Daily Current Affair - 29th April 2025
Misinformation, Media Freedom, and the Paradox of Public Perception in India
In today’s digital age, the role of media and the state’s influence on information flows are central to democratic discourse. The latest Pew Research Center survey sheds light on how Indians perceive misinformation, press freedom, and the legitimacy of state control over the media.
Key Findings from the Pew Survey:
1.High Concern over Misinformation:
- 65% of Indian respondents see fake news as a “very big problem.”
- This places India among the top 10 nations globally with the highest concern about misinformation.
2.Support for State Censorship:
Only 68% believe that media should operate without government censorship — the second-lowest among 35 surveyed countries.
3.Perception of Media Freedom:
80% think the media is somewhat or fully free from state control — one of the highest perceptions of freedom globally.
A Contradiction worth noting:
This data reveals a striking paradox:
- Citizens fear misinformation, but largely see it as stemming from non-state actors like social media and messaging apps.
- At the same time, they trust the state to intervene, despite global indicators suggesting a shrinking space for free press.
In essence, there’s growing public comfort with state-led solutions, even if they risk compromising press independence.
Implications for Democracy and Governance:
Press Freedom under Stress:
India ranks 159 out of 180 (2024) on the World Press Freedom Index. It has consistently remained below 100 since 2003, with a steep decline in recent years, indicating serious challenges to media autonomy.
Erosion of Institutional Trust:
Low confidence in a free press as a systemic safeguard, coupled with public backing of state regulation, points to democratic backsliding. A vigilant press is a core democratic institution — its weakening tilts the balance of power.
Societal and Political Ramifications:
- A misinformed citizenry becomes vulnerable to propaganda and polarization.
- Increased state control risks dissent suppression and biased narratives, undermining transparency.
Way Forward:
Media Literacy:
Citizens must be empowered to discern fact from fiction through nationwide media literacy initiatives.
Stronger Regulatory Institutions:
Independent oversight bodies like the Press Council of India and NBDSA need statutory backing and autonomy.
Support for Independent Journalism:
Non-profit, public-interest journalism must be financially and legally protected.
Balanced Digital Regulation:
Social media regulation should be rights-based, balancing free expression, privacy, and accountability.
Conclusion:
The public’s increasing support for state censorship amid fears of misinformation reflects a dangerous trade-off: sacrificing press freedom in the name of information control. For a democracy to thrive, misinformation must be fought not by suppression, but by fostering media independence, institutional integrity, and informed citizenship.
The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional
- The Office of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha is a constitutional requirement under Article 93 of the Indian Constitution. It is not optional or ceremonial the Constitution demands that the House should elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker “as soon as may be,” implying urgency.
- The Deputy Speaker acts as a second-in-command to the Speaker, ensuring the smooth running of Lok Sabha when the Speaker is absent. Historically, this role has been important for maintaining stability, continuity, and impartiality in Parliament.
- There has been a long tradition of offering the Deputy Speaker’s post to the Opposition, to foster bipartisan trust. However, since 2019 (17th Lok Sabha) and even now in the 18th Lok Sabha, the Deputy Speaker’s post has been left vacant, which is a serious constitutional concern.
- This vacancy:
- Weakens institutional safeguards.
- Centralizes power in the hands of the ruling party and Speaker.
- Breaks constitutional conventions and democratic traditions.
- The article argues that this delay is not just procedural laziness but a violation of constitutional spirit. It stresses that Parliament must urgently fill the post to uphold constitutional integrity and restore democratic balance.
- It also raises the suggestion that there should be clear deadlines (like within 60 days of Lok Sabha’s first sitting) for electing a Deputy Speaker to prevent such delays in the future.
Key UPSC Takeaways:
- Article 93 and 94 of the Constitution.
- Importance of Deputy Speaker for legislative functioning.
- Constitutional conventions (like offering the post to Opposition).
- Issue of constitutional neglect and need for urgent reform.
- Importance of institutional checks and balances in a democracy.
