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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03/05/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03/05/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03/05/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03/05/2024

Law and order a State subject, says SC on Bengal’s suit

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source :  The Hindu

In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court addressed the jurisdictional conflicts between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and state governments, particularly highlighted by the State of West Bengal.

  • The issue revolves around whether the CBI has the unilateral authority to investigate offenses committed by Central employees within state jurisdiction.

Key Highlights

  • State Subject of Law and Order
    • During the proceedings, the Supreme Court emphasized that law and order fall under the jurisdiction of the states.
    • Justice Sandeep Mehta further clarified the matter that even in cases where Army personnel commit offenses within their camps, they are handed over to local police authorities for investigation, emphasizing the principle of cooperation between different law enforcement agencies.
  • Concerns Raised by West Bengal
    • West Bengal government initiated the legal proceedings under Article 131 of the Constitution, alleging that the CBI was conducting investigations and filing FIRs within its jurisdiction without prior consent.
    • The state had withdrawn its consent for CBI investigations within its territory in 2018.
    • Arguments Presented
      • Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing West Bengal, expressed concerns that the CBI’s intent seemed to bypass state authorities by first using the CBI, then leveraging agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), raising concerns about potential abuse of power and jurisdictional overreach.
      • Sibal argued that while investigations should not be obstructed, unilateral investigations by the CBI bypassing state consent and disregarding procedural norms cannot be justified.
      • He stressed that the Code of Criminal Procedure should not be disregarded, and investigations into offenses involving Central government employees should not be exclusively reserved for Central agencies.
    • Union Government’s Response
      • The Solicitor-General representing the Union government contended that West Bengal’s original suit was not maintainable.
      • He argued that disputes under Article 131 exclusively involve the Union and the States and thus should be dismissed by the court.
      • The Solicitor-General argued that since no cases were registered by the Union within West Bengal, the suit was not enforceable against them.
      • He emphasized that the CBI, responsible for the cases in question, couldn’t be included as a defendant in the suit since it doesn’t qualify as a ‘state’ under Article 131.
      • Independence of CBI
        • Also, it was contended that the CBI operates independently of the Union government under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act.
      • Judicial Consideration
        • Despite objections, the court listed the suit for further hearing, suggesting that it would weigh both sides’ arguments before making a decision.

Removing exotic plants will ensure food for wild animals, finds study

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

A study conducted by the Kerala State Forest Protective Staff Organisation (KSFPSO) emphasizes the importance of removing exotic plant species from forest areas, particularly in Chinnakkanal, Munnar, to address human-elephant conflict.

Key Highlights

  • Identification of Problematic Species
    • The study identifies exotic species like Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) and eucalyptus as major contributors to the problem.
    • These plants hinder the growth of other vegetation, leaving no food or water sources for wild animals, including elephants.
    • Impact on Wildlife
      • Exotic species dominate nearly 4,000 hectares of forestland in the district, limiting the movement of wildlife.
      • The presence of these plants has led to a decline in prey population, forcing predators like tigers and leopards to migrate to areas with better hunting prospects.
    • Community Involvement and Proposed Solutions
      • Local authorities and community leaders are actively involved in finding solutions.
      • Chinnakkanal Panchayat has proposed planting grass in Vettuvanthery to provide food for wild elephants.
      • The project, if successful, will be expanded to cover more areas, with support from block and district panchayats.

What is an exotic plant?

  • An exotic plant, also known as an alien, non-native, or introduced species, is a plant species that has been intentionally or unintentionally introduced to a region or ecosystem where it is not native.
  • These plants originate from different geographical regions and may have been introduced through human activities such as trade, agriculture, horticulture, or landscaping.
  • Exotic plants can thrive and spread rapidly in new environments, often outcompeting native species for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.
  • While some exotic plants may coexist peacefully with native species and have beneficial effects on ecosystems, others can become invasive and pose serious ecological, economic, and social problems.
  • Invasive exotic plants can disrupt native ecosystems, alter habitats, reduce biodiversity, and even cause the decline or extinction of native species.
  • They can also impact agricultural productivity, interfere with waterways and infrastructure, and increase management costs for land managers and conservationists.

