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THE CONTEXT:

The invalidation of votes in the Chandigarh mayoral elections highlights critical vulnerabilities in our electoral system and underscores the need for substantive reforms, as per various committee reports.

THE ISSUES:

• The Importance of Electoral Integrity: The court’s intervention highlights the crucial role of fair and impartial elections in a democratic society. It emphasizes the sanctity of electoral processes and the need to safeguard the integrity of the voting process.
• *Role of the Judiciary in Protecting Democratic Principles: The Supreme Court exercised its powers under Article 142 to ensure justice and protect the principles of democracy. This case serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s vital role in upholding constitutional values and addressing electoral malpractices.
• Electoral Malpractices and Their Consequences: The court’s findings of invalidated ballots and Presiding Officer misconduct underscore the seriousness of electoral malpractices. It raises concerns about the vulnerability of electoral systems to manipulation and the need for stringent measures to prevent such incidents.
• Defections and Their Impact on Electoral Results: The post-election defection of three AAP councillors to the BJP illustrates the potential impact of defections on electoral outcomes. This issue raises questions about the stability of political alliances and the need for anti-defection laws in local body elections.
• *Defections and Their Impact on Electoral Results: The post-election defection of three AAP councillors to the BJP illustrates the potential impact of defections on electoral outcomes. This issue raises questions about the stability of political alliances and the need for anti-defection laws in local body elections.
• Due Process and Accountability: The court’s scrutiny of the Presiding Officer’s actions and its direction for a show-cause notice demonstrates the importance of due process and accountability in electoral matters. It stresses the need for impartial investigations and appropriate actions to address electoral misconduct.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Legislative Reforms and Capacity Building: Amend municipal laws to clearly define and possibly expand the roles and responsibilities of mayors to include more substantive decision-making powers. Enhance the training of mayors and municipal officials to improve governance and leadership skills.
• Absence of Anti-Defection Law in Municipal Elections: Introduce anti-defection laws at the municipal level to prevent political instability and ensure accountability of elected representatives. Political parties should be transparent about their alliances and electoral strategies to build trust among voters.
• Public Engagement and independent observers: Increase efforts to communicate transparently with the public about the electoral process and its integrity. Allow nonpartisan election observers to monitor elections, enhancing credibility and public trust.
• Preventive Protocols and Election Monitoring: Introduce robust preventive measures, as recommended by the Dinesh Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms, to maintain the integrity of the voting process and prevent tampering or invalidation of ballots.
• Constitutional Safeguards and Reforms: Bring about constitutional amendments and safeguard provisions to enhance the conduct of elections and protect them from undue interference, following the guidelines set forth by the NCRWC under Justice Venkatachaliah.
• Enhanced Electoral Oversight: Implement ARC’s recommendations for strengthening State Election Commissions with greater autonomy and resources to prevent undue influence and ensure free and fair elections at the municipal level.
• Legal Reforms for Electoral Integrity: Enforce stringent legal frameworks, as suggested by the Law Commission, to deter and punish electoral malpractices, including the invalidation of votes by election officials.

THE CONCLUSION:

The Supreme Court’s intervention in the Chandigarh mayoral election incident provides a clear and forceful reminder that robust and stringent measures must be implemented to guarantee the integrity of local elections in India. Taking immediate action to reinforce transparency and accountability within the country’s local governance framework is imperative.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (2017)

Q.2 The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India have shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality.’ Highlight the critical challenges local institutions face regarding their functionality in recent times. (2020)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Evaluate the implications of the Supreme Court’s intervention in the Chandigarh mayoral election and suggest reforms for ensuring electoral integrity at the municipal level, referencing recommendations of various committees.

SOURCE:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/art-142-why-sc-quashed-chandigarh-mayors-election-and-why-it-matters-9171963/

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the concept of meritocracy where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and hard work rather than their social status is being extensively debated. Once seen as a fair system for rewarding individuals based on their abilities and efforts, is facing significant challenges in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

CONCEPT OF METERIOCRACY:

• It is a political, social, or economic system in which individuals are assigned to positions of power, influence, or reward solely on the basis of their abilities, hard work, and achievements rather than their social status or background. It represents a rejection of hereditary aristocracy and nepotism.
• The theory of meritocracy presupposes the possibility of equality of opportunity. The evolution of meritocracy has witnessed significant transformations, influenced by the critiques and analyses of thinkers such as Michael Young, Michael Sandel, and Adrian Wooldridge.
• Proponents and critics of meritocracy offer compelling arguments about its impacts on society, highlighting its virtues and shortcomings.

