Plutus Ias Current Affairs Eng Med 27 Dec 2023

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Date –27 December 2023

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ National Human Rights Commission
(NHRC)”. This topic has relevance in the Social Issues section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 2: Social Issues

Why in the news?

Background:

 The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has responded to a petition by instructing the
Union Ministry of Home Affairs and six state governments to furnish information regarding
victims impacted by Salwa Judum.
 The petition contended that those displaced and currently residing in forest areas across
multiple states have been denied access to crucial welfare schemes. These include essential
rights such as land rights, tribal status, social welfare benefits, and entitlements under the Forest
Rights Act.
 Salwa Judum, characterized as a group of tribal individuals organized for resistance against
outlawed armed Naxalites, was reportedly supported by the government machinery in
Chhattisgarh.
 In 2011, the Supreme Court of India ruled against the arming of civilians in this manner, leading
to the ban of Salwa Judum. The court directed the Chhattisgarh government to disband any
militia force established to counter Maoist guerrillas.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

 Establishment and Legal Framework:


o The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in 1993 under the
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, with a specific focus on safeguarding human rights
within the country.
 Watchdog Role:
o Its primary role is that of a vigilant guardian, overseeing and protecting rights associated
with life, liberty, equality, and the dignity of individuals.
 Composition of NHRC:
o The NHRC is comprised of a Chairman and five members.
o The Chairman is required to be a retired Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme
Court.
o Members include serving or retired judges of the Supreme Court, serving or retired chief
justices of High Courts, and three individuals with expertise in human rights, ensuring
diverse representation and a minimum inclusion of one female member.

Ex-officio Members:

 Includes chairpersons of various bodies as ex-officio members:


o National Commission for Minorities
o National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCs)
o National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (STs)
o National Commission for Women
o National Commission for Backward Classes
o National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
o Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

Functions of NHRC:

 Investigation and Prevention: Enquire into violations of Human Rights or negligence in


preventing such violations by public servants.
 Legal Intervention: Intervene in legal proceedings involving allegations of Human Rights
violations.
 Prison Visits: Visit jails and detention centers to assess the living conditions of inmates.
 Review and Recommendations: Review constitutional and legal safeguards for human rights,
recommending measures for effective implementation.
 Addressing Hindrances: Examine factors like terrorism, naxalism, and militancy hindering
human rights, suggesting remedial measures.
 International Engagement: Study international treaties on human rights and make
recommendations for their effective implementation.
 Research Promotion: Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights.

Achievements of NHRC:

 Mega Projects Intervention:


o Intervened in cases of displacement due to mega projects, disasters, and conflicts.
o Examined Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill, 2007, and Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Bill, 2007, recommending relief measures for the displaced.
 Police Force Misuse:
o Addressed excessive use of police force, particularly in cases involving Adivasis protesting
the Narmada Project.
o Recommended relief measures, dropping of charges, and adequate rehabilitation.
 Suicide Prevention Measures:
o Took Suo motu cognizance of farmer suicides in Maharashtra.
o Facilitated the formation of committees at the district level to monitor and assist farmers,
providing financial assistance and suggesting solutions.
 Adivasis’ Rights Protection:
o Responded to violence by Maoists and Salwa Judum in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh.
o Directed the examination of human rights violations by Naxalites and Salwa Judum,
addressing living conditions in refugee settlement colonies.
 International Conventions Advocacy:
o Advocated for the ratification of the UN Convention against torture, emphasizing its
importance for human rights in India.

Issues or Concerns with NHRC:

 Recommendatory Nature:
o The functions of the NHRC are recommendatory, lacking the power to impose punishment
for human rights violations.
o Recommendations are non-binding on the concerned government or body.
 Limited Powers Concerning Armed Forces:
o NHRC has limited role, power, and jurisdiction in addressing human rights violations by
armed forces.
 Administrative Constraints:
o As a Paris principle-compliant institution, administrative constraints hinder smooth
functioning, lacking required infrastructure.
 Financial Constraints:
o The commission relies on grants from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), lacking
financial autonomy for effective functioning.
 Manpower Constraints:
o Operates below sanctioned strength, resorting to hiring retired government officials due
to increasing workload.
 Lack of Legal Manpower:
o The law division lacks adequate resources, facing a shortage of trained manpower in the
field of human rights.
 Lack of Suo Moto Uptake:
o NHRC has been criticized for not taking suo moto action on arrests made under the UAPA
law, related to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
 Lack of Diversity:
o Concerns about limited diversity as the Chairman and members are predominantly from
the judicial fraternity, lacking mandatory representation of minorities, SCs, and STs.
 Political Interference:
o Composition of the selection committee favors the party in power, raising concerns about
potential political interference.
 Narrow Jurisdictions:
o NHRC can only investigate complaints registered within 1 year, limiting its jurisdiction.
 Control of Home Ministry:
o Under the Home Ministry, NHRC investigating police-related human rights violations may
raise concerns about independence.

