Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Blitzscaling
Mains level: Quotes and key phrases
Central idea
WeWork’s rise and fall highlight the risks of market confusion, flawed strategies, and capital mismanagement for entrepreneurs. The lesson is to learn from mistakes, align strategies with industry needs, and wisely respect and utilize capital for lasting success. Build businesses with a clear market understanding, thoughtful strategies, and prudent financial management.
Quotes and key phrases for mains value addition
- “Cautionary tale of what entrepreneurship is not.”
- “Entrepreneurship is the pursuit of unrealistic ambition against odds.”
- “WeWork confused a large market with a large addressable market.”
- “Blitzscaling – prioritizing growth over avoiding losses – formulated by Reid Hoffman.”
- “How much money you spend to make the money you make matters.”
- “Boards that act as hearing aids, mirrors, and seat belts.”
- “Society benefits from innovation but doesn’t know which ventures will succeed.”
- “Most startups fail, society only needs a few successes for gains.”
- “Rise and fall of WeWork suggests caution for entrepreneurs about presentism.”
- “Learn from experience, not just through experience.”
Key Highlights:
- WeWork’s Rise and Fall: WeWork went from a startup with a $47 billion valuation to bankruptcy, cautioning against presentism in entrepreneurship.
- Entrepreneurial Reality: Most startups fail, but society benefits from the innovation, productivity, and job creation that successful ventures bring.
Challenges:
- Market Confusion: WeWork misunderstood its market, confusing office space with the addressable market for co-working spaces, leading to a flawed strategy.
- Blitzscaling Misapplication: The concept of blitzscaling, prioritizing growth over avoiding losses, doesn’t universally apply, and WeWork’s attempt in property leasing proved unsuccessful.
- Capital Mismanagement: WeWork excelled at fundraising but failed to respect and utilize capital effectively, overlooking the importance of return on equity.
- Governance Issues: WeWork’s board allowed questionable actions by founder Adam Neumann, compromising integrity, and applauding instead of questioning decisions.
- Sustainability Neglect: WeWork’s culture discouraged dissent, hindering a balance between short-term gains and long-term corporate health.
Analysis:
- Addressable Market Confusion: WeWork’s mislabeling of itself as a “tech-enabled physical, social network” led to unrealistic ambitions and unsustainable business practices.
- Blitzscaling Misfit: Blitzscaling, effective in specific markets, didn’t suit property leasing, highlighting the importance of aligning strategies with industry dynamics.
- Capital Management Lesson: The quantity of capital raised couldn’t compensate for the lack of a solid strategy, emphasizing the importance of smart spending.
- Governance Oversight: Weak governance allowed unchecked actions by the founder, showcasing the need for vigilant boards to ensure ethical practices.
- Cultural Impact: WeWork’s culture stifled dissent, hindering a healthy exchange of ideas between thinkers and doers, impacting long-term sustainability.
Key Data:
- WeWork’s Funding: WeWork raised $16 billion in equity and $19 billion in debt, showcasing significant financial backing.
Key Terms:
- Blitzscaling: The strategy of prioritizing rapid growth over avoiding losses, proven effective in specific industries.
Way Forward:
- Learn from Mistakes: Entrepreneurship requires learning from failures, and the WeWork example highlights the importance of reflection for future success.
- Strategic Alignment: Entrepreneurs must align strategies with the nature of their industry, avoiding misapplications like blitzscaling in unsuitable markets.
- Capital Respect: Fundraising is crucial, but respecting and utilizing capital wisely is equally important for sustained success.
- Enhanced Governance: Strong governance practices, including vigilant boards, are essential to prevent unethical actions and ensure long-term corporate health.
- Cultural Adaptation: Encourage a culture that values dissent and promotes a healthy balance between short-term gains and long-term corporate sustainability.
In conclusion, WeWork’s downfall serves as a lesson in avoiding presentism in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for strategic alignment, effective capital management, vigilant governance, and a culture that encourages diverse perspectives.
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Central idea
Diwali celebrates relationships with traditions, but modern challenges like too much focus on oneself and lack of understanding hurt connections. To improve, we need to balance our personal space, be genuine, spend quality time, and fix how we communicate. Diwali reminds us to make our relationships brighter by fixing these things.
Key Highlights:
- Diwali as Celebration of Relationships: Diwali is a celebration of relationships, encompassing various bonds such as family, friends, and societal connections.
- Rituals Reflecting Values: Traditional Diwali rituals symbolize prosperity, good health, and artistic talents, emphasizing the importance of these aspects in our lives.
- Relationship Cultivation Discourse: The academic discourse on relationship cultivation has primarily been within corporate contexts, like public relations and industrial relations.
Challenges:
- Individualism vs. Collective Spirit: The modern emphasis on personal space and individual choice sometimes overlooks the importance of the collective spirit, leading to potential fragmentation of relationships and societies.
- Understanding Relationship Prerequisites: A lack of understanding about the key elements essential for strong relationships, such as mutual needs and genuine intentions.
- Time Investment: In the era of the “attention economy,” there’s a growing trend of seeking maximum returns with minimal time investment, impacting the depth and quality of relationships.
- Communication Challenges: Poor language skills, influenced by smartphone habits, contribute to challenges in dialogues and conversations. The rise of “phubbing” (snubbing in favor of phones) can negatively impact relationships.
Analysis:
- Impact of Individualism: Extreme individualist thinking can contribute to the breakdown of collective values, leading to the fragmentation of families and societies.
- Relationship Sustainability: Genuine intentions and mutual needs are identified as foundational elements for sustainable relationships.
- Time as a Critical Investment: Adequate investment of time, especially quality time, is crucial for the evolution and maintenance of relationships.
Key Data:
- 2017 Study on Phubbing: Meredith E David and James Roberts conducted a study indicating that phubbing can lead to a decline in crucial adult relationships, particularly with life partners.
Key Terms for mains value addition:
- Phubbing: The practice of snubbing others in favor of mobile phones, identified as a detrimental factor in relationships.
Way Forward:
- Balancing Individualism and Collectivism: Finding a balance between personal space and the collective spirit to strengthen relationships.
- Promoting Genuine Intentions: Emphasizing the importance of authentic emotions and intentions in building and sustaining relationships.
- Conscious Time Investment: Encouraging stakeholders to invest adequate and quality time in various relationships, acknowledging its importance in relationship dynamics.
- Addressing Communication Challenges: Recognizing the impact of smartphones on interpersonal communication and striving for more authentic and meaningful conversations.
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Central idea
The U.S. changed its digital trade stance, wanting more control over Big Tech and AI. China’s rise influenced this, creating a possible digital Cold War. Developing nations should make strong digital rules but avoid depending too much on the U.S. or China.
Key Highlights:
- The U.S. withdrawal from key digital trade positions at the WTO signifies a shift in global digital dynamics.
- The move is prompted by the recognition of the need for domestic policy space to regulate Big Tech and AI, impacting data flows, source code, and computing facilities.
- The China factor emerges as a significant reason behind the U.S. decision, as a digital Cold War scenario looms between the U.S. and China.
