13 FEBRAURY 2024

SWATI Portal

Syllabus: GS1/Society

In Context

• The Government has launched the SWATI Portal on the occasion of the International Day For Girls and Women in Science (11th February).

About

• Science for Women-A Technology & Innovation (SWATI)” Portal is aimed at creating a single online portal representing Indian Women and Girls in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine).
• The database of SWATI Portal will serve in policy making to address the challenges of Gender-gap.
• The Portal is a complete interactive database; and the first-of-its-kind in India which is developed, hosted and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR).

International Day For Girls and Women in Science  – On 22 December 2015, the General Assembly decided to establish an annual International Day to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. – It is celebrated on 11 February, and is implemented by UNESCO and UN-Women, in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners that aim to promote women and girls in science.

Gender Disparity in Science

• Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues and, while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.
• In cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman.
• Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics.
• Scenario in India: As per latest “Research and Development Statistics, 2019-20” of DST, India has 16.6% women researchers directly engaged in R&D activities. 
• Reasons for Low Participation: This includes familial issues like marriage, family responsibility, relocation due to transferable job of spouse etc.
  • These reasons are attributed to dropout from higher studies, career break, overage for scientific jobs and prolonged absence from place of work or even resignation from the job. 

Government Initiatives to counter Gender Disparity in Science

• KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing) Scheme: Launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), KIRAN aims to provide various career opportunities to women scientists and technologists, including fellowships, grants, and training programs.
• Women Scientists Scheme (WOS): Under DST, the WOS provides opportunities for women scientists to pursue research in emerging areas of science and technology, allowing them to re-enter the workforce after a career break.
• Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): This program focuses on improving the quality of education in secondary schools, including promoting the participation of girls in STEM subjects and providing them with relevant skills and opportunities.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): AIM, under the NITI Aayog, aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in India. 
• Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Program: Under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), this program aims to support women scientists by providing career development opportunities, mentoring, and financial assistance for research projects.
• Women Start-up Program (WSP): It was launched by DST in partnership with Goldman Sachs and aims to support ambitious and innovative women entrepreneurs by enabling them to transform their idea into a business venture.
  • WSP reached out to 6200 women across the country through the Massive Open Online Course program.
• Vigyan Jyoti program aims to provide exposure and mentorship to girls in STEM.
• SERB-POWER: DST has launched the Scheme titled “SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research)”.
  • It provides structured support in research to ensure equal access and weighted opportunities for Indian women scientists engaged in R&D activities. 
  • The R&D support to women scientists is provided through two components, namely: SERB POWER Fellowships & SERB POWER Research Grants.

Conclusion

• These initiatives reflect the Government of India’s commitment to addressing gender disparities in science and promoting the participation and leadership of women in STEM fields, thereby contributing to the overall advancement of science and technology in the country.

Source: PIB

Indians who faced death row in Qatar return home

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations 

Context

• The release of eight Indian Navy veterans from Qatari custody marks a significant diplomatic achievement and is a good achievement of India’s foreign policy.
  • The episode shows how deep and broad bilateral ties have become.

Background

• The Indian nationals were arrested by the Qatar intelligence agency in August 2022, on allegations of espionage.
• Qatar’s Court of First Instance handed over death sentences to them on October 26, 2023 which came as a surprise for the Indian government. 
• As the Ministry of External Affairs launched extensive diplomatic efforts, the Court of Appeal on December 28, 2023 reduced the capital punishment to jail terms for varying durations to each of eight Navy veterans. 

Image Courtesy: HT

India-Qatar Relations

• India and Qatar share a long and multifaceted relationship characterized by strong economic, political, cultural, and social ties. 

Historical ties:

• India was among the few countries which recognized Qatar soon after its independence in 1971 and also established diplomatic relations in 1973.
• Year 2023, marks the 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. 
• Regular high-level visits and exchanges between leaders strengthen engagement.

Economic relations:

• Largest trading partner: Qatar is India’s largest trading partner in the Middle East.
• Energy trade: India imports a significant portion of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Qatar.
• Investments: Both countries have significant investments in each other’s economies.
• Joint ventures: Collaboration in various sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and IT.

Political relations:

• Strategic partnership based on shared interests in regional security and stability.
• Support for each other’s candidatures/policies in international organizations.
  • Qatar was a co-sponsor of India’s resolution for declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day.

Defence relations: 

• Cooperation on counter-terrorism and maritime security.
• India and Qatar have signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement and also hold Exercise Zair-Al-Bahr.

Cultural relations:

• Large Indian expatriate community in Qatar (around 8 lakh sending remittances worth$ 750 million) contributes to cultural vibrancy.
  • Cultural events organised by community organizations affiliated to the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).
• Growing popularity of yoga and Indian cinema in Qatar.

Challenges

• Trade imbalance in favor of Qatar due to energy imports.
• Need for diversification of trade beyond energy.
• Geopolitical complexities in the region can impact relations.
• Religious issue: The remarks made by the Indian politicians about the Prophet led to adverse reactions from Qatar in the past.

Way Ahead

• Both countries see immense potential for further strengthening their strategic partnership.
• Focus on expanding cooperation in areas like renewable energy, education, and technology.
• Regular dialogue and collaboration are crucial to address challenges and navigate regional complexities.

Source: BL

Supreme Court’s Observations on Deputy CM’s Post

Syllabus :GS 2/Polity and Governance 

In News

• The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers in States on the ground that no such position exists in the Constitution.

