High Incidence of Violence
• Cultural Norms and Gender Discrimination
• Inadequate Law Enforcement and Justice Delivery
• Cybercrimes and Technological Threats
• Trafficking and Exploitation

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This article is based on the news “When can a bill be designated as a ‘money bill’: SC to hear challenge” which was published in the Indian Express. In the backdrop of the recent judgement of the Supreme Court on the Electoral bond scheme, Money bills have recently become subject to a constitutional challenge.

Background: 

• The Centre is allegedly using the Money Bill route to pass critical legislation.
• However, there is an unresolved question about what exactly qualifies as a Money Bill.
• This matter is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court’s Seven-judge Constitution Bench.

About Money Bills 

• Constitutional Provisions: 

  • Articles 109 and 198 deal with Special procedures in respect of Money Bills.
  • Articles 110  and 199 deal with the definition of Money Bill.

• Money Bill Definition: 

  • A bill is deemed to be a money bill if it contains ‘only’ provisions dealing with following matters: 
  • Imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax; 
  • Regulation of the borrowing of money by the Union government;
  • Appropriation of Money, payments and withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund of India or the contingency fund of India, 
  • Receipt, custody, audit of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of India.
  • Any matter incidental to any of the matters specified above.

• What is not a Money Bill?

A bill is not to be deemed to be a money bill by reason only that it provides for 

• • Imposition of fines or other pecuniary penalties, or 
  • Demand for payment of fees for licences or fees for services rendered; or
  • Imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax by any local authority or body for local purposes. 

Role of Different Institutions With Respect to Money Bills

• Lok Sabha Speaker:

  • The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has to certify that a bill being introduced in the house is a Money Bill. 
    • However, the Supreme Court in 2018 while delivering the judgement upholding the Aadhaar Act stated that the Speaker’s decision will be subject to judicial scrutiny.
  • His decision in this regard cannot be questioned in any court of law or in either the House of Parliament or even the president. 
  • When a money bill is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for recommendation and presented to the president for assent, the Speaker endorses it as a money bill. 

• Rajya Sabha:   

• • Money bills cannot be amended or rejected by the Rajya Sabha.
  • Rajya Sabha should return the bill with or without recommendations, which may be accepted or rejected by the Lok Sabha.
  • It can be detained by the Rajya Sabha for a maximum period of 14 days only.
• President: It can be rejected or approved but cannot be returned for reconsideration by him.
• Joint Sitting: No provision of joint sitting of both the Houses.

Significance of Money Bills

• Deals With Financial Matters: 

• • They are specifically designed to address financial matters such as taxation, government expenditure, and related financial issues. 
  • Crucial for the effective functioning of the government and the implementation of its budgetary proposals.

• Vote of Confidence: 

• • The passage of Money Bills is considered a de facto vote of confidence in the government. 
  • Its defeat in the Lok Sabha leads to the government’s resignation. 
  • The Lok Sabha can convey its dissatisfaction with the government by refusing to pass a Money Bill, indicating a lack of confidence.

• Constitutional Safeguard: 

  • The Constitution provides broad guidelines regarding what constitutes a Money Bill. 
  • This ensures that it pertains exclusively to financial matters. 
  • It prevents the misuse of Money Bills for non-financial legislation.

• Time-Bound Process: 

  • Money Bills must be disposed of within a specific time frame.
  • Prevents unnecessary delays in financial decision-making. 
  • Ensures the government can efficiently carry out its financial responsibilities without prolonged legislative debates.

Issue With Respect to Money Bill 

• Alleged Misuse of Money Bill Route: 

  • Use of Money bill route to pass key financial legislation. 
  • For Example: The Aadhaar Act, 2016, amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), and the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act, 2010.

• Limits Rajya Sabha’s Role in Lawmaking: 

• • A money bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha. 
  • The Rajya Sabha cannot amend a money bill passed by the Lok Sabha and can only make recommendations that the Lok Sabha can accept or reject. 
  • Money bill route bypasses the Rajya Sabha’s scrutiny, neglecting valuable input.
  • It can lead to parliamentary oversight without scrutiny from the Rajya Sabha.

• Anything can be passed as a Money Bill: 

• • Arguing that the main provisions align with the scope of Article 110 and passing other provisions under the garb of Money Bill will lead to the passing of any bill as a Money Bill.

• Hasty Lawmaking:  

• • Money Bills provide a fast-tracked option for the enactment of laws by Parliament. 

Cases Were Challenged Related Money Bill  In the Supreme Court

• Aadhaar Act, 2016: Legality of Aadhar Act as a Money Bill

  • The Supreme Court upheld  the constitutionality of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, by a 4:1 majority stating that no illegality was committed by passing the Aadhaar Bill as a Money Bill in the Parliament. 
  • Government argued that legislation aimed at extending benefits in the nature of aid, grant, or subsidy to the marginalised sections of society with the support of the Consolidated Fund of India. 
  • Hence, the Act fell within the ambit of Article 110 and was validly passed as a Money Bill.

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Amendments: 

  • The Finance Acts passed in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019, brought in crucial amendments to the PMLA. 
  • Finance Bills passed during the budget are introduced as money bills under Article 110 of the Constitution.
  • These amendments granted the Enforcement Directorate extensive powers, including the authority to make arrests and conduct raids. 
  • The Court upheld the PMLA and the vast powers of the ED. 
  • However, the bench had left the validity of amendments to the PMLA through the Money Bill route open for a larger Constitution bench to hear.

• Tribunal Reform:  

  • In Roger Matthew Vs Union of India, the Supreme Court heard the challenge against tweaks in the service conditions of tribunal members which was also introduced as a money bill in the Finance Act, 2017.
  • The government argued that since salaries of members of Tribunals flow from the Consolidated Fund of India, the amendments were introduced as a Money Bill.
  • A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court struck down the Appellate Tribunal Rules of 2017  as unconstitutional.
  • The Supreme Court pointed out that the Money Bill issue in the Puttaswamy judgement was ‘not convincingly reasoned’ and could lead to a potential conflict in interpretation.
    • The Bench asked for the question to be put before a larger bench of the Supreme Court since it was similar in strength to the Puttaswamy Bench.
• Finance Act, 2017:  To prepare the ground for the Electoral Bonds Scheme, The Finance Act, 2017 changed provisions of India’s election law, the Companies Act, and the Income-tax law. 
  • The Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme (EBS) and effectively restored the pre-electoral bonds status quo regarding political donations.

Government’s Stance on Money Bill

• The government asserts that while determining the classification of a Bill as a Money Bill, the Supreme Court should assess whether its primary provisions align with the scope of Article 110(1)(a) to (f). 
• Extra provisions, even if not strictly related, can take on the main characteristics and be passed alongside the Money Bill.
• So, all the provisions should be viewed together, avoiding a step-by-step analysis.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court should clarify the constituents of the money bill for the legislative efficiency and proper functioning of the democracy.

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