. No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the Estimates Committee Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the Wholesale Price Index Prelims & Mains 3.      About the Super Vasuki Prelims Specific Topic 4.      Details of the LCA Tejas Prelims Specific Topic   1 – About the Estimates Committee:GS II Topic à Parliament related issues   ·       Historical Context: ·       This committee originated from the standing financial committee, which was created in the years leading up to the declaration of independence in 1921. ·       As stated in the statement given by the then-finance minister John Mathai when he unveiled the 1950–51 budget, the first estimate committee in the post–independence era was constituted in 1950 on his advice.   ·       Members of the Estimates Committee: ·       The Estimate Committee had 25 members at first; by 1956, that number had increased to 30. ·       The 30 members are all Loksabha members. ·       This committee is devoid of Rajya Sabha representatives. ·       According to the proportional representation theory, each year representatives are chosen from among the Loksabha members using a single transferable vote. As a result, each party is adequately represented on the committee. ·       Ministers are not permitted to serve on the estimates committee. ·       The chairman of the Estimates committee is chosen by the Loksabha’s Speaker from among its members. ·       Always a member of the ruling party, the chosen chairman.   ·       Responsibilities of the estimate committee: ·       The Estimate Committee’s responsibility is to examine the projected expenditures in the budget and make financial recommendations regarding public spending. It is also known as the Committee for Continuous Economy as a result.   ·       The duties specific to the Estimates Committee are as follows: ·       The kind of economies that are reported may change in response to progressive organisational, operational, and administrative improvements that are consistent with the estimations’ underlying policy. ·       to develop alternative policy suggestions that will increase the efficiency and economy of the administration. ·       to assess whether the funds are distributed appropriately within the constraints of the policy that the estimations propose. ·       to offer suggestions regarding how to deliver the estimates to Parliament. ·       The Committee on Public Undertakings does not have jurisdiction over a Government undertaking that has been referred to it. The committee may also review the estimates during the fiscal year on an as-needed basis and submit its findings to the house. ·       The committee periodically selects estimates for a ministry or department of the federal government as well as for other statutory and non-governmental organisations that it deems suitable. ·       In addition, while it works or when expressly raised by the speaker or the house, the committee looks into subjects of particular concern. ·       For use by committee members, the committee requests background information on the issues being discussed from relevant organisations as well as opinions from non-officials who are familiar with the problems.   ·       Effectiveness Obstacles for Estimates Committees: ·       The estimates committee does not review the budget until it has been passed by the parliament. As a result, the Estimate committee becomes useless. ·       It does not have the power to challenge the policy. ·       Post-mortem is the focus of its work. ·       Its recommendations are only meant to be guidance. ·       It would take years to cover all of the ministries as it only examines a few selected departments and ministries each year. ·       The CAG does not offer enough specialised assistance.   ·       Techniques for solving the challenges: ·       Examining the government’s expected spending before the election would help to somewhat cut costs. ·       The estimates committee should have the ability to confront the government as it carefully evaluates the budgeted spending. It would contribute to making the budget more transparent overall. ·       As the committee evaluates whether the funds are effectively allocated, its recommendations ought to be legally binding. ·       Subcommittees of the Estimate committee might be established to address all the ministries and departments at once. ·       A different cadre of qualified staff should be added to help the estimates committee thoroughly evaluate the budget. The information and expertise of the CAG should also be made available to the committee.   ·       Conclusion: ·       The estimates committee should be given more current responsibilities rather than post-mortem work because it is one of the most important financial panels. By closely analysing the government expenditures that have been proposed in the budget, the estimates committee may keep a better check on the public coffers and make the government more accountable and open with regard to the people’s money.   Source à The Indian Express       2 – Details of the Wholesale Price Index:GS III Topic à Economy related issues   ·       About: ·       The wholesale price index is an index that tracks and evaluates price changes for goods in the phases before retail. ·       The WPI is sometimes used as a measure of inflation. ·       Three sections make up the WPI: ·       items produced in factories: 64.2% ·       22.6% of the things are simple. ·       Fuel and energy: 13.1% ·       Instead of the earlier 2004-05, the foundation year for the WPI will be 2011-2012. ·       The WPI’s new series now contains 697 items as opposed to the prior 676.   ·       Which issues does WPI face? ·       The Urjit Patel Committee’s recommendations led to changes to the RBI Act, which now employs flexible inflation targeting (FIT) with CPI inflation serving as the nominal anchor. ·       Since the RBI is now mandated to achieve price stability as measured by CPI inflation, the use of WPI inflation has been completely discontinued under the FIT. ·       All current inflation forecasts are based on the CPI. ·       The main purpose of WPI today is to convert GDP/GVA at current prices to the same at constant prices. ·       The WPI inflation really closely resembles the GDP deflator, which is calculated as the ratio of GDP at current prices to GDP at constant prices multiplied by 100.

