Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Brain Cell Death
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Scientists have long sought medical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease but have faced limited success.
- The approval of the drug Lecanemab by the US FDA in 2023 has brought renewed optimism, as it shows promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages.
How brain cells die?
- Revealing the Connection: Researchers from Belgium and UK have shed light on the connection between abnormal proteins (amyloid and tau) and a process called necroptosis, which leads to cell death.
- Cell Death Mechanism: Necroptosis is a form of cell death typically triggered by immune responses to infection or inflammation, serving to eliminate damaged cells.
- Inflammatory Response: The study suggests that in Alzheimer’s patients, amyloid protein entering brain neurons triggers inflammation and alters the internal chemistry of the cells. Amyloid forms plaques, while tau forms tangles.
- MEG3 Molecule: When amyloid and tau processes occur simultaneously, brain cells produce a molecule called MEG3, which appears to be linked to cell death.
- Blocking MEG3: The researchers experimented by blocking the MEG3 molecule and found that brain cells survived when this molecule was inhibited.
- Experimental Approach: Human brain cells were transplanted into genetically modified mice that produced significant amyloid, allowing researchers to make these groundbreaking observations.
Hope for Alzheimer’s Treatment
- Historic Discovery: Researchers highlighted that this discovery marks the first time, after several decades of speculation, that scientists have found a plausible explanation for cell death in Alzheimer’s patients.
- Path to New Medicines: Some are optimistic that their findings will pave the way for new medical treatments targeting Alzheimer’s.
- Lecanemab’s Target: Lecanemab, a drug that specifically targets the amyloid protein, aligns with the potential to block the MEG3 molecule, offering the prospect of halting brain cell death in Alzheimer’s disease.
Understanding Brain’s Complex Processes
- Brain’s Enigma: The development of Alzheimer’s drugs has been hampered by a lack of understanding of the disease’s mechanisms within the brain.
- Amyloid and Tau: Amyloid and tau proteins are known to accumulate in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients, but their precise roles and how they contribute to cell death remained unclear.
Alzheimer’s Global Challenge
- Widespread Impact: Approximately 55 million people worldwide are affected by various forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being one of the prominent diseases.
- Disproportionate Burden: Two-thirds of dementia cases are found in developing countries, and with the aging global population, projections indicate that the number of dementia cases could reach 139 million by 2050, with China, India, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa facing the greatest challenges.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Norman Borlaug
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Swati Nayak, a scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), has been honoured with the Borlaug Field Award by the World Food Prize.
- She is renowned for her groundbreaking research in developing climate-resilient and nutrition-rich rice varieties.
Contributions of Dr. Swati Nayak
| Extensive Testing |
Organized over 10,000 tests, evaluating 500+ seed varieties. |
| Climate Resilient Varieties |
Developed high-yield, biofortified, and nutritionally enhanced rice varieties. |
| Small Holder Farmers’ Focus |
Innovated inbred rice varieties to benefit smallholders. |
| Collaborative Efforts |
Collaborated with national and international organizations. |
| Addressing Lifestyle Diseases |
Advocates for low glycemic index, micronutrient-enriched rice varieties. |
| Supporting Better Quality |
Empowers farmers to produce high-quality seeds for better market positioning. |
| Biofortified Foodgrains |
Promotes affordable bio-fortified rice as a nutritional solution. |
Who was Norman Borlaug (1914-2009)?
| Contributions |
Developed high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties, “Father of the Green Revolution” |
| Impact |
Saved over a billion people from hunger, significantly increased global wheat production |
| Awards and Honors |
Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal, Padma Vibhushan, and more |
| Legacy |
Laid the foundation for modern agricultural practices, inspired efforts to address global food security |
About Borlaug Field Award
| Endowed by |
Rockefeller Foundation |
| Presented by |
World Food Prize Foundation |
| Purpose |
Recognize outstanding contributions in international agriculture and food production by individuals under 40. |
| Award Amount |
$10,000 |
| Inspiration |
Honors Dr. Norman Borlaug’s dedication to fighting global hunger and poverty during his early career in Mexico. |
| Establishment Year |
2011 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AFSPA
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Manipur government has announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another 6 months across the entire state.
- However, it excludes 19 police stations in seven districts of the Imphal Valley.
