Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC);
Mains level: India-Africa relation;
Why in the News?
The 9th edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is scheduled to be held in Beijing from 4th to 6th September, 2024.
About the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established in 2000 to enhance the strategic partnership between China and African nations. It serves as a platform for collective dialogue and cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and development. |
Challenges of China-Africa Debt:
- Chinese loans to African countries amounted to approximately $170 billion from 2000 to 2022. However, Chinese lenders represent only about 12% of Africa’s total public and private debt, indicating that China is not the primary creditor.
- A significant portion of Chinese loans is not disclosed in sovereign debt records, complicating the understanding of Africa’s overall debt levels. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the sustainability of these debts.
- Despite concerns over “debt trap diplomacy,” China is unlikely to forgive or cancel debts but may consider writing off smaller, interest-free loans.
African Priorities at FOCAC 2024
- Economic Goals: African nations are focusing on enhancing trade relations with China, with a modest goal of $300 billion in imports from Africa between 2022-2024. As of mid-2024, trade has reached $167 billion, primarily dominated by raw materials.
- Agricultural Development: There is a pressing need to develop a sustainable agricultural industry in Africa. This includes improving the processing of agricultural commodities and leveraging the expertise of countries like China and India to enhance crop resilience and productivity.
- Green Energy and Industrialization: African countries are advocating for the establishment of refining and processing hubs to increase the value added from their raw materials.
What are the learnings that India can have?
- Continuity in Engagement: India should emphasize consistent engagement with Africa, particularly by organizing the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) to capitalize on recent momentum, especially after the African Union’s inclusion in the G-20.
- Support for Industrialization: Indian companies are encouraged to invest in higher value-added sectors in Africa, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, to foster local employment and market development.
- Private Sector Participation: Greater involvement of the Indian private sector is essential, along with innovative financing solutions like public-private partnerships to support projects in Africa.
- Digital and Financial Connectivity: Utilizing India’s digital stack and establishing rupee-based financial transactions can enhance connectivity and reduce forex risks for African nations.
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Conclusion: India should deepen its strategic partnerships with African nations by expanding bilateral and multilateral engagements, focusing on key sectors like healthcare, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. Leveraging India’s experience in these areas can help address African development needs while enhancing India’s influence on the continent.
Mains PYQ:
Q Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Proportional Representation;
Mains level: Pros and cons of Proportional Representation;
Why in the News?
On July 30, Germany’s constitutional court approved downsizing the Bundestag, citing concerns over financial strain and efficiency due to its unprecedented 736 deputies.
(Note: The Bundestag is the Lower house of Germany)
Why has the German Constitutional Court upheld the move to downsize the lower house of parliament?
- Constitutional Rationale: The court approved the plan to reduce the size of the Bundestag to improve its efficiency and reduce costs, as it had become the world’s largest elected assembly.
- The court backed the government’s decision to limit the Bundestag to 630 members by removing “overhang” and “balance” seats, which had caused the number of legislators to grow significantly.
- Legal Compliance: The court’s decision aligns with previous rulings that emphasized the need for electoral equality and the fair representation of political parties in the Bundestag, ensuring that the election system remains constitutionally valid.
How does a mixed-member Proportional Representation system work?
- Dual Voting System: In Germany, each voter casts two votes in federal elections:
- First Vote: Directly elects a candidate from a local constituency via the first-past-the-post method (299 seats).
- Second Vote: Chooses a political party, which determines the distribution of another 299 seats proportionally across Germany’s 16 regions.
- Seat Allocation: The second vote is crucial as it determines the overall proportion of seats each party holds in the Bundestag. The final seat count for each party is based on a combination of directly elected candidates and the proportion of the second vote.
- Overhang Seats: If a party wins more direct seats than the proportion of the second vote would allow, these extra seats are known as “overhang seats.” These were traditionally retained, leading to an increase in the total number of seats.
How does a mixed-member Proportional Representation system work in India?
- No MMP System in India: India does not use a mixed-member proportional representation system at the national level. The Indian electoral system primarily follows the first-past-the-post method, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins a seat in the parliament.
- Proportional Representation: In India, proportional representation (Single transferable) is used only in certain cases, such as elections to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) and the President.
Types of Proportional Representation:
- Single Transferable Vote (STV): This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. It is used to elect members of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the President of India.
- Party-List PR: In this system, voters cast their votes for a party rather than individual candidates. Seats are allocated to each party based on the proportion of votes they receive. A minimum threshold (usually between 3-5%) is often required for a party to gain representation, preventing excessive fragmentation in the legislature.
