REVENUE RIDDLES: ON GST INFLOWS AND AREAS OF CONCERN

RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 3: INDIAN ECONOMY AND ISSUES RELATING TO PLANNING, MOBILIZATION OF RESOURCES

THE CONTEXT

India’s gross revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) stand at over ₹9.92 lakh crore in September 2023 which is halfway through the financial year, marking an 11.1% increase over collections between April and September 2022.

WHAT IS GST?

GST has been introduced by 101st Amendment Act of 2016 and is one indirect tax for the whole nation, which will make India one unified common market. GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the consumer. It essentially is a tax only on value addition at each stage.
The final consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain, with set-off benefits at all the previous stages.

At the Central level, the following taxes are being subsumed:

Central Excise Duty
Additional Excise Duty
Service Tax
Additional Customs Duty commonly known as Countervailing Duty
Special Additional Duty of Customs.

At the State level, the following taxes are being subsumed:

Subsuming of State Value Added Tax/Sales Tax,
Entertainment Tax (other than the tax levied by the local bodies), Central Sales Tax (levied by the Centre and collected by the States),
Octroi and Entry tax,
Purchase Tax,
Luxury tax, and
Taxes on lottery, betting and gambling.

BENEFITS OF GST

Easy compliance: All the tax payer services such as registrations, returns, payments, etc. are available to the taxpayers online, which would make compliance easy and transparent.
Uniformity of tax rates and structures: GST ensure that indirect tax rates and structures are common across the country, thereby increasing certainty and ease of doing business.
Removal of cascading: A system of seamless tax-credits throughout the value-chain, and across boundaries of States, ensure that there is minimal cascading of taxes. This reduce hidden costs of doing business.
Higher revenue efficiency: GST mechanism decrease the cost of collection of tax revenues of the Government, and therefore, lead to higher revenue efficiency.

GST COUNCIL

GST Council has been introduced for smooth and efficient administration of GST by cooperation and coordination under Article 279-A in the constitution of India.
The GST Council consists of the following members:

The Union Finance Minister (as Chairman).
The Union Minister of State in-charge of Revenue or Finance.
The Minister in charge of Finance or Taxation or any other Minister, nominated by each State Government.
The members of the Council from the states have to choose one amongst themselves to be the Vice-Chairperson of the Council. They can also decide his term.
The Union Cabinet also decided to include the Chairperson of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) as a permanent invitee (non-voting) to all proceedings of the Council.

The council is devised in such a way that the centre will have 1/3^rd voting power and the states have 2/3^rd. The decisions are taken by 3/4^th

Reasons for the Increase in GST Revenue

Improvement in economic activity: One of the main reasons for the increase in GST revenue is the improvement in economic activity.
Enhanced compliance: Another reason for the increase in GST revenue is the enhanced compliance and anti-evasion measures taken by the government.
Reforms introduced by government: The government has introduced several reforms such as e-invoicing, e-way bills, Aadhaar authentication, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to plug leakages and prevent tax evasion.

THE ISSUES

Impact of slowdown not evenly distributed: The impact of the slowdown has not been evenly distributed across income groups and categories.
Beyond the macro resilience that these numbers indicate, a few areas of concern deserve closer scrutiny from policymakers and the GST Council:
Slowdown in growth of GST: There is slowdown in the growth of GST inflows and in domestic transactions and services imports between July and September, the slowest since July 2021.
Mandatory E-invoicing: E-invoicing became mandatory for all firms with a turnover of over ₹5 crore since August 1, 2023 ,so there comes need of another compliance mechanism.
Shrink in revenue from goods: Revenues from goods imports that have shrunk four times in 2023 despite high import. Authorities must check for revenue leakages from imports.

THE TRENDS

Increase in taxpayers: A substantial increase has been observed across different categories individuals, firms and companies. For example, number of taxpayers increased by 64% between 2014 and 2022.
More number of returns filed: There is growth in number of taxpayers filing returns.

However, this growth in taxpayers is insufficient as the most of the tax returns are associated with nil taxes.

Rise in direct tax: There is growth in direct tax collections and higher tax buoyancy with increase in taxpayers and increase in returns filed which suggests noticeable gains in compliance.

THE WAY FORWARD

Strengthening of GST Council: There is need of strengthening of GST Council for its better functioning. There have been instances of disagreements in resolving issues such as dispute resolution mechanism and revenue-sharing formulas that needs to be resolved.
Simplification of GST rates: The rationalization of GST rates and slabs would reduce compliance costs, improve tax buoyancy, and eliminate classification disputes.
Mechanism for higher revenue generation: An increase in returns filed is however not an end in itself. It must lead to higher revenues for which newer mechanism needs to be developed.
Need scrutiny: Amid broadly healthy GST inflows, some trends need greater scrutiny. There is need of capacity building of state tax authorities as success of GST depends on adapting to the new requirements.

THE CONCLUSION

With higher revenue and simplified tax regime, GST is termed as positive step towards shifting Indian economy from the informal to formal economy. There is need of certain reforms to overcome the impending challenges.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? (2020)
Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.(2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Although there has been improvement in GST revenue collection, the GST regime suffers from multiple challenges. Comment.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/revenue-riddles-the-hindu-editorial-on-gst-inflows-and-areas-of-concern/article67389922.ece

HOW THE CONTRASTING VIEWS OF AMBEDKAR AND GANDHI PAVED WAY FOR CASTE RESERVATION?

RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 1: HISTORY; PERSONALITIES; GS 2: SOCIETY: CASTE SYSTEM

THE CONTEXT

The caste survey released by the Bihar government has ignited a fresh debate on the caste-politics dynamics in India. The caste system has been a subject of intense political debate and reform efforts from the Colonial times. This article mentions how Ambedkar and Gandhi’s contrasting views paved way for caste reservation.

HISTORY OF CASTE RESERVATION

From the British era to the Mandal versus Kamandal politics, caste has been central to the socio-political narrative of mainland India.
Two prominent figures who have significantly contributed to this discourse are Mahatma Gandhi and Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Both Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar differed over how to address caste inequities through the electoral system. Their subsequent debates have shaped the course of Indian society and politics.

GANDHI’S VIEW

While Gandhi denounced untouchability, he did not condemn the varna system which is a social hierarchy based on occupation for most of his life.
He believed in reforming the caste system through the abolition of untouchability and by giving equal status to each occupation.

AMBEDKAR’S VIEW

BR Ambedkar argued that the caste system disorganised and demoralised Hindu society, reducing it to a collection of castes.
Ambedkar completely denounced the Vedas and scriptures, believing that the caste system and untouchability were manifestations of Hindu religious scriptures.
He first articulated caste inequality in Indian society and worked for the “annihilation of caste”, believing that anything built on caste would inevitably create inequality.

DEMAND FOR SEPARATE ELECTORATE: GANDHI vs AMBEDKAR

Their exchanges led to the Poona Pact of 1932, which shaped the reservation system in India’s electoral politics.
In 1930s, alongside the fight for independence, issue raised of political representation and safeguard of Dalits.
BR Ambedkar believed that a separate electoral process for Dalits was essential to ensure their political representation and protect their interests in legislative bodies.
Gandhi, on the other hand, was totally opposed to the idea of a separate electoral process, fearing it would perpetuate divisions among Indians.
In 1932, the British government formalized a separate electoral process for Muslims, Sikhs and Dalits in Round Table Conference to address the issue of representation for different religious and social groups in India.
Under the proposed process, only members from particular communities would be eligible to vote and elect a representative to legislative assemblies.
Gandhi started fast unto death in Yerwada Central Jail in Pune to pressurise the British for abandoning the idea of separate electorates.
A committee including Sir Tejbahadur Sapru, MR Jayakar, Madan Mohan Malviya and Mathuradas Wasanji was formed to have negotiations with Ambedkar on Gandhi’s behalf.
Gandhi’s unrelenting fast forced Ambedkar to bend and let go of his desire to have a separate electoral process for the depressed classes.
The Poona Pact was finally signed on September 24, 1932. Madan Mohan Malaviya signed it on behalf of Hindus and Gandhi, and Ambedkar on behalf of the depressed classes.
Instead of separate electorates, the pact introduced the concept of reserved seats for the Dalits in provincial and central legislative bodies. These reserved seats were to be filled through a joint electorate system, where all communities would vote together.
The Poona Pact also stipulated that in constituencies reserved for Dalits, only Dalit candidates could contest. However, in other general constituencies, Dalit voters could choose to vote for candidates of their choice from any community.

AMBEDKAR’S PERSPECTIVE ON GANDHI AFTER POONA PACT

Shortly after the signing of the Poona Pact, Ambedkar visited Gandhi on October 17, 1932, and urged him to end his civil disobedience and join the Round Table Conference.
After signing the Poona Pact, Ambedkar felt that the Poona Pact did not go far enough in addressing the social and economic injustices faced by the Dalits and was a compromise.
However, the Poona Pact marked a crucial turning point in Indian politics by rejecting separate electorates and introducing the concept of reserved seats, ensuring political representation for marginalized communities, particularly Dalits.
This agreement laid the foundation for the development of India’s reservation system, which has since been expanded to include various communities to promote social justice and equality.
The principles of the Poona Pact were later enshrined in the Government of India Act, 1935, and the Indian Constitution, which was adopted in 1950.

THE CONCLUSION

Despite their contrasting views on the caste system, both Gandhi and Ambedkar valued each other. Both leaders were united in their commitment to social justice and equality, and this left an indelible mark on Indian society and its electoral process.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (2021)
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016)

MAINS PRACTICES QUESTIONS

Gandhi and Ambedkar despite their differences developed an understanding to work for the betterment of the Depressed Classes. Discuss.
How has Poona Pact shaped the electoral politics of the nation and laid foundation for the development of India’s social justice policies?

SOURCE: https://www.indiatoday.in/history-of-it/story/ambedkar-gandhi-caste-system-poona-pact-1932-reservation-2445208-2023-10-06

WSDP Bulletin (09-10-2023)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

Recommendations of 52nd GST Council Meeting READ MORE
India and Saudi Arabia sign MoU in Electrical Interconnections, Green / Clean Hydrogen and Supply Chains READ MORE
PATA and India to jointly promote Travel for LiFE in Asia-Pacific region READ MORE
Attophysics — new tools to fathom the world of electrons | Explained READ MORE
Significance of quantum dots in nanotechnology | Explained READ MORE
Ganga-Ghagra basin canals pose a threat to dolphins: study READ MORE
Prey, habitat dictate Asiatic wild dog-tiger coexistence, says study READ MORE
Afghanistan earthquake kills 2,000: The frequent tremors the country sees READ MORE
Why the RBI’s Open Market Operation plan caught the market by surprise READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

Women farm workers need workplace safety READ MORE
Dalit students still face discrimination READ MORE
Caste-wise census: An opportunity to rectify the injustice done to the Adi Dravidas READ MORE
What caused the flood in Sikkim? | Explained READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

Why does the State want to control universities? READ MORE
Women’s reservation: A law on paper, but a reality far away READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

New malaria vaccine to be a game changer READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

Why did Hamas launch a surprise attack on Israel? | Analysis READ MORE
Toofan Al-Aqsa jolts West Asian geostrategic architecture READ MORE
Regime change in the Maldives distinctly favours China READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Revenue riddles: By not raising interest rates, RBI betrays its concerns about slowing growth READ MORE
Building an India for manufacturers READ MORE
Inflation clouds growth dreams READ MORE
Why IBC should give bankrupting promoters a second chance READ MORE
Globalisation of Indian financial markets READ MORE
Rate decision signal of concern, uncertainty READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Why India is launching a national framework for climate services READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

What turned Teesta into a killer? Here’s proof Sikkim flash floods are a man-made disaster READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

How the Digital India Act will shape the future of the country’s cyber landscape READ MORE
Beefing up cybersecurity for India’s energy transition READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

Gita can take you from mediocrity to perfection READ MORE
Why must you suffer? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

Empowering women with the right to a safe and inclusive online environment is a crucial step toward a more equitable and just society in the digital age. Comment.
There is a need to redefine the relationship between the State and universities for a truly autonomous and thriving academic environment. Comment on the statement in light of recent developments.
While constitutional safeguards and legal protection for Dalits exist, caste-based discrimination has taken on new forms in the modern era. Discuss why the safeguards and legal protection are failed to address the issue of discrimination in higher educational institutions?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones.
Recognising internet access as a fundamental human right, India is bound by international agreements like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The Adi Dravida community should seize the forthcoming caste census as an opportunity to rectify the errors made during the 1931 caste census.
To create a world-class clean energy ecosystem in India that is safe, all stakeholders must work collectively to develop all critical components and associated cyber architecture.
Implementation of reservation of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies will have to wait for the Census and a delimitation exercise.
Since no one knows when women’s reservation will legally come into force, in the immediate future we can only monitor ticket allocation by all parties across the ideological spectrum and see who stands where.
To keep up with the developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning, suitable vulnerability management tools and cyber-attack resilient capabilities may be co-developed with indigenous centres of excellence.
Addressing cybercrimes requires tackling under-reporting, which currently obscures the true scale of the problem.
Empowering women with the right to a safe and inclusive online environment is a crucial step toward a more equitable and just society in the digital age. It is time to act, bridge the gender gap, and make the internet a safer space for all.
Dalit students face various forms of exclusion and caste-based discrimination in educational institutions across the country. While constitutional safeguards and legal protection for Dalits exist, caste-based discrimination has taken on new forms in the modern era.
There is a need to redefine the relationship between the State and universities for a truly autonomous and thriving academic environment.
In sync with India’s rising stock in the global economy and geopolitics, Indian financial market is about to be truly globalized.
Measures such as collecting data, raising awareness, and creating safe spaces are needed to combat violence against women in agriculture.
The proposed Digital India Act (DIA) encompasses several pivotal clauses that mirror the dynamic evolution of the digital environment, addressing its multifaceted challenges and opportunities.

50-WORD TALK

Addressing cybercrimes requires tackling under-reporting, which currently obscures the true scale of the problem. Psycho-social cybercrimes pose a significant threat to women, particularly due to the gender gap in online access. These crimes thereby violate fundamental rights, including the right to privacy, freedom of speech, dignity, education, and information.
In the face of a growing crisis of cybercrimes against women, recognising the right to internet access is imperative. It aligns with India’s democratic principles, expands on existing constitutional rights, and addresses the gender data gap. Empowering women with the right to a safe and inclusive online environment is a crucial step toward a more equitable and just society in the digital age. It is time to act, bridge the gender gap, and make the internet a safer space for all.

Things to Remember:

For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED. Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

TOPIC: MONSOON AND FOOD INFLATION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

THE CONTEXT: With erratic monsoon, a turnaround in rainfall has led to worrying trends for rising food inflation in the country. Apart from natural causes, there is a rise in artificial reasons as well, which is making the last-mile fight against inflation tougher. In this context, this article analyses the issue in detail from the UPSC perspective.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

India’s retail inflation had risen to 4.8% in June on high food prices which is higher than economists’ expectations of 4.3-4.6%.
According to Crisil economists, food products account for a 39% weight in the inflation basket and vegetables and is the most volatile component.
The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) in June increased to 4.49% from 2.91% in May because of late rains in different parts of the country.
Vegetables, which have a 6% weight in the retail basket, were still in deflation in June owing to base effects, but rose 12.2% sequentially. These are affected more than cereals by extreme weather events, local supply disruptions and wastage.

While most economists believe the inflation rate certainly will remain sticky, it will not prompt the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for another rate hike.
Despite late arrival, the monsoon staged a recovery leading to a surge in kharif crop plantings, which is likely to impact food inflation positively.
However, Monsoon has been normal/above-normal at an all-India level over the past four years. Predictably, foodgrain production has risen in these years. Even then, food inflation, as measured by CPI, remained above 6% in three of these four years.

WHAT IS INFLATION?

Inflation is the rate of increase in prices over a given period of time. It is typically a broad measure, such as the overall increase in prices or the increase in the cost of living in a country.
It effectively measures the change in the prices of a basket of goods and services in a year. In India, inflation is calculated by taking the WPI as a base.
It occurs due to an imbalance between demand and supply of money, changes in production and distribution costs or increases in taxes on products.

CAUSES OF FOOD INFLATION

DELAY IN MONSOON

The southwest monsoon had an abysmal start, arriving seven days late on June 8.
Rainfall for the country was 52.6% below the normal (long-period average) during the first two weeks, with 10.1% cumulative deficiency even at the end of June.

EL NINO CAUTION

There is uncertainty related to El Nino, which is known to suppress rainfall in India, where the impact can extend to the rabi season.
El Nino has usually led to deficient rainfall in India. Since 1991, there have been six occurrences, and rainfall was deficient in five. The last El Nino event was in 2015.
El Nino, which has a bearing on India’s southwest monsoon, could impact agricultural production and, in turn, may result in high food inflation.

EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS

Extreme weather events such as unusual rains and heat waves are growing risks.
Last fiscal, despite a normal monsoon, food output was hit by a heatwave in March 2022 and unseasonal rains in October 2022 and in March 2023.
In this fiscal so far, excess rains have already delayed sowing in the beginning of the kharif season.
Any more such incidents risk damaging standing crops and yields.

DOMESTIC CAUSES

Apart from natural causes, there are few artificial domestic causes as

1. Artificial hoarding: It is one of the significant factors that often causes inflation is hoarding by traders.

2. Macroeconomic issues in India: There are issues such as domestic policies and the lagged impact of the previous year’s production that influence final inflation outcomes.

3. The weak currency also played a role in higher inflation spikes in the past headwinds from weak external demand.

GLOBAL CAUSES

Few of the global causes for food inflation:

1. Volatility in global financial markets

2. Protracted geopolitical tensions due to Russia-Ukraine war

- As until 2019-20, India was importing an average 0.2 mt of sunflower oil every month which fell to 0.15-0.16 mt led to rise in prices of edible oil.
- Also war induced disruptions led to cut in fertilizer shipments from the world’s largest suppliers, threatening global food security.

3. Global food supply disruptions due to trade restrictions.

IMPLICATIONS OF FOOD INFLATION

IMPACT ON SOWING

Monsoon’s turnaround can impact kharif crop planting as the bulk of kharif sowings happen from mid-June to mid-August, and rainfall decides how much area is covered.
The same rain helps fill up reservoirs and ponds and recharge groundwater tables, which provide moisture for the subsequent rabi winter-spring crops.

LOW BUFFER STOCKS

Due to low rainfall and low crop production, there is high chances of low buffer stocks.
It is evident that with 71.1 million tonnes (mt) as on July 1, rice and wheat stocks in government godowns were the lowest in five years for this date while also affecting the rural economy.

IMPACT MARKET DYNAMICSIMP

While deciding on the monetary policy, the RBI closely monitors food inflation since it accounts for nearly half of the CPI inflation, i.e. 39 per cent of the consumer-price index.
In this regard, high food inflation can lead to a rise in interest rates, flattening of equity prices and hardening of bond yields.

CHALLENGES RELATED TO THE INFLATION CONTROL

SUPPLY CHAIN HURDLES

There are many persistent challenges in the Food Supply Chain in India, leading to mismanagement of resources and lead inflation.
A few of them are Farming and Labor Shortages, Lack of Traceability., Communication Breakdowns, and Poor Inventory Control.

ISSUES RELATED TO DIRECT AND INDIRECT FARM SUBSIDIES

Subsidies are ruined with corruption and leakages due to the presence of intermediaries.
For example, in PDS, the presence of ghost beneficiaries, and leakages are observed.

ISSUES RELATED TO BUFFER STOCKS AND FOOD SECURITY

There are issues related to warehousing, including a lack of adequate storage space and other infrastructure following the purchase.
This mismanagement often leads to the Wastage of food resources and threatened food security and a lack of buffer stocks.

ISSUES RELATED TO TRANSPORT AND MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE

Poor transportation facilities and road infrastructure cause delays in the transportation of agricultural products, leading to spoilage, loss of quality, and reduced profits.
There are also issues in the marketing of agricultural products due to loopholes in Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) system.

ISSUE IN MONETARY POLICY OF RBI

The primary goal of the monetary policy of RBI is to maintain price stability.
However, the RBI is not able to respond nimbly to growth headwinds and adverse movements in near-term inflation risks delaying the first cut.

GOVERNMENT MEASURES

PM AASHA

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM AASHA) is a scheme launched by the central government in 2018 to ensure fair prices for farmers and their produce.
By strengthening the procurement process, the PM-AASHA scheme will improve the income of the farmers to a greater extent.

BUFFER STOCK RELEASE

The concept of Buffer stock was introduced by the government to reserve a commodity that is used to offset price fluctuations and unforeseen emergencies.
It is generally maintained for essential commodities and necessities like food grains, pulses etc.
At present, the Government prefers to use the term Food grain stocking norms, which refers to the level of stock in the Central Pool that is sufficient to meet the operational requirement of food grains and exigencies at any point in time.

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT

The Food Corporation of India is a Central Government entity responsible for procuring food grains directly from the farmers and then distributing them through the PDS throughout India.
The government’s procurement strategy for food grains has wide aims, including providing MSP to farmers and supplying food grains to the poorer sections at reasonable costs.

EXPORT BAN

The concern about food inflation is evident in the pre-emptive steps the government is taking, such as banning some types of rice exports, imposing stocking limits on wheat, and market intervention to improve supplies.
Between May 2020 and now, the government has banned the export of wheat and all non-parboiled non-basmati rice. India, despite being the largest exporter of rice and second largest of sugar, has imposed a ban on exports of broken rice and continues curbs on wheat and sugar to ensure its food security

CURB ON ARTIFICIAL HOARDING

Artificial hoarding has led to recently seen high rise in tomato prices up to 200 per kg.
The government has already announced policies to curb artificial hoarding as it is conscious of the impact of food inflation.
The government imposed stock limits on wheat with immediate effect till March 2024 in a bid to check hoarding and contain rising prices.

PRICE STABLISATION FUND

Price Stablisation Fund was established in 2014-15 to absorb extreme volatility in selected commodity prices.
Such goods will be procured directly from farmers or farmers’ organisations at the farm gate/mandi, and made available to consumers at a more affordable price.

OPERATION GREENS

Operation Greens seeks to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops and to ensure availability of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility.
It aims to enhance value realisation of TOP farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production clusters and their FPOs, and linking/connecting them with the market.

ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES ACT, 1955

The Act empowers the central government to control the production, supply, distribution, trade, and commerce in certain commodities.
It seeks to increase competition in the agriculture sector and enhance farmers’ income.
It aims to liberalise the regulatory system while protecting the interests of consumers.

THE WAY FORWARD

Reform in APMC: There is a need for reform in the existing system of APMC system with increased competition to avoid monopoly. Alternative marketing channels, such as direct selling, needed to be encouraged.
Supply chain management: Investments must be made to bolster infrastructure for supply chains to enable a strong supply chain management system, which would be in sync with the current global scenario with advanced track and trace technologies.
Fiscal Policy Interventions: Fiscal policy interventions via price stabilisation measures, such as the release of stocks, and facilitating imports, could be deployed to contain abnormal price spikes.
E- technology in the aid of farmers: E-Technology has the potential to improve the livelihoods of farmers and improve decision-making at farmer levels by dissemination of relevant and timely information regarding agri- inputs, suitable farming techniques, etc. This can be done through platforms such as Kisan SMS Portal, Kisan Sabha App, etc
Better Weather forecasts: A better mechanism to provide weather-based agro-advisories to farmers in a timely and efficient manner will be helpful. It can help limit the impact of erratic monsoons and the shadow of the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Enough buffer stocks: To mitigate the risk of food inflation, the Government should ensure enough buffer stocks of essential food items such as wheat and rice. The option of importing to meet any supply-demand mismatch should be kept open.
Crop Diversification: There is a need to shift from the regional dominance of one crop to regional production of a number of crops, to meet ever increasing demand of cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, oilseeds, fibres, fodder, grasses etc.
Climate Resilient Agriculture: There is need for climate resilient agriculture which can include developing cultivars tolerant to heat and moisture stresses, modifying crop management practices, improving water management etc.
Improved Price Monitoring: There is need of improved price monitoring to analyses the price situation and gives advance feedback for taking preventive measures to help policy interventions at the right time.

THE CONCLUSION: The RBI has recently said that the fight is far from over, and monetary policy has to stay the course to align inflation with the target in this last leg of a strenuous journey. Hence, a wider set of artificial factors, in addition to the monsoon’s progress, need to be taken into account to assess inflationary pressures in the economy.

MAINS QUESTIONS

Q.1 Discuss both natural and artificial causes and implications of food inflation and suggest suitable measures.

Q.2 Explain how Indian Monsoon is linked to general food prices in India. What are the measures being undertaken by the government of India to deal with food inflation?

INTERNET UPS AND DOWNS

REFERENCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 2: DIGITAL INDIA, INTERNET SHUTDOWNS, GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY

THE CONTEXT

The internet shutdown in Manipur was reimposed on September 26, 2023. The internet had been back in place for barely three days after the 143-day-long shutdown that began on May 3, 2023 before it was shut down again as the conflict intensified.

MORE ON THE NEWS

There is a cycle of internet shutdowns happening in the state of Manipur as it is trapped in ethnic conflict, marked by frequent loss of life and property. It underpins a lack of confidence in the state as a recurring theme for protests in Imphal, regardless of internet access.
Violence and brutality from Manipur reflect a deep-seated social discord and a breakdown in public trust. The term “cycle of violence,” is aptly used here. It was coined by Lenore Walker to describe situations of domestic abuse, and is no longer used in this context.
However, it captures the toxic relationship that can develop between the state and its citizens. Those in power persist in depriving citizens of digital access to essential aspects of life, all to evade accountability. Cycles do not stop by themselves. To end, they require political leadership, not the continued use of “limited internet shutdowns” in Manipur.

WHAT IS INTERNET SHUTDOWN?

Internet shutdowns are an absolute restriction placed on the use of internet services due to an order issued by a government body.
It may be limited to a specific place and to specific period, time or number of days. Sometimes it can even extend indefinitely.
An internet shutdown may be limited to mobile internet that you use on smartphones, or the wired broadband that usually connects a desktop – or both at the same time.

INTERNET SHUTDOWNS IN INDIA

Data compiled by global digital rights group Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition reveals that India implemented at least 84 shutdowns in 2022, the highest number of shutdowns in the by any country in 2022.
Since 2016, India has accounted for approximately 58% of all shutdowns documented in the Shutdown Tracker Optimization Project (STOP database).

REGULATION RELATED TO INTERNET SHUTDOWNS IN INDIA

Till the year 2017, shutdowns were imposed largely under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
However, in 2017 the law was amended and the Government promulgated the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules 2017 under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
The 2017 Rules provide for temporary shutdown of telecom services in a region on grounds of public emergency and give senior bureaucrats from the Home Ministry at the central and state levels the power to order shutdowns.
The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 grants the central government the power to disconnect or intercept communication services in the interest of case including: Public safety, sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, or public order.
Section 69 of the IT Act allows the government to issue content-blocking orders to online intermediaries such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecom service providers, web hosting services, search engines, online marketplaces, etc. However, the Section requires the information or content being blocked to be deemed a threat to India’s national security, sovereignty, or public order.

ISSUES RELATED TO INTERNET SHUTDOWNS

Economic impact: Internet shutdown has vast economic implication due to disruptions in communication as businesses and startups mostly rely on internet to operate.
Suppress dissent: Internet shutdowns are tend to often used by governments to suppress dissent and limit political opposition.
Affects day to day life: Shutdowns tend to disturb day-to-day life as online transactions, delivery and essential services came to a standstill. Students preparing for their boards, patients unable to reach their doctors and candidates struggling to commute to their job interviews were.
Affects international reputation: India is seen as democratic nation and frequent internet shutdowns have a negative impact on India’s international reputation as a democratic nation.
Not effective steps by regulators: As, the Department of Telecom refuses to maintain a centralised database and has proposed a Telecom Bill that retains unchecked power to implement internet shutdowns. Also, a recently concluded Telecom Regulatory Authority of India consultation ignored internet shutdown issue. Thus, institutions which serve as checks on a state government are either offering tacit support or adopting wilful ignorance towards internet shutdowns.

THE WAY FORWARD

Need of political leadership: The Cycles of shutdowns do not stop by themselves. To end, they require political leadership, not the continued use of ‘limited internet shutdowns’ for long term solutions.
Reforming the Legal Framework: Existing legal framework seems to be inadequate in limiting the internet shutdowns, government should repeal or amend the outdated laws.The state also needs to follow the Anuradha Bhasin judgement of the SC in letter and spirit.
Alternative solution: There can be alternative solution by engaging civil society for peace and communication. Also, instead of complete shutdown, there can be blocking of specific content or websites.
Action by private players: There is need of cautionary approach by private players. OTT platforms must exercise due caution and discretion when featuring the activities, beliefs, practices, or views of any racial or religious group. For example, Major telecom players like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone are advocating for service-level blocks by internet companies, a move that could not only increase compliance burdens but also risk government-dictated “essential” internet services.

THE CONCLUSION

A proportionality and necessity test analysis to determine the proper course of action are essential at this juncture. For better internet governance and government and the Indian civil society needs to push for a transparent and accountable system.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Has digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (2021).
Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (2020).

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

India has accounted for one of the highest internet shutdowns in recent years. In this respect, discuss the laws for internet shutdown regulation and issues arising out of frequent shutdown in India.
Is internet shutdown provides an effective solution for maintaining public order or it is used as a tool to evade accountability? Discuss.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/apar-gupta-writes-in-manipur-another-internet-shutdown-a-conflict-intensified-8970390/

WOMEN’S QUOTA, PANCHAYATS TO PARLIAMENT

REFERENCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS1: WOMEN EMPOWERMENT; GS 2: ELECTORAL RRFORMS.

THE CONTEXT

The landmark Women’s Reservation Bill now the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act that reserves one-third of the total seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women received presidential assent recently.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL

Reservation for women: The Bill reserves, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and states legislatures.
Commencement of reservation: The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published. Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women. The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament.
Rotation of seats:Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament.
Ratification of bill: The Bill needs ratification from a minimum of 50 per cent of the states. The constitutional reasoning for requiring ratification by states is the potential impact of the Bill on the rights of states.

SIGNIFICANCE

Increase political representation of women: According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, India ranks 148th out of 193 countries in terms of women’s representation while the global average is 26.5 per cent. Similarly, women’s representation in state assemblies is also dismal, ranging from 3.1 per cent in Nagaland to 23.1 per cent in Bihar. The Bill aims to increase the number of women MPs to 181 from the current 82 and women MLAs to more than 2,000 from the current 740.
Gender equality: The Bill aims to empower women and promote gender equality in society. The Bill hopes to create a conducive environment for women to voice their concerns and demand their rights. It also hopes to inspire more women to enter public life, take on leadership roles and challenge the patriarchal norms and stereotypes that limit their potential.
Enhance governance: The Bill will improve the quality and effectiveness of governance and policymaking in India. Studies have shown that women legislators tend to be more responsive, accountable, honest, and collaborative than their male counterparts. They also tend to focus more on issues related to health, education, welfare, environment, and social justice, which are crucial for human development.

WOMEN’S RESERVATION IN PANCHAYATS

The Bill marked a new chapter in India’s democratic journey and it comes on the 30th anniversary of the constitutional reforms that reserved one-third of seats in panchayats and municipalities for women.
The Parliament enacted the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments that sought to make panchayats and municipalities “institutions of self-government”.
It mandated a minimum of one-third of seats and office of chairpersons in panchayats and municipalities to be reserved for women.
It also mandated reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Schedules Tribes (STs) based on their percentage population and enabled States to reserve seats for Backward Classes.
This has created a system with over 3 million elected panchayat representatives, out of which almost half are women.
While the Union government’s 2009 constitutional amendment to increase women’s reservation in local governments from 33% to 50% failed, many States have enacted laws that reserve 50% seats for women.
Hence, presently in panchayats and municipalities, there is, at one level, vertical reservation of seats for SCs, STs, and OBCs and a horizontal category of reservation for women that applies across all categories general, SC, ST, and OBC.
However, unlike the case of the 73rd and 74th amendments, the present law does not enable reservation for OBC women.

IMPACT OF WOMEN’S RESERVATION IN PANCHAYATS

Strengthening democracy: With 30 years of women’s reservation in local government, it has ensured to strengthen democracy at grass root level which can be lesson for upper democracy. It led to expansion and diversification of the representative base of Indian democracy which is the most successful element of these constitutional reforms.
Holistic address of disadvantaged section: Because of Such a mix of vertical and horizontal reservations the issue of disadvantaged section of people are recognized due to their location in the intersection of their caste and gender identities. The present women’s reservation law, adopts a similar model of intersectional reservation for women.
Efficiency of Women leaders: Women leaders tends to be more efficient and women’s reservation in local governments yielded substantive benefits.

Differing impacts:

More efficient: A 2004 paper by Esther Duflo and Raghabendra Chattopadhyay on panchayats in West Bengal and Rajasthan found that women leaders invest more in public goods and ensure increased women’s participation in panchayat meetings. A more expansive study in 2011 across 11 States by Ms. Duflo and others reaffirmed the finding that women-led panchayats made higher investments in public services like drinking water, education, and roads.
Worse impact: However, a 2010 paper by Pranab Bardhan and others found that women’s reservations worsened the targeting of welfare programmes for SC/ST households and provided no improvement for female-headed households. Also, A 2020 paper by Alexander Lee and Varun Karekurve-Ramachandra examining reservations in Delhi found that constituencies reserved for women are less likely to elect OBC women and more likely to elect upper-caste women.
Not much difference: Meanwhile, a 2008 paper by Vijayendra Rao and Radu Ban found that women leaders perform no differently than their male counterparts in south India and instead institutional factors such as the maturity of the State’s panchayat system were more relevant.

