Content :

1. Biden pardons son Hunter despite past pledges not to
2. Oxford study lauds PRAGATI system for fast-tracking projects
3. No voter must be turned down, SC tells EC over increased voter limit
4. India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ plan
5. Madhya Pradesh gets its eighth tiger reserve in Ratapani

 Biden Pardons Son Hunter Despite Past Pledges Not To

• Details: President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son convictions related to gun and tax offences has ignited debates on presidential powers and potential favouritism.

• Relevance : GS 2 (International Relations )

• Implications: Critics argue it undermines justice and fairness; defenders see it as correcting political bias.

US Presidential Pardon Power:

• Constitutional Basis: Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution.

• Scope: Applies to federal offences, not state crimes.
  • Types: Full pardon, commutation, reprieve, amnesty.
  • Exclusions: Cannot reverse impeachment decisions.

• Controversies: Usage can be contentious, especially if benefiting political allies or family members.

• Irrevocable: Once a pardon is granted, the next president cannot revoke or change it.

Oxford study lauds PRAGATI system for fast-tracking projects

• PRAGATI System Overview: Launched in 2015, PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) aims to fast-track infrastructure projects by integrating Central and State government stakeholders.

• Relevance : GS 2(Governance )

• Project Acceleration: PRAGATI has fast-tracked 340 projects worth $205 billion since 2015.

• Economic Impact: Every rupee spent on infrastructure results in a GDP gain of ₹2.5 to ₹3.5.

• Close Monitoring: The system ensures close monitoring and timely completion of infrastructure projects.

• Collaborative Approach: PRAGATI unites stakeholders from Central and State governments, fostering accountability and efficiency.

• Sustainability: It promotes faster environmental clearances and the use of green technologies.

• Quality of Life: PRAGATI has improved essential services like roads, railways, water, and electricity for millions of Indians.

• Overcoming Bureaucratic Inertia: The system symbolizes India’s commitment to overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and promoting a Team India mindset.

No voter must be turned down, SC tells EC Over Increased Voter Limit

• Context: Petition challenges the Election Commission’s decision to increase voters per polling station from 1,200 to 1,500, arguing it may disenfranchise underprivileged voters.

• Relevance : GS 2(Election )

• Concerns Raised: Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna emphasised that “no voter should be turned down,” urging the Election Commission to explain its position.

• Petition Details: Filed by activist Indu Prakash Singh, it contends that increasing voters per station, instead of adding more EVMs or polling stations, could increase exclusion and overcrowding.

• Impact on Voters: The petition claims longer wait times at polling stations could negatively affect daily wage workers, calling for equal participation in elections.

• Legal Mandate: The Representation of People Act, 1951 mandates sufficient polling stations for each constituency, which the petition argues is being overlooked.

• No Fresh Data: The petition argues the increase lacks support from updated data, especially as no new Census has been conducted since 2011.

• EC Justification: Senior advocate Maninder Singh defended the move, stating the limit of 1,500 voters has been in place since 2015, and technological advancements have reduced issues.

• Court Direction: Chief Justice Khanna directed the Election Commission to file an affidavit within three weeks.

India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ Plan

• Context: ONOS provide equitable access to scholarly journals in public institutions (₹6,000 crore for 2025-2027).

• Relevance : GS 2(Governance )

• Subscription Model: Relies on traditional subscriptions, while global trend shifts towards Open Access (OA).

• Cost Issues: India spends ₹1,500 crore annually on subscriptions; OA now covers over 50% of global research.

• Article Processing Charges (APC): OA journals charge authors high fees (e.g., ₹6,790 per paper).

• Copyright Concerns: Researchers often lose copyrights, limiting control over their work.

• Global Open Acces Movement: U.S. and EU pushing for free access to publicly funded research from 2026.

• Publishing Challenges: Commercial publishers profit from taxpayer-funded research without compensating researchers.

• Long-Term Preservation: Gaps in article preservation by publishers; need for self-archiving solutions.

• Self-Reliance Opportunity: India can develop an independent, world-class scholarly publishing ecosystem.

• ONOS Limitations: Risks reinforcing outdated models and ignoring deeper issues like copyright retention and self-reliance.

Madhya Pradesh Gets Its Eighth Tiger Reserve in Ratapani

• Context : New Tiger Reserve: Madhya Pradesh’s Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary has been officially declared a tiger reserve, becoming the state’s eighth.

Relevance : GS 3 (Environment )

• Area Breakdown: The core area spans 763.8 sq km, with a buffer area of 507.6 sq km, covering a total of 1,271.4 sq km.

• Economic Benefits: Ecotourism promotion is expected to boost local employment and improve livelihoods for nearby communities.

• NTCA Funding: The designation enables funding from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for better management and conservation efforts.

• Conservation Support: Eco-development programs will aid the region’s inhabitants, supporting sustainable development.

• Geographical Significance: Located in the Vindhya Hills, Ratapani also includes the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Community Rights Protected: The tiger reserve includes nine revenue villages in the buffer zone, ensuring the protection of local villagers’ rights.

• River Basin: The reserve lies near the Betwa River Basin, playing a vital role in the local ecosystem’s water management and supporting diverse wildlife.

• Future Developments: Madhav National Park is also set to receive approval for tiger reserve status within the next 15 days.