Daily Prelims Notes 8 July 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

8 July 2024

Table Of Contents

1. FSSAI mandates salt, sugar, and fat info in bold
2. The ANRF plan has got off on the wrong foot
3. Why Karnataka is cracking down on vendors of pani puri and gobi manchurian
4. Process for transfer of five-gram panchayats from A.P. to Telangana to gain momentum
5. Tiger treks across international border from Sikkim to Bhutan
6. Spotted hyenas outcompeting leopards in Tanzanian park with human help, says study
7. What is Digital Bharat Nidhi, govt’s fresh attempt at improving rural telecom connectivity?
8. The Problem of Special Packages
9. Red Flags Raised Over Silver Imports from UAE Through GIFT City
10. What is the Internet Archive and why is it facing a backlash from book publishers?
11. How jumping genes and RNA bridges promise to shake up biomedicine
12. The House Rules governing the expunction powers of Rajya Sabha Chairman, Lok Sabha Speaker

1. FSSAI mandates salt, sugar, and fat info in bold

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• New nutritional labelling proposals by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• FSSAI aims to enhance consumer awareness by mandating the highlighting of nutritional information (total sugars, salt, saturated fat) in bold letters on food labels.

Details:

• FSSAI approved the proposal in its 44th meeting to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
• Parle Products: Supports stricter guidelines for consumer awareness, and plans to review and respond to the draft.
• Nestlé India: Already provides nutritional information, including Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) labelling, and will comply with new regulations.
• Amul: Will provide feedback once the regulation is open for comments.

Significance:

• Expected to promote health-conscious behaviour and reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• Challenges: Initial costs for updating labels and packaging, need for product reformulation.
• Global Practices: Some countries, like Sri Lanka and Peru, mandate front-of-pack warnings about high levels of salt, sugar, and fats.
• FSSAI considering front-of-pack nutrition-labelling (FOPNL) and a star rating system.
• Market Impact:
  • India’s packaged food market is valued at ₹4,240 billion.
  • FSSAI has advised against misleading terms like ‘health drinks’ and incorrect claims like ‘100% fruit juices’ on labels.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):

• FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006.
• The Act of 2006, consolidates various laws related to food, such as the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954,the Fruit Products Order, 1955,the Meat Food Products Order, 1973, and other acts that were previously handled by different ministries and departments.
• The Act also aims to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards, by moving from multi-level, multi-departmental control to a single line of command.
• FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety and quality in India, operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• FSSAI has a headquarters in New Delhi and regional offices in eight zones across the country.
• The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI, appointed by central government. The Chairperson is in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

Functions and Powers:

• Framing of regulations and standards for food products and additives.
• Granting of licences and registration to food businesses.
• Enforcement of food safety laws and regulations.
• Monitoring and surveillance of food safety and quality.
• Conducting risk assessment and scientific research on food safety issues.
• Providing training and awareness on food safety and hygiene.
• Promoting food fortification and organic food.
• Coordinating with other agencies and stakeholders on food safety matters.

2. The ANRF plan has got off on the wrong foot

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Msc

Context:

• In 2023, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament to enhance research in India’s universities and colleges.

ANRF Act 2023:

• It seeks to regulate all research and development in the fields of natural sciences establishments in India.
• The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 has been subsumed into ANRF.
• The 2019 National Research Foundation (NRF) project report explicitly mentioned that “growing outstanding research cells already existing at State Universities” is one of the ANRF’s top priorities.
• The intended aim of ANRF: Space for Indian academia for research free from the bureaucracy, funding boost and a chance to work together with industry partners.
• Structure:
  • 15-member Governing Board
  • 16-member Executive Council

Implementation Issues:

• The board and the executive council do not have any members from Central or State universities or colleges.
  • In addition to the Principal Scientific Adviser, they are represented by people who are usually in any high-powered committees of the Government of India.
  • The sole woman representative is the Secretary of the DSIR.
• The board and the council need representatives who understand the bottlenecks in the current system.
•  Lack of adequate industry representation.
• ANRF plans to raise more than 70% of its funding from non-government sources and industry.
• There is no representation from the Indian industry or entrepreneurs from the country or eminent academics from the Central and State universities on the committee.