  . No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the Gallantry Awards in India Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the Special Economic Zones Prelims & Mains 3.      About the Women in Judiciary Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the NITI Aayog Prelims Specific Topic   1 – About the Gallantry Awards in India:GS III Topic à Internal Security related issues   ·       Indian Honors for Valor/Gallantry:   ·       The Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra were the first three gallantry awards established by the Indian government, and they went into effect on August 15, 1947. They were founded on January 26, 1950. ·       The Ashoka Chakra Class-I, Class-II, and Class-III bravery awards were subsequently created in 1952 and were thought to be in use as of August 15, 1947. ·       These awards’ titles were changed to Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra, respectively, in January 1967. ·       The prizes that are more significant than them are the Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.   ·       Participants in the Awards:   ·       All officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as any officially created reserve forces, territory armies, and other military organisations. ·       Along with the aforementioned personnel, there are also civilians, both male and female, who regularly or temporarily serve under the orders, guidelines, or supervision of any of the aforementioned forces, including matrons, sisters, nurses, as well as the staff of the nursing services and other services related to hospitals and nursing.   ·       Highest Medals for Valor Awarded in Times of War:   ·       Param Vir Chakra:   ·       It is the highest military decoration awarded in India for bravery displayed during a combat on land, at sea, or in the air.   ·       Maha Vir Chakra:   ·       Whether on land, at sea, or in the air, it is the second-highest gallantry honour given for brave actions taken while the enemy is nearby.   ·       Vir Chakra:   ·       It is the third-highest wartime heroism award conferred in the country, behind the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra.   ·       Highest Honors for Heroism in Peacetime:   ·       Ashoka Chakra:   ·       It is the highest military award granted for bravery, selflessness, or acts of heroism during peacetime. ·       It is awarded for the most outrageous courage, a daring deed, the biggest act of heroism, or the greatest act of self-sacrifice that does not occur in the presence of the adversary.   ·       Kirti Chakra:   ·       It is the second highest peacetime gallantry award and is granted for bravery, sacrifice, or gallantry off the battlefield.   ·       Shaurya Chakra:   ·       It is awarded to military personnel for actions that exhibit extremely heroic behaviour.   ·       Other Awards:   ·       Sena Medal:   ·       It is awarded to Army personnel who demonstrate especially high levels of bravery or dedication to duty.   ·       Nao Sena Medal:   ·       It is granted to members of the Navy for exemplary bravery or devotion to service.   ·       Vayu Sena Medal:   ·       It is granted to members of the Air Force for exemplary bravery or devotion to service.   Source à The Indian Express         2 – Details of the Special Economic Zones:GS III Topic à Indian Economy related issues   ·       About:   ·       An SEZ is an area inside a country that frequently has different business and commercial regulations as well as duty-free status (fiscal concession) to encourage investment and increase jobs. ·       SEZs are created to better manage these areas and increase commercial accessibility.   ·       SEZs in India:   ·       In Kandla, Gujarat, the first export processing zone (EPZ) was established. ·       The government began developing SEZs in 2000 as part of the Foreign Trade Policy to address the infrastructure and administrative problems that were thought to have hampered the functioning of EPZs, despite the fact that the framework of these EPZs was identical to that of SEZs. ·       The Special Economic Zones Act was passed in 2005. The Act became effective in conjunction with the SEZ Rules in 2006. ·       But SEZs were utilised in India from 2000 to 2006. (In accordance with Foreign Trade Policy). ·       India’s SEZs were modelled after China’s very successful system in many ways. ·       Of the 379 SEZs that have been notified, 265 are currently operational. About 64% of the SEZs are located in five states: Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. ·       The Board of Approval, which is the highest authority, is presided over by the Secretary of Commerce (Ministry of Commerce and Industry). ·       The Baba Kalyani-led committee was constituted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to look into the nation’s current SEZ policy. In November 2018, the group presented its recommendations. ·       Its overarching objective was to evaluate SEZ regulations in order to make them comply with WTO (World Trade Organization) standards and to employ best practises from around the world to maximise capacity utilisation and potential output of the SEZs.   ·       The aims of the SEZ Act are as follows:   ·       To promote greater economic activity ·       To increase exports of goods and services. ·       To boost both domestic and foreign investment. ·       Construction of infrastructure facilities.         ·       Significant Facilities and SEZ Incentives:   ·       Construction, usage, and maintenance of SEZ units are all permitted with duty-free imports and domestic product purchases. ·       exemption from a range of taxes, such as the income tax and the minimal alternate tax. ·       SEZ units may borrow without maturity limitations up to $500 million in international commercial debt annually through recognised banking channels. ·       a single platform for approvals at the federal and state levels.   ·       Performance of SEZ in India:   ·       Exports increased from Rs. 22,840 billion in 2005-2006 to Rs. 7,59,524 billion in 2016-17. (2020-21). ·       Investments have

  . No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the Elephant Conservation in India Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the Essential Commodities Act Prelims & Mains 3.      About the SMILE Scheme Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Prelims Specific Topic   1 – About the Elephant Conservation in India:GS III Topic à Environmental Conservation related issues   ·       Indian elephant statistics as of right now:   ·       India is home to the largest population of Asian elephants, with an estimated 27,000 of them. ·       According to the 2017 Elephant Census, Kerala has the most elephants (6,019), followed by Assam (5,719). (3,054).   ·       Asian elephants:   ·       About:   ·       Three subspecies of Asian elephants exist: the Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan. ·       The majority of the continent’s remaining elephants belong to the Indian subspecies, which has the widest range. ·       The dominant female elephant herd member is the largest and oldest (known as the matriarch). This herd is made up of the matriarch’s daughters and their offspring. ·       Elephants have the longest known gestation durations among mammals since they may carry a pregnancy for up to 680 days (22 months). ·       For females between the ages of 14 and 45, the average time between births is four years, rising to five years at 52 and to six years at 60. ·       20–40,000 people are thought to inhabit the planet.   ·       Status:   ·       On the IUCN Red List, endangered. ·       The 1972 Wildlife (Protection) Act’s Schedule I. ·       CITES’s Appendix I         ·       African elephants:   ·       About:   ·       Two subspecies of African elephants are the Savanna (or bush) elephant and the Forest elephant. ·       Around 4,000,000,000 individuals on the planet. ·       In Botswana, hundreds of elephants died earlier in July 2020. (Africa).   ·       Status:   ·       CITES Appendix II   ·       Threats:   ·       Poaching has increased. ·       Habitat loss ·       Human-elephant conflict ·       Abuse while being imprisoned. ·       Maltreatment of elephants because of tourism. ·       Destruction of hallways and unauthorised mining   ·       What measures have been implemented to encourage conservation?   ·       Plans and actions to catch their murderers and poachers. ·       Many states have developed and designated elephant reserves. For instance, the elephant reserves in Mysuru and Dandeli, both in Karnataka. ·       Eradicating unwanted species from areas like lantana and eupatorium because they prevent the growth of grass that elephants can consume. ·       Elephant-human conflict prevention measures using barriers. ·       Steps for developing a cell for forest fire prevention research. ·       Gaj Yatra, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about elephants, emphasises the value of safeguarding elephant corridors. ·       The Monitoring the Illicit Slaughter of Elephants (MIKE) programme, which was started internationally in 2003, looks at trends in data regarding the illegal killing of elephants from all around Africa and Asia in order to evaluate the performance of field conservation activities. ·       Project Elephant, a federally financed initiative that was started in February 1992, aims to protect elephants, their habitats, and their migration routes. ·       The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change provides financial and technical support for the project to the major elephant range states in the country. ·       Mahouts (people who work with, ride, and care for elephants) and their families place a high priority on elephant welfare. ·       The Madras High Court’s (HC) 2011 decision concerning the Nilgiris elephant corridor was recently upheld by the Supreme Court (SC), maintaining the elephants’ freedom of movement and the closing of resorts close by.   Source à The Indian Express   2 – Details of the Essential Commodities Act:GS II Topic à Government Policies and Interventions   ·       Details of the 1955 Essential Commodities Act:   ·       Background: At the time the ECA Act 1955 was passed into law, there was a food deficit in the nation as a result of continuously low levels of foodgrain production. ·       To feed its people, the country was dependent on aid and imports (such wheat purchased from the US under PL-480). ·       In order to prevent food stockpiling and illegal marketing, the Essential Commodities Act was created in 1955. ·       Essential commodities are not specifically defined under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955. ·       A product that is listed in the Act’s Schedule is referred to as a “essential commodity” under Section 2(A). ·       According to the Act, the federal government is granted the power to include or omit a good from the Schedule. ·       If the Centre decides that declaring something essential is in the public interest, it may do so in collaboration with state governments. ·       The ECA 1955 is used to curb inflation by enabling the Center to give state governments jurisdiction over a variety of commodities’ commerce.   ·       The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution is responsible for implementing the Act.   ·       Impact:   ·       By designating an item as essential, the government can set a stock limit and control its production, supply, and distribution.   ·       Concerns associated with the Essential Commodities Act of 1955:   ·       The Economic Survey 2019–20 emphasised that although government intervention under the ECA 1955 had little effect on lowering inflation, it frequently had an adverse effect on agricultural trade. ·       There are potential for harassment and rent-seeking when this sort of behaviour occurs. Rent-seeking is the term used by economists to describe unproductive income, particularly that obtained through corruption. ·       Traders usually buy far less than they ordinarily would during extra perishable harvests, and farmers frequently suffer substantial losses. ·       Farmers were unable to get better prices because there was a dearth of investment in cold storage, warehouses, processing, and export. ·       These issues led to the Parliament’s approval of the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020. However, farmer opposition compelled the government to repeal this act.   ·       How to Proceed:   ·       The ECA 1955 was first used when India’s production of food grains was insufficient.

    . No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the Recognition of Political Parties in India Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the Climate Change in Antarctica Prelims & Mains 3.      About the Current Account Deficit Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan Prelims Specific Topic   1 – About the Recognition of Political Parties in India:GS II Topic à Election related issues ·       Background:   ·       The Election Commission (EC) has changed the laws so that it will now examine the national and state party status of political parties every three years rather than every five.   ·       Recognition as a national or state party prevents any other political organisation from using the electoral emblem during elections throughout India. ·       The Commission amended Section 6C of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 to reflect the change. The previous modification took place in 2011. ·       The anti-incumbency effect after each election won’t cause ruling parties to fall out of favour thanks to this adjustment of the rules. ·       But the standards for acceptance as a national and state party will remain the same.   ·       The power of the EC in the event that a party breaks apart over a disagreement over the electoral symbol:   ·       According to Section 15 of the 1968 Symbols Order, “when competing sections or organisations of a recognised political party each claim to be that party, the commission after considering all the facts and circumstances of the case concludes that:   ·       One such rival division or group is well recognised. ·       Such a place or group is not recognised. ·       All of these opposing groups or sectors are obligated to follow the Commission’s ruling.   ·       This applies to disputes involving recognised national and state parties. ·       The EC normally advises the feuding sides to settle their differences amicably or to file a judicial case for splits in parties that are registered but not recognised. ·       If there is a dispute, the EC urges that the party show its strength by using its elected officials (MPs and MLAs). ·       The party claiming a particular emblem may do so if it can show through its elected representatives that it has a majority. ·       The distribution of symbols has not yet been the subject of a legal case. ·       When the CPI broke up in 1968, a splinter group pleaded with the ECI to recognise them as the CPI (Marxist). ·       The ECI recognised the faction as CPI after concluding that the votes won by the MPs and MLAs backing the breakaway party were valid (M). ·       In 1987, when AIADMK broke apart, the issue was resolved before the EC had to decide which group should retain the insignia. ·       In 1997, the ECI implemented a new regulation that called for the breakaway group to register as a distinct party and granted it the right to claim national or state party status depending on how well it did in state or central elections after registration.   ·       Registration for political parties:   ·       Political party registration is governed by Section 29A rules of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. ·       A party seeking registration with the Commission under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, must submit an application to the Commission within 30 days of the date of its formation, in accordance with the regulations established by the Election Commission of India in exercising the authority granted by Article 324 of the Commission of India and Section 29A of the Act.   ·       Those parties which meet the following requirements may be given the status of the “National Political Party:   ·       It receives at least 6% of the valid votes cast in any four or more states in a general election for the House of the People or the State Legislative Assembly. ·       It also wins four or more members in the House of Representatives from any State or States. ·       11 seats out of the current 543 members, or at least two percent of the seats, are held by it, and these members represent at least three distinct States.   ·       Those parties which meet the following requirements may be given the status of the “State Political Party:   ·       With at least 6% of the valid votes cast in the State during a general election, it wins either the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the pertinent State. ·       Additionally, it wins at least two seats in the Legislative Assembly of the pertinent State. ·       Regardless of which is higher, it wins at least three (3) seats in the Assembly or at least three percent (3%) of the total seats in the State’s Legislative Assembly.   ·       Benefits:   ·       If a party is recognised as a “National Party,” it has the right to the exclusive allocation of its reserved symbol to the candidates it nominates throughout India. If a party is recognised as a “State Party,” it has the right to the exclusive allocation of its reserved symbol to the candidates it nominates in the State in which it has received this recognition. ·       Recognized “State” and “National” parties are entitled to two free sets of electoral rolls during roll revision and one free electoral roll for each candidate during general elections. They also only need one proposer to file a candidacy. ·       They also have broadcasting and telecasting rights on Doordarshan and Akashvani during general elections. ·       Political parties are allowed to designate “Star Campaigners” in general elections. A recognised National or State party may nominate up to 40 “Star Campaigners,” compared to a registered unrecognised party’s maximum nomination of 20 “Star Campaigners.” ·       Star campaigners are not allowed to have their travel expenses reported in the election expense reports for their party’s candidates.   Source à The Indian Express   2 – Details of the

    . No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojna (Urban) Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the NATO Prelims & Mains 3.      About the Linkage of Voter ID Cards with Aadhar Card Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the Corbevax Prelims Specific Topic 1 – About the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojna (Urban):GS II Topic à Government Policies and Interventions   ·       Context:   ·       The programme aims to construct approximately 112 crore homes in urban areas by August 15, 2022. It first appeared in 2015. The Cabinet approved an extension until December 31, 2024, in order to complete the dwellings that have already been approved.   ·       About:   ·       Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), a government programme run by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is a part of Housing for All by 2022. (MoHUA). ·       It makes home loans more affordable for the urban poor by providing a discount on the interest rate of a home loan during EMI repayment (Equated Monthly Installments).   ·       Beneficiaries:   ·       For those who fall under the EWS/LIG and MIG classifications, especially those who reside in slums, the Mission focuses on the lack of urban housing. ·       The annual income of a family in the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) is capped at Rs. 3,00,00. ·       Families in the Low Income Group (LIG), defined as those making less than Rs. 6,00,000 per year, and ·       The Middle Income Groups (MIG I & II) have a maximum annual family income of Rs. 18,00,000. ·       A beneficiary family consists of a husband, wife, and any daughters or boys who are not married.               ·       PMAY-U Verticals:   ·       In-situ slum regeneration (ISSR):   ·       This vertical would be implemented with the concept of “Land as a Resource” with involvement from the business sector in order to offer homes to qualified slum dwellers. ·       Slum: A densely inhabited area with at least 300 inhabitants, or around 60 to 70 dwellings, that is shoddily constructed, crammed, and situated in a filthy environment without sufficient sanitary or drinking water utilities.   ·       Housing with a Credit Linked Subsidy (CLSS):   ·       For the purpose of buying, constructing, or improving dwellings, EWS, LIG, and MIG (I & II) recipients may apply for housing loans from banks, housing finance firms, or other organisations of a like nature and receive the following interest subsidies: ·       6.5% for loans under Rs. 6 lakh ·       4% for loans under Rs. 9 lakh ·       3% for loans under Rs. 12 lakh   ·       Affordable Housing Partnership (AHP):   ·       An affordable housing project may consist of a mixture of homes in different categories, but it will only be eligible for Central Assistance if at least 35% of the project’s dwellings fall into the EWS group.   ·       Construction of private homes directed by beneficiaries (BLC):   ·       For home construction or improvement, eligible EWS households can receive central aid up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per EWS dwelling.   ·       Demand-driven Approach:   ·       The PMAY-U adopts a demand-driven strategy, enhancing the concepts of cooperative federalism; whether there is a housing shortage is decided by the States and Union Territories (UTs). ·       The Mission is carried out as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with the exception of the CLSS vertical of the PMAY-U, which is being implemented as a Central Sector Scheme (CSS). ·       All Central Sector Schemes must be implemented and funded by the apparatus of the Central Government. ·       The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) is run by state governments, with funding coming in part from the states.   ·       Geotagging:   ·       The process of geotagging entails including location data in a variety of media, including photography. ·       The state government is obligated by the PMAY-U regulations to ensure that each house built as part of the programme is geotagged to the Bhuvan HFA (housing for all) application. ·       The Indian Geo Platform known as Bhuvan was developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). ·       Customers can use this web-based tool to access various mapping services.   ·       Gender Equality:   ·       The Mission promotes women’s emancipation by letting female members or joint members to purchase properties. ·       Women (with widows and single women receiving top priority), members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, as well as transgender people, are also given preference.   ·       PMAY-U-funded projects include:   ·       Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs):   ·       Urban migrants and the disadvantaged will find it simpler to access excellent, affordable rental housing close to their places of employment in the industrial sector as well as in informal urban economies as a result.   ·       Housing Technology Challenge:   ·       For the house building sector, it seeks to identify and mainstream a variety of cutting-edge, environmentally friendly, and disaster-resistant construction technologies.   ·       Awas Portal for CLSS:   ·       On this single platform, all stakeholders are integrated in real time, including the MoHUA, central nodal agencies, key lending institutions, beneficiaries, and citizens. ·       The website streamlines the application procedure and makes it possible for recipients to check on the status of their financial aid.   Source à The Indian Express   2 – Details of the NATO:GS II Topic à International Relations   ·       About the NATO:   ·       In order to guarantee collective defence against the Soviet Union, the United States, Canada, and a number of Western European nations signed the North Atlantic Treaty, also referred to as the Washington Treaty, in April 1949. ·       There are now 30 member states. ·       The original members of the group were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. ·       Greece and Turkey joined the original signatories in 1952, followed by West Germany in 1955 (renamed Germany in 1990), Spain in 1982, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland in 1999, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,

