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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    A security breach that must lead to sweeping changes

    21 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Internal Security
    Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Massive security breach in Lok Sabha, 2 intruders jump from gallery, spray gas | Latest News India - Hindustan Times

    Central idea 

    The article discusses a security breach in the Lok Sabha, highlighting lapses in personal screening and outdated technology. It emphasizes the need for advanced security measures, questions the responsibility for technology upgrades, and calls for a comprehensive committee to ensure continuous oversight. The incident prompts reflections on securing democracy’s portals through constant monitoring and technological advancements.

    Key Highlights:

    • Security Breach: Lok Sabha breach on December 13, 2023, prompts concerns despite heightened security measures post-2001 attack.
    • Causes of Breach: Inadequate personal screening, traditional metal detectors’ limitations, and lack of vigilance contribute to breach.
    • Technological Need: Emphasizes the necessity for advanced technology like backscatter scanners for effective Parliament screening.

    Key Challenges:

    • Screening Limitations: Traditional metal detectors fail to detect non-metallic threats, showcasing screening vulnerabilities.
    • Vacant Security Positions: Key roles, including Joint Secretary, Security, and chiefs of CRPF and CISF, remain vacant.
    • Responsibility Gap: Ambiguity in responsibility for introducing and upgrading security technology in Parliament.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Parliament Security: Focus on the breach and the need for robust security measures.
    • Backscatter Scanner: Technological solution highlighted for enhanced visitor screening.
    • Unlawful Activities Act: Sections 16 and 18 invoked against intruders for acts related to terrorism.

    Key Quotes and Statements:

    • “The youngsters involved…inflicted the gravest damage by revealing gaps in Parliament security.”
    • “To protect the hallowed portals…security infrastructure is constantly monitored and upgraded with resolve.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Terrorist Attack Reference: Highlights 2001 attack and subsequent security enhancements.
    • Legal Action: Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities Act invoked against intruders.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Vacant Positions: Key security positions, including Joint Secretary, Security, and chiefs of CRPF and CISF, remain unfilled.
    • Technology Gap: Absence of advanced technology, like backscatter scanners, for thorough screening.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Access Control Critique: Lapses in access control and personal screening procedures scrutinized.
    • Responsibility Query: Raises questions about responsibility for introducing and upgrading security technology.
    • Committee Advocacy: Advocates a comprehensive committee with MPs and specialists for continuous security oversight.

    Way Forward:

    • Supervision Call: Urges Secretary, Security, in the Cabinet Secretariat to supervise Parliament security.
    • Committee Formation: Recommends a committee with MPs and specialists for regular security monitoring.
    • MP Cooperation: Stresses the importance of MPs cooperating with enhanced security measures to protect democracy’s portals.

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    India’s defence budgeting and the point of deterrence

    21 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

    Key Highlights:

    • The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program faces challenges, with the purchase of only 36 Rafale jets instead of the required 126, leading to a depleted squadron strength in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
    • The article raises concerns about the impact of budgetary constraints on defense preparedness, especially with India in election mode and potential cuts in the defense budget.
    • Emphasis is placed on the need for a judicious assessment of defense planning and budgeting to address threats on the northern borders and enhance sea power against China.

    Key Challenges:

    • The persistent issue of budget constraints impacting defense procurement and preparedness.
    • The gap between the required and actual squadron strength in the Indian Air Force.
    • Concerns about potential cuts in the defense budget amid electoral priorities.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program
    • Squadron strength
    • Budget constraints
    • Defense preparedness
    • Northern borders
    • Sea power
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat
    • Innovations For Defence Excellence (iDEX)
    • Ordnance Factory Board
    • Negative lists for imports

    Key Quotes and Statements:

    • “Mother of all procurements” – Referring to the MMRCA program with a cost of around $10 billion in 2007.
    • “We will fight with what we have” – General V.P. Malik’s quote during the Kargil conflict.
    • “You go to war with the industrial base you have, not the industrial base you want” – From the War on the Rocks article, emphasizing the importance of the existing industrial base.