The judiciary’s shadow over standard essential patents

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

India faces a looming crisis regarding the use of ‘standard essential patents’ (SEPs) by certain technology companies against the telecom manufacturing sector.

  • This issue holds significant implications for India’s efforts to establish a robust domestic manufacturing industry for cellular phones.

Key Highlights

  • Understanding Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)
    • SEPs are patents that cover technologies adopted by industries as “standards.”
    • For instance, CDMA, GSM, and LTE are industry standards in the telecom sector.
    • These standards ensure interoperability among cellular phones from different manufacturers, essential for market demand and consumer satisfaction.
  • Privatization of Standard Setting
    • The process of setting standards is primarily privatized and controlled by “standard setting organizations” (SSOs), largely run by private technology firms.
    • Countries like India, with limited innovation in the telecom sector, have minimal influence over standard setting processes.
  • Challenges and Economic Impact
    • SEP owners gain considerable leverage as every cellular phone manufacturer must license these standards to remain competitive.
    • This situation often leads to exorbitant royalties and licensing terms, creating a “patent holdup” problem.
    • SSOs are intended to mitigate such issues by mandating fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing rates.
    • However, in practice, self-regulation within the technology industry has been opaque and prone to anti-competitive practices.
    • Global Enforcement and Fines
      • Notably, major SEP owners like Qualcomm have faced substantial fines worldwide for engaging in anti-competitive behavior.
      • These fines, imposed by China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the European Commission, highlight the severity of the issue and indicate a global trend toward addressing SEP-related concerns through competition law.
    • Implications for India
      • India’s telecom manufacturing sector faces the risk of being stifled by SEP owners’ dominance and unfair licensing practices.
      • The lack of effective regulation and transparency exacerbates these challenges, potentially hindering India’s aspirations for domestic manufacturing growth in the cellular phone industry.
    • Judicial Dynamics in India’s SEP Issue
      • India’s response to the SEP issue has been characterized by both judicial lethargy and activism, particularly evident in the proceedings at the Delhi High Court.
      • This apparent contradiction has led to a prolonged and complex situation regarding the regulation of SEP licensing practices.
      • Background: Competition Commission of India (CCI) Investigation
        • In 2013, the CCI initiated an investigation based on a complaint by Micromax, probing whether Ericsson abused its dominant position by demanding excessive royalties for its SEPs.
        • Ericsson contested the CCI’s authority, arguing that only the Patent Office could address patent abuse under the Patents Act.
        • After an initial ruling favoring the CCI, Ericsson appealed to the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, leading to a seven-year delay until a judgment was finally delivered against the CCI in July 2023.
        • The CCI has further appealed this decision to the Supreme Court, leaving India as the only major economy yet to investigate potentially abusive SEP licensing practices.
      • Impact on Legal Landscape
        • While competition law issues remained unresolved, the Delhi High Court continued to hear lawsuits brought by SEP owners against cellular phone manufacturers for alleged patent infringement.
        • This deviated from the typical procedure where infringement lawsuits are stayed until competition law matters are resolved.
        • Infringement lawsuits involve intricate trials on patent validity, infringement, and damages, often taking significant time to resolve.
        • For instance, a lawsuit filed by Ericsson against Lava International took eight years to conclude, culminating in a detailed 500-page judgment delivered by Justice Amit Bansal of the Delhi High Court.
      • Challenges with Delhi High Court’s Interim Remedies
        • The Delhi High Court has resorted to granting unprecedented “deposit” orders to manufacturers, requiring them to deposit significant sums of money with the court to continue manufacturing during trial proceedings.
        • These orders, often reaching crores of rupees, lack legal basis and deprive defendants, including Indian companies, of essential working capital for the duration of the trial, which can span up to eight years.
      • Impact on Manufacturing Sector
        • This judicial activism, coupled with significant delays in trial proceedings, poses a threat to the government’s efforts to attract investment in the manufacturing sector.
        • Initiatives such as the “production linked incentives” scheme aimed at promoting manufacturing in India may be undermined by the financial burden imposed on manufacturers by SEP owners’ demands and the legal system’s response.
      • Comparison with Europe
        • The European Parliament has already implemented measures to regulate SEPs, recognizing the need for effective oversight in this area.
        • India, similarly, should intervene to prevent further damage to its manufacturing aspirations.
        • With India’s limited influence over SEP selection by Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs) and obligations to enforce patents of foreign technology firms, regulatory intervention becomes imperative.