Challenges:
- The potential split of the global digital space into U.S. and China-led blocs poses challenges for countries caught in the crossfire.
- Developing nations must navigate the risk of digital dependencies on either the U.S. or China, avoiding entanglement in a new form of digital Cold War.
Key Phrases:
- Digital colonisation and extractive nature.
- Digital trade proposals as an agenda at plurilateral trade negotiations and the WTO.
- The flat world concept and its evolution into a split digital world.
Analysis:
- The withdrawal is seen as a shift from the flat world narrative, with the U.S. adapting to a more complex digital landscape influenced by the rise of China.
- The U.S. emphasis on preserving policy space for domestic regulation highlights the recognition of the importance of digital control in the era of Big Tech and AI.
Key Data:
- The U.S. withdrawal in late October from digital trade positions at the WTO.
- China’s active participation in global digital trade negotiations and its potential to outsmart the U.S. digitally
Key Terms to enrich your upsc mains answer:
- Digital colonisation.
- ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development).
- Digital Cold War.
- Digital industrial policies.
- Global-scale interoperability.
Way Forward:
- Developing countries should leverage the global consensus on the need for strong digital regulations to shape new paradigms for national digital regulation.
- Resistance against falling into a digital Cold War trap, emphasizing the creation of open global standards and digital public infrastructures for genuine global interoperability.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Various acts
Mains level: Criminal justice system
Central idea
The government wants to change some important laws in India, causing questions about making them more modern and fair. The study says that the government should be very careful when making these changes to ensure that the new laws are fair and work well. The main idea is to check and fix the laws to make sure they are right for today.
| Core Laws |
Replacement Bills |
| Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 |
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill |
| Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 |
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill |
| Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872 |
Bharatiya Sakshya Bill |
Definitions and drafting of new bills
- Mental Illness Exception in IPC Replacement Bill: The new Bill, replacing the IPC, introduces a provision exempting individuals suffering from mental illness from being considered offenders. This marks a shift from the previous term “unsound mind.”
- Definition Alignment with Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: The definition of mental illness in the Bill aligns with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, aiming to provide medical treatment to those with mental illness. Notably, mental retardation or incomplete development is excluded, while abuse of alcohol or drugs is included.
- Differential Exemption Based on Condition: The new Bill grants full exemption to individuals addicted to alcohol or drugs under the mental illness exception. However, those unable to understand the consequences of their actions due to mental retardation are not granted the same exemption.
- Retention of Obsolete Illustrations: The existing laws, including the IPC, incorporated illustrations from daily life to explain their provisions. Despite some illustrations becoming obsolete, they have been retained in the new Bill.
- Need for Modernization in Illustrations: Recognizing the changing times, there is a suggestion that the illustrations, such as people riding chariots, firing cannons, and being carried on palanquins, should be updated to reflect contemporary events from modern life. This aims to enhance the relevance and clarity of the legal framework.
Seven issues related to modernising jurisprudence
- Exclusion of Civil Law: The Bills are questioned on whether they appropriately exclude civil law issues, despite the CrPC’s provisions for post-divorce maintenance and compounding certain offences. The new Bills retain these provisions.
- Reformative vs. Punitive System: The Bills’ approach towards a reformative system is examined with the introduction of community service as a punishment. However, non-compoundability of minor offences, leading to trial and conviction, raises concerns.
- Integration of Public Order and Prosecution: The CrPC’s structure, encompassing public order and criminal prosecution, is retained in the new Bills, prompting consideration on whether this integration is appropriate.
- Codification of Supreme Court Directions: The Bills are critiqued for not codifying various Supreme Court directions, excluding procedures for mercy petitions, thus creating potential gaps in the legal framework.
- Consistency of Implementation: The Bills’ retention of wide sentencing ranges for certain offences is examined for its impact on ensuring consistency in implementing penalties across cases.
- Age Provisions for Modern Norms: The need for updating age provisions in line with modern norms is questioned, specifically exploring whether age thresholds for criminal responsibility should be raised.
- Update of Gender-Related Offences: The Bills align with Supreme Court judgments by removing Section 377 and addressing gender-related offences. However, the omission of making marital rape an offence, despite recommendations from the Justice Verma Committee in 2013, is noted.
Key Phrases from article to fetch good marks in mains:
- Legislative Overhaul
- Reformative vs. Punitive
- Public Order and Prosecution
- Supreme Court Directions
- Consistency of Implementation
- Gender Offenses
Critical analysis
The bills offer a legislative overhaul, but challenges arise in areas of overlap with special laws, gaps in Supreme Court directions, and concerns about consistency in sentencing. The debate over reformative vs. punitive systems, age thresholds, and gender offenses adds complexity to the proposed changes.
Key Data:
- IPC Enacted: 1860
- CrPC Enacted: 1973
- IEA Enacted: 1872
- Legal Metrology Act, 2009
- Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
Overlap of new laws with special laws
- Historical Context of IPC: The IPC, established in 1860, serves as the primary legislation outlining offenses and penalties, shaping the foundation of the Indian legal system.
- Issue of Duplication and Inconsistency:Concerns arise as the IPC, along with the proposed replacement Bill, continues to specify certain offenses and penalties, leading to duplication and inconsistencies across various laws.
- Addressing Specific Overlaps: Positive instances of addressing overlaps are noted, such as the removal of IPC provisions related to weights and measures by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
- Persistent Overlaps in New Bill: Despite some adjustments, the new Bill, like the IPC, exhibits overlaps with several other Acts, including those related to food adulteration, sale of adulterated drugs, bonded labor, and rash driving.
- Abortion as an Offense: Noteworthy is the retention of abortion as an offense in the new Bill, even though the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 permits it under specific conditions.
- Maintenance of a Parent Provision: The Bill replacing CrPC maintains the provision for the maintenance of a parent, despite a specific Act passed in 2007 addressing this matter. This raises questions about consistency and necessity.
Way Forward:
- Parliament needs to carefully examine the bills to ensure fairness, justice, and efficiency in the criminal justice system.
- Address concerns related to overlap with special laws, sentencing ranges, and gaps in codifying Supreme Court directions.
- Consider updating outdated illustrations and ensuring clarity in definitions for a modernized legal framework.
- Deliberate on the debate over reformative vs. punitive systems, age thresholds, and gender-related offenses for a comprehensive legislative approach.
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Central idea
The Supreme Court addresses urgent concerns over Delhi’s severe air pollution, emphasizing the need to immediately halt stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab. Stubble burning, contributing nearly 38% to pollution, poses health risks, and the court advocates for swift measures, including economic incentives, to shift farmers away from paddy cultivation.
Key Highlights:
- Supreme Court urges adjoining states to curb stubble burning as Delhi’s air quality index breaches 400.
- Biomass burning, particularly stubble burning, contributes significantly to Delhi’s pollution, posing health risks and potential loss of 11.9 years of life for residents.
- Urgent action required to control stubble burning in Punjab, which accounts for a major portion of pollution.