Articles 93 and 94 of the Constitution
- Article 93:Mandates that the Lok Sabha shall, as soon as may be, choose two members to be the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The phrase “as soon as may be” implies urgency, not discretion.
- Article 94:States that the Deputy Speaker holds office until they resign, are removed by a resolution of the House, or cease to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
Importance of the Deputy Speaker in Legislative Functioning
- Presiding Over Sessions:In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha sessions, ensuring continuity in legislative business.
- Committee Roles:Chairs the Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions and serves as the ex-officio Vice-President of the Indian Parliamentary Group.
- Impartiality:Once elected, the Deputy Speaker is expected to function impartially, upholding the dignity of the House.
Constitutional Conventions: Offering the Post to the Opposition
- Historical Practice:Since 1956, there’s been a convention to offer the Deputy Speaker’s post to the opposition party, promoting bipartisan cooperation.
- Not Legally Binding:While not mandated by the Constitution, this practice has been followed to ensure a balance of power and foster trust between the ruling and opposition parties.
Issue of Constitutional Neglect and Need for Urgent Reform
- Vacancy Concerns:The Deputy Speaker’s position has been vacant since June 2019, marking the first time in independent India’s history that the post remained unfilled for an entire Lok Sabha term.
- Implications:This prolonged vacancy undermines the constitutional mandate and raises concerns about the commitment to parliamentary norms.
- Calls for Reform:Experts suggest amending rules to set a definitive timeline for electing the Deputy Speaker, ensuring adherence to constitutional provisions.
Importance of Institutional Checks and Balances in a Democracy
- Role of Deputy Speaker:Acts as a check within the legislative branch, ensuring that the Speaker’s powers are balanced and that the House functions impartially.
- Broader Context:The absence of a Deputy Speaker can lead to centralization of power, undermining the democratic framework and the principle of separation of powers.
Conclusion:
The Deputy Speaker’s role is integral to the functioning of the Lok Sabha, ensuring continuity, impartiality, and adherence to democratic norms. The prolonged vacancy not only contravenes constitutional provisions but also highlights the need for reforms to reinforce the checks and balances essential in a parliamentary democracy.
Additional Information:
Election Process of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- Constitutional Basis:Article 93 of the Indian Constitution mandates that the House of the People (Lok Sabha) shall, as soon as may be, choose two members to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- Election Timing:The Speaker is elected at the very first meeting of the newly constituted Lok Sabha, before any other business is transacted.
- Election Procedure:The President fixes the date for the election.
- Members of the Lok Sabha propose and second candidates.
- If only one candidate is nominated, they are elected unopposed.
- If multiple candidates are nominated, an election is held, and the candidate securing a simple majority of members present and voting is elected.
- Tenure:The Speaker holds office from the date of election until immediately before the first meeting of the next Lok Sabha.
- Removal:As per Article 94, the Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, provided a 14-day notice is given.
Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- Constitutional Basis:Also, under Article 93 of the Constitution.
- Election Timing:The Constitution does not specify a time frame; however, the election is usually held after the Speaker’s election.
- Election Procedure:
- The Speaker fixes the date for the election.
- Members propose and second candidates.
- If only one candidate is nominated, they are elected unopposed.
- If multiple candidates are nominated, an election is held, and the candidate securing a simple majority of members present and voting is elected.
- Tenure:The Deputy Speaker holds office until they cease to be a member of the Lok Sabha, resign, or are removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.
- Convention:Traditionally, the Deputy Speaker is elected from a party other than the ruling party to promote bipartisan representation, though this is not mandated by the Constitution.
Roles and Responsibilities
Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- Presiding Officer:Conducts the business in the House and maintains order and decorum.
- Interpretation:Final authority on the interpretation of the Constitution, Rules of Procedure, and parliamentary precedents within the House.
- Decision on Money Bills:Decides whether a bill is a money bill; this decision is final.
- Voting:Does not vote in the first instance but can exercise a casting vote in case of a tie.
