Jun 04 2024

The constitution of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) as part of Mission Karmayogi has completed 3 years.

About The Capacity Building Commission (CBC)

Capacity Building Commission (CBC) is an independent body with full executive power being operational from April 2021. It is core to the overall institutional framework of Mission Karmayogi.

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  • Members: It is a three-member Commission, headed by a Secretary, appointed from diverse backgrounds such as private sector, academia, public sector, and civil society. 
  • Focus: It is to drive harmonization across the public sector learning and development landscape.
  • Purpose: It is to provide policy guidance and tools to enhance the capabilities of all levels of India’s vast civil services.
  • Performance: 
    • Digital Training Courses: The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) along with Ministry of Commerce and civil services training institutions like Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics curated digital training courses to impart the civil servants with necessary skills to apply PM Gati Shakti for project planning and coordination across departments.
      • Over 24,000 officials from railways, forests, customs, highways, telecom have completed PM Gati Shakti learning modules. 
    • Modules on emerging technologies: The CBC curated learning modules like on  Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data analysis uploaded on the online learning portal, iGOT Karmayogi Bharat. 
      • Over 3,88,000 government personnel from across ministries have successfully been certified in learning modules on emerging technologies. 
    • Modules on emerging high-tech road-construction technologies: The CBC has worked closely with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, IIT Mumbai, Indian Academy of Highway Engineers, and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute to create courses on road construction and resolve geohazards like landslides in high-altitude road construction.
    • Public security: The CBC partnered with the Ministry of Home Affairs to train police personnel from all the Union Territories on a research-based self-reflection course to promote “sewa bhaav”. 
      • Over 50,000 police personnel interacted with citizens at police stations, traffic junctions, and for emergency response underwent a two-day training 
      • Example: In Puducherry, that the percentage of “very satisfied” citizens dealing with police stations increased from 24 per cent to 66 per cent after training found by an independent impact assessment undertaken by Quality Council of India
    • Citizen Service Delivery: Over 4 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks and nearly 1 lakh village-level citizen service centres (CSCs) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) were also trained
    • Training for grievance redressal: CBC curated a programme along with the Railway Board and Indian Railways Institute of Rail Transport Management (IRITM), Lucknow to train 1,00,000 stations masters, travelling ticket examiners and reservation clerks in proactively solving passenger and freight customer grievances.
    • Easy Taxing: It partnered with the Central Board of Direct Taxes to curate an online module on systemic solutions to repeated taxpayer grievances. 
      • Over 14,000 direct tax personnel have completed the online learning module.
    • Capacity building of local bodies: The CBC has piloted capacity building approaches in municipal corporations of Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Nagpur, Pune, Bhubaneswar and Mysuru, to take courses on municipal finance, road engineering, solid waste management, etc.
      • Almost the entire Ahmedabad municipal corporation staff and those of Nagpur have been onboarded on iGOT Karmayogi Bharat learning portal. 
    • Increased Proficiency: The Indian Institute of Public Administration assessed the impact by seeking inputs on recently trained staff from their supervisors and reported increased proficiency in data analytics and e-governance tools.

Capacity Building Commission

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An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated Israel’s acceptance of a peace deal with Hamas.                              

  • This decision has come amid an eight-month-long military assault on Gaza.
    • The plan is backed by the European Commission, the UK, Germany, France, Egypt, Qatar and other Arab governments.  

About Biden’s Gaza Peace Plan 

Biden’s proposal consists of three phases peace plan for Gaza

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  • Phase One: The first phase lasts six weeks 
    • It includes a comprehensive ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7.
    • Palestinian prisoners would be exchanged for the Israeli hostages, with a focus on women, the elderly, and the wounded.
    • Humanitarian aid would be provided, with 600 trucks delivering assistance daily to Gaza.
  • Phase Two: Negotiations between Israel and Hamas would take place during the six-week period of phase one.
    • Phase two involves the exchange of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers.
    • Israeli forces would fully withdraw from Gaza.
    • A temporary ceasefire would transition into a permanent cessation of hostilities if Hamas fulfills its commitments.
  • Phase Three: Phase three focuses on a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.
    • Any remaining hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families.
    • Biden assures Israelis of their security, stating that Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out similar hostage-taking actions.