  . No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the G 20 Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the PESA Act Prelims & Mains 3.      About the Israel Palestine Dispute Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the AGM 88 HARM Prelims Specific Topic   1 – About the G 20:GS II Topic à International Relations   ·       About the G20:   ·       Every year, the G20 summit brings together leaders from the countries with the largest and fastest-growing economies. ·       Members in this group make up two-thirds of the world’s population and 85% of its GDP. ·       The official name of the G20 Summit is “Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy.”   ·       Its relevance in contemporary times:   ·       The previous G20 summits have focused on a wide range of global issues that have a substantial impact on the global economy, including development, climate change and energy, health, counterterrorism, as well as migration and refugees. These issues are in addition to macroeconomics and trade. These recent summits have grown increasingly significant as globalisation progresses and numerous challenges become more closely connected. ·       The G20 has sought to realise a just and sustainable society through its efforts to address major global issues.   ·       Establishment:   ·       Following the 1997–1998 Asian Financial Crisis, the G7 finance ministers saw the need for large developing market countries to engage in discussions on the global financial system and decided to establish the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors conference in 1999.   ·       Presidency:   ·       Each year in December, a nation from a rotating zone assumes the leadership of the G20 because it lacks a permanent staff. ·       That country must schedule the next summit and any subsequent smaller events for the following year. ·       They could also choose to host visitors from other countries. ·       The first G20 summit was held in Berlin in 1999, in the wake of an East Asian financial crisis that had an impact on the entire world.   ·       Full membership participation in the G20:   ·       Among the nations holding the full membership of the G 20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union.   Source à The Indian Express   2 – Details of the PESA Act:GS II Topic à Government Policies and Interventions   ·       The 1996 Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act is described as follows:   ·       In order to promote local self-governance in rural India, the 73rd constitutional amendment was approved in 1992. ·       This reform resulted in a three-tiered Panchayati Raj Institution becoming a law. ·       Its application to the scheduled and tribal territories was however constrained by Article 243(M). ·       In response to the Bhuria Committee’s 1995 recommendations, the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act of 1996 was written to ensure tribal self-rule for individuals living in India’s scheduled areas. ·       While the state legislature gave Panchayats and Gram Sabhas a consultative role to facilitate their efficient operation, the PESA gave the Gram Sabha full authority. ·       Independence shall always exist, and no higher authority can restrict the power given to the Gram Sabha. ·       In India, tribal law is viewed as having its roots in the PESA. ·       PESA accepts the traditional system of decision-making and promotes the people’s right to self-governance.   ·       The following powers and obligations have been granted to the Gram Sabhas:   ·       Right to mandatory consultation while buying land, moving, or assisting those who have been displaced. ·       Protection of the traditional beliefs and culture of indigenous communities ·       Possession of locally produced forest goods ·       The resolution of neighbourhood issues ·       Preventing land encroachment ·       The ability to influence village markets ·       The authority to control the production, distillation, and prohibition of alcohol ·       Exercise of control over money lending ·       Issues Concerning the PESA Act:   ·       State governments are required to enact state legislation for their Scheduled Areas in accordance with this federal statute. ·       The PESA has only been partially implemented as a result. ·       Due to the poor implementation, self-governance in Adivasi regions, such as in Jharkhand, has gotten worse. ·       Numerous observers have claimed that the vagueness, legal shortcomings, bureaucratic indifference, lack of political will, resistance to change in the power structure, and other factors contributed to the failure of PESA to deliver. ·       Social audits conducted around the state also showed that different development plans were simply being approved by the Gram Sabha on paper, without any actual meetings for discussion and decision-making.   ·       Case Study: The Tribal Governance System in Jharkhand:   ·       Jharkhand became India’s 28th state in 2000 after being split off from the Bihar area in the south. ·       The southern area of Bihar was very different from the northern region both geographically and socially. ·       There are 32 different tribes there, nine of which are especially threatened (PVTG). ·       The main tribes in terms of population are the Santhal (34%), Oraon (19.6%), Munda (14.8%), and Ho (10.5%), according to Census 2001. ·       Three functional levels were used to organise the state’s major tribal tribes’ complete social structure. ·       The first one occurs on a village level, the second one on a level of five or six villages, and the third one on a community level. ·       Women were frequently excluded from these decision-making processes, yet despite this, they were still viewed as democratic and people-centered. ·       They built a nonhierarchical structure of government as opposed to the caste system. In each tribal hamlet, a village council served as the core entity for self-government. ·       In the past, these places were the only places where decisions on the government, the Parliament, and the courts were decided. ·       Labor sharing, agricultural operations, religious celebrations and festivities, and maintenance of village commons were among the administrative concerns (including farms, forests,