- Mixed-Member Proportional Representation (MMP): This combines elements of FPTP and PR, allowing voters to cast two votes—one for a candidate and another for a party. This system aims to balance the benefits of direct representation with proportionality.
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What are balance or overhang seats and why were they deemed Unconstitutional?
- Overhang Seats: These are additional seats that a party wins when it secures more direct constituency seats than it would be entitled to based on its second vote share. This situation arises due to the mixed-member proportional system.
- Balance Seats: Introduced to maintain proportionality and fairness, balance seats are given to other parties to offset the overhang seats, ensuring that the overall seat distribution reflects the second vote shares accurately.
- Unconstitutionality: In 2008, the German Constitutional Court ruled that the increasing number of overhang seats violated the principle of electoral equality. The recent judgment further upheld the move to eliminate these seats to simplify the electoral system and maintain fairness.
Conclusion: Germany should swiftly implement the downsizing plan, ensuring that the transition to a 630-member Bundestag is smooth and transparent, with clear communication to the public and political parties.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 348(1)(a), Article 348 (2)
Why in the News?
A growing movement in India is advocating for use of regional languages in High Court proceedings to make justice more accessible to the common citizen.
Current Scenario: Regional Languages in High Courts
- Out of India’s 25 High Courts, only 4 — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar — are authorized to use Hindi in their proceedings and legal documents.
- Bihar HC was the last High Court to receive authorization to use Hindi in 1972.
- A litigant possesses the fundamental right to comprehend and engage in courtroom proceedings, under Article 19 and Article 21.
- She/ He is entitled to present their case in a language they understand before the magistrate.
- Additionally, the “Right to Justice” is explicitly recognized under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Despite these provisions, the use of regional languages in High Courts remains limited.
|
Constitutional Provisions for Regional Languages in Judiciary:
|
Provision |
Details |
| Article 348(1) (a) |
Language of Proceedings |
- English is the official language for proceedings in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and specified tribunals.
- All records and orders must be in English.
|
| Purpose |
Ensures uniformity and consistency in legal proceedings and documentation at the highest judicial levels. |
| Scope |
Applies to the Supreme Court, High Courts, and all authorities mentioned in Article 323A or Article 323B. |
| Article 348(2) |
Use of Other Languages |
- The President may authorize the use of Hindi or any other regional language in addition to English.
- Authorization is subject to conditions specified by the President.
|
| Purpose |
Allows for regional languages to be used in judicial proceedings, making the system more accessible to non-English speakers. |
| Scope |
Can be applied in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and other authorities as mentioned in Article 323A or Article 323B. |
PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character?
(a) The Independence of the judiciary is safeguarded.
(b) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from constituent units.
(c) The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives from regional parties.
(d) The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of Law. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Vision JK @2047
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has presented the Vision J&K @2047 describing it as an integral part of Vision India @2047.
What is J&K @2047?
- Vision J&K @2047 is a long-term strategic plan for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
- It seeks to develop the region into a model of sustainable development, economic growth, and social harmony by the year 2047, coinciding with India’s 100th year of independence.
Key features of Vision J&K @2047:
- Vision J&K @2047 focuses on restoring democratic governance through Assembly elections and establishing Zilla Parishads.
- It aims to enhance infrastructure, create job opportunities, and drive economic development in the region.
- Significant improvements in education and healthcare are planned, along with empowerment initiatives for women and minorities.
- Governance reforms aim to enhance administrative efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
- Promotion of local industries and entrepreneurship is a key component to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rule 170 of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2018
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the AYUSH ministry’s notification, which advised state licensing authorities not to take action under Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in the context of the ongoing case against Patanjali Ayurved.
Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2018:
|
Details |
| What is it? |
Rule 170 was introduced in 2018 to regulate the manufacture, storage, and sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines, focusing on controlling misleading advertisements in the AYUSH sector. |
| Requirements |
• AYUSH drug manufacturers must obtain approval and a unique identification number from state licensing authorities before advertising their products.
• Required documentation includes textual references, rationale, indications for use, and evidence of safety, effectiveness, and quality. |
| Key Provisions |
- Prohibits advertisement of AYUSH products without prior state authority approval.
- Advertisements may be rejected if they:
– Lack of contact details of the manufacturer.
– Contain obscene or vulgar content.
– Promote products for enhancing sexual organs.
– Feature endorsements from celebrities or government officials.
– Refer to government organizations.
– Convey false impressions or make misleading or exaggerated claims.
|
| Rationale Behind |
• Introduced following a parliamentary standing committee’s concerns about misleading claims in the AYUSH sector.