DIFFERENT VIEWS OF SCHOLARS:

• Michael Young’s View: Young, a British sociologist, foresaw a dystopian meritocratic world in his satirical book, The Rise of the Meritocracy (1958). He envisioned a future, specifically 2034, as a society where social class and mobility were determined solely by intelligence and effort, as measured through standardised testing and educational achievement. It was a critique of the then-emerging trend towards a merit-based system, which he feared would lead to a new form of social stratification.
• Michael Sandel’s Stand: Sandel’s critique focuses on the divisive consequences, arguing that meritocracy fosters a sense of entitlement among the successful and resentment among those left behind, thereby eroding social cohesion. Critical theorists also argue on similar lines by critiquing meritocracy for masking deeper power dynamics and inequalities. They say that meritocracy can perpetuate social hierarchies by legitimising the status of the elite under the guise of fairness and neutrality.
• Post-Structuralists Views: Post-structuralists challenge the notion of merit, questioning who defines merit and how it is measured. They argue that concepts of merit are socially constructed and reflect the biases and interests of those in power. Post-structuralism highlights the fluidity and contingency of merit, suggesting that meritocratic systems are inherently subjective and can reinforce existing inequalities.
• Adrian Wooldridge: Wooldridge lays stress on the practical evolution of meritocracy and its potential for reform. In his book, The Aristocracy of Talent, he explores how meritocracy, initially a force for progress and social mobility, has inadvertently fostered new inequalities by becoming somewhat hereditary, with privileges being passed down generations. Despite recognising the potential for meritocracy to create a new elite, Wooldridge believes in its intuitive fairness and proposes reforms that include making selective schools as “escalators into the elite” while improving access for underprivileged students and advocating better technical education.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE(AI) AS A DISRUPTIVE FACTOR

• The introduction of AI complicates the notion of meritocracy by questioning traditional metrics of merit, worsening biases, and polarizing the workforce.
• Recalibrating meritocracy in the age of AI requires a nuanced understanding of its impact on societal structures and a deliberate rethinking of how merit is defined and rewarded.
• AI, with its rapidly evolving capabilities, will be reshaping merit and the idea of meritocracy in six ways.
  1. AI questions the basis of human merit by introducing a non-human entity capable of performing tasks, making decisions, and even ‘creating’ at levels that can surpass human abilities. OpenAI’s Sora is the evidence that creativity is not an exclusive human trait anymore.
  2. The advent of AI challenges the traditional notion of individual merit by prioritising access to technology. Individuals with access to AI tools gain a significant advantage, not necessarily due to their personal abilities, but because of the enhanced capabilities of these tools.
  3. AI systems trained on historical data can perpetuate and even worsen biases present in that data, leading to discriminatory outcomes in areas such as hiring, law enforcement, and lending. These biases can disadvantage groups which are already marginalised.
  4. AI would push the workforce towards either high-skill, high-wage jobs involving complex problem-solving and creativity or low-skill, low-wage jobs requiring physical presence which AI cannot replicate yet. This polarisation will lead to socioeconomic disparities, as individuals without access to high-level education and training are pushed towards lower-wage roles.
  5. The opaque nature of many AI algorithms, coupled with the concentration of power in a few tech giants, poses significant challenges to accountability. In a meritocratic society, individuals must understand the criteria by which their efforts and talents are evaluated. However, the ‘black box’ nature of many AI systems can obscure these criteria, making it difficult for individuals to know how to advance or challenge decisions made by AI, thus eroding the meritocratic ideal.
  6. At the organisational level, the core of AI’s power lies in data and algorithms that process this data. Tech giants with access to unprecedented volumes of data have a distinct advantage in training more sophisticated and accurate AI models. This data hegemony means that these entities can set the standards for what constitutes ‘merit’ in the digital age, potentially sidelining smaller players who may have innovative ideas but need access to similar datasets.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Understanding the criteria: In a meritocratic society, individuals must understand the criteria by which their efforts and talents are evaluated. There needs to be a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between technology and societal structures.
• Rethinking of merit in age of AI: Meritocracy in the age of Artificial Intelligence calls for a deliberate rethinking of how merit is defined and rewarded when AI tools can both augment human capabilities and deepen existing inequalities.
• Strategies for AI potential in India: India, being the fastest growing economy with the second largest population in the world, has a significant stake in the AI revolution. Recognising AI’s potential to transform economies, Indian needs to strategies its approach.
• Establishing standards: Together, the public and private sectors can work to establish standards and policies that ensure new technologies, such as AI and ML. It will help drive human progress and create job opportunities for future workforce and grow our economies.