Why such move?
- Gradual Withdrawal: Since 2022, AFSPA has been progressively withdrawn from the valley districts, primarily inhabited by the Meitei community.
- Resurgence of Insurgent Groups: There has been a resurgence of insurgent groups, largely operating from Myanmar, advocating for Manipur’s secession from India.
- Ethnic Violence: Ethnic violence between the Meitei and tribal Kuki communities has claimed at least 175 lives since May 3, making it the deadliest conflict in Manipur since 1999.
AFSPA History in Manipur
- Decades of AFSPA: AFSPA has been applicable in Manipur since 1981, impacting both the valley and hill districts.
- Gradual Withdrawal: The Act’s provisions have been gradually withdrawn from the valley districts over the years, signifying evolving security dynamics.
What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958?
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act, to put it simply, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”
- AFSPA gives armed forces the authority use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
- The Act further provides that if “reasonable suspicion exists”, the armed forces can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.
A Backgrounder
- The AFSPA, 1958 came into force in the context of insurgency in the North-eastern States decades ago.
- It provides “special power” to the Armed Forces applies to the Army, the Air Force and the Central Paramilitary forces etc.
- It has been long contested debate whether the “special powers” granted under AFSPA gives total immunity to the armed forces for any action taken by them.
What are the Special Powers?
- Power to use force: including opening fire, even to the extent of causing death if prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons or carrying arms and weapons, etc are in force in the disturbed area;
- Power to destroy structures: used as hide-outs, training camps, or as a place from which attacks are or likely to be launched, etc;
- Power to arrest: without warrant and to use force for the purpose;
- Power to enter and search premises: without a warrant to make arrest or recovery of hostages, arms and ammunition and stolen property etc.
Who can declare/notify such areas?
- The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Government Bonds
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- India is set to make history by issuing it’s first-ever 50-year government bonds and 30-year green bonds.
- These offerings have piqued the interest of insurance companies and provident funds seeking avenues to invest their long-term funds.
Why such move?
- Ambitious Target: India aims to mobilize ₹6.55 trillion ($78.73 billion) through bond sales from October to March. This includes a significant ₹300 billion allocation to the 50-year security, marking the central government’s maiden auction of such bonds.
- Natural Demand: Long-term investors, particularly insurers, find the 50-year bonds appealing due to their alignment with asset-liability management requirements.
Government Bonds in India
- Government Bonds in India, fall under the broad category of Government Securities (G-Sec) and are primarily long term investment tools issued for periods ranging from 5 to 40 years.
- It can be issued by both Central and State governments of India. Government bonds issued by State Governments are also called State Development Loans (SDLs).
- The GB interest rates, also called a coupon, can either be fixed or floating and disbursed on a semi-annual basis.
- In most cases, GOI issues bonds at a fixed coupon rate in the market.
Types:
| Fixed-Rate Bonds |
Offer a fixed interest rate throughout the investment tenure, providing clarity with the coupon rate mentioned. |
| Floating Rate Bonds (FRBs) |
Subject to periodic interest rate adjustments, often with a base rate and fixed spread determined through auctions. |
| Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) |
Allow investments in gold without physical possession, with tax-exempt interest and prices linked to gold’s value. |
| Inflation-Indexed Bonds |
Adjust both principal and interest based on inflation, using indices like CPI or WPI, tailored for retail investors. |
| 7.75% GOI Savings Bond |
Features a 7.75% interest rate and available to individuals, minors with legal guardians, and Hindu Undivided Families. |
| Bonds with Call/Put Option |
Permit either issuer or investor to buy back or sell bonds, respectively, on specified dates, after 5 years from issuance. |
| Zero-Coupon Bonds |
Generate earnings from the difference between issuance and redemption prices, as they do not provide interest income. |
Advantages offered
- Sovereign Guarantee: Government bonds are backed by the government’s commitment, offering stability and assured returns.
- Inflation-Adjusted: Inflation-indexed bonds protect investors from rising prices, maintaining the real value of their investments.
- Regular Income: Government bonds provide semi-annual interest disbursements, offering investors a source of regular income.
Limitations
- Lower Income: Apart from 7.75% GOI Savings Bonds, government bonds typically offer lower interest rates.