Evidently, the impact of women’s reservation is not straightforward. Since the role that women play in local governments is different from their role in Parliament, the impact of reservation may play out differently, it needs more effective studies to analyse the impacts at parliament level.

CONCERNS

Can create division among women: The Bill will create divisions among women based on caste, religion, region, and class. Some parties have demanded that within the 33 per cent reservation for women, there should be a sub-quota for women from backward classes and minorities. Without such a provision, the Bill will benefit only upper-caste and urban women at the expense of lower-caste and rural women.
Restrict choice of voters: Reservation of seats in Parliament restricts choice of voters to women candidates. Therefore, some experts have suggested alternate methods such as reservation in political parties and dual member constituencies.
Issue in rotation provision of the bill: By reserving seats for women by rotation, the Bill may create instability and uncertainty in the electoral process. Rotation of reserved constituencies in every election may reduce the incentive for an MP to work for his constituency as he may be ineligible to seek re-election from that constituency.
Issue regarding merit of legislators: Another point of criticism is that it may reduce the merit and competence of legislators. By reserving seats for women based on gender alone, the Bill may compromise the quality and efficiency of governance.
Can repeat trend of local bodies: One of the major concern is repetition of trend of local bodies where in name of women candidate, male members (Sarpanch Patis) tends to enjoy the political privileges overshadowing women’s political rights.
Not proper discussion and consultation: There is no such proper stakeholder consultation. However, something as vital as a constitutional amendment for women’s reservation should have been introduced after widespread discussion and analysis of its experience, instead of being introduced through a “supplementary list” in a hastily organised Parliament session.

THE WAY FORWARD

Immediate implementation: The reservation is proposed to be implemented after a new Census is published and the delimitation exercise is completed which may take time longer than expected. In this case there is need to have immediate implementation for its effective result.
More inclusivity: There should be sub quota for reservation of OBC as well to have inclusive political representation of women from marginalized strata of society.
Extend reservation to Rajya Sabha: The report examining the 1996 women’s reservation Bill recommended reservation be extended to the Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Councils as well to have an overall holistic growth.
Reforms in the Electoral Process: Reforms such as introducing proportional representation and preferential voting systems can help to increase women’s representation in politics.

THE CONCLUSION

Overall, the reservation to women is a significant step forward for engendering political system. There is need to ensure commitment of each political party towards empowerment of women within the political sphere by giving more tickets to them in the interregnum .

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (2017)
Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects? (2018)
The reservation of seats for women in the institution of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political process”. Comment. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

The Women Reservation Bill, 2023 is a new step in electoral reforms. Examine the concerns regarding its feasibility, desirability, and implications.
How far the Women Reservation Bill, 2023 can address the under representation of women in the Indian Political System?

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/womens-quota-panchayats-to-parliament/article67381623.ece

WSDP Bulletin (07-10-2023)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

As per GRAP, Stage-I is to be imposed in the entire NCR when the daily average AQI of Delhi touches/ crosses 201 index value READ MORE
India Re-elected as President of Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) for a Third Successive Term READ MORE
REC launches ‘SUGAM REC’, a mobile app for 54EC Bonds Investors READ MORE
Two of every five amphibians threatened with extinction, reveals study READ MORE
Election Commission briefs observers ahead of Assembly polls in five states READ MORE
RBI’s status quo and an indication that rate cuts would have to wait: What’s in store for borrowers, depositors READ MORE
Russia may pull out of CTBT: How the treaty tried — and failed — to stop nuclear testing READ MORE
When can a bill be designated as a ‘money bill’: SC to hear challenge READ MORE
UN launches 10 principles to close Asia-Pacific sustainable finance gap READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

Equality and identity: On the findings of the Bihar caste count READ MORE
Implement women’s reservation now READ MORE
Beyond Politics: Caste Census Is About Deepening India’s Social Justice Paradigm READ MORE
Modelling study shows how controversial geoengineering may affect global food production READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

Age of Consent: Law Panel Report Simply Diagnoses, Doesn’t Solve the Problem READ MORE
In Strong Judgement, SC Comes Down Heavily on ‘Arbitrary Exercise of Power’ by ED READ MORE
Law Commission of India and Uniform Civil Code: Looking Back, Looking Forward READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

Aligning higher education with the United Nations SDGs READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

India-China power play gets new life in Maldives READ MORE
Reading ‘India Way’ in the Neighbourhood First Policy: Moral Exceptionalism or Strategic Pragmatism? READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Revenue riddles: On GST inflows and areas of concern READ MORE
RBI’s Monetary Policy and the art of letting it be READ MORE
Rates to stay elevated for longer READ MORE
Inflation clouds growth dreams READ MORE
De-risking is better than decoupling READ MORE
Factsheet of bad loans in the banking sector READ MORE
GDP Growth: The Gap Between Reality and Rhetoric READ MORE
K-shaped Recovery Dents Growth of Worker Earnings READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Over $9 trillion investments in infrastructure resilience, Net Zero needed by 2050 to mitigate climate impact: CDRI READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Inspiring colours: On the 2023 Chemistry Nobel READ MORE
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 goes to three scientists for quantum dots fundamental to nanotechnology READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

‘Sikkim tells us to be very careful before allowing any new hydropower project in the Himalayas’ READ MORE
Sikkim serves a warning, govts must heed now READ MORE
Deluge of apathy: Sikkim flash flood has claimed several lives after decade-old warnings were conveniently ignored READ MORE
Sikkim Flood Was a Disaster Forecast – But Warnings Were Ignored READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

In Manipur, another internet shutdown, a conflict intensified READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

Can We Teach Someone to Be Ethical? READ MORE
Give us a smile READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

Ethics are moral principles that govern behavior. Comment.
An urgent review of both the impact of climate change and infrastructure development in hilly areas is needed. Comment on the statement in the wake of the Sikkim glacial lake outburst flood.
India’s Neighborhood First Policy is guided by ideas of moral exceptionalism rooted in particular civilizational framings but is not without strategic pragmatism. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

Anything that you will build on the foundations of caste will crack and will never be a whole.
As India refigures its foreign policy to a region now changed by Armenia’s defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh, it almost certainly will have to seek out other, more stable avenues for its infrastructure ties given the potential of the INSTC project.
India’s Neighborhood First Policy is guided by ideas of moral exceptionalism rooted in particular civilizational framings, but is not without strategic pragmatism.
The growing dependence of female workers on self-employment points to increasing economic distress that forced women to shift from household work to informal employment.
India’s GDP numbers need to be recalculated with a change in methodology. The argument that the discrepancies get evened out is not a strong one.
The eastern Himalayas require special attention in terms of the potential for earthquakes as well as flood disasters. A special effort needs to be mounted to develop hazard scenarios and models as well as land zonation maps that demarcate areas prone to floods and landslides.
Nationality is a feeling of oneness which makes those who are charged with it feel they are kith and kin. It is a feeling of ‘consciousness of kind.
With four decades of experience in political reservation for women in local elections, there’s a compelling case for introducing the bill sooner rather than later.
The Indian banks, especially the public sector banks, are yet to benchmark the criterion for NPA and keep risk in tolerable limits while disbursing loans.
Globalisation has become so strong that complete economic decoupling of a country or region is not feasible. De-risking and realignment is the way forward.
The victory of a pro-China government in the Maldives offers Beijing an opportunity to restore its influence in the Indian Ocean region.
The rise in extreme weather events should prod the government to rehaul its management of all mountain approaches.
We need high-elevation meteorological stations for more accurate weather forecasts. Most of us use remote-sensing methods but we also need to develop our capacity in field glaciology.
Educational institutions have to rethink their approach so that it is in tune with the NEP which will be crucial in realising the 2030 deadline for SDGs.
It is high time that universities adopted sustainability as a mantra and incorporated SDGs into their institutional strategies, both in daily administration and in teaching and research.
It has been realised that higher education cannot work in isolation; rather it must be directly integrated with socio-economic development where each activity and transaction has meaningful and multiple impacts on SDGs.
Every citizen must feel that the universities contribute directly to their well-being and nation-building.

ESSAY TOPIC

India to awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened
What we sow we reap.

50-WORD TALK

In wake of the Sikkim glacial lake outburst flood, an urgent review of both the impact of climate change and infrastructure development in such areas is needed. India alone can’t do anything about global warming. But it’s imperative to assess the viability, risks of dams generating power from glacier runoff.
MK Stalin is right to say that National Medical Commission rules are undermining state rights. Linking MBBS seats with state population means southern states can’t raise seats or open new colleges. It amounts to punishing states that actually delivered quality medical education. Instead, add better colleges elsewhere in the country.
Hiking LPG subsidy for Ujjwala customers by 50% is further backsliding of the government’s proclaimed freebie policy. From making scathing political speeches about opposition’s ‘revdi culture’, PM Modi is himself distributing subsidies with increasing frequency as elections approach. It’s cynical politics that fiscal prudence is being sacrificed for electoral gain.
Nobody’s above the law of the land, including NewsClick. But UAPA, on top of the already draconian PMLA, peremptory seizure of electronic devices, characterises a heavy-handed State. Just allow the law to play out instead. The goal appears to be to silence critics through shock-and-awe while courts watch on ineffectually.

Things to Remember:

For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED. Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

TOPIC- EXAMINING THE POWER OF THE GOVERNOR VIS-A-VIS THE STATE BILLS

THE CONTEXT: In recent times, the problem of delay in according to assent to Bills by the Governor, passed by the legislature has become a burning issue that confronts our polity. It is quite often seen as putting down the dignity of our democracy and its constitutional fundamentals to test. This article discusses these issues in a comprehensive manner to enable the students to develop the right perspective.

ILLUSTRATION OF THE RECENT INSTANCES

Punjab: In July 2023, regretting the delay in signing the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Chief Minister accused the Governor of working against the will of the people.
Chhattisgarh: In April 2023, the government in Chhattisgarh was at loggerheads with the governor for the delay in giving assent to a Bill which seek to increase the overall quota in government jobs and admissions to educational institutions in Chhattisgarh to 76 per cent.
Kerala: In September 2022, the Kerala Governor signed into law five Bills passed by the Assembly. However, he withheld assent to the remaining six Bills, putting him at odds with the government and provoking a sharp response.
Tamil Nadu: The T.N. Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, which the Assembly approved in September 2021, remained inacted upon by the Governor. In June 2023, in response to an RTI, it was revealed that thirteen bills passed by the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly are pending assent with the Governor.
Telangana: Because of the inaction of the Governor with respect to the Bills passed by the state legislature, the government had to approach the Supreme Court.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS AND THE GOVERNOR’S POWER

ARTICLE 200 – ASSENT TO BILLS

According to Article 200, when a Bill passed by the Legislature of a State is presented to the Governor, he has four options available to him; giving assent, withholding assent, reserving the Bill for the consideration of the President or returning the bill to the state assembly for reconsideration.

ARTICLE: 201- BILLS RESERVED FOR CONSIDERATION

The Indian Constitution deals with provisions related to bills reserved for the consideration of the President.
When a Governor reserves a Bill for the consideration of the President, the President shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent.
The President may also direct the Governor to return the Bill, where the Bill is not a Money Bill, with a message. When a Bill is so returned, the House or Houses shall reconsider it accordingly within a period of six months from the date of receipt of such message and, if the House or Houses again pass it with or without amendment, it shall be presented again to the President.
There is no timeframe mentioned for the above provisions.

VETO POWER OF THE GOVERNOR WITH RESPECT TO BILLS

The Governor of India enjoys absolute veto, suspensive veto (except on money bills) and the pocket veto.

Absolute Veto: It refers to the power of withholding his assent to a bill passed by the state legislature. The bill then ends and does not become an act.
Suspensive Veto: The Governor returns the bill to the state legislature for its reconsideration.
Pocket Veto: The constitution of India does not provide a time frame for the Governor and the Bill may be kept pending.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF DELAY IN GIVING ASSENT TO THE STATE BILLS

The Governor uses his powers to delay assent to the Bills passed by state assemblies for various reasons, which undermines the constitutional provisions and is against the accepted norms.
The Governor’s delay in giving assent to bills passed by the Assembly violates the state’s constitutional obligation and hinders the functioning of the state government and may paralyze the state administrative machinery and can further create federal challenges and parliamentary democracy.
When the Governor fails to make a decision on a Bill passed by the assembly, it delays the implementation of policies and laws, especially when the Bill is related to public welfare. For instance, the Bill by the Chhattisgarh government which seeks to increase the overall quota in government jobs and admissions to educational institutions was delayed assent.
When the Governor withholds assent, he is not bound to provide any reason for his decision. This lack of accountability undermines the principles of transparency and accountability and may give rise to questions and doubts against the Office of the Governor

WHETHER LACK OF A MANDATORY TIME FRAME TO ACT, JUSTIFY THE INACTION?

All bills passed by a state’s Legislature become laws only upon receiving the governor’s assent. Article 200 of the Constitution gives governors the power to either grant assent to a bill, reject it or reserve it for the president’s consideration in certain cases. While rejecting the bill, the governor may suggest amendments. However, the legislature is not obligated to accept these suggestions and can pass the bill again in its original form for the governor’s approval. On this occasion, the governor must either give assent or reserve it for the president’s consideration.

However, by not prescribing a time frame within which the governors must take a decision the Constitution has provided a loophole for governors to delay legislation – a manoeuvre sometimes called a pocket veto. Constitutional experts such as PDT Achary, former Lok Sabha secretary general, highlight that governors do not have the right to keep bills pending and Governors must exercise one of the options Article 200 has given them. Here it is imperative to note that sitting on the bill is not one of the options available to the Governor under Article 200.

Though the Constitution has not given any timeline for Governors to act on the Bills passed by the state legislature, because constitution makers probably didn’t find it necessary, as governors were given options to choose from, given the trend of the recent past suggests that pocket vetoes exercised by the Governors, undermine federalism to a great extend, especially in the case of Opposition-ruled states.

DISCRETIONARY POWER OF THE GOVERNOR VIS-A-VIS STATE BILLS

The Constitution makes it clear that if any question arises whether a matter falls within the governor’s discretion or not, the decision of the governor is final and the validity of anything done by him cannot be called into question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in his discretion. When it comes to giving assent to the Bills passed by the state legislature, no specific discretionary power is entrusted to the Governor by the Constitution of India, and he is bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers in this case. However, he can reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President on specific grounds which may be:

Against the provisions of the Constitution,
Opposed to the Directive Principles of the State Policy,
Against the larger interest of the country and
Dealing with the compulsory acquisition of property under the Article 31A of the Constitution.

In one case reserving the state bill for the consideration of the President is obligatory for the Governor, that is, where the Bill passed by the state legislature endangers the position of the State High Court. In Shamsher Singh vs State Of Punjab (1974) a seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court said that the President and Governor, custodians of all executive and other powers under various Articles, shall exercise their formal constitutional powers only upon and in accordance with the advice of their Ministers save in a few well-known exceptional situations.

In the context of the above discussion, it is clear that Governor does not have any reason to delay the assent to the Bills passed by the state legislature; otherwise it brings the Cabinet system of government itself into question.

WHY ARE THE GOVERNORS NOT ACTING UPON THE BILLS?

The government is not providing enough information which may be required by the Governor for making wise and timely decisions.
Governors are apprehensive about giving assent to certain Bills as they believe them to be diminishing the authority and dignity accorded to the Office of the Governor. For instance, many states have passed Bill for replacing the Governor as the Vice-chancellor of the state universities.
Increasing conflicts within the federal system as in some instances the Governors seem to be taking the sides of the central government.
Governors who seem to be interfering with the state machinery and falling in line with the central government seek better positions at the centre; we have seen one such promotion in the recent past.

JUDICIAL OBSERVATIONS

The Supreme Court in April 2023, in the Telangana case said that Governors should as soon as possible after the bill is submitted for assent; return the bill if it is not a money Bill. The Court also said that the expression “as soon as possible” has a significance which should be borne in mind by the constitutional authorities.

The Supreme Court in the case of U.N. Rao v. Indira Gandhi (1971) held that the position of the President and that of the Governor are just titular in nature and that the real power is actually exercised by the Council of Ministers. The satisfaction of the President or the Governor in the Constitutional sense in the Cabinet system of Government, that is, the satisfaction of his Council of Ministers on whose aid and advice the President or the Governor exercises all his powers and functions.

In the case of Rai Sahib Ramjawaya v. State of Punjab (1955), it was held that the Constitution though federal in structure is modelled on the British Parliamentary system where the executive is deemed to have the primary responsibility for the formulation of governmental policy and its transmission into law. The Constitution does not aim at providing a parallel Government within the State by allowing the Governor to go against the advice of the Council of Ministers, therefore neither the President nor the Governor is to exercise executive functions at their own discretion.

