GS Paper 2

Karnataka notifies 10% EWS quota on eve of announcement of poll schedule

Context: 

  • Days after scrapping the 2B Category for Muslims under the OBC quota and on the eve of the announcement of the Assembly elections, the Karnataka government notified the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category to provide 10% reservation in education and employment.
  • Muslims have been included under this category as per the Cabinet decision taken last week. The order issued on March 28, the day before the model code of conduct came into force, stated that those castes that do not enjoy reservation status provided to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and are not in the list of backward classes and communities transferred to the EWS reservation from the backward classes will be eligible for 10% reservation. The five communities of Brahmins, Arya Vysyas, Mudaliars, Jains, and Nagarathas have been identified to benefit from the EWS reservation in Karnataka. Muslims are the new addition.

Disclaimer: In order to understand the topic as controversial as reservation, We have to wear the veil of ignorance.

The veil of ignorance is a thought experiment proposed by philosopher John Rawls to help individuals think about justice and fairness in society. It asks individuals to imagine that they are behind a veil of ignorance, where they do not know their social status, class, race, gender, or other personal characteristics.
In the case of reservations, the veil of ignorance could help individuals consider the issue from a neutral standpoint, without being influenced by their own personal experiences or biases. By doing so, individuals can think about the issue of reservations solely based on principles of justice and fairness, rather than their own interests or identities.
Wearing the veil of ignorance can help individuals understand the perspectives of both supporters and opponents of reservations, and can help promote a more rational and balanced discussion around the issue. 

Why do we need to cover this? 

  • The debate around reservation is centered on the practice of providing preferential treatment to individuals or groups who have historically faced social, economic, and educational disadvantages. In many countries, including India, the United States, and South Africa, reservations are implemented in education, employment, and political representation.
  • On one hand, supporters of reservations argue that they are necessary to correct historical injustices and provide opportunities for marginalized communities. They argue that without affirmative action programs, members of disadvantaged groups would continue to be excluded from positions of power and influence.
  • On the other hand, opponents of reservations argue that they are discriminatory and violate the principle of meritocracy. They argue that reservations create a system where people are chosen based on their identity rather than their abilities, leading to inefficiencies and lowering the overall quality of institutions.
  • Additionally, there are debates around the efficacy of reservations in achieving their intended goals. Some argue that while reservations may provide temporary relief, they do not address the root causes of social and economic inequality and may even perpetuate the marginalization of certain groups.

Overall, the debate around reservation is complex and multifaceted, with both supporters and opponents presenting valid arguments.

Apart from this, the syllabus of GS Paper II clearly expects us to has a clear understanding of this debate: 

Syllabus: 

General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

  • Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Hence, we will: 

  • What is reservation? 
  • Constitutional Provisions regarding Reservation 
  • What are the recent debates regarding reservation? 
  • Issues associated with reservation in India:
  • Way Forward

What is reservation? 

  • It is a form of affirmative action whereby a percentage of seats are reserved in the government service and educational institutions for the socially and educationally backward communities and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes who are inadequately represented in these services and institutions.

Constitutional Provisions regarding Reservation 

  • Article 15 (4) allows the State to make any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. This provision was extended to admission in educational institutions by 93rd Amendment Act, 2006 (except minority educational institutions) 
  • Article 16 (4) allows State to make any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the State, is not adequately represented in the services under the State. 
  • Article 16(4A), empowers state to make provisions for reservation in matters of promotion to SC/ST employees. 
  • Article 46 states that the State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. 
  • Article 243D provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Panchayat. 
  • Article 243T provides reservation of seats for SCs and STs in every Municipality. 
  • Article 330 states that seats shall be reserved in the Lok Sabha for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. 
  • Article 332 of the Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assemblies of the States.

Reservation in India is a complex and controversial issue. While it was introduced as a measure to address historical and structural inequalities, it has also been criticized for creating new forms of inequality and perpetuating caste-based divisions.

What are the recent debates regarding reservation? 

  • Sub categorization of OBC: The idea is to create sub-categories within the larger group of OBCs for the purpose of reservation. OBCs are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central government. This has been a legal debate for other reservation categories too: in September last year, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court reopened the debate on sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for reservations.
  • Dominant castes demanding reservation: Marathas, Patels, Jats, Kapus and others are asking for reservations today, preferably through their recognition as Other Backward Classes. This demand reflects the challenges they are facing on the job market.
  • Reservation to Muslims and Christians: Currently, the constitutional right to reservations in jobs and education as a member of the SC community is extended only to people from Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist faiths, in accordance with the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
  • Local reservation in private sector: Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 was passed reserving 75% of private sector jobs for people of the state.

Issues associated with reservation in India:

  1. Debate around meritocracy: One of the main arguments against reservation is that it goes against the principle of meritocracy, which is the idea that individuals should be rewarded based on their abilities and hard work, rather than their social background. Critics argue that reservation policies favor candidates from certain castes or communities, regardless of their abilities or qualifications, and therefore undermine the concept of meritocracy.
  2. Limited impact: While reservation has been in place for several decades, it has not been able to fully address the issue of caste-based discrimination and inequality. Many argue that it has only benefited a small section of the population, leaving the majority of Dalits and other marginalized groups outside its purview.
  3. Backlash from dominant castes: Reservation has often been met with resistance from dominant castes, who see it as a threat to their own interests and privileges. This has led to tensions and conflicts between different caste groups, and in some cases, even violence.
  4. Political manipulation: Reservation policies have been used by political parties as a tool to gain votes and maintain power. This has led to the creation of new caste-based political alliances and the use of reservation quotas as a bargaining chip in electoral politics.
  5. Inadequate implementation: Despite the existence of reservation policies, many institutions and organizations continue to discriminate against marginalized groups. The implementation of reservation policies has been uneven and often marred by corruption and inefficiency, which has limited their impact.