- Lack of Relevance: With maturity tenures ranging from 5 to 40 years, government bonds may lose relevance over time, particularly in the face of inflation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India's Aging Population
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Projected Demographic Shift: By 2050, the percentage of elderly individuals in India is expected to double, reaching over 20% of the total population, as per the UN Population Fund, India (UNFPA) in its 2023 India Ageing Report.
- Rapid Expansion: India is experiencing a remarkable decadal growth rate in its elderly population, currently estimated at 41%.
- Changing Dynamics: This demographic shift raises the possibility that by 2046, the elderly population may surpass the number of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the country.
Economic Disparities among the Elderly
- Poverty Prevalence: More than 40% of India’s elderly population belongs to the poorest wealth quintile, with nearly 18.7% of them living without any source of income.
- Quality of Life Impact: Such high levels of poverty can significantly affect their quality of life and their access to healthcare services.
Understanding the Aging Population
- Rapid Growth in the 80+ Age Group: The report predicts a staggering 279% growth rate in the population of individuals aged 80 and above between 2022 and 2050.
- Gender Disparities: There is a predominance of widowed and highly dependent elderly women in this age group, a trend observed in several nations.
- Regional Variations: Life expectancy at 60 and 80 varies across states and union territories, with women generally having higher life expectancies, raising concerns about their social and economic well-being.
- Regional Disparities: States like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of J&K have women with life expectancies exceeding 20 years at age 60, highlighting the need for tailored support.
Changing Sex Ratios among the Elderly
- Steady Increase: The sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been steadily rising since 1991, in contrast to the stagnation in the general population’s sex ratio.
- Regional Variations: The northeast and east show an increased sex ratio among the elderly, but it remains below 1,000, indicating a male predominance. In contrast, central India saw a remarkable shift, with women outperforming men in survival after the age of 60.
Gendered Poverty in Old Age
- Inherent Gender Bias: Poverty in old age is inherently gendered, with older women more likely to be widowed, living alone, lacking personal income, and relying on family support.
- Feminization and Ruralization: The major challenges facing India’s aging population include the feminization and ruralization of the elderly. Policies must address these specific needs.
Inter-State Variations in Elderly Population
- Diverse Demographic Transition: Significant inter-state variation exists in the levels and growth of the elderly population, reflecting differing stages and rates of demographic transition.
- Regional Differences: States in the southern and select northern regions have a higher share of the elderly population, a gap expected to widen by 2036. In contrast, states with higher fertility rates, like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, will see an increase in the elderly population share but will remain below the national average.
- Ageing Index: Central and northeastern regions are characterized by a younger demographic as indicated by the aging index.
Response to Elderly Needs during the Pandemic
- Inadequate State Aid: The report reviews the government and state authorities’ response to the needs of elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that while most received state aid, it was insufficient.
- Only NGOs to rescue: Accessible public healthcare facilities were lacking, with NGOs and CBOs being the primary sources of help.
- Call for Preparedness: The report recommends a special focus on older persons in disaster-preparedness plans moving forward.
Enhancing Data Collection and Support
- Data Deficiency: The report underscores the lack of credible data on various issues related to the elderly in India and calls for the inclusion of questions concerning older persons in upcoming data collection exercises.
- Policy Recommendations: Suggestions include increasing awareness about elderly schemes, regulating Old Age Homes, and promoting in-situ aging.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging the creation of elderly self-help groups and emphasizing multigenerational households as well as short-term care facilities.
Promising Roadmap and Valuable Resource
- Government Acknowledgment: Social Justice Dept. termed the report a “valuable roadmap”. It emphasized its importance as a resource for scholars, policymakers, program managers, and all stakeholders involved in elder care.
- Data Sources: The report draws from various sources, including the 2011 Census, the 2017-18 Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), population projections, and reports from the Government of India and the World Population Projection 2022.
Way forward
The report advocates for policies that enhance the well-being of India’s aging population-
- Foster community support
- Multigenerational living, and
- In-situ aging
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AFSPA
Mains level: Law and order in NE
Central Idea: Assam CM has stated that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is likely to be completely lifted from the state by the end of the year due to a significant improvement in the law and order situation.
What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958?
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act, to put it simply, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”
- AFSPA gives armed forces the authority use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
- The Act further provides that if “reasonable suspicion exists”, the armed forces can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.
