Senior advocates in the SC

Syllabus: Structure, organisation and Functioning of the Judiciary

In News

The Supreme Court (SC) has published new guidelines for the designation of senior advocates who mainly practice in the Apex Court.

Background: These guidelines come after the SC’s ruling seeking modifications to the guidelines issued in 2018 following the Indira Jaisingh case in 2017.

How were advocates designated before the 2017 ruling?

• Before the 2017 ruling, advocates were designated into two classes: senior advocates and other advocates. 
• To become a senior advocate, an advocate had to be deemed deserving based on their abilities, standing at the Bar, special knowledge, or experience in law, as determined by the Supreme Court or a High Court. 
• The designation of “senior” advocate was done by the Chief Justice and the judges.

What did the court decide in the Indira Jaising case?

• In the Indira Jaising case, India’s first woman Senior Advocate, Indira Jaising, challenged the existing process, arguing that it was opaque, arbitrary, and influenced by nepotism. 
• In response, the Supreme Court decided to establish guidelines for the designation of senior advocates, not only for itself but also for all High Courts.
•  These guidelines included the creation of a permanent committee and secretariat.
• The permanent secretariat’s responsibilities included receiving and compiling all applications for designation, publishing proposals for designation on the court’s official website to invite suggestions and views, forwarding these suggestions to the permanent committee for scrutiny, conducting interviews with candidates, and evaluating them based on a point system that considered factors like years of practice, pro-bono work, judgments, publications, and a personality test.
• Once a candidate’s name was approved, it was submitted to the Full Court for final decision through a majority vote. 
• The guidelines were recognized as non-exhaustive, leaving room for further consideration by the Court.

Guidelines to Regulate the Conferment of Designation of Senior Advocates 2018

• In 2018, the Guidelines to Regulate the Conferment of Designation of Senior Advocates were introduced to enhance transparency in the designation process. 
• The guidelines discouraged the use of secret ballot voting, except in unavoidable cases. 
• The CJI-chaired committee, consisting of two senior-most SC judges, the Attorney General of India, and a member of the Bar nominated by the chair, was empowered with powers of conferment. 
• Advocates could submit their applications for designation directly to the Permanent Secretariat, or the CJI or any other judge could recommend candidates for designation.

Issues with the 2018 guidelines

However, there were some issues with the 2018 guidelines. The point-based system, which assigned weightage to various criteria, was deemed subjective, ineffective, and compromised the traditional honor and dignity associated with the designation. Additionally, the prevalence of bogus journals that could be published for a nominal fee raised concerns. Moreover, the discontinuation of secret ballot voting disincentivized judges from expressing their views about a candidate’s suitability.

Prelims Question – (UPSC 2022)

With reference to India, consider the following statements:

1. Government law officers and legal firms are recognized as advocates, but corporate lawyers and patent attorneys are excluded from recognition as advocates.
2. Bar Councils have the power to lay down the rules relating to legal education and recognition of law colleges.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: 2

Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism

Syllabus: Multi-lateral organizations

In News

During the 12th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the significance of peace and prosperity in the Mekong region, which aligns with India’s Act East policy.

About MGC

The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation was established in 2000 during the First MGC Ministerial Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos. It consists of six member countries: India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The key areas of cooperation within the framework are tourism, culture, education, transportation, and communication.

The primary objective of the MGC initiative is to foster closer ties and interactions between the people living in the regions connected by the Ganga and Mekong rivers, both of which hold immense historical and cultural significance.

About the Mekong River

The Mekong River, also known as the Mekong, is a transboundary river that traverses East Asia and Southeast Asia. With a length of nearly 5,000 km, it ranks as the twelfth-longest river in the world and the third-longest in Asia. Originating from the Tibetan Plateau in China, the river flows through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Viet Nam, before reaching the Mekong Delta.