THE WAY FORWARD:

The Governors should not overreach their authority. Being an eminent constitutional authority, it is expected that the persons holding the Office of the Governor should play by the rule book i.e. the Constitution of India.
The Supreme Court should set a reasonable time frame for Governors to make a decision on a Bill passed by the Assembly in the interest of federalism in the country.
The Sarkaria Commission (1988) was of the opinion that Article 200 did not invest the Governor with a general discretion in reserving Bills. Only in extremely rare cases should the Governor reserve a Bill in his discretion and not merely because, personally, he does not like the policy embodied in the Bill. Such recommendations shall be included in the Constitution through proper amendments.
The exercise of ‘discretionary powers’ by the Governors should be guided by the healthy and democratic conventions and they must act judiciously, impartially and efficiently while exercising their discretion and personal judgment.
The state governments should also not take an adversarial approach as it is the Governor’s duty to see that the bills passed by the state assembly must pass the muster of constitutional guidelines.
It is also imperative on the part of the Governor to make a decision regarding the assent to the state bills. Even in cases he thinks it fit to withhold the assent he should say so. Inaction is not an option.
Punchhi Commission (2010) held that if a Bill was, on reconsideration as indicated by the Governor, passed by the State legislature again, with or without amendments, the Governor is obliged to give his assent. Furthermore, it is necessary to prescribe a time limit within which the Governor should take the decision whether to grant assent or to reserve it for consideration of the President. The Governor shall also make his decision on the Bill within a maximum period of six months after submission to him.

THE CONCLUSION: In a parliamentary democracy, the Governor has no discretion to defer or delay necessary assent. Any refusal on the part of the Governor including any delay will defeat the parliamentary democracy and the will of the people. The Constitution of India envisaged a politics of social transformation through performative politics and good governance for the people through the office of the governor. It is worth noting here that in his speech on the constitutional role of Governors, Dr B.R. Ambedkar described how a Governor should use his discretion not as “representative of a party” but as “the representative of the people as a whole of the State”.

Mains Practice Questions:

Q.1 Parliamentary democracy and the cabinet form of government at the state level requires the Governor use his legislative power with respect to Bills within the limited discretion provided by the constitution. Examine in the context of recent developments.

Q.2 With its provision for definite choices, the Constitution makes it obligatory for the Governor to act without a wait. Discuss the statement in the context of recent issues with the governors indefinitely delaying their assent to the state bills.

RETRIBUTION FOR THE SOUTH, ACCOLADE FOR THE NORTH

RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 2: POLITY: DELIMITATION; PARLIAMENT; FISCAL DEVOLUTION; FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS; FEDERAL ISSUES; GS 1: SOCIETY: POPULATION RELATED ISSUES

THE CONTEXT:

Southern states are facing a disadvantage due to less population with less political representation and a lesser share of central funds due to the delimitation of Lok Sabha seats and the provisions of 14^th Finance commission, respectively.

WHAT IS DELIMITATION?

According to the Election Commission of India, delimitation means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body. The job of delimitation is assigned to the Delimitation Commission or a Boundary Commission (statutory body).
Till date, Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times – in 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952; in 1963 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1962; in 1973 under the Delimitation Act, 1972; and in 2002 under the Delimitation Act, 2002.
Article 81 of the Constitution stipulates that Lok Sabha constituencies in the country should be equal by the size of the population.
Based on the 1971 Census, the number of Lok Sabha constituencies for States was determined and frozen for the next 25 years through the 42nd Amendment Act 1976.
In 2001, through the 84th Amendment Act, the freeze on the number of constituencies for each State was further prolonged until the first Census after 2026.

HOW IS DELIMITATION UNFAIR TO THE SOUTHERN STATES?

The new Parliament building is built to accommodate 888 members, while the current strength of the lower house is 545. This means that if the freeze on delimitation is lifted in 2026 and a census-based redrawing of Lok Sabha constituencies is carried out, there can be more MPs.
If equal size of Lok Sabha constituencies by population is enforced today as in the population projections of 2023, the five southern States will lose 23 seats, while the northern States will gain 37. In other words, the proportion of political representation of northern States will increase by 6.81% and that of southern States will decline by 4.24%.
Thus, a population-based delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies has been long opposed by political parties in the South. They have argued that a population-based delimitation will give an undue advantage to northern and central states in the Lok Sabha.
Southern states which have implemented family planning programs more effectively than the states in North India would be penalized through reduced political representation.

HOW IS FISCAL DEVOLUTION UNFAIR TO SOUTHERN STATES?

The union government constitutes a Finance Commission once in five years to recommend the share of each State in the assigned tax revenue of the Union government.
Every Finance Commission recommends a formula for the horizontal distribution of the Union government’s tax revenue among the States.
Population and per capita income of a State are considered to be two important indicators that are always included in the distribution formula with larger weights.

Distribution on the basis of Population:

- The first Finance Commission decided a State’s share based on its population size. However, the successive Finance Commissions reduced the weight assigned to the population in the distribution formula while including other variables and used 1971 population in distribution formula which continued till the Thirteenth Finance Commission (2010-15).
- However, the Fourteenth Finance Commission declared taking the 2011 population thus, the established practice of rewarding the southern States for controlling the population was replaced by awarding the populous States.

Distribution of basis of per capita:

- There is another factor that consistently brings in the current population in the distribution formula the per capita income of a State. The per capita income of a State is considered as a proxy for its ability to raise its own revenue.
- The higher the per capita income of a State, the lower its share in the Union tax revenue. Lower per capita income of a State may be due to higher population for a given Gross State Domestic Product. Therefore, the higher the current population of a State, the higher its share in the Union tax revenue. It is important to note that usually the per capita income is assigned larger weight in the distribution formula favouring the northern States.
- The combined share of the five southern States in the Union government’s tax revenue from 2000-05 to 2021-26 declined from 21.1% to 15.8%. On the contrary, the combined share of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh increased from 51.5% to 53.2%.
- Therefore, using the current population for delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies is clear retribution for the population control efforts of the southern States and a transparent accolade for the higher growth rate of population in the northern States.

ISSUES:

Difference in growth rates: The population growth rates differ between the non-Hindi speaking southern States and the Hindi-speaking northern States. Between 1971 and 2011, the proportion of the population of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh increased from 44% to 48.2%, whereas the proportion of population of the five southern States (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana) declined from 24.9% to 21.1%.
Flawed Criteria of one person one vote: In the existing ‘First Past the Post’ election system winners are elected by even less than one third of votes polled.To give a perspective, from the 2019 election numbers, we can see that a Member of Parliament from the northern States of represent around 18 lakh registered electors, while the five southern State Member of Parliament represent 16 lakh registered electors. But in both these two groups of States, it requires only 12 lakh voters to elect a Member of Parliament. The real meaning of ‘one person, one vote’ is lost in this system and is flawed.
Disincentivize the population control: Population control happens because of social change in society but reducing political representation defeats their purpose. This not only disincentivize southern states but also an incentive for others not to take population control and social change as public policy seriously.

THE WAY FORWARD

Balanced representation: There is a need of proper policy framing for adequate and balanced representation of both northern and southern states and prevent any state from losing its current number of seats. At the same time, fiscal devolution should in such manner that progressive states are rewarded and backwards states gets enough incentives to show some progress. For example, Canada has been consistently increasing the proportion of representation in the national Parliament for the less populous provinces. The attempt to equalise the size of constituencies by population is based on the dictum, “One Person, One Vote”.
Population control: Northern states should emulate the success of southern states in fertility reduction. Government and civil societies in Northern states needs to proactively act to update entire state apparatus to achieve population balance.
Awareness: There should be awareness and education programmes for citizens with a women’s centric approach with incentivizing late marriages and childbirths and increased labour force participation. It will control population with balanced sex ratio and enhanced political representation.

THE CONCLUSION:

Family planning and population control are the stated policies of the national and regional governments in India. States that have implemented these policies and effectively controlled their population should not be penalised through reduced political representation after delimitation in subsequent periods.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/retribution-for-the-south-accolade-for-the-north/article67381325.ece

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021)
How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (2020)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Using the current population for delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies is clear retribution for the population control efforts of the southern States and a transparent accolade for the higher growth rate of population in the northern States. Examine.

UNDECLARED EMERGENCY: ON THE ARRESTS AND ACTIONS IN NEWSCLICK CASE

RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 2: POLITY: FREEDOM OF PRESS; FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS; UAPA ACT, 1967.

THE CONTEXT:

The arrest and actions in the Newsclick case under the draconian provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 can create a chilling effect and is seen as an attack on freedom of press.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

The arrest is based on an FIR filed due to alleged illegal funding from China via the United States. The FIR was filed under UAPA Sections 13 (unlawful activities); 16 (terrorist act); 17 (raising funds for terrorist acts); 18 (conspiracy); 22 (C) (offences by companies, trusts); along with IPC Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different group) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
These actions against the website are not new it has been under the scrutiny of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income-Tax Department since 2021, with seizures of electronic equipment, but no charge sheet was ever filed against it.
The government has, thus far, disclosed no specific allegation on what exactly merited the arrest. Reportedly, the website is under investigation for a “terror case with Chinese links”, but no article or content has been brought to light that allegedly suggests any link to “terror” or pro-Chinese propaganda.

UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT, 1967:

It was passed in 1967 and aimed at effective prevention of unlawful activities associations in India.
Unlawful activity refers to any action taken by an individual or association intended to disrupt the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India.

Key provisions of the UAPA, 1967:

It empowers the central government to declare an association as unlawful if it believes that the association is involved in unlawful activities that threaten the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
It leaves very little room for judicial reasoning, and makes the grant of bail virtually impossible under UAPA. It has death penalty and life imprisonment as highest punishments.
Under UAPA, both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged. It will be applicable to the offenders in the same manner, even if crime is committed on a foreign land, outside India.
Under the UAPA, the investigating agency can file a charge sheet in maximum 180 days after the arrests and the duration can be extended further after intimating the court.
The 2004 amendment, added “terrorist act” to the list of offences to ban organizations for terrorist activities. Till 2004, “unlawful” activities referred to actions related to secession and cession of territory.

Features of 2019 Amendment:

Under the Act, the central government may designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it:
- commits or participates in acts of terrorism,
- prepares for terrorism,
- promotes terrorism, or
- is otherwise involved in terrorism.
- It additionally empowers the government to designate individuals as terrorists on the same grounds.
Under the Act, investigation of cases may be conducted by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police or above. It additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.
The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act.
The Schedule lists nine treaties, including the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979). The Bill adds another treaty to the list. This is the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005).

WHAT IS THE FREEDOM OF PRESS?

Freedom of press or media refers to the rights given by the Constitution of India under the freedom and expression of speech in Article 19(1)(a). It encourages independent journalism and promotes democracy by letting the people voice their opinions for or against the government’s actions.
However this Freedom under Article 19 is also not absolute. It faces certain restrictions under Article 19(2), which are as follows: Matters related to in interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.

ISSUES RELATED TO PRESS FREEDOM IN INDIA:

Arbitrary use of UAPA Act: Arbitrary use of powers given in the UAPA Act is resulting into restriction on freedom of press and rights of journalists. For example, Kerala journalist Siddique Kappan who was booked by Uttar Pradesh government under the UAPA Act while performing his journalist duty and his prolonged custody can be noted as a marker of India’s declining press freedom.
Fake news: One of the major issues related to journalism is misinformation and disinformation spread in media.
India’ ranking in world: India is faring worst place in terms of press freedom in world. It has fallen from 150^th to 161 in 2023 among the 180 countries.
Harassment of journalists: Press in India are often subjected to harassment and physical attacks by both state and non-state actors. This has created a climate of fear among journalists.
Lack of regulation: There is persistent lack of regulation and oversight over media outlets which led to unethical practices.
Pressure from political parties: Media houses in India often face pressure from political parties and business interests to promote certain agendas which results in biased reporting.

THE WAY FORWARD

Room for dissent: There should be enough room for dissent for media persons and outlets and a responsive and responsible government should not dismiss criticism and be tolerant enough to take the criticism positively.
Holding the person or body accountable for their actions: Rather than curbing whole of press freedom, holding of actual culprit can be a better way out.
Freedom to press: Freedom of press has always been a cherished right in all democratic countries and the press has rightly been described as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy. Therefore, ensuring its freedom to necessary for democratic principles.
Awareness & Good Governance: There should be awareness among both citizens and media outlets of their democratic rights for transparent reporting.

THE CONCLUSION:

An independent press acts as an important check on the Government and its policies. Therefore, Freedom of press on public affairs and investigations into wrongdoing in the administration of public affairs is must for a healthy democracy.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/undeclared-emergency-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-arrests-in-the-newsclick-case/article67380803.ece

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (2017)
“Recent amendments to the Right to information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (2020)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Discuss the role of the Freedom of Press in establishing accountability of the government to the people.
What do you mean by freedom of press in India? Discuss the challenges faced by the press in India and suggest measures to overcome these challenges.

WSDP Bulletin (05-10-2023)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

PM hails landmark of 50 lakh beneficiaries of PMSVANidhi Scheme READ MORE
2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Three share prize for discovery of quantum dots, now used in LEDs READ MORE
National Action Plan for Green Shipping promotes eco-friendly practices: DG of Shipping READ MORE
U.S. keeps distance on Muizzu’s plan to end Indian military presence in Maldives READ MORE
New defence indigenisation list has futuristic weapons, systems READ MORE
In first polls post-370, Kargil hill council elections sees over 78% turnout READ MORE
Glacial lake outburst flood kills 14 in Sikkim, 102 people missing: What is GLOF, and why does it happen? READ MORE
Delhi HC passes ‘dynamic injunction’ against illegal ICC World Cup broadcast: What this means, what was the case READ MORE
Latest Nipah Virus Outbreak reports 33% case fatality rate, all bat samples tested negative: WHO READ MORE
India, Japan launch sustainability fund worth $600 million for low carbon emission projects READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

Hugh and Colleen Gantzer write: Women’s Bill, through our travels READ MORE
Missing in the caste survey READ MORE
Economic and social reform constitute a radical agenda of eradicating caste READ MORE
Cause and Effect | Did an underwater volcanic eruption add to rising temperatures? READ MORE
Monsoon woes READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

Women’s quota, panchayats to Parliament READ MORE
Retribution for the south, accolade for the north READ MORE
Drawing lines in Cauvery waters READ MORE
Court’s Sweeping Powers Under Article 142 Can’t Be Used to Override Substantive Law: SC READ MORE
Age of Consent: Law Panel Report Simply Diagnoses, Doesn’t Solve the Problem READ MORE
“One Nation-One Election” is vital for good governance READ MORE
Dynamics of women’s empowerment in Indian politics READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

Making menstrual health a welfare priority: Insights from three states READ MORE
NEP 2020 centralises education, worsens existing maladies READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

Development partnerships for food security: India in the Indo-Pacific READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Driving mobility to a sustainable future READ MORE
Advancing women’s role in India’s economic progress READ MORE
It is a global recession with economic growth among lowest in four decades READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Keeping tabs on carbon with an accounting system READ MORE
Tackle climate risk firmly to minimise economic losses READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Let there be light: On the 2023 physics Nobel READ MORE
Don’t deprive scientists of funds, incentives READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

As Sikkim Reels From Disastrous Floods, Concerns Over Warning Signs and Enormous Impact READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

Mizoram National Front and the politics of cross-border kinship READ MORE
Why the Five Eyes remain blind to India’s security concerns READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

Is mortality subjective? READ MORE
God and his many forms READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

ONOE would be a great help in substantially minimizing the effects of using polarisation based on socio-economic toxicity to win elections. How far do you agree with this statement? Analyse your viewpoint.
Discuss the issue of climate migrants. Suggest ways to address the challenges related to climate migration.
By collaborating with neighbouring countries, India can serve as a catalyst for positive change and promote food security and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific. Comment.
India’s female workforce participation remains paltry and calls for an urgent review of India’s policies and schemes related to women’s empowerment. Argue.
While legislative representation is a critical aspect, it must be complemented by measures that empower women at the grassroots level. Comment on the statement in the light of the recent Women’s Reservation Act

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

Don’t hit at all if it is honourably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft!
ONOE would be a great help in substantially minimizing the effects of using polarisation based on socio-economic toxicity to win elections.
An election should mark the celebration of a vibrant democracy. It should not degenerate into an exercise maximising polarisation based on socio-economic toxicity. ONOE would be a great help in substantially minimising this adverse impact.
Being a multilateral forum of international economic cooperation, the G20 can serve as a suitable platform for creating a dedicated fund for climate migrants.
By collaborating with neighbouring countries, India can serve as a catalyst for positive change and promote food security and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s female workforce participation remains paltry and calls for an urgent review of India’s policies and schemes related to women’s empowerment.
While legislative representation is a critical aspect, it must be complemented by measures that empower women at the grassroots level.
Achieving gender equity and true empowerment requires a deeper understanding of the complexities involved and a commitment to addressing them effectively.
True empowerment necessitates a sociopolitical transformation at the grassroots level, characterised by women’s access to education, equal opportunities, economic independence, and, most importantly, political independence.
Consent is pivotal as it respects individual autonomy, fosters safety, maintains ethical standards, and promotes healthy, respectful relationships.
A good plan of action is being implemented by the Integrated Development Project implemented by the Himachal Forest Department with the assistance of the World Bank. It seeks to improve upstream water management and water productivity of selected gram panchayats.
Resolution of dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu can pave the way for addressing interstate river water conflicts.
The five southern States have effectively controlled their population and should not be penalised through reduced political representation.

