 Good evening, aspirants. Welcome to the Hindu News Analysis session by Shankari S Academy dated 21st June 2021. The list of news articles is given for your reference along with the page numbers in various editions of the newspaper. Now, let us begin our news article discussion. Now, let us take up this news article, Hope and Promise. Recently, the center had invited 14 political leaders from the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir for a meeting with the Prime Minister. Here, the author welcomes this move as it would be a beginning towards a durable and democratic resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir. In this context, let us discuss in detail about the revocation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir and the government's initiative for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The syllabus covered under this topic discussion is given for your reference. We all remember the constitution order 2019 that was issued by our president Ramnath Kovit. This order issued under the powers conferred by clause 1 of the article 370 of the constitution. According to this order, it withdrew the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Know that the presidential order has extended all provisions of the Indian constitution to Jammu and Kashmir. Then, later came the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act 2019. This act provided for reorganization of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union territory of Ladakh. Here, note that the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir would have an assembly like the Union territories of Delhi and Puducherry. From the government perspective, this move would extend all the rights enshrined in the constitution of India and benefits of all the central laws to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. And in addition, the government believed that this will bring in much needed socio-economic development in the region. Now, let us see some of the measures taken by the central government for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The first and foremost is the accelerated implementation of the Prime Minister's development package. See, it was announced in the year 2015 at a cost of rupees nearly 80,000 crores. This development package includes 63 projects pertaining to 15 ministries and the PMDP includes the projects relating to road, power, health, education, tourism, agriculture and many more. To be more specific, this project dealt with the rehabilitation schemes for Kashmiri migrants, skilled development sectors, etc. Out of the 63 projects approved under this package, nearly 54 projects are being implemented in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir at the cost of more than rupees 58,000 crores. However, 9 projects with an outlay of more than 21,000 crores is implemented by the Union territory of Ladakh. Note that the latest update says that out of the 54 projects, 20 projects are completed or substantially completed while the remaining 34 projects are at various stages of implementation in Kashmir. Also, the government is reviving the Jammu-Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation that was formed in the year 2018. Accordingly, it aims to raise loans up to 8,000 crores for completion of nearly 6,000 projects that failed to make progress for years. Out of this, 800 projects worth nearly rupees 1,000 crores have already been completed. Most recently, the Centre has approved a new central sector scheme for the industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly, it has an outlay of rupees 28,400 crores to boost industrial activity while nurturing existing industries as well. In addition, the main purpose of the scheme is to generate employment which directly leads to the socio-economic development of the area. Now, let us see some of the incentives given under the scheme. First is the capital investment incentive. This capital investment incentive is provided at the rate of 30% in zone A and 50% in zone B on investments made in plant and machinery, construction of building, etc. Next is the capital interest subvention. Here, it is provided at the annual rate of 6% for maximum 7 years on loan amounts up to 500 crores for investments in plant and machinery. In addition, the central sector scheme also provides GST-linked incentive. In this incentive, 300% of eligible value of actual investments made in plant and machinery or construction in buildings for 10 years is provided. Along with this, the working capital interest incentive will benefit all existing units at the annual rate of 5% for minimum 5 years. In addition to all these efforts, initiatives have also been taken by the government of Jammu and Kashmir for the development of tourism, arts and craft sector. These are few informations regarding the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the recent initiatives that have been taken by the central government to boost economic growth and employment in the region. With this, we have come to the end of this topic discussion. Now, let us move to the next topic. Now, our next news discussion is going to be based on this editorial article titled, The Comrades and Their Divergent Perspectives. As the title hints, the article talks about the diverging nature and prospects of India and Russia. This article is written in the backdrop of the recent statements made by the Russian President on India-China relationship. Alongside, the article also highlights the present status of Moscow New Delhi relations by throwing light on Russia's advocacy or inclination towards China. So, in this regard, let us see some important points mentioned in this article. The syllabus covered under this topic discussion is given for your reference. See, the author here talks about the Russian prospects or the views of Russia on two grounds which is a major concern to India. One, it is on the India-China relations and the next one is about the Russia's view on quad factor. So, let us discuss one by one. First comes the India-China relations. Recently, the Russian President asserted that both the Indian Prime Minister and the Chinese President are responsible enough to solve their ongoing issues. And he also added that there is no need of any extra regional power to interfere in this process. Such a statement is viewed to be a matter of concern. And in fact, more than the unease generated by the recent diplomatic talks between Russia and Pakistan, this critical inclination of Russia towards Chinese global vision seems to have left newly confused. See, this is because the inclination of such a move as put forward by Russia can pose immense