Factors affecting deal’s success in Israel-Palestine Conflict

Gaza Peace Plan

  • External Pressures:
    • International Condemnation: Global criticism of Israel’s actions, including from the US, creates pressure for a peaceful resolution.
    • US Elections: Biden’s inability to influence Israel might hurt his re-election chances, further pressuring him to broker a deal.
      • In these circumstances, a peace deal and ceasefire are being demanded from many quarters, but its path to fruition is not easy. 
    • Hamas Demands: Hamas’s insistence on Israel’s complete military withdrawal remains a major obstacle, as Israel is unwilling to fully demilitarize Gaza.
  • Overall Challenges:
    • Deep-Rooted Conflict: The underlying issues that have fueled the conflict for decades remain unresolved.
      • There are conflicts over military withdrawal. Hamas demands Israel to withdraw its military from Gaza Strip  but Israel is not ready for it and demands “destruction of Hamas” itself.
    • Lack of Trust: Historical distrust between the two sides makes reaching a lasting agreement difficult.

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The Indian Council of Medical Research has invited Expressions of Interest for the joint development and commercialisation of low dose or pediatric oral formulation of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell disease in children.

  • India ranks first with the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease in South Asia, with over 20 million sickle cell affected individuals residing in the country.

Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Disease

About Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. 

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  • Cause:  People with sickle cell anemia have abnormal hemoglobin levels that cause their red blood cells to become rigid and sticky and shaped like a crescent or sickle.
    • These abnormally shaped cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, clogging the small blood vessels 
    • Healthy red blood cells are soft, flexible, and round. 
  • Symptoms: Anaemia, pain crisis, fatigue, jaundice, delayed growth, and increased susceptibility to infections.
  • Occurrence: It is most commonly found in people of African descent, but it can also occur in people of Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent.
  • Impact: The sickle cells also break down more quickly than healthy red blood cells leading to anemia which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells and increasing the risk of infection and death from conditions like stroke, heart problems, kidney problems, and pregnancy complications.
  • Treatment: There’s no cure for sickle cell anemia. Early detection, management, and treatment of SCD enable the affected individuals to lead a longer life
  • World Sickle Cell Day: It  is celebrated on June 19 to raise awareness about this genetic blood disorder and to educate people about how to manage their lifestyles.

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Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Disease

  • Hydroxyurea is a myelosuppressive agent, is an effective drug for treating patients of sickle cell disease, and thalassemia as it keeps blood cells round and flexible, so as to ensure easy flow and better delivery of  oxygen to the body. 
  • Function: Hydroxyurea helps the body make a type of hemoglobin that helps keep red blood cells round. So people who take hydroxyurea can have more energy, and less pain and anemia.
  • Need: There is a need for pediatric formulation of HU (hydroxyurea), considering the alarming number of sickle cell disease cases in India and in view of the launch of the National Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia/SCD (by 2047)
  • In India
    • Most pharmaceutical companies in India market 500 mg capsules or 200 mg tablets of Hydroxyurea while the prescribed dose in children  is 10-15 mg per kilogram of body weight after two years of age. 

National Mission on Sickle Cell Anaemia

  • National Mission On Sickle Cell Anaemia was announced as part of the Union Budget 2023
  • Aim: To enable access to affordable and quality health care to all patients and eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.
  • Focus area of the Mission:
    • Awareness building
    • Universal screening of seven crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in affected tribal areas
    • Counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments.
    • National Health Mission’s guidelines: As per it, the healthcare providers initiate hydroxyurea therapy to only symptomatic sickle cell disease patients among children both because of the lack of availability of paediatric doses as well as the fear of toxicity.
  • Challenge:
    • Unavailability: It is not available in the suspension form for effective use in the case of paediatric patients.
    • A low dose treatment: Preparing it  is a challenge for service providers, as the capsule or tablet has to be broken down appropriately to be administered in accordance with body weight, thereby risking the efficacy available with measured doses.
    • Titration process: The titration of dose is difficult, and currently, is carried out by using a fraction of the broken capsules, which can lead to less accurate administration of the drug. 

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Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first woman President of Mexico in the country’s 200-year history.

Claudia Sheinbaum 

About Claudia Sheinbaum

Claudia Sheinbaum is a physicist with a doctorate in energy engineering.

