Today in History (August 20^th, 1828)

In the year 1828, an auspicious occasion unfolded in Kolkata as Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s visionary initiative, the Brahmo Samaj, convened for its first session. This marked the dawn of a significant chapter in the evolution of Indian socio-religious reform.

TEST YOURSELF

A) What does the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aim to achieve in India?

1. Separate laws for each religion
2. A common law for personal matters across all religions
3. A different legal system for each state
4. Abolishing all personal laws

Answer: 2)
Explanation: The UCC aims to provide a single legal framework for personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, applicable to all citizens regardless of religion.

B) Which Indian state currently implements a UCC using the Portuguese Civil Code?

1. Gujarat
2. Assam
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Goa

Answer: 4)
Explanation: Goa is noted for using the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, which applies uniformly to all religions in the state.

C) Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the Uniform Civil Code mentioned?

1. Article 21
2. Article 25
3. Article 44
4. Article 51A

Answer: 3)
Explanation: Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that the state should aim to provide a uniform civil code for all citizens.

D) Which of the following is NOT an argument in favor of the UCC?

1. Simplification of laws
2. Enhancement of women’s rights
3. Reinforcement of religious diversity
4. Promotion of national integration

Answer: 3)
Explanation: The UCC aims to reinforce secularism and unity rather than religious diversity by providing a uniform set of laws.

E) What is a significant concern against the implementation of the UCC?

1. Increase in judicial efficiency
2. Uniform application across diverse communities
3. Strengthening women’s legal rights
4. Simplification of legal procedures

Answer: 2)
Explanation: A major concern is that applying one law uniformly may not account for the diverse personal laws and practices of various communities.

F) What is the main criticism of the UNSC highlighted by the G4 countries?

1. Lack of funding
2. Inefficient decision-making process
3. Inadequate geographic representation
4. Excessive number of permanent members

Answer: 3)
Explanation: The G4 countries criticize the UNSC for not adequately representing various geographic regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific.

G) What do the G4 nations propose for the UNSC reform?

1. Reducing the number of permanent members
2. Expanding the Council’s membership
3. Increasing the power of non-permanent members
4. Eliminating the veto power

Answer: 2)
Explanation: The G4 propose expanding the UNSC’s membership to include more permanent and non-permanent members to address representation issues.

H) Which informal group is known for opposing UNSC reforms?

1. The Coffee Club
2. The Security Group
3. The Reform Alliance
4. The Global Council

Answer: 1)
Explanation: The Coffee Club, consisting of middle-sized states, opposes larger regional powers gaining permanent seats, thus hindering UNSC reforms.

I) What is India’s position on UNSC reform?

1. India opposes any changes to the UNSC
2. India supports maintaining the status quo
3. India advocates for a permanent seat on the UNSC
4. India calls for the abolition of the UNSC

Answer: 3)
Explanation: India has consistently advocated for UNSC reform and believes it deserves a permanent seat on the Council due to its significant global role.

J) What is one of the challenges in implementing UNSC reform?

1. Overwhelming support from all member states
2. Procedural delays and differing views
3. Lack of interest from major powers
4. Excessive funding

Answer: 2)
Explanation: Reform efforts face challenges due to differing views among countries and procedural tactics that delay progress.

K) Which Directive Principle of State Policy addresses the Uniform Civil Code?

1. Equality of opportunity
2. Protection of minorities
3. Uniform civil code for all citizens
4. Right to constitutional remedies

Answer: 3)
Explanation: Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy suggests that the state should aim to provide a uniform civil code for all citizens.

L) Which of the following is a reason for the G4 nations advocating for UNSC reform?

1. Historical alignment of UNSC with 1945 geopolitics
2. UNSC’s excessive power over member states
3. Over-representation of the Asia-Pacific region
4. Lack of non-permanent members

Answer: 1)
Explanation: The G4 argue that the UNSC’s structure, established in 1945, no longer reflects the current geopolitical realities.

M) What role does India play in the current UNSC?

1. Permanent member
2. Non-permanent member
3. Observer
4. Chairperson

Answer: 2)
Explanation: India is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC, a position it will complete in December.

N) Which constitutional provision might be challenged by the UCC?

1. Right to Equality
2. Right to Freedom of Speech
3. Rights to practice religion
4. Right to Information

Answer: 3)
Explanation: The UCC might be seen as challenging rights under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which guarantee the freedom to practice and propagate religion.