A Backgrounder
- The AFSPA, 1958 came into force in the context of insurgency in the North-eastern States decades ago.
- It provides “special power” to the Armed Forces applies to the Army, the Air Force and the Central Paramilitary forces etc.
- It has been long contested debate whether the “special powers” granted under AFSPA gives total immunity to the armed forces for any action taken by them.
What are the Special Powers?
- Power to use force: including opening fire, even to the extent of causing death if prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons or carrying arms and weapons, etc are in force in the disturbed area;
- Power to destroy structures: used as hide-outs, training camps, or as a place from which attacks are or likely to be launched, etc;
- Power to arrest: without warrant and to use force for the purpose;
- Power to enter and search premises: without a warrant to make arrest or recovery of hostages, arms and ammunition and stolen property etc.
Who can declare/notify such areas?
- The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.
Issues with AFSPA
- Power to kill: Section 4 of the Act granted officers the authority to “take any action” even to the extent to cause the death.
- Misconduct by Armed Forces: The issue of violation of human rights by actions of armed forces came under the consideration of the Committee on Amendments to Criminal Law (popularly known as Justice Verma Committee) set up in 2012. It observed that- in conflict zones, legal protection for women was neglected.
- Autocracy: The reality is that there is no evidence of any action being taken against any officer of the armed forces or paramilitary forces for their excesses.
Recommendations to repeal AFSPA
- Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy Commission: The 2004 Committee headed by Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy, the content of which has never officially been revealed by the Government, recommended that AFSPA be repealed.
- ARC II: The Administrative Reforms Commission in its 5th Report on ‘Public Order’ had also recommended that AFSPA be repealed.
Voices for repeal
- Human rights violations: The repeal of AFSPA is necessary not just for restoring constitutional sanity, but also as a way of acknowledging the dark history of our conduct in Nagaland.
- Need for ensuring individual dignity: The political incorporation of Nagaland (and all other areas where this law applies) will be set back if the guarantees of the individual dignity of the Indian Constitution are not extended.
- Not state of exception: We often describe AFSPA in terms of a “state of exception”. But this theoretical term is misleading. How can a law that has been in virtually continuous existence since 1958 be described as an “exception”.
- Lack of human empathy: At the heart of AFSPA is a profound mutilation of human empathy.
Conclusion
- To bring in lasting peace in the North East, the government needs to avoid the trap of watered-down peace accords.
- While the move to withdraw AFSPA is welcome, it needs to be gradually erased.
- For that, changes in the ground situation would be crucial. Mere smoke signals or drum-beating can never do the job.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN
Mains level: ASEAN summit, Indonesia's significant role, China challenges , India's concerns
What’s the news?
- In a recent ASEAN meeting, Indonesia, under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, successfully injected fresh perspectives into long-standing ASEAN stances.
Central idea
- The recent ASEAN meet in Jakarta, under Indonesia’s chairmanship, showcased the country’s adept handling of regional dynamics and its diplomatic finesse. With the president set to step down in 2024, this summit marked a high point in his leadership. Notably, eight ASEAN nations convened, with Myanmar excluded at the political level and Thailand undergoing a governmental transition.
Indonesia’s nuanced approach towards the Indo-Pacific
- Expanding the Arc of Prosperity: President Joko Widodo emphasized the need to expand the arc of prosperity within ASEAN. This highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to regional development and recognized the growing economic importance of the Indo-Pacific.
- ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF): Indonesia’s leadership resulted in the creation of the AIPF. This forum brought together government leaders from ASEAN countries, partner nations, and prominent figures from the business sector to discuss peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Functional Approach: Indonesia’s approach to the Indo-Pacific was notable for its functional orientation. It emphasized cooperation and collaboration over strategic rivalry, aligning with the Quad’s cooperative outlook.
- Balancing Act with China: While Indonesia’s stance did not explicitly confront China, the absence of China from the AIPF was noticeable. This raises questions about how Indonesia aims to balance its Indo-Pacific approach with its relationship with China.
- Inclusive Dialogue: Indonesia’s strategy sought to position ASEAN as a key player in shaping the Indo-Pacific’s future. It underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue and cooperation for regional stability and prosperity.