What is Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)?

  • Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) are patents that are essential for the implementation of a particular industry standard.
  • These patents are typically held by companies or organizations that participate in the development of technical standards, such as telecommunications standards (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G), Wi-Fi standards, or video compression standards.
  • When a standard is established, it often incorporates technology that is protected by patents.
  • These patents are considered essential because they cover inventions that are necessary to comply with the standard.
  • As a result, anyone who wants to manufacture, sell, or use products that comply with the standard needs to obtain licenses for the SEPs from the patent holders.
  • The owners of SEPs are usually required to license their patents on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms.
    • This means that they must offer licenses to interested parties under terms that are fair and reasonable, without discriminating against any particular licensee.
    • The FRAND commitment aims to balance the interests of patent holders with the need to ensure that essential technologies are accessible to all stakeholders at reasonable costs.

About the Competition Commission of India (CCI)

  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002, with the primary objective of ensuring fair and healthy competition in the economic activities of the country.
  • It is responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002, which aims to eliminate practices having adverse effects on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers, and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India.
  • Objectives
    • Eliminate practices having adverse effects on competition:
      • The CCI aims to prevent and eliminate anti-competitive practices, such as cartelization, monopolization, and abuse of dominant position, that can harm competition and lead to inefficiencies in the market.
    • Promote and sustain competition:
      • The CCI works to promote and sustain competition in markets by ensuring that businesses operate fairly and competitively, which leads to better services and products for consumers.
    • Protect the interests of consumers:
      • The CCI safeguards the interests of consumers by ensuring that they have access to a wide range of goods and services at competitive prices and that businesses do not engage in unfair practices.
    • Ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India:
      • The CCI ensures that businesses are free to operate in the markets of India without any undue restrictions or barriers, which fosters economic growth and development.
    • Composition and Functions
      • The CCI is headed by a Chairperson and consists of not less than two and not more than six other members appointed by the Central Government.
        • These members are required to be whole-time members and possess a high level of ability, integrity, and standing.
        • They must either be qualified to be a judge of a High Court or have at least fifteen years of professional experience in fields such as international trade, economics, law, finance, management, or public affairs.
      • In line with the provisions of the Act, the Competition Commission of India and the Competition Appellate Tribunal were established to adjudicate competition-related matters.
      • However, the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) was replaced by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in 2017, consolidating competition-related appeals with other corporate matters under one appellate body.
    • The Commission is responsible for:
      • Investigating and addressing anti-competitive practices:
        • The CCI investigates and addresses anti-competitive practices, including cartelization, monopolization, and abuse of dominant position, that can harm competition and lead to inefficiencies in the market.
      • Approving combinations:
        • The CCI approves combinations, such as mergers and acquisitions, to ensure that they do not lead to a significant adverse effect on competition.
      • Giving opinions on competition issues:
        • The CCI provides opinions on competition issues referred to it by statutory authorities, such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
      • Creating public awareness and imparting training on competition issues:
        • The CCI works to create public awareness about the importance of competition and imparts training on competition issues to stakeholders.
      • Note: The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) was replaced by the Competition Act, 2002, following recommendations from the Raghavan committee.

Why are Indian spices facing the heat?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The Indian spice export industry faces a crisis of confidence as several countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S., have launched investigations into possible contamination of spice mixes sold by top Indian brands, MDH and Everest.

  • The presence of ethylene oxide, a toxic chemical beyond permissible limits, has prompted international scrutiny and raised concerns about food safety and quality.