Key Achievements of Claudia Sheinbaum

  • Early Life: Sheinbaum’s early life was shaped by a commitment to social justice and scientific inquiry.
  • Secretary of Environment: In 2000, Ms Sheinbaum was appointed Secretary of the Environment for the Federal District under Andrés López Obrador’s administration until 2006
  • First Female Mayor: Before running for the Presidency, Ms Claudia, in 2018, became the first female mayor of Mexico City, one of the most influential political positions in the country
  • Nobel Peace Prize 2007:  Sheinbaum committed herself to the study of energy, joining the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and becoming part of the team that received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
  • First Women Head of District: In 2015, she became the first woman elected head of the Tlalpan district of Mexico City, serving until 2017. 

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Recently, The 80th anniversary of D-Day was celebrated. 

World War II- D-Day, The Invasion of Normandy

In this event, Parachutists jumped from World War II-era C-47 planes over Normandy to commemorate the D-Day. 

Why is D-Day such a famous event?

  • The D-Day operation occurred on June 6, 1944. 
    • Codename of this operation: OVERLOAD
  • It is known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. 
    • It is because it brought together all allied armies such as land, air, and sea forces. 
  • The military operation involved delivering five naval assault divisions on the beaches of Normandy, France. 
    • Objective: The event aimed to honor the bravery of the Allied troops who fought on those beaches and commemorate their sacrifices.
    • Theme: A message was emphasized by survivors of D-Day and other WWII battles that War is hell. 
  • Don Graves: World War II  veterans Recalled the heavy casualties among Marine buddies and stressed the importance of educating younger generations.

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Geographical Features of Normandy

  • Location: It is a region of northern France.
  • Invasion of NormandyIt is geographically positioned both in the Northern Hemisphere and the Eastern Hemisphere of the Earth.
  • Bordering Regions: Normandy is bordered by
    • East: Hauts-de-France and Ile-de-France to the east
    • West: Atlantic Ocean.
    • North: English Channel.
    • South: Pays de la Loire 
      • Southeast: Centre-Val de Loire 
      • Southwest: Brittany 

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Important Points to be Remembered

  • Current Capital: Since 2016, Rouen.
    • It was previously the capital of Upper Normandy.
  • Caen: Previous capital of Lower Normandy
  • Famous for:  Producing excellent cheeses, apple cider, and seafood, such as sea-scallop and herring.
  • Name Origin: Derived from the settlement by Vikings (“Northmen”) starting in the 9th century
  • largest city:  Rouen,Caen , Le Havre and Cherbourg
  • Highest point:  Signal d’Écouves (417 m), in the Armorican Massif.
  • Rivers: The Seine and its tributaries:
    • The Andelle, the Epte, the Eure, The Risle, the Robec
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Theoretical concept of the Green-beard genes could explain the reason, as to how the universal virtue of altruism arose in nature.

Green-beard Genes – Theory and Reality

  • The sample amoebae: Researchers used the amoeba species, Dictyostelium discoideum for the study.
    • It is a free-living, fast-growing, unicellular amoeba
  • Studies: 
    • The UK study: A 2017 study by the researchers from the University of Manchester, U.K., reported that two genes, namely,  tgrB1 and tgrC1  in the D. discoideum genome displayed all the properties of a green-beard gene. 
    • The USA study: A 2024 study by the  researchers of the Baylor College of Medicine in the U.S. reported evidence that D. discoideum amoebae use these green beard genes to navigate the risk of chimerism.
  • Published In: Both the studies were published in the journal Nature Communications.  

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  • Process:
    • Researchers fed  the amoebas a bacterial ‘lawn’ grown in a Petri dish in a laboratory.
    • Formation of aggregates: The amoebae stop multiplying and gather together to form multicellular aggregates when the bacteria run out, The aggregates then transform into fruiting bodies, each a few millimetres tall. 
    • A fruiting body: It is composed of a slender stalk made of dead cells, and it holds aloft a droplet of spores. About 20% of the amoebae in an aggregate altruistically sacrifice themselves to form the stalk. The remaining 80% become the spores.
    • The cycle: Small fauna, such as ants and earthworms, disperse the spores to new food sources where they germinate to release amoebae. The newly released amoebae then go on to repeat the cycle of growth, division, and dispersal.
  • Findings: 
    • The tgrB1 and tgrC1 genes: They  are located next to each other in the D. discoideum genome, and are expressed together.
      • They contain information for cells to make two cell surface proteins called TgrB1 and TgrC1.
      • Binding: The TgrB1 protein on one cell binds to the TgrC1 protein on another.  If the binding is strong, the TgrB1 protein is activated, and confers altruistic behaviour, manifested as the amoeba’s willingness to form the stalk.
      • The binding between the TgrB1 and the TgrC1 proteins of cells of the same strain is strong, and leads to self-recognition and cell-cell cooperation. 
    • Self- Recognition: It is postulated that the  green-beard genes encode some kind of tag that helps the genome to know their identity 
    • The green-beard genes allow the individuals bearing them to recognise and preferentially cooperate with each other.
    • Selfish behaviour towards other genes: Alternatively, a green-beard gene could provoke individuals to behave harmfully towards those carrying a different version of the gene.