Challenges:
- Stubble burning persists despite attempts to stop, revealing a breakdown in law and order.
- Inefficient alternatives and lack of farmer incentives contribute to the continuation of stubble burning.
- Over-reliance on rice and wheat in the Public Distribution System leads to environmental harm and health issues.
Key Phrases:
- Decision Support System for air quality management.
- Air Quality Life Index report by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute.
- Greenhouse gas emissions from paddy cultivation in Punjab.
- Subsidy on paddy cultivation and its impact on farmers’ choices.
Analysis:
- Biomass burning, especially stubble burning, is a major contributor to Delhi’s pollution, overshadowing the impact of transport and construction.
- The Supreme Court emphasizes the need to cut paddy cultivation in Punjab-Haryana and suggests alternatives to curb stubble burning.
- Economic incentives and policy changes are crucial to wean farmers away from paddy cultivation and address environmental concerns.
Key Data:
- Biomass burning, mainly stubble burning, accounts for 37.85% of Delhi’s pollution.
- Punjab farmers receive a subsidy of almost Rs 30,000/ha for paddy cultivation.
- Loss of 11.9 years of life for Delhi residents due to pollution.
Key Facts:
- The water table in Sangrur, Punjab, has gone down by 25 meters in the last 20 years.
- Stubble burning remains a significant challenge despite efforts by officials.
Key words for mains answer value addition:
- Stubble burning.
- Public Distribution System.
- Decision Support System.
- Air Quality Life Index.
- Greenhouse gas emissions.
Way Forward:
- Implement strong measures to control stubble burning, making the local Station House Office (SHO) responsible.
- Incentivize farmers to switch from paddy to pulses, oilseeds, and millets to create a crop-neutral incentive structure.
- Encourage private sector investment in ethanol plants based on maize to reduce reliance on paddy and lower air pollution from vehicular traffic.
- Limit paddy procurement by state agencies in areas with fast-depleting water tables and where farmers continue stubble burning.
- Promote a diversified market by offering nutritious crops through fair price shops, reducing reliance on rice and wheat and minimizing environmental impact.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Coal Index
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a recent development, the National Coal Index (NCI) saw a substantial rise in September, marking its first increase since April 2023.
- This surge in the NCI is linked to global coal price fluctuations and holds significant implications for India’s coal sector.
Understanding the National Coal Index (NCI)
- What is it? The NCI is a price index which reflects the change in the price level of coal on a particular month relative to the fixed base year.
- Release: It is released every month by the Ministry of Coal.
- Launch: The NCI was introduced on June 4, 2020, as a tool to monitor coal price fluctuations relative to a fixed base year FY 2017-18.
- Price Indicator: The NCI serves as a crucial price indicator that combines coal prices from various sources, including notified prices, auction prices, and import prices.
- Basis for Premiums: It plays a vital role in determining premium rates, either on a per-tonne basis or through revenue sharing, using a market-based approach.
Components of NCI
- Sub-Indices: NCI comprises five distinct sub-indices, encompassing three for Non-Coking Coal and two for Coking Coal. These sub-indices are amalgamated to derive the final Index for Non-Coking and Coking Coal, making them distinctly separate.
- Customized Revenue Shares: Based on the coal grade associated with a mine, the relevant sub-index is employed to determine the revenue share.
Factors behind the NCI Surge
- Global Price Impact: The recent uptick in the NCI is primarily influenced by a temporary rise in global coal prices, which has reverberated in the Indian coal market.
- Seasonal Demand: With the festive season and winter approaching in India, the demand for coal has risen, prompting coal producers to boost domestic production to meet the growing energy needs.
- Power Sector Growth: India has experienced a surge in coal demand, particularly from the power sector, driven by increased electricity requirements.
- Continued Coal Imports: Power plants have continued to import coal as part of the coal blending mandate set by the power ministry.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stable Aurora Arc
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Recently, the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Ladakh has astounded the world with mesmerizing images of a rare red-colored aurora, known as a Stable Auroral Arc (SAR).
What is Stable Auroral Arc (SAR)?
- Rare Phenomenon: SAR is a unique atmospheric occurrence witnessed during a potent G3-class geomagnetic storm.
- Unconventional Origins: Unlike typical auroras resulting from space borne charged particles colliding with the atmosphere, SAR arcs have a distinct genesis.
- Sign of Energy Flow: SAR arcs signify the transfer of heat energy into the upper atmosphere from Earth’s ring current system, a circular pathway carrying massive electrical currents encircling our planet.
- Geomagnetic Storm Influence: During the recent geomagnetic storm, the ring current was dynamically charged due to prolonged intense geomagnetic activity, leading to the manifestation of SAR arcs.
- Global Impact: This celestial event left its celestial mark across several regions worldwide.
How is it formed?
- Solar Wind Interaction: Aurora formation begins when the sun emits charged particles from its corona, creating solar wind. Upon colliding with Earth’s ionosphere, the mesmerizing aurora takes shape.
- Northern and Southern Counterparts: In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s recognized as the northern lights (aurora borealis), while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s referred to as the southern lights (aurora australis).
- Magnetic Dance: The varying appearance of auroras in different hemispheres is attributed, in part, to the intricate interplay between the sun’s magnetic field and Earth’s magnetic field.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Contributory Pension Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- A report on Kerala’s contributory pension scheme (introduced in 2013) has been released after a recent Supreme Court verdict.
- This scheme, introduced in 2013, has sparked a debate due to its financial impact on the state.
- Let’s take a closer look at the National Pension System (NPS), Kerala’s pension scenario, and the findings of the review committee report.
NPS: A Quick Recap
- What is NPS? The National Pension System (NPS) is a contributory pension scheme initiated by the Indian government in 2004, extending to various states, including Kerala.
- How It Works: Under NPS, a fund is built from contributions made by employees and employers during their employment. Unlike the previous pension scheme funded by the government, NPS involves purchasing an annuity scheme at retirement, providing the pensioner with an annuity.
Kerala’s Pension Scenario
- Pension Challenges: Kerala faces rising pension liabilities, mainly due to a high life expectancy post-retirement and an increasing number of employees enrolled in NPS.
- Budget Impact: The state allocates a significant portion of its budget to committed expenditure, including salaries, pensions, and interest payments. Pension accounts for 21% of this expenditure.
- Contributions: Employees who joined after April 2013 contribute 10% of their salary (including dearness allowance) to the NPS corpus.
The Review Committee Report
- No Revocation Recommended: The review committee did not recommend scrapping the NPS, stating it was legally sound.
- Alternative Recommendations: It suggested raising the state government’s contribution from 10% to 14% and including dearness allowance at 14%. The report also proposed allowing death-cum-retirement gratuity for NPS subscribers.
Why the Report Supports NPS?
- Long-Term Perspective: The committee viewed pension matters from a long-term perspective, stating that continuing NPS would eventually reduce pension outgo as a share of the state’s GDP.
- Reducing Revenue Deficit: As pension outgo decreases, the share of revenue deficit also falls, freeing up resources for capital spending and social services.
