TOPIC 1: RHODODENDRON
TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: The rhododendron flower in Uttarakhand, is portrayed as an integral part of the region’s culture, rituals, mythology, and even culinary practices.
RHODODENDRON AS A CULTURAL SYMBOL:
- Cultural and Ritual Importance:
- The rhododendron is deeply embedded in Uttarakhand’s culture, being an essential part of local rituals and mythology.
- Its presence in rituals and temples signifies purity and endurance, demonstrating the reverence people hold for this flower.
- Pilgrimage Significance:
- The flower is central to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Uttarakhand that occurs every 12 years.
- This underscores the strong bond between the local people and their natural environment.
UTILIZATION BEYOND AESTHETICS:
- Culinary and Medicinal Use:
- Beyond its visual appeal, the rhododendron finds usage in regional cuisine, with its blossoms being used to create sweets, drinks, jams, and juice.
- Its distinct flavour and purported cooling properties make it popular among locals and visitors alike.
- Environmental Concerns:
- Climate change-induced alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns are impacting the rhododendron’s growth and flowering cycles.
- Consequently, conservation efforts are gaining importance, with initiatives in place to safeguard these Himalayan flowers, including the establishment of conservation zones and promoting eco-friendly travel practices.
ECONOMIC AND TOURISTIC VALUE:
- Cultural Tourism:
- The rich cultural connection with the rhododendron offers a unique opportunity for cultural tourism.
- Visitors are drawn not only to the natural beauty but also to the rituals and traditions associated with the flower.
- Local Economy:
- The utilization of rhododendron in cuisine and traditional practices also contributes to the local economy, providing opportunities for culinary ventures and indigenous products.
IMPLICATIONS:
- Cultural Heritage Preservation:
- The importance of preserving not just the flower itself but also the associated cultural heritage and traditions has been emphasized.
- The emphasis on conservation and sustainable practices reflects a holistic approach to safeguarding this floral emblem and the surrounding ecosystem while acknowledging its cultural significance.
- Sustainable Development:
- Balancing conservation with tourism and economic activities is crucial to ensure sustainable development, where efforts to protect the rhododendron align with the promotion of eco-friendly practices.
SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/the-power-of-the-rhododendron/article67529485.ece
TOPIC 2: ONATTUKARA SESAME
TAG: GS 3: AGRICULTURE
THE CONTEXT: Efforts are being made to expand the cultivation of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame in the Kerala region.
INITIATIVE TO EXPAND SESAME CULTIVATION:
- Increase in Cultivation Area:
- The Onattukara Vikasana Agency (OVA) plans to significantly increase the area under sesame cultivation.
- It aimed to expand it to 2,000 hectares from the current 600 hectares in the region encompassing three districts of Kerala: Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta.
- Incentive Scheme:
- To encourage farmers, a financial assistance program has been announced, offering ₹40 for a cent of land for cultivating sesame within the Thekkekara Krishi Bhavan limits.
- This incentive is expected to attract individuals, farming collectives, Kudumbashree groups, self-help groups, and joint liability groups towards sesame cultivation.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- The initiative is a joint venture involving local Krishi Bhavan, Onattukara Vikasana Agency (OVA), Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station (ORARS), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kayamkulam, and Mavelikara Thekkekara Panchayat.
- Collaboration between these entities indicates a concerted effort to promote sesame cultivation.
- Support Mechanisms:
- Farmers and groups engaging in sesame cultivation are offered additional support.
- It also includes access to workforce from Thekkekara Karshika Karma Sena and tractor rental at a nominal charge of ₹750 per hour.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ONATTUKARA SESAME:
- Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
- The Onattukara sesame holds a GI tag, signifying its unique characteristics and origin from a specific geographical location, adding value to its identity and quality.
- Medicinal and Nutritional Value:
- Studies by the Kerala Agricultural University reveal the medicinal value of Onattukara sesame.
- It contains high levels of Vitamin E, antioxidants, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid, promoting good health.
- Varieties Cultivated:
- Apart from the traditional Ayali variety, farmers in the region are cultivating varieties like Kayamkulam-1, Thilak, Thilathara, and Thilarani, developed by the Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station (ORARS).