About the Lower Mekong region

The Lower Mekong region refers to the area surrounding the lower stretch of the Mekong River as it courses through Southeast Asia, encompassing countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Reforms in India Railway

Syllabus: Economy: Infrastructure

In News

The launch of the Vande Bharat trains has garnered attention, but it is evident that substantial improvements are needed to enhance the overall railway services in India.

Several challenges are impeding the development of Indian Railways:

• Congested networks: The existing infrastructure is stretched to its limits, with over 60% of routes operating at more than 100% capacity. This congestion has resulted in reduced average speeds for both passenger and freight trains.
• Efficiency concerns: Indian Railways faces issues with low efficiency in utilizing its human resources and overall capacity.
• Decline in revenue growth: The growth of internal revenue generation has slowed down, leading to a reliance on budgetary support from the central government and increased borrowings to finance capital expenditure.
• Centralized decision-making: Decision-making in the railways is currently centralized, with the Railway Board holding authority over policy-making, operations, and regulations. As a result, railway zones have limited power to raise their own revenue and contribute more effectively to improving overall revenue.
• Safety and service quality: Safety remains a significant concern due to past accidents, although there has been some improvement in recent times. Additionally, poor cleanliness of trains and stations, delays in booking and train schedules, as well as ticketing issues contribute to customer dissatisfaction.
• Competition from aviation: With improved quality of life and rising disposable incomes, the aviation industry has emerged as a strong competitor for transportation and travel, posing a challenge for Indian Railways.
• Vicious cycle of financial challenges: Insufficient finances have resulted in limited investments in railway infrastructure. This, in turn, affects the quality of services, leading to lower speeds, delays, and safety issues. As a consequence, the railways lose out on profitable business opportunities, further exacerbating their financial woes.
• Addressing these challenges will be crucial for Indian Railways to realize its full potential and provide efficient, safe, and reliable transportation services for the nation.

Measures taken by Indian Railways

• New Trains
• Vistadome Trains
• Special Freight Train Operations Scheme
• Mission Raftaar
• Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
• Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS
• TCAS (Train Collision Avoidance System)
• Measures to expedite project commissioning

Role of National Rail Plan (NRP) for 2030

The National Rail Plan (NRP) for 2030 plays a significant role in the transformation of Indian Railways. Recently developed, the NRP aims to establish a ‘future-ready’ railway system by the year 2030. Its primary objective is to proactively build sufficient capacity to meet current and future demand, even extending its capabilities to cater to the anticipated growth in demand until the year 2050.

Features of the plan

• Increase the modal share of Railways in freight to 45% by 2030.
• Substantially reduce transit time by increasing the average speed of freight trains to 50 kmph.
• Accelerated implementation of critical projects by 2024.
• 100% electrification and multi-tracking of congested routes.
• Upgradation of speed to 160 kmph on Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes.
• Upgradation of speed to 130 kmph on all other Golden Quadrilateral-Golden Diagonal (GQ/GD) routes.
• Elimination of all Level Crossings on GQ/GD routes.

Conclusion

The current requirement is to seek a well-balanced solution that combines the advantages of both private and government enterprises. This approach aims to elevate the reputation of Indian Railways while it continues to serve as the transportation backbone of the world’s largest democracy.

Mains Question

Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructure projects? Examine the role of the PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (UPSC 2022)

Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS)

In News

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) that will facilitate cross-border transactions using their respective domestic currencies, the Indian rupee (INR) and the UAE Dirham (AED).

• The LCSS aims to promote the use of INR and AED for current accounts and permitted capital account transactions between the two nations. 
• This move comes as India-UAE trade reached approximately USD 85 billion in 2022, highlighting the economic significance of the partnership. 
• Notably, the UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner, while India holds the position of the UAE’s second-largest trading partner.

Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS)

The Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) offers a mechanism that allows exporters and importers to conduct transactions using their local currencies. By providing the option to invoice and make payments in INR and AED, the system reduces reliance on third-party currencies like the US dollar, thereby streamlining cross-border trade and enhancing economic cooperation between India and the UAE.

