UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 18 August 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Lateral Entry in Central Government

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Union Service Public Commission has sought applications for lateral entry from private sector, state/UT government and PSU employees for 45 posts of Joint Secretary, Director and Deputy Secretary across 24 Central ministries.

About Lateral Entry in Civil Services:

• Lateral entry in administration is the appointment of specialists from the private sector in government organisations.
• It was recommended by the NITI Aayog in its Three-year Action Agenda and also the Group of Secretaries (GoS) on Governance had in its report recommended the induction of personnel in the middle and senior management level in the government.

Objective

• Lateral entry was introduced to serve the twin purpose of bringing in domain expertise in the civil services and addressing the problem of shortage of IAS officers at the Centre.
• With lateral entry, the government aims to recruit outstanding individuals with expertise in various sectors to serve for the benefit of the country.

Process of Lateral Entry Recruitment:

• The selection process for lateral entry into administration is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) asks the UPSC to conduct the selection process for lateral entry to various positions in government departments and ministries.
• Subsequently, the UPSC invites online applications for lateral recruitment for these positions.
• Once the candidates have submitted their application, the UPSC conducts interviews of the shortlisted candidates and recommends the list of selected candidates to the DoPT.
• The recommended candidates are then appointed by the Government, generally for a period of 3 to 5 years.

Need for Lateral Entry:

• Shortage of officers: There is a shortage of officers for the IAS cadre, according to the DoPT.
• Domain Expertise: Through lateral entry, domain experts can be recruited from the private sector to the central administration.

Pros of Lateral Entry in Civil Services:

• Expertise and Specialization: Lateral entry allows professionals with specialized knowledge and experience to contribute to policymaking and implementation.
• Innovation and Fresh Perspectives: Individuals from diverse backgrounds bring new ideas and innovative approaches.
• Merit-Based Selection: Lateral entry emphasizes merit, skills, and experience over traditional seniority.
• Shortening Learning Curve: Experienced professionals can quickly adapt and contribute without extensive training.

Cons of Lateral Entry in Civil Services:

• Cultural and Bureaucratic Resistance: The traditional civil services may resist the inclusion of lateral entrants.
• Lack of Public Sector Experience: Lateral entrants may lack understanding of government procedures and protocols.
• Potential for Bias: The selection process for lateral entry could be perceived as biased or politically influenced.
• Short-Term Focus: Professionals entering laterally may focus on short-term goals rather than long-term public service commitments.

US, UK Among Many Countries with Provision for Lateral Entry:

Countries like United States, Belgium, the UK, Australia and New Zealand have institutionalized this practice. In the United States, it is known as the "Spoils System". In the UK and Ireland, officers are selected based on work experience in the civil as well as the private sector.

Lateral Entry in Central Government:

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited applications for lateral entry positions from private sector, state/UT government, and PSU employees for 45 posts of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary across 24 Central ministries.
• These positions will be filled on a contractual basis by September 17. The contract is for three years, extendable to five based on performance.
• Candidates must have significant experience, with joint secretaries needing 15 years, directors10 years, and deputy secretaries7 years.
• Central government employees are not eligible to apply.

GS2/Polity

Need for a Central Protection Act for Doctors

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

Resident doctors across India are on strike, demanding laws to ensure their safety after the rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata on August 9.

• The protests began after her body was found in the hospital's emergency building, with doctors criticizing the hospital and State government for attempting to downplay the incident. They highlight the lack of a Central law to protect healthcare workers.

Legal provisions

• As per constitutional provisions, health and law and order are State subjects.
• Hence, it is the primary responsibility of the State government or Union Territory administration to take note of events and eventualities, and do what is necessary to prevent violence.
• It should be noted that, the details of the number of fatalities of medical professionals due to attacks by families of patients are not maintained centrally.
• Violence against healthcare workers at the workplace is not new in India.
• In 1973, Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug, working as a junior nurse at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, was sexually assaulted by a hospital sweeper. She died in 2015 after spending over 41 years in a vegetative state following the attack.