ESSAY TOPIC

India to awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened
What we sow we reap.

50-WORD TALK

Canada should have first pursued private diplomatic talks with New Delhi before it decided to go to parliament with Nijjar killing allegations and collect a mohalla-style panchayat of its global allies. The onus of privileging its domestic politics over diplomacy is on Ottawa. Justin Trudeau can’t have it both ways.
The journey to gender equality in India’s workforce is long and challenging. Yet, the potential benefits of women’s economic empowerment are enormous and transformative, both for women and society. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that the women workforce in India gets their due.
India can serve as a catalyst for positive change, promoting food security and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific for the benefit of the entire region. Regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among nations in the region are vital for developing and implementing effective strategies to overcome these challenges.

Things to Remember:

For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED. Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

TOPIC: FARMER WELFARE AND OPEN MARKET SALE SCHEME (OMSS)

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Centre-State tussle over Open Market Sales Scheme was in the news when the Centre discontinued wheat and rice sales to states via Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). Centre is considering it as an effort to control inflationary trends and maintain adequate stock levels under the central pool while states have other views. This article analyses this issue in detail from the UPSC perspective.

HOW HAS THE CENTRE REVISED THE OMSS?

● Recently, the Centre decided to restrict the quantity that a single bidder can purchase in a single bid under the OMSS.

● While the maximum quantity allowed earlier was 3,000 metric tonnes (MT) per bid for a buyer, it will now range from 10-100 metric tonnes (MT).

● As part of the revised policy, the government has decided to exclude state governments from the purview of OMSS (Domestic) following the recommendation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) meeting held on 8 June 2023.

● The IMC proposed discontinuing the sale of wheat and rice under OMSS (D) to state governments, except for the North-Eastern states, hilly states and states facing law and order issues or natural calamities.

Objectives of the Move:

● The rationale given for the same is that the quantities have been reduced this time to accommodate more small and marginal buyers and to ensure wider reach of the scheme, and this move will allow the supplies to the general public immediately.

● The objective behind the move is also to curb retail prices, as allowing smaller bids should ideally break the monopolies of bulk buyers, allowing more competitive bids by small buyers.

● It aims to control inflationary trends and to maintain adequate stock levels under a central pool for distribution under the National Food Security Act and other welfare schemes.

Reasons for the Move:

● Due to global supply chain shocks like the Russia-Ukraine conflict hampered production at home, and retail food inflation has risen sharply.

● It aims to maintain adequate buffer stock and control price rise amid concerns that the kharif crop is being impacted due to an expected shortfall in monsoon rains due to El Nino.

● The Centre said that in recent years, production of agricultural crops was affected due to untimely rains, a rise in temperature in the month of March and so on.

● Another reason for the move is to meet the FCI’s food security obligations, as FCI is obliged to release its stocks “judicious manner under the OMSS (D)” so that the overall stock position is maintained at a comfortable level”.

● FCI stated that the Centre was already meeting its obligations to distribute grains to 80 crore marginalised beneficiaries under the NFSA and also had an obligation to the 60 crore common consumers who are affected by retail prices.

EFFECTS OF THIS STEP: (STATE’S RESPONSE)

● Under the OMSS, the FCI sells excess rice and wheat to bulk buyers, traders, and States to moderate market prices and to enhance supply during lean seasons. Over 6,800 thousand metric tonnes of rice were sold through the OMSS in the past eight years. Karnataka bought 30% of it, the highest among all states.

● States have been looking at alternative ways of procuring wheat and rice in the aftermath of the FCI quantity restrictions, followed by the refusal to allow states to procure the two food grains through its OMSS.

● Opposition-ruled States such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have criticised the government for engaging in “politics” at the expense of marginalised beneficiaries of state welfare schemes.

● Karnataka: The government in Karnataka announced that being unable to procure enough rice in the market at a reasonable cost in time to meet the needs of the Anna Bhagya scheme, it had decided to temporarily give cash to the beneficiaries in lieu of the promised five kg of free rice.

● Tamil Nadu: The government in Tamil Nadu had also raised concerns about bringing restrictions to the purchase of States from the FCI. The state government has sought alternative sources to purchase 50,000 tonnes of rice. The state used to buy rice through the scheme and then subsidize it for ration card holders.

THE OPEN MARKET SALE SCHEME (OMSS)

● It refers to the selling of foodgrains by Government/Government agencies at predetermined prices in the open market from time to time.

● It enhances the supply of grains, especially during the lean season, to moderate the general open market prices, especially in the deficit regions.

● For transparency in operations, the Corporation has switched over to e-auction for sale under Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic).

● The FCI conducts a weekly auction to conduct this scheme in the open market using the platform of commodity exchange NCDEX (National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited).

● The State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations are also allowed to participate in the e-auction if they require wheat and rice outside Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS)

● The present form of OMSS comprises 3 schemes as under:

(i) Sale of wheat to bulk consumers/private traders through e-auction.

(ii) Sale of wheat to bulk consumers/private traders through e-auction by dedicated movement.

(iii) Sale of Raw Rice Grade ‘A’ to bulk consumers/private traders through e-auction.

How does the Scheme work?

● Firstly, the procurement of food grains like wheat and paddy for the central pool happens in Rabi and Kharif marketing seasons by the FCI and State corporations.

● It happens according to procurement estimates finalized by the government of India before the seasons. These purchases happen as per the Minimum Support Price.

● From the central pool, the government has to set aside wheat and rice for the 80 crore beneficiaries of free foodgrains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), maintain a buffer stock, and have a marketable surplus.

● Under the Open Market Sale Scheme, the FCI, from time to time, sells surplus food grains from the central pool, especially wheat and rice, in the open market to traders, bulk consumers, retail chains and so on at pre-determined prices.

● The Corporation does this through e-auctions where open market bidders can buy specified quantities at the prices set at the start of a cycle and revised routinely.

MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE (MSP)

● It is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices.

● The minimum support prices are announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

● MSP is a price fixed by the Government of India to protect the producer – farmers – against excessive falls in price during bumper production years.

● The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) of the Union government takes a final decision on the level of MSPs and other recommendations made by the CACP.

● In formulating the recommendations in respect of the level of minimum support prices and other non-price measures, the Commission takes into account, apart from a comprehensive view of the entire structure of the economy of a particular commodity or group of commodities, the following factors:-

ü Cost of production

ü Changes in input prices

ü Input-output price parity

ü Trends in market prices

ü Demand and supply

ü Inter-crop price parity

ü Effect on industrial cost structure

ü Effect on cost of living

ü Effect on general price level

ü International price situation

ü Parity between prices paid and prices received by the farmers.

ü Effect on issue prices and implications for subsidy

The government announces minimum support prices (MSPs) for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative prices (FRP) for sugarcane. The mandated crops are 14 crops of the kharif season, 6 rabi crops and two other commercial crops.

In addition, the MSPs of toria and de-husked coconut are fixed on the basis of the MSPs of rapeseed/mustard and copra, respectively. The list of crops is as follows:

● Cereals (7) – paddy, wheat, barley, jowar, bajra, maize and ragi

● Pulses (5) – gram, arhar/tur, moong, urad and lentil

● Oilseeds (8) – groundnut, rapeseed/mustard, toria, soybean, sunflower seed, sesamum, safflower seed and nigerseed

● Raw cotton

● Raw jute

● Copra

● De-husked coconut

● Sugarcane (Fair and remunerative price)

● Virginia flu cured (VFC) tobacco.

Three Kinds of Production Cost:

The CACP projects three kinds of production costs for every crop, both at state and all-India average levels.

1. A2 covers all paid-out costs directly incurred by the farmers in cash and kind on seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, hired labour, leased-in land, fuel, irrigation, etc.

2. A2+FL includes A2 plus an imputed value of unpaid family labour.

3. C2 is a more comprehensive cost that factors in rentals and interest forgone on owned land and fixed capital assets, respectively, on top of A2+FL.

● CACP considers both A2+FL and C2 costs while recommending MSP, while it reckons only A2+FL cost for return.

● C2 costs are used by CACP as benchmark opportunity costs to check if the MSPs recommended by them at least cover these costs in some of the major producing states.

● The CACP’s Price Policy report stated that its MSP recommendation was based on 1.5 times the A2+FL costs.

● The 1.5-times MSP formula was originally recommended by the National Commission for Farmers headed by agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan.

● Some farmers and farmers’ organizations have been agitating and making certain demands like an increase in MSP for agricultural crops on the basis of the C2 system.

BENEFITS OF OMSS

MANAGING SURPLUS

● The OMSS enables the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to effectively manage surplus food grains from the central pool.

● By selling these surplus grains in the open market, the FCI can prevent wastage and maintain optimal stock levels.

ENSURING PRICE STABILITY

● The OMSS plays an important role in maintaining price stability in the market.

● By periodically selling surplus grains at pre-determined prices, it helps regulate food grain prices, preventing excessive fluctuations.

CONCERNS OF SMALL AND MARGINAL FARMERS

● The recent revisions in the OMSS are aimed to accommodate more small and marginal buyers.

● This will empower small and marginal farmers in their growth and sustainability and promote inclusivity.

ADDRESS MARKET COMPETITION

● The OMSS promotes market competition by allowing various entities, including traders, bulk consumers, and retail chains, to participate in e-auctions and purchase food grains.

● This diversifies the buyer base and prevents monopolistic practices, fostering fair market competition.

ADDITIONAL PROCUREMENT AVENUE FOR STATES

● States in India can procure food grains through the OMSS beyond their allocated quantities from the central pool.

● It allows states to supplement their allocations and ensure the availability of essential food grains for marginalized beneficiaries.

CHALLENGES FACED BY OMSS

LOW DEMAND FROM BUYERS

● The OMSS faces a challenge of low demand from buyers, primarily because of the high reserve prices set by the FCI.

● These reserve prices, which include various costs like procurement, storage, transportation, and handling charges, are often higher than the prevailing market prices.

LOGISTICAL ISSUES

● There is a challenge of logistic hurdles like transportation, handling, and quality issues of food grains.

● These challenges result in delays or untimely delivery of food grains affecting marginalized communities and the wastage of food.

LIMITED IMPACT ON MARKET PRICE STABILIZATION

● The OMSS has a limited impact on stabilizing market prices as it represents only a small share of the overall food grain supply and demand in the country.

● The FCI sells only a fraction of its total stocks through the OMSS, while the majority is distributed through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and other welfare schemes (OWS).

STRUCTURAL ISSUES

● It fails to adequately address the structural problems associated with food grain management, including procurement, distribution, and buffer stocking policies.

● There is a need for reforms in these areas to ensure food security as it leads to high carrying costs.

ISSUE OF FEDERALISM

● The issue of OMSS also opens up another conflict in federal relations.

● This can have a complicated impact on central state relations which needs to be addressed.

THE WAY FORWARD

● Stakeholder Consultation: Both the Centre and State governments should collaborate with relevant stakeholders to understand the diverse perspectives and concerns related to the OMSS.

● Review and Reconsideration of Changes: The Centre should review and reconsider the recent changes made to the OMSS, taking into account the feedback and concerns raised by states.

● Transparency and Accountability: There should be clear guidelines for transparent processes and timely information regarding the e-auctions, pricing, and availability of food grains through the scheme.

● Strengthening State-Level Procurement: Alongside the OMSS, efforts should be made to strengthen state-level procurement mechanisms for food grains. This will enable states to meet their requirements for welfare schemes more effectively and reduce their dependence on central schemes like the OMSS.

● Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the OMSS and its impact on food security outcomes are essential. This will help identify any shortcomings, assess the effectiveness of the scheme, and make necessary adjustments to improve its functioning.

● Implementing various committee recommendation: The government has framed various policies as National Policy for Farmers (NPF), 2007 and formed various committees in the past as Justice Wadhwa Committee and Shanta Kumar Committee, for reforms in the agriculture sector which needs to be effectively implemented.

THE CONCLUSION: Both Centre and State need to take each other concerns into consideration and should work in collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure a regular supply of essential food grains to those in need by prioritizing the welfare of vulnerable sections of society and at the same time, with a focus on curbing inflation.

MAINS QUESTION

1. What is an Open market Sales Scheme, and how is it conducted? How far has it been successful in ensuring food security in the country?

2. Comment upon the recent changes initiated by the central government in relation to the open market sale scheme. Why are some states opposing them? What according to you must be done to address the implementation challenges of the scheme?

Additional information:

JUSTICE WADHWA COMMITTEE

Supreme Court constituted the Wadhwa committee in 2006 by an order passed in a writ petition to check maladies affecting the proper functioning of PDS and also to suggest remedial measures.

The Recommendations are as Follows:

● Computerization of PDS operations.

● Identify the exact quantity of poor families living below the poverty line to affect the profit to the real beneficiary so that they can get their due entitled means at a fixed price and quantity in a fixed period.

● Distribution on minimum rate.

● Food security to increase nutrition, especially in malnutrition areas.

● There should be a zero tolerance approach as there are more leakages and maladministration.

● There is a need to enforce strict monitory measures as the system lacks transparency and accountability.

SHANTA KUMAR COMMITTEE

It was set up by the Government in 2014 to make the entire food grain management system more efficient by reorienting the role of FCI in MSP operations, procurement, storage and distribution of grains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

The Recommendations are as Follows:

● On procurement-related issues: It recommends that FCI hand over all procurement operations of wheat, paddy and rice to states that have gained sufficient experience in this regard and have created the reasonable infrastructure for procurement.

● Negotiable warehouse receipt system: NWRs should be taken up as a priority and scaled up quickly. Under this system, farmers can deposit their produce to the registered warehouses and can sell later when they feel prices are good for them.

● On PDS and NFSA-related issues: It recommends that given that leakage in PDS range from 40 to 50 per cent, GoI should defer implementation of NFSA in states that have not done end-to-end computerization.

● On stocking and movement-related issues: It recommends that FCI should outsource its stocking operations to various agencies, such as Central Warehousing Corporation, State Warehousing Corporation etc, on a competitive bidding basis.

● On Buffer Stocking Operations and Liquidation Policy: It recommends for transparent liquidation policy, which should automatically kick in when FCI is faced with surplus stocks than buffer norms. Greater flexibility to FCI with business orientation to operate in OMSS and export markets is needed.

NATIONAL POLICY FOR FARMERS (NPF), 2007

● It aims to improve the economic viability of farming and increase the net income of farmers.

● Many of the existing Schemes/Programs being implemented by Central and State Governments are as per the provisions of NPF, 2007.

Some of the Policy Provisions in NPF-2007 Include:

● Asset reforms in respect of land, water, livestock, fisheries and bio-resources

● Supply of good quality seeds and disease-free planting material

● Issue of soil health passbooks to the farmers and integrated pest management system

● Region and crop-specific implements and machinery; support services for women

● Timely, adequate and easy reach of institutional credit at reasonable interest rates and farmer-friendly insurance instruments

● Support services and inputs like application of frontier technologies

● Effective implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) across the country and establishing community foodgrain banks

● Curriculum reforms in agricultural universities

TOPIC- A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED: ANALYSING THE VISIT OF THE SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT TO INDIA

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Sri Lankan President visited India at the invitation of PM Modi. During the visit, both Prime Ministers’ signed different agreements and MoUs in various arenas. They discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including economic cooperation, energy security, and connectivity. This article analyses the scope of relations between India and Srilanka and also tries to give an overall perspective for a holistic understanding of the matter.

A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE VISIT

Sri Lankan President’s Visit to India:
- The visit took place from July 20-21, 2023.
- The President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was invited by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
- Aim: The visit was aimed at further advancing and consolidating the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries.
- Course: During the visit, President Wickremesinghe met with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi.
Result and Agreement signed: The two sides also signed several agreements.
- Joint Declaration of Intent on Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energy.
- Memorandum of Cooperation for Economic Development Projects in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE AGREEMENTS SIGNED

Joint Declaration of Intent on Animal Husbandry and Dairying

● The JDI outlines a shared commitment between the two countries to improve the quality of dairy products in Sri Lanka, achieve self-sufficiency in milk production, and boost the income of small-scale dairy farmers.

● Through knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, India will assist Sri Lanka in developing sustainable dairy practices and modernising its dairy infrastructure.

Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energy

● Through knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, India will assist Sri Lanka in developing its renewable energy sector.

● The MoU is a significant step in the long-standing cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the field of renewable energy.

● India is one of the world’s leading producers of renewable energy, and it has a wealth of expertise and experience in this sector.

● Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has a strong potential to become a major producer of renewable energy in the region.

Memorandum of Cooperation for Economic Development Projects in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka

● The MoC outlines a shared commitment between the two countries to develop the Trincomalee district through economic cooperation. The MoC covers a wide range of areas of cooperation, including:

ü Infrastructure development,

ü Industrial development

ü Tourism development,

ü Agriculture development,

ü Human resource development

Expanding the scope of Connectivity

Air- Chennai to Jaffna

Maritime-Ferry service from Nagapatanam to Kankeshanthurai.

People to People- Landbridge to Trincomalee

Energy and power-grid connectivity, petroleum pipeline

Finance- UPI interface. etc.

THE POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF THE AGREEMENTS

The Joint Declaration of Intent on Animal Husbandry and Dairying

It is expected to help the two countries to improve their cooperation in the areas of animal breeding, milk production, and dairy processing.
This could lead to increased trade and investment between the two countries, as well as improved food security for both countries.
The JDI is expected to help Sri Lanka achieve its goal of self-sufficiency in milk production.
It is also expected to boost the income of small-scale dairy farmers, which will help to reduce poverty and improve rural livelihoods.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energy

It is expected to help the two countries to develop renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power plants.
This could help to reduce the two countries’ reliance on imported fossil fuels, and it could also create jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The Memorandum of Cooperation for Economic Development Projects in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka

It is expected to help to boost economic development in the Trincomalee district. The district has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean, and it has a strong potential for economic development.

Multi-modal Connectivity

It can revolutionize the bilateral relations between the two countries and promote sustainable growth and development, along with providing strategic depth to India.

Sri Lankan Economic Crisis
- In September 2021, the government announced an economic emergency, as the situation was further aggravated by the falling national currency exchange rate, inflation rising as a result of high food prices, and pandemic restrictions in tourism, which further decreased the country’s income.[50] This drove Sri Lanka to the brink of bankruptcy due to foreign reserves falling to $1.9 billion as of March 2022, this being insufficient to pay the foreign debt obligations of $4 billion and an International Sovereign Bond (ISB) payment of $1 billion for the year 2022.[33] The national inflation rate increased to 17.5% in February 2022, according to the National Consumer Price Index.
- The government repaid $500 million in International Sovereign Bonds, which was due in January 2022, despite growing opposition coming from economic analysts and experts who all advised the government to postpone the ISB payment in order to preserve the foreign reserves.
- On 12 April 2022, Sri Lanka announced that it would be defaulting on its external debt of $51 billion.

THE ISSUES BETWEEN INDIA AND SRI LANKA

THE TAMIL QUESTION

● India wants the proper implementation of the 13th Amendment, signed in 1987 for solving the Tamil issues in Srilanka.

● However, the domestic politics of Srilanka coupled with the Sinhala-Buddhist resistance have been stumbling blocks.

FISHERMEN DISPUTE

● The issue is related to the trespassing of Indian fishermen into the Srilankan waters and the ceding of Kachattevu island by the Indian government.

● Despite the signing of the maritime boundary agreements between the two countries, the conflicts have not subsided.

● The end of the civil war in Srilanka has further increased the instances of confrontation between the Indian fishermen and the Srilankan Navy. ( see additional information for details)

SRI LANKA AND THE CHINESE ANGLE

● One of the key drivers of China’s involvement in Sri Lanka is its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is a key country along the maritime route of the BRI.

● The port of Hambantota was developed with Chinese investment and has been leased to China for 99 years.

● The port is strategically located on the Indian Ocean and is seen as an important point along the BRI maritime route.

● China is one of Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade between the two countries valued at over $3 billion in 2019.

● The Chinese expansive engagement with Srilanka poses serious security concerns for India in the Indian Ocean region.

AREAS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN BOTH COUNTRIES

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

● India and Sri Lanka cooperate closely on defence and security matters, with India providing training and equipment to Sri Lankan security forces.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

● The two countries have a rich cultural heritage and promote cultural exchange through various programs and initiatives.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

● India has been assisting Sri Lanka in infrastructure development, including the construction of ports, airports, and power plants.

EDUCATION

● India and Sri Lanka have strong educational ties, with many Sri Lankan students studying in India. India also supports capacity-building programs for Sri Lankan educators.

AGRICULTURE

● India and Sri Lanka have been working together to improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Sri Lanka.

HEALTH

● India and Sri Lanka cooperate on health issues, with India providing technical and financial assistance for health sector development in Sri Lanka.

MULTI-MODAL CONNECTIVITY

● The recent visit of the Srilankan President saw the signing of many agreements which expanded the scope of connectivity projects between the two countries.

FUTURE OF INDIA-SRI LANKA RELATIONS

The future prospects of India-Sri Lanka relations are bright. The two countries have a shared history, culture, and religion, and they are committed to working together to address shared challenges. In recent years, the relationship has been marked by close cooperation in a number of areas, including trade, investment, security, and development.
There are a number of factors that will shape the future of India-Sri Lanka relations. These include the following:
- The economic situation in both countries: If the economies of India and Sri Lanka continue to grow, it will create opportunities for increased trade and investment between the two countries.
- The political situation in both countries: If the political situations in India and Sri Lanka remain stable, it will create a favourable environment for continued cooperation between the two countries.
- The security situation in the region: If the security situation in the region remains stable, it will create a more conducive environment for increased cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
In addition to the above, there are a number of other factors that could contribute to the future development of India-Sri Lanka relations. These include:
- The rise of China in the region: As China’s influence in the region grows, India and Sri Lanka will need to work together to ensure that their interests are not compromised.
- The development of the Indian Ocean as a major maritime trade route: The Indian Ocean is becoming increasingly important as a maritime trade route. India and Sri Lanka could cooperate to develop the region’s infrastructure and promote trade.
- The challenges of climate change: Climate change is a major challenge that both India and Sri Lanka face. The two countries could work together to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Overall, the future of India-Sri Lanka relations is bright. The two countries have a strong foundation for cooperation, and they are committed to working together to address shared challenges. If the factors mentioned above continue to be favourable, the relationship between India and Sri Lanka is likely to continue to grow and strengthen in the years to come.

THE WAY FORWARD

Deepening economic cooperation: India and Sri Lanka have a natural economic complementarity, with India being a major industrial power and Sri Lanka being a major tourist destination. By deepening their economic cooperation, the two countries could create jobs, boost trade, and improve the lives of their people.
Strengthening security cooperation: India and Sri Lanka share a long border, and they are both facing the threat of terrorism. By strengthening their security cooperation, the two countries could better protect their borders and their people.
Working together to address regional challenges: India and Sri Lanka are both located in a region that is facing a number of challenges, including climate change, disaster management, and migration. By working together to address these challenges, the two countries could make a significant contribution to regional stability.
Increasing cultural and people-to-people exchanges: India and Sri Lanka have a rich shared culture, and their people have strong historical ties. By increasing cultural and people-to-people exchanges, the two countries could strengthen their ties and build a more positive future for their people.
Strengthening political and diplomatic ties: India and Sri Lanka are both important countries in the region, and they have a shared interest in maintaining regional stability. By strengthening their political and diplomatic ties, the two countries could work together to address common challenges and promote regional cooperation.

THE CONCLUSION: India and Sri Lanka have a long-standing and close relationship, marked by strong cultural, historical, and economic ties. While there have been challenges in the relationship, both India and Sri Lanka remain committed to working together to deepen their relationship further and to promote mutual interests. The close relationship between India and Sri Lanka is a testament to the strong ties that exist between the two countries and the potential for further cooperation in the future.

Mains Question:

1. “A Sri Lanka under the sphere of influence of China is a bigger threat than China itself in the Indian Ocean Region.” Critically examine the statement in the context of current developments.

2. “ The recent visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India has not only reinforced its special place in India’s Neighborhood First Policy but also opened up avenues for newer areas of cooperation and engagement”.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

● Evolution of India-Srilanka Relation:

ü Ancient and Medieval Times (Historical Ties): India and Sri Lanka have shared cultural and historical ties dating back to ancient times. Buddhism, which originated in India, spread to Sri Lanka, fostering close connections between the two nations. Trade and cultural exchanges flourished during this period.

ü Colonial Era and Post-Independence (20th Century): Both India and Sri Lanka were under British colonial rule, which facilitated interactions between the two countries. India gained independence in 1947, followed by Sri Lanka in 1948. This newfound sovereignty allowed them to establish diplomatic relations as two independent nations.

ü Bilateral Cooperation and Assistance (1950s-1970s): In the early years after Sri Lanka’s independence, the two countries maintained friendly relations. India provided development assistance, including infrastructure projects and trade cooperation. The Bandaranaike-Chelvanayakam Pact of 1957 aimed to address the concerns of Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority, with India playing a supportive role.

ü Ethnic Conflict and Peacekeeping (1980s-1990s): The ethnic conflict between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka escalated in the 1980s. India’s involvement intensified with the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) intervention in 1987 under the terms of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. However, this intervention faced significant challenges and eventually ended in 1990.

ü Post-Conflict Engagement (2000s): The Sri Lankan civil war concluded in 2009 with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). India expressed support for a peaceful and politically negotiated solution to the ethnic issue. Bilateral relations improved after the end of the conflict, with a focus on trade, economic cooperation, and cultural ties.

ü China’s Influence and Diplomatic Balancing (2010s): Sri Lanka’s increased engagement with China, particularly in terms of infrastructure development projects, raised concerns in India due to strategic considerations. India aimed to maintain its influence in the region and initiated various development projects in Sri Lanka to counterbalance China’s influence.

ü Recent Developments (2020s): In recent years, India-Sri Lanka relations have continued to evolve, with an emphasis on economic cooperation, trade, and people-to-people contacts. Both countries have worked together on various regional and international platforms, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

● India’s Involvement in Sri Lankan Civil War

ü Diplomatic involvement: India attempted to mediate the conflict through diplomatic efforts. In 1987, India signed the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord, which aimed to resolve the conflict through the devolution of power to the Tamils and the disarming of the LTTE. However, the Accord was not implemented, and the situation deteriorated, leading to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) intervention.

ü Military involvement: In 1987, India intervened militarily in the conflict, deploying the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka. The IPKF was initially welcomed by Tamils, but its heavy-handed tactics soon led to resentment and the IPKF became embroiled in a war with the LTTE. India withdrew its troops from Sri Lanka in 1990 after suffering heavy casualties.

Fishermen Dispute:

● Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen have been fishing in Palk Bay for centuries, but issues between the nations arose after the Sri Lankan Civil War broke out in 1983.

● The situation altered when India and Sri Lanka signed four Maritime Boundary Agreements between 1974 and 1976, which delineated their different understandings of the two nations’ international maritime boundary.

● The goal behind these agreements was to make law enforcement and resource management in the Palk Strait easier.

● The Indian government transferred Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka without consulting the Tamil Nadu state government under the accords.

● Since then, Indian fishermen have only been permitted “access” to the island for the purpose of resting, drying nets, and attending the annual St. Anthony’s festival, not fishing.

● Despite the accords, there is no clearly defined maritime boundary between the two nations, causing Indian fishermen to enter Sri Lankan seas in pursuit of a greater catch.

● Between 1983 and 2009, Indian fishermen enjoyed better access to the rich Sri Lankan seas since the Palk Strait’s maritime boundary was not closely monitored.

● Fish and aquatic life on the Indian continental shelf have been decimated in recent decades. As a result, more fishermen enter Sri Lankan seas and utilise new fishing trolleys, which Lankan fishermen cannot match.

● During the LTTE era, Indian fishermen perceived a great business opportunity since the Sri Lankan government had prohibited the easy movement of Sri Lankan fishermen in waterways due to war actions.

● Since 2009, the Sri Lankan navy has increased monitoring along its northern maritime border in order to prevent the return of Tamil militants.

● Since the end of the LTTE war in 2010, there has been a comeback of Sri Lankan fishermen in Palk Bay. They were attempting to retake their legitimately lost base and were embroiled in warfare as a result.

● As a result, the frequency of arrests of Indian fishermen has increased. Sri Lankan officials maintain that they are only safeguarding the country’s marine borders from poaching and ensuring the livelihood of Sri Lankan fishermen.

TOPIC: INDIA –SAUDI ARABIA BILATERAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: India and Saudi Arabia recently held the first summit-level meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) which has strengthened and deepened their bilateral relations. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the G-20 summit held in India. In this context, this article analyses the significance of the SPC and the various aspects of the India-Saudi bilateral relations.

The Background: The pact to establish the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) was signed during PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2019. It essentially aimed to establish a high-level council to steer the Indo-Saudi relationship. New Delhi envisaged that the SPC would begin a new era of cooperation across sectors such as trade, investment, security and defence cooperation.

The SPC has two main pillars:

1. Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation; and

2. Committee on Economy and Investments

Both sub-committees have four functional levels of engagement:

1. Summit level (Prime Minister & Crown Prince);

2. Ministerial-level;

3. Senior Officials’ Meetings; and

4. Joint Working Groups (JWGs)

Four JWGs have been formed under each sub-committee:

The JWGs under the Political Committee are Political & Consular, Legal & Security; Social & Cultural; and Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation.

The JWGs under the Economic Committee are Agriculture & Food Security; Energy; Technology & Information Technology; and Industry and Infrastructure.

THE PILLARS OF PARTNERSHIP

AREA OF COOPERATION

FACTS/DATA

ECONOMIC

India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trade partner; Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trade partner.

Bilateral trade in FY2022-23 was valued at $52.76 billion.

Trade with Saudi Arabia accounted for 4.53% of India’s total trade in FY23.

More than 2.4 million people from India have settled in Saudi Arabia and are a source of over the US $11 billion annual remittances to India.

ENERGY COOPERATION

Saudi Arabia is a key partner for ensuring India’s energy security and was its third-largest crude and petroleum products source for FY23.

India imported 39.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of crude from Saudi Arabia in FY23, amounting to 16.7% of India’s total crude imports.

India’s LPG imports from Saudi Arabia stood at 7.85 MMT, and 11.2% of its total petroleum product imports, in FY 23.

DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP

There is extensive naval cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, and two editions of the bilateral naval exercise, Al-Mohed al-Hindi, have been concluded so far.

Both sides also cooperate closely in the domain of defence industries and capacity-building.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA –SAUDI ARABIA BILATERAL RELATIONS

The bilateral relationship between India and Saudi Arabia carries immense strategic and economic weight. Anchored in a rich history of trade and cultural interactions, this relationship has now matured beyond just an oil-centric dynamic.

Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in ensuring India’s energy needs, consistently being a leading supplier of crude oil. Their economic engagement is broadening, underpinned by Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify its economy and invites opportunities for Indian sectors like IT, defence, and entertainment.

The strengthening of diplomatic ties, evident through frequent high-level exchanges, has deepened their cooperation on regional peace and counter-terrorism. Moreover, the sizable Indian community in Saudi Arabia not only contributes significantly through remittances but also cements cultural linkages.

On the other hand, for Saudi Arabia, India, with its rising global stature, provides a vast market, potential investment avenues, and a stable diplomatic partner in a tumultuous Middle Eastern landscape.

RELEVANCE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

Economic: Given the basket of trade between both countries which has seen a significant rise in the past few years the SPC will take the bilateral trade relations to new heights by collaborating in various domains including start-ups, and digital infrastructure development.

The direct investments by Saudi Sovereign Wealth Funds into India, in addition to the current inflow of investments, will also provide the much-required boost to bilateral relations.

Energy: India has targeted to achieve 5 million tonnes (MT) of green hydrogen capacity annually, along with an additional 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission announced in August 2021 as part of the national effort to diversify its energy basket.

In line with its Saudi Vision 2030 programme, it launched (in 2021) the Saudi Green Initiative, which works on increasing Saudi Arabia’s reliance on clean energy, offsetting emissions, and protecting the environment. In light of this, both countries having similar ambitions can usher in a new era of energy diplomacy.

India and Saudi Arabia signed a MoU for energy cooperation in the areas of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Hydrogen, Electricity and Grid Interconnection between the two countries: Petroleum, Natural Gas, Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Energy Security.

Among the major proposed investments in the West Coast Refinery & Petrochemicals Project in Maharashtra, to be jointly built by Saudi Aramco and an Indian consortium that includes Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation.

Defence: The two sides commended their deepening cooperation and agreed to continue work, including joint exercises training and to consider possibilities of joint development and production of defence equipment.

India’s expansion on defence cooperation with the Gulf is concentrated on securing interests in the realm of trade and energy security. Saudi Arabia’s move towards opening its economy to global investment offers many opportunities for India, especially in the defence technologies sector led by private firms.