THE CONCLUSION:

The concept of meritocracy has sparked intense debate, with proponents highlighting its virtues in rewarding abilities and achievements, while critics point to its potential for fostering entitlement and worsening social divides. With the advent of AI, the idea of merit is further complicated, raising questions about human versus machine merit. Addressing these complexities requires a nuanced approach to redefine merit and ensure fairness in the digital age.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q. Discuss how Artificial Intelligence can be used to meet India’s socio-economic needs. (2020)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Recently, the concept of meritocracy has been extensively debated. Discuss the implications of Artificial Intelligence on the concept of meritocracy, considering its impact on social stratification, biases, and workforce dynamics. Suggest potential reforms in this context.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/recalibrating-merit-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence/article67861320.ece

THE CONTEXT: The latest Munich Security Conference was held from February 16^th to 18^th, 2024 at the 19th-century Bayerischer Hof. It was evident that India’s foreign policy is starting to deliver at the world stage. The elite geopolitical conference celebrated its 60th anniversary but there is a sense that the world order has turned upside down by a variety of events.

SHIFT IN WORLD ORDER:

• Affect future prosperity of the world: The impacts of the ongoing global trajectory if not corrected, are likely to imperil the future and shared prosperity of the world. There is rising geopolitical tensions and rising economic uncertainty forcing governments to abandon the benefits of multilateral global co-operation.
• Major shift from cold war era: The period following the Cold War was largely peaceful as great power wars seemed remote, multilateralism flourished, globalisation was on the up, democracy flourished, human rights spread, and poverty declined. Today, almost all countries seem dissatisfied with the state of the global order.
• Rise of global south: The Global South is more assertive in today’s world and hit on the unequal nature of the international global order and seeks a realignment. The developed world worries about its reduced influence in the face of emerging powers from the Global South. On one hand, Countries like India will stake their rightful claim on the world stage and will be playing an increasingly important role in world affairs. On the other hand, traditional custodians of the global order are no longer satisfied with the state of affairs as they see their fortunes shrinking.
• Lose-lose dynamics: The resulting ‘lose-lose’ dynamics are already unfolding in many policy areas and engulfing various regions. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has undermined pathways to a co-operative security order for the foreseeable future. Europe finds itself in a position of neither being able to reap a peace dividend nor avoid the huge capital outlay needed for its defence.
• China’s growing influence: China’s growing militarisation of its land and maritime borders is raising fears about Beijing’s intentions. As a result, many countries in the region are seeking closer security ties with the United States and the West is also trying to reduce its economic dependency on China.
• Issue of wars and stability: The war in Gaza has set back the regional rapprochement that had gathered momentum and began shifting zero-sum mindsets among regional powers. Similarly, in Africa, a series of coups in the Sahel has lost the Europeans and the US important partners in promoting development and democracy, and the risk of continued infighting means these populations will likely not see lasting peace in the near to mid-term. That’s a massive geography in disarray.
• Deglobalisation: Geopolitical tensions are forcing states to pursue economic security rather than maximising mutual gains. As a result, capital and trade flows are beginning to fragment along geopolitical lines.
• Important arenas are left unaddressed: Climate talks, the one area where global co-operation is a must, is now trapped in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between low- and high-income countries, the Global South vs the Global North. Technology, another area where its benefits could be used to benefit the world, is now a bitter battle for supremacy.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Rules based international order: There is a need for reform in the multilateral institutions and brings out rules based international order so that it better delivers on its promised mutual benefits.
• India can take a lead: A world caught in the middle of such risks seriously imperils global security and a prosperous future. In such situation, India stands out as a beacon of hope in these troubled times given the impact Indian foreign policy is having on the world stage.
• Inclusive policies: Governments needs to pursue more inclusive economic, social, and environmental agendas, they provide a further benefit to the world economy.  Well-governed economies where prosperity is widely shared are more likely to welcome expanded international trade, investment and immigration.
• Stability and prosperity: In order to stifle nationalist and protectionist feelings, there is a need to produce stability and security. There is a need to bring emerging countries into closer association with world governance, implying that, in return, they share the responsibility and the costs of underpinning capitalism and an open society.
• Integration and cooperation: Promotion of new forms of international and regional integration that preserve and allow the multiple dimensions of life to flourish. Cooperation is vital to make the world economy more predictable, to mitigate vulnerabilities and to strengthen the free trade system. The culture of tolerance and understanding must be promoted which provides space for positive dialogue.