Arguments against NPS in Kerala
- Low Annuities: Retirees under NPS have reported receiving meager annuities compared to the old pension scheme.
- Market Risks: Concerns exist about the impact of stock market crashes on NPS investments, as contributions are invested in various assets.
- Demand for Reintroduction: Some states have reintroduced statutory pension schemes due to employee demand.
Conclusion
- The review report favors retaining NPS in Kerala, emphasizing its long-term financial benefits.
- However, concerns about low annuities and market risks persist, prompting some states to consider returning to the old pension scheme.
- The debate over Kerala’s contributory pension scheme continues amid financial and welfare considerations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Guidelines for Speedy Disposal of Cases against Lawmakers
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to ensure the quick resolution of criminal cases involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) across India.
- These guidelines aim to address the long-pending issue of lawmakers facing criminal charges.
Background
- Advocate’s Plea: These directions were issued in response to a plea filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay in August 2016.
- Key Demands: Upadhyay’s plea sought the swift handling of cases involving legislators and a lifetime ban on convicted politicians, including those currently in office, instead of the existing six-year disqualification mentioned in Section 8(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
Understanding the Representation of People Act (RPA), 1951
- Purpose: The RPA, 1951, introduced by Dr. BR Ambedkar, governs the conduct of elections to India’s parliament and state legislatures.
- Content: It covers various aspects, including qualifications and disqualifications for membership, corrupt practices, and offenses related to elections.
- Section 8: Section 8 of the RPA deals specifically with the disqualification of legislators on conviction for certain offenses, such as promoting enmity between groups, bribery, undue influence, and offenses related to hoarding, profiteering, or adulteration of food or drugs.
- Section 8(3): This subsection states that a person convicted of an offense and sentenced to imprisonment for at least two years will be disqualified from the date of conviction and continue to be disqualified for an additional six years after release. In essence, it imposes a six-year disqualification on individuals convicted of offenses with a minimum two-year prison sentence.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
- Guidelines for Speedy Disposal: The Supreme Court, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, laid down guidelines for the prompt resolution of pending criminal cases against lawmakers.
- Suo Motu Cases: High courts across India are directed to establish a “special bench” to oversee criminal cases involving legislators. High courts can also register such cases on their own initiative.
- Flexible Approach: The court allows the chief justices of high courts to hear these cases or designate specific benches for this purpose. These cases may be listed regularly if needed, and the special bench can seek assistance from the advocate general or prosecutor.
- High Court Role: To efficiently manage these cases, the Supreme Court leaves it to high courts to devise suitable measures.
- Priority Cases: The court emphasizes prioritizing cases against lawmakers that carry the possibility of death or life imprisonment. Cases with sentences of five years or more are also given priority.
- HC’s Authority: High courts are empowered to issue similar orders and directions for effective case disposal. They can involve the Principal District and Sessions Judge in allocating cases to appropriate courts.
Conclusion
- The Supreme Court’s guidelines are aimed at expediting the resolution of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs and ensuring justice is served promptly.
- While these guidelines address the issue of speedy disposal, the larger question of replacing the six-year disqualification with a lifetime ban remains open for future consideration.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election Expenditure in India
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Campaign financing plays a pivotal role in democratic societies, yet the approach to regulating it must be tailored to the nuances of each country’s political system.
- As exemplified by the United States and India, where political dynamics vary significantly, it is imperative to adopt a framework that aligns with the prevailing political landscape.
Tap to read more about Ceiling on Election Expenditures in India
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/election-campaign-funding-by-political-parties/ |
Understanding Political Systems:
- US Individual-Centric Elections: In the United States, elections revolve around individual candidates and their campaign machinery, even at the national presidential level.
- India’s Party-Centric Politics: Conversely, India, akin to most parliamentary systems, places political parties at the core of electoral politics. Therefore, India’s campaign finance framework should primarily focus on parties rather than individual candidates.
Key Aspects of an Effective Framework:
A comprehensive campaign finance framework necessitates attention to four critical facets: regulating donations, imposing expenditure limits, public financing, and disclosure requirements.
(A) Donations:
- Regulation and Limitation: To prevent undue influence, some individuals or organizations, such as foreign entities, may be prohibited from making contributions.
- Donation Limits: Donation limits are crucial to thwart the dominance of a few major donors, be they individuals, corporations, or civil society organizations. For instance, the US employs varying contribution limits based on donor types, while the UK relies on expenditure limits.
(B) Expenditure Limits:
- Balancing Political Competitiveness: Expenditure limits serve as a bulwark against a financial arms race among political parties, allowing them to focus on winning votes rather than fundraising.
- Examples: In the UK, political parties are restricted from spending more than £30,000 per contested seat. However, the US’s expansive interpretation of the First Amendment has hindered efforts to impose expenditure limits.
(C) Public Financing:
- Two Approaches: Public funding can be allocated based on predetermined criteria, like Germany’s system that considers past votes, membership fees, and private donations. Alternatively, democracy vouchers, as seen in Seattle, USA, allow voters to allocate public funds to candidates of their choice.
- Challenge: Public funding may complement private donations but does not fully address the task of regulating private money.
(D) Disclosure Requirements:
- Balancing Transparency and Anonymity: Disclosure nudges voters away from electing politicians involved in quid pro quo arrangements. However, mandatory disclosure isn’t always desirable, as it may deter donations by exposing donors to retaliation.
- Anonymity’s Role: Anonymity can protect donors from retribution or extortion. Striking a balance between transparency and anonymity is a challenge faced by many jurisdictions.
Chilean Experiment: Complete Anonymity?
- Chile’s “Reserved Contributions”: Chile’s system aimed at “complete anonymity” allowed donors to contribute to political parties via the Electoral Service, which forwarded the sum without revealing the donor’s identity.
- Coordination Challenges: Despite the intent for complete anonymity, coordination between donors and parties compromised the system’s efficacy.
Balancing Transparency and Anonymity in Political Finance
- An Effective Approach: Many jurisdictions strike a balance by allowing anonymity for small donors while mandating disclosure for large donations.
- Examples: In the UK, political parties must report donations exceeding £7,500 in a year, while the US and Germany set limits at $200 and €10,000, respectively.
- Rationale: Small donors typically have less influence and are more vulnerable to partisan victimization, while large donors may engage in quid pro quo arrangements.
Challenges in India’s Framework
- Lack of Donation Limits: India has no limits on individual or corporate contributions, and the 2017 Finance Act removed official contribution limits.
- Expenditure Limits: Parties can spend freely, albeit not on individual candidates.
- Disclosure Requirements: Parties are only obligated to disclose donations exceeding ₹20,000, creating a loophole as they split large donations into smaller amounts.
- Electoral Bonds: Since 2017, electoral bonds have allowed large donors to hide their contributions.
Changing Dynamics in Indian Politics
- Involvement of Third Parties: India has witnessed a surge in the engagement of political consultancies, campaign groups, and civil society organizations in political campaigns, mirroring trends seen in the US.
