Corruption
Corruption
Steps Taken by the Government to Fight Corruption
Legislative Measures
- Prevention of Corruption Act 1988: Public servants face punishment of a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 5 years and a fine. The 2018 amendment enhanced fines and criminalized both bribe-taking and bribe-giving.
- Right to Information Act (RTI) 2005: Empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, leading to the disclosure of various information related to the functioning of the government and its departments.
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002: Aims to prevent money laundering activities, including the laundering of corrupt money through round tripping and benami transactions.
- Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013: Establishes Lokpal at the center and Lokayukta at states to probe complaints of kickbacks, bribes, and corruption by public servants.
- Whistleblower Protection Act 2014: Allows any person (including public servants) to make public interest disclosures before a Competent Authority, protecting whistleblowers from any action.
Administrative Measures
- e-Governance: Digitization of government services has reduced the interface between the state and citizens.
- Direct Benefit Transfer, JAM Trinity: These initiatives have transformed the public service delivery system.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q1. With reference to the ‘Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 (PBPT Act)’, consider the following statements: (2017)
1. A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of the property is not aware of the transaction.
2. Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government.
3. The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide for any appellate mechanism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Election Commission of India
ECI
Constitutional Body - Article 324
Ensures free and fair elections in the country.
Functions under Article 324(1)
- Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha
- State Legislative Assemblies
- President election
- Vice President election
Composition
Established in 1950 as a single-member body. In 1989, it became a multi-member body comprising the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Appointment
The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India.
Tenure of CEC and ECs
They serve a term of 6 years or up to 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
Independence of Commission
- CEC's removal is the same as a Judge of the Supreme Court, requiring impeachment by the Parliament.
- Conditions of service of the CEC shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.
Consider the following statements:
1. As per provisions of the Constitution of India, a Regional Commissioner shall not be removed from office except on the recommendation of the Governor of the State where the Regional Commissioner is posted.
2. The number of Election Commissioners in the Election Commission shall be fixed by the President from time to time.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) Only 1
B) Only 2
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Loss and Damage
Loss and Damage
About Loss and Damage (L&D)
Loss and Damage refer to the adverse impacts of climate change, including economic damages, destruction of biodiversity, and loss of lives. These impacts, particularly extreme events, disproportionately affect developing countries, and some effects are destructive and irreversible, making them challenging to address through mitigation and adaptation measures alone.
Loss and Damage Fund
The Loss and Damage fund is a mechanism designed to address the costs incurred by rich and developed countries, compensating poorer countries for the impacts of climate change.
Timeline of Loss and Damage Fund
- 1991: Vanuatu demands Loss and Damage consideration.
- COP 19 (Warsaw): Member countries formally agree to establish the Loss and Damage fund.
- COP 25: Santiago Network for Loss and Damage set up, but no financial commitments from countries.
- COP 26: Glasgow Dialogue on finance for Loss and Damage established.
- COP 27 (Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt): Member states officially establish the Loss and Damage fund.
Donors of the Fund
Initially, the Loss and Damage fund received contributions from developed countries and private sources like international financial institutions. The final text of COP-27 indicates that highly polluting and developing nations should also contribute to the fund.
Practice Question – Prelims
Consider the following statements about Loss and Damage Fund:
1. It works in the area of adaptation to climate change activities.
2. The donation of the fund will be from government sources only.
3. It was established during COP-27 summit in Egypt.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All Three
(d) None
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