Summary of Today’s News

Sexual Abuse Rampant in Malayalam Film Industry – Hema Committee Report

Report Release: The K. Hema Committee report on the Malayalam film industry was released five years after submission to the Kerala government.
The 235-page report details severe issues faced by women in the industry, including:

1. Sexual exploitation
2. Illegal bans
3. Discrimination
4. Drug and alcohol abuse
5. Wage disparity
6. Inhuman working conditions

Key Findings:
1. Power Dynamics: The industry is controlled by certain male producers, directors, and actors, referred to as “mafia” due to their ability to impose bans.
2. Casting Couch: The practice of demanding sexual favours for roles is confirmed.
3. Early Harassment: Sexual harassment often starts before a woman begins working in the industry.
4. Evidence: Witnesses provided video/audio clips and WhatsApp messages as proof of “casting couch” practices.

Unsafe Conditions:
1. Women feel unsafe in accommodations during shoots due to inappropriate behaviour by men in inebriated conditions.
2. Perception is created that success in the industry is due to “compromises.”

Witness Fears:

1. Witnesses are afraid to speak out due to safety concerns for themselves and their families.
2. Fear of repercussions from powerful industry figures and potential cyberattacks.
3. Witnesses often avoid police involvement due to the powerful forces and public exposure.

Industry Practices:
1. A “power group” of industry insiders warns producers against casting actors who fall out of favour.
2. The release of movies can be blocked if the Film Chamber of Commerce does not issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
3. Production controllers play a role in banning individuals from the industry.
4. Members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) have faced bans.

Working Conditions:
1. Lack of basic facilities like changing rooms and toilets, leading to health issues such as urinary infections.
2. Junior artists often work up to 19 hours and face delayed payments and misappropriated funds.
3. A 70-year-old woman sustaining serious burns on set did not receive medical treatment.

Complaints Handling:
1. Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) can be ineffective due to threats or coercion by powerful individuals.
2. The committee recommends enacting a statute and constituting a Tribunal to address these issues effectively.

India’s Relations with Russia and Ukraine

Independent Relations: India maintains substantive and independent relations with both Russia and Ukraine, which are not influenced by each other.

Prime Minister’s Visit:
1. Upcoming Visits: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Poland (August 21-22) and Ukraine (August 23), marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years and to Ukraine in over 30 years.
2. Objective: The visits aim to review and strengthen bilateral relations, covering areas like agriculture, economy, defense, pharmaceuticals, and people-to-people ties.

Context of Visits:
1. Recent Criticism: Modi’s recent visit to Russia coincided with a missile attack on Ukraine and a NATO Summit, leading to criticism from senior U.S. officials and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
2. U.S. Reactions: U.S. officials termed the timing and symbolism of the visit as a “disappointment,” while Zelenskyy criticized the meeting between Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

India’s Position:
1. Diplomacy and Dialogue: India advocates for diplomacy and dialogue as essential for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict and achieving lasting peace.
2. Engagement with Stakeholders: India remains engaged with all relevant stakeholders, supporting a negotiated settlement that is acceptable to both parties involved.

Discussion Topics:
1. Bilateral Relations: Modi’s meetings with Zelenskyy will include discussions on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing the ongoing conflict.

Concept of Lateral Entry and Political Debate

Historical Context:
1. Origins: The concept of lateral entry into government positions was developed during the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) rule.
2. Examples: Notable figures like Dr. Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia were appointed through lateral entry during the Congress-led government.

Current Government’s Stance:
1. Reorganization: Under the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government, the lateral entry process has been formalized and organized, with recruitments now made through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
2. Transparency: The NDA has introduced a transparent system for implementing lateral entry, with positions being contractual for three years and extendable by two additional years if needed.

Reservation Policies:
1. No Impact: The lateral entry posts do not affect the reservation system or the roster of regular services, thus maintaining the integrity of reservation policies.

Political Reactions:
1. Congress Criticism: Opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi, have criticized lateral entry, suggesting it bypasses reservation policies.
2. Government Response: Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw refute these allegations, stating that the practice was initiated under the Congress government and highlighting the current government’s efforts to ensure transparency and fairness.

Government Claims:
1. Improved Governance: The NDA government asserts that the reform will enhance governance by bringing in experts through a transparent recruitment process.

Moily on Lateral Entry Reforms

Original Purpose:
1. Recommendation: The second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by M. Veerappa Moily in 2005, recommended lateral entry for specialists to fill roles not easily covered by traditional civil services.
2. Objective: Intended to enhance the government’s appointment process with specialized expertise, not to bypass existing recruitment methods or affect reservations.

Current Debate:
1. Congress Criticism: Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders accuse the Modi government of using lateral entry to undermine reservation policies for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
2. BJP Defense: The BJP has criticized Congress for hypocrisy, noting that lateral entry was introduced under previous Congress governments.