R&D Funding and System Overhaul:

• Current Funding Status:
  • India underfunds research and development.
  • Suggestion to increase R&D budget to 4% of GDP.

National Research Foundation NRF):

• In 2005, the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister recommended the formation of a National Science and Engineering Research Foundation. It was approved by the then PM Manmohan Singh. In 2008, it was renamed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
• The National Research Foundation (NRF), an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country in accordance with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), will be established at a cost of 50,000 crore over the period 2023-28.
• Goals: To increase private sector contributions to research in India and to ensure that a larger portion of government funds go to state universities and colleges.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be NRF’s administrative department.

Organisational Structure of the National Research Foundation:

Source: TH

3. Why Karnataka is cracking down on vendors of pani puri and gobi manchurian

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• Karnataka’s food safety department has initiated a statewide crackdown on street food vendors to address the use of artificial food colouring and other harmful agents.

Health Concerns:

• Since March, three orders have been issued banning artificial colouring agents in foods like gobi manchurian, cotton candy, chicken kababs, pani puri, and shawarma.
• Tests revealed the presence of carcinogenic and harmful bacteria in food samples.
• Artificial colouring agents found include Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow, Rhodamine B, and Brilliant Blue, which can cause cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, and respiratory issues.
  • Rhodamine B, in particular, is a synthetic dye used in textiles and is harmful to human health.

Legal Actions:

• Sample Testing Process:
  • Initial survey samples are tested.
  • If unsafe, four legal samples are collected and sent to the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, Karnataka, for further testing.
  • If CFTRI deems them unfit for consumption, legal action is pursued under the Food Safety Act.
• FBOs found guilty can face fines up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for up to seven years.

Source: IE

4. Process for transfer of five-gram panchayats from A.P. to Telangana to gain momentum

Sub: Geography

Sec: Mapping

Context:

• The meeting between Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu was the first in four-and-a-half years and led to crucial decisions.

Key Decision:

• Re-merger of Gram Panchayats:
  • Focus on transferring five-gram panchayats around the temple town of Bhadrachalam from Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) to Telangana.
  • Aimed at addressing difficulties locals face in accessing emergency services.

• Legal Procedures:
  • The re-merger process requires an amendment to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, passed by Parliament.
  • Both state governments will initiate steps to expedite the process.
  • Telangana and A.P. governments need to pass resolutions in their Legislative Assemblies for the re-merger.
  • Once both states give their consent, the matter will be forwarded to the Central government for amending the Reorganisation Act.

Background:

• Previous Mergers:
  • In 2014,gram panchayats (Etapaka, Gundala, Purushottapatnam, Kannaigudem, Pichukalapalem) and seven mandals of Khammam district were merged with A.P.
  • This merger caused administrative and legal issues, particularly with the endowment lands of the Bhadrachalam temple.

Source: TH

5. Tiger treks across international border from Sikkim to Bhutan

Sub: Environment

Sec: Protected Areas

Context:

• Camera trap images documented a tiger‘s journey from Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, India, to Samtse district in Bhutan.

Historical Context:

• Similar long-distance tiger movements have been recorded in India, such as the 3,000-kilometer journey to Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra in 2019 and a 2,000-kilometer trek from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra to Odisha in 2023.

International Collaboration:

• The tiger’s movement was shared during an international workshop on “Countering Wildlife Trafficking” held in Bhutan under the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) in June 2024.

Significance:

• This trek highlights the existence and importance of wildlife corridors between India and Bhutan.
• Validates the necessity to protect wildlife corridors for the conservation of tigers and other wildlife.
• Emphasizes the effectiveness of habitat preservation and restoration efforts in Sikkim, showcasing the region’s healthy ecosystem.

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Established in 2002, spans 128 square kilometres and serves as a crucial wildlife corridor.
• Camera traps have documented three tigers in the sanctuary between 2018 and 2024, placing Sikkim on the national Tiger Conservation map.

Transboundary protected areas in India:

Source: DTE

6. Spotted hyenas outcompeting leopards in Tanzanian park with human help, says study

Sub: Environment

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• Danish researchers from the University of Copenhagen conducted a study in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains, using camera traps to observe inter-species dynamics between spotted hyenas and leopards.

