Daily Current Affairs for UPSC & UPPCS — Agra

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will be hosted by India in New Delhi on 26–27 October 2026. The meeting aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and promote people-centric development.

Important Facts:

Prelims Special: BRICS

BRICS is a grouping that promotes cooperation among emerging economies and other participating countries.

Formed on the margins of the UNGA in 2006. The first summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009)

• 2010: South Africa joined, making it BRICS.
• 2024: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE became full members.
• 2025: Indonesia joined as a full member.

• The 11 Full Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia.
• 17th Summit: hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro (2025)
• 18th Summit: Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (2026)
• 19th Summit: Scheduled to be hosted by China in 2027.

Promotes parliamentary diplomacy, institutional cooperation and inclusive development.

Article 85 of the Indian Constitution deals with the sessions of Parliament, prorogation of Parliament, and dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

It empowers the President of India to summon each House of Parliament, prorogue either House, and dissolve the Lok Sabha.

Important Provisions:

• Article 85(1) — Summoning of Parliament: The President summons each House of Parliament to meet at a time and place deemed appropriate.
• Not more than six months can intervene between the last sitting of one session and the first sitting of the next session.
• Article 85(2)(a) — Prorogation: The President may prorogue either House of Parliament.
• Article 85(2)(b) — Dissolution: The President may dissolve the Lok Sabha. This power does not apply to the Rajya Sabha.
• The maximum interval between the last sitting of one session and the first sitting of the next session is six months.
• Article 85 does not itself prescribe the customary Budget, Monsoon and Winter Sessions.

UN Climate Loss and Damage Fund:

The Loss and Damage Fund is intended to help vulnerable developing countries address climate-related losses that cannot be adequately avoided through mitigation or adaptation alone.

How does it work?

• Voluntary Capital Mobilisation: Capitalized through non-binding, voluntary contributions primarily pledged by developed nations and high-income partners.
• Procedural Project Cycles: Operates through a structured 11-step project pipeline—involving periodic calls for proposals, completeness reviews, technical due diligence, country feedback loops, board approvals, and execution of bilateral legal trustee agreements prior to disbursement.
• Access Windows: Channels resources through direct budget support, programmatic sub-grants, national implementing entities, and small-grant facilities for rapid rehabilitation.

The article argues that Prasar Bharati has not achieved the editorial and administrative independence expected of a public service broadcaster. The criticism centres on its continued dependence on the government and its limited autonomy.

About Prasar Bharati:

Why Is Its Autonomy Being Questioned?

A. Failure to achieve genuine autonomy

• Prasar Bharati was established to provide autonomous public broadcasting.
• The editorial argues that its independence remains limited despite the promise of autonomy.
• Continued ministerial influence raises questions about its ability to operate independently.

B. BBC model versus Indian model

• The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a comparative model for public service broadcasting.
• The objective is to separate public broadcasting from direct government control.
• The broader principle is that the government and the public are not the same; public broadcasting should serve citizens rather than merely communicate the government's position.

C. Public service broadcasting versus government broadcasting

Constitutional and Legal Framework:

Way Forward

The issues raised by the editorial point towards the following possible reforms:

1. Editorial independence: Protect professional journalism from undue political interference.
2. Transparent appointments: Ensure credible and transparent processes for appointing senior officials.
3. Financial autonomy: Reduce excessive dependence on government funding without compromising public accountability.
4. Institutional accountability: Strengthen independent oversight and parliamentary scrutiny.
5. Pluralism: Ensure fair representation of regional, linguistic, cultural and political diversity.
6. Public trust: Prioritise accurate, impartial and public-interest journalism.