Table of Contents
The Hindu Editorial Analysis
We understand the significance of reading The Hindu newspaper for enhancing reading skills, improving comprehension of passages, staying informed about current events, enhancing essay writing, and more, especially for banking aspirants who need to focus on editorials for vocabulary building. This article will explore today’s editorial points, along with practice questions and key vocabulary.
EC’s discretion during SIR is not an unregulated authority, says Supreme Court
- The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that although the Election Commission (EC) has very wide powers, any changes it makes during the revision of electoral rolls cannot be done without limits.
- The court specifically referred to the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise and said that any deviations made during this process must not be unchecked or uncontrolled.
- The judges stressed that such deviations should not violate the principles of natural justice or ignore the procedure laid down under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing on behalf of the Election Commission, told the court that the SIR exercise was legally valid.
- He said that the exercise was supported by Article 324 of the Constitution along with Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Dwivedi explained that Section 21(3) gives the EC a residual power to order a special revision of electoral rolls for any constituency or part of a constituency.
- He added that this section allows the EC to conduct such a revision in any manner it considers suitable.
- Chief Justice Surya Kant, who was heading the two-judge Bench, pointed out that a special revision could seriously affect the civil rights of a person who is already registered as a voter.
- He questioned why the EC should not be required to follow a clear and transparent procedure, especially when people’s voting rights are involved.
- In response, Mr. Dwivedi agreed that even if the EC departs from normal procedures, it must still respect the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law.
- He said that such actions must comply with Article 14 of the Constitution, which ensures equal protection of laws.
- He also said that the EC must follow constitutional principles like transparency and making the process easy for voters.
- However, Dwivedi argued that Section 21(3) allows the EC to go beyond the usual limits mentioned in the Rules.
- He said this could be done as long as the EC records proper reasons and ensures that the procedure followed is fair and just.
- Dwivedi claimed that Section 21(3) effectively frees the EC from strict procedural restrictions.
- Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who was also part of the Bench, responded by saying that even if the EC has the power to deviate, it cannot completely ignore the Rules.
- Justice Bagchi pointed out that Form 6 lists six approved documents, but the SIR exercise had increased this number to 11 documents.
- He questioned whether the EC had the authority to add new documents or remove existing ones that were already prescribed under the Rules.
- Justice Bagchi also referred to Rule 25(2) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- He explained that this rule clearly states that an intensive revision must involve preparing a fresh electoral roll by following Rules 4 to 23.
- He said that Rule 25 clearly places limits on the EC’s powers.
- Justice Bagchi stressed that no authority, no matter how powerful, should be allowed to act without checks or regulation.
- He left his observations open-ended, giving the EC’s lawyer an opportunity to respond further.
- Dwivedi repeated his argument that Section 21(3) goes beyond what is mentioned in Section 21(2).
- He explained that Section 21(2) only allows the EC to revise electoral rolls before an election.
- Justice Bagchi then observed that Parliament had shown wisdom by providing for summary revisions in the 1950 Act.
- He said this was especially important in the years after Independence, when people were frequently moving and migrating.
- He noted that during that time, population movement was high and Parliament understood that it would take time for people to settle permanently.
India considers invitation to Trump’s Gaza Board as Israel and UAE leaders participate
- As the Indian government considers U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the U.S.-led Gaza “Board of Peace,” experts have warned that India should carefully examine the legitimacy of the Board.
- On Wednesday, several countries jointly announced that they would join the Gaza Board of Peace.
- These countries include Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also agreed to join the Board.
- Sources in New Delhi said that Indian and Israeli diplomats are discussing possible exchange visits between the two countries.
- These discussions include a possible visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel and a visit by Prime Minister Netanyahu to India in the near future.
- These visits are part of a broader diplomatic engagement related to West Asia and the Israel–Palestine issue.
- On January 30, New Delhi will host Foreign Ministers from the 22-member League of Arab States.
- During this meeting, India is expected to hold detailed discussions with its regional partners on the U.S.-proposed Gaza Peace Plan.
- Sources also said that Prime Minister Modi is planning a visit to West Asia next month.
- He has received invitations from several countries in the region.
- A senior government official confirmed that a visit to Israel by Prime Minister Modi is being considered.
- Prime Minister Modi last visited Israel in 2017 and Palestine in 2018.
- Sources added that Prime Minister Netanyahu has a long-pending visit to India.
- This visit had been scheduled earlier but was postponed at least three times last year for various reasons.
- These diplomatic moves have become more important after President Trump sent letters to around 60 countries inviting them to join the Board.