Need for a safe work environment

• Experts have pointed out that medical colleges often have ill-lit corridors, poorly secured wards, and long distances between departments.
• There is an urgent need to improve working and living conditions by ensuring proper lighting, security guards, cameras, and manned walk-throughs between departments, operation theatres, and emergency areas.
• These simple measures could make a real difference.
• Violence against healthcare workers is a global issue, but several countries have implemented effective measures to protect their medical professionals.
• U.K. enforces a zero-tolerance policy on violence, supported by a dedicated security team and a comprehensive reporting system.
• U.S., some States classify assaults on healthcare workers as felonies, acting as a strong deterrent.
• Australian hospitals have introduced safety measures like security personnel, panic buttons, and mandatory de-escalation training.
• India must urgently introduce a Central protection Act and adopt similar measures to take stringent actions to ensure a safer environment for its healthcare workers.
• The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the Union government to recognize and address violence against doctors at healthcare centers.
• In its list of demands, the IMA calls for hospital security protocols similar to those at airports, declaring healthcare centers as safe zones with mandatory security measures like CCTVs and security personnel
• The IMA highlighted the poor working conditions of doctors, noting that the victim was on a 36-hour shift with no safe place to rest.
• It also emphasized the need for a thorough investigation of the crime, justice for the victim, identification and punishment of those responsible for vandalism, and appropriate compensation for the victim's family.
• Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an order requiring the head of an institution to file an FIR within six hours in the event of any violence against healthcare workers on duty.
• This order responds to the increasing violence against doctors and healthcare staff in government hospitals, often perpetrated by patients or their attendants.
• Additionally, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges to develop policies ensuring a safe work environment for staff.
• The NMC also mandated that incidents of violence against medical students be promptly investigated, with an FIR filed and a detailed report sent to the NMC within 48 hours.

GS2/Polity

Governor Sanctioning the Prosecution of the Chief Minister

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Karnataka Governor sanctioned the prosecution of the Chief Minister in a case of alleged corruption in the allotment of land to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

What is the MUDA ‘Scam’?

• The MUDA ‘Scam’ refers to the alleged corruption in the allotment of land to the Chief Minister's wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.

Powers of Sanctioning the Prosecution of the CM

• Legal provisions: The sanction has been given under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhitha 2023 based on petitions submitted by social activists.
• The SC ruling on Governor’s discretion: Citing a 2004 ruling by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court related to Madhya Pradesh, the Governor highlighted the importance of Governors using their discretion based on facts and circumstances to prevent a breakdown of the rule of law.

Intention Behind Governor’s Decision and its Criticism

• Intention: The Governor is convinced that the allegations and supporting materials disclose the commission of offenses, ensuring a neutral, objective, and non-partisan investigation.
• Criticism of Governor’s decision: The State government accused the Governor of acting under the influence of the central leadership, leading to destabilization of the Karnataka government. The State Cabinet unanimously condemned the central government for what they termed as an illegal, unconstitutional, and anti-democratic sanction.

Other Instances When Governors Moved Against CMs

• The question of Governor’s discretion: The issue of whether a Governor can sanction the prosecution of a CM based on their own discretion, rather than the advice of the Council of Ministers, has been addressed in a few cases.
• Case of Maharashtra: In the case of former Maharashtra CM (A.R. Antulay), a two-member SC Bench in 1982 ruled in favor of the Governor’s discretion regarding prosecution.
• Case of TN: In the case of the prosecution of serving CM Jayalalithaa based on a sanction by the then Tamil Nadu Governor (Marri Channa Reddy) in 1995, the Madras High Court rejected her challenge citing the Governor’s immunity under Article 361.

GS2/ Polity and Governance

Green Tug Transition Program

Source: Indian Education Diary

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).

About Green Tug Transition Program:

• GTTP was launched on May 22, 2023, as part of the 'Panch Karma Sankalp' initiative.
• It aims to replace traditional fuel-powered harbor tugs in Indian Major Ports with environmentally friendly tugs using cleaner fuels.
• Implementation Phases:
  • Phase 1 of GTTP starts on October 1, 2024, and runs until December 31, 2027.
  • During this phase, four Major Ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and O. Chidambaranar Port Authority will acquire or hire at least two green tugs each, following set designs and specifications from the Standing Specification Committee (SSC).
• Nodal Agency: The National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) oversees this program.
• India aims to be a 'Global Hub for Green Ship' construction by 2030 through the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP).
• 'Green Hybrid Tugs' will utilize Green Hybrid Propulsion systems and transition to eco-friendly solutions like Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen.

GS3/ Science and Technology

Bhavishya Software

Source: Money Control  

Why in News?

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) introduced a unique innovative centralized pension processing software called ‘Bhavishya’ for all central government Ministries/Departments.

About Bhavishya Software:

• It is an online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System initiated by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.
• It became mandatory for all central civil Ministries and Departments starting from 01.01.2017.
• The aim was to deal with issues like delays and mistakes in handling pension cases, along with financial losses and troubles for the pensioners.