For example

For instance, if an Indian company exports goods to a UAE-based company, the LCSS enables the Indian exporter to issue an invoice in INR, and the UAE importer can make the payment in AED, making the transaction more convenient and efficient for both parties involved.

Advantages

• Reduction in foreign exchange
• Mitigation of exchange rate risks
• Improved transaction efficiency
• Enhanced trade and investment opportunities
• Optimized remittances

In addition to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS), India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached several other significant agreements:

• Integration of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with UAE’s Instant Payment Platform (IPP):
  • The two nations have agreed to connect India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with UAE’s Instant Payment Platform (IPP). This integration will facilitate seamless and instant cross-border transactions between individuals and businesses using the respective payment systems of both countries.
• Interlinking Card Switches – RuPay and UAESWITCH:
  • India and the UAE have also decided to interlink their domestic card switches – RuPay and UAESWITCH. This collaboration will enable the mutual acceptance of domestic cards issued in both countries and streamline the processing of card transactions, making it more convenient for travelers and merchants.
• Integration of Financial Messaging Systems – SFMS:
  • To enhance financial communication and messaging between India and the UAE, the two nations have agreed to link India’s Structured Financial Messaging System (SFMS) with the messaging system in the UAE. This integration will simplify and expedite financial messaging, supporting smoother financial operations and transactions.
• Establishment of an IIT-Delhi Campus in Abu Dhabi:
  • India plans to set up an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Abu Dhabi, marking the second IIT campus established abroad after Tanzania. This move aims to promote educational collaboration between India and the UAE, providing access to high-quality technical education and fostering academic and research partnerships.

These agreements reflect the deepening economic, technological, and educational ties between India and the UAE, further strengthening their bilateral relationship.

Universe Expansion Dispute

In News

A team of researchers from the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) in Bengaluru, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has put forward a novel approach for determining the Hubble constant, a crucial value in comprehending the rate of expansion of the universe.

About the Universe

The universe, which originated from the Big Bang approximately 13.8 billion years ago, has been continuously expanding. Initially, the expansion rate was rapid but then gradually slowed down. However, around five to six billion years ago, the influence of dark energy caused the universe’s expansion to accelerate once again.

What is Universe Expansion Dispute?

The dispute concerning the expansion of the universe centers on precisely calculating its current rate of expansion, known as the Hubble constant. Various methods have been employed to derive this constant, including analyzing the brightness of supernovae, studying the cosmic microwave background, and observing gravitational waves.

Unfortunately, these different methods have yielded conflicting outcomes, with some measurements suggesting higher values than others. This inconsistency has led to a cosmological crisis as scientists strive to reconcile these discrepancies and gain a deeper understanding of the actual rate of expansion.

What is the new method?

In an effort to address this disagreement, researchers from these distinguished institutions have proposed an innovative approach involving the use of lensed gravitational waves to independently estimate the Hubble constant. Their belief is that upcoming gravitational-wave detectors have the potential to identify lensed gravitational waves, which can then be utilized to more accurately calculate the Hubble constant. This method shows promise in shedding light on the universe’s expansion rate and resolving the ongoing cosmological puzzle.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus

In News

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change is playing a significant role in facilitating the spread of the deadly Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in Europe.

• CCHF, also known as Congo fever, is a viral disease primarily transmitted by ticks, particularly Hyalomma ticks. 
• Additionally, it can be contracted through contact with tissues of infected animals. 
• First identified in Crimea in 1944 and later named Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, this disease poses a considerable public health threat due to its potential for causing epidemics and its high fatality rate. 
• Symptoms of CCHF include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and bleeding. 
• Unfortunately, there is currently no available vaccine for this disease, and treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms while antiviral drugs may be used in some cases.

How Climate change is contributing to its spread?

Climate change has created favorable conditions for the spread of diseases like CCHF by causing rising temperatures and disrupting climate patterns. These changes have expanded the habitat of disease-carrying insects, such as ticks, into regions not traditionally exposed to these diseases due to colder climates. Moreover, climate change has led to alterations in water habitats and shifts in animal migration patterns, increasing human contact with infected animals, thereby raising the risk of transmission. As a result, CCHF, which was previously endemic to Africa, the Balkan countries, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, is now increasingly becoming a concern in Europe as well, as it finds suitable environments to thrive and spread due to climate change.