Key Findings of the study:

• Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), living in social groups (clans or cackles), are outcompeting leopards, who are solitary animals.
• Female leopards (approx. 20-43 kg.) are about half the size of male leopards (approx. 51-72 kg). Hyenas are in the middle in terms of weight (approx. 48-56 kg)
• Hyenas engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing kills from other predators, including leopards.
• Global leopard populations are declining, whereas hyena populations are increasing.

Human Influence:

• Hyenas are tolerated by locals as they scavenge on dead or sick livestock and usually do not attack people.
• Hyenas benefit from human presence, using humans as shields against leopards, and thrive in areas with human activity.
• Male leopards avoid human-dominated areas, while female leopards become diurnal to avoid nocturnal hyenas.
• Leopards are unpopular among locals due to livestock hunting and human attacks, leading to their retreat from human-dominated areas.
• Leopards retreat far from humans due to their unpopularity, which affects their access to food resources.
• Ecological Impact:
  • The increasing success of hyenas and the decline of leopards could disrupt the ecosystem balance.
  • Without leopards to keep their populations in check, monkey species could spike,altering the entire ecosystem.

Spotted Hyenas:

• Also known as the laughing hyena.
• Native to sub-Saharan Africa.
• It is the only placental mammalian species where females have a pseudo-penis and lack an external vaginal opening.
• Highly successful animal, being the most common large carnivore in Africa.
• It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN.

Source: DTE

7. What is Digital Bharat Nidhi, govt’s fresh attempt at improving rural telecom connectivity?

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Computer

Digital Bharat Nidhi Draft Rules:

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released draft rules for the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), replacing the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• DBN aims to enhance telecom connectivity in rural areas and has a broader scope than USOF.
• DBN will now take over this role with updated rules and objectives.
• DBN will also add to:
  • Research and development in telecommunication technologies.
  • Help with pilot projects and consulting services that will improve connectivity.
  • Telecommunications services that help underserved groups, like women and people with disabilities, should be financed.
  • Making the telecom sector more open to new ideas and technologies made in the country.

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) Framework:

• Funding Mechanism:
  • Telecom companies’ contributions to DBN will go to the Consolidated Fund of India and then transferred to DBN.
  • Funds will support telecom services in underserved areas, R&D, pilot projects, and new technology introduction.
• Operational Structure:
  • An administrator will be appointed to select DBN implementers through bidding or applications.
  • Funding modalities will include full, partial, co-funding, market risk mitigation, and risk capital.
• Targeted Schemes and Projects:
  • Focus on underserved groups like women, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker sections.
  • Promote next-generation telecom technologies, improve affordability, encourage innovation, R&D, indigenous technology, and support start-ups in the telecom sector.

About Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF):

• Set up by an Act of Parliament in December 2003 by amending the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
• Objective: To provide access to telecom services in a nondiscriminatory manner to people in rural and remote areas at affordable and reasonable prices, thereby bridging the rural-urban digital divide.
• For commercially non-viable rural and remote areas, USOF provides subsidy support in the form of Net Cost or Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to incentivize telecom service providers to expand telecommunications and broadband services in those areas.
• Funding Mechanism:
  • USOF, funded by a 5% levy on telecom operators’ Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), supported telecom network expansion in remote areas.
• Administration:
  • Headed by the Administrator, USO Fund who is appointed by the Central Government, for the administration of the fund.
  • It is an attached office of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.

Underutilisation of USOF:

• Since 2003,USOF faced criticism for underutilisation.
• From 2017-2022, only 72% of collected funds were used.
  • In 2019-20, only Rs 2,926 crore of Rs 7,962 crore collected was utilized.
  • FY23 expenditure estimates were revised significantly lower due to underspending, particularly in the BharatNet project for village fibre connectivity.