Way Forward:

Improving the reservation system in India requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses its various shortcomings. Here are some ways in which the reservation system in India could be improved:

  1. Ensure effective implementation: One of the biggest challenges with the reservation system in India is the lack of effective implementation. There is a need to ensure that reservation policies are implemented in a transparent and efficient manner, and that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
  2. Expand the scope of reservation: Reservation policies could be expanded to include other marginalized groups such as economically weaker sections, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities, who face discrimination and exclusion.
  3. Address the issue of creamy layer: The creamy layer refers to the affluent sections within reserved categories who benefit from reservation policies and may not necessarily require them. There is a need to exclude the creamy layer from reservation benefits to ensure that the benefits reach the most disadvantaged sections.
  4. Encourage merit-based affirmative action: Reservation policies could be supplemented by other measures that promote merit-based affirmative action. For example, institutions could adopt diversity targets, scholarships, and mentorship programs to support underprivileged students.
  5. Focus on quality education: Improving the quality of education in marginalized communities is critical to reducing the dependence on reservation policies. Investment in quality education infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development could go a long way in promoting equality and social mobility.
  6. Promote social awareness and dialogue: Creating a social awareness and dialogue around the issues of caste and reservation is important to promote greater understanding and acceptance of the need for affirmative action policies. This could be done through public education campaigns, media outreach, and community engagement programs.

Overall, reservation in India is a complex issue that needs to be approached with nuance and sensitivity. While it has helped to address some forms of inequality, it has also created new challenges that need to be addressed.

New India Literacy Program

About the New India Literacy Program

  • A scheme of the Ministry of Education that aims to promote literacy among non-literates in the age group of 15 and above across the country. It aims to cover 5 crore non-literates during the period from 2022-23 to 2026-27. 
  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme with contributions from both Centre and State governments. It will replace the SAKSHAR Bharat scheme for adult education. 

Components of the New India Literacy Program

  • Foundational Literacy and Numeracy 
  • Critical Life Skills: These will include financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health awareness, childcare and family welfare education. 
  • Vocational Skills Development: For increasing employment potential. 
  • Basic Education: Includes preparatory, middle and secondary stage equivalency. 
  • Continuing Education: Includes engaging holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports and recreation and other topics of interest or use to local learners. 

Salient Features of the New India Literacy Program

  • Volunteerism: The scheme is mainly based on volunteerism for teaching and learning. Volunteers can also register through a mobile app for this purpose. Involvement of school students, pre-service students of Higher Education Institutions, school teachers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, NYKS, NSS and NCC volunteers. To implement volunteerism through online mode. However, training, orientation, and workshops for volunteers, may be organized through face-to-face mode. 
  • Priority to saturation in literacy: The age cohort of 15- 35 will be saturated first followed by ages 35 and above. Priority is to be given to girls and women, SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, Persons with special needs/Nomadic/Construction workers etc. who can substantially and immediately benefit from adult education. 
  • School to be a unit for implementation of the scheme. Schools are to be used for conducting surveys of beneficiaries and voluntary teachers (VTs). 
  • Use of ICT and online implementation of the scheme through Online Teaching Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS) 
  • All Material and resources through digital modes – TV, Radio, Cell phone-based free/open-source apps, portals etc. 
  • Assessment tests to be conducted in schools by State/UTs and evaluation of learners by NIOS/SIOS. Assessment on demand through OTLAS and generation of e-certificates. 
  • Sample achievement survey 
  • Performance Grading Index (PGI) for States/UTs and district level to show achievement in the implementation of the scheme giving weight to both physical and financial progress through the UDISE portal. 
  • The phrase ‘Education for All’ will be used in place of ‘Adult Education’ by the Ministry of Education as ‘Adult Education’ does not appropriately capture all non-literates more than 15 years of age.
  • The teaching-learning material and resources have been made available on the DIKSHA platform of NCERT and can be accessed through mobile apps.  
  • Further, other modes like TV, Radio, Samajik Chetna Kendra etc. are also to be used for the dissemination of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.

Beneficiary identification method

  • The beneficiaries under the scheme are identified through a door-to-door survey on Mobile App by the surveyors in the States/UTs. 
  • The non-literate can also avail of the benefit of the scheme through direct registration from any place through the mobile app. 
  • All non-literate above 15 years of age can avail the benefits of the scheme.

Customs duty exemption for Rare Diseases

Context: Central government has given full exemption from basic customs duty on all drugs and food for special medical purposes imported for personal use for treatment of all Rare Diseases listed under National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021. 

Customs Duty Exemption for Rare Diseases

  • To avail this exemption, individual importer must produce a certificate from Central or State Director Health Services or District Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon of districts.
  • Government has also fully exempted Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) used in treatment of various cancers from basic customs duty. 
  • Drugs/Medicines generally attract basic customs duty of 10%, while some categories attract concessional rate of 5% or nil.
  • This exemption will result in substantial cost savings and provide much needed relief to patients as it is estimated that for a child weighing 10 kg, annual cost of treatment for some rare diseases may vary from Rs 10 lakh to more than Rs 1 crore per year with treatment being lifelong and drug dose and cost, increasing with age & weight.

Salient Features of National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021 for treatment of rare disease patients. 

