UPSC IAS The Hindu Current Affairs 31st May  2018 highlights are:

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31 May 2018 

ICICI bank to inquire in to allegations against Kochhar 

ICICI bank appointed an inquiry committee to inquire in to allegations of corruption, fund misuse and conflict of interest against its CEO Ms. Chanda Kochhar. 

The federalist principles  

Individual rights and federalism have come in to question in USA and India  

USA  

In the latest census, federal Government ordered for citizenship status. It mean that future resource allocation to the state will depend on number of citizens rather than number of residents. At the same time, all the legal residents who are employed are expected to pay taxes. But they do not figure in the population census for resource allocation. As most of the residents (Not citizens) are immigrants and minorities this policy can go against democratic values and ethos.  

India  

In India, revision of allocation of constituencies to states is ceased till 2026. It mean fresh revision of constituencies can only happen after 2031 census. Because of this, one person, one vote, one value is diluted. Similarly taking 1971 census for allocation of finances by finance commission has undermined principle of equity.  

Competitive federalism appears to be working in favour of rich states in a market economy. Today, it is institutionalised in india and rationale of taxation, redistribution is undermined by the Market economy.  

Charting its own path 

India is trying to push its nuclear position for civic benefits and de facto recognition of nuclear power. India is not a signatory of NPT and it can not be recognised as a nuclear power state as NPT recognises nuclear weapon states as those that possess nuclear weapons before 1968.  

So, way forward for India is to make NPT irrelevant for India, while not undermining the treaty. 

India is trying to join Wassennar agreement, Australian group, NSG, MTCR to get necessary legitimacy.  

In its effort to get legitimacy, India is behaving as a responsible nuclear power. Its nuclear doctrine reflects the same.  

Paper chase  

VVPAT machines introduced by election commission to tally the votes polled in EVMs are facing technical glitches. They also made process complex. EC shall take steps to fix them. If not, it can erode confidence of people on election process itself.  

Reassessing Deve Gowda  

Deve Gowda as Prime Minister made considerable efforts in  

1. Building peace in Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Elections in Punjab and Kashmir were successfully conducted. Ceasefire agreement penned down in Nagaland and it holds good even for today.  

1. He is able to build good relations with neighbours. Water sharing agreement with Bangladesh was concluded during his tenure. He was able to take west Bengal in to confidence to achieve the same. Similarly, with Nepal Mahakali treaty was concluded. He had a flexible approach towards Pakistan and recognised its role for peace in Kashmir.  

1. Internally, PESA act was enacted during his tenure.  

The people’s will  

Catalan issue is uncharted territory in global politics  

Democratically elected Government in Catalonia declared independence for itself. At the same time, Spain constitution do not allow for secession and every nation state defends its territorial integrity.  

In case of Catalonia, democratic aspirations and concerns for Sovereignty are challenging each other. 

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