Strategic: Saudi Arabia is one of the most important strategic partners of India. As two of the world’s fastest-growing countries, the partnership is important for the stability of the entire region. The recent state visit of the Crown Prince is significant as it comes months after Saudi Arabia ended hostility with Iran through a deal that was negotiated by China. The state visit of the Crown Prince has additional importance as it took place weeks after Saudi Arabia became a member of the BRICS during the Johannesburg summit.

Saudi Arabia has substantial geopolitical influence in the regional politics of the Middle East. The newfound grounds of cooperation between both countries shall bring greater cooperation in other areas of geo-political importance, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was unveiled at the G20 Summit in 2023. The robust partnership will also help both nations to come together on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including cooperation at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, G20 and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

CHALLENGES IN THE BILATERAL RELATIONS

Saudi Arabia has engaged with China, reproached Iran and Israel, and is also now consolidating the Saudi partnership with the US, India, and Europe. Riyadh still helps Pakistan with economic aid, even while strategically engaging with New Delhi.

Regional security in West Asia also needs the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). China has affirmed that its role in West Asian affairs is likely to get more active and substantial. This poses challenges for Indian diplomacy.

Given the high number of Indian population employed in Saudi Arabia the Nitaqat program (2011) which seeks to increase the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector, seems to be a bone of contention between both nations.

THE WAY FORWARD

The I2U2 partnership between India, Israel, the UAE, and the U.S. has already put India on the region’s alliance canvas. The recent developments between India and Saudi Arabia provide a window of opportunity for India to embed itself as a significant player in the Middle East.

The effort to collectively fight terrorism has extended at the bilateral level as the two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding to combat terrorism. Whether it was the Riyadh Declaration (2010) or the recent meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, the leaders of the two countries condemnation of terrorism, extremism and violence has only reaffirmed that terrorism is global and threatens all societies. India should continue to strengthen its anti-terrorism stance at the global platforms.

Diversification: The health sector offers significant potential for cooperation between the two countries, such as doctors exchange programmes, medical tourism and building healthcare infrastructure. India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of pharmaceuticals and should broaden the scope of bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia in such sectors.

Saudi Arabia imports farm produce worth more than US$ 19 billion a year, but India has only an 11 per cent share in this market. India has already removed the restrictions on the export of organic products and processed products to West Asia. Finding ways to enhance India’s farm exports to Saudi Arabia needs to be explored.

THE CONCLUSION: Both countries are focused on widening the scope of bilateral engagement and can provide the much-needed impetus to each other’s interests, but at the same time, not overlook each other’s sensitivities. The two countries may also address some of the issues that are likely to impact the partnership such as the grievances of the Indian Diaspora. The task ahead for both countries is to put into action the promising agreements signed between them.

Mains Practice Questions:

1. Despite breaking new ground India-Saudi Arabia relations face significant challenges. Elaborate.

2. The India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council serves as a comprehensive platform to foster collaboration across a wide range of sectors. Discuss.

Additional Information

The following eight MoUs were signed/exchanged during the visit

1. MOU in the field of Energy between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of India and the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia

2. MOC between the Ministry of Communication and IT of Saudi Arabia and MEITY of India in the field of Digitization and Electronic Manufacturing

3. MOU between CVC of India and Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority

4. MOC between the National Archives of India and the King Abdulaziz Foundation of Saudi Arabia in the area of archival cooperation

5. Framework of Cooperation on Enhancing Bilateral Investment between Invest India and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia

6. MOU between Saudi EXIM Bank and EXIM Bank of India

7. MOU for Cooperation in the Technical Field & Establishment of the Small and Medium Enterprises Bank between SIDBI and SME Bank of Saudi Arabia

8. MOU on Seawater Desalination between National Institute of Technology of India and Saline Water Conversion Corporation of Saudi Arabia

TOPIC- VIRTUAL SCO SUMMIT REFLECTS DIMINISHING RETURNS TO INDIA?

THE CONTEXT: The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit was held in a virtual format on July 4, 2023, hosted by India. The summit was attended by the leaders of all SCO member states and they discussed a range of issues. However, the virtual format of the summit raised questions on the relevance of SCO to India. This write up discusses these aspects in detail from the UPSC perspective.

SCO: THE BASICS

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, international security, and defence organisation established in 2001. Its members are:

FULL TIME MEMBERS (9)

OBSERVER STATES (3)

DIALOGUE PARTNERS (6)

● China

● Russia

● Kazakhstan

● Kyrgyzstan,

● Tajikistan

● Uzbekistan

● India

● Pakistan

● Iran

● Afghanistan

● Belarus

● Mongolia

● Armenia

● Azerbaijan

● Cambodia

● Nepal

● Sri Lanka

● Turkey

ISSUES DISCUSSED DURING THE SUMMIT

TERRORISM

In order to promote peace in the region and around the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong call to action to all SCO members.

REGIONAL SECURITY

The SCO leaders discussed the security situation in the region and agreed to work together to maintain peace and stability. They also discussed the need to address the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FROM SCO

In PM Modi’s speech, he highlighted important initiatives and conclaves that have been organised to tap into the talent of SCO youth. Platforms such as the Young Scientist Conclave, Authors Conclave, Startup Forum, and Youth Council were discussed.

FIVE PILLARS OF COLLABORATION WITHIN THE SCO

The PM went into more detail about how India contributed to the development of the SCO’s five pillars of cooperation. He listed five pillars: youth empowerment, traditional medicine, startups and innovation, digital inclusion, and shared Buddhist heritage.

BHASHINI, AN AI-POWERED LANGUAGE PLATFORM FROM INDIA, AT SCO

Additionally, PM Modi discussed how the language barrier affects the operation of multi-national platforms like SCO and how Bhashini, an AI-based language platform developed in India, can help remove the barrier. He claimed that Bhashini may serve as an illustration of inclusive growth and digital technologies.

FOOD, FUEL, AND FERTILISERS

They pose a tremendous challenge to the entire world, which is currently beset by conflicts, tensions, and epidemics. Prime Minister Modi noted this in his opening statement. He urged concerted action to address such issues.

OUTCOMES OF THE SUMMIT

NEW DELHI DECLARATION

The declaration aims at fighting and countering terrorism.
Member states reaffirmed that the SCO is not directed against other states and international organisations.
The Member States supported the prohibition of all weapons in outer space and stress the need for strict adherence to the current legal system, which only permits peaceful uses of space.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan support China’s Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on joint implementation and linking Eurasian Economic Union construction.
Declaration of 2024 as the year of Environment was also a major step in the New Delhi declaration as it supports India’s stand in its global environment stance.

IRAN’S MEMBERSHIP

Iran was formally admitted as the ninth member of the SCO.
This expansion of the SCO’s membership is seen as a significant development, as it brings Iran into a multilateral forum with China, Russia, and other major powers in the region.

JOINT STATEMENTS ON COOPERATION IN COUNTERING RADICALISATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The SCO leaders also adopted two joint statements on cooperation in countering radicalisation and digital transformation.
These statements are seen as important steps in the SCO’s efforts to address the challenges posed by these two emerging threats.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RECENT SUMMIT

The summit saw the expansion of the SCO’s membership with the invitation of Iran to join the organisation. This expanded the SCO’s reach into the Middle East and gave the organisation a greater say in regional affairs.
The summit adopted a number of important declarations and agreements, including the Declaration on the Year of Environment, SCO 2023, and the Agreement on Cooperation in Countering Radicalization. These declarations and agreements will help to guide the SCO’s work in the coming years.
The rise of China and India as global powers. Both countries are members of the SCO, and they are playing an increasingly important role in the organisation.
The growing threat of terrorism and extremism in the region. The SCO has been active in combating terrorism and extremism, and it has played a key role in stabilising the region.

VIRTUAL SUMMIT AND THE DIMINISHING RETURNS

The questions of the virtual summit and the less relevant to the SCO were raised quite often, which was addressed by the Vinay Kwatra, India’s Foreign Secretary, in his press briefing. India held over 134 meetings and events during its presidency; the meeting not only discussed the political matters but also the economic, cultural and security questions. There were numerous initiatives taken during the India’s presidency (see the box below), which shows the relevance of SCO to India.

Howsoever, the offline and in-person meeting could have been a better option, as it explores and provides significant opportunities for bilateral talks, holding major discussions of political, economic and cultural questions and will also support India’s role at the global table of diplomacy.

POSSIBLE REASONS FOR THE VIRTUAL SUMMIT OF SCO

Though Indian government did not give any specific reason for the hoisting the meeting virtually, but let’s have a look at the possibilities:

The political situation: The reservation of nations for sitting with each other is a major reason for holding a virtual summit.
The global order: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation of Afghanistan and Pakistan’s involvement in it and numerous different global events are limiting global leaders to full-fledged and in-person holding of these events.
Convenience at perusal: Online and digital conferences have multiple benefits, it saves time of travel, saving the cost of travelling, security and lodging; it also does not disturb the schedule of statesmen and leaders.

Initiatives taken by India during its SCO presidency

SCO Film Festival
SCO Millet Food Festival
SCO Cultural Showcase at Suraj Kund Mela
SCO Tourism Mart
Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage
B2B Conference on Traditional Medicine
SCO International Conference of Think Tanks

The theme of the SCO Summit coined by the Indian Government

SECURE

○ Security

○ Economic development

○ Connectivity

○ Unity

○ Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity

○ Environmental protection.

Five Pillars of SCO established by India:

Startups and Innovation
Traditional Medicine
Youth Empowerment
Digital Inclusion
Shared Buddhist Heritage

SIGNIFICANCE OF SCO FOR INDIA

India as Host: It was the first time that India had hosted the summit. This can be a sign of India’s growing importance in the SCO and in the region as a whole.
Security: The SCO is a powerful security alliance that can help to deter and counter threats to India’s security. The SCO has been active in combating terrorism and extremism, and it has played a key role in stabilising the region.
Economic cooperation: The SCO is promoting economic cooperation among its member states, and this is helping to boost economic growth in the region. India is looking to expand its trade and investment ties with the SCO countries, and the SCO can help to facilitate this.
Political influence: The SCO is a growing political influence in the region. India is looking to play a more active role in regional affairs, and the SCO can help to achieve this.
Soft power: The SCO can help India to project its soft power in the region. The hegemony can help India in better diplomacy and achieving national interest without resorting to hard power.

KEY CONCERNS NOT ADDRESSED BY THE SUMMIT

The situation in Afghanistan: The situation in Afghanistan remains unstable, and there is a risk of a resurgence of terrorism in the region. The SCO has not yet taken any concrete steps to address the situation in Afghanistan.
The conflict in Ukraine: The conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the global economy, and there are concerns about its impact on the SCO region. The SCO has not yet taken a clear position on the conflict in Ukraine.

CHALLENGES TO SCO AS AN ORGANISATION

Differing interests and priorities of member states: The SCO member states have different political, economic, and security interests. For example, India and Pakistan have a long-standing rivalry. These different interests can make it difficult for the SCO to reach a consensus on important issues.
Territorial Disputes: Some member states have longstanding territorial disputes, such as India and Pakistan, over Kashmir. These disputes can escalate tensions and complicate cooperation within the organisation, particularly when they spill over into SCO discussions.
Expanding Membership: The SCO has considered expanding its membership to include other countries. However, expanding the organisation comes with challenges related to maintaining cohesion, managing differing interests, and accommodating new members’ priorities.
Bilateral Tensions: Despite being a regional organisation, bilateral tensions between member states, such as those between India and Pakistan or China and India, can spill over into the SCO’s functioning and discussions, diverting attention from its primary goals.

THE WAY FORWARD:

Enhanced Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Facilitate regular dialogue among member states to address bilateral and regional issues. Establish a mechanism for peaceful resolution of territorial disputes and conflicts, with a focus on building trust and confidence.
Common Security Strategy: Develop a comprehensive and shared security strategy to counter terrorism, extremism, and separatism effectively. Strengthen intelligence-sharing and joint operations to tackle transnational security threats.
Economic Integration and Development: Foster economic cooperation by promoting trade, investment, and infrastructure development among member states. Establish a dedicated economic commission within the SCO to coordinate economic initiatives and resolve trade-related issues.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Encourage people-to-people exchanges, cultural interactions, and educational collaborations among member states. Create joint programs to promote cultural understanding and awareness among diverse populations.
Institutional Strengthening: Enhance the SCO’s institutional capacity by allocating resources for the effective implementation of initiatives and programs. Establish working groups and task forces to focus on specific areas of cooperation, such as counter-terrorism, economic development, and environmental protection.
Engagement with Observers and Dialogue Partners: Strengthen engagement with observer states and dialogue partners to expand the SCO’s influence and address common concerns. Collaborate with international organisations to leverage their expertise and resources.

THE CONCLUSION: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) stands as a unique platform in the Eurasian region, encompassing a diverse group of member states with varied interests and historical backgrounds. Since its inception, the SCO has traversed a complex journey marked by both achievements and challenges. It has demonstrated its potential to promote regional stability, facilitate economic cooperation, and address security threats through dialogue and joint efforts.

Mains Questions:

Critically analyse the outcome of the recently held SCO summit hosted by India. Do you think that the virtual mode of the summit reflects the dilution of the significance of SCO to India? Explain.
In the backdrop of global governing institutions losing their relevance, discuss the significance of SCO.

TOPIC: UNPACKING THE G-20 SUMMIT, 2023

THE CONTEXT: The 18th G-20 Summit concluded in New Delhi on September 9th and 10th, 2023. India hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit as part of the rotational presidency, which resulted in the New Delhi Declaration. This article analyses the outcome of the G-20 summit, its significance and various other related issues from the UPSC perspective.

THE G-20 DECLARATION: THE NEW DELHI DECLARATION

Some of the key highlights of the declaration are as follows:

INCLUSION OF AFRICAN UNION

The African Union, which represents 55 countries of the African Continent, was admitted as a new member of the G20 in the Summit.
Till now, only one country from Africa, i.e. South Africa, was part of the G20, unlike Europe, which was represented by five countries as well as the European Union (EU).
This move is a step towards just, fair, more inclusive and representative global governance with more representation of the African Continent.

GREEN DEVELOPMENT PACT

G20 leaders adopted a green development pact to accelerate the steps needed to tackle the challenges of environment and climate change.
It focuses on:

Resource efficiency and the importance of sustainable consumption.
Clean, sustainable, just, affordable, and inclusive energy transition
Climate and sustainable finance.
Ocean-based Blue Economy.
Building disaster-resilient infrastructure

DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

DPI is the centrepiece of India’s G20 Presidency, which aims to advance financial inclusion globally through technology.
The G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration agreed on developing a G20 Framework for Systems of DPI. They further welcomed India’s plan to build and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a virtual repository of DPI for use by other G20 members and beyond.

INTERNATIONAL TAX REFORMS AND CRYPTO REGULATION

The G20 has reaffirmed its commitment to the swift implementation of the ‘Two-Pillar’ international tax package.
In their joint declaration, the G20 leaders agreed to continue cooperation towards a globally fair, sustainable and modern international tax system appropriate to the needs of the 21st century.
‘Pillar One’ allocates certain portion of the taxing right to market jurisdictions, from residential jurisdictions.
‘Pillar Two’ provides for the levy of a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% on all such big MNCs, whereby any shortfall between such global minimum tax rate and the tax rate in the low tax jurisdiction will have to be paid by such MNCs as a top-up tax.
Another highlight is joint declaration is the G20’s call for the swift implementation of the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and amendments to the ‘Common Reporting Standard’ (CRS) for crypto regulation.

CLIMATE FINANCING COMMITMENT

The G20 Declaration urges all the developed countries to fulfil their commitment to at least double their collective provision of adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025, which is in line with the objectives of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement
The G20 leaders agreed to pursue tripling renewable energy capacity globally by 2030 and accepted the need to phase-down unabated coal power.
The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration acknowledges that the developing world will need $5.9 trillion till 2030 for its Nationally Determined Contributions, and an additional $4 trillion each year for clean energy technologies to meet zero emission goals.

MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS (MDBs) REFORMS

18^th G20 summit was notable for its emphasis on MDB reform, it committed to pursue reforms for better, bigger and more effective MDBs to address global challenges to maximise developmental impact.
The report issued by G20 noted that there was a need to clarify the processes and procedures for capital deployment and shareholders’ response to them. MDBs also need to strengthen the ability of their boards to set capital adequacy policies.
The declaration noted that the measures suggested could lead to additional lending of $200 billion over the next decade. Further, the G20 committed to raising more financial resources to boost the World Bank’s capacity to provide stronger support to poor countries.

ACTION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS(SDGs)

The declaration committed to leverage the G20’s convening power and its collective resolve to fully and effectively implement the 2030 Agenda and accelerate progress toward the SDGs in a timely manner to shape the world we want to see for our future generations.