Key Highlights

  • International Investigations and Regulatory Response
    • Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety suspended the sale of three MDH spice blends and an Everest fish curry masala due to high levels of ethylene oxide.
    • Similarly, Singapore ordered a recall of Everest spice mix, citing health risks associated with ethylene oxide exposure.
    • The U.S. FDA is gathering information about the situation, while regulatory bodies in Maldives, Australia, and Bangladesh are also investigating and considering further actions.
  • Spice Mixes Under Scrutiny
    • The affected spice mixes, manufactured by Everest and MDH, are major players in India’s spice export industry.
    • The top importers of Indian curry powders and mixtures include the U.S., U.A.E, and U.K., followed by several other countries like Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Bangladesh.
  • Health Concerns Related to Ethylene Oxide (ETO)
    • MDH and Everest spice mixes allegedly contain high levels of ethylene oxide (ETO), a prohibited pesticide.
    • ETO, originally used for sterilizing medical devices, is utilized in industrial, agricultural, and food sterilization processes.
    • While it reduces microbial contamination and extends shelf life, improper use can lead to toxic residue formation, including ethylene glycol, a compound associated with serious health risks, such as cancer.
    • Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide is linked to various cancers, including lymphoma and leukemia, as evidenced by scientific studies.
    • European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has banned ETO use and highlighted its contamination in Indian spices, raising concerns about consumer safety and product integrity.
    • A recent EFSA report identified carcinogenic chemicals in 527 products, including herbs and spices linked to India, suggesting potential health hazards associated with ETO residues.
  • History of Rejections in the U.S.
    • The U.S. FDA has repeatedly rejected Indian food products due to various concerns, including Salmonella contamination, misbranding, adulteration, and incorrect labeling.
    • Notably, MDH and Everest have faced recalls and rejections, with MDH’s Sambhar Masala being recalled in 2019 due to Salmonella contamination.
    • Indian imports have accounted for a significant portion of pathogen-related food import refusals in the U.S., highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety and quality standards in Indian exports.
  • India’s Response to Spice Contamination Crisis
    • The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has announced corrective measures in response to the spice contamination crisis.
    • These measures include mandatory testing of consignments shipped to Singapore and Hong Kong, gathering technical details and reports from relevant food and drug agencies, and working with exporters to identify and address the root cause of contamination.
    • Thorough inspections at exporter facilities are also being conducted to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
    • Guidelines for Exporters
      • A circular dated April 30 provides guidelines to exporters on preventing ethylene oxide (ETO) contamination, prepared in consultation with the Indian spice industry.
      • Measures include voluntary testing of ETO during raw and final stages, storing ETO-treated products separately, identifying ETO as a hazard, and incorporating critical control points in hazard analysis.
      • Exporters are encouraged to use alternate sterilization methods such as steam sterilization or irradiation.
    • Domestic Concerns and FSSAI Actions
      • Public concern about spice safety standards has extended to domestic markets, with a majority of Indians expressing worry about the quality and safety of spices.
      • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed state regulators to collect samples of major spice brands, including MDH and Everest, for testing ETO presence.
      • Nationwide surveillance plans for 2024-25 include testing for various contaminants in food products such as fruit, vegetables, fish, spices, and culinary herbs.
    • Challenges and Recommendations
      • Despite efforts by regulatory bodies, challenges persist in ensuring food safety and quality standards.
      • Nearly one-fourth of samples tested in the last three years have failed regulatory standards, highlighting the need for improved compliance and enforcement.
      • Activists and reports have called for stringent safety checks, detection and control of ETO use, alignment of food safety standards with global practices, and better information flow to food industries to enhance regulatory compliance.
    • Food Safety Challenges in India
      • Operational Challenges
        • Despite stringent food laws, recent controversies highlight persistent food safety challenges across various sectors of the food industry in India.
        • Operational hurdles such as India’s diverse food landscape and lack of standardized recordkeeping hinder efficient tracing of ingredients and assessment of potential risks.
        • Intentional food fraud further compromises the safety of the food supply chain, particularly affecting small and medium-sized businesses with limited resources.
      • Logistical Barriers
        • Several States/Union Territories lack government or private notified food testing labs as mandated under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act.
        • These labs are unevenly distributed across regions, have insufficient food safety officers, and operate ineffectively due to resource constraints.
        • Absent accountability and consequences often lead to failure in penalizing unscrupulous food operators, perpetuating food safety issues.
        • Penalties for selling substandard foods are relatively low, which may not serve as a sufficient deterrent.
      • Transparency Issues with FSSAI
        • The lack of transparency in the operations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) hinders efforts to meet safety standards, build accountability, and foster trust.
        • Despite conducting nationwide testing initiatives, such as the spice testing two years ago, the results are not always made public.
        • Surveys highlighting contamination in products like milk and jaggery have not effectively addressed the issue of adulteration.
        • This opacity contributes to growing mistrust around FSSAI’s regulatory effectiveness.
      • Call for Stricter Measures and Transparency
        • The challenges underscore the need for stricter regulatory measures and transparency in food production and safety industry standards.
        • There is a growing demand for proactive monitoring and enforcement rather than reactive responses to individual incidents.
        • Building accountability, enhancing transparency, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms are crucial for ensuring food safety and restoring public confidence in India’s food industry.
      • Potential Consequences of the Spice Contamination Crisis
        • Economic Impact
          • The spice contamination crisis could have significant economic repercussions, with nearly $700 million worth of exports to critical markets at stake.
          • Potential losses could escalate to over half of India’s total spice exports due to regulatory actions in various countries.
          • Urgent attention and action are required to uphold the reputation of India’s spice trade and preserve the integrity of the entire ecosystem.
        • Impact on Masala Makers
          • Both smaller and larger masala makers could face losses and a credibility crisis as a result of the contamination issue.
          • The chain of events may cast suspicion on other small companies or cooperatives’ exports, further exacerbating the situation.
          • Moreover, potential losses for masala makers could lead to reduced prices for farmers, impacting their livelihoods.
        • Potential Downturn in Exports
          • If regulators in China and the European Union follow the actions of their counterparts in Hong Kong and other countries, Indian spice exports could experience a dramatic downturn.
          • This could affect exports valued at $2.17 billion, representing over half of the country’s global spice exports.
          • If the EU also rejects Indian spice consignments over quality issues, the total potential losses could amount to 58.8% of global exports.