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
- Economic Development:
- Expanding sesame cultivation holds the potential to boost local economies, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural sector’s growth in the region.
- Health and Nutritional Benefits:
- Highlighting the nutritional and medicinal values of Onattukara sesame could create consumer awareness, potentially increasing demand for this particular variety.
- Collaborative Approach:
- The joint efforts involving various agricultural institutions, local governance bodies, and farmers’ groups indicate a coordinated strategy towards agricultural development and sustainability.
- GI Tag and Quality Assurance:
- The GI tag signifies quality, authenticity, and unique characteristics associated with the geographical region, contributing to the promotion and branding of Onattukara sesame.
TOPIC 3: INDIA-UK FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA)
TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: External Affairs Minister of India discussed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Britain’s Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary recently.
EXPLANATION:
- The agreement is under negotiation and has not been signed yet.
- When signed, the India-UK FTA will serve as a template for an agreement with the European Union (EU).
INDIA-UK FREE TRADE AGREEMENT:
- Strategic Importance as a Template for EU Agreement:
- The FTA between India and the UK is seen as a model for a similar pact with the European Union, India’s second-largest trade partner.
- It signifies a shift in India’s trade strategy towards Western nations and African countries rather than solely focusing on the East, as previously done under the UPA government.
- China Factor and Supply Chain Disruptions:
- The disruption in supply chains during the pandemic has prompted Western companies to reconsider their over-dependence on China, leading to a ‘China-plus one’ strategy.
- This shift has motivated countries like Australia and the UK to seek stronger economic ties with India.
- Brexit-Induced Insecurities for the UK:
- Brexit has created uncertainties for the UK, making an FTA with India crucial to compensate for the loss of access to the European Single Market.
- However, concerns exist regarding offering work permits to Indian service sector workers due to political reasons.
- Potential Gains and Challenges for India:
- For India, the FTA presents an opportunity to revive declining sectors like apparel and gems/jewellery by reducing tariffs in the UK.
- However, concerns have been raised about the impact on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like Bangladesh if India gains zero-duty access for its textiles.
- Beneficial Aspects for the UK:
- The UK aims to gain deeper access to the Indian market, especially for goods like cars, Scotch whisky, and wines, which currently face significant tariffs.
- Elimination or reduction of tariffs on these goods could enhance British exports to India.
- Tariff Disparity and Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs):
- There exists a substantial tariff disparity between goods imported from India into the UK and vice versa.
- The FTA negotiations might focus on reducing these tariff barriers.
- Additionally, addressing non-tariff barriers such as regulations and standards could be crucial for Indian exporters, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
- Carbon Tax and Border Adjustment Mechanism:
- The UK’s plan to impose a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) similar to the EU’s strategy might affect India’s exports, especially in sectors like cement, chemicals, steel, and others.
- This imposition aims to reduce dependence on high carbon-emitting imports and could potentially impact Indian exports to the UK.
IMPACTS AND CHALLENGES:
- Strategic Shift: India’s reorientation towards Western nations and away from over-dependence on China is evident. However, concerns persist regarding the impact on LDCs, especially in terms of textiles.
- Potential Imbalance: While India aims to boost declining sectors, the disparity in tariffs and non-tariff barriers presents a challenge. Addressing these barriers will be critical for ensuring mutual benefits.
- Carbon Tax Implications: The UK’s plan for a carbon tax and CBAM could pose challenges for India’s exports, especially in energy-intensive sectors.
- Negotiation Dynamics: The negotiations hold importance for both countries, but balancing mutual benefits while addressing concerns of sectors vulnerable to tariff changes and non-tariff barriers is crucial.
TOPIC 4: 30th ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) ECONOMIC LEADERS’ MEETING
TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: The 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting concluded in San Francisco recently with the adoption of the Golden Gate Declaration. The declaration underscores the commitment to creating a resilient and sustainable future for all member economies.
EXPLANATION:
- For the first time since 2011, USA hosted annual APEC
- Theme of the meeting was creating a “Resilient and Sustainable Future for All”.
