What is G7? Members European Union Origin of G7 Significance of G7 Grouping of Advanced Economies Platform for Global Issues Norm-Setting Role Crisis Coordination Forum Challenges Faced by G7 Declining Representativeness Implementation Gap Historical Responsibility Internal Divisions Competition from Other Forums India and the G7 Significance of India’s Association Key Areas of Engagement Voice of Global South Challenges in India–G7 Engagement Way Forward
Degressive Proportionality
Core Features Application of Degressive Proportionality European Union Rationale Behind Degressive Proportionality Degressive Proportionality and Proportional Representation Indian Context Rajya Sabha and Degressive Logic Criticism Advantages
Granth Kutir Inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan to Preserve Heritage
Granth Kutir • A library and archival space Inaugurated by • President Droupadi Murmu Location • Rashtrapati Bhavan Purpose • Preserve and showcase India’s cultural, literary, philosophical and intellectual heritage Languages covered (11 classical) • Tamil• Sanskrit• Kannada• Malayalam• Odia• Marathi• Pali• Prakrit• Assamese• Bengali• Others as notified Collection size • ~2,300 books• ~50 manuscripts
India-EU Relations to Upgrade as Trade Talks Continue
Context India and the European Union are set to upgrade their strategic partnership during the India-EU Summit, while negotiations on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) continue. Key Points of Difference Russia–Ukraine context • EU: Critical of Russia, expects alignment• India: Strategic autonomy Zapad-2025 military exercise • EU concern over India’s association• India: Defence decisions are sovereign Oil trade with Russia • EU criticism of discounted crude imports• India: Energy security priority What still moves forward • Continued FTA negotiations• New Defence and Security Partnership• Cooperation on technology, supply chains, critical minerals, climate, mobility IMEC – India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor What it is • Connectivity and trade corridor announced at G20 Countries involved • India• Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia (Israel as key link)• Europe: EU Components • Rail, ports, shipping routes• Energy pipelines• Digital cables Significance • Faster India-Europe trade• Supply-chain resilience• Strategic counterweight to China-centric corridors
ACC Battery PLI Scheme Faces Hurdles in Domestic Manufacturing Push
Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) • New-age batteries (mainly lithium-ion)• High energy density, longer life• Used in EVs and grid storage Lead-acid Battery • Old technology• Low energy density• Shorter life• Used in cars and inverters Scheme Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage Ministry Ministry of Heavy Industries Objective • Domestic battery cell manufacturing• Reduce imports• Support EV and renewable energy Financial Outlay ₹18,100 crore Manufacturing Target 50 GWh ACC battery cell capacity Eligibility Conditions • Minimum investment: ₹1,100 crore• Local value addition: 25% (2 years) → 60% (5 years) Progress / Achievement • Bids awarded for 50 GWh• ~30 GWh effectively allocated• Limited commercial production started Key Issues • Technology dependence• Import of critical minerals• Skilled manpower and ecosystem gaps
Lokpal of India: HC Sets Two-Month Deadline on Sanction Against MP
Lokpal of India Type: StatutoryLaw: Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act 2013Purpose: Ensure probity in public life by inquiring into corruption of high public functionaries Composition • Chairperson + up to 8 Members• 50% judicial members• 50% from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women Chairperson Eligibility • Former CJI• Supreme Court Judge• Eminent person Appointment (Selection Committee) • Prime Minister (Chair)• Speaker of Lok Sabha• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha / largest opposition leader• CJI or nominee• Eminent jurist Jurisdiction • Prime Minister (with safeguards)• Union Ministers• MPs• Public servants Powers • Inquiry / investigation• Grant or refuse sanction for prosecution (CBI) Safeguards for Prime Minister • Inquiry only on corruption allegations• Full Lokpal bench approval required• National security, foreign relations, public order excluded• Frivolous / vague complaints barred Parliamentary & Legislative Privileges Articles: 105 (Parliament), 194 (State Legislatures), 198 (Legislative Councils via 194) • Article 105(1) / 194(1): Freedom of speech inside House• Article 105(2) / 194(2): No court proceedings for speech or vote• Article 105(3) / 194(3): Other privileges by law or convention (functional, not personal) Civil-case protection • No arrest in civil cases during session + 40 days before & after• Source: Article 105(3) / 194(3) + Section 135A, CPC Not protected • Criminal cases• Corruption• Bribery• Preventive detention
Governor–Legislature Relations: Walkouts Raise Constitutional Limits Debate
Core Issue Governors walking out or selectively reading the customary address to State Legislatures raises questions about constitutional limits on gubernatorial discretion and the principle of responsible government. Constitutional Provisions Discussed Article 176(1) – Customary Address • Governor shall address the State Legislature at the first session of every year• Address reflects policies of the elected State government• Constitutional duty, not discretionary Article 175(1) – Special Address • Governor may address the House at any time• Bound by aid and advice of the Council of Ministers Article 163 – Aid and Advice • Governor must act on aid and advice except in narrowly defined discretionary areas Article 356 – President’s Rule • Mentioned only to clarify routine legislative functions do not justify discretion Key Supreme Court Judgments Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab (1974) • Governor is a constitutional head• Must act on aid and advice• Discretion is exceptional Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016) • Governor cannot interfere arbitrarily• Discretionary powers must be explicit• Constitutional limits cannot be crossed B.R. Ambedkar’s view • Governor is not meant to govern• Acts on advice of elected government• Personal discretion negates parliamentary democracy
Motion of Thanks
Constitutional Basis Procedure Amendments Outcome Significance Difference from No-Confidence Motion
Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs)
Constitutional and Legal Basis Composition Chairperson Functions Examination of Demands for Grants Role in Law-making Importance Limitations Difference from Other Parliamentary Committees Significance for Parliamentary Democracy
Revenue and Capital Expenditure
Revenue Expenditure Meaning Key Characteristics Major Components Examples Impact Capital Expenditure Meaning Key Characteristics Major Components Examples Impact Difference Between Revenue and Capital Expenditure