- Joint Sittings:Presides over joint sittings of both Houses of Parliament.
- Committees:Appoints chairpersons of various parliamentary committees and oversees their functioning.
Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- Acting Speaker:Performs the duties of the Speaker when the latter is absent or the position is vacant.
- Presiding Officer:Presides over the House sessions in the absence of the Speaker and ensures orderly conduct of business.
- Joint Sittings:Presides over joint sittings of both Houses in the absence of the Speaker.
- Committees:When appointed to a parliamentary committee, automatically becomes its chairperson.
Voting: While presiding, does not vote in the first instance but can exercise a casting vote in case of a tie.
Party Affiliation and Impartiality
- Party Membership:Neither the Speaker nor the Deputy Speaker is required to resign from their political party upon election.
- Impartiality:Despite party affiliations, both are expected to conduct their duties impartially and uphold the dignity of the House.
- Anti-Defection Law:The Speaker plays a crucial role in decisions related to disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 93:Mandates the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
- Article 94:Details the conditions under which the Speaker or Deputy Speaker may vacate their office.
- Article 95:Provides for the duties of the Deputy Speaker or any other member appointed by the President to perform the duties of the Speaker when the offices of both Speaker and Deputy Speaker are vacant.
- Article 96:Outlines the procedure for the removal of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.
India’s Military Expenditure in 2024: A Strategic Overview
India’s military expenditure in 2024 stood as a testament to its growing emphasis on national security and regional stability. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India spent $86.1 billion on defense, marking a 1.6% increase from the previous year. This expenditure was nearly nine times that of Pakistan, which allocated $10.2 billion to its military.
Global Military Spending: India’s Position
- India emerged as the fifth-largest military spender globally, following the United States, China, Russia, and Germany. Together, these five nations accounted for 62% of the global military expenditure.
- The focus of India’s defense spending was primarily on modernization, infrastructure development, and addressing regional security challenges, especially in the wake of tensions with Pakistan.
Comparison with Neighbours
- While India allocated substantial resources to its military, Pakistan’s expenditure remained significantly lower, ranking 35th globally.
- This disparity highlights the divergent strategic priorities and economic capacities of the two nations.
- For India, its defense strategy is influenced by both traditional and non-traditional threats, including cybersecurity and border security.
Global Trends in Defense Spending
- The year 2024 witnessed a global increase in military expenditure, driven by geopolitical tensions and the prolonged war in Ukraine.
- China, the second-largest military spender, increased its defense budget by 7% to $314 billion, marking three decades of continuous growth.
- Russia, with an estimated $149 billion spent, prioritized cyberwarfare and nuclear arsenal development, reflecting its strategic focus amid ongoing conflicts.
European Military Spending
- Europe’s military spending saw a sharp rise of 17% to $693 billion, reaching levels unseen since the Cold War.
- This increase was largely attributed to the war in Ukraine, where military spending grew by 2.9% to $64.7 billion, accounting for the highest defense burden (34% of GDP) globally.
India’s Strategic Implications
- India’s significant military expenditure underscores its focus on safeguarding its borders and asserting its role as a regional power.
- The investments in defense infrastructure and technological modernization align with its aspirations to enhance strategic deterrence and maintain stability in South Asia.
- Furthermore, the disparity in defense budgets between India and Pakistan reflects India’s broader economic and strategic leverage in the region.
Conclusion
India’s position as the fifth-largest military spender globally highlights its commitment to national security amid evolving geopolitical challenges. As the country continues to modernize its defense forces, its role in ensuring regional stability and addressing global security concerns will remain pivotal. Strengthening defense capabilities while balancing fiscal priorities is crucial for sustaining India’s strategic objectives in the 21st century.
Real Estate Investment Trusts and Infrastructure Investment Trusts
You dream of owning huge malls in Mumbai, towering office complexes in Bengaluru, or highways criss-crossing India. Realistically, most of us can’t afford to buy a mall or a highway outright — that’s the stuff of billionaire ambitions.