MPOX

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The DRC is facing its largest Mpox outbreak, characterized by a new form of the disease detected in a mining town, which may facilitate easier human-to-human transmission.

  • Since January, over 4,500 suspected Mpox cases and nearly 300 deaths have been reported, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
  • The outbreak has prompted Congo to declare a health emergency across the country, with cases also emerging in neighbouring Republic of Congo.

Key Highlights

  • Identification of a New Phase of Mpox
    • An analysis conducted in Kamituga, eastern Congo, indicates recent genetic mutations in Mpox, likely due to its sustained transmission among humans, particularly in an area with limited contact with wild animals, traditionally believed to carry the disease.
    • The new form of Mpox appears to have a lower death rate and is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, with a significant number of cases found in sex workers.
    • Sexual transmission of Mpox was confirmed by WHO in Congo for the first time during the 2022 global emergency.
  • Implications and Challenges
    • The WHO suggests a potential need for a new testing strategy to detect mutations in the disease, highlighting concerns about silent transmission without patient awareness.
    • Mpox comprises two clades, with Clade 1 being more severe and Clade 2, which triggered the 2022 outbreak, showing higher survival rates.
    • A new form of Clade 1 has been identified in Kamituga, suggesting the virus is adapting to spread more efficiently among humans, raising concerns about significant outbreaks.
  • Response Efforts and Concerns
    • Limited availability of Mpox vaccines and treatments in Congo underscores the urgency to address the outbreak.
    • Talks with donor countries like Japan are ongoing to procure vaccines for high-risk provinces.