    Key Examples and References:

    • The purchase of 36 Rafale jets instead of the required 126 under the MMRCA program.
    • The deficit in squadron strength in the Indian Air Force, currently at an abysmal 32.
    • The Global Innovation Index 2022 highlighting India’s low research and development expenditure.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • India’s defense expenditure as a percentage of central government expenditure has declined from around 16.4% in 2012-13 to 13.3% in 2022-23.
    • The Ministry of Defence requested ₹1,76,346 crore for capital acquisitions in 2023-24, but only ₹1,62,600 crore was allotted, creating a deficit of ₹13,746 crore.
    • China spent $421 billion on research and development in 2022, which is 2.54% of its GDP.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article underscores the challenges of balancing electoral imperatives and national security priorities in defense budget allocation.
    • It highlights the necessity for a smart balance between imports and indigenous accretions for technological modernization.
    • The concerns raised about the long gestation period for indigenization efforts and the need for sustained momentum in policy-making.

    Way Forward:

    • Emphasizes the importance of bipartisan statesmanship to make defense budgeting election-proof.
    • Calls for a continuum in policy-making and adequate defense budgeting to address national security imperatives.
    • Stresses the need for sustained momentum in the Atmanirbhar Bharat drive and other indigenization efforts.

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    India Tops Global Remittance Inflows in 2023: World Bank Report

    20 December 2023 | IOCRPrelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    remittance

    Central Idea

    • In 2023, India witnessed the highest remittance inflows globally, amounting to USD 125 billion.
    • The surge was influenced by various factors, including India’s currency agreement with the UAE.

    World Bank’s Analysis on Remittance Growth

    • Report Findings: The World Bank’s report indicates a slowdown in remittance growth in India to 12.4% in 2023, down from 24.4% in 2022.
    • Increased Share in South Asia: India’s share in South Asian remittances is expected to rise to 66% in 2023 from 63% in 2022.

    Global Remittance Scenario

    • Other Leading Countries: Following India, the top remittance-receiving countries are Mexico (USD 67 billion), China (USD 50 billion), the Philippines (USD 40 billion), and Egypt (USD 24 billion).
    • Significance in GDP: In economies like Tajikistan, Tonga, Samoa, Lebanon, and Nicaragua, remittances form a substantial part of the GDP, highlighting their critical economic role.

    Contributing Factors for India

    • Key Drivers: Declining inflation and robust labor markets in high-income countries contributed to increased remittances.
    • Major Sources: Significant remittance flows came from the US, the UK, and Singapore, as well as from the GCC, particularly the UAE.
    • UAE’s Role: The UAE is the second-largest source of remittances to India, accounting for 18% of the total.

    India-UAE Currency Agreement Impact

    • February 2023 Agreement: The agreement to promote local currency use in cross-border transactions and interlink payment systems has boosted remittances.
    • Dirhams and Rupees Usage: The use of dirhams and rupees in transactions is expected to channel more remittances through formal channels.

    Global Remittance Trends

    • Growth in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Remittances to these countries grew by an estimated 3.8% in 2023.
    • Future Concerns: There is a risk of real income decline for migrants in 2024 due to global inflation and low growth prospects.

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  • NPA Crisis

    RBI tightens norms for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

    20 December 2023 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Central Idea

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced tighter norms for Regulated Entities (REs) to curb the practice of evergreening loans through investments in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
    • The norms apply to all banks, all India Financial Institutions, and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), including Housing Finance Companies.

    About Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

    Details
    Definition AIFs are privately pooled investment vehicles established in India, collecting funds from sophisticated investors for investing.
    Regulation Governed by the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
    Formation Can be formed as a company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), trust, etc.
    Investor Profile Aimed at high rollers, including domestic and foreign investors in India. Generally favored by institutions and high net worth individuals due to high investment amounts.
    Categories of AIFs Category I: Invests in start-ups, early-stage ventures, SMEs, etc. Includes venture capital funds, angel funds, etc.

    Category II: Includes funds not in Category I/III, like real estate funds, debt funds, etc. No leverage or borrowing except for operational requirements.

    Category III: Employs complex trading strategies, may use leverage. Includes hedge funds, PIPE Funds, etc.
    Fund Structure Category I and II AIFs must be close-ended and have a minimum tenure of three years.

    Category III AIFs can be open-ended or close-ended.

    Background and Regulatory Concerns

    • Investment Practices: REs often invest in units of AIFs as part of their regular investment operations.
    • RBI’s Observations: The RBI noted certain transactions involving AIFs that substituted direct loan exposure with indirect exposure, raising regulatory concerns.

    RBI’s New Guidelines

    • Restriction on Investments: REs are prohibited from investing in any AIF scheme that indirectly or directly has downstream investments in a debtor company of the RE.
    • Mandatory Liquidation: If an AIF scheme, where an RE is already an investor, makes a downstream investment in a debtor company, the RE must liquidate its investment in the scheme within 30 days from the date of such investment by the AIF.
    • Provision for Existing Investments: For existing investments in such schemes, REs have 30 days from the issuance of the circular to liquidate. Failure to do so requires them to make a 100% provision on these investments.
    • Capital Fund Deductions: Investments by REs in subordinated units of any AIF scheme with a ‘priority distribution model’ are subject to full deduction from the RE’s capital funds.