THE CONCLUSION:

In recent years, the debate over deglobalization and shift in world order has increased in volume due to political, social and economic developments. To ensure the long-term functioning of the multilateral system and better achievement of its goals, it is essential to strengthen accountability, transparency, inclusivity and democratic partnerships.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 “The long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (2019)

Q.2 Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Globalisation is facing a crisis as there is a waning of concerted support, and growing protectionism, which are challenging the virtue of international cooperation. Discuss its implications and a suitable way forward.

SOURCE: https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/india-munich-security-conference-globalisation-foreign-policy-multilateralism-global-south-2901726

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The recent surge of protests and political turmoil in Senegal has brought the West African nation into the global spotlight.

EXPLANATION:

• Triggered by the postponement of Presidential elections and subsequent clashes between opposition leaders and riot police, the crisis raises questions about the nation’s democratic legacy.

Background to the Crisis

• President’s decision to postpone the Presidential elections scheduled for February 25 has been met with widespread discontent.
• The grounds for the delay revolve around a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Council regarding the selection of candidates.
• The contentious decision has effectively granted President an additional 10 months in office, resetting the election date to December 15.
• Opposition legislators, expressing their fury over the deferred elections, were physically removed from the National Assembly by riot police.
• The manner in which the government-packed house facilitated the postponement intensified the opposition’s grievances, leading to heightened tensions across the country.

Current Unrest and Recent History

• The ongoing unrest mirrors the violent clashes witnessed in Dakar in the preceding year, deemed the worst in decades.
• Amnesty International reported over 20 lives lost and hundreds injured during the 2021 protests.
• The violence erupted following the imprisonment of leading opposition candidate, known for his anti-corruption stance and resistance against French influence.
• In January of the current year, the Constitutional Council barred a leading opposition candidate from participating in the Presidential race, intensifying the opposition’s dissatisfaction.
• President’s claim of eligibility for a third term, based on a reinterpretation of constitutional timelines, has further fueled speculation about his political maneuvering.

Senegal’s Democratic Record

• Historical Democratic Stability
  • Senegal, until recent events, held a distinguished record as the only coup-free West African nation.
  • Since gaining independence in 1960, the country has experienced smooth transfers of power under a multi-party democratic system, distinguishing it from its neighbors.
• Regional Leadership in Democracy
  • President, instrumental in ECOWAS missions for democratic transitions, played a crucial role in the Gambia’s 2017 intervention to remove Yahya Jammeh.
  • Senegal’s historic commitment to promoting democratic values in the region has faced a significant setback with the current crisis.

Implications and Regional Context

• A Break from Regional Stability
  • Senegal’s decision to delay elections and the subsequent unrest marks a departure from the country’s traditional role in promoting regional stability.
  • As military takeovers grip neighboring nations, Senegal’s deviation raises concerns about the potential regression of democratic values in the region.
• Call for International Reconsideration
  • The return of military dictatorships in African countries during the 2020s prompts a reconsideration of the traditional role of global powers in the region.
  • Senegal’s pivotal position in advocating for democracy in West Africa is now under scrutiny.

Senegal:

• Senegal is a West African country that shares its northern border with Mauritania, its eastern border with Mali, its southern border with Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, and its western border with the Atlantic Ocean.
• To the northwest, it surrounds the small country of The Gambia, creating an enclave around the Gambia River.
• Senegal spans an area of approximately 196,712 km2 (75,951 mi2).