But thanks to financial innovation, today, even a common investor — even you and me — can own small parts of these big real estate and infrastructure assets.
How? Through REITs and InVITs.
What are REITs? (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
- A REITis like a mutual fund — but instead of pooling money to buy shares, it pools money to buy real estate (commercial properties like offices, malls, warehouses).
- When you buy units of a REIT, you become a part-owner of the real estate assets owned by that trust.
- The REIT earns rental incomeand capital gains (profit from property sales), and it passes a big chunk of these profits to you, the investor, as dividends.
Example of listed REITs in India:
- Embassy Office Parks
- Mindspace Business Parks
- Brookfield India REIT
- Nexus Select Trust
What are InVITs? (Infrastructure Investment Trusts)
- InVITs are very similar to REITs — but instead of real estate, they invest in infrastructure assets.
- Highways, toll roads, power grids, renewable energy projects — InVITs own these kinds of large, capital-heavy projects.
- When you invest in an InVIT, you earn a share of the income (like toll collections or power transmission fees) generated by these projects.
- As India’s economy grows, demand for infrastructure will rise — meaning good InVITs can benefit too.
Example of listed InVITs in India:
- PowerGrid Infrastructure Trust (PGInVIT)
- IRB InvIT Fund
- India Grid Trust
- National Highways Infra Trust
Why are REITs and InVITs attractive?
- No property headaches— No maintenance, no tenant troubles, no legal paperwork.
- Small investment possible— You can start with the price of one unit (sometimes even ₹100–₹500 range).
- Regular income— Most REITs and InVITs pay dividends
- Liquidity— If they are listed, you can sell them anytime on the stock market (like selling shares).
- They are regulated by SEBI— so they have rules about transparency, minimum income distribution, audits, etc.
What are the risks?
- Market risks— If the economy slows down, property demand drops, or infrastructure usage falls, earnings can shrink.
- Interest rate risks— Higher interest rates can make other investments (like FDs) more attractive, hurting REIT/InVIT prices.
- Liquidity risks (especially for unlisted ones)— If you buy unlisted REITs or InVITs, selling them quickly may be difficult.
- Long-term investment needed— Don’t expect quick profits. These are 5+ years horizon investments.
If you are risk-averse and want guaranteed returns, these may not be for you. Old-school options like bank FDs, gold, or PPF might suit you better.
How to invest?
- For listedREITs and InVITs: Open a demat account, log into your broker app, and buy them just like you buy shares.
- For unlistedones (riskier and for wealthy investors): Go through wealth management firms, private placements — minimum investment can be ₹10 lakh or more.
Difference between REITs and InVITs
Aspect | REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) | InVITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) |
Asset Type | Invests in commercial real estate like malls, offices, warehouses, etc. | Invests in infrastructure projects like highways, toll roads, power grids, renewable energy projects. |
Income Source | Rental income from properties and capital appreciation on selling properties. | User charges like toll fees, transmission charges, annuity payments from infrastructure users. |
Objective | To provide regular income and some growth by investing in income-generating real estate. | To provide stable long-term income by investing in completed and revenue-generating infrastructure assets. |
Type of Assets | Buildings and land (tangible properties). | Infrastructure projects (utility assets or public use assets). |
Typical Investors | Retail investors, institutions. | Initially large institutions; now increasingly open to retail investors too. |
Examples | Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT. | IRB InvIT Fund, India Grid Trust, PowerGrid InvIT. |
Risk Profile | Sensitive to real estate market conditions, office space demand, rental cycles. | Sensitive to government regulations, infrastructure usage rates, and economic cycles. |
Nature of Cash Flows | Cash flows are relatively more stable if properties are in prime locations. | Cash flows depend on long-term contracts like concessions or annuities, offering predictable but project-specific returns. |
Minimum Investment (Earlier) | Initially ₹50,000 — recently reduced, units can now be bought like shares. | Similar structure; SEBI has also eased investment norms for retail participation. |
Regulator | SEBI | SEBI |