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July 31st Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – July 31st

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Supreme Court refuses blanket ban on pellet guns; says they are part of a graded police response, but seeks accountability for their use

Why is it in the news?

The Supreme Court, while hearing petitions related to the use of pellet guns during recent protests in Delhi, declined to impose a blanket ban on pellet guns. The Court observed that pellet guns form part of the graded use-of-force policy followed by police and security forces in exceptional situations for crowd control. At the same time, the Court emphasized that their use must be justified, proportionate, and accountable. It also directed the Delhi Government to ensure proper medical treatment for injured protesters and sought records regarding the use of ammunition by the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

What is a graded police response?

A graded police response means that police should increase the level of force step by step, using the least harmful method first.

Typical sequence:

  1. Verbal warnings and persuasion.
  2. Barricades and negotiation.
  3. Water cannons.
  4. Tear gas or smoke shells.
  5. Rubber/plastic bullets or other less-lethal options.
  6. Pellet guns (only in exceptional circumstances).
  7. Live ammunition only when there is an imminent threat to life and no other option remains.

The objective is to use the minimum force necessary to restore public order.

Why did the Supreme Court refuse a complete ban?

The Court observed that:

  • Police sometimes face violent situations where some use of force becomes necessary.
  • Since even firearms are legally permitted in extreme situations, an outright ban on pellet guns without considering circumstances would not be appropriate.
  • However, every use of pellet guns should follow legal procedures and remain subject to judicial scrutiny and accountability.

Concerns regarding pellet guns

Pellet guns are considered less-lethal, but they can still cause:

  • Serious eye injuries and permanent blindness.
  • Facial and skin injuries.
  • Long-term physical and psychological trauma.

Because of these risks, their use has remained controversial, especially during public protests.

Background

  • Pellet guns were introduced in India mainly for riot control after the unrest in Jammu & Kashmir in 2010.
  • Human rights organizations have repeatedly demanded safer alternatives such as PAVA shells, tear smoke, water cannons, chilli grenades, and acoustic devices.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has promoted a graded response model to reduce casualties during crowd control.

Activists raise transparency concerns as PM CARES Fund withholds audit statements since FY 2022–23

Why in News?

Transparency activists have expressed concern that the PM CARES Fund has not published its audited financial statements after FY 2022–23. They argue that, since the Fund receives large voluntary donations and finances public welfare projects, periodic disclosure of audited accounts is essential for maintaining public trust.

Why are activists concerned?

The main concerns are:

  • No recent audit statements in the public domain after FY 2022–23.
  • Lack of updated information on:
    • Total donations received.
    • Expenditure on various projects.
    • Balance remaining in the Fund.
  • Greater transparency is expected because the Fund supports projects of national importance.

Government's position

The PM CARES website states that:

  • PM CARES is a public charitable trust.
  • It is audited by an independent Chartered Accountant, not by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
  • There is no statutory deadline under the Income Tax Act for publishing the audit, though accounts are audited after the end of each financial year.

Why is PM CARES not audited by the CAG?

  1. In its 2020 judgment, the Supreme Court held that:

    • PM CARES is a public charitable trust, not a statutory government fund.
    • Therefore, it does not require CAG audit.
    • It is audited by an independent private auditor appointed by the trustees.

What Enabled the Increase?

Several policy initiatives have encouraged private investment:

    • ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme to provide long-term financing for private-sector R&D.
    • Promotion of startups through Startup India.
    • Liberalisation of the space and defence sectors.
    • Stronger industry–academia collaboration through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Why is this issue important?

Arguments for greater transparency

  • Enhances public confidence.
  • Demonstrates how donated funds are utilized.
  • Strengthens accountability in public welfare spending.
  • Reflects principles of good governance.

Government's view

  • The Fund is based entirely on voluntary contributions.
  • It is managed as a charitable trust and follows its governing trust deed and audit process.

Kerala's UDF backs PM-SHRI, citing need for federal funds

Why is it in News?

The newly elected UDF government in Kerala has decided to continue with the PM-SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme. The government argued that Kerala should not lose Central (federal) funding available under the scheme, especially since the previous government had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Government. The final list of schools to be included will be decided after examining the report of a Cabinet sub-committee.

Why is this significant?

  • Kerala had earlier expressed reservations about some conditions attached to the scheme.
  • The UDF believes that rejecting the scheme would mean losing substantial Central financial assistance for school development.
  • The decision reflects the balance between State autonomy and the need to access Union government funds for improving education.

What is PM-SHRI?

  • PM-SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2022.

Objective

To develop more than 14,500 schools across India as model schools implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key features

  • Smart classrooms and digital learning.
  • Modern laboratories and libraries.
  • Skill-based and experiential learning.
  • Green and sustainable school campuses.
  • Inclusive education for all students.
  • Teacher capacity building and quality improvement.

Funding pattern

PM-SHRI is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with expenditure shared between the Union and State Governments according to the applicable funding pattern for different States and Union Territories. The scheme aims to strengthen school infrastructure while promoting the goals of NEP 2020.

What does "federal funds" mean?

In India, federal funds refer to money provided by the Union (Central) Government to States for implementing Centrally Sponsored Schemes and other development programmes.

This issue highlights a common feature of cooperative federalism, where:

  • The Centre designs and partly finances national schemes.
  • States implement them while addressing local needs.

Centre defends CEC selection panel without CJI

Why in News?

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. During the hearing, the Union Government defended the law, arguing that the Constitution does not require the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to be part of the selection committee. The Court, however, asked whether the selection process should also appear fair and independent, since the Election Commission is a constitutional body entrusted with conducting free and fair elections.

What is the present selection committee?

Under the 2023 Act, the selection committee consists of:

  • Prime Minister – Chairperson
  • Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (or leader of the largest opposition party)
  • A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister

The committee recommends names to the President of India, who formally appoints the CEC and ECs.

Why is the CJI not included?

The Centre argued that:

  • Article 324 of the Constitution leaves the appointment procedure to Parliament.
  • The Constitution does not mandate judicial representation in the selection committee.
  • The independence of the Election Commission depends on constitutional safeguards and tenure, not merely on the presence of a judge in the committee.

What did the Supreme Court observe?

The Court remarked that:

  • The Election Commission must not only be independent but also be seen as independent.
  • Public confidence is strengthened when the appointment process visibly reflects fairness.
  • The Court questioned why Parliament departed from the earlier judicial arrangement that had included the CJI until a law was enacted.

Background

2023 Supreme Court judgment (Anoop Baranwal case)

Until Parliament enacted a law, the Supreme Court directed that appointments should be made by a committee comprising:

  • Prime Minister
  • Leader of the Opposition
  • Chief Justice of India

Later, Parliament enacted the 2023 Act, replacing the CJI with a Union Cabinet Minister. This change is now under constitutional challenge.

Constitutional Provision

  • Article 324: Vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission of India.
  • It empowers Parliament to make laws regarding the appointment of the CEC and Election Commissioners.

Hopeful that Mahanadi water dispute will be resolved within three months, says Odisha CM

Why in News?

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh is likely to be resolved within three months following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of both Odisha and Chhattisgarh, along with senior officials of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

What was decided?

The meeting resulted in the following roadmap:

  • Both States agreed to resolve the dispute through dialogue and mutual cooperation.
  • A technical committee led by the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) will continue discussions.
  • The committee is expected to submit its report within three months to facilitate an amicable settlement.
  • The focus will be on scientific water sharing, river management, and conservation.

What is the Mahanadi water dispute?

The Mahanadi River originates in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Cause of the dispute

  • Odisha has objected to the construction of barrages and water projects by Chhattisgarh in the upstream region.
  • Odisha fears these projects may reduce downstream water availability, affecting:
    • Irrigation
    • Drinking water supply
    • Industries
    • Ecological balance, especially around the Hirakud Dam.

Background

  • In 2018, the Union Government constituted the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 after negotiations between the two States failed.

Role of the Centre

The Union Government is acting as a facilitator by:

  • Bringing both States together for negotiations.
  • Providing technical assistance through the Central Water Commission.
  • Promoting cooperative federalism to achieve a mutually acceptable solution.

Why is this important?

A settlement would:

  • Ensure equitable sharing of Mahanadi waters.
  • Protect the interests of farmers in both States.
  • Improve inter-State cooperation.
  • Reduce prolonged litigation before the Tribunal.
  • Enable sustainable management of river basin resources.

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