About Mpox

  • Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family.
  • It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and is endemic in central and western Africa.
  • The virus is primarily spread through contact with infected animals, such as squirrels, rats, monkeys, and prairie dogs, and can also be transmitted between humans through respiratory droplets, fomites, and direct contact with lesions of an infected individual.
  • Symptoms and Transmission
    • The symptoms of mpox typically begin with a fever, followed by the appearance of a rash, which can be vesicular or pustular in nature.
    • The rash can occur anywhere on the body, but often starts in the groin, anus, or around the mouth.
    • In some cases, the rash may not always progress over the body, and the first lesion can be in the groin, anus, or in or around the mouth.
    • People with mpox can become very sick, and complications can include bacterial superinfection of the skin, permanent skin scarring, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, permanent corneal scarring, pneumonia, dehydration, sepsis, encephalitis, and death.
  • Diagnosis and Treatment
    • Diagnosing mpox can be challenging as other infections and conditions can present similar symptoms.
    • The preferred laboratory test for mpox is the detection of viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is typically done on skin lesions or swabs from the oropharynx, anus, or rectum.
    • Treatment for mpox is primarily supportive, with analgesics, fluids, and wound care.
    • Patients with severe disease or complications may be considered for antiviral treatment, although there is no proven, safe treatment specifically for mpox virus infection.
  • Global Outbreak and WHO Response
    • In May 2022, a global outbreak of mpox began, primarily affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
    • The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on July 23, 2022, and has since published a strategic preparedness and response plan for mpox.
    • The WHO has emphasized the importance of surveillance, diagnostics, risk communication, and community engagement in stopping the outbreak and eliminating human-to-human transmission.
  • Prevention and Control
    • Prevention and control measures for mpox include education and awareness about the disease, proper hygiene practices, and avoiding contact with infected animals or people.
    • Vaccination against smallpox, which is closely related to mpox, has been shown to provide some protection against mpox.
    • However, the global decline in vaccination rates against smallpox has increased the susceptibility of populations to mpox outbreaks.

How diplomatic passports, visa regimes work?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

Janata Dal (Secular) MP PrajwalRevanna faced allegations of sexual abuse, prompting him to flee to Germany on a diplomatic passport.

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that no visa note was issued to Revanna for his travel to Germany.
  • However, he did not require one due to the nature of his passport.

Key Highlights

  • Diplomatic Passport Overview
    • Diplomatic passports, distinguished by maroon covers, offer certain privileges and immunities, including immunity from arrest and detention, as per international law.
    • They are valid for five years or less.
    • Issuance of Diplomatic Passports
      • The MEA’s Consular, Passport & Visa Division issues diplomatic passports (‘Type D’ passports) to various categories, including those with diplomatic status, government-appointed individuals on official business, officers of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and relatives of IFS and MEA officers.
      • Additionally, diplomatic passports are issued to select individuals authorized to undertake official travel on behalf of the government, including union ministers and MPs representing the government.
      • The validity of these passports coincides with the term of the MP.
    • Why PrajwalRevanna Didn’t Need a Visa for Germany
      • The MEA typically issues visa notes for government officials traveling abroad, but in PrajwalRevanna’s case, no such note was issued.
      • MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that no political clearance was sought or issued for Revanna’s travel to Germany.
      • India has operational visa exemption agreements with 34 countries for holders of diplomatic passports, including Germany.
      • A reciprocal agreement signed in 2011 allows Indian diplomatic passport holders to visit Germany without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
      • Similar agreements exist with other countries like France, Austria, Afghanistan, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Iran, and Switzerland.
      • Additionally, India has agreements with 99 other countries where holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports can avail operational visa exemption for stays up to 90 days.
      • Despite the visa exemption, Revanna should have applied for prior political clearance for his private visit.
      • According to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat’s bulletin, members using diplomatic passports must obtain political clearance from the MEA at least three weeks in advance of travel.
    • Possibility of Passport Revocation
      • Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel Revanna’s diplomatic passport and take steps for his swift return to face legal action in the sex abuse case.
      • However, the government can revoke Revanna’s diplomatic passport only after a court order.
      • MEA clarified that they have not received any court directions regarding the revocation.
      • The Passport Act of 1967 outlines conditions for revoking a passport, including wrongful possession, suppression of material information, or in the interests of India’s sovereignty, integrity, or friendly relations with foreign countries.
      • Revocation can also occur if the passport holder is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for at least two years, or if a court orders revocation during proceedings related to an alleged offence before a criminal court.