Source: IE

8. The Problem of Special Packages

Sub: Polity

Sec: Federalism

• Coalition Politics Returns:
  • Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) relies on Janata Dal (United) of Bihar and Telugu Desam Party of Andhra Pradesh for a parliamentary majority.
  • Contrast to 2014 and 2019 when single-party governments were in power.
• Revival of State-Specific Grants:
  • Demand for State-specific discretionary grants or ‘special packages’ has resurfaced in public discussion.
  • Single-party dominance provided a check on such practices, but coalition politics revives them.
• Federal Structure and Fiscal Policies:
  • A healthy federal structure requires transparent fiscal boundaries, principles of tax assignment, and grant distribution.
  • The Constitution provides for addressing specific States’ issues through Articles 371A to H (Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir is abrogated).
• Nature of Special Packages:
  • Special packages are discretionary and often result from political bargaining power rather than genuine need.
  • Granted under Article 282 (‘Miscellaneous Financial Provisions’).
• Impact on Fiscal Federalism:
  • Election outcomes influencing fiscal distribution contradicts the principles of fiscal federalism.
  • Allocation of funds should be through the Finance Commission, constituted every five years as per Article 280.
• Double-Engine Sarkar and Its Implications:
  • The term describes when the same political party governs both Union and State levels.
  • The coalition now requires negotiations with smaller parties for political stability.
• Federal Tendencies in Polity:
  • The Constitution is quasi-federal, but assumes a federal character outside emergencies.
  • Supreme Court has noted that polity can be both unitary and federal based on the situation (State of Rajasthan and Others v Union of India, 1977).
• Determining Fiscal Distribution:
  • Concerns about the divisible pool of Union taxes and States’ shares.
  • The 16th Finance Commission must balance interests of States and the Centre.
• Discretionary Grants and Fiscal Federalism:
  • The Finance Commission is responsible for recommending grants to States in need.
  • Discretionary grants under Article 282 have far outpaced those recommended by the Finance Commission.
  • Acceding to special package demands weakens fiscal federalism and diverts resources from other needy States.
• Potential Consequences:
  • Federal tendencies might wilt instead of blooming when single-party dominance fades if special packages become common practice.

Key Constitutional Articles

• Article 280: Finance Commission
  • Purpose: Provides for the constitution of a Finance Commission by the President every five years.
  • Functions:
    • Recommends the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves.
    • Determines the principles that should govern grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
    • Any other matter referred to the Commission by the President in the interests of sound finance.
• Article 275: Grants from the Union to Certain States
  • Provision:
    • Allows for grants-in-aid from the Union to any State that is in need of assistance, as determined by the Parliament.
    • The grants can be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Article 282: Expenditure Defrayable by the Union or a State out of its Revenues
  • Purpose:
    • Allows the Union or a State to make any grants for any public purpose, even if it is not within their legislative competence.
  • Usage:
    • Grants under this article are often used for discretionary purposes, such as special packages.
• Articles 371A to H: Special Provisions for Specific States
  • Purpose: Provide special provisions for specific States to address unique circumstances and needs.
• Article 371A: Special Provisions for Nagaland – Safeguards the religious and social practices, customary laws, and the administration of civil and criminal justice of the Naga people.
• Article 371B: Special Provisions for Assam – Ensures equitable distribution of legislative and executive powers between the Union and the state government.
• Article 371C: Special Provisions for Manipur – Ensures autonomy over the administration and laws related to land and its resources.
• Article 371D: Special Provisions for Andhra Pradesh – Provides equitable opportunities in education and public employment.
• Article 371E: Special Provisions for Sikkim – Safeguards ownership rights over land and resources and preserves its unique cultural identity.
• Article 371F: Special Provisions for Mizoram – Safeguards religious and social practices, customary laws, and administration of civil and criminal justice.
• Article 371G: Special Provisions for Arunachal Pradesh – Safeguards its religious and social practices, customary laws, and administration of civil and criminal justice.
• Article 371H: Special Provisions for Goa – Ensures equitable opportunities in education and public employment and safeguards its Konkani language and culture.
• Article 371I: Special provisions for the state of Maharashtra and Gujarat – Providing for equitable opportunities in education and public employment for certain regions.
• Article 371J: Special Provisions for Karnataka – Ensures equitable opportunities in education and public employment for certain regions.

9. Red Flags Raised Over Silver Imports from UAE Through GIFT City

Sub: Economy

Sec: External Sector

In a significant disruption for the bullion market, almost all of India’s silver imports are now being handled by a few private players bringing the white metal from Dubai through the GIFT City exchange. This could potentially cause substantial revenue losses for the exchequer over time.