- Regional Stability and Prosperity: Indonesia’s approach acknowledges that regional stability and prosperity are best achieved through collaboration and engagement rather than through overt confrontation or rivalry.
Myanmar’s Conundrum
- Exclusion from Political Level: Myanmar’s absence from the political level at the recent ASEAN summit was consistent with the organization’s practice, highlighting the ongoing internal turmoil since the military coup in February 2021.
- Indonesia’s Pragmatic Approach: Indonesia, under its ASEAN Chairmanship, demonstrated a pragmatic stance toward the Myanmar issue, recognizing the limitations of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) framework intended for dialogue and resolution in Myanmar.
- Office of Special Envoy: Indonesia took a distinctive approach by establishing an office of the special envoy rather than appointing an individual special envoy, allowing for discreet engagement with Myanmar, neighboring nations, India, and ASEAN members.
- Facilitating Dialogue: The 5PC, once seen as a binding decision, is now considered a facilitating initiative, emphasizing Indonesia’s and ASEAN’s acknowledgment of the complexity of the Myanmar situation. This initiative aims to promote dialogue among various segments within Myanmar.
- Hosting of the ASEAN Summit: Myanmar’s exclusion from hosting the 2026 ASEAN summit highlighted the growing disconnect between the nation and the regional bloc. Historically, ASEAN used hosting privileges as leverage to address issues within member states, but their effectiveness in the current context remains uncertain.
China’s Challenge
- Primary Challenge for ASEAN: China poses the foremost challenge to ASEAN, especially concerning the looming big-power rivalry in the region. The call for peace and prosperity in the region is essentially a plea to prevent the United States and China from displaying their rivalry within ASEAN.
- Slow Progress on the Code of Conduct: Progress on the South China Sea (SCS) code of conduct has been sluggish. A significant point of contention is the differing interpretations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which creates obstacles to establishing a binding code of conduct.
- China’s Standard Map: China’s introduction of a new standard map that claims the territories of several countries, including those in the South China Sea, has added complexity to the situation. Notably, countries like India, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia raised their concerns about this map in bilateral discussions with China.
- Indonesia’s Cautious Approach: Indonesia, as the host of the ASEAN and East Asia Summit (EAS), maintained a cautious approach to the issue of China’s standard map during the summit, where the Chinese Premier was in attendance.
- Contradictions in Progress: The emphasis on UNCLOS and disputes over China’s map contradict the progress that ASEAN claims to have made on the code of conduct. The main purpose of the code is to govern the South China Sea as an international waterway, not as China’s domestic sea, as implied by the map.
Challenges to ASEAN Unity
- Myanmar’s Exclusion: A prominent challenge to ASEAN unity is the exclusion of Myanmar from political-level participation in the recent ASEAN summit. This exclusion stems from the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar, triggered by the military coup in February 2021.
- Thailand’s Transition: Thailand, another ASEAN member, is facing challenges due to its transitional government formed after an election. Consequently, it had official-level representation at the summit, raising concerns about the level of representation within ASEAN during crucial meetings.
India in the context of the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF)
- Participation in AIPF: India, along with the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, conducted side events at the AIPF. This suggests that India is actively engaged in discussions at the forum.
- Concerns Over China’s New Map: Several countries, including India, raised bilateral concerns with China regarding its new standard map. This map claims territories that other countries consider their own, causing diplomatic tensions.
- Interest in the South China Sea: India has a vested interest in the South China Sea due to its trade and strategic considerations. India has been monitoring developments in the region, including China’s territorial claims and their impact on freedom of navigation.
Why India Needs ASEAN?
- Significant Trade & Commercial Relations: ASEAN is a major destination for India’s service sectors and a vital source of foreign investments.
- Development of North East India: ASEAN provides an alternate route for India’s access to North Eastern India, facilitating development and strategic interests.
- Countering Chinese Expansion: Strengthening ties with ASEAN countries helps India counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Maritime Freedom: Collaboration with ASEAN ensures a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region based on a rules-based order.
- Support for Indian Initiatives: ASEAN’s support is crucial for India’s success in regional policies and initiatives.
- Emerging Market: India benefits from ASEAN’s agricultural and industrial products, while ASEAN relies on India’s demographic dividend.
- Global Reforms: ASEAN’s global influence aligns with India’s vision for reforms in international forums.