Suggestions to Enhance NHRC’s Effectiveness:

 Constitutional Body Status: Consider making NHRC a constitutional body, similar to the South
African Human Rights Commission.
 Parliamentary Report Presentation: Propose tabling NHRC reports in parliament, with the
government presenting an action taken report based on NHRC recommendations.
 Mandatory Time Frame: Amend the act to include a mandatory time frame for action taken and
response formulation on NHRC recommendations.
 Independent Cadre: Develop an independent cadre of staff, including legal and human rights
experts.
 Financial Independence: Provide the commission with financial autonomy to handle increasing
workload and responsibilities.
 Expanded Jurisdiction: Expand the period of jurisdiction, allowing NHRC to investigate matters
older than 1 year.
 Contempt Powers: Accord NHRC with contempt powers to ensure the effective implementation
of recommendations.

SOURCE:
NHRC seeks report from MHA, six States regarding Salwa Judum displacement – The Hindu

Q.1 Consider the following regarding National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
1. The Chairman is required to be a retired Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court.
2. Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities is one of the ex-officio members

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: C

Q.2 Discuss the role and functions of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India.
Evaluate its effectiveness in safeguarding human rights, addressing violations, and promoting
justice.

Rishabh

EMERGING ISSUES IN INDIA- RUSSIA RELATIONS


MAINS RELEVANCE: GS2 SYLLABUS- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements
involving India and/ or affecting India’s interests:

WHY IN NEWS:

1. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday began his 5 day visit to Moscow and
St. Petersburg, during which he will hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey
Lavrov and Trade Minister Denis Mantu.
2. The visit is also significant as it comes in lieu of the annual summit due to be held between
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, an unbroken
tradition from the year 2000 until 2021 due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
3. The visit is expected to see discussions on a number of thorny bilateral issues, including
continuing problems over the rupee-rouble payment mechanism amid a surge in the
import of Russian oil and bilateral trade and delays in supplies of defense equipment.
1. Russia’s supply of the fourth and fifth regiment of the S400 Triumf Air Defence
Systems, also under U.S. sanctions, have been delayed and are now expected in
2024.
INDIA-RUSSIA RELATIONS: CONVERGENCE:

1. GEO-POLITICAL:

1. The India and Russia ties have been a longstanding relation since 1971 when Russia supported
India in Liberation war of Bangladesh against pressure of Nuclear warfare by USA
2. India-Russia signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship & Cooperation on 9th August
1971: It was the first political treaty India made with another nation.
3. It acted as a turning point in India’s traditional Non-aligned policy so vigorously enunciated at
Bandung in 1955.
4. India further signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in 2000.
5. Political engagement has seen further highs with the current Government. For example: In 2019,
President Putin signed the Executive Order on awarding PM Narendra Modi Russia’s highest
state decoration – The order of St Andrew the Apostle.
6. India’s decision to not join the U.S.led naval operation against Houthi attacks on shipping in
the Red Sea, named “Operation Prosperity Guardian” so far is also likely to find favor in
Moscow.

2. GEO-STRATEGIC:

1. Russia has also provided “unwavering support” to India’s demand for Permanent Seat at UNSC
2. Russia can significantly contribute to defusing tensions with China: For example Russia
organized a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China following
deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley in the disputed territory of Ladakh in 2020.
3. There is a long standing mutual cooperation against Terrorism through Groupings such as
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) & BRICS etc
4. Two Inter-Governmental Commissions – one on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and
Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), and another on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-
MTC), meet annually.
5. Both countries regularly conduct the Tri-Services exercise ‘INDRA‘.
6. Russia is India’s topmost weapon supplier:
1. Though as per SIPRI Report 2021: Russia’s share in India’s weapon import has fallen
from 69% to 49%
2. Examples of India’s Import: MIG-21, Sukhoi-30, T-72 tanks, Russian S-400 air defense
missile system and a joint venture to manufacture AK-203 assault rifles.
7. Indian Navy’s first submarine, ‘Foxtrot Class’ came from Russia
8. INS Vikramaditya, the sole aircraft carrier operated by India, is also Russian in origin.
9. The joint military programmes between India and Russia include: BrahMos cruise
missile programme, 5th generation fighter jet programme, Sukhoi Su-30MKI programme,
Ilyushin/HAL Tactical Transport Aircraft & KA-226T twin-engine utility helicopters.
10. Russia is an important partner for India in the area of peaceful use of nuclear energy:
1.
1. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is being built in India .
2. Both India and Russia are implementing Rooppur Nuclear Power Project in
Bangladesh