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The Green-beard Effect

Green-beard Effect is a theoretical genetic trait that motivates individuals possessing a distinctive visible trait eg. A Green Beard, to cooperate with others displaying the same trait. It operates through recognition and offers cooperative advantages.

  • Field contribution: It contributes to the  studies on altruism and kin selection in evolutionary biology.
  • Origin: The concept of Green-Beard Effect was introduced by the British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his book “The Selfish Gene” published in 1976.
  • Key principles:
    • Gene-Trait Association: It proposes that certain genes are associated with specific visible traits or behaviors, allowing individuals to identify others who possess the same gene-trait combination.
    • Altruism and Cooperation: It suggests that individuals with the same visible trait or behavior linked to a specific gene are more likely to cooperate or exhibit altruistic behavior toward each other, even if they are not closely related.
    • Discrimination: The recognition of the shared trait leads to preferential treatment or cooperation, which can enhance the reproductive success of individuals carrying the gene-trait combination.
    • Evolutionary Advantage: The Green-Beard Effect can provide an evolutionary advantage to individuals who possess the gene-trait combination, as it promotes cooperation and altruism within the group, benefiting all carriers of the gene.
  • Found in: The worker honey bees, fire ants, its existence in humans remains hypothetical.

 

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Around 373 million citizens across the 27 member states of the European Union are eligible to vote on June 6-9 in elections to the European Parliament.

About European Parliament

  • About: The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected body of the EU, representing the citizens of its member states. 
  • Functions: Its primary functions include negotiating EU laws with the member state governments, which are represented by the European Council. 
    • The EP also approves the EU budget and votes on international agreements and enlargements of the bloc.
  • Powers: The EP also approves the EU budget and votes on international agreements and enlargements of the bloc. 
    • It also has the power to approve or reject the appointment of the European Commission president 
    • Unlike national parliaments, the EP does not have the right to propose laws but can only negotiate those proposed by the executive European Commission.
  • Structure: The EP comprises 720 Members (MEPs) elected every five years. The MEPs then elect their president for a term of two and a half years. 

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European Council

  • About: The European Council sets the EU’s political direction and priorities.
  • Members:  It includes the heads of state or government from member countries, the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs. 
  • Founding: Established as an informal summit in 1975, it became an official institution with the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009. Decisions are made by consensus.

Eligibility Conditions For Voting in European Parliament Elections 

  • Voting Age Requirements: In 21 member states, people aged 18 and above can vote. 
    • In Belgium, Germany, Austria and Malta, the minimum voting age is 16. 
    • In Greece, people who turn 17 during the election year can vote
    • In Hungary, married individuals can vote regardless of age
  • EU Voting Abroad Rules: EU citizens can vote in their country of origin or from abroad.  Voting from abroad is permitted in all member states except Czechia, Ireland, Malta and Slovakia. 
    • In Bulgaria and Italy that right applies only to those living within the EU.
    • Citizens living in another EU country can choose to vote for candidates either from their country of origin or from their country of residence.
  • One-Country Voting Rule: The voter has to choose which country’s MEPs he or she will vote for, but it is not legal to vote in both countries at the same time.

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Process of Voting in European Parliament Elections 

  • Voting System: In some member states, voters can only choose closed lists that do not allow change of order for preferred candidates, while in others they can select individual candidates in a preferential system.
  • Methods of Voting: Depending on national laws, some electors abroad can vote at their national embassies, via mail or electronically.