- Elevating India’s Global Status: Partnership with ASEAN enhances India’s geopolitical standing.
Strengthening ASEAN’s Position
- ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP): ASEAN is actively working to bolster its position by embracing the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP). This strategic framework emphasizes ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific region, aiming to reinforce its influence and relevance.
- Enhanced Coast Guard Coordination: ASEAN is prioritizing improved coordination among its coast guards. This approach signifies a commitment to safeguarding maritime security and effectively managing potential conflicts in the region’s waters.
- Joint Defense Exercises: ASEAN is engaging in joint defense exercises as part of its efforts to strengthen its position. These exercises are viewed as a robust response to the sluggish progress on the South China Sea (SCS) code of conduct, with the goal of enhancing regional security.
- Addressing Code of Conduct Challenges: The slow progress on the South China Sea code of conduct is a significant concern for ASEAN. To tackle this issue, ASEAN is promoting the AOIP and intensifying security cooperation, reflecting its determination to address the challenges related to the code of conduct.
- Continuity through Troika Leadership: In a bid to maintain continuity and unity within ASEAN, Indonesia has formed a troika with the upcoming chairs, Laos and Malaysia. This arrangement aims to provide guidance and ensure ASEAN’s stability and coherence in the face of ongoing challenges and transitions.
Conclusion
- Indonesia’s leadership during the ASEAN summit deserves commendation for maintaining stability amidst the region’s complex challenges. In a rapidly changing world, ASEAN’s stability remains of paramount importance. Indonesia’s collaboration with the upcoming chairs, Laos and Malaysia, signals continuity in charting ASEAN’s course forward.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election- Constitutional provisions
Mains level: One nation, one election plan, advantages and concerns and challenges and federalism
What’s the news?
- The Center has taken a significant step towards implementing the One Nation, One Election concept by forming a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Central idea
- The recently concluded special session of Parliament has brought into focus the idea of One Nation, One Election as a means to address the challenges posed by frequent elections in India. While this proposal has gained attention, it requires thorough examination and data-driven deliberation before any decisive steps are taken.
What is the ONOE plan?
- Concept: The ONOE plan aims to synchronize the timing of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states in India to reduce the frequency of election cycles nationwide.
- Historical Context:
- After the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, the first-ever general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies occurred simultaneously in 1951–1952.
- This practice continued for the following three Lok Sabha elections until 1967, streamlining the election process.
- Disruption:
- In 1959, the cycle was disrupted as the Central government invoked Article 356 of the Constitution, leading to the dismissal of the Kerala government due to a perceived failure of constitutional machinery.
- Subsequent to 1960, defections and counter-defections among political parties led to the dissolution of several state legislative assemblies.
- This fragmentation resulted in separate election cycles for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- Current Scenario: Presently, only specific states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha conduct their assembly polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.
Critical analysis
Excessive Expenditure: A Questionable Concern
- Rising Election Costs: The cost of elections has been steadily increasing. In 2019, the expenditure for the general elections was about Rs 9,000 crore, averaging about Rs 100 per voter.
- Political Party Spending: Political parties spent nearly Rs 3,000 crore during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with an estimated Rs 50,000 crore informally spent. Addressing this informal expenditure is a primary concern.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: The absence of comprehensive data on total public expenditure for separate versus simultaneous elections limits our understanding. To make informed decisions, a meticulous analysis of costs and potential savings is imperative.
Diversion of Duty: A Matter of Debate
- Essential Responsibility: While election duty is considered essential for security forces, it’s also a privilege for civilian officials.
- Lack of Statistical Data: The absence of statistical data showing the exact number of days dedicated to election duties for simultaneous versus separate elections hinders informed decision-making.
Disruption in Development: A Misconception
- Model Code of Conduct (MCC): The MCC primarily restricts certain categories of public expenditure during elections, not all development work.
- Need for Data: The lack of data demonstrating the extent of disruption in development work is a crucial gap in the argument against simultaneous elections.
- Historical Perspective: Flexibility in Democracy
Historical context reveals flexibility in Indian democracy:
- 15 Years of Simultaneous Elections: From 1951–52 to 1967, elections were held simultaneously for 15 years without a specific constitutional provision.