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Fewer migratory birds in Sultanpur National Park this season

    20 December 2023 | National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

    Sultanpur National Park

    Central Idea

    • The Sultanpur National Park has observed a 20-30% decrease in the number of migratory birds this season, as reported by forest department officials.
    • Estimates show a reduction in bird numbers, with current figures ranging between 8,000 to 10,000, compared to the expected 15,000.

    About Sultanpur National Park

    • Sultanpur NP is located at Sultanpur village on Gurugram-Jhajjar highway, 15 km from Gurugram, Haryana and 50 km from Delhi.
    • It was a bird sanctuary, ideal for birding and bird lookers. Its area covers approximately 142.52 hectares.
    • Migratory birds start arriving in the park in September. Birds use the park as a resting place till the following March-April.
    • During summer and monsoon months the park is inhabited by many local bird species.
    • In April 1971, the Sultanpur Jheel inside the park (an area of 1.21 sq. km.) was accorded Sanctuary status under section 8 of the Punjab Wildlife Preservation Act of 1959.
    • The status of the park was upgraded to National Park in July 1991 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Significance of the NP

    • Spanning 1.42 sq km, it is recognized as a national park, wildlife sanctuary, and a Ramsar site since 2021.
    • It is one of the few NPs in the small state of Haryana.
    • Another NP in Haryana is Kalesar National Park.

    Important Fauna at the Park

    • Mammals: Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Leopard etc.
    • Birds: Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane etc.

    Annual Migratory Patterns

    • Typical Arrival: Migratory birds usually begin arriving in the first week of October.
    • Annual Visitation: By the end of January each year, around 22,000 birds visit Sultanpur Park. However, this year’s numbers are anticipated to be much lower.

    Possible Reasons for Reduced Migration

    • Temperature Changes: Wildlife experts suggests that milder winters in regions like Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe might be influencing migration patterns.
    • Food Availability: If migratory birds continue to find sufficient food in their native regions, they may not feel compelled to migrate.
    • Local Climate Impact: The local temperature at Sultanpur Park has not dropped significantly to align with the birds’ migratory patterns.
    • Effect of Smog: Smog and air pollution could also be contributing factors to the altered migratory behavior.

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    US launches ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ to secure Red Sea

    20 December 2023 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

    red sea

    Central Idea

    • US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect Red Sea commerce.
    • This follows missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.

    Operation Prosperity Guardian

    • Countries Involved: The U.K., Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain are participating.
    • Joint Patrols: These nations will conduct joint patrols in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

    Houthi Rebels’ Stance

    • Continued Aggression: Houthi rebels declared their intention to persist with attacks on Red Sea shipping.
    • Rebels’ Claims: They claim the US-led coalition aims to protect Israel and militarize the sea.
    • Attacks Beyond Yemen: Houthis have targeted vessels in key shipping lanes and launched attacks towards Israel.
    • Recent Drone Attack: Prior to Austin’s announcement, Houthis claimed a drone attack on cargo vessels in the region.

    Significance of the Operation

    • Impact on Suez Canal Traffic: About 12% of global shipping traffic through the Suez Canal is affected by the unrest.
    • Rerouting and Economic Consequences: Shipping firms are diverting routes, leading to increased costs and delays.

    About Red Sea

    Details
    Location Between Africa (Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti) and Asia (Saudi Arabia, Yemen).
    Connection Connects to the Indian Ocean via the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden.
    Length Approximately 2,250 km long.
    Width Varies from 355 km at its widest point to 20 km at the Strait of Tiran.
    Maximum Depth About 7,254 feet (2,211 m) in the central median trench.
    Unique Features – One of the world’s saltiest bodies of water.

    – Notable for its rich ecosystem, including extensive coral reefs.
    Climate Generally hot and arid; surrounding desert and high evaporation rates contribute to its high salinity.
    Economic Importance Major shipping route; oil-rich region with significant petroleum deposits on the sea’s borders.

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Sourcing FCI rice under OMSS to impact retail prices

    20 December 2023 | Schemes | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Central Idea

    • The Department of Food and Public Distribution has proposed a plan to source rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) for consumer sales.
    • The FCI is providing quality rice under OMSS at a reserve price of ₹29 per kg.