Eligibility of Candidates in European Parliament Elections 

  • Selection of Candidates: All candidates must be EU citizens. Voters may choose from individual candidates or political parties’ delegates, depending on the country.
  • Alignment in European Parliament: Once elected, politicians from each nation will flow into the European groups that form the Parliament, based on political orientations.
  • Restrictions : Elected individuals cannot hold functions in national governments or other political bodies such as the EU Commission.
  • MEP Allocation: The number of MEPs elected from each EU country is agreed before each election and is based on the principle of degressive proportionality, which means each MEP from a larger country represents more people than an MEP from a smaller country. 
    • The minimum number of MEPs from any country is six and the maximum number is 96.

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India-EU Relation

  • Financial Relations: The EU was India’s third-largest trading partner in 2021. EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in India reached €87 billion in 2020.
    • Nearly 15% of Indian exports were directed to the EU in 2021.
    • Trade in goods and services between the two amounted to €95.5 billion in 2020.
    • The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested over €3 billion in infrastructure, energy, and climate projects in India.
  • Strategic Partnerships: EU-India Joint Declarations have been adopted to bolster efforts on connectivity, water, and resource efficiency, employing a circular economy approach. 
    • In 2023, the EU and India also launched a Trade and Technology Council focusing on digital transformation and green technologies.
  • Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation: Under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), India is set to receive €90 million in grant funding for the period 2021-2027.
    •  Additionally, India is a beneficiary of various multi-country EU programmes.

 

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Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software named (PraVaHa).

About Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

  • A Tool for Prediction: CFD is a tool to predict the aerodynamic and aerothermal loads which solve numerically the equations of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy along with the equation of state.

PraVaHa

About PraVaHa

  • PraVaHa stands for ‘Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-thermo-dynamic Analysis’.
  • Function: 
    • Simulate Flows: It can simulate external and internal flows on launch vehicles, winged and non winged re-entry vehicles.

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  • Implications: 
    • Gaganyaan Programme: PraVaHa has been used extensively in the Gaganyaan program for aerodynamic analysis of human-rated launch vehicles, viz, HLVM3, Crew Escape System (CES), and CM.
    • PraVaHaScramjet Vehicles: Validations of the code are underway for simulating the effect of chemical reactions that occur during air dissociation upon ‘earth re-entry’ and ‘combustion’ as in scramjet vehicles.
  • Significance: 
    • Replacement of CFD Simulations: PraVaHa is expected to replace most of the CFD simulations for aero characterisation, which is currently being carried out using commercial software. 
    • Solutions to Complex Aerodynamic Problems: This software is expected to help academia and other institutions, engaged in the design of missiles, aircraft and rockets, to find solutions to complex aerodynamic problems.

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Addressing the Assistant Secretaries of IAS 2022 batch at Vice-President’s enclave, the Vice President of India urged the civil servants to uphold highest ethical principles.

Foundational Values Of Civil Services- Crucial Insights on Vice-President’s Addressal

Foundational Values Of Civil Services

  • High & Inclusive Representation: He noted the representation from all societal segments, particularly those from vulnerable, marginalized, and underprivileged backgrounds. 
  • Importance: Civil servants are a conduit for change, vital stakeholders in quality governance, and torchbearers for accelerated growth.
  • Appeal to Officers: 
    • To never stop learning and to keep updating their skills. 
    • Civil servants cannot ingratiate themselves with political dispensations.
    • Adopt a nationalistic, federalist outlook, always keeping the interest of the nation supreme and upholding the rule of law. 
      • The Rule of Law: It means that all laws apply equally to all citizens of the country and no one is above the law.
    • Civil servants should always see things beyond the partisan approach. 

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Modern Civil Services in India