• Major Disruption in Bullion Market:
  • Nearly all of India’s silver imports are now managed by private players via GIFT City exchange.
  • This shift could lead to significant revenue losses for the government.
• Call for Investigation:
  • A trade research body has requested a probe into relationships between export and import firms to identify potential conflicts of interest.
  • There’s concern that this trend could extend to gold, platinum, and diamonds, disrupting traditional import practices and market dynamics.
• Surge in Imports from UAE:
  • India’s imports of gold and silver from the UAE surged by 210% in 2023-24, reaching $10.7 billion.
  • Total silver imports stood at $5.4 billion.
• Dominance of Dubai in Silver Imports:
  • In May, 87% of India’s global silver imports came from Dubai at a reduced 8% duty, cleared through the GIFT City exchange.
  • Since December 2023, GIFT City has been handling all silver imports from the UAE, leading to other ports being virtually abandoned.
• Concerns Over Rules of Origin:
  • Earlier attempts by banks to import silver from the UAE through other ports were questioned for not meeting rules of origin of the India-UAE free trade deal.
  • GTRI flagged the issue, highlighting that GIFT City imports might not meet the specified rules of origin requirements, unlike other ports.
• Import Duty and Regulatory Loopholes:
  • India imposes a 15% import duty on silver, with imports restricted to RBI/DGFT-nominated institutions.
  • GIFT City, however, registers private traders and has not encountered rules of origin issues flagged elsewhere.
• Zero Tariff Agreement:
  • Under the India-UAE CEPA signed in 2022, the duty on silver imports is set to reduce to 0% over 10 years, provided Dubai exporters meet the rules of origin.
  • GTRI warns this could result in a revenue loss of ₹6,700 crore as all silver imports are likely to come from the UAE due to tariff arbitrage.
• Need for CEPA Renegotiation and Stricter Checks:
  • GTRI suggests renegotiating CEPA terms to nullify duty arbitrage and implementing rigorous checks on value addition claims by Dubai exporters.

India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Overview:

• Purpose: The CEPA between India and the UAE aims to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
• Significance: It is designed to reduce tariffs, promote investment, and create new opportunities for businesses in both nations.

Key Provisions:

• Tariff Reductions:
  • Gradual reduction of tariffs on various goods traded between India and the UAE.
  • Specific provisions for reducing import duties on precious metals like gold and silver, with tariffs set to reduce to 0% over a span of 10 years.
• Rules of Origin:
  • Criteria used to determine the national source of a product.
  • Requirement: Goods must meet specified criteria to qualify for reduced tariffs under the CEPA.
  • Concerns: Compliance with rules of origin has been questioned, especially for imports through the GIFT City exchange.
• Trade Facilitation:
  • Simplification of customs procedures to expedite the movement of goods.
  • Enhanced cooperation to combat customs fraud and improve compliance.
• Market Access:
  • Improved access for Indian goods and services in the UAE market, and vice versa.
  • Emphasis on sectors like textiles, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods.
• Investment Protection:
  • Provisions to protect and promote bilateral investments.
  • Framework for resolving investment disputes.
• Sector-Specific Agreements:
  • Focus on sectors such as services, digital trade, intellectual property, and public procurement.

Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI)

• Purpose: GTRI is a think tank focused on analyzing and researching global trade policies and their impact on economies.
• Activities:
  • Conducts research on international trade agreements and their implications.
  • Provides policy recommendations to governments and stakeholders.

10. What is the Internet Archive and why is it facing a backlash from book publishers?

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Awareness in IT

Context:

• Internet Archive, parent of Wayback Machine, is facing a serious legal hurdle from book publishers.

What is the Internet Archive?

• The Internet Archive is an American nonprofit digital library founded in 1996 by Brewster Kahle. 
• It provides free access to collections of digitized materials including websites, software applications, music, audiovisual, and print materials.
• The Archive also advocates for a free and open Internet.

What is the case against the Internet Archive?

• In the case Hachette vs Internet Archive that began in 2020, traditional publishers Hachette, HarperCollins, Wiley, and Penguin Random House sued Internet Archive.
• These publishers have alleged that Internet Archive violated their copyrights and illegally made their books available to the public as well, by scanning physical copies and distributing the digital files.
• On March 24 last year, District Judge John G. Koeltl issued an order in favour of the publishers.