- Need for Rethinking: The evolving political landscape necessitates a reevaluation of India’s 20th-century political funding framework.
Conclusion
- Crafting a campaign finance framework requires an astute understanding of a nation’s political system and its nuances.
- By adapting strategies that regulate donations, impose expenditure limits, facilitate public financing, and balance transparency with anonymity, countries like India can ensure that their campaign finance frameworks evolve to meet the challenges of the modern political landscape.
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Central idea
Delhi grapples with severe smog, prompting emergency measures to curb pollution, including restricting vehicles. Despite past efforts to mitigate vehicular emissions, the city faces challenges in reducing dependence on personal vehicles. The article emphasizes the need for stronger political will, effective restraints, and enhanced public transport to address the persistent air quality and mobility crisis in Delhi.
Key Highlights:
- Delhi faces severe smog, prompting emergency measures to curb pollution, including restrictions on vehicles.
- Vehicles contribute significantly to Delhi’s air pollution, with official data indicating a 40% emission of particulate load.
- Despite previous efforts, vehicular emissions remain challenging to mitigate, with over 80 lakh on-road vehicles in Delhi.
Challenges:
- Cumulative emissions from increasing vehicle numbers and congestion undermine emission improvements per unit.
- Personal automobile dependence persists, with a 47% growth in car numbers during 2022-23.
- The shift to public transport is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, low passenger numbers per bus, and a lack of effective restraints on personal vehicle usage.
Key Phrases:
- “Crippling mobility crisis” in Delhi due to emergency measures restricting vehicles.
- “Gut reaction” to underplay the role of vehicles in air pollution amid public criticism.
Analysis: The article underscores the persistent challenge of vehicular emissions in Delhi, despite past efforts to curb pollution. It highlights the need for a substantial shift to public transport to address the mobility crisis and reduce dependence on personal vehicles.
Key Data:
- Over 80 lakh on-road vehicles in Delhi, with car numbers witnessing a 47% growth in 2022-23.
- Transport diesel consumption reduced by 46% between 2014 and 2022.
- Only 7,041 buses against the mandated 10,000, with a 48% drop in passengers carried per bus since 2017-18.
Key Facts:
- Despite emission improvements, Delhi’s air quality remains a concern, leading to emergency measures.
- Public transport ridership faces challenges, with a drop in passengers per bus and increased empty kilometres.
- The article emphasizes the need for stronger political will to restrain personal vehicle usage and promote public transport.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen political will to implement effective restraints on personal vehicle usage, such as parking rules and congestion pricing.
- Focus on making integrated public transport more convenient, accessible, and affordable.
- Implement scalable solutions, including a dense street network for walking and cycling, and housing closer to transit nodes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Schemes and facts
Mains level: Evaluation of schemes
Central idea
The article scrutinizes various Union government welfare schemes, citing issues in health insurance, education, water mission, nutrition, financial inclusion, and minority scholarships. It urges corrective measures to rectify identified challenges, emphasizing the reassessment of budget allocations for improved transparency and program efficacy.
Key Highlights:
- Critique of BJP’s welfare schemes, questioning their effectiveness and highlighting discrepancies.
- Examination of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM POSHAN, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Minority Scholarships.
- Mention of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report exposing issues in Ayushman Bharat, including fraudulent practices.
- Emphasis on the allocation and utilization of funds in schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and PM POSHAN.
- Challenges in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, particularly the slow progress in providing functional tap connections.
- Criticism of the decrease in allocation for PM POSHAN despite the persisting issue of child malnutrition.
- Statistics revealing issues in Jan Dhan Yojana, including a high percentage of zero-balance accounts and decreased claim settlements.
Key Phrases for mains marks enhancement:
- “Hype than substance” in describing BJP’s welfare schemes.
- “Glaring discrepancies” in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, as highlighted by CAG.
- “Measly budget allocation” for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and structural barriers to girls’ education.
- “Certified” villages under Jal Jeevan Mission and the slow progress in providing tap connections.
- “Decrease in allocation” for PM POSHAN despite the prevalence of child malnutrition.
- “Zero balance accounts” and “dormant or inoperative” Jan Dhan accounts.
- “Discontinuation” and “reduction of funding” for Minority Scholarships, impacting educational opportunities.
Analysis:
The article critically examines several welfare schemes launched by the BJP government, questioning their impact and effectiveness. It highlights discrepancies in implementation, allocation, and utilization of funds in schemes related to healthcare, education, water supply, nutrition, and financial inclusion. The analysis draws attention to issues such as fraudulent practices, slow progress in achieving objectives, and reductions in budget allocations despite persistent challenges.
Key Data:
- 5 lakh beneficiaries linked with a single cell phone number in Ayushman Bharat.
- 80% of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao funds spent on media campaigns.
- Only 35% of villages under Jal Jeevan Mission certified for providing drinking water.
- Rs 11,600 crore allocation for PM POSHAN in 2023, a 9% decrease from the previous year.
- Over 8% of Jan Dhan accounts as zero balance, and 18% either dormant or inoperative.
- Discontinuation of the Maulana Azad Fellowship scheme and reduction of funds for Minority Scholarships.
Ayushman Bharat:
- Challenges: Glaring discrepancies highlighted by the CAG, including fraudulent practices and data manipulation.
- Analysis: The scheme faces credibility issues due to these discrepancies, raising questions about its transparency and effectiveness.
- Way Forward: Implement corrective measures based on the CAG report findings to ensure transparency and accountability.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:
- Challenges: Heavy spending on media campaigns (80%), structural barriers hindering girls’ education.
- Analysis: Allocation concerns and structural barriers indicate shortcomings in achieving the scheme’s objectives.
- Way Forward: Reevaluate budget allocations, focusing on direct implementation and addressing barriers to girls’ education.
Jal Jeevan Mission:
- Challenges: Slow progress in providing functional tap connections, only 35% of villages certified.
- Analysis: Concerns about achieving objectives by the 2024 deadline due to slow progress and incomplete certifications.
- Way Forward: Intensify efforts to expedite tap connections and ensure the certification of remaining villages.
PM POSHAN:
- Challenges: Decreased budget allocation (9% reduction), persisting child malnutrition issues.
- Analysis: Despite the prevalence of child malnutrition, reduced funding raises concerns about the scheme’s impact.
- Way Forward: Reconsider budget decisions to align with the magnitude of challenges and enhance the effectiveness of nutritional interventions.
Jan Dhan Yojana:
- Challenges: High percentage of zero-balance accounts (8%) and decreased claim settlements.
- Analysis: Issues with inactive accounts and declining claim settlements indicate challenges in the scheme’s implementation.
- Way Forward: Enhance outreach and awareness programs to ensure the effective utilization of financial inclusion schemes.
Minority Scholarships:
- Challenges: Discontinuation of Maulana Azad Fellowship, reduction of funds for educational opportunities.
- Analysis: Discontinuation and reduced funding impact educational opportunities for minorities.