  • Introduction: The civil service system was introduced in India by the East India Company for its benefits. Implementing Macaulay’s Report 1835 brought significant changes in British India’s civil services.
    • Lord Cornwallis was the first to establish and organize the Civil Services. 
    • Lord Wellesley established Fort William College in 1800 to train new recruits.
    • The Government of India Act, 1935 proposed the formation of a Federal Public Service Commission and a Provincial Public Service Commission within their respective spheres.
  • All India Services: There are three All India Services – the Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Police Service and the Indian Forest Service.
    • These are selected by the central government, with officers allotted to various state cadres. 
    • The Centre then gets a certain percentage of officers from each state on central deputation. These bureaucrats work directly for the Centre. 
    • All India Services are governed by Article 312 of the Constitution of India.
  • Central Civil Services: Other services are called Central Civil Services. These services are under the central government itself with no state cadre system. 
    • They include services such as the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Revenue Service, Customs and Central Excise Service and several others.
  • Rules Applicable: There are two sets of rules for civil servants – one for All India Services (AIS) and the other for Central Civil Services (CCS). Specially designed Conduct Rules govern an officer’s behavior and conduct.
    • The AIS Conduct Rules, 1968 and CCS Conduct Rules, 1964 are mostly similar. 
    • These were framed based on recommendations from a 1962 committee constituted by then-Minister of Home Affairs Lal Bahadur Shashtri. 
    • This Committee on Prevention of Corruption was headed by K Santhanam, Member of Rajya Sabha.

Important Characteristics of a Civil Servant

  • Impartiality: It asserts treating all individuals or groups equally and without any internal or external influences. It’s a path that is more consistent with moral intent and moral reasoning.
    • A Qualitative Value: Impartiality is a qualitative value and expects the decision maker to be unbiased, and just. Civil servants need to treat the community as human beings and there is no space for favoritism. 
      • The feelings of caste, class, religion, benefits, and preferences have no space in the reasoning of such kinds of civil servants.
  • Integrity: It is the quality of having uncluttered moral convictions and an iron will to abide by these in conduct at all levels and interactions in life. 
    • It refers to the consistent upholding of honesty and highest ethical standards in actions, crucial for building trust among the weaker sections. 
    • Example: Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer, is known for his integrity, having been transferred multiple times for challenging corruption and upholding ethical standards in public service.
      • The decision making or action of a public servant affects the welfare of a large number of people and also one has to deal with large amounts of public funds, it is important to have a high degree of integrity. 

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  • Associated Reform Committees: To address various issues faced by civil servants and maintain integrity and discipline amongst civil servants, various reform committees have been formed such as:
    • The Santhanam Committee (1964)
    • Alagh Committee on Recruitment and Selection Procedures (2001)
    • Surinder Nath Committee on Performance Appraisal, Promotion, Empanelment and Placement for the All India Services and other Group ‘A’ Services (2003)
    • Yugandhar Committee on In-Service Training (2003)
    • Hota Committee (2004)
    • The Second Administrative Reform Committee Report (2005)

 

  • Connection between Impartiality & Integrity: A person with impartial conduct creates an image of the highest form of integrity and can act as a role model and provide proper leadership which is always expected from public servants. 
    • Governance is a public service that can only remain green if the travelers remain integral to impartiality.
  • Empathy and Compassion: It involves understanding and addressing the specific needs and challenges of marginalized groups. 
    • Example: The work of IAS officer Armstrong Pame, known for initiating the “People’s Road” in Manipur by mobilizing resources and community support to build a 100-km road in a remote area reflects these values. 
  • Equity: It ensures that all individuals, especially the disadvantaged, have fair access to resources and opportunities. 
    • Example: The Right to Education Act in India, which mandates free and compulsory education for children, demonstrates a commitment to equity, aiming to level the educational playing field for underprivileged children.
  • Social Justice: It is the commitment to reducing inequality and improving the welfare of underprivileged sections. 
    • Example: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in India, represents a commitment to social justice, seeking to prevent discrimination and violence against marginalized communities.
  • Inclusiveness: Ensuring that all segments of society, especially marginalized groups, are included in the development process.
    • Example: The efforts of IAS officer Pranjal Patil, India’s first visually challenged woman IAS officer, in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in public services for people with disabilities, embody this value.
  • Honesty: It is the ability to tell the truth and be transparent in dealings.
    • Example: IAS officer Tukaram Munde, known for his honesty and transparency in carrying out his duties.
  • Objectivity: It is the ability to make decisions based on evidence and facts, rather than personal biases or interests.
    • Example: The Election Commission of India, which operates independently to ensure free and fair elections.
  • Accountability: It is the ability to take responsibility for actions and decisions.
    • Example: Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, which has set up a mechanism for citizens to hold officials accountable for their actions.