The post of Deputy CM

• Article 163(1) of the Constitution says “there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions”
  • Neither Article 163 nor Article 164 mentions a Deputy Chief Minister.
• The post of Deputy CM is understood as being equivalent in rank to that of Cabinet Minister (in the state). 
  • The Deputy CM enjoys the same pay and perks as a Cabinet Minister.
• Brief history: Perhaps the first Deputy CM in India was Anugrah Narayan Sinha
  • Deputy CMs were seen in more states, especially after the reduction of the Congress’s near-total dominance on national politics after 1967. 

Supreme Court’s Observations

• It found no harm in the appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers, reasoning that they were after all Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) of the States and Ministers of State governments.
• Deputy Chief Ministers are first and foremost Ministers in the government of the State.
•  A person who holds the office of the Deputy Chief Minister must at any event, within a stipulated period, be an MLA. 
• These persons appointed did not draw a higher salary and were like any other Minister in the government, and may just be more senior than the others.

Petition 

• The appointments of Deputy Chief Ministers were motivated by religion and sectarian considerations. 
• Such appointments were against Article 14 (right to equality) and the tenet of Article 15 which holds that the State ought not to discriminate on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
  • However, the court dismissed the petition, saying it lacked substance.

Source:TH

Functions and Powers of Governor

Syllabus: GS2/Indian Polity

In Context

• Amid tussle with Tamil Nadu Govt, the Governor of the State omitted certain parts of govt-approved speech, citing disagreement on ‘moral and factual grounds’.

Office of Governor

• Under Article 153 there shall be a Governor for each State. 
• Eligibility: Only Indian citizens above 35 years of age are eligible for appointment to this office. 
• Appointment: The Governor of a State is appointed by the President for a term of five years.
• Conditions of Governor’s office: The Governor shall not be a member of either House of Parliament or of a House of the Legislature.
  • The Governor shall not hold any other office of profit.

Functions and Powers of Governor

• Executive Powers: The Governor is the head of the state executive and exercises executive powers vested in them by the Constitution or by law.
  • Appoints the Chief Minister and other members of the Council of Ministers.
  • The Governor is responsible for the appointment and removal of various state officials.
• Legislative Powers: The Governor summons and prorogues sessions of the state legislature (Vidhan Sabha).
  • He addresses the state legislature at the beginning of each legislative year and on other occasions.
  • The Governor may also dissolve the state legislative assembly in certain situations.
• Administrative Powers: The Governor has control over the state administration, including the power to issue ordinances when the state legislature is not in session.
• Judicial Powers: The Governor appoints the Advocate General of the state.
  • He has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the state extends.
• Discretionary Powers: The Governor has certain discretionary powers, including the power to reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President.
  • He can use discretion in various situations, such as recommending the President’s rule in the state under certain circumstances.
• Upholding Constitution: The Governor acts as a guardian of the Constitution and ensures that the state government functions within the constitutional framework.
  • He is expected to act impartially and without bias, serving as a check on the state government’s actions.

Debate on the Role and Power of Governor

• Federal Structure vs. Unitary Tendencies: Governor acts as a vital link between the Union government and the states, ensuring uniformity and stability in governance across the nation.
  • Critics raise concerns that the office of the Governor can sometimes tilt the balance towards a more unitary form of government, eroding the autonomy of states and centralizing power in the hands of the Union government.
• Discretionary Powers: The discretionary powers vested in the Governor, such as the power to recommend President’s rule, dissolve state assemblies, or reserve bills for the President’s consideration, have been contentious.
  • While some argue that these powers are necessary to maintain constitutional balance and ensure proper governance in exceptional circumstances, others contend that they can be misused for political ends, undermining democratic principles.
• Conflict with State Governments: The relationship between Governors and state governments, particularly those led by opposition parties, often leads to conflicts and controversies.
• Role in Upholding Constitutional Values: Proponents argue that the Governor serves as a guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that state governments adhere to constitutional principles and norms.
  • However, critics question whether Governors always uphold constitutional values or if their actions are influenced by political considerations.
• Need for Reforms: Many experts advocate for reforms in the appointment process and powers of Governors to enhance their impartiality and effectiveness.
  • Suggestions include making the appointment process more transparent and bipartisan, limiting discretionary powers, and strengthening mechanisms for accountability.

How has the Supreme Court Interpreted the Role of the Governor?

• SR Bommai Case (1994): This landmark case established principles regarding the discretionary powers of the Governor in dismissing a state government and imposing President’s rule.
  • The Supreme Court held that the Governor’s decision to recommend the President’s rule should be based on objective material and that it could be subject to judicial review.
  • The court emphasized that the Governor should not act arbitrarily or on the basis of extraneous considerations.
• Political Crisis in Arunachal Pradesh 2016: In late 2015, multiple Congress MLAs rebelled against the Chief Minister and then Governor acted without the advice of Chief Minister.
  • The SC held that the Governor can summon, prorogue and dissolve the House only on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as the head and not at his own will.
  • The Governor should act impartially and within the bounds of the Constitution, and should not interfere in the internal affairs of the state legislature.
• Karnataka Coalition Case (2019): In a case arising from the political crisis in Karnataka, the Supreme Court emphasized the Governor’s obligation to act fairly and transparently in the exercise of discretion.
• Shiv Sena vs. Union of India (2019): This case arose from the political turmoil in Maharashtra following the assembly elections.
  • The Supreme Court emphasized the Governor’s duty to follow constitutional norms and uphold democratic principles, especially in situations where there is a possibility of government formation by political parties.

Way Ahead

• In essence, the debate over the power of Governors in India reflects broader discussions about the nature of federalism, the distribution of powers between the center and the states, and the role of constitutional institutions in safeguarding democratic principles.
• The Supreme Court has clarified and reaffirmed the role of the Governor as outlined in the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of impartiality, adherence to constitutional principles, and avoidance of arbitrary exercise of power.