- Way Forward: Reconsider decisions to discontinue or reduce funding, supporting educational opportunities for minorities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Statistical data
Mains level: Growth sectors
Central idea
India’s robust economic growth faces challenges in digital inclusion, governance equity, and managing post-COVID-19 effects. Government initiatives, encompassing reforms, infrastructure focus, and poverty alleviation, drive progress. Recognizing successes and addressing shortcomings is vital for informed public discourse and sustained development momentum.
Key Highlights:
- Impressive Economic Growth: India’s post-COVID-19 economic growth is remarkable, with FY2023 showing a YoY growth of 7.2%, the fastest among major economies.
- Policy Reforms Driving Growth: Government initiatives, including economic liberalization, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), demonetization, GST, and corporate tax reduction, have propelled India’s economic trajectory.
- Inclusive Growth Focus: The government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas” reflects in poverty alleviation, rural welfare, and inclusive growth measures, leading to improved living standards.
- Multidimensional Poverty Reduction: NITI Aayog’s report indicates a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty, with 13.5 crore Indians escaping poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
- Agricultural Success: Support for agriculture has resulted in unprecedented growth in fruits, vegetables, dairy, livestock, and fishery, enhancing the nutritional value of the food basket.
Challenges:
- Critique of Growth Metrics: Some critics argue for using compound annual growth rates post-COVID-19, questioning the validity of YoY growth rates as a true measure of economic progress.
- Long Road to High-Income Status: Acknowledging the challenges, India recognizes the need for sustained efforts to achieve high-income status and a high quality of life for its citizens.
Key Phrases for mains value addition:
- “Fastest-growing major economy”: The tagline emphasizes India’s rapid economic growth in the global context, driven by its large size and robust domestic demand.
- “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”: The government’s inclusive growth mantra focusing on uplifting people above the poverty line through various support initiatives.
- “Multidimensional Poverty”: NITI Aayog’s report highlights a significant decline in multidimensional poverty, reflecting comprehensive progress.
Analysis:
The article underscores the importance of considering YoY growth rates as a measure of post-pandemic progress and highlights the success of government reforms in driving economic growth and inclusive development.
Key Facts/Data for value addition:
- India is the fifth largest economy globally and projected to become the third largest by 2027.
- The Capex budget of the central government has risen from 1.6% of GDP in FY19 to 2.7% in FY23, further budgeted to increase to 3.3% in FY24.
Government Measures Since 2014:
- Government initiatives post-2014 aim to boost the economy, including liberalization, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, demonetization, GST rollout, and corporate tax reduction.
- In FY22, a substantial Capex program and state-level resource support aimed to bridge infrastructure gaps and attract private corporate investment.
Poverty Alleviation and Rural Welfare:
- Government commitment to ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ reflects a focus on inclusive growth, poverty reduction, skill development, and infrastructure enhancement.
- NITI Aayog’s report highlights a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty, particularly in rural areas, with improved living standards and health indicators.
Innovative Way Forward:
- Digital Inclusion for Economic Growth: Accelerate digital inclusion strategies to empower citizens, enhance education, and facilitate online business, fostering economic growth.
- Green Infrastructure Development: Prioritize sustainable and green infrastructure projects, aligning with global environmental goals, to ensure long-term economic resilience.
- Blockchain for Financial Inclusion: Leverage blockchain technology to enhance financial inclusion, enabling secure and transparent transactions, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- AI-driven Skill Development: Implement artificial intelligence (AI) in skill development programs, customizing learning paths and enhancing employability in emerging sectors.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pusa-2090
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In response to stubble burning challenge, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed Pusa-2090, an improved version of Pusa-44, offering similar yields but with a shorter maturity period.
About Pusa-2090
- Development: IARI developed Pusa-2090 by crossing Pusa-44 with CB-501, an early-maturing Japonica rice line known for stronger stems and higher grain production.
- Advantages: Pusa-2090 offers the same high yields as Pusa-44 but matures in just 120-125 days, addressing the stubble-burning issue.
- Field Testing: The variety has undergone successful trials in Delhi and Odisha, and Punjab farmers have reported promising results.
- Economic Benefits: Pusa-2090’s potential to match Pusa-44’s yields with a shorter duration makes it an attractive option for farmers.
Replacing Pusa-44
- Pusa-44 in Punjab: In the current kharif season, Punjab has planted 5.48 lakh hectares with Pusa-44, accounting for over 17% of the state’s total paddy area.
- Long Maturation Period: Pusa-44 takes 155-160 days to mature, delaying the availability of fields for the next wheat crop.
- Stubble Burning: To prepare fields for the next crop, farmers resort to burning the remaining stubble after harvesting Pusa-44, contributing to air pollution.
- Alternative Varieties: While there are alternative varieties like PR-126 with a shorter maturation period, their yields are lower than Pusa-44, impacting farmers’ income.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kerala Organic Farming Mission
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a proactive move towards sustainable and climate-smart farming, the Kerala Government has launched the Organic Farming Mission.
Kerala Organic Farming Mission
| Objective |
Expand organic farming to 5,000 hectares in 5 years |
| Annual Target |
Convert 1,000 hectares annually |
| Governance Structure |
Governing council chaired by Agriculture Minister
Executive committee with government and farm sector reps |
| Area Allocation |
State Agriculture department’s farms allocate 10% for organic |
| Long-term Commitment |
Beneficiaries commit to organic farming for at least 5 years |
| Certification & Marketing |
Enhance certification, branding, and marketing
Implement organic farming protocols aligned with standards |
| Value Addition |
Focus on adding value to organic products |
| Access to Resources |
Ensure access to quality seeds and production equipment
Utilize various channels like small-scale units, collectives,Karshika Karma Sena, Kudumbasree, Krishisree Centre, Agro Service Centres |
| Local Engagement |
Collaborate with Krishikoottam collectives and FPOs |
| Complementary Mission |
Poshaka Samriddhi Mission dedicated to millet and vegetable production for sustainable agriculture |
Complementary Mission: Poshaka Samriddhi
- In addition to the Organic Farming Mission, the Kerala Government created the Poshaka Samriddhi Mission in September 2023.
- This initiative is dedicated to ramping up millet and vegetable production, furthering the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GM Insects
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In April 2023, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) issued the ‘Guidelines for Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects’.
- The guidelines note that GE insects are becoming globally available and are intended to help Indian researchers navigate regulatory requirements.
- However, the guidelines don’t specify the purposes for which GE insects may be approved in India or how the DBT, as a promoter of biotechnology, envisions their use.
Genetically Modified Insects (GE Insects)
- A genetically modified insect is any insect whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
- GE insects offer multiple benefits, such as reducing disease burden, ensuring food security, and conserving the environment.
- India’s bioeconomy contribution is expected to reach 5% of GDP by 2030, and GE insects play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
- GE insects find applications in vector management, crop pest control, healthcare product production, and genetic improvement of beneficial insects.
Guidelines for GM Insects
- Nodal Agency: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is the nodal agency and promoter of biotechnology in India.
- Purpose: The Guidelines provide procedural roadmaps for those interested in creating GE insects.