Low-cost perovskite solar cells

In News

Indian researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) in Hyderabad have successfully developed a remarkable innovation: highly stable, affordable Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (CPSCs).

These CPSCs address the persistent issue of degradation during their operational lifespan, making them a viable option for large-scale commercial use.

But what exactly are Perovskite solar cells (PSCs)?

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a specific type of solar cell that utilizes perovskite materials as the active layer for capturing light and converting it into electricity. The most commonly used perovskite material in these solar cells is methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3).

Issues with PSCs?

Despite their potential, PSCs have faced challenges related to stability when exposed to heat, moisture, and other environmental factors.

Solution

To overcome these issues, the scientists at ARCI ingeniously engineered the MAPbI3 material. They introduced Guanidinium iodide (GuI) to enhance its thermal stability and incorporated 5-amino valeric acid iodide (5-AVAI) for surface passivation to improve moisture stability. This breakthrough in engineering addresses the stability concerns and simultaneously reduces the fabrication costs, opening up possibilities for accelerating the commercialization of perovskite-based niche products.

Significance of PSCs

The significance of PSCs cannot be understated. In recent years, they have garnered considerable attention for their potential to revolutionize the solar energy industry. Their advantages include low-cost manufacturing, high efficiency, and the ability to be printed onto flexible substrates, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for solar energy utilization.

Ghaggar River

In News

During the early days of July this year, Haryana experienced a calamity as the Ghaggar River and its tributaries wreaked havoc, reclaiming their floodplains.

• Previously considered lifeless and burdened by encroachments, the Ghaggar River and its tributaries, such as Tangri, Markanda, and others, encountered a resurgence. 
• Heavy monsoon rains in the Shivalik hills caused the rivers to overflow their catchment areas and breach their banks, resulting in extensive damage and losses to the surrounding regions. 
• Additionally, the adverse effects of unscientific and illegal mining have further disrupted the natural balance of rivers like Ghaggar and Yamuna, exacerbating the situation.

Here’s some information about the Ghaggar-Hakra River:

• The Ghaggar-Hakra River is an intermittent river that flows in both India and Pakistan, remaining active only during the monsoon season. 
• It goes by the name Ghaggar before reaching the Ottu barrage, and downstream of the barrage, it is known as Hakra as it enters the Thar Desert. 
• In ancient times, during the pre-Harappan era, the Ghaggar served as a tributary of the Sutlej River.
• The river originates from the village of Dagshai in the Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh and meanders through the states of Punjab and Haryana before finally reaching Rajasthan. Some of its main tributaries include the Kaushalya River, Markanda, Sarsuti, Tangri, and Chautang.

Manipur

In News

• The recent outbreak of violence in Manipur, leading to fatalities and mass displacement, has captured global attention and scrutiny.
• However, a recent EU Parliament resolution mistakenly portrayed the conflict as having a religious foundation, suggesting a conflict between Hindus and Christians. In reality, experts assert that the violence was triggered by a court order to designate Meiteis as Scheduled Tribes in the state.
• This decision, while aiming to provide certain benefits, provoked tensions within the Naga community as well, leading to the unfortunate escalation of hostilities.

Kerch Bridge (Crimea)

In News

The Kerch Bridge, also known as the Crimean Bridge, commenced operations in 2018, serving as a vital transportation link between Russia and Crimea after the region’s annexation in 2014. Unfortunately, in recent years, the bridge has faced two instances of attack.

This architectural marvel comprises two parallel bridges—one accommodating a four-lane road and the other supporting a double-track railway. These structures span the Kerch Strait, connecting the Taman Peninsula of Krasnodar Krai in Russia to the Kerch Peninsula of Crimea.

For Daily Current Affairs Click Here

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE