27 March 2025 Current Affairs

International Commission Of Jurists , GOI And Opposition In Parliament Calls For Collegium Reforms

Judicial Reform Urged After Cash Discovery at Judge’s Residence

An international body of jurists, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), has recommended that the Indian government and Parliament enact a law establishing a ‘Judicial Council’ to handle judicial appointments and transfers using transparent and objective criteria. This recommendation follows the discovery of half-burnt currency notes at the residence of Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, which has reignited debates on judicial accountability.

Key Points:

1. ICJ Recommendations:

• A ‘Judicial Council’ should oversee judicial appointments and transfers based on merit, competence, and integrity.
• The council must comprise a majority of judges to maintain judicial independence.
• A statutory mechanism should be established to address complaints against judges, with outcomes open to judicial review.

2. Criticism of Collegium System:

• Lack of transparency and objective criteria in appointments and transfers.
• Transfers often proceed on vague grounds such as ‘public interest’, making it hard to distinguish between genuine transfers and punitive actions.
• The ‘in-house procedure’ for inquiring into misconduct lacks statutory backing and transparency.

3. Political Response:

• Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the urgency of reconsidering the Collegium system.
• Both the government and the Opposition agree on the need for an alternative system.
• BJP President J.P. Nadda was tasked with consulting party leaders to explore possible solutions.
• Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge placed the onus on the government to clarify its stance on the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC).

4. Judicial Transfers and Inquiries:

• Concerns raised about judicial transfers being used as covert punitive actions.
• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the transfer of Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court amid the controversy.

5. Judicial Independence and Structural Weaknesses:

• ICJ highlighted that judicial independence in India is compromised by external influences and ineffective self-governance mechanisms.
• The lack of a statutory process for inquiries against judges makes accountability difficult.

Background:

1. Collegium System:

• Introduced through judicial interpretations in the Second Judges Case (1993) and modified by the Third Judges Case (1998).
• Consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and a group of senior judges who recommend appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.
• Criticized for being opaque and lacking public accountability.

2. NJAC and Its Demise:

• The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was established through the 99th Constitutional Amendment in 2014.
• It sought to replace the Collegium with a six-member body, including government representatives.
• The Supreme Court struck down NJAC in October 2015, citing concerns about judicial independence and potential government influence.

3. Calls for Reform:

• Recent incidents, such as the cash recovery at Justice Varma’s residence, have heightened concerns about judicial accountability.
• The political and judicial discourse has rekindled the need for a more transparent and credible appointment system.

India China 33rd WMCC Meeting

India-China Border Talks Focus on LAC Situation, Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Resumption

India and China, during the 33rd Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) meeting in Beijing, reviewed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) situation and explored measures to resume cross-border cooperation, including the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. This meeting followed the Special Representatives’ engagement in December 2024 and is part of preparations for the next meeting to be held in India later this year.

Key Points:

1. High-Level Engagements:

• Special Representatives NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in December 2024 after PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping’s meeting in Kazan in October.
• The upcoming Special Representatives meeting will be held in India in 2025.

2. Border Situation and Diplomatic Mechanisms:

• Both sides comprehensively reviewed the situation along the LAC.
• Emphasis was placed on maintaining and strengthening existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to ensure peace and tranquility.

3. Proposals for Cross-Border Cooperation:

• Measures were discussed to implement decisions from the 23rd Special Representatives’ meeting.
• Discussions included resuming cross-border exchanges related to trans-border rivers and the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.

4. Resumption of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra:

• The Yatra, paused since 2020 due to the pandemic and subsequent lack of renewal from China, is expected to restart in 2025.
• Modalities for resumption are yet to be finalized, with in-principle agreements in place for restoring direct flights.

5. Courtesy Calls and Delegation Leaders:

• Indian delegation led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia), Ministry of External Affairs.
• Chinese delegation led by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The Indian side also paid a courtesy call on Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.

Background: India-China Border and Ongoing Issues

1. LAC Dispute:

• India and China share a 3,488 km-long unmarked boundary known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• The boundary is divided into three sectors:

- Western Sector: Ladakh region (Aksai Chin dispute).

- Middle Sector: Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

- Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh (claimed by China as South Tibet).

2. Major Disputes:

• Aksai Chin: Occupied by China since 1962, claimed by India as part of Ladakh.
• Arunachal Pradesh: India controls the territory, but China claims it as part of its territory.
• Doklam Plateau: 2017 standoff near the India-China-Bhutan trijunction.

3. Recent Tensions and Agreements:

• Galwan Valley Clash (June 2020): Deadliest clash in decades, resulting in casualties on both sides.
• Multiple rounds of disengagement at friction points in eastern Ladakh have been undertaken, though tensions persist.
• India and China agreed on five-point disengagement principles in 2020, but progress has been slow.

4. Challenges and Unresolved Issues:

• Border Infrastructure Development: Both nations are rapidly building infrastructure along the LAC.
• Trust Deficit: Despite diplomatic and military talks, a lack of trust hampers long-term resolution.
• Continued Military Presence: Both sides have maintained a strong military presence in sensitive areas.

The current dialogue aims to promote lasting peace and gradually restore normalcy along the disputed boundary.

India - Singapore Digital LOI Port

India and Singapore Sign LoI for Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC)

India and Singapore signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) aimed at promoting digitalization and decarbonization in the maritime sector. The corridor will encourage the adoption of low-emission technologies and enhance collaboration between the two nations.

Key Points:

1. Purpose of the GDSC:

• Focus on digitalization and decarbonization of the maritime sector.
• Accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies.
• Promote adoption of digital solutions in the maritime industry.

2. Signatories and Witnesses:

• Signed by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), India, and Teo Eng Dinh, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
• Witnessed by Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State of Sustainability and the Environment, Singapore, and Sarbananda Sonowal, Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

3. Strengthening India-Singapore Relations:

• Sonowal emphasized that this initiative will strengthen the long-standing partnership and further deepen India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

4. Singapore Maritime Week Participation:

• Sonowal is on a three-day visit to Singapore for Singapore Maritime Week, attended by 20,000 delegates and exhibitors from around the world.

5. Next Steps-Both sides will collaborate on:

• Identifying relevant stakeholders.
• Formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Singapore-India GDSC.

6. Growing Stakeholder Engagement:

• Since 2022, the GDSC has expanded to include over 28 stakeholders from the maritime, energy, and finance sectors.

7. Singapore’s Commitment to Maritime Innovation:

• Singapore reiterated its commitment to advance maritime digital innovation and decarbonization through partnerships with like-minded countries.

This initiative is expected to create a sustainable and tech-driven future for maritime operations between India and Singapore.

SEBI On Easing FPI Disclosures.

SEBI Eases FPI Disclosures, Sets Up High-Level Review Committee

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved a proposal to double the threshold for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) disclosures from ₹25,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore. The move aims to enhance transparency while adapting to the rising trading volumes in Indian equity markets. Additionally, SEBI has formed a high-level committee to review conflict of interest and disclosure norms.

Key Points:

1. Doubling FPI Disclosure Threshold:

• New threshold raised to ₹50,000 crore from the earlier limit of ₹25,000 crore.
• FPIs holding more than ₹50,000 crore in equity AUM will be required to make additional disclosures.
• This change is driven by the doubling of trading volumes in cash equity markets between FY 2022-23 and FY 2024-25.

2. Objective of the Change:

• To alter market dynamics without changing the concentration criteria.
• Ensures better transparency while reducing the compliance burden on smaller FPIs.

3. Review Committee for Conflict of Interest:

• SEBI has decided to set up a high-level committee to review:

- Conflict of interest.

- Disclosure requirements related to property, investments, and liabilities of board members and officials.

• The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.
• Members will include distinguished experts from constitutional, statutory, public sector, private sector, and academia backgrounds.

4. Motivation for Review:

• The review follows allegations of conflict of interest involving former SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch in the Hindenburg Research-Adani Group case.

5. Objective of the Review:

• To strengthen the framework for transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct of SEBI members and officials.

6. Committee Member Disclosure:

• Names of the committee members will be disclosed in due course, as confirmed by SEBI Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

About SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India):

1. Established:

• 1988 (Statutory powers granted in 1992).

2. Headquarters:

• Mumbai, India.

3. Purpose:

• Regulates securities markets in India to protect investor interests.
• Ensures the development and smooth functioning of the capital market.

4. Key Functions:

• Regulate stock exchanges and securities markets.
• Oversee FPIs, mutual funds, and alternative investment funds (AIFs).
• Protect investor rights and prevent malpractices in the market.
• Develop and enforce rules to ensure market integrity.

5. Recent Concerns and Actions:

• Increased scrutiny after allegations of conflict of interest and market manipulation.
• Focus on enhancing governance standards and ensuring ethical conduct.

This latest initiative by SEBI is aimed at fostering greater transparency and maintaining high standards of governance in India’s capital markets.

BHIM 3.0 Launched.

BHIM 3.0 Launch by PCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL)

PCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has launched BHIM 3.0, offering enhanced digital payment services. The latest version introduces user-friendly features, expanded language support, and business tools to streamline payments and financial management.

Key Features of BHIM 3.0:

1. For Users:

• Expanded Language Support: Now available in 15+ Indian languages, ensuring broader accessibility.
• Optimised for Low Internet Areas: Ensures seamless transactions in regions with weak or unstable networks.
• Advanced Money Management Tools: Allows users to track, manage, and split expenses efficiently.
• Split Expenses Feature: Enables easy division of bills among friends and family.
• Family Mode: Onboards family members, monitors shared expenses, and assigns payments for better planning.
• Spends Analytics: Provides a categorized breakdown of monthly expenses with an intuitive dashboard.
• Action Needed Task Assistant: Reminds users about pending bills, UPI Lite activation, and low balance alerts.

2. For Merchants:

• BHIM Vega: A seamless in-app payment solution that integrates with online merchant platforms, allowing customers to complete transactions without using third-party apps.

3. Nationwide Rollout:

• BHIM 3.0 will be launched in phases across platforms.
• Full availability is expected by April 2025, contributing to India’s vision of a cashless economy.

About BHIM and UPI

1. Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM):

• Launched: December 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Purpose: Facilitate fast, secure, and seamless UPI-based payments.
• Developed by: NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
• Main Features: Peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, merchant transactions, and financial inclusion.

2. Unified Payments Interface (UPI):

• Launched: April 2016 by NPCI.
• Function: Enables real-time money transfers between bank accounts through mobile devices.
• UPI Growth: Over 10 billion transactions monthly, becoming India’s preferred mode of digital payment.
• International Adoption: UPI technology is now being adopted in various countries for cross-border payments.

Russia Ukraine Agreed To End Military Action In Black Sea.

Russia and Ukraine Agree on Black Sea and Energy Strike Ceasefire

On March 25, 2025, Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt military strikes in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure after talks mediated by the United States in Riyadh. The agreement aims to ensure safe navigation and reduce military escalation, though its success remains uncertain amid ongoing ground fighting.

Key Points of the Agreement:

1. Ceasefire Agreement:

• Black Sea Safety: Both nations agreed to halt strikes on commercial vessels and ensure safe navigation.
• Energy Infrastructure: Ban on strikes on energy infrastructure to be enforced by the U.S.
• Third-Party Monitoring:

- Turkey: May oversee compliance in the Black Sea.

- Middle Eastern Nation: Could monitor the energy-related agreements.

2. U.S. Role and Agricultural Incentives:

• U.S. Mediation: U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for a rapid end to the war, facilitating three days of indirect talks in Riyadh.
• Agricultural Concessions:

- U.S. to help restore Russia’s access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports.

- Russia demands lifting of restrictions on the Russian Agricultural Bank and reconnection to SWIFT payment systems before the agreement takes effect.

3. Ukraine’s Caution and Concerns:

• Zelenskyy’s Stance: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the agreement’s effectiveness.
• Sanctions Concern: Zelenskyy warned that easing agricultural restrictions for Russia could weaken Western sanctions.
• Ukraine’s Self-Defense Clause: Ukraine retains the right to defend itself if Russian warships violate the agreement.

4. Russia’s Position and Conditions:

• Lavrov’s Demand: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Russia’s compliance depends on the lifting of restrictions on its agricultural exports.
• Historical Narrative: Lavrov accused Western countries of trying to “contain” Russia like Napoleon and Hitler.

5. Current Ground Situation:

• Ongoing Hostilities:

- Russia claimed to have captured two more villages in southern and eastern Ukraine.

- Ukraine shot down 78 out of 139 drones launched by Russia on March 25, 2025.

• Casualties in Sumy:Russian strike in Sumy injured 101 civilians, including 23 children, with some in critical condition.

Background and Context:

• Previous Efforts: A prior UN-brokered deal had allowed grain exports from Ukraine, but Russia claimed it was not beneficial for its trade.
• Kyiv’s Initial Agreement: Ukraine had earlier agreed to a U.S.-proposed unconditional ceasefire, but Russia rejected it, seeking to gain a battlefield advantage first.

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