Daily Current Affairs 10 October 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 10 October 2023 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Bihar House Passes Bill To Raise Quota Cap From 50% To 65%

Source: The Hindu
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Evolution of Ethics Committee in Parliament

Why in the News?

A measure to raise the overall quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions from 50% to 65% was unanimously passed by the Bihar Assembly.

News in Brief

• With the 10% quota now in place for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the effective quota is at 75%.
• The projected increases in the quotas of the OBCs and EBCs, from 8% to 18% and 12% to 25%, respectively, will primarily benefit these groups

About Quota Changes

• The state’s caste survey indicates that 13% of people are classed as OBCs and 36.01% of people belong to the EBC category.
• The proposed new SC quota is 20%, which is an increase from the current 14%, taking into account the estimated 19.65% SC population.
• But because there are less tribal people in Bihar than 2% of the total population, the projected quota for STs is only going to drop from 10% to 2%.

Supreme Court’s Reservation Ceiling

• The decision to raise the reservation quota is consistent with the state’s objective of promoting inclusive growth and comes after the 1992 ruling in “Indra Sawhney v. Union of India” by the Supreme Court, which established a 50% reservation cap.
• The suggested modifications demonstrate a proactive strategy to alleviate social inequalities in Bihar.

Why the decision to raise the reservation quota?

• Bihar to 65% comes as a response to the pressing need for social upliftment and inclusivity.
• Historically marginalized communities, including ST, SC, and OBC groups, have faced systemic discrimination and limited access to resources, education, and opportunities.
• By increasing reservation, the government aims to bridge the gap and provide a more equitable platform for these communities to thrive.

Cash-for-query Scam In Indian Parliament

Source: The Hindu
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Evolution of Ethics Committee in Parliament

Why in the News?

A cash-for-query complaint is an accusation that someone took money in exchange for asking questions in Parliament.

News in Brief

• In 2005, 11 former MPs were put on trial for a “cash-for-query” scam. The sting showed them taking cash to raise questions in Parliament.

Evolution of Ethics Committee in Parliament:

• A resolution adopted at the Presiding Officers Conference held in October, 1996 which desired the legislatures to explore the possibility of constituting an Ethics Committee.
• Rajya Sabha Committee: Ethics Committee, Rajya Sabha, the first such Committee by any legislature in India was constituted by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha on 4 March 1997, to oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the Members.
• Application of Rules: It was provided that in all respects of procedure and other matters, the rules applicable to the Committee of Privileges shall apply to the Ethics Committee with such variations and modifications as the Chairman/Speaker from time to time makes.
• Lok Sabha Committee: Speaker 13th Lok Sabha (Late Shri G.M.C. Balayogi) constituted the first Ethics Committee in Lok Sabha on 16 May, 2000.

Role and Function of Ethics Committee:

• Ensure Good Conduct: To oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the Members.
• Adjudicating Disputes: To examine the cases referred to concerning ethical and other misconduct of the Members.
• In-Depth Examination: Examine every complaint relating to the unethical conduct of a member of Lok Sabha referred to it by the Speaker and make such recommendations as it may deem fit.
• Suggestions and Reforms: Formulate a Code of Conduct for members and suggest amendments or additions to the Code of Conduct from time to time.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Source: PIB
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Why in the News?

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal will visit San Francisco, United States of America, from 13th to 16th November 2023 to attend the various official engagements of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

News in Brief

• The Minister representing India at the APEC Economic Leaders Engagements from November 15-16, 2023. As a Guest Economy, India has been invited to the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting 2023.
• The Commerce and Industry Minister will have bilateral meetings with US Commerce Secretary and representatives from various sectors and industries. Aim to lift and connect the
  • Dynamic startup ecosystems
  • Address specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation, and promote further innovation and job growth, particularly in emerging technologies.
• These meetings will focus on addressing
  • Trade barriers
  • Promoting investments
  • Fostering greater cooperation in areas such as technology and innovation.

About Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to facilitate economic growth, cooperation, trade, and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC is not a traditional trade bloc with a formal treaty, but rather a forum for member economies to discuss and coordinate economic policies.

Key features of APEC include

• Member Economies
  • APEC consists of 21 member economies from the Asia-Pacific region.
  • India is not a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC)

• Economic Cooperation
  • APEC aims to promote free and open trade and investment by reducing barriers and promoting economic cooperation among its member economies.
• Non-Binding Commitments
  • APEC operates on a principle of non-binding commitments.
  • While member economies discuss and share information on economic policies, there are no legally binding agreements like those found in traditional trade blocs.
• Trade Liberalization
  • APEC members commit to achieving free and open trade and investment by specific target years.
  • These targets are known as the Bogor Goals named after the location where they were adopted in Indonesia in 1994.
• Leaders’ Meetings
  • APEC holds an annual meeting of leaders from member economies, providing an opportunity for high-level discussions on economic issues.
  • These meetings are often attended by heads of state or government.
• Working Groups
  • APEC has various working groups that focus on specific areas such as trade and investment, economic policy, human security, and more.
  • These groups facilitate discussions and initiatives in their respective areas.
• Capacity Building
  • APEC engages in capacity-building efforts to help member economies, particularly smaller and developing ones, enhance their ability to participate in the global economy.
• Consensus Decision-Making
  • APEC operates based on consensus decision-making, meaning that decisions are made when all member economies agree.

APEC plays a significant role in shaping regional economic policies and fostering collaboration among its diverse member economies.

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