  . No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the Mid Day Meal Scheme Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the Sessions of Parliament Prelims & Mains 3.      About the New START Treaty Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the Fake Currency in India Prelims & Mains   1 – About the Mid Day Meal Scheme:GS II Topic à Government Policies and Interventions   ·       Context:   ·       Girls in Class 8 gained up to 71 percent more weight than their counterparts who did not receive eggs as part of their midday meals, according to a study conducted by the Karnataka government and involving more than 4,500 students in two districts.   ·       What is included in the noon meal plan?   ·       It serves students in government schools in Classes 1 through 8, making it the largest programme of its sort in the world. ·       The major objective of this initiative is to boost student enrollment. ·       The nodal ministry is the Ministry of Education. ·       Background: In Madras Municipal Corporation, the programme was initially made accessible to impoverished children in 1925. ·       The Union government launched a centrally sponsored programme for children in Classes 1 through 5 on a trial basis in 1995. ·       By October 2007, MDMS was a Class 8 institution. ·       Situation: The programme will change its name to PM Poshan Shakti Nirman or PM Poshan in 2021. ·       11.80 billion children, in classes 1 through 8, are covered by the programme (age group 6 to 14). ·       The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, made it a right granted to all pupils enrolled in basic and upper primary classes rather than just a programme. ·       This was further affirmed by the Supreme Court’s ruling in People’s Union of Civil Liberties v. Union of India and Others (2001). ·       federal structure According to the regulations, the 60:40 split between states and UTs with legislatures and the 90:10 split between the Northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand applies to the allocation of Rs. 4.97 per child per day (primary classes) and Rs. 7.45 per child per day (upper primary). In UTs without legislatures, all expenses must be paid for by the Centre.     ·       What’s wrong with eggs, exactly?   ·       In India, eating habits are a contentious subject because of regional variation, religious conservatism, and caste rigidities. ·       As a result, despite multiple scientific studies, including some commissioned by state governments, showing the benefits of giving children eggs, many states have been unwilling to include eggs in the school lunch menu.   ·       What Issues and Difficulties Surround This?   ·       Corrupt Practices: There have been instances where plain chapatis have been given salt, milk has been diluted with water, people have become ill after eating, etc. ·       Due to the importance of food in the caste system, children are frequently made to sit in groups according to their caste rank in classrooms. ·       Child malnutrition levels have risen worse in a lot of states across the country, according to the National Family Health Survey-5. ·       India is home to over half of the severely wasted children under the age of five and about 30% of the world’s stunted youngsters. ·       Report on Global Nutrition 2021: According to the newly released Global Nutrition Report, India has not made any progress in lowering anaemia and childhood wasting (GNR, 2021). ·       More over half of Indian women between the ages of 15 and 49 are anaemic. ·       Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021: Out of 116 countries, India fell from its 2020 ranking of 94th to 101st in the GHI 2021.   ·       How to Proceed:   ·       Early Detection & Care: Interventions to raise maternal height and education must be implemented years before these girls and young women become mothers. ·       A whole approach to health Nutritionists have long emphasised that while boosting early children’s nutrition has been a frequent tactic in the battle against stunting, enhancing mother health and welfare is the key to reduce stunting in offspring. ·       According to the MDMS menu enhancement project, expanding and upgrading school meals is vital for intergenerational advantages. Because females in India graduate from high school, marry, and have children quickly, school-based interventions can be quite helpful.   Source à The Indian Express     2 – Details of the Sessions of Parliament:GS II Topic à Parliament Related Issues   ·       Context:   ·       Both houses of Parliament ended their session on Monday, four days earlier than scheduled. Om Birla, the Lok Sabha’s speaker, proclaimed the 16-day session, during which seven bills were passed, adjourned sine die. The Upper House was adjourned sine die by the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, M. Venkaiah Naidu, whose tenure ends on August 10. He also declared that the Rajya Sabha secretariat would disseminate all session information throughout the meeting.   ·       Sessions of the Parliament:   ·       Details about summoning Parliament are contained in Article 85 of the Constitution. ·       A session of Parliament may be called by the Government. ·       The decision is made by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs and formalised by the President, on whose behalf MPs (Members of Parliament) are summoned to a meeting. ·       The parliamentary schedule in India is flexible. Parliament meets three times a year by tradition rather than as mandated by the Constitution. ·       The first budget session, which takes place for the longest period of time, starts around the end of January and finishes by the end of April or the first week of May. ·       The second session is the three-week Monsoon Session, which typically begins in July and continues through August. ·       November through December are the months of the third session, also referred to as the Winter Session. ·       A call to the legislature ·       the procedure for calling a meeting with every member of the Parliament. The President will convene each House of Parliament on occasion. The Parliament must

    . No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the SSLV Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the Lumpy Skin Disease Prelims & Mains 3.      About the Foreigner Tribunal Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the Nalanda University Prelims & Mains 1 – About the SSLV:GS III Topic à Science and Technology   ·       About:   ·       With about 110 tonnes in weight, it is the lightest vehicle. It will only take 72 hours to integrate, as opposed to the 70 days it now takes to launch a vehicle. ·       The tried-and-true Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) can only transport satellites up to 500 kg into low earth orbit, despite the fact that it can launch satellites up to 1000 kg. ·       The SSLV is a three-stage, all-solid rocket that can send 300 kg of satellites into Sun Synchronous Orbit and 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at a height of 500 km (SSO). ·       It is perfect for concurrently launching many microsatellites and supporting multiple orbital drop-offs. ·       The main advantages of SSLV are its low cost, rapid turnaround, versatility to accommodate several satellites, practicality of launch on demand, minimal launch infrastructure needs, etc. ·       The government has authorised a total investment of Rs. 169 Crores for the development project, which involves the production and qualification of the vehicle systems as well as flight demonstration via three development flights (SSLV-D1, SSLV-D2 & SSLV-D3). ·       The SSLV was created and developed while Dr. Somanath was the center’s director in Thiruvananthapuram starting in 2018. He is now the next head of ISRO. ·       Originally scheduled to occur in July 2019, the SSLV’s first flight has been delayed due to issues with Covid-19 and other considerations.   ·       Application of SSLV:   ·       Increasing the synergy between the space industry and private Indian firms through the development and manufacture of the SSLV is one of the space ministry’s main goals. ·       The Indian industry should work together to produce the SSLV after it has been shown. There is currently a consortium in place to produce PSLV. ·       The recently founded ISRO commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL), will collaborate with the Indian corporate sector through knowledge transfers to mass-produce and build the SSLV and the more potent PSLV. ·       With the aid of Indian industrial partners, it seeks to utilise ISRO’s decades of research and development for commercial purposes. ·       Small satellite launches have so far been carried out using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the workhorse of ISRO with more than 50 successful launches. Therefore, the successful completion of launch contracts by ISRO for larger spacecraft has been a prerequisite for small satellite launches.   