What is a Wayback Machine?

• The Wayback Machine is a digital archive of the World Wide Web founded by the Internet Archive, an American nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.
• Using Wayback Machine is easy and free of cost, though results are not always guaranteed.
• While Wayback Machine is useful for personal research or to access information sources, users should be cautious about relying on the data obtained through such sources, as the saved information can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate.

11. How jumping genes and RNA bridges promise to shake up biomedicine

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• On June 26, Nature Published a paper describing a new RNA-guided gene editing system.

What are jumping genes:

• Transposable elements (TEs), also known as “jumping genes,” are DNA sequences that move from one location on the genome to another.
• They were discovered by  Barbara McClintock who received her Nobel Prize in 1983.
• There are also two classes of jumping genes, called class I transposons and class II transposons. 
• Class I transposons are also called retrotransposons because when they undergo the process of replication, they first copy their DNA into RNA.
• Class II TEs or DNA transposons encode the protein transposase, which they require for insertion and excision, and some of these TEs also encode other proteins.

How jumping genes are  Boon to Synthetic biology?

• Researchers from the University of Tokyo described the structural and molecular mechanisms of genome modification guided by bridge RNA.
• They  used cryo-electron microscopy to study the IS110 transposons and found that it works as a dimer — a complex compound formed by bonding two copies of a simpler compound. 
•  One copy binds to the target DNA and the other binds to the donor DNA, bridged by the bridge RNA.
•  DNA recombination mediated by bridge RNA makes a clean cut, making the edit specific and tidy. 
• It can  facilitate the addition, deletion or inversion of DNA sequences of virtually any length which are currently beyond the reach of any of the editing tools we have.
• It can be used to manage, or even treat, a wide variety of genetic diseases and a functional copy of a gene can be replaced in a given genomic location.

12. The House Rules governing the expunction powers of Rajya Sabha Chairman, Lok Sabha Speaker

Sub: Polity

Sec: Parliament and legislature

Context:

• The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed heated discussions, with the Opposition clashing with the government over a range of issues while debating the Motion of Thanks to the President’s joint address.

What is meant by Expunction? 

• Expunction means removal from the records of Parliament a word or portion or entire speech delivered by the MPs in the respective House.
• It is exercised upon by the orders of the Speaker or Chairman and is carried out in accordance with laid down rules.
• The expunged portions can no longer be reported by media houses, even though they may have been heard during the live telecast of the proceedings.
• The practice of expunging remarks is a standard parliamentary procedure.
• However the ‘selective expunction’ by the presiding officers has become a flashpoint between the Opposition and the Centre.
• Anyone who publishes them thereafter is liable to face charges for breach of privilege of the House.

When are remarks expunged from parliamentary records?

• Parliament maintains a verbatim record of everything that is spoken and takes place during proceedings. 
• Article 105 of the Constitution confers certain privileges and freedom of speech in Parliament on MPs.
• If an MP makes an allegation against their colleague or an outsider, Rule 353 of the Lok Sabha outlines the procedural framework to be followed.
• The only requirement is advance notice, on receipt of which the Minister concerned will conduct an inquiry into the allegation and come up with the facts when the MP makes the allegation in the House.
• The Lok Sabha Secretariat maintains a comprehensive list of ‘unparliamentary’ words and expressions.

What happens if the remark is against a Minister?

• The Rules on Expunging  does not apply to an allegation against a Minister in the government. 
• This is because the Council of Ministers is accountable to Parliament, and the Members of the House have the right to question Ministers and make accusations against their conduct as Ministers.

How do presiding officers expunge remarks?

• Rule 261 states that If the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha  is of opinion that a word or words have or have been used in debate which is or are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, he may in his discretion, order that such word or words be expunged from the proceedings of the Council.
• Rule 380 states that If the Speaker of the Lok Sabha  is of the opinion that words have been used in debate which are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, the Speaker may, while exercising discretion, order that such words be expunged from the proceedings of the House.
• As per the Rule 381 the expunged portions are marked by asterisks with an explanatory footnote stating ‘expunged as ordered by the Chair.’