3. TRADE RELATIONS:
1. The two countries intend to increase bilateral investment to US$50 billion and bilateral trade
to US$30 billion by 2025.
2. A Phenomenal Growth in Bilateral Trade has been observed as it has increased by around 2.1
times in January- September in 2023, up to almost 50 billion USD owing to strong demand for
hydrocarbons in India.
3. Exceeding Expectations: India and Russia have already achieved the bilateral trade target of
$30 billion before the target year of 2025.
4. Resilient Engineering Exports: According to Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC)
India, amid declining demand for engineering goods from major markets such as the US and
China, shipments to Russia continued their uptrend and more than doubled to around US$ 123
million in July 2023 from around US$ 55 million in July 2022.
5. India has also shown active engagement in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) to develop
Russia’s far east (eg-Vladivostok). It will help India to Explore Critical Minerals such as
Hydrocarbon,diamonds, gold and tungsten from Far-East.
6. India and Russia are discussing a free trade agreement (FTA) involving the Eurasian Economic
Union (EEU), against the backdrop of bilateral economic ties seeing a sharp expansion since the
start of the Ukraine conflict.
7. Member countries of EEU: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
8. Diversifying Trade: India has diversified its export basket to Russia to include pharmaceuticals,
fertilizers, coal, diamonds, chemicals, and ceramics, among other goods.
9. Rupee-Rouble Mechanism: De-Dollarization of Economy: The payment mechanism between
India and Russia was devised to circumvent the U.S. and EU sanctions against Russia over the
Ukraine war.
1.

4. CULTURAL RELATIONS:

1. Cultural contact through Yoga, Vaishnavism, Ayurveda and Dance etc


2. About 20 Russian Institutions, including leading universities and schools, regularly teach
Hindi to about 1500 Russian students
1. EXAMPLE: creation of a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
3. Apart from Hindi, languages such as Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Urdu, Sanskrit and
Pali are taught in Russian Institutions

EMERGING ISSUES BETWEEN RUSSIA & INDIA:

1. High trade deficit incurred by India: The skewed trade balance has been an area of concern
between the two countries:
1. For example, during FY23, India had around a $43 billion trade deficit with Russia,
which left their exporters with large surpluses in their Vostro accounts in India.
2. This has meant delayed payments, as well as the need for India to use third country
currencies including the UAE Dirham and Chinese Yuan to pay for Indian imports from
Russia that have grown a massive 368% year on year from 2022 to 2023, mainly due to
an increase in import of Russian oil, leading to a major trade deficit.
3. This has created Challenges in Rupee- Ruble Trade: Indian refiners are using a mix of
currencies to settle most of their Russian oil purchases.
2. Both countries previously discussed trading in their local currencies but this is yet to take off
because of currency volatility and the high trade deficit.
3. Russia’s Over Dependence on China: China enjoys direct connectivity, advanced logistics
supply, a high level of trade, and profitability with Russia.
1. Since the beginning of Russia- Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia-China cooperation has
grown in all directions.
2. The trade turnover between the two countries reached a record $190 billion last year,
increased by another 39% in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period
in 2022.
4. Infrastructure and Connectivity Issues: Inadequate transportation infrastructure and
connectivity can impede the smooth flow of goods between India and Russia.
1. The absence of a direct trade route and high shipping costs make exports to Russia a
costly affair for India, as it doesn’t share a land border with Russia, unlike China
5. Divergence on International Relations: While Russia has been openly critical of Israel’s
actions, and in particular, the U.S.’s support to Israel over the bombing of civilians, India’s stand
has been less strident.
6. Challenging India’s role as Balancing Power: Russia along with China has been highly critical
of India as Member of QUAD including US, Australia and Japan, grouping formed to ensure
security of trade and transit in Indo-Pacific region
7. While India has been wary of SCO’s emerging outlook as “Anti-Western” grouping: Eg- Recent
inclusion of Iran and Belarus as member & Myanmar as Observer making practically every
member facing sanctions by Europe & USA.

STEPS TO TAKE BY INDIAN DIPLOMACY:

1. Addressing Trade Imbalance: A huge imbalance in trade heavily towards Russia is an issue in
the Rupee-Ruble trade. To solve this problem, Russia is keen to import manufacturing
equipment including machinery from India.
2. Increasing Asia’s Importance for Russia: To compensate for the decline in trade with the West,
Russia is looking much more toward Asia.
1. For India, this could mean broadening our engagement that was overly reliant on the triad
of military, nuclear, and space cooperation.
3. Providing Solutions to Short- and Medium-Term Challenges in Business: Payments, logistics,
and certification were some of the key areas of issues and it is possible to find solutions to
them.
1. Attracting Russian’s investors towards India’s key infrastructure shall be emphasized
upon
4. Improving Rupee-Ruble Trade: To tackle the accumulation of Indian currency in
Russia, increasing Rupee trade with third countries common to both India and Russia,
where India has a trade surplus can help in ensuring seamless money flow while solving the
problem.
1. For this, India has taken steps to de-dollarize trade while pushing for the
internationalization of the Indian Rupee.
5. New Trade Routes: The development of new trade routes like the Eastern Maritime
Corridor and the Northern Sea Route will also be of interest in deepening trade ties.
1. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is another effective
connectivity initiative to increase Indo-Russian trade.
2. The two countries are also discussing the possibility of launching a trans-Arctic
container shipping line and processing facilities along the Northern Sea Route.
6. Defense deals and nuclear energy cooperation can further float relations
CONCLUSION:

Thus in words of International Policy Expert Suhasini Hiader: India’s adequate response to the crisis
posed by Russia-Ukraine War has displayed its “Diplomatic Deftness” as India not only secured its
National interest but reinforced its commitment for Rule based order. However, addressing trade
imbalances, enhancing connectivity, and exploring diversified partnerships will be crucial for
sustaining and strengthening their economic ties in the evolving global landscape.

Prelims Question (2019)

Q: Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of
Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries?
(a) Japan
(b) Russia
(c) The United Kingdom
(d) The United States of America

Ans: (b)

POTENTIAL PRELIMS 2024 QUESTIONS:

Q1: “Operation Prosperity Guardian” recently seen in the news is associated with which of the
following:

1. Operation by India to curb Narco-Terrorism in Golden Crescent region


2. Operation by USA to provide Maritime security in Red Sea region
3. An initiative launched by BRICS countries to provide loans to Lower Middle income countries
4. A joint military exercise between all members of QUAD grouping

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

“Operation Prosperity Guardian”:


1. It is an initiative launched by USA to protect Red Sea commerce.
2. This follows missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis:
1. The Houthis are a large clan belonging to the Zaidi Shia sect, with roots in Yemen’s
northwestern Saada province.
2. The Houthi movement, officially called Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), began in
the 1990s against the dictatorship of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
3. Today, the Houthis are one faction in a bloody civil war that has raged in Yemen
since 2014.
4. The Houthis, backed by Iran, are a part of what Iran calls, “The Axis of
Resistance” : an informal anti-Israel and anti-West political and military
coalition that it leads.
5. Other notable groups in the Axis include Hezbollah and Hamas.
6. In Yemen, the Houthis are fighting against the Sunni-led internationally recognized
Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
3. Countries Involved: The U.K., Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway,
Seychelles, and Spain are participating.
4. Joint Patrols: These nations will conduct joint patrols in the southern Red Sea and the
Gulf of Aden
5. NOTE: India is NOT a member of alliance
6. Recently Japanese owned & Liberia flagged merchant Vessel Chem Pluto with 21 crew
members (20 Indians & 1 Vietnamese national) sailing from UAE to New Mangalore port
(India) faced drone attack by Iran backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea region, just
outside Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Q2: India & Russia have recently accomplished 50 years of Strategic ties through Indo-Soviet Treaty of
Friendship & Cooperation 1971. Which of the following initiatives are being developed under joint
cooperation by India & Russia:

1. INS Vikramaditya
2. BrahMos cruise missile programme
3. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu
4. Rooppur Nuclear Power Project in Bangladesh

Choose the correct code from options below:

1. Only one pair


2. Only two pair
3. Only three pair
4. All of the above pair

ANSWER: D

EXPLANATION:

1. The India and Russia ties have been a longstanding relation since 1971 when Russia supported
India in Liberation war of Bangladesh against pressure of Nuclear warfare by USA:
1. India-Russia signed the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship & Cooperation on 9th August
1971: It was the first political treaty India made with another nation.
2. It acted as a turning point in India’s traditional Non-aligned policy so vigorously
enunciated at Bandung in 1955.
2. India further signed the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in 2000.
3. Political engagement has seen further highs with the current Government. For example: In 2019,
President Putin signed the Executive Order on awarding PM Narendra Modi Russia’s highest
state decoration – The order of St Andrew the Apostle.
4. JOINT PROJECTS BY INDIA & RUSSIA:
1. Indian Navy’s first submarine, ‘Foxtrot Class’ came from Russia
2. INS Vikramaditya, the sole aircraft carrier operated by India, is also Russian in origin.
3. The joint military programmes between India and Russia include: BrahMos cruise
missile programme, 5th generation fighter jet programme, Sukhoi Su-
30MKI programme, Ilyushin/HAL Tactical Transport Aircraft & KA-226T twin-engine
utility helicopters.
4. Russia is an important partner for India in the area of peaceful use of nuclear energy:
5. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is being built in India .
6. Both India and Russia are implementing Rooppur Nuclear Power Project in
Bangladesh

Practice Mains Question: Discuss the importance of India-Russia relationship in the current
global context. In light of recent developments, highlight the scope for strengthening economic
and strategic cooperation between the two countries especially with regards to India’s Act Far
East policy. (15 marks, 250 words)

Suyash Rai

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