Source à The Indian Express   2 – Details of the Lumpy Skin Disease:GS III Topic à Health Related Issues   ·       Causes:   ·       Cattle or water buffalo get infected with the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus, which causes LSD (LSDV). ·       According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, mortality is under 10%. (FAO). ·       Zambia reported an epidemic of lumpy skin disease in 1929. It was formerly thought to be the result of poisoning or a reaction to insect bites.   ·       Transmission:   ·       The primary biting insects (vectors) that spread lumpy skin disease between animals are mosquitoes and biting flies.   ·       Symptoms:   ·       Fever, discharge from the eyes and nose, saliva oozing from the lips, and body blisters are the major symptoms. ·       When an animal has trouble chewing or eating, it stops eating, which reduces milk production.   ·       Prevention and treatment:   ·       The Indian Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme covers the cost of several disease vaccinations. ·       There are no specific antiviral drugs available to treat lumpy skin conditions. The only available treatment for cattle is supportive care. This may entail using drugs to prevent recurrent skin infections and pneumonia as well as wound care sprays to treat skin blemishes. ·       Anti-inflammatory drugs can be administered to animals under discomfort to keep them from losing their appetite.   Source à The Hindu     3 – About the Foreigner Tribunal:GS III Topic à Citizenship Related Issues   ·       Regarding Assam’s Foreigners Tribunals:   ·       The tribunals, which are quasi-judicial bodies, determine whether or not people who are present without authorization qualify as “foreigners.” ·       If a person’s name does not appear in the final National Register of Citizens (NRC), they may appeal to the Foreigners Tribunals, which serves as the appellate authority (FT). ·       Assam has constituted FTs to address the concerns of the 19.06 lakh persons who were left off of the updated NRC. ·       In accordance with the provisions of the Foreigners Act of 1946 and the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order of 1964, only Foreigners Tribunals have the jurisdiction to declare a person to be a foreigner. ·       The Assam Police Border Organization, a component of the State police tasked with detecting foreigners, prepares the cases for the tribunals to assess who is a foreigner and who is not.   ·       Foreign Tribunal Members:   ·       Each FT member is appointed in line with the Foreigners Tribunal Act of 1941 and the Foreigners Tribunal Order of 1984, according to the rules that are periodically published by the government. ·       A retired judge from the Assam Judicial Service, a retired civil servant with judicial expertise who held a post at least as high as secretary but not lower, or an active lawyer who is at least 35 years old and has at least seven years of experience are all eligible to join. ·       Membership also requires proficiency in the four official languages of Assam—Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, and English—as well as knowledge of the issue’s historical background.   Source à The Indian Express   4 – Details of the Nalanda University: Prelims Specific Topic   ·       About:   ·       Nalanda University is a recreated facsimile of the original Nalanda University and is situated in Rajgir in the Nalanda District in

  . No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the Privileges of Members of Parliament Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the 10th Schedule Prelims & Mains 3.      About the Private Members Bill Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the Cabinet Secretary Prelims & Mains   1 – About the Privileges of Members of Parliament:GS II Topic à Parliament related issues   ·       Context:   ·       The Rajya Sabha chairman, M. Venkaiah Naidu, said in the Upper House on Friday that members of Congress may be arrested for crimes whether or not the House was in session. He asserted that MPs were unable to ignore police summonses.   ·       Raising the Rajya Sabha’s standards:   ·       The Rajya Sabha’s output has been gauged since 1978. Production at The House was above 100% for the first 19 years, from 1991 to 1996, but it has since started to decline. ·       In 16 of these 19 years, the House’s annual output exceeded 100%, while in the 24 years before that, just two of those years—1998 and 2009—saw productivity above 100%. The Rajya Sabha has not once seen a productivity rate of 100 percent in the last 12 years.   ·       What Are Parliamentary Privileges?   ·       To “successfully fulfil their obligations” both individually and collectively, members of parliament may use certain privileges and immunities. ·       Two privileges that are particularly specified in Article 105 of the Constitution are the freedom of speech in Parliament and the right to report its proceedings. ·       The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 also protects members against civil process arrest and detention while the House or a committee of the House is in session, as well as for forty days prior to and forty days after the meeting. This is in addition to the privileges listed in the Constitution.   ·       Request to avoid a Breach of Privilege:   ·       When any of these privileges or immunities are infringed, it constitutes a crime that is subject to punishment under legislation enacted by Parliament. ·       Any member of either House may make a notice motion in opposition to someone they believe has infringed on a privilege. ·       Role of the Rajya Sabha (RS) Speaker/Chairperson:   ·       The Speaker/RS chairperson initially considers a privilege motion. ·       The Speaker or Chair may rule on the privilege motion or submit it to the committee that oversees parliamentary privileges. ·       If the Speaker/Chair grants permission in accordance with the applicable rules, the member in question is given the opportunity to make a brief statement. ·       Application: Parliamentary privileges are granted by the Constitution to everyone who is permitted to speak and participate in a House of Parliament or any of its committee meetings. One of them is the Attorney General of India. ·       Despite being a crucial component of the Parliament, the President is not given any of the privileges enjoyed by other members of the parliament. Article 361 of the Constitution grants privileges to the President.   Source à The Indian Express   2 – Details of the 10th Schedule:GS II Topic à Indian Constitution   ·       Context:   ·       Among other things, the 10th schedule of the Constitution should be strengthened, horse commerce discouraged, and threats against women on social media punished. The Rajya Sabha received these and other Private Member’s Bills on Friday.   ·       Anti-defection legislation:   ·       The Tenth Schedule was added to the Constitution in 1985 as a result of the 52nd Amendment Act. ·       It describes the process by which lawmakers may be removed from their positions on a legislative body due to defection, as requested by any other member of the House. ·       The ultimate decision on disqualification due to defection rests with the Chairman or Speaker of that House. ·       The act applies to both the national and state legislatures.   ·       Disqualification occurs when:   ·       MP or MLA voluntarily leaves his political party, votes against the intentions of his party, or doesn’t cast a ballot in the legislature. ·       Nevertheless, if the participant got prior authorization or received ·       within 15 days of the vote, or abstention from the party. ·       if an independent candidate decides to switch parties after the election. ·       A nominated legislator joins a party six months after being chosen to serve in the legislature.   ·       Examples of the exceptions:   ·       Legislators occasionally have the option to change parties without being subject to disqualification. ·       If approved by at least two-thirds of its legislators, a party may merge with or into another party in conformity with the law. ·       Both those who choose to join the original party and those who prefer to stick with it will not be excluded in such a scenario.   ·       A judge is permitted to review the Presiding Officer’s choice:   ·       The original law does not permit judicial review of the Presiding Officer’s decision. In 1992, the Supreme Court overturned this provision, allowing appeals of the Presiding Officer’s decision to be brought to the High Court and Supreme Court. The Presiding Officer’s order had to come first, therefore no legal action could be initiated until then.   ·       Benefits of legislation against defection:   ·       prevents changes in party identification, which gives the government stability. ·       ensures that candidates remain devoted to the party and the electorate. ·       keeps party discipline in check. ·       enables political party mergers without setting off the anti-defection provisions ·       expects to reduce political corruption. ·       explains the penalties that will be applied to a member who changes parties.   ·       Several suggestions are presented to alleviate the issues the statute has caused:   ·       According to the commission on electoral reforms, disqualification should only take place in the following situations:   ·       A member either abstains or casts a no or no vote in response to a motion for or against confidence. Political parties could only issue whips when the government was in danger.   ·       It is

. No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1.      About the Data Protection Bill Prelims & Mains 2.      Details of the Anti Doping Bill Prelims & Mains 3.      About the Fair and Remunerative Price Prelims & Mains 4.      Details of the Central Vigilance Commissioner Prelims & Mains 1 – About the Data Protection Bill: GS II Topic à Government Policies and Interventions   ·       Context: ·       The Personal Data Protection Bill was withdrawn from Parliament by the government in order to provide a “complete legislative framework” for controlling the online world. Separate regulations on data privacy, the internet ecosystem as a whole, cybersecurity, telecom rules, and the use of non-personal data to promote innovation in the country are all included in this framework. ·       Important recommendations: ·       To reflect this change, the “Personal Data Protection Billpresent “‘s title needs to be updated. This is designed to imply that in order to better protect privacy, the bill will also address non-personal data, such as personal data that has been anonymized. ·       “Sensitive personal information shall not be shared with any foreign government or agency unless such sharing is allowed by the federal government,” should be the new wording in the section that forbids the transmission of personal information outside of India. ·       Until the parent company, which owns the technology that powers the platform’s services, has a presence in India, no social media platform should be allowed to operate there. ·       It advocates setting up a distinct regulatory body with the exclusive purpose of regulating the media. ·       Any person who reidentifies de-identified data risks up to a 3-year prison sentence, a Rs. 2 lakh fine, or both. ·       The name of the Bill ought to be altered to “personalization.” ·       The central government may only exempt any government agency from the legislation in unusual circumstances. ·       How do these suggestions compare to EU law? ·       The JCP’s recommendations for the Personal Data Protection Bill are very similar to international standards like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation in a number of aspects. ·       Similarities: ·       Users must provide their informed consent in order to opt in or out of how their data is processed. ·       Breach: The authorities must be notified of a breach within 72 hours of the revelation. ·       Before the obligations of the GDPR come into force, there is a two-year transition period. ·       According to EU law, a “data fiduciary” is any individual, whether they are human or legal, as well as any governmental body, organisation, or institution that determines the objectives and techniques for processing personal data. NGOs in India are also included. ·       The committee has recommended creating a Data Protection Authority (DPA): ·       The Data Protection Authority will handle both personal and non-personal data (DPA). ·       DPA membership: The Union government will choose the DPA’s chairperson and other members based on recommendations made by a selection committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary. ·       The group will also comprise the secretary for law and IT as well as the Indian attorney general. ·       An independent expert and one director from each of the IIT and the IIM are among the members that the Center has suggested. ·       Additional noteworthy items include: ·       The law aims to define the flow and use of personal data, safeguard the privacy of persons whose information is processed, create a framework for international transfers, hold data processors accountable, and suggest remedies for improper and harmful processing. ·       The opposition MPs who submitted their dissent notes have passionately criticised the bill’s intention to provide the government the power to exempt its investigative agencies from the restrictions of the law.   Source à The Indian Express     2 – Details of the ssAnti Doping Bill:GS II Topic à Government Policies and Interventions   ·       Context: ·       The Indian Parliament yesterday adopted a bill to provide a legislative framework for the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and National Dope Testing Laboratory. ·       What are the Main Elements of the Bill? ·       The Bill forbids the use of doping in competitive sports by athletes, athlete support personnel, and other individuals. ·       Consequences of Violations:   ·       Violations of the anti-doping rules may result in results being thrown out, the forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes, the ineligibility to compete in an event for a predetermined period of time, financial penalties, etc. ·       The Bill describes how to establish the National Anti-Doping Agency as a statutory authority and provides the organisation with a legal foundation. ·       It will be led by a Director General selected by the federal government. The Agency’s responsibilities include encouraging anti-doping research and organising, carrying out, and managing anti-doping programmes. Additionally, it looks into violations of the anti-doping rules. ·       National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports: The legislation establishes the National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports, which will advise the government on anti-doping regulations and the observance of international anti-doping agreements. ·       The Board will oversee and give direction to the Agency’s operations. ·       Dope Testing Laboratories: It is assumed that the principal dope testing laboratory is the current National Dope Testing Facility. ·       The federal government might build more National Dope Testing Laboratories. ·       What is the significance of the Bill? ·       The legislation aims to give athletes time-bound justice while also enhancing agency coordination in the war against doping. ·       Additionally, it seeks to increase India’s resolve to maintain its international promises to promote healthy competition. ·       The legislation would aid in the creation of a trustworthy, unbiased mechanism for anti-doping adjudication. ·       What Issues Do You Have With the Bill? ·       Additionally, the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and NADA would receive legal recognition under this bill. ·       The Director General’s qualifications must be disclosed by rules because they are not specified in the Bill. ·       The federal government has the right to fire the director general for wrongdoing, incompetence, or “any other ground.” ·       The independence of the Director General would be compromised