    About Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)

    Details
    Purpose of OMSS To sell government-owned food grains (wheat and rice) in the open market to enhance supply and moderate prices, especially during lean seasons and in deficit regions.
    Implementing Agency Food Corporation of India (FCI)
    Components of OMSS 1. Sale of wheat to bulk consumers/private traders through e-auction.

    2. Sale of wheat through e-auction by dedicated movement.

    3. Sale of Raw Rice Grade ‘A’ to bulk consumers/private traders through e-auction.
    Method of Selling Through e-auction for transparency, conducted weekly using the platform of NCDEX (National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited).
    Participants State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and private entities can participate in the e-auction.

    States procure additional food grains through OMSS for distribution under the National Food Security Act,2013 (NFSA).

    Impact on Rice Inflation

    • Current Inflation Rate: The annual inflation rate of rice has been around 12% for the past two years, accumulating over time and raising concerns.
    • Objective: The department aims to reduce this inflation rate and make rice more affordable for consumers.

    Significances of OMSS

    • Enhance the supply of food grains: The OMSS helps to enhance the supply of food grains, especially wheat, during the lean season and moderates the open market prices, especially in deficit regions.
    • Prevent wastage and deterioration of food grains: The OMSS also helps to prevent wastage and deterioration of food grains in FCI godowns due to a lack of storage space and proper maintenance.
    • Provides an alternative source of food grains: The OMSS provides an alternative source of food grains for bulk consumers, state governments, UTs and private parties who participate in various schemes and programmes such as ethanol production under biofuel policy.
    • Generates revenue for the FCI: The OMSS generates revenue for the FCI and reduces its subsidy burden on the central government. The FCI sells food grains under OMSS at pre-determined prices which are higher than the minimum support prices (MSPs) paid to farmers for procurement.

    Challenges faced by OMSS

    • Low demand from the buyers: The OMSS faces low demand from buyers due to high reserve prices fixed by the FCI, which are often above the market prices.
    • Logistical challenges: The OMSS also faces logistical challenges such as transportation, handling and quality issues of food grains, which affect the timely delivery and customer satisfaction. 
    • Limited impact on stabilizing the market prices: The OMSS has a limited impact on stabilizing the market prices as it accounts for a small share of the total food grain supply and demand in the country. 
    • Does not address the structural problems: The OMSS does not address the structural problems of food grain management such as procurement, distribution and buffer stocking policies, which need to be reformed to ensure food security and fiscal prudence. 

    Way forward

    • Revise the reserve prices of food grains: The FCI should revise the reserve prices of food grains under OMSS based on the prevailing market conditions and demand-supply situation to attract more buyers and clear the excess stocks.
    • Improve logistics and quality management: The FCI should improve its logistics and quality management system to ensure timely delivery and good quality of food grains under OMSS. 
    • Diversify product portfolio: The FCI should diversify its product portfolio under OMSS to include coarse grains, pulses and oilseeds, which are also essential for nutrition security and have a higher demand in the market.
    • Coordinate with state governments: The FCI should coordinate with state governments, UTs and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of OMSS and address any grievances or complaints arising from it. 

    Back2basics

    Food Corporation of India (FCI)

    • It is a statutory body set up in 1965 (under the Food Corporation Act, 1964) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
    • It was set up against the backdrop of a major shortage of grains, especially wheat, in the country.
    • Currently, FCI is mandated with three basic objectives:
    1. To provide effective price support to farmers;
    2. To procure and supply grains to PDS for distributing subsidised staples to economically vulnerable sections of society; and
    3. Keep a strategic reserve to stabilise markets for basic foodgrains.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Decoding the Annexation of Goa: Operation Vijay and Historical Context

    20 December 2023 | Prelims Only |
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-04.Post-Independence- Consolidation and reorganisation within country

    goa portuguese

    Central Idea

    • Liberation of Goa: On December 19, 1961, India successfully annexed Goa, ending years of Portuguese colonial rule.
    • Criticism of Nehru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of not supporting Goan satyagrahis and delaying military action.

    Goa’s Colonization: A Historical Overview

    • Portuguese Rule: Goa became a Portuguese colony in 1510 under Admiral Afonso de Albuquerque.
    • Long Colonial Encounter: For over four centuries, Goa was a focal point of regional and global power struggles, leading to a unique Goan identity.
    • Nationalist Sentiment: The early 20th century saw a rise in nationalist sentiment against Portuguese rule, paralleling India’s anti-British movement.