Conclusion

• The unfolding crisis in Senegal, characterized by political postponement, protests, and the erosion of democratic norms, poses a formidable challenge to the nation’s historical legacy.
• As the international community observes, the outcome of this crisis may not only impact Senegal’s democratic standing but also reverberate across a region grappling with the resurgence of authoritarian rule.
• The need for a nuanced and strategic approach to address the complexities of the situation is paramount.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/why-have-fresh-protests-erupted-in-senegal-explained/article67861530.ece

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The recent overturning of the Chandigarh mayoral poll results by the Supreme Court, invoking Article 142 of the Constitution, has sparked discussions about the nature and scope of this extraordinary legal provision.

EXPLANATION:

• BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar won the election with 16 votes, defeating AAP-Congress alliance candidate Kuldeep Kumar who received 12 votes.
• Eight votes cast for Kumar were declared invalid by the returning officer citing “marks” on them.
• AAP alleged foul play and accused the officer of manipulating the process.
• Sonkar, however, resigned subsequently, while three AAP councillors defected to the BJP.

Understanding Article 142

• Article 142 grants the Supreme Court unique and extraordinary powers to ensure “complete justice” between parties when legal remedies are lacking.
• This power becomes relevant when the law or statutes fall short in providing a remedy for a particular situation.
• In the Chandigarh mayoral poll case, the Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to overturn the election results.
• The court asserted that it is duty-bound, under Article 142, to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Historical Exercise of Article 142

• Scope Defined by Judgments
  • Over time, the Supreme Court has defined the scope and limitations of Article 142 through various judgments.
  • Notably, in the Prem Chand Garg case, the court emphasized that its powers must align with constitutional rights and not contravene statutory laws.
  • The Bhopal gas tragedy case highlighted the wide scope of Article 142, stating it operates at a different level and quality.
• Criticism and Counterarguments
  • The sweeping powers of Article 142 have faced criticism for being arbitrary and ambiguous.
  • Critics argue that the lack of a standard definition for “complete justice” grants the court excessive discretion, potentially leading to misuse.
  • In response, the court, in the Supreme Court Bar Association vs Union of India case (1998), clarified that Article 142 powers are supplementary and should not supplant substantive laws.
  • The court imposed self-checks to prevent misuse.

Controversies Surrounding Article 142

• Separation of Powers Concerns
  • One of the criticisms against Article 142 revolves around concerns regarding the separation of powers doctrine.
  • Critics argue that judicial overreach may occur when the judiciary ventures into lawmaking, a domain traditionally reserved for the legislature and executive.
  • However, the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution intended to limit the use of Article 142 to exceptional situations where existing laws fail.
• Accountability and Judicial Overreach
  • Another critique questions the lack of accountability for judicial actions under Article 142.
  • The judiciary’s exercise of these powers has been scrutinized in the context of potential judicial overreach.
  • However, the Supreme Court, in the State of Karnataka vs Umadevi case (2006), emphasized that “complete justice” means justice according to law, not sympathy, and should not perpetuate illegality.

Article 142:

• Article 142 titled ‘Enforcement of decrees and orders of the Supreme Court and orders as to discovery, etc.’ has two clauses:
• Article 142(1)
  • The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
  • Any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India.
  • It may be in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe.
• Article 142(2)
  • The Supreme Court shall have all and every power to make any order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any documents, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of itself.

Conclusion

• The recent use of Article 142 in the Chandigarh mayoral poll case showcases the court’s commitment to ensuring fairness and justice.
• While the provision’s broad powers have sparked debates and criticisms, the judiciary’s efforts to define its scope and impose checks on its exercise highlight a nuanced approach.
• The ongoing dialogue surrounding Article 142 underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding justice and avoiding arbitrary use of extraordinary powers by the judiciary.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/what-is-article-142-chandigarh-mayoral-poll-results-9171621/

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Raisina Dialogue, an annual conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, is set to kick off its ninth edition from today until February 23 in New Delhi.

EXPLANATION:

• With a focus on addressing the most pressing global issues, the conference is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together leaders from political, business, media, and civil society backgrounds.
• We will delve into the key aspects of the Raisina Dialogue 2024, covering its purpose, theme, participants, and more.

