Current affairs - March 3rd, 2023 from The Hindu

1. Panel of PM, CJI, and LoP will choose the CEC

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 2 - Polity

In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench ordered the President to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners on the advice of a panel of the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) or India's Chief Justice of India (CJI) and leader of the major opposition party.

2. India's position on the conflict in Ukraine: a hypothetical

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 2 - International Relation

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has passed a resolution to terminate the war on February 23, 2023, on the eve of Russia's invasion of Ukraine's first anniversary. 141 members supported the resolution, seven opposed it, and 32 abstained. India was one of 32. Nonetheless, a crucial foreign relations challenge for each nation is responding when morality and national interests conflict.

The U.S. wants Russia "weakened." The U.S. invaded Iraq illegally in 2003. NATO invaded Libya in 2011 to enforce a UN Security Council no-fly zone. The U.S. unlawfully occupies Syria. Israel illegally grabbed East Jerusalem and Syria's Golan Heights and continues to develop Jewish communities in the West Bank. Israel annexed Golan, and the U.S. moved its embassy to Jerusalem. Israel receives billions in U.S. military aid while Russia is sanctioned. Turkey, a NATO member, has illegally occupied Syrian territory without international repercussions. Hence, the West unquestionably supported national interests before morality. Why shouldn't rising nations like India prioritise national interests in policymaking?

Indian interests? India values its historical relationship with Russia. Energy—80% of its fuel is imported. Russia has met 46% of India's defence needs in the past five years. Russia is increasing its connections with China, India's biggest adversary. Thus India should decide whether to maintain its clout over Russia through existing ties or join the western coalition over moral obligations.

As Russia influences India's continental foreign policy, India seeks a quick end to the war and a new security balance between great powers to stabilise the global economy and focus on climate change and UN reforms. India should maintain its pragmatic neutrality, grounded in realism, and continue to seek a practical Ukrainian solution.

3. The fallout of Sri Lanka's economic collapse

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 2 - International Relation

The country's economy became weak due to corruption and the state's "populist" social programmes, which were "unsustainable." Save the Children discovered in a recent poll that 33% of Sri Lankan households are food insecure, and half of Sri Lankan families must cut their children's diet due to inflation exceeding 50%. By the end of the month, Sri Lanka will get the IMF's tentative $2.9 billion package, a crucial step in its economic recovery.

Some fundamental issues about how much it produces, how much it still imports, and how little its export basket has diversified over the years. These questions also affect the country's overall progress, which must account for inequality.

4. Supreme court advised the Panel of PM, CJI, Oppn. Leader

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 2 - Polity

The court ruled the high-powered body would advise the President until Parliament passes an Election Commissioner appointment law. CEC needs "honest, independent" Commissioners who can "ordinarily and unrelentingly take on the great and mighty and persevere in the righteous path."

The court also "fervently appealed" to Parliament and the Union government to establish a permanent secretariat funded by the Consolidated Fund of India. The Executive can cripple the EC by depriving it of the funds it needs to operate independently.