- Harmonization: The guidelines have been harmonized with guidance from the World Health Organization on GE mosquitoes, emphasizing their potential applications in disease control.
Why discuss this?
- India’s bioeconomy, currently contributing 2.6% to the GDP, aspires to reach 5% by 2030, requiring substantial investment and supportive policies.
- However, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) faces challenges in both funding and policy alignment with these goals.
Challenges in Biotechnology Funding
- Stagnating Funding: Biotechnology funding in India has stagnated, with no return to pre-pandemic levels. The current allocation stands at a mere 0.0001% of India’s GDP, insufficient to drive meaningful growth.
- Impact on Pandemic Preparedness: Inadequate funding hampers pandemic preparedness efforts, undermining national interests and health security.
- Lack of Private Investment: Attracting private investment for biotechnology research and development is challenging and necessitates enhanced funding efforts.
Policies for a Thriving Bioeconomy
Guidelines for Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects: In April 2023, the DBT released guidelines for GE insects, offering procedural guidance but revealing three key issues.
(1) Uncertainty of Purpose
- The guidelines lack clarity regarding the purposes for which GE insects may be approved in India, hindering alignment with the broader bioeconomy commitment.
- Emphasis is placed on improving disease management, food security, and environmental conservation, but the economic potential of GE insects is underemphasized.
(2) Uncertainty for Researchers
- The guidelines only apply to research and not confined trials or deployment, limiting researchers’ options.
- Deployment of GE insects requires community engagement and monitoring due to potential environmental impacts, but criteria for approval remain unclear.
- The absence of clarity on government support for specific insect applications discourages research investment.
(3) Uncertainty of Ambit
- Ambiguity surrounds the definition of ‘beneficial’ GE insects, creating uncertainty among funders and scientists.
- Lack of precise guidelines inhibits progress, particularly in a country with limited public and private funding.
- Inadequate consideration of potential misuse or unintended consequences adds to the uncertainty.
Way forward
- To achieve the ambitious bioeconomy goals set out in the Bioeconomy 2022 report, India must address challenges in biotechnology funding and policy alignment.
- Increased funding, private sector engagement, and clear, supportive policies are essential.
- The guidelines for GE insects should reflect economic opportunities and research priorities, fostering a thriving bioeconomy that benefits India’s society, economy, and environment.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Loss and Damage Fund (LDF)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In the escalating climate crisis, the terms “adaptation” and “loss and damage” (L&D) have taken center stage.
- While the concept was embraced at COP 27, recent meetings of the Transitional Committee (TC) to operationalize the fund have encountered major roadblocks.
Birth of the L&D Fund
- Historic Pollution Accountability: The call for affluent nations to acknowledge their historical pollution accountability dates back over 30 years.
- COP 19 Agreement: In 2013, at COP 19 in Warsaw, Poland, member countries formalized the creation of the L&D fund. It aimed to provide financial and technical support to economically developing nations grappling with L&D due to climate change.
- Subsequent Developments: COP 25 introduced the Santiago Network for L&D, and COP 26 established the Glasgow Dialogue on finance for L&D. COP 27 in November 2022 saw the creation of the L&D fund and a Transitional Committee (TC) tasked with operationalizing the fund.
Challenges in Creation of the L&D Fund
- Contentious Issues: TC meetings have grappled with contentious issues such as hosting the fund at the World Bank, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), climate reparations, and eligibility criteria for developing nations.
- Developed vs. Developing Nations: These disagreements have deepened the divide between developed and developing nations, hampering progress.
Outcome of TC4 and TC5 Meetings
- TC4 Impasse: The fourth meeting of the TC concluded without a consensus on how to operationalize the L&D fund, reflecting divisions on key issues.
- TC5 Draft Recommendations: An impromptu fifth meeting of the TC led to draft recommendations forwarded to COP 28. Developing nations conceded to the fund being hosted by the World Bank temporarily, but developed nations, including the U.S., remained non-committal regarding primary donor status and rejected references to CBDR, equity, and liability in the draft.
- Lack of Clarity: The draft does not specify the fund’s size due to pressure from certain developed nations.
A blow to climate multilateralism
- Erosion of Trust: The outcome underscores a severe trust deficit between affluent and emerging economies concerning historical responsibilities, deepening the rift between wealthy and impoverished nations.
- Failure to Fulfill Commitments: The unwillingness of wealthy nations to fulfill intended commitments undermines global climate negotiations, cooperation, and climate justice.
- Humanitarian Consequences: The watering down of the L&D fund can lead to humanitarian crises, food shortages, displacement, conflict, and exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable communities.
- Economic and Environmental Impact: It also has economic consequences, with potential financial crises and environmental degradation, exacerbating global economic instability.
- Security Implications: Climate-induced instability may lead to security implications as conflicts emerge in vulnerable nations, threatening to spill across borders.
L&D as Part of Climate Justice
- Balancing Adaptation and L&D: Adaptation and L&D are not mutually exclusive but coexist on the continuum of climate resilience.
- Moral and Financial Responsibility: Addressing L&D is a moral and financial responsibility of affluent nations, ensuring climate justice, equity, and solidarity.
- Global Climate Action: Failure to meet these obligations can derail global climate action, adding pressure to future COP talks.
Conclusion
- The protracted impasse surrounding the Loss and Damage fund reflects a troubling lack of consensus and trust between nations, hindering climate justice and cooperation.
- As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, balancing adaptation and addressing L&D remains paramount.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Airshed
Mains level: Transboundary nature of Delhi Air Pollution Menace
Central Idea
- The annual recurrence of ‘severe’ air quality levels in the Delhi-National Capital region and surrounding areas during winter often leads to the misconception that air pollution is a seasonal issue primarily driven by farm residue burning.
- However, this perception falls short of the complex, year-round, multi-source, and multi-pollutant nature of the problem.
This article highlights the need to adopt a comprehensive, science-backed approach to address air pollution effectively.
Year-round, Multi-source Pollution
- Misconception: Labelling air pollution as a ‘winter’ problem caused solely by farm residue burning oversimplifies the issue.
- Complex Reality: Air pollution is a continuous problem arising from various sources, not confined to a particular season.
- Ineffectiveness of City-Centric Strategies: Current initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) focus on cities, ignoring the transboundary nature of pollution.
Transboundary Air Pollution
- Understanding Dispersion: Pollution emitted in one region can significantly impact air quality in another due to transboundary dispersion.
- Inter-state Implications: Weather, topography, and climatic conditions influence transboundary dispersion, creating challenges for downwind regions.
- Limited Jurisdictional Power: Downwind regions often lack the authority to regulate upwind pollution sources, rendering mitigation strategies ineffective.
Need for Airshed Air Pollution Management
- Defining Airsheds: An airshed is a geographic area governed by common meteorology, topography, and climate, impacting air mass dispersion.
- Global Precedents: Countries like the United States, China, and the European Union have implemented effective regional airshed-level frameworks.
Policy Levers in India
- Existing Legal Framework: The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) Act, 2021 recognizes the transboundary nature of air pollution.