- Preserving Political Freedom: Imposing limits on election timing could curb political parties’ freedom to express a lack of confidence or engage in democratic processes.
Local autonomy vs. centralization
- Local Impact: State-level elections primarily concern local voters and leaders and should not unduly affect voters in other states or the central government.
- Centralization of Politics: Centralized campaigning diminishes the focus on local governance, weakening local democratic institutions and representation.
Urgent Priorities for Reform
- Pressing Issues Abound: India faces a multitude of pressing issues, from natural disasters to public agitations. These challenges can disrupt normal governance and require immediate attention.
- Nature’s Fury: Natural disasters, such as heavy rainfall or hazardous air quality, often paralyze regions and demand swift government response to alleviate suffering and manage the aftermath.
- Educational Disruptions: Factors like heatwaves or international events like the G20 meetings can lead to the closure of educational institutions, affecting students’ routines and demanding educational policy adjustments.
- Protracted Agitations: Protests and agitations, sometimes lasting for months, can bring normal life to a standstill, necessitating government intervention and resolution.
- Meaningful Electoral Reforms: Rather than focusing on the mechanical scheduling of elections, there is an urgent need for more substantial electoral reforms that enhance transparency and accountability.
- Managerial Efficiency: Improving the efficiency of election management can be achieved without the need for onerous constitutional amendments.
Conclusion
- The proposal for ONOE is intriguing but lacks the necessary data and robust debate to support its implementation. India should prioritize addressing more pressing governance issues and electoral reforms that enhance transparency.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Revolution
Mains level: Green Revolution and Contributions and the significant roles played by MS Swaminathan
What’s the news?
- Monkomb Sambasivan Swaminathan, the legendary agricultural scientist widely regarded as the Father of the Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98 on September 28. His contributions to agriculture in the 1960s and ’70s transformed India’s farming landscape, ushering in an era of food security.
Central idea
- The passing of MS Swaminathan marks the end of an era in Indian agriculture. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and his pioneering efforts in the Green Revolution have left an indomitable legacy. This op-ed is dedicated to the father of the Green Revolution.
Early life and education
- Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
- Initially, I aimed for a career in the civil services and even cleared the civil services examination.
- He switched to agriculture due to his passion, inspired by the Quit India Movement and the Bengal famine of 1942–43.
- He enrolled in the Agriculture College in Coimbatore to pursue his interest in agriculture.
Diverse Roles in Agriculture
- Swaminathan held various significant positions related to agriculture, both in India and abroad.
- His roles included Independent Chairman of the Food and Agricultural Organization Council (1981–85), President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1984–90), and President of the World Wide Fund for Nature (India) from 1989–96.
- He also served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), among other positions.
The Green Revolution: A Turning Point
- Swaminathan’s mission was to transform Indian agriculture.
- Introduced high-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation facilities, and promoted fertilizer use.
- Wheat production in India surged from 6 million tonnes in 1947 to 17 million tonnes between 1964 and 1968.
- The Green Revolution bolstered India’s food security and reduced dependence on imports.
Swaminathan’s Contributions to the Green Revolution
- Swaminathan worked on enhancing crop varieties, particularly rice and wheat.
- He pioneered the development of semi-dwarf wheat varieties to reduce lodging and boost yields.
- Collaboration with Norman Borlaug resulted in the introduction of dwarfing genes into wheat varieties, leading to the “Wheat Revolution.”
- Swaminathan recognized the challenges of the Green Revolution, including the displacement of local crop varieties, soil fertility conservation issues, and indiscriminate pesticide use.
- He also noted the risks of overexploiting groundwater.
Advocacy for Farmers
- As the head of the National Commission on Farmers from 2004 to 2006, Swaminathan advocated for the welfare of farmers.
- He recommended that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce should be at least 50% more than the cost of production, ensuring fair compensation to farmers.
Awards and recognition
- Swaminathan was awarded the first World Food Prize Laureate in 1987 for his contributions to India’s wheat and rice production.
- He received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors.
Conclusion
- As we remember the Father of the Green Revolution, we must also reflect on the challenges that persist in Indian agriculture and work towards a sustainable and equitable future. Swaminathan’s vision and dedication will continue to inspire generations of agricultural scientists and policymakers in their pursuit of a food-secure India.
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