- Countries invited include India, Russia, China, Türkiye, Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, and several countries from West Asia and Europe.
- The Ministry of External Affairs refused to comment on whether India would accept the invitation.
- An official said that the matter is still under discussion.
- Experts said that India must keep in mind its long-standing support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
- They also highlighted India’s consistent support for the Palestinian people.
- Former Ambassador Anil Trigunayat said that peace in Gaza would benefit its people.
- He suggested that India should take a leadership role in providing humanitarian aid, especially medical assistance.
- He pointed out that the U.S. peace plan mentions a possible path to a two-state solution, even though Israel opposes it.
- However, Ambassador Trigunayat expressed concern about the corporate-style governance model proposed for the Board.
- He specifically criticised the proposed one billion dollar fee for permanent membership.
- Other experts raised concerns about Pakistan being invited to the Board.
- They also expressed worry about the proposal for an international stabilisation force.
- President Trump’s suggestion that the Board could act as an alternative to the United Nations also caused concern.
- Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao said that any engagement must be judged against clear principles.
- These principles include respect for international law, a clear and limited mandate, and alignment with existing multilateral systems like the UN.
- She said India would take a careful and balanced approach.
- She added that India would seek clarity on the Board’s role before responding.
- Countries that have already agreed to join include Argentina, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and Canada.
- Ukraine and the United Kingdom have opposed the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- The United States has nominated President Donald Trump as Chair of the Board.
- Other nominees include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- S. special negotiator Steve Witkoff has also been nominated.
- Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, has been named as a Board member.
- Former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair has also been nominated.
- Billionaire financier Marc Rowan is among the nominees.
- World Bank President Ajay Banga has been included.
- Robert Gabriel from the U.S. National Security Council has also been nominated.
Foundation stone for ArcelorMittal’s steel plant in Andhra Pradesh likely to be laid after February 15
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi N. Mittal and CEO Aditya Mittal at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.
- During the meeting, it was decided that the foundation stone for the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel plant would be laid after February 15.
- IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh and Industries Minister T.G. Bharat were also present during the discussions.
- Both sides reviewed the current status of the proposed integrated steel plant in Anakapalli district.
- The project involves an initial investment of around ₹60,000 crore.
- Discussions also focused on the various approvals and clearances needed for the project.
- Naidu said he hoped the construction of the steel plant would be completed as early as possible.
- He assured the ArcelorMittal team that the State government would issue all required permissions quickly.
- The Chief Minister asked Ministers Nara Lokesh and T.G. Bharat to coordinate with the Union government.
- He said this coordination was necessary to speed up the project.
- Naidu also informed Mr. Mittal about other investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.
- He expressed hope that ArcelorMittal would explore more projects in the State.
- Earlier, Mr. Naidu met Calibo AI Academy founder Raj Vattikuti and CEO Scott Sandschafer.
- He also held talks with S. Shibulal of Tamara Leisure Experiences and other industry leaders.
- Naidu suggested that Calibo AI should start skill-training programmes in universities across Andhra Pradesh.
- He also proposed setting up a Centre of Excellence in the IT SEZ at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam.
- During discussions with Tamara Leisure Experiences, Mr. Naidu highlighted the tourism potential along the Godavari River.
Important Questions
- Why did the Supreme Court say that deviations during the special intensive revision cannot be untrammelled or unregulated under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960?
- How did Justice Joymalya Bagchi interpret the limits imposed by Rule 25(2) on the Election Commission during an intensive revision of the electoral roll?
- Why have experts cautioned India to evaluate the legitimacy of the Gaza Board of Peace before accepting President Trump’s invitation?
- How did former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao describe the principles that should guide India’s engagement with the Gaza Board of Peace?
- What assurances did Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu give regarding permissions for the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel plant in Anakapalli district?
- How did the discussions at the World Economic Forum address investment opportunities and coordination with the Union government?
Important Vocabulary
- Discretion – freedom to decide or act using one’s own judgment
- Untrammelled – not controlled or restricted
- Residuary – remaining power left after others are listed
- Demographic flux – frequent changes in population movement
- Legitimacy – acceptance as lawful or valid
- Multilateral – involving many countries together
- Stabilisation – effort to bring control or peace to a situation
- Mandate – official authority or assigned task
- Integrated – combined into one complete system
- Clearances – official approvals or permissions
- Coordination – working together smoothly
- Foundation stone – first ceremonial stone marking the start of construction
Download Online Mock Test Mobile APP
3