• Aims to ensure proactive measures by the AYUSH ministry against such advertisements. |
| Challenges |
• AYUSH drug manufacturers are required to obtain licenses from drug controllers similar to allopathic medicines.
• Unlike allopathic drugs, AYUSH drugs do not need to undergo Phase I, II, or III trials for approval. |
PYQ:
[2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India Semiconductor Mission
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal by Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to establish a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat. This is the 5th semiconductor unit to be approved under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
About India’s Semiconductor Mission (ISM):
|
Details |
| Launch Year |
2021 |
| Financial Outlay |
₹76,000 crore |
| Backing by |
Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) |
| Objective |
Develop a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in India. |
| Primary Goal |
Provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductor and display manufacturing and design ecosystem. |
| Leadership |
Envisioned to be led by global experts in the Semiconductor and Display industry. |
| Components |
- Scheme for Semiconductor Fabs: Fiscal support to set up semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities.
- Scheme for Display Fabs: Fiscal support for setting up TFT LCD/AMOLED display fabrication facilities.
- Scheme for Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors Fab and ATMP/OSAT: 30% fiscal support for setting up compound semiconductors, silicon photonics, sensors fabs, and ATMP/OSAT facilities.
- Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: Financial incentives and design infrastructure support for semiconductor design for ICs, chipsets, SoCs, systems & IP cores.
|
| Vision |
To develop India into a global hub for semiconductor and display manufacturing and design. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digital Bharat Nidhi Rules, 2024
Why in the News?
The Centre has published the first set of rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), titled ‘Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024.’
About Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024:
|
Description |
| Legislation |
Introduced under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 |
| Fund |
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): Replaces the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 |
| Role of Administrator |
Responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of DBN |
| Key Focus Areas |
• Enhancing telecommunication services in underserved and remote areas
• Promoting access to mobile and broadband services
• Improving telecom security
• Supporting next-generation telecom technologies |
| Target Beneficiaries |
• Marginalized groups (e.g., women, persons with disabilities, economically weaker sections)
• Remote and underserved regions |
| Project Criteria |
• Provision of telecom services and equipment
• Enhancing telecom security
• Improving access and affordability
• Promoting innovation, R&D, and indigenous technology
• Supporting start-ups
• Encouraging sustainable and green technologies |
| Funding Conditions |
Entities receiving DBN funding must provide telecom services on an open and non-discriminatory basis |
| Vision Alignment |
Aligned with Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 |
| Sustainability Focus |
Emphasizes the promotion of green technologies in telecommunications |
PYQ:
[2019] In India, which of the following review the Independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?
- Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
- Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
- Finance Commission
- Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
- NITI Aayog
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digital Agriculture Mission
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the “Digital Agriculture Mission” with a budget of ₹2,817 Crore, including ₹1,940 Crore as the central share.
About Digital Agriculture Mission
| Category |
Details |
| Historical Context |
Originally planned for the financial year 2021-22 but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Announced in the Union Budgets of 2023-24 and 2024-25. |
| Funding Breakdown |
Total outlay: Rs 2,817 crore
• Rs 1,940 crore from the Centre
• Remaining amount from states and Union Territories (UTs) |
| Objective |
To create Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the agriculture sector, similar to other e-governance initiatives like Aadhaar, DigiLocker, eSign, UPI, and electronic health records. |
| Major Components of DPI |
1. AgriStack:
– A comprehensive digital platform integrating various agricultural services.
– Facilitates access to information, services, and benefits related to farming and agricultural practices.
– Centralizes agricultural data to improve accessibility and efficiency. |
2. Krishi Decision Support System (DSS):
– Provides data-driven insights and recommendations for farmers.
– Assists in decision-making related to crop management, pest control, and resource optimization based on real-time data.
– Utilizes advanced analytics to enhance productivity and mitigate risks. |
3. Soil Profile Maps:
– Detailed digital maps on a 1:10,000 scale covering approximately 142 million hectares.
– Provides comprehensive information about soil characteristics and health.
– Supports precision agriculture by offering targeted soil data for optimal crop planning. |
| Additional Component |
Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES):
– A tech-based system to provide accurate estimates of agricultural production.
– Aims to offer reliable data for policy decisions, agricultural planning, and resource allocation. |
| Impact on Farmers |
The mission will enable farmers to access a range of digital services, improve decision-making through data analysis, enhance productivity with detailed soil information, and provide accurate crop estimations to better manage agricultural practices. |
| Timeline |
Rolled out across the country over the next two years (until 2025-26). |
PYQ:
[2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:
(a) Digital security infrastructure
(b) Food security infrastructure
(c) Health care and education infrastructure
(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure |
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