    Beginning of the Freedom Movement

    • Goan Nationalism: Tristao de Braganza Cunha, hailed as the father of Goan nationalism, founded the Goa National Congress in 1928.
    • Lohia’s Influence: In 1946, Ram Manohar Lohia’s rally in Goa galvanized the freedom movement, advocating civil liberties and integration with India.
    • Armed Resistance: Groups like the Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD) advocated for an armed struggle for liberation.

    Recognition and Legal Status of Goa’s Annexation

    • Supreme Court’s Recognition: The Supreme Court of India validated the annexation, dismissing the law of occupation’s applicability.
    • Portugal’s Acknowledgment: In 1974, Portugal recognized Indian sovereignty over Goa through a retroactive treaty.
    • International Law: Under jus cogens, forceful annexations post-UN Charter are deemed illegal, but Goa’s annexation is an exception.

    Why Goa remained under Portuguese Rule Post-1947?

    • Nehru’s Peace Image: Nehru avoided military action to maintain his global peace leader image.
    • Partition’s Aftermath: The trauma of Partition and the Indo-Pak war diverted India’s focus.
    • International Concerns: There were concerns about internationalizing the issue.
    • Lack of Internal Demand: Gandhi believed more groundwork was needed to unify diverse political voices in Goa.

    Nehru’s Dilemma and Delay in Military Action

    • Global Image and Peaceful Methods: Nehru prioritized India’s global standing and exhausted diplomatic options.
    • Portugal’s NATO Strategy: Portugal’s reclassification of Goa aimed to bring it under NATO’s protection.
    • Indigenous Push for Liberation: Nehru balanced diplomatic efforts with supporting indigenous liberation movements.

    Factors Leading to the 1961 Military Offensive

    • Portuguese Aggression: The 1955 firing on satyagraha led India to sever ties with Portugal.
    • India’s Decolonization Leadership: India’s role in global anti-colonial movements intensified pressure to liberate Goa.
    • African Nations’ Criticism: African criticism at a 1961 seminar highlighted the need to dismantle Portuguese colonialism.
    • Decisive Military Action: These factors culminated in Operation Vijay, a swift military campaign liberating Goa in less than two days.

    Conclusion

    • End of Colonial Rule: The annexation marked the end of Portuguese colonialism in India.
    • Historical Significance: Goa’s liberation remains a pivotal event, symbolizing the culmination of India’s struggle against colonialism and the unification of its territories.

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Let them speak: Suspension of MPs shows Parliament must find better ways to engage

    20 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Disruptions are as much a part of Indian Parliament now as British rules and rituals

    Central idea 

    The central theme highlights parliamentary dysfunction due to procedural stagnation and a historical cycle of disruptions. The ongoing impasse, evidenced by the suspension of MPs, underscores the need for a nuanced institutional response and a redefined role for the Opposition in shaping parliamentary discourse. The article advocates procedural changes to grant the Opposition more influence, fostering collaboration and preserving public trust in Parliament.

    Key Highlights:

    • The parliamentary dysfunction is rooted in the absence of procedural mechanisms for deliberation on contentious issues.
    • The ongoing impasse between the government and the Opposition has led to the suspension of 141 MPs.
    • The Opposition demands a statement from the Home Minister regarding a security breach, while the government defers to the Speaker’s directions.
    • Disruptions in Parliament have historical roots, dating back to the 1960s, and have evolved into a political tool.
    • The institutional response to disruptions has been simplistic, focusing on penalizing MPs rather than addressing the underlying issues.

    Key Challenges:

    • Procedural stagnation in the parliamentary system has led to a cycle of disruptions and disciplinary actions.
    • The government’s control over the legislative agenda limits the Opposition’s role, contributing to parliamentary standoffs.
    • The current approach of penalizing MPs for disruptions is deemed ineffective in ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Parliamentary dysfunction
    • Security breach
    • Disruptions as a political tool
    • Institutional response
    • Legislative and fiscal priorities
    • Opposition’s role and space in Parliament
    • Procedural stagnation
    • Westminster parliamentary principle
    • No-confidence motion
    • National legislature

    Key Quotes and Statements:

    • “The standoff in Parliament is not new…result from years of procedural stagnation.”
    • “Disruptions were going to become the norm in our parliamentary discourse.”
    • “The smooth functioning of the legislature was the responsibility of the government.”
    • “For Parliament to work effectively, penalising MPs will not be enough.”
    • “The recent disruptions and en masse suspension of MPs should be a wake-up call for our national legislature.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Suspension of 141 Opposition MPs in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.
    • Historical instances of MPs like Ram Sewak Yadav and Mani Ram Bagri being warned and suspended for disruptions.
    • Speaker Chatterjee’s remark in 2005 on the difficulty of regulating proceedings if a group of members disrupts the House.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Disruptions in parliamentary proceedings by MPs began in the 1960s.
    • The current parliamentary system reflects pre-independence British templates.
    • Private members get two-and-a-half hours every Friday for discussion, but there is no mechanism for a group of MPs to require a specific discussion.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article highlights the historical context and evolution of parliamentary disruptions.
    • It critiques the current institutional response, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach.
    • It challenges the existing view of Parliament as a platform primarily for the government to transact business.

    Way Forward:

    • Proposes a change in parliamentary procedures to allow the Opposition to set the agenda for debate.
    • Suggests incorporating specific days in the parliamentary calendar for Opposition-led discussions.
    • Urges Parliament to find better solutions for fostering debate to prevent the erosion of public faith.

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  • Biofuel Policy

    India’s ethanol conundrum

    20 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

    Resolving India's Ethanol Conundrum - Sugar Asia Magazine

    Central idea 

    The article discusses India’s challenges in achieving its 20% ethanol blending target by 2025, focusing on the transition to grains-based ethanol and potential impacts on food prices. It highlights the trade-offs between renewable energy goals and the risk of uncontrollable food inflation, urging a reconsideration of targets and exploration of alternative energy sources.

    Key Highlights:

    • Renewable Energy Pledge: Over 100 countries commit to tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 at COP28 in Dubai.
    • Ethanol Blending in India: Ethanol blended petrol (EBP) in India rose from 1.6% (2013-14) to 11.8% (2022-23), aiming for a 20% target by 2025.
    • Challenges with Ethanol Target: Low sugar stocks and potential sugarcane production shortfall pose challenges to India’s 20% ethanol blending target by 2025.
    • Shift to Grains-based Ethanol: Government explores a transition to grains-based ethanol, emphasizing maize procurement for ethanol distilleries.
    • National Agricultural Cooperative Involvement: Authorization of NAFED and NCCF to procure maize signals a focus on an organized maize-feed supply chain for ethanol.

    Key Challenges:

    • Low Sugar Stocks: Current low sugar stocks impact ethanol production from sugarcane, necessitating a shift to alternative feedstocks like maize.
    • Sugarcane Shortfall: Impending shortfall in sugarcane production poses a challenge to meeting ethanol blending targets.
    • Food-Fuel Trade-off: Transition to grains-based ethanol raises concerns about diverting grains from food production, potentially impacting food prices.
    • Ethanol Price Dynamics: Link between ethanol, crude oil, and corn prices can create market volatility, affecting global food prices.

    Key Terms:

    • Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP): A fuel blend containing a certain percentage of ethanol mixed with petrol, aimed at reducing fossil fuel usage.
    • National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED): Cooperative organization involved in agricultural marketing and procurement.
    • Food-Fuel Conflict: The trade-off between using agricultural products for food or fuel production, influencing global food prices.
    • Differential Pricing: Varied pricing mechanisms to incentivize specific inputs or outputs in the production process.

    Key Phrases:

    • Tightrope Walk: India faces a tightrope walk in achieving its ethanol blending target amidst challenges in feedstock availability.
    • Food Inflation Spectre: The transition to grains-based ethanol raises concerns about potential uncontrollable food inflation.

    Key Quotes:

    • “The recent authorization of NAFED and NCCF to procure maize for supplying ethanol distilleries indicates emphasis on this transition…”
    • “By adopting a transition to grains-based ethanol to fast-track the 2025 target achievement, is the government hurtling towards a looming spectre of uncontrollable food inflation?”

    Key Statements:

    • The government considers a major transition towards grains-based ethanol to meet the 20% blending target by 2025.
    • The December 7, 2023, order bans the use of cane juice for ethanol production, addressing challenges related to reduced sugar stocks.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article critically evaluates the challenges and trade-offs associated with India’s ethanol blending targets, considering the impact on food prices and market dynamics.
    • It questions the potential risks of transitioning to grains-based ethanol, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to avoid food inflation.

    Way Forward:

    • Reconsidering the ethanol blending target and staggering it to mitigate contradictions is suggested.
    • Advocates for increased investment in public infrastructure, urban design, and renewable energy sources like solar power as alternatives to ethanol dependence.

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