consequences to India. This is especially when China is trying to undermine India's global position and attempting to reduce India to a state of isolation in global affairs. Next comes the quad factor. As we know, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is an informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia. This quad group functions with the shared objectives to ensure and support a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Note that China rejected the Indo-Pacific in favour of Asia Pacific. And it rejected the construct on the grounds that it is primarily an American initiative that is designed to contain both China and Russia. But, however, India is clear about its decision and asserts that no country has veto or decision or can decide on India's participation in the Quad. Note that Russian President remarked that the Quad is aimed at containing Beijing's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. And this statement is viewed as reinforcing or strengthening China's claims. See, in spite of the sudden changes in global and regional political security environment, India has been able to maintain friendly ties with Russia. But still, this continued criticism of the Indo-Pacific and Quad by Russia highlights the divergent views between both the countries. Also, it is believed that Russian attitude towards China's growing power and influence will be the guideline of Russia's relations with India. And moreover, all these leads India to be particularly concerned about Moscow. This is because Russia is continuously neglecting the China's display of coercive military pressure against India. Now, coming to the maritime structures, as we know, the real strategic triangle in the maritime domain is going to be between New Delhi, Washington and Beijing. Although France, Australia, Japan and Russia will have an impact on emerging maritime structure of Indo-Pacific region, it is this triangular dynamic that will be most consequential. But Russia is yet to understand the immense gain associated with this multilateralism that the Indo-Pacific seeks to promote. And moreover, it has not yet understood the fact that being China's junior partner will only undermine Moscow's great power ambitions. So, to conclude, there is an inherent danger in permitting Russia's view of Indo-China relations to harden into a permanent attitude. This is because on doing so, there are high chances for an increasingly pro-vision Russia. Thereby, this could also lead to adoption of more aggressive blocking of India's policy agendas. And this is one of the reasons why India is particularly interested in normalization of ties between USA and Russia, as it is expected to aid India in steering ties among the great powers. And moreover, it also helps in diminishing Moscow's tendency to closely coordinate its South Asian policies with bridging. This is all about the recent developments between India, China and Russia relationship with these facts in mind. Now, let us move on to the next part of our news discussion. Now, let us move to the third news article discussion, Plan to Put Lakshadeep under Karnataka High Court. As we know, the Union territory of Lakshadeep is in use for quite some time due to the tuzzle between administrators and the local people over some government measures. As we know at present, the Kerala High Court is the head of judicial administration of the state of Kerala as well as the Union territory of Lakshadeep. This news article says that the legal jurisdiction of the Union territory might be shifted from Kerala High Court to Karnataka High Court. Here we must know that the article 241 of the Constitution of India deals with high courts for Union territories. Accordingly, it says that the parliament may by law constitute a high court for Union territory. In addition, it also empowers parliament to declare any court in any such territory to be the high court for all purposes. So, in this context, let us discuss in brief about the powers and functions of high courts in India. See, under the chapter 5 of the Constitution of India, article 214 to article 231 deals with the organization, independence, jurisdiction, powers and many more related to the high court. This article 216 says that every high court shall consist of chief justice and such other judges appointed by the president. As per the article 219, a person appointed to be a judge of high court shall take oath or affirmation before the governor of the state. Now, coming to the qualification of judges, there are three criteria for eligibility. They are, firstly, the person shall be a citizen of India. Secondly, he or she should have held a judicial office in the territory of India for 10 years. Thirdly, he or she should have been an advocate of a high court for 10 years. Here, you have to note that unlike in Supreme Court, there is no constitutional provision for appointment of a distinguished as a judge of high court. Also, as we know, the independence of high court is essential for effective discharge of duties assigned to them. To ensure this, the Constitution has made several provisions. First one is the mode of appointment through collegium system where the judiciary itself is involved. This provision to an extent ensures judicial appointments are not based on any political considerations. In addition, the Constitution offers a security of tenure for the high court judges. Though they are appointed by the president, they are not holding the office under the pleasure of the president. One must know that no judges of high court have been impeached so far. Another important provision is the restriction on practice after being permanent judge. Know that the retired permanent judge of a high court shall not plead or act in any court or before any authority in India except the Supreme Court and other high courts. This makes sure that the judges do not favor anyone in their judgment for future benefits. This is all about the high court and with this, we have come to the end of this topic discussion. Now, let us move on to the next topic. Now, let us take up this data point which highlights about the domestic violence in India between the period January and May 2021. In this light, we will also see about the National Commission for Women and also the important facts mentioned in the data point. See, based on the recommendations by the Committee on Status of Women in India, the National Commission for Women was formed. This NCW was set up as a statutory body in the year 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act 1990. The mission of the commission is to enable women to achieve equality and equal participation in all spheres of