GOLDEN GATE DECLARATION:
- The declaration aims to harness the technological and economic progress to continue to unleash the enormous potential and tremendous dynamism across regions, spur economic growth.
- The declaration was adopted after the two-day meeting, during which the leaders focused on the subjects of sustainability, climate, just energy transition, interconnectedness and building inclusive and resilient economies.
- The importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core, which continues to catalyze APEC region’s extraordinary growth has been reaffirmed.
- APEC economies vow to accelerate the transition towards low and zero emissions vehicles; sustainable aviation fuels; and low and zero emission maritime shipping and port decarbonization, reads the document.
APEC:
- It was formed in 1989 with 12 members.
- Now, it has 21 members.
- Grouping of economies around Pacific Ocean aiming to promote trade, investment, and economic development in region.
- Accounts for nearly 62% of global GDP, half of global trade and covers 38% of global population.
- Operates on basis of non-binding commitments with decisions reached by consensus. India is an observer since 2011.
TOPIC 5: GOVERNOR’S ROLE IN LEGISLATION
TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
THE CONTEXT: Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi has withheld assent for certain Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. In this article, we will analyse the governor’s role in legislation.
EXPLANATION:
- The role of a Governor in the legislative process within a state is a crucial aspect of India’s federal structure.
- The Governor, as the constitutional head of a state, plays a significant role in the enactment of laws.
GOVERNOR’S ROLE IN LEGISLATION:
- Options When Receiving a Bill for Assent:
- Article 200 of the Indian Constitution provides a structured approach for the Governor’s actions concerning bills, emphasizing the Governor’s role as a link between the State Legislature and the Union.
- It also outlines four alternatives available to a Governor upon receiving a bill from a State Legislature:
- Give Assent: The Governor approves the bill, making it law.
- Withhold Assent: The Governor refuses to approve the bill, effectively rejecting it.
- Return for Reconsideration: If it’s not a Money Bill, the Governor can send the bill back to the State Legislature for reconsideration.
- Reserve for President’s Consideration: Certain bills need to be reserved for the President’s consideration, such as those that reduce High Court powers or conflict with Union laws.
- Exercise of Discretionary Powers:
- According to judicial precedents like the Shamsher Singh case, the Governor typically acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers while withholding assent or returning a bill.
- Discretionary powers might be exercised in rare cases where the Governor believes a bill contravenes the Constitution and should be reserved for the President’s consideration.
- Recommendations and Unimplemented Suggestions:
- Reports like the Sarkaria Commission and the Punchhi Commission have suggested limiting the Governor’s discretionary powers, emphasizing adherence to ministerial advice.
- Recommendations also proposed time limits for decision-making on bills but have not been implemented.
- Resolution of Impasses:
- The politicization of the Governor’s role has been a persistent issue.
- Suggestions include consulting Chief Ministers before a Governor’s appointment, and the possibility of impeachment by the State Legislature to remove an uncooperative Governor.
- Amendments are proposed to ensure responsible cooperation between the Centre and States in matters related to Governors’ appointments and functioning.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE GOVERNOR
- Article 153 says that there shall be a Governor for each State. One person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
- A Governor is appointed by the President and is a nominee of the Central Government.
- It is stated that the Governor has a dual role.
- He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his Council of Ministers (CoM).
- He functions as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government.
- Articles 157 and 158 specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. A governor must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Be at least 35 years of age.
- Not be a member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
- Not hold any office of profit.
- Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, etc. (Article 161).
- There is a CoM with the CM at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except some conditions for discretion. (Article 163).
- The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers (Article 164).
- Governor assents, withholds assent, or reserves the bill for the consideration of the President passed by the Legislative Assembly (Article 200).
- Governors may promulgate the Ordinances under certain circumstances (Article 213).
- Governor’s role:
- The Governor holds a constitutional position and is expected to perform specific functions, including granting assent to bills passed by the state legislature and ensuring the proper functioning of state administration.
- The Governor’s actions are perceived as a hindrance to these responsibilities.
- FOR FURTHER RINFORMATION PLEASE REFER TO THE DNA ARTICLE OF 1ST OCTOBER 2023.
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