Purpose and Background

• It is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.
• The Raisina Dialogue serves as a crucial forum for global leaders to engage in cross-sectoral discussions.
• Designed to facilitate conversations among heads of state, cabinet ministers, local government officials, and thought leaders, the conference aims to tackle complex geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.
• The conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister, emphasizing India’s commitment to fostering international dialogue.
• Greece’s Prime Minister will join the inaugural session as the chief guest, highlighting the global significance of the event.
• The 2024 edition of the Raisina Dialogue is themed “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create.”
• This theme underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of global challenges, encapsulating the need for strategic thinking and collaboration.
• The theme is structured around six thematic pillars, guiding discussions over the three-day conference.

Thematic Pillars

• Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities: Exploring the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology and international regulations.
• Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate: Addressing environmental concerns and sustainable practices, emphasizing investment and innovation.
• War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries: Analyzing global security dynamics, focusing on military strategies and asymmetrical threats.
• Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion: Examining the evolution of multilateral institutions and promoting inclusive approaches.
• The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress: Discussing the global agenda beyond 2030, with a focus on societal progress and well-being.
• Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty: Exploring challenges and strategies to defend democratic values, emphasizing societal and sovereign aspects.

Participants and Global Reach

• More than 2,500 participants from approximately 115 countries will physically attend the conference, while millions are expected to engage through various digital platforms.
• The diverse participants include ministers, former prime ministers, presidents, military commanders, technology leaders, academics, journalists, scholars on strategic affairs, and experts from leading think tanks.

Conclusion

• The Raisina Dialogue 2024 emerges as a pivotal moment for global leaders to collaboratively navigate the complexities of the contemporary world.
• With its diverse participants and comprehensive thematic pillars, the conference is poised to foster meaningful dialogue and strategic solutions to address the multifaceted challenges facing the global community.
• As the international community tunes in, the Raisina Dialogue stands as a testament to the importance of inclusive and informed discussions in shaping a better future.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-raisina-dialogue-9171750/

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: In a groundbreaking discovery reported in Nature Astronomy, astronomers have identified J0529-4351, a black hole surrounded by the largest and brightest accretion disc ever found.

EXPLANATION:

• This celestial object stands out as the brightest entity in the universe, emitting light that surpasses anything observed before.
• We will delve into the characteristics of J0529-4351, shedding light on its enormity and the technological advancements that facilitated its recent detection.

The Enormity of J0529-4351

• J0529-4351’s accretion disc spans a staggering seven light years across, making it a colossal structure in the cosmic landscape.
• This disc serves as a captivating gateway to a place of no return.
• It is a domain where the gravitational forces are so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape.

The Brightest Object in the Universe

• The intensity of light emitted from J0529-4351’s accretion disc is awe-inspiring, registering at a mind-boggling 500 trillion times brighter than the Sun.
• This luminosity implies a voracious appetite, as the black hole engulfs material equivalent to the mass of our Sun every day.
• With a mass estimated to be between 15 to 20 billion times that of our Sun, J0529-4351 stands as the brightest known object in the universe.

Black Hole Feeding Frenzy

• J0529-4351’s brilliance is a remnant of a bygone era in the universe when black holes engaged in a feeding frenzy.
• Rapidly growing supermassive black holes, like J0529-4351, were once more common, as they attracted stars and gas clouds into their gravitational clutches.
• However, in the present universe, such feeding frenzies are waning, as the available gas has largely transformed into stars and settled into orderly orbits around dormant black holes.

The Age of Sleeping Giants

• Supermassive black holes in the current universe are mostly dormant, resembling sleeping giants.
• The once chaotic cosmic environment, where collisions between stars and black holes were frequent, has transitioned into a more stable state.
• Even if a star were to approach a black hole today, it would likely execute a slingshot maneuver, evading capture.

Accretion Discs: Unfriendly Territories

• Accretion discs, such as the one around J0529-4351, are not only gateways to the point of no return but also hostile environments.
• These discs resemble colossal storm cells, with clouds glowing at temperatures reaching several tens of thousands of degrees Celsius.
• The rapid movement of these clouds, reaching speeds of up to 100,000 kilometers per second, makes accretion discs inhospitable and perilous for any form of life.

Technological Advances and Discovery

• The discovery of J0529-4351 was made possible through a massive astronomical survey of the entire sky, facilitated by advanced telescopes and a ten-year partnership between Australia and the European Southern Observatory.
• Traditional search methods, avoiding the limitations of machine learning, were employed to identify extreme objects like J0529-4351, which might be overlooked by automated algorithms.