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  • Transparency: It is the ability to provide information and be open in dealings.
    • Example: Central Information Commission, which ensures transparency in government processes by providing citizens the right to access information.
  • Respect for Diversity: It is the ability to value and respect differences in culture, ethnicity, and religion.
    • Example: IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri Dasari, who organized a cultural festival to promote diversity in her district.
  • Professionalism: It is the ability to maintain high standards of conduct and behavior.
    • Example: Indian Police Service officer Kiran Bedi, known for her professionalism and dedication to public service.
  • Loyalty to the Constitution and the Nation: It is the ability to prioritize national interests over personal or political interests.
    • Example: Former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was known for his loyalty to the nation and his commitment to its progress and development.
  • Dedication to Public Service: It is the ability to serve the public interest with sincerity and commitment.
    • Example: IAS officer K. Vijayendra Pandian, who worked tirelessly to improve public service delivery in his district.
  • Commitment to Ethical Behavior & Principles: It is the ability to follow ethical principles and values in all actions and decisions.
    • Example: Indian Administrative Service officer Pradeep Singh, who scored the first rank in the UPSC civil services examination in 2019 and credited his success to his commitment to ethical behavior and principles.

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What according to Patel should be the important characteristics of a civil servant of free India?

  • Equality: Civil servants’ duty should be to treat the common man in India as their own.
  • Adaptability: Civil servants of free India will have to adapt themselves to the democratic ways of administration.
  • Discipline: Civil servants should be disciplined.
  • An esprit de corps: A civil servant must cultivate an esprit de corps. It means to have a shared feeling of pride among team or group members. 
    • Without it, a Service as such has little meaning. A civil servant should regard it as a proud privilege to belong to the Service, covenants of which he/she will sign, and to uphold throughout his/her service its dignity, integrity and incorruptibility.

 

The Nolan Committee’s Seven Principles of Ethical Conduct

Foundational Values Of Civil Services

  • In 1994, the UK government established the Committee on Standards in Public Life. The committee was chaired by Lord Nolan, and was tasked with making recommendations to improve standards of behavior in public life.  
    • The first report of the committee established the seven principles of public life, also known as the “Nolan principles”. 
  • Selflessness: Holders of public office should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
  • Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
  • Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on objective criteria.
  • Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
  • Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
  • Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
  • Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

Challenges faced by Civil Servants in India

  • Political Interference: Civil Servants often face pressure from elected officials to make decisions that benefit them or their allies, rather than following the law or best practices. This can create a conflict of interest and make it difficult for officers to do their jobs effectively.
  • Work-Life Balance: Civil service careers, especially for IAS and IPS officers in their initial postings, often involve long hours and frequent transfers. This can strain personal relationships and make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Lack of Infrastructure and Resources: Many Indian districts, particularly in rural areas, lack proper infrastructure and resources. This can make it challenging for IAS officers to implement government programs and deliver services effectively.
  • Public Pressure and Expectations: Civil servants are expected to solve complex problems and meet the needs of a large and diverse population. This can be a daunting task, and officers may face criticism from the public if they are unable to meet these expectations.
  • Corruption: India continues to grapple with corruption, and civil servants are sometimes pressured to engage in corrupt practices or turn a blind eye to them. This can be a moral dilemma for officers who want to uphold the law.
  • Red Tape and Bureaucracy: Navigating complex bureaucratic procedures can be time-consuming and frustrating for civil servants. This can slow down progress and make it difficult to implement change.
  • Personal Security Threats: For Civil Servants, especially for IPS officers, there can be situations where their work puts them at risk of violence or threats from criminals or extremists.
  • Limited Autonomy: Decisions made by civil servants often need approval from higher authorities, which can limit their autonomy and ability to be responsive to local needs.
  • Accountability and Transparency: Concerns exist around a lack of clear and transparent accountability mechanisms for civil servants, making it difficult to address negligence or misconduct.

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Regulations on Civil Servants