- Expanding Scope: The Air Act, 1981, can be expanded to cover multiple jurisdictions and pollution sources under a single air quality management framework.
- Global Experiences: Drawing lessons from frameworks like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) in the US and the Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) in Europe can inform India’s approach.
Implementation Challenges
- Accountability: Holding upwind polluting regions accountable for transboundary pollution remains a challenge, necessitating legal mechanisms and cooperation.
- Conflict Resolution: Implementing a formal procedure for resolving conflicts arising from the interpretation or application of airshed-level frameworks is crucial.
- Political Will: Ensuring consistent implementation of air quality management measures despite bureaucratic cycles and political considerations is a persistent challenge.
- Cross-Boundary Cooperation: Encouraging cooperation between jurisdictions and regions to collectively address air pollution requires coordinated efforts.
- Data Integration: Integrating data from diverse sources and ensuring uniformity in air quality monitoring can be challenging.
Way Forward
- Legal Framework Expansion: Expanding the scope of the Air Act, 1981, to encompass multiple jurisdictions and pollution sources under a single air quality management framework.
- Global Lessons: Drawing lessons from international frameworks like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) to inform India’s approach.
- Accountability Measures: Legally binding upwind polluters to address transboundary pollution through mitigation plans.
- Scientific Independence: Separating scientific and technical activities from political negotiations to ensure data-driven decisions.
- Conflict Resolution Mechanism: Implementing a mechanism for resolving disputes arising from framework interpretation or application.
- Promoting Change: Integrating an airshed-level framework within existing legal structures or introducing a new framework to deliver cleaner air for citizens.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CAG
Mains level: Social Audit
Central idea
The article highlights the pivotal role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India’s democracy, emphasizing citizen engagement, social audits, and capacity building for local governance. It underscores challenges in finding skilled personnel and the imperative to ensure effective grassroots service delivery. The way forward involves an international center for local governance and online courses to address competency gaps.
Key Highlights:
- Role of CAG in Democracy: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ensures transparency, accountability, and financial integrity. Maintains separation of powers and promotes good governance through audit findings.
- Citizen-Centric Approach: Emphasis on citizen engagement for better audit focus. Use of technology and digital solutions to enhance citizen involvement.
- Social Audit and Local Governance: Introduction of social audit as a tool for citizen oversight. Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies for grassroots participation.
- Capacity Building and Online Courses: Collaboration with Institute of Chartered Accountants for online courses. Aiming to create a pool of competent accountants for local governance.
Challenges:
- Competent Accountants Shortage: Difficulty in finding skilled accountants for local governments, especially in remote areas.
- Grassroots Service Delivery: Ensuring effective delivery of devolved functions at the grassroots level.
- Capacity Building Imperatives: The article highlights the necessity for robust capacity-building initiatives to overcome challenges and strengthen local self-governance.
Key Terms:
- Devolved Functions: Functions transferred to local governments for implementation.
- Audit Diwas: Day marking the commencement of registration for online courses on November 16, 2023.
Key Phrases:
- Citizen Oversight: Involving citizens in identifying high-risk areas for audit.
- Social Audit: Facilitating citizen engagement through regular audits and follow-up actions.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening local governance through training and online courses.
Analysis:
The article underscores the critical role of CAG in upholding democratic principles and the evolving strategies to enhance citizen engagement. It highlights challenges in local governance, emphasizing the need for skilled personnel and effective service delivery at the grassroots.
Key Facts/Data:
- The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Audit of Scheme Rules was notified in 2011 to facilitate social audits.
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments created a three-tier structure for rural self-governance.
Way Forward:
- International Centre for Local Governance: Establishing a center for excellence to enhance the capacity of local government auditors globally.
- Online Courses: Introducing online courses to address the shortage of competent accountants for local bodies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: cognisable offences
Mains level: e-FIR
Central idea
The Law Commission proposes e-FIR registration for unknown accused in cognizable offenses, combining electronic submission with physical signing within three days. Despite ensuring swift crime registration, concerns arise over limited efficacy, emphasizing the importance of human intervention, especially in cases requiring immediate police involvement. The article suggests exploring e-authentication techniques for enhanced verification.
What is e-FIR?
- Definition: Digital system for reporting crimes to the police.
- Process: Information submitted online through a national portal. Complainant required to physically sign the report within a specified timeframe (usually three days).
- Objective: Streamline crime registration with initial electronic submission.
Key provisions of law commissions report
- e-FIR Recommendation: Proposal for e-FIR registration in all cognizable offenses with unknown accused. Verification through OTP and Aadhaar ID proof suggested by the Law Commission.
- Verification Process: Complainant verification through OTP for authenticity. Aadhaar ID proof mandated to confirm the complainant’s identity.
- Information Deletion: Automatic deletion of unverified information within two weeks. Complainant’s failure to sign the e-FIR within the prescribed time leads to deletion.
- Timeframe for Physical Signing: Complainants given three days to physically sign the e-FIR for formal registration. Failure to sign within the stipulated time results in non-registration.
- Human Intervention: The article emphasizes the importance of human interaction in certain cases, suggesting that electronic registration may be suitable only for offenses where immediate police interaction is not crucial.
What are cognisable offences?
- Cognizable Offenses Definition: Offenses for which police can make an arrest without a warrant. Immediate police action is permissible upon receiving information or a complaint.
- Serious Nature: Generally involves more severe crimes. Examples include murder, robbery, kidnapping, and certain types of fraud.
- No Court Permission Needed: Law enforcement can initiate an investigation without court authorization. Immediate action can be taken by the police upon learning about the offense.
- Jurisdictional Variations: Classification as cognizable or non-cognizable may vary in different legal systems. The severity and nature of offenses determine their categorization.
Challenges:
- Limited Efficacy: The concept of e-FIR relies on obtaining information electronically but requires physical signatures within a prescribed time, limiting the effectiveness of the online process.
- Lack of Discussion: The article notes that the Law Commission did not discuss models adopted by states currently lodging e-FIRs, leading to potential gaps in understanding the practical implementation.
Key Phrases:
- Cognizable Offenses: Offenses for which police can make an arrest without a warrant.
- E-authentication Technique: The use of digital signatures or e-authentication techniques, not extensively discussed in the Law Commission’s recommendations.
- Human Interaction: Highlighted as crucial, especially in cases like kidnapping, where immediate police involvement is essential for both medical examinations and crime scene visits.
Key Facts/Data:
- Verification Methods: OTP and Aadhaar are suggested as methods for verifying the complainant’s identity in the e-FIR process.
- Three-Day Timeframe: Complainants have three days to physically sign the e-FIR; otherwise, the information is automatically deleted from the portal.
Way Forward:
- Mandating E-authentication: The article suggests considering the use of e-authentication techniques, such as digital signatures, to enhance the verification process and facilitate immediate e-FIR registration.
- Clarification on Models: The Law Commission and states should provide clearer insights into the practical models adopted for e-FIR registration, addressing potential gaps in the recommendations.
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