Black Hole:

• Black holes are points in space that are so dense they create deep gravity sinks. Beyond a certain region, not even light can escape the powerful tug of a black hole’s gravity.
• In other words, Black holes are regions in space where an enormous amount of mass is packed into a tiny volume.

Supernova:

• A supernova is what happens when a star has reached the end of its life and explodes in a brilliant burst of light.
• Supernovas can briefly outshine entire galaxies and radiate more energy than our sun will in its entire lifetime.
• They’re also the primary source of heavy elements in the universe.
• According to NASA, supernovas are “the largest explosion that takes place in space.”

Conclusion

• J0529-4351 stands as a testament to the vastness and complexity of the universe. Its discovery not only adds a dazzling entry to the cosmic record but also underscores the advancements in astronomical technology and international collaborations that enable humanity to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. As we continue to explore the depths of space, J0529-4351 serves as a beacon, guiding our quest for understanding the most extreme phenomena in the universe.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/science-technology/the-brightest-object-in-the-universe-is-a-black-hole-that-eats-a-star-a-day-94557

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The United States’ veto of a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza has sparked international criticism.

EXPLANATION:

• The move comes amid escalating conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, leading to a surge in casualties and displacement.
• The U.S. circulated its own resolution, noteworthy for including the term “cease-fire” but without an immediate implementation clause.
• Ambassador justified the veto, citing potential harm to delicate negotiations related to freeing hostages in Gaza.

International Reactions

• Allied Criticism: Traditional U.S. allies such as France, Malta, and Slovenia, joined China and Russia in criticizing the U.S. stance.
• Humanitarian Appeal: Slovenia emphasized the intolerable human toll in Gaza, while France called for an end to Israeli operations for the sake of humanitarian concerns.

Global Disapproval

• Failure of the Resolution: Algeria’s envoy expressed disappointment in the Security Council’s failure to send a strong message to Palestinians.
• Historical Judgment: Algeria’s representative urged Security Council members to examine their consciences, questioning how history would judge them.
• Imminent Ground Incursion: Israel’s planned move into the southern Gaza Strip raised concerns, with the U.S. denying accusations of covering for an imminent ground incursion.
• Retaliatory Campaign: The death toll in Gaza surged, prompting increased pressure on Israel, including from the U.S., to exercise restraint.

Diplomatic Dynamics

• Russian Critique: Russia’s envoy accused the U.S. of attempting to divert attention from its veto exercise, emphasizing the unacceptability of Algeria’s text.
• Intentions Questioned: Some diplomats raised eyebrows, speculating on whether the U.S. truly seeks the resolution or aims to prompt a Russian veto.
• Potential Unease: The mere introduction of a U.S. counter-resolution is seen as likely to “make Israel nervous,” reflecting concerns about the evolving diplomatic landscape.

U.N. Security Council:

• The United Nations Charter established six main organs of the United Nations, including the Security Council.
• Under the United Nations Charter, the functions and powers of the Security Council are:
  • to maintain international peace and security;
  • to develop friendly relations among nations;
  • to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
  • to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
• It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote.
• Under the Charter of the United Nations, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions.
• The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression.
• It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement.
• In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
• The Security Council held its first session on 17 January 1946 at Church House, Westminster, London. Since its first meeting, the Security Council has taken permanent residence at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
• It also travelled to many cities, holding sessions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1972, in Panama City, Panama, and in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1990.
• Veto power is a special power given to the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), namely China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Essentially, it gives these countries the ability to reject or veto any action by the UNSC that does not align with their national interests or foreign policy objectives.
• In the United Nations Security Council, decisions are made with a majority of 9 votes of the 15 Council members’ votes. All decision is rejected if one of the five permanent members of the Security Council makes use of its veto

Conclusion

• The U.S. veto on the Gaza cease-fire resolution has generated intense international debate, highlighting the complexities of diplomatic efforts in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• The alternative U.S. resolution reflects a nuanced approach, attempting to balance concerns for an immediate cease-fire with ongoing negotiations and broader geopolitical considerations.

SOURCE: https://www.courthousenews.com/us-vetoes-security-council-vote-on-gaza-cease-fire-pushes-alternative/