Features:

• Auto Registration of Retirees: Linked with payroll systems, this feature automatically fills in basic retiring employees' data and gives necessary information to departments and the DOPPW about upcoming retirees within 15 months.
• Strict timelines: The software sets specific timelines for different stages of pension processing involving all concerned parties. The process begins online 15 months before retirement, and the pensioner only needs to fill out one form.
• Transparency and Accountability: The system ensures complete transparency and accountability in pension case processing, making it easy to pinpoint delays and assign responsibility.
• e-PPO (Electronic Pension Payment Order): Integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) module of Central Pension Accounting Office (CGA), e-PPO is sent from the relevant Ministry/Department's PAO to CPAO, and then to the Bank.

GS3/ Environment and Biodiversity

Owlflies

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, a rare species of owlfly species Glyptobasis dentifera has been rediscovered after 75 years from Kerala by researchers.

About Owlflies:

• Belong to Order Neuroptera, which includes insects that go through complete metamorphosis. Dragonflies belong to Order Odonata, which includes insects undergoing incomplete metamorphosis.
• Mistaken for dragonflies by people who are not experts in taxonomy due to their similar appearance.
• Adult owlflies are active during the day, perching on blades of grass in lateritic soils and around dense vegetation in village settings.
• Distinctive features of owlflies include their long, clubbed antennae (almost as long as their bodies) and their large, bulging eyes.
• Some owlfly species develop wing coloration after they emerge.
• Adult owlflies hunt and feed on other insects while airborne. When threatened, certain owlflies emit a potent, musk-like substance to repel enemies.
• Owlfly females typically lay their eggs in clusters at the tips of branches and twigs, creating a protective barrier beneath the eggs to safeguard them from predators.
• Owlfly larvae are initially found in the soil or in trees, living together in groups for protection.

GS1/ History and Culture

Namdhari sect

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Recently, hundreds of followers of two rival groups of the Namdhari religious sect clashed violently in Rania in Haryana’s Sirsa district

About Namdhari sect:

• The sect was established by Satguru Ram Singh on Baisakhi in 1857.
• He questioned the existing order, promoted social change, and opposed the British rule in various forms.
• The Namdharis, also known as "Kukas," were recognized for their unique way of reciting the "Gurbani" (Teachings of the Guru) in a loud tone known as "Kook" in Punjabi.
• As a result, they were often referred to as "Kukas."
• Satguru Ram Singh urged his followers to boycott all things associated with the British Government.
• Over time, Baba Ram Singh assumed a leadership role among the Kukas.
• He designated Governors and Deputy Governors to coordinate Kukas in various Punjab districts and motivated young men through military training.
• The British subjected the Namdharis to severe punishments and exiled Ram Singh to Rangoon, where he remained.
• Namdhari Sikhs regard the Guru Granth Sahib as the primary Gurbani but also believe in a living human Guru.
• The Namdharis hold the cow as sacred, abstain from alcohol, and even refrain from consuming tea and coffee.
• The sect's main center is situated in Bhaini Sahib near Raiyaan village in Ludhiana, Ram Singh's birthplace. The sect has establishments throughout Punjab and Haryana, with a presence in several other nations.

GS1/History and Culture

Eri Silk

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

Recently, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Govt. of India, has successfully obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk.

About Eri Silk:

•  It is recognized as the sole vegan silk globally. Unlike traditional silk production, the silkworm in Eri silk is unharmed as it naturally leaves the cocoon, which is then utilized. 
•  Eri silk stands out for its ethical and sustainable practices in the textile realm due to the absence of moth harm in its production process. 
•  This unique silk variety comes from the domesticated silkworm, Philosamia ricini, which primarily feeds on castor leaves. 
•  The practice of Eri silk cultivation is predominantly observed in Indian regions like the north-eastern states, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, and Orissa. 
•  Eri silk holds a Geographical Indication (GI) status specifically from Assam, signifying its regional authenticity. 
• Key points about Oeko-Tex certification:
  •  This certification guarantees that Eri silk meets strict standards by testing for harmful substances and promoting eco-friendly production methods. 
  •  Obtaining the Oeko-Tex certification reinforces Eri silk's identity as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, underlining its regional significance. 
  •  Securing this certification represents a crucial milestone for Eri silk, facilitating its entry into the global market, expanding its outreach, and solidifying its international presence.