1. The CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. 

2. Diabetes. 

3. Free Movement Regime (FMR) 

4. India-Myanmar Relations. 

1. The CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023

Context:

• The government has introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha to amend the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).

Current Appointment Process:

• Currently, there is no specific legislative process defined in the Constitution for appointing the CEC and ECs. The appointment was made by the President based on government recommendations.

Features of the Bill:

1. Composition of the Selection Committee:
   • The Selection Committee will now include the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
2. Search Committee:
   • A Search Committee will be formed to prepare a panel of five persons for consideration for the positions of CEC and ECs.
3. Validity of Appointment:
   • The appointment of the CEC and other ECs will not be invalidated due to any vacancy or defect in the constitution of the Selection Committee.
4. Repealing of Previous Act:
   • The proposed Bill repeals the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, and replaces it with new provisions.

Concerns:

• Critics express concerns about the balance of power within the committee, as the Prime Minister and a Cabinet Minister nominated by them form the majority.
• There are worries about the potential impact on the autonomy and functioning of the Election Commission, raising questions about the EC's ability to maintain impartiality and integrity in elections.
• Some argue that the new composition of the Selection Committee might not align with the framers' intention of creating an independent body to oversee elections.

Role of Election Commissioners:

• The Election Commission of India is responsible for administering Union and State election processes, ensuring free and fair elections, monitoring election expenditure, and addressing electoral malpractices.

General Studies Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; Role of statutory bodies in governance.

General Studies Paper 4: Ethical dimensions of governance, challenges of corruption.

1. Diabetes

Overview:

• Diabetes is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) caused by insufficient insulin production or ineffective use of insulin by the body.

Types: 

1. Type 1 Diabetes:
   • Occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin.
   • Predominantly diagnosed in children and adolescents.
2. Type 2 Diabetes:
   • Affects insulin usage in the body.
   • Can occur at any age, but most common in middle-aged and older people.
3. Gestational Diabetes:
   • Occurs during pregnancy due to reduced insulin sensitivity.
   • Typically resolves after giving birth.

Impacts:

• Diabetes affects major organs like the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, and eyes (retina).

Factors Responsible:

• Unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol use, overweight/obesity, and tobacco use contribute to diabetes.

Prevalence in India:

• India has a high prevalence of type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents, with a significant number under the age of 14.

Genetic Factors:

• Genetic predisposition increases the risk of type 1 diabetes, with family history playing a significant role.

Treatment:

• Glucose monitoring devices help monitor blood sugar levels.
• Artificial pancreas devices can automatically deliver insulin as needed.

Related Initiatives:

1. NPCDCS:
   • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke focuses on prevention and management of major NCDs.
2. World Diabetes Day:
   • Observed on November 14th, focusing on access to diabetes education and awareness.
3. Global Diabetes Compact:
   • WHO launched this initiative to enhance efforts in combating diabetes, coinciding with the centenary of the discovery of insulin.

General Studies Paper 2: Government policies and initiatives for health, Role of international organizations in health initiatives.

General Studies Paper 3: Health issues and their management, Achievements of Indians in science and technology.

1. Free Movement Regime (FMR)

Overview:

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allows hill tribes residing along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) to travel within a designated area on both sides of the border.

Key Points:

• Scope: Under the FMR, hill tribes, regardless of citizenship in India or Myanmar, can travel within 16 km on either side of the IMB.
• Border Pass: Individuals can cross the border with a border pass valid for one year, issued by the competent authority. Each visit allows a stay of up to two weeks.
• Implementation: Introduced in 2018 as part of the Central government’s Act East policy, the FMR is jointly implemented by both governments to facilitate cultural assimilation, trans-border trade, and social interactions.
• Benefits: Enables locals to engage in cultural exchanges, such as weddings and festivals, fostering closer ties between trans-border communities. It reflects the deep physical, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and fraternal linkages among these communities.

Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB): 

• The IMB stretches for 1,643 km across the states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• It extends from the tripoint with China in the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the south.
• Assam Rifles is responsible for guarding the IMB, ensuring security and facilitating the implementation of the FMR.

General Studies Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for border security and regional connectivity.

General Studies Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas, Role of security forces in maintaining peace and stability.

1. India-Myanmar Relations

Historical Background:

• India and Myanmar share deep-rooted cultural, religious, and trade ties dating back to ancient times.
• Both were part of British India until 1935. Post-independence, diplomatic relations were established, marked by the 1951 Treaty of Friendship.
• Significant milestones include the reopening of consulates, bolstering bilateral ties, and alignment with India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies.

Importance of Myanmar for India: 

• Strategic Location: Myanmar serves as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, sharing a crucial land and maritime boundary.
• Countering China: India develops strategic infrastructure in Myanmar, like the Sittwe port, to counter China’s influence.
• Internal Security: Collaboration aids in combating insurgencies in India’s northeastern states.
• Economic Cooperation: Bilateral trade flourishes, with India being a major investor across sectors.
• Cultural Ties: Both nations share cultural affinities, particularly through Buddhism.

Areas of Cooperation:

• Trade and Economy: Bilateral trade thrives, with significant Indian investments in Myanmar’s energy sector.
• Connectivity: Joint projects include road networks and transit transport to enhance regional connectivity.
• Development Assistance: India extends financial support and aids in setting up educational institutions.
• Defence Cooperation: Collaborative military exercises and efforts to combat insurgency strengthen ties.
• Multilateral Partnership: Both engage in regional organizations like BIMSTEC and ASEAN for broader cooperation.
• Humanitarian Aid: India provides assistance during natural disasters, showcasing solidarity.

Challenges in India-Myanmar Relations:

• Military Coup: Myanmar’s recent military coup poses challenges in balancing strategic interests with democratic values.
• Weak Trade Relations: Bilateral trade lags behind China, with India’s withdrawal from RCEP potentially widening the gap.
• Rohingya Crisis: The Rohingya refugee influx poses security and resource exploitation concerns for India.
• Insurgency: Cross-border insurgencies and porous borders contribute to security challenges.
• Free Movement Regime: Exploited by militants for illegal activities, posing security risks.
• Trust Deficit: Delays in project implementation lead to widening trust gaps.
• China’s Influence: China’s increasing soft power and economic dominance in Myanmar pose challenges to India’s interests.

Conclusion: Despite challenges, India and Myanmar continue to deepen their strategic partnership, aiming for enhanced economic cooperation, security, and regional connectivity while addressing mutual concerns.

GS Paper 2 (International Relations) and GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy, Security Issues, and Government Policies). Top of Form