life. And it does it by securing due rights and entitlements for women through suitable policy formulations, legislative measures and scheme implementation, etc. The commission also solves specific problems arising out of discrimination and atrocities against women. On looking at its composition, the commission consists of a chairman, member secretary and five other members. Know that at least one member each shall be from amongst person belonging to schedule cast and schedule tribes respectively. See, according to the data point, about 2,300 complaints on domestic violence were filed with the National Commission for Women. This was filed between the time span of January and May 2021. And it is said that this is the highest estimation since 2000. Now, look at this graph. This graph presents to us the statistics of total complaints recorded as well as the number of complaints received in the state per million women during the same time period. And as you can see, most complaints were received from Uttar Pradesh and the highest complaint rate was recorded in Delhi whereas the Kerala stands at the lowest. Hence, there is disparities between states in recording and registration of complaints. See, this tabular column presents to us the response of victims of domestic violence. As per the data mentioned in the National Family Health Survey 5, about 70% of women who were the victims of physical violence belonging to major states failed to inform anyone about it. And even among those who sought help, only a very few managed to approach the right authorities. For instance, as mentioned in the table, if you take Bihar, about 84.3% of victims never sought help nor tell anyone. Likewise, among the 82.8% victims in Andhra Pradesh, only about 7.7% managed to seek help. Also, as we saw earlier, only very few victims sought the help of relevant authorities. For example, in this statistics, if you take Gujarat, only among the 15.4% who sought help, none of them reached out to relevant authorities like doctor, police or a lawyer as displayed in this data. And among those who sought help, only a small percentage of victims contacted the right authorities. So, with this, we have come to the end of this data point discussion. Now, let us move on to the prelims practice question discussion. First question. Consider the following statements regarding the new industrial development scheme for JMO and cashmere. Statement 1. It is a central sector scheme for the development of industries in the union territory of JMO and cashmere. Statement 2. It provides a capital investment incentive of 30 to 50% in different zones on investments made in plant and machinery. Which of these statements given above is sure or correct? The options given are option A, one only, option B, two only, option C, both one and two, option D, neither one nor two. See, from our earlier discussion, we saw several initiatives have been taken by the central government in order to boost economic development in the state of JMO and cashmere. In that way, we saw the new industrial development scheme for JMO and cashmere 2021, which is formulated as a central sector scheme for the development of industries in JMO and cashmere. Hence, the first statement is correct. Now, coming to the second statement, it says the scheme provides a capital investment incentive. See, this scheme provides the incentive that is the capital investment incentive at the rate of 30% in zone A and 50% in zone B on investments made in plant and machinery. Also, this scheme mentions that units with an investment up to Rs. 50 crore will be eligible to avail this incentive. And the maximum limit of incentive is Rs. 5 crore in case of zone A and Rs. 7.5 crore in case of zone B. Hence, this second statement is also correct. The answer for this question is option C, both one and two. Coming to the second question, consider the following statements. Statement 1, every judge of high court shall be appointed by the president by warrant under his hand and seal. Statement 2, every person appointed to be a judge of high court shall take oath before the Chief Justice of India. Which of the statements given above is correct? Option A, one only. Option B, two only. Option C, both one and two. Option D, neither one nor two. See, we saw in our earlier discussion that article 214 to 231 deals with the organization, independence, jurisdiction and powers of high court. In that we saw article 216 says, every high court shall consist of Chief Justice and such other judges appointed by the president. In addition, the article 219 specifically says, a person appointed to be a judge of high court shall take oath or affirmation before the governor of the state. Hence, the second statement which says, judge of the high court will take oath before the Chief Justice of India is incorrect. And the first statement which says that every judge of high court shall be appointed by president is the correct statement. Hence, the answer for this question is option A, one only. Coming to the last question, consider the following statements. Statement 1, the National Commission for Women is a constitutional body that enables women to achieve equality and equal participation in all spheres of life. Statement 2, it solves specific problems arising out of discrimination and atrocities against women. Statement 3, the commission consists of a chairman, member secretary and five other members. The options given are option A, one only, option B, two and three only, option C, one and three only, option D, one, two and three. See, the question wants us to identify the incorrect statement. Based on our discussion, we can infer that the second and third statement are correct. See, the first statement is incorrect because we saw in our discussion that the National Commission for Women was set up as a statutory body in the year 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act 1990. Hence, it is not a constitutional body, rather it is a statutory body. So, first statement is incorrect. While dealing with the objectives of National Commission for Women, we saw it majorly takes action to solve specific problems arising out of discrimination and atrocities against women. And while dealing with the composition, we saw the commission consists of a chairman, member secretary and five other members. Hence, the answer for this question is option A, one only. These are few main questions that are given for your practice and you may write and post them in the comment section for peer review. That's it for today's discussion. If you like the video, kindly press the like button, comment, share and subscribe to Shankarayesh Academy for further updates. Thank you.