  • Code of Conduct for Civil Servants: 
    • Conduct Rules: In the 1930s, a collection of instructions containing “do’s and don’ts” was published under the title “Conduct Rules.” 
    • The All India Services (AIS) Rules: These Rules in 1955, separated the compendium into separate rules. 
      • The Santhanam Committee (1964) recommended significantly broadening such rules, which resulted in the 1964 version. These rules were later revised to incorporate additional behavioral norms.
      • According to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, every member of the service shall maintain:
        • Integrity & Honesty
        • Political Neutrality
        • Promoting of the principles of merit, fairness and impartiality in the discharge of duties
        • Accountability & Transparency
        • Responsiveness to the public, particularly to the weaker section
        • Courtesy and good behavior with the public
    • Containing Norms: The Conduct Rules contain some general norms such as “maintaining integrity and absolute devotion to duty” and not engaging in “conduct unbecoming of a government servant.
      • The Code of Conduct is generally aimed at cataloging specific activities deemed undesirable for government servants. 
      • There has recently been a concern that more “generic norms” should be added to the list of acceptable conduct.
  • Code of Ethics for Civil Servants:
    • In India, there is no code of ethics for civil servants, though such codes exist in other countries. 
    • India has a number of conduct rules that prohibit a variety of common activities. These conduct guidelines serve a purpose, but they are not a code of ethics. 
  • Public Service Bill: A draft “Public Service Bill” proposed by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions in 2007.
    • Deals With: It seeks to establish a set of generic expectations of civil servants known as “values.” The following are the key “values” envisioned in the Bill:
      • Allegiance to the various ideals enshrined in the Preamble to the Constitution
      • Apolitical functioning
      • Good governance for the betterment of the people to be the primary goal of civil service
      • Duty to act objectively and impartially
      • Accountability and transparency in decision-making
      • Maintenance of the highest ethical standards
      • Merit to be the criteria in the selection of civil servants consistent, however, with the cultural, ethnic and other diversities of the nation
      • Ensuring economy and avoidance of wastage in expenditure
      • Provision of a healthy and congenial work environment
      • Communication, consultation and cooperation in the performance of functions, that is the participation of all levels of personnel in management
    • Other Provisions: 
      • Various Codes: The draft Bill also includes provisions for a public service code and a public service management code, which define more specific duties and responsibilities. 
      • Public Service Authority: It is also envisaged to oversee the implementation of the code and the values mentioned above, as well as to provide advice on the values and the code.
      • Provision of Penalty: Violations of the code would result in penalties similar to the current major and minor penalties imposed by the heads of institutions and organizations. 

Foundational Values Of Civil Services

Ways to Prevent Unethical Behavior in Public Servants

  • Training & Education: The Government of India has launched several training and education programs for public servants, such as the mandatory online training on ethics and integrity for all IAS officers.
    • Example: The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) (Mission Karmayogi): Anchored by an apex body and headed by the Prime Minister, it is designed to enhance the civil services under a national programme.
    • iGOT Karmayogi: It is an online learning platform being developed as an integral part of the Digital India stack for capacity building of all government employees. 
      • It will provide ‘anytime-anywhere-any device’ learning to train around 2.0 crores users which was so far unachievable through traditional measures.
  • Foundational Values Of Civil ServicesNeed to Strictly Follow the Code of Conduct: The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, outline the ethical behavior expected of all public servants in India.
  • Monitoring & Enforcement: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an independent body that monitors and enforces ethical behavior in government agencies and public servants.
  • Whistle-blower Protection: The Whistle-blower Protection Act, 2014, provides protection to whistle-blowers who report corruption or malpractices in government agencies.
  • Transparency & Accountability: The Right to Information Act, 2005, promotes transparency and accountability in government processes by allowing citizens to access government information.
  • No Political Affiliation: Members not allowed to be part of, assist political parties.
    • Rule 5(1) of AIS states, “No member of the Service shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organization which takes part in politics, nor shall he take part in, or subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or political activity.”
    • While members can hold personal political beliefs, these rules restrict the degree to which they can act on them.
  • Strict Prohibition on Dowry: As far as rules are concerned, both giving and receiving dowry is strictly prohibited. 
    • As per Rule 11 (1-A) of the AIS, “No member of the Service shall— (i) give or take or abet the giving or taking of dowry; or (ii) demand, directly or indirectly, from the parents or guardian of a bride or bridegroom, as the case may be, any dowry.”
    • In fact, any “big” gift a civil servant receives needs to be reported.
  • Strict Enforcement of the Provisions for Heavy Penalties: Transgressions can attract two kinds of penalties — major and minor. Major penalties can include “dismissal” from the service as well.

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Conclusion

Going ahead, the reinforcement and practice of foundational values like integrity, empathy, equity, social justice, and inclusiveness are imperative for the evolution of a more effective and equitable public administration. These values not only guide civil servants in serving the weaker sections of society but also ensure a robust, transparent, and inclusive governance framework for the future.

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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