Rare diseases have been identified & categorised into three groups:

  • Group 1: Disorders amenable to one-time curative treatment.
    • Disorders amenable to treatment with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Ex. Lysosomal Storage Disorders, Osteoporosis etc. 
    • Disorders amendable to organ transplantation. Ex. Glycogen storage disorders. 
  • Group 2: Diseases requiring long term/lifelong treatment having relatively lower cost of treatment & benefit has been documented in literature and annual or more frequent surveillance is required.
    • Disorders managed with special dietary formulae or food for special medical purposes. Ex. Phenylketonuria (PKU) etc. 
    • Disorders that are amenable to other forms of therapy (hormone/specific drugs). 
  • Group 3: Diseases for which definitive treatment is available but challenges are to make optimal patient selection for benefit, very high cost and lifelong history.
    • Sufficient evidence for good long-term outcomes exists. Ex. Gaucher Disease etc. 
    • Disorders for which cost of treatment is very high and follow literature is not available. Ex. Cystic Fibrosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy etc. 
  • Centres of Excellence: Eight (08) Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been identified for diagnosis, prevention & treatment of rare diseases. These are premier Government tertiary hospitals with facilities for diagnosis, prevention & treatment of rare diseases. For ex. AIIMS, New Delhi etc. These CoEs will be provided one time grant of upto Rs 5 crore each for infrastructure development for screening, tests, treatment etc. 
  • NIDAN Kendras: Department of Biotechnology under Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders (UMMID) initiative has supported the establishment of Genetic Diagnostic Units i.e., National Inherited Disorders Administration Kendras (NIDAN Kendras) to provide comprehensive clinical care including diagnosis, management, multidisciplinary care, counselling, prenatal testing of rare diseases. 
  • Financial Support for patients of Rare Diseases:
    • Provision of financial support up to Rs 50 lakhs shall be provided to patients suffering from any category of Rare Diseases. Financial support will be provided to patients for treatment in any of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) under National Policy of Rare Diseases-2021, outside the Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi. 
    • State Governments can consider supporting patients of rare diseases that can be managed with special diets or hormonal supplements or relatively low-cost interventions (Group 2 diseases).
    • Digital Portal for Crowd Funding and Voluntary Donations for Patients of Rare Diseases. 
  • Prevention of Rare Diseases: Due to advancement in technologies, understanding of pathophysiological mechanism of rare genetic disorders has improved. This can done by:
    • Primary Prevention: Focusing on preventing birth of an affected child by avoidance of pregnancy in advanced age, or any other monogenic disorder by not marrying a carrier, carrier couples not reproducing etc.
    • Secondary prevention: Avoiding birth of affected fetus by prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis, early detection of disorders and appropriate medical intervention to ameliorate or minimize manifestations of rare diseases by newborn screening.
    • Tertiary prevention: Provision of better care and medical rehabilitation to those rare disease patients who present at advanced stage of disease. 
  • Manpower: States to create department of medical genetics in at least one medical college in the State for imparting education and increasing awareness.
  • Affordability of drug related to rare diseases: 
    • ICMR, CSIR etc to focus on promoting R&D in the field of rare diseases for diagnostics and treatment of rare diseases. 
    • Focus will be on development of new drugs, repurposing of drugs and use of biosimilars. 
    • Finance Ministry to reduce customs duties on import of medicines for rare diseases.

Definition of Rare Diseases

  • WHO defines rare disease as often debilitating lifelong disease or disorder with a prevalence of 1 or less, per 1000 population. 
  • However, India lacks epidemiological data to be able to define rare diseases in terms of prevalence. To overcome this, a hospital based National Registry for Rare Diseases has been initiated by ICMR by involving centres across India that are involved in diagnosis and management of Rare Disease. This will yield much needed epidemiological data for rare diseases. 

Challenges with Rare Diseases

  • Rare diseases are very complex and heterogenous with new rare diseases and conditions being identified and reported regularly. 
  • Issues of Diagnosis of rare diseases: 
    • Early diagnosis of rare diseases is complex due to lack of awareness among primary care physicians, lack of adequate screening and diagnostic facilities. Traditional genetic testing includes tests that can only address a few diseases.
    • Lack of awareness about rare diseases in general public and medical fraternity leading to delay in diagnosis or wrong diagnosis. 
  • Issues of R&D about rare diseases:
    • R&D of most of rare diseases is difficult as little is known about pathophysiology or natural history of these diseases particularly in the Indian context.
    • Very small patient pool with rare diseases results in inadequate clinical experience and less research focus.
  • Challenges in treatment: 
    • Effective or safe treatment is not available for most rare diseases. Of the 7000-8000 rare diseases, less than 5% have therapies to treat them. 
    • Cost of treatment of rare diseases is prohibitively expensive.
  • Lack of epidemiological data: Data regarding rare diseases are not collected effectively in India which impedes understanding the extent of burden of rare diseases and development of a definition. 
  • Economic burden: Rare diseases place a major economic burden on resources of country. 

Suggestions for Rare Diseases

  • Definition of Rare Diseases: Currently, the definition of rare diseases is mostly prevalence based. There is a need to move beyond which focuses on regional specificity, rarity, severity and study ability of the disease.
  • Expanding genetic testing: Expanding genetic testing based on next generation sequencing or chromosomal microarray which are expensive and time-consuming process with interpretation and counselling issues at times.
  • Increasing awareness: There is an immediate need to create awareness amongst public, patients and medical fraternity for early and accurate diagnosis, standardisation of diagnostic modalities and newer diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
  • International & regional collaborations for research, collaborations with physicians working of rare diseases and with patient groups and their families. This will lead to better understanding about pathophysiology of rare diseases and access to wider patient pool. 
  • Incentives for Orphan drugs: On the lines of Orphan Drug Act in USA & Canada, India’s drug makers should incentivise drug makers to manufacture drugs for rare diseases. 
  • Prevention: Focusing on developing infrastructure by newborn screening, prenatal diagnosis and prenatal screening especially in children whose families have a history of rare diseases.
  • Epidemiological data: Epidemiological data should be collected at Centre of Excellence and share with ICMR. 

About Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN)

  • This scheme is being implemented by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to provide financial assistance to patients, living below poverty line and who are suffering from major life-threatening diseases, to receive medical treatment at any super speciality hospitals/institutes or other government hospitals. 
  • Financial assistance is released to such patients in the form of ‘one-time grant’, which is released to the Medical Superintendent of Hospital in which the treatment has been/is being received. 
  • Under RAN Revolving Funds have been set up in 13 Central Government Hospitals/Institutions, located all over India for providing financial assistance for treatment up to Rs 2 lakh. In addition financial assistance is provided for individual cases referred by Government hospitals/institutions, which do not have a Revolving Fund and for cases referred by 13 Government hospitals/institutions with Revolving Funds for assistance exceeding Rs. 2 lakh.     

ABHA-based Scan and Share service

Context: The National Health Authority (NHA) under its Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) scheme is enabling digital interventions for bringing efficiency to the delivery of healthcare services. One such initiative is Scan and Share service. 

Scan and Share service

  • Scan and Share service enables instant registrations for patients at OPD (Out-patient Department) blocks of participating hospitals via direct sharing of their ABHA profile. 
  • The service works on a simple modality of QR-code based direct information sharing.
    • The participating hospitals display their unique QR codes at their patient registration counters.
    • The patients use their smartphones to scan the QR codes using the supported mobile Apps for the service (ABHA app, Aarogya Setu etc.)
    • The patient then creates their ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) or logs in to their existing account. Then, the patients can directly share their ABHA profile with the hospital to complete their registration without having to fill the form physically.
  • This paperless registration results in instant token generation thereby helping the patients skip the long queue by simply using their ABHA.

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ANDM) aims to develop the necessary backbone to support integrated digital health infrastructure in India. However, the participation of citizens and healthcare facility is voluntary in ABDM. 

Components of ABDM:

  • ABHA Number: An individual/citizen/patient will be provided with a randomly generated 14-digit number known as ABHA for uniquely identifying a person in the digital health ecosystem, authenticating himself and linking his health records with consent across multiple systems and stakeholders.
  • Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR): Comprehensive registry of all healthcare professionals involved in healthcare services across both modern and traditional systems of medicine.
  • Health Facility Registry (HFR): Comprehensive registry of health facilities (Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, imaging centres, pharmacies etc.) across different systems of medicines including both public and private health facilities.
  • Unified Health Interface (UHI): An open protocol for various digital health services focusing on End User Applications and participating Health Service Provider applications such as appointment booking, teleconsultation, service discovery etc.

Saudi Arabia agrees to join SCO as a dialogue partner

Context: Saudi Arabia has agreed to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a “dialogue partner”, the latest indication of closer political ties with China.

This is also seen as the step in the direction where Saudi Arabia can later become a full time member of the organization.

The Saudi-Iran Bonhomie

  • By joining the SCO, Saudi Arabia's security relationship with China is currently blossoming. But this relationship is nothing new and stems back decades before. 
  • The ballistic missile sales from China to Saudi Arabia as far back as the 1980s, with reported sales in 1992, 2007 and 2014. In 2021, the kingdom imported sensitive missile technology from the Chinese military to manufacture its own ballistic missiles
  • Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude supplier, and China, the biggest energy consumer, met to discuss their ambitions for an initial agreement of $29.26 billion. 
  • The United States was Riyadh’s largest trading partner at $76 billion in 2012, but now China, India and Japan have surpassed the United States, with which trade was only $29 billion in 2021
  • Saudi Aramco signed two deals to build a major refining and petrochemical complex in China valued in the billions of dollars. 

It can be concluded that Saudi Arabia is seemingly looking to diversify its global partnerships in the same way that it has been diversifying its economy into non-oil sectors and reducing its dependence on one single source. 

Reasons behind blossoming ties

  • The US is distancing itself from the region as it is no longer dependent on energy imports from the region. It has itself emerged as a significant exporter of both oil and gas.
  • The relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia entered a fraught timeline since President Joe Biden came into office
  • Joe Biden announced the end of combat assistance to Riyadh as it led a military campaign in Yemen against the Iran-aligned Ansar Allah, or Houthi, movement.
  • With the Russia-Ukraine war and the energy prices soared over the conflict and ensuing Western sanctions against Moscow, Washington called on Riyadh to increase production, only for the Kingdom to join with Russia and other members of the extended Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) in cutting output.
  • America knows that its survival in the region is very costly, because it will remain under the strikes of the Axis of Resistance, which has grown and gained great influence in last decade, meaning that the American presence is no longer without cost, but rather the price will rise if US stays. 
  • Now reports have emerged that Saudi Arabia has begun talks to restore ties with Syria, which has been suspended from the Arab League since civil war broke out in 2011
  • Iran the long-time rival has joined SCO and has showed interest to join BRICS as well and this has prompted Saudi also, which has been aspiring for the same.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organization

It is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation and was formed in 2001. It is a successor of Shanghai five.

Shanghai Five

Shanghai Five, a political association based on the Agreement on Confidence-Building in the Military Field in the Border Area and the Agreement on the Mutual

Reduction of Armed Forces Members: (SCO - UZBEKISTAN)

Members

NINE countries are currently SCO full members: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan became full members in 2017 and IRAN in 2023.

SCO decided to admit India & Pakistan at the Ufa summit of 2015.

India participated for the first time as a full member at the recently held 18th Qingdao Summit of SCO in China that was held in 2018.

Working

  • The Heads of State Council (HSC) is the highest decision-making body in the SCO.
  • The secretary general and executive director of RATS is appointed by HSC for 3 Year term.
  • The Heads of Government Council (HGC) meets once per year to discuss a strategy for multilateral cooperation and priority directions within the Organisation's framework.
  • Organisation has two permanent bodies — the Secretariat in Beijing (China) and the Regional Anti- Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
  • SCO RATS: Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of SCO is a permanent body based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 
  • The objective of RATS is based upon the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism. RATS possess information on terrorist organisations and terrorists.

By polls to one Lok Sabha, 4 Assembly seats on May 10

Context: The Election Commission of India has announced by polls for one Lok Sabha seat and four Assembly constituencies, to be held on May 10, with results on May 13.

What is By poll or bye election?

  • In India, a by-election (also known as a by poll or bye-election) is an election held to fill a vacancy in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) or a state legislative assembly. 
  • These vacancies can occur due to various reasons such as the death, resignation or disqualification of a sitting member of parliament or the state assembly. 
  • By-elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India, which is an independent body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections at various levels of government in India. 
  • By-elections are usually held within six months of the vacancy occurring, although this can vary depending on the specific circumstances. 
  • Candidates from various political parties can contest the by-election, and the winner is elected to fill the vacant seat until the next general election. 
  • By-elections are important as they provide an opportunity for citizens to exercise their right to vote and elect a representative to fill a vacant seat in the legislative assembly or parliament. 
  • They also have the potential to impact the balance of power in parliament or the state assembly, as a single seat can sometimes make a significant difference in the overall composition of the house.

About Representation of the People Act, 1951

The provisions for the actual conduct of elections to the Houses of Parliament and to the House or Houses of the Legislature of each State, the qualifications and disqualifications for the membership of these Houses, the corrupt practices and other election offences, and the decision of election disputes were all left to be made in a subsequent measure. In order to provide for these provisions, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 was enacted. 

Broadly speaking, this Act contains provisions relating to the following electoral matters:

  1. Qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament and State Legislatures. 
  2. Administrative machinery for the conduct of elections
  3. Registration of political parties 
  4. Conduct of elections 
  5. Corrupt practices and electoral offences
  6. Bye-elections and time limit for filling vacancies
  7. Barring the jurisdiction of civil courts

Constitutional bodies fighting corruption under attack, says PM Modi

Context: 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack against what he termed conspiracies by forces within and outside the country to undermine constitutional institutions that were cracking down on corruption and the corrupt. 
  • India is the world's largest democracy and has a well-established constitution that lays down the framework for its governance. Constitutional bodies are an integral part of the Indian democratic system, established to ensure the proper functioning of the government and safeguard the rights of its citizens. 
  • These bodies are independent, autonomous, and have their own powers and functions, which are enshrined in the constitution. From the Election Commission of India to the CAG, these bodies play a crucial role in upholding the principles of democracy, promoting accountability, and ensuring transparency in the functioning of the government. 
  • This write-up will provide a overview of the various constitutional bodies in India, their functions, and their significance in the country's democratic setup.

So it is important for us to cover the constitutional bodies along following items: (EXCEPT GST COUNCIL)

  • Articles in the constitution
  • Appointing authority
  • Tenure & Removal
  • Immunities
  • Eligible for further Appointment. 
  • Powers

Union Public Service Commission

  • It is the …… Well, if you are reading article this far the chances are that you already know what UPSC is. 
  • Articles: 315 – 323
  • Composition: 9 to 11 members
  • Tenure & removal: Presently for 6 years or 65 years (whichever is earlier) whichever is earlier
  • Further Appointment:
    • UPSC Chairman is not eligible for a second term. 
    • Other members are eligible only for an appointment within SPSC and UPSC
  • Powers: Recruitment of All India Services, public services of centrally administered territories, Central services, advisory powers. 

Goods and Services Tax Council (The latest, MOST DIFFERENT and hence the first to be covered)

  • The 101st Amendment Act of 2016 paved the way for the introduction of a new tax regime (i.e. goods and services tax - GST) in the country. 
  • The smooth and efficient administration of this tax requires co-operation and coordination between the centre and the states. 
  • In order to facilitate this consultation process, the amendment provided for the establishment of a Goods and Services Tax Council or the GST Council. 
  • While discharging its functions, the Council is to be guided by the need for a harmonised structure of GST and the development of a harmonised national market for goods and services. Further, the Council has to determine the procedure in the performance of its functions
  • Composition: The Council is a joint forum of the centre and the states and consists of the following members:
    • The Union Finance Minister as the Chairperson
    • The Union Minister of State in-charge of Revenue or Finance
    • The Minister in-charge of Finance or Taxation or any other Minister nominated by each state government

Working of the Council

  • The decisions of the Council are taken at its meetings. One-half of the total number of members of the Council is the quorum for conducting a meeting. Every decision of the Council is to be taken by a majority of not less than three-fourths of the weighted votes of the members present and voting at the meeting. The decision is taken in accordance with the following principles:
    • The vote of the central government shall have a weightage one-third of the total votes cast in that meeting.
    • The votes of all the state governments combined shall have weightage of two-thirds of the total votes cast in that meeting.

Attorney General of India

  • He is the highest law officer in the country
  • Articles 76, 88
  • Appointment by the president 
  • Important Immunities: 
  • Tenure & Removal: Holds office during the pleasure of the President
  • Eligible for further Appointment. 
  • Powers
    • Privileges of an MP (Right to Speech within Parliament). 
    • Right of an audience in all Indian courts. 
    • Right to attend both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings without right to vote.  

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

  • He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department1. He is the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both the levels–the Centre and the state.
  • Article 148, 149, 150, 151 
  • Appointment by the president 
  • Important Immunities:
    • His salary and other service conditions are determined by the Parliament.
    • The administrative expenses of the office of the CAG, including all salaries, allowances and pensions of persons serving in that office are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. Thus, they are not subject to the vote of Parliament.
  • Tenure & removal: Holds the office for six years or 65 years (whichever comes earlier)
    • Removal is the same as for a judge of the Supreme Court
  • Not eligible for further appointment.
  • Powers
    • Audits accounts concerned with the Contingency Fund, the Consolidated Fund of India and states,  and the Public Accounts Fund of the states and centre.
    • Advisory function with respect to accounts to the country’s President

Election Commission

  • It  is a permanent and an independent body established by the Constitution of India directly to ensure free and fair elections in the country
  • Article: 324
  • Appointment by the president 
  • Composition: CEC/Chief Election Commissioner, Other Election Commissioners
  • Tenure & removal: Presently for 6 years or 65 years, whichever is earlier
  • Eligible for further appointment. 
  • Powers
    • Conduct of free and fair elections in India
    • Political parties’ registration
    • Overseeing elections

Finance Commission

  • It is constituted by the president of India every fifth year or at such earlier time as he considers necessary
  • Article: 280
  • Appointment by the President 
  • Composition: Chairman, Four members
  • Eligible for further appointment
  • Powers
    • Decides the basis for sharing the divisible taxes by the centre and the states
    • Any matter in the interest of sound finance can be referred to the President evaluates the rise in the Consolidated Fund of a state in order to affix the resources of the state Municipalities and Panchayats
    • FC has the powers of a civil court

National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Similarly for tribes and OBC)

  • It is an Indian constitutional body established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and Anglo Indian communities to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests, special provisions were made in the Constitution. 
  • Articles 338
  • Composition
    • Chairman, Vice-chairman, 3 other members
    • Tenure & removal: 3 years
  • Eligible for further appointment
  • Powers
    • It is a quasi-judicial body
    • Monitoring and reporting about the implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes
    • It has a civil court’s powers

Special officer for Linguistic Minorities

  • Articles 350 B
  • Composition Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner
  • Tenure and removal: Pleasure of the President
  • Further appointment: Yes
  • Powers: Monitoring and reporting the working of constitutional safeguards for linguistic minorities

CEC in Assam: Delimitation, NRC can be simultaneous processes

Context: Various political parties in Assam had submitted to Election commission of India (ECI) to hold the delimitation exercise, till the conclusion of National Register of Citizen (NRC) process. In response to this chief election commissioner said that delimitation and NRC are “different issues” and there is no legal bar on carrying them out separately.

Delimitation Commission

The Delimitation Commission is established by Parliament under Article 82 to determine allocation of seats in the House of the People to the States based on 1971 Census and divide states into territorial constituencies based 2001 Census.

Delimitation means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body. In India, the job of delimitation has been assigned to a high power body known as Delimitation Commission or Boundary Commission.

Four Delimitation Commission have been constituted since independence

1952 – under Delimitation Commission Act, 1952

1963 -  under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962

1973 - under Delimitation Commission Act, 1972

2002 - under Delimitation Commission Act, 2002

Orders of Delimitation Commission cannot be called in question before any Court of law. 

The copies of its orders are laid before the House of People and the State Legislative Assembly concerned, but no modifications are permissible therein by them. 

The Central Government shall constitute a Commission to be called the Delimitation Commission which shall consist of three members as follows: 

(a) one member, who shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court, to be appointed by the Central Government who shall be the Chairperson of the Commission; 

(b) the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner nominated by the Chief Election Commissioner, ex officio: 

(c) the State Election Commissioner of concerned State, ex officio. 

The Commission shall determine its own procedure and shall, in the performance of its functions, have all the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure. 

Role played by delimitation commission 

  • Balance of representation to achieve the ideals of ‘One Vote One Value’ 
  • Ensure adequate representation to vulnerable sections including SC/ST. 
  • Fair division of geographical areas for adequate representation of diverse communities. 

Challenges 

  • Delimitation exercise is restricted by Constitution 84th and 87th Amendment. 
  • This has frozen the seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies till 2026. 
  • Seats reserved for SC and ST population also remains frozen and increasing population of vulnerable section is not accounted for. 

Thus the need of the hour is to develop a National consensus exercise for undertaking delimitation along with 2031 census to ensure adequate representation of states and vulnerable sections of India. 

National Register of Population (NRC)

  • The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is the register containing names of Indian citizens. The only time that a National Register of Citizens (NRC) was prepared was in 1951 when after conduct of the Census of 1951, the NRC was prepared by recording particulars of all the persons enumerated during that Census.
  • It was only done by the state of Assam , though it was mandated for all the states. However, recently Home Ministry has expressed, that it is planning to do this process for entire country.
  • Citizenship being a subject of the Union List, policy decisions, guidelines and funds for NRC updation are provided by the Central Government but its implementation is done through the State Government machinery under the guidance of the Registrar General of India who functions as the Registrar General of Citizen Registration under Rule 15 of Citizenship Rules, 2003 as amended in 2009 and 2010.
  • The provisions governing NRC updation are The Citizenship Act, 1955, and The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity cards) Rules, 2003 (prepared under The Citizenship Act, 1955).

Amid protests, Finance Bill approved by both Houses

Context: The government has completed its budgetary exercise for 2023­24 (Like every year), with both Houses of Parliament approving the Finance Bill, 2023, along with a fresh amendment introduced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to rectify an error in the Securities Transaction Tax rates on option contracts in the earlier version of the Bill.

Money bills and Finance bills are interrelated. A financial bill (I) is a bill that contains not only any or all the matters mentioned in Article 110, but also other matters of general legislation.

So if we understand the Money Bill, we can understand the Finance Bill. Hence, Article 110 and Article 111 (Which contain the provisions related to Money Bill) is of utmost importance for comprehending the provisions related to Budget. 

What is a Money Bills? 

Article 110 of the Constitution deals with the definition of money bills. It states that a bill is deemed to be a money bill if it contains ‘only’ provisions dealing with all or any of the following matters:

  1. The imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax;
  2. The regulation of the borrowing of money by the Union government;
  3. The custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the contingency fund of India, the payment of money into or the withdrawal of money from any such fund;
  4. The appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India;
  5. Declaration of any expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or increasing the amount of any such expenditure;
  6. The receipt of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of India or the custody or issue of such money, or the audit of the accounts of the Union or of a state; or
  7. Any matter incidental to any of the matters specified above.

However, a bill is not to be deemed to be a money bill by reason only that it provides for:

  1. the imposition of fines or other pecuniary penalties, or
  2. the demand or payment of fees for licenses or fees for services rendered; or
  3. The imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax by any local authority or body for local purposes. 

If any question arises whether a bill is a money bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is final. His decision in this regard cannot be questioned in any court of law or in the either House of Parliament or even the president. When a money bill is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for recommendation and presented to the president for assent, the Speaker endorses it as a money bill.

What is the procedure for passing of money bill in parliament?

  • The Constitution lays down a special procedure for the passing of money bills in the Parliament. A money bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and that too on the recommendation of the president. Every such bill is considered to be a government bill and can be introduced only by a minister. 
  • It cannot reject or amend a money bill. It can only make the recommendations. It must return the bill to the Lok Sabha within 14 days, whether with or without recommendations. The Lok Sabha can either accept or reject all or any of the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha.
  • If the Lok Sabha accepts any recommendation, the bill is then deemed to have been passed by both the Houses in the modified form. If the Lok Sabha does not accept any recommendation, the bill is then deemed to have passed by both the Houses in the form originally passed by the Lok Sabha without any change.
  • If the Rajya Sabha does not return the bill to the Lok Sabha within 14 days, the bill is deemed to have been passed by both the Houses in the form originally passed by the Lok Sabha. Thus, the Lok Sabha has more powers than Rajya Sabha with regard to a money bill. On the other hand, both the Houses have equal powers with regard to an ordinary bill.

Finally, when a money bill is presented to the president, he may either give his assent to the bill or withhold his assent to the bill but cannot return the bill for reconsideration of the Houses. Normally, the president gives his assent to a money bill as it is introduced in the Parliament with his prior permission. 

Difference between Money Bill and Ordinary Bill 

S.N.Money BillOrdinary Bill
1.It can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only not in the Rajya SabhaIt can be introduced in either house of parliament. 
2.It can be intruded in the Lok Sabha only by a minister.It can be introduced either by a minister or by a private member
3.It can be introduced only of the recommendation of the president.Recommendation of president is not required.
4.It can’t be amended or rejected by the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha should return the bill with or without recommendations, which may be rejected or accepted by the Lok Sabha.It can be amended or rejected by the Rajya  Sabha. 
5.It can be detained by the Rajya Sabha for a maximum of 14 days only.Rajya Sabha can detain it for a maximum of 6 months.
6.It requires the certification of Lok Sabha speaker when transmitted to Rajya Sabha.If it is originated in the Lok Sabha, it does not require approval of speaker when transmitted to Rajya Sabha.
7.It is sent for approval of president even if it approved by the Lok Sabha only. There is no provision of joint sitting of both houses in this regard.It is sent to the president only when it is passed by the both houses of parliament. In case of deadlock between two houses, a joint sitting of both the houses can be called by the president.
8.If this bill is defeated in the Lok Sabha, then the entire council of ministers has to resign.Its defeat in the Lok Sabha may lead to the resignation of the government if it is introduced by a member.
9.It can be rejected or accepted but can’t be returned for reconsideration by the president (because earlier permission is taken from him).It can be rejected, accepted or returned for reconsideration by the president.

What are Finance Bills and How are they different or similar from Money Bills?

Financial Bills (I)

  • A financial bill (I) is a bill that contains not only any or all the matters mentioned in Article 110, but also other matters of general legislation.
    • For instance, a bill that contains a borrowing clause, but does not exclusively deal with borrowing. 
  • Similarities:In two respects, a financial bill (I) is similar to a money bill–
    • Both of them can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and not in the Rajya Sabha, and 
    • Both of them can be introduced only on the recommendation of the president. In all other respects, a financial bill (I) is governed by the same legislative procedure applicable to an ordinary bill.
  • Hence, it can be either rejected or amended by the Rajya Sabha (except that an amendment other than for reduction or abolition of a tax cannot be moved in either House without the recommendation of the president i.e., the recommendation of the president is not required for moving an amendment making provision for the reduction or abolition of a tax). 
  • In case of a disagreement between the two Houses over such a bill, the president can summon a joint sitting of the two Houses to resolve the deadlock. When the bill is presented to the President, he can either give his assent to the bill or withhold his assent to the bill or return the bill for reconsideration of the Houses.

Financial Bills (II)

  • A financial bill (II) contains provisions involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, but does not include any of the matters mentioned in Article 110. 
  • It is treated as an ordinary bill and in all respects, it is governed by the same legislative procedure which is applicable to an ordinary bill. 
  • The only special feature of this bill is that it cannot be passed by either House of Parliament unless the President has recommended to that House the consideration of the bill. Hence, financial bill (II) can be introduced in either House of Parliament and recommendation of the President is not necessary for its introduction. In other words, the recommendation of the President is not required at the introduction stage but is required at the consideration stage. 
  • It can be either rejected or amended by either House of Parliament. In case of a disagreement between the two Houses over such a bill, the President can summon a joint sitting of the two Houses to resolve the deadlock. When the bill is presented to the President, he can either give his assent to the bill or withhold his assent to the bill or return the bill for reconsideration of the Houses.

9k applicants for upgrade of schools under PM-SHRI eligible: Govt

Context: The centre government has received around 9000 applications for upgrade of schools from several states eligible to be consider under the PM Schools for Rising India or PM SHRI scheme.

About PM SHRI

  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a total project cost of Rs. 27360 crores for five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
  • Aim: To develop more than 14500 schools across India as PM SHRI Schools by strengthening select existing schools being managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.

Key Features

  • PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020, act as exemplar schools and will offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
  • Pedagogy: More experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable.
  • Focus: On achieving proficiency in learning outcomes for every child in every grade.
  • Assessment: At all levels based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real- life situations and competency based.
  • Equipped with modern infrastructure including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, art room etc. which is inclusive and accessible.

Source: The Indian Express & Ministry of Education website

What’s the Missing Block in Building Institute of Excellence?

Context: Times of India dated 27 march 2023 has a news article highlighting the issues associated with the Institute of excellence.

What is the institute of Excellence?

Institutions of Eminence scheme has been to help higher education institutions to become world-class teaching and research institutions. Ten public and ten private institutions are to be identified to emerge as world-class Teaching and Research Institutions. This will enhance affordable access to high-quality education for ordinary Indians.

Objectives of the scheme – institutions of eminence

  • To provide for higher education leading to excellence and innovations in such branches of knowledge as may be deemed fit at post-graduate, graduate and research degree levels and award degrees, diplomas and other academic distinctions; 
  • To provide for high-quality teaching and research and the advancement of knowledge and its dissemination through various research programmes undertaken in-house by a substantial number of full-time faculty and research scholars in diverse disciplines etc.

Expectations from the institutions of eminence

  • Highly qualified faculty, with the freedom to hire from across the world; 
  • Existence of academic, administrative and financial autonomy; 
  • Excellence in research; 
  • High Quality of teaching etc.

 Challenges

  • The multiplicity of regulatory agencies and the lack of coordination among them is a major challenge in the emergence of institutes of eminence in India.
  • The multiplicity of regulatory agencies and the lack of coordination among them is a major challenge in the emergence of institutes of eminence in India.
  • Limited Funding compared to other countries like China which have provided more extensive funding to their elite universities.
  • Limited coverage of universities in the IOE scheme, as only three public-funded and three private-funded universities have been selected, and the selection has excluded some notable institutions.
  • Limited financial autonomy in fund utilization, with strict compliance with Government Financial Rules (GFR) and the fear of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India audit. Delays in receiving funds from sponsoring organizations.
  • Challenging procurement procedures such as purchase and procurement through Government e-Marketplace portal.
  • Delays in the purchase period for equipment having foreign components due to too many clearances.
  • The current Public Financial Management System hampers the purchase where a commitment is made without completing the final transaction.
  • Difficulty in compliance with laws relating to visa, registration, opening a bank account, residence permit, exit permit, etc., for foreign students.
  • Existing high fees in IITs with little scope for raising the fees to attract more foreign students, as higher fees contradict the equity objective of a public-funded university.
  • Difficulty in recruiting international faculty due to various bottlenecks, such as political clearances, complex taxation laws, and other bureaucratic hurdles.

What is the way forward?

  • The proposed HECI should set its priorities right and bring out regulations based on evidence-based inputs.
  • HECI should refrain from bringing out regulations in areas requiring no regulation.
  • HECI should asses how the regulations will impact the functioning of higher education institutes.
  • A stakeholder-based approach should be adopted to formulate regulations so that the inputs and feedback of all stakeholders can be incorporated.
  • There is a need to create an interconnected web of regulatory functions.

Why transgender female athletes can’t compete in female events

Context: Transgender women have been barred from competing in the female category by World Athletics (WA), the international governing body for track and field, following a vote on Thursday. WA has followed the path of FINA, the international swimming federation, which enforced a similar ban in June last year.

What does the ban mean?

Transgender women who have experienced male puberty will not be able to compete in the female competition after March 31 this year. However, the World Athletics Council has set up a working group to conduct research “to further consider the issue of transgender inclusion”. We are not saying ‘no’ forever,” WA president Sebastian Coe said.  

The former double Olympic gold medallist in the 1,500 metres emphasised “fair and meaningful” female competition. “Decisions are always difficult when they involve conflicting needs and rights between different groups, but we continue to take the view that we must maintain fairness for female athletes above all other considerations,” Coe said.

Why have transgender women been barred?

In its ‘Eligibility Regulations for Transgender Athletes’, WA focuses on the physical advantages men have over women post-puberty. “The substantial sex difference in sports performance that emerges from puberty onwards means that the only way to achieve the objectives set out…is to maintain separate classifications (competition categories) for male and female athletes,” WA states.

The debate has raged since New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard competed in the women’s 87-kg class at the Tokyo Olympics, although she had participated in the men’s category earlier.

NCAA swimmer Lia Thomas used hormone replacement therapy and moved from the men’s category to the women’s category. She started breaking records in the IVY League competition before FINA stepped in.

What were the rules for transgender women before WA’s ban?

Under the previous rules, there was no blanket ban, but transgender women had to reduce the amount of blood testosterone to 5 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L) and maintain this level for 12 months to participate.

What had WA initially proposed?

In January, WA had come up with the ‘preferred option’ for transgender women. Instead of a complete ban, WA said it would allow transgender women to compete in the female category but would reduce the blood testosterone limit to below 2.5nmol/L for two years —cutting it down by half, and doubling the period before they become eligible to compete

So how did WA justify the change to a ban?

On Thursday, after its council meeting, WA said that the ‘preferred option’ did not have any takers. During January and February, WA said, it had consulted member federations, Global Athletics Coaches Academy, the Athletes’ Commission, the International Olympic Council, “as well as representative transgender and human rights groups”.

“It became apparent that there was little support within the sport for the option that was first presented to stakeholders,” WA said in its statement.

Which other sports have banned transgender female athletes?

The International Olympic Committee’s Framework on Fairness released in November 2021 stated that “athletes are not excluded solely based on their transgender identity or sex variations”.

But the IOC had put the onus on sports federations to put in place rules. FINA implemented a ban last year.

However, it was World Rugby in 2020 which became the first international sports federation to bar transgender women from female competition. Following this, Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union also banned transgender women from female competition.

Last year, British Triathlon implemented a similar ban.

Have any famous sporting names weighed in?

Tennis great and gay rights activist Martina Navratilova took FINA’s side in an interview with The Australian. “It’s been such a topsy-turvy situation…with the momentum totally on the side of the transgender athletes. When it comes to sports, biology is the biggest divider… So, FINA, it’s the first big organisation that has gone all in for fairness and maybe it will try to include as many people as possible, as is fair. But fairness has to be first,” Navratilova had said.

She also criticised the IOC for leaving the decision-making on the eligibility of transgender athletes to sports federations.

Did WA also change other rules?

DSD (Differences in Sex Development) athletes — those who have genes that are generally associated with one sex but whose reproductive organs may not be atypical — will now have to keep their testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L for 24 months to participate in the female category across events.

Earlier, DSD athletes were not required to maintain a testosterone limit unless they wanted to participate in restricted events — 400 metres to a mile. For restricted events, DSD athletes had to keep their testosterone below 5 nmol/L for six months before being eligible to participate.