Ten key elements of this commitment include:

Harnessing Digital Advances
Mobilising Global Financial Flows:
recognises these sectors as potent agents. Role of Tourism and Culture
Forging Collaborative Pathways
Responsible Capital Mobilisation:
Eliminating Hunger and Malnutrition
Mitigating Market Volatility:
Comprehensive Healthcare Mandate
Finance-Health Collaboration
Human Capital Development

IMPORTANT INITIATIVES TAKEN AT SIDELINES OF G-20 SUMMIT

GLOBAL BIOFUELS ALLIANCE (GBA)

Indian Prime Minister, along with the leaders of Singapore, Bangladesh, Italy, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mauritius and UAE, launched the Global Biofuel Alliance on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
The Alliance intends to serve as a catalytic platform and fostering global collaboration for the advancement and widespread adoption of biofuels.
The alliance will also act as a central repository of knowledge and an expert hub.

INDIA – MIDDLE EAST – EUROPE ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (IMEC)

At a special event on the sidelines of the G20 summit, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to establish the ‘India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor’ (IMEC).
Signatories included leaders of India, USA, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the European Union (EU), Italy, France and Germany.

The IMEC will consist of railroad, ship-to-rail networks (road and sea) and road transport routes and networks extending across two corridors, that is, the east corridor connecting India to the Gulf, and the northern corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe.
The project forms part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) and may serve as a counter to China’s economic influence in the Eurasian region.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SUMMIT

SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE GROWTH

The 18^th G20 Summit has renewed commitment to ensure a level playing field and fair competition by discouraging protectionism and market-distorting practices to foster a favourable trade and investment environment for all.
New Delhi’s Leaders Declaration reaffirm to achieve strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth (SSBIG) that will require policymakers to stay flexible in their policy response, as evidenced during the recent banking turbulence in a few advanced economies.
It aims to achieve sustainably financed universal social protection coverage and ensure portability of social security benefits through bilateral and multilateral agreements.

STRENGTHEN MULTILATERAL INSTITUTIONS

G20 affirms to strengthen multilateral institutions that is capable of meeting the needs of developing nations, especially the poorest and most vulnerable ones.
In this respect, an agreement was reached on a framework for debt relief for Zambia, Ghana, and Ethiopia. As part of the G20’s progress on international taxation, work has been done on the exchange of information on immovable properties.
The proposals to restructure Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) to meet the challenges of the 21^st century have been approved by all members. G20 members pledge in the declaration to “pursue reforms for better, bigger and more effective” MDBs in order to “address global challenges to maximize developmental impact.”

ACCELERATING PROGRESS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

As we are almost at the halfway point to 2030, and the global progress on SDGs is up with only 12 per cent of the targets on track.
The 18th G20 summit focuses on resilient and inclusive growth, women’s empowerment, and well-being, in addition to sustainable development, health, and education.
New Delhi Declaration affirms to leverage the G20’s convening power and its collective resolve to fully and effectively implement the 2030 Agenda and accelerate progress toward the SDGs, in a timely manner.
Through a combination of digital transformation, financing, sustainable agriculture, healthcare strengthening, and education, the G20 nations show strong determination towards shaping a sustainable future

ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE

G20 leaders committed to accelerate actions to address environmental crises and challenges of climate change.
G20 affirm the objective of UNFCCC to tackle climate change by strengthening the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in light of different national circumstances.
They aimed to concentrate on financing, reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, working on worldwide biofuel alliance, sustainable development, and eliminating plastic pollution, a green development pact, among other things, to hasten the actions required to address the environmental and climate change issues.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION

G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation and has taken several steps for global economic cooperation for sustainable growth.
It has taken a call on International taxation, which is a complicated topic that involves global corporations and, increasingly, internet-based companies and transactions.
According to the declaration, G20 reaffirm the commitment to continue working together toward a globally equitable, sustainable, and contemporary international tax system appropriate to the needs of the 21st century.

A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF INDIA’S PRESIDENCY

BOOST FOR INDIA’S STATURE

The Summit has turned out to be a strong reflection of India’s rising stature on the global stage, with India achieving this wholesome consensus of New Delhi Declaration even with China and Russia in agreement.
India, which shares cordial ties with both the West and Russia, has rightfully leveraged its unique status for the global good.

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND VOICE FOR GLOBAL SOUTH

India not only managed to make the G20 a much more dynamic platform, but also revived faith in the ability of multilateral processes and structures to deliver in the sync of global governance agenda.
India is attempting to maintain a delicate balance between pushing for a more fair distribution of power within the international order and averting the perception that it is supporting anti-Western causes.
It did so by putting the issue of raising the voice of Global South at the center of the global governance agenda. In the process, it also highlighted its own credentials as a leading player in the global hierarchy.
It showed India’s willingness and its ability to shape global outcomes as opposed to merely being a passive recipient of decisions made by others.

INCLUSION OF AFRICAN UNION AND INDIA’S LEADERSHIP

One of the highest achievement of India in the G20 summit is admittance of African Union in G20.
By fostering inclusion of the African Union into the G20, India emerged as a leader in global south, while initiating reform in global governance structures to bring a wider representation of the needs of developing economies.
Also, the African Union’s integration with the G20 creates a bridge transcending socio-economic differences, and unlocks massive opportunities for African economies and the workforce.

INDIA’S LEADERSHIP ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The 18^th G20 summit can be viewed as the “green summit” because India is promoting a number of climate policies, such as the Global Biofuels Alliance, “Mission LiFe” which promotes the idea of a circular economy, and green hydrogen standards among others.
In order to promote green funding, India is also urging international development banks to undergo reform.
India has been a strong advocate for climate action. As the world struggles with the challenge of climate change, India’s presidency can help set the tone for global cooperation on this issue.

NON VOICING THE ISSUES OF GLOBAL SOUTH

India is claiming as a voice of global south but could not address the major issues of global south.
It should have prioritized and put forward the debt relief issue for the low and middle-income countries. However, it fails to break the deadlock over the issue of debt relief and debt sustainability.
Common Framework for Debt Treatment was agreed to facilitate the restructuring of low-income countries’ debt but the Common Framework remains vague without a roadmap specifying a sequence and timeline of steps.
Though, G20 countries have committed to work towards tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 but India could not manage to force any financial commitment in this regard.
Also, being the president of the G-20 summit, India should have strongly condemned the Ukraine war at its own level and could have leveraged the platform for joint statements with its Western allies. However, it did not even mention the Russian invasion.

DOMESTIC ISSUES

Concerns are raised over high budget allocation and spending on the G20 summit as it has been alleged that expenditure was seven times greater than what a developed country like Germany had spent on the same G20 Summit.
Apart from that, the closure affected all commercial and economic establishments in New Delhi from September 8 to 10, leading to a substantial economic impact. It is also reported that slums were demolished, and street vendors have been ordered to clear out.
Large billboards with Prime Minister face on them across large part of the country is seen as politicization of the Summit and it has been alleged that the Summit has been executed as an instrument of India’s electoral politics.

THE EVALUATION OF THE G-20 SUMMIT

NON-BINDING NATURE

The New Delhi Declaration contains a dozen of grand pronouncements ranging from full and effective implementation of the 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development to reform of multilateral development banks.
However, given the lack of binding nature of these pronouncements, there is apprehensions about its implementation as the language in declaration is also phrased as we “call on “, “we commit”, “we recognize”, “we reaffirm” and so on.

SOFTER LANGUAGE ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

Though G20 nations agreed that states cannot grab territory by force and highlighted the suffering of the people of Ukraine but avoided direct criticism of Russia for the war.
The New Delhi declaration is seen as an apparent softening from the position that the G20 took last year in Bali Declaration when it condemned Russia for the war and demanded that it withdraw from Ukraine.
The New Delhi Declaration called it “the war in Ukraine” and also there was no condemnation of Russia either, unlike earlier.

NO DISCUSSION OF PHASING OUT FOSSIL FUELS

The G-20 accounts for 93 percent of the world’s operating coal plants and 88 percent of new proposed unabated coal power plants.
The New Delhi Declaration did not push its members on commitments to cut use of fossil fuels and end construction of new coal power plants and leaders at the Summit did not reach any consensus on the phase-out of fossil fuels.
It also did not provide any plan to amend existing policies and targets in order to achieve the target of ramping of renewables.

LOOPHOLES IN IMEC

One of the major announcements during the G20 summit is the launching of ambitious economic corridor linking the EU, Middle East and India seen as a geopolitical rival to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.
US President called it “a really big deal”, but there is no timeline to its completion and no details are available yet about the funding.

ABSENCE OF LEADERS

This year’s summit is notable for the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin and were represented by Foreign Ministers.
The absence of such important leaders can be one of the indications of disagreements and can create issues in the implementation of the declaration.

THE WAY FORWARD

Networking and collaboration: For successful implementation of the Delhi declaration, there is a need for collective actions and collaboration among all the partner countries. With proper
networking and collaboration, challenges can be tackled and will build a safer, stronger, more resilient, inclusive and healthier future.
Global balance of power: G20’s membership is still more representative of the current international balance of power than other multilateral institutions, especially with the inclusion of the African Union. There is a need for a more open, stable, and transparent rules-based order to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced global growth.
Implementation of declaration: It is known that the declaration is non-binding in nature. However, there is need for scaling up the efforts in mobilising large pools of global capital for sustainable projects, particularly in emerging and developing economies.
Ensuring multilateralism: Global challenges of the 21st century can only be addressed through multilateralism and reforms in multilateral institutions and international cooperation. G20 leaders can unanimously force UN institutions to be “more responsive” to the entire membership. They can work together to make the global governance “more representative, effective, transparent and accountable.
Addressing Climate issues: While the progress is good, a timely commitment on both the renewable energy target and allocation of finance to energy and developing countries will strengthen the commitment from nations on the climate crisis.

THE CONCLUSION: The 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit, bolstered bilateral ties between India and numerous other nations through the signing of business deals, forging defense partnerships, and fostering strong leader-to-leader relationships. The increased voice of global south and the increased participation of the developing world is an indication that can change the agenda of global action and partnership in near future.

MAINS QUESTIONS

Explain the major features of the G-20 Summit Declaration, 2023. Can we say that the declaration has opened a new window for reformed multilateralism in a highly polarized world? Argue.
“India has emerged as the leader of the Global South”. Examine the statement in light of India’s presidency of the G-20 Group of Nations.

TOPIC: INDIA’S SOLAR MISSION ADITYA – L 1

THE CONTEXT- ISRO’s Aditya-L1, the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun was launched on 2nd of September 2023 from Sriharikota Space Station in Andhra Pradesh. It will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point L1 of the Sun-Earth system which is about 1.5 million kms from the Earth. This article explains in details the various aspects of the mission from the UPSC PERSPECTIVE.

WHAT IS ADITYA-L1 MISSION?

Aditya-L1 is a coronagraphy spacecraft designed and developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to study the solar atmosphere. It is India’s first dedicated solar mission. The spacecraft will be orbiting at about 1.5 million km from Earth in a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point between the Earth and the Sun. It is studying the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, known as the corona, to understand its structure, dynamics, and the mechanisms behind its heating to millions of degrees. It is investigating the impact of solar activities on the Earth’s climate, weather, and space environment, including potential disruptions to communication and navigation systems. They are collecting data on solar storms, solar flares, and other solar phenomena that can affect space weather and terrestrial technologies.

ADITYA-L1 CARRY SEVEN SCIENTIFIC PAYLOADS

VISIBLE EMISSION LINE CORONAGRAPH (VELC)

To study the dynamics of the solar corona and to understand the physical processes that drive solar eruptions i.e. coronal mass ejections.

SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET IMAGING TELESCOPE (SUIT)

To image the Solar Photosphere and Chromosphere in near Ultra-violet (UV) and, to measure the solar irradiance variations in near UV.

ADITYA SOLAR X-RAY SPECTROMETER (SOLEXS)

To measure the X-ray spectrum of the solar corona and to study the coronal plasma.

HIGH ENERGY L1 ORBITING X-RAY SPECTROMETER (HEL1OS)

To study X-ray flares from the Sun over a wide energy X-Ray range. Sun as a star observation.

ADITYA SOLAR WIND PARTICLE EXPERIMENT (ASPEX)

It is designed to study the solar wind and energetic ions, as well as their energy distribution.

PLASMA ANALYSER PACKAGE FOR ADITA (PAPA)

It is designed to study the Solar wind. It acts as Particle Analyzer for Electrons and Heavier Ions with directions.

ADVANCED TRI-AXIAL HIGH RESOLUTION DIGITAL MAGNETOMETERS

To study the in-situ magnetic field (Bx, By and Bz). The Magnetometer is capable of measuring the interplanetary magnetic fields at L1 point.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF ADITYA-L1 MISSION?

UNDERSTANDING THE SOLAR CORONA

Aditya-L1 aims to study the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, known as the corona. The corona is much hotter than the Sun’s surface, and understanding the mechanisms that heat it to millions of degrees Celsius is one of the key goals of the mission.

STUDYING SOLAR ACTIVITIES

The mission will observe and study various solar phenomena, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and other solar activities. By doing so, it seeks to improve our understanding of the Sun’s behavior and its impact on space weather.

INVESTIGATING SOLAR MAGNETIC FIELDS

Aditya-L1 will measure the magnetic field of the Sun, providing valuable data on the Sun’s magnetic activity and variations. Understanding solar magnetic fields is crucial for studying solar cycles and their effects on space weather.

SPACE WEATHER IMPACT

The mission aims to better comprehend the influence of solar activities on space weather, including their potential effects on Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere. This information is essential for mitigating space weather-related disruptions to communication, navigation systems, and satellite operations.

CLIMATE STUDIES

Aditya-L1 is intends to investigate the link between solar activity and Earth’s climate. Understanding how variations in solar radiation impact our planet’s climate is an important aspect of the mission.

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION

The mission includes technology demonstrations to test and validate various instruments and systems that will be used for future space missions.

WHAT IS THE NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ADITYA-L1 MISSION?

ADVANCING SOLAR SCIENCE

The mission aims to significantly enhance our understanding of the Sun, particularly its outermost layer, the corona, which is hotter than the Sun’s surface but not well-understood. This knowledge is crucial for advancing solar science and improving our comprehension of the fundamental processes that govern stars like the Sun.

SPACE WEATHER PREDICTION

Aditya-L1 will contribute valuable data for space weather prediction. Solar activities, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can have a substantial impact on Earth’s space environment. Understanding these phenomena and their effects is essential for protecting satellites, spacecraft, and even power grids on Earth from potential disruptions caused by space weather events.

TECHNOLOGICAL BENEFITS

The mission includes technology demonstrations, which can lead to the development of advanced instruments and systems that can be used in future space missions. This technology transfer can benefit various sectors, including space exploration, communication, and Earth observation.

CLIMATE STUDIES

Aditya-L1’s investigation into the link between solar activity and Earth’s climate can provide insights into long-term climate variations. While it may not be the sole determinant of climate change on Earth, understanding the Sun’s role in influencing our climate is valuable for climate research.

SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATION

The mission involves international collaboration, which fosters cooperation in space science and technology. Sharing data and research findings with the global scientific community can lead to broader insights and discoveries.

EDUCATIONAL AND OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

The Aditya-L1 is interest in science and technology among students and the public. They provide educational opportunities and encourage STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) engagement, which can lead to a future generation of scientists and engineers.

SPACE LEADERSHIP

The successful execution of missions like Aditya-L1 enhances India’s position in space exploration and research. It demonstrates the country’s capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

WHAT ARE LAGRANGIAN POINTS?

Lagrangian points, also known as Lagrange points or libration points, are specific positions in space where the gravitational forces of two large objects, such as the Earth and the Moon or the Earth and the Sun, produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion. These points were first described by the Italian-French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange in 1772.

There are five Lagrangian points designated as L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5, each with unique properties:

L1 (Lagrange Point 1): This point lies along the line connecting the two large bodies and is located on the side of the larger body (e.g., the Earth) closer to the smaller body (e.g., the Moon or the Sun). At L1, the gravitational pull of the two bodies effectively cancels out, creating a point of stability. Objects placed at this point can maintain a relatively fixed position relative to the smaller body (e.g., a satellite monitoring the Sun) or conduct observations without the need for excessive fuel for station-keeping.
L2 (Lagrange Point 2): L2 is also along the line connecting the two large bodies but is located on the opposite side of the larger body from the smaller body. It is used for various purposes, including astronomical observations, space telescopes, and Earth-observing satellites. Objects placed at L2 can maintain a stable position relative to the Earth and Sun.
L3 (Lagrange Point 3): L3 is directly opposite L1, along the line connecting the two large bodies. It is less commonly used than other Lagrange points due to its instability. However, it has been considered for future space missions and exploration.
L4 and L5 (Lagrange Points 4 and 5): These points are located at equal distances from both large bodies, forming an equilateral triangle with the two large bodies. L4 leads the smaller body in its orbit, while L5 follows it. L4 and L5 are often used in the context of the Earth-Moon system for potential locations of spacecraft, satellites, or future lunar missions. They are particularly stable and have been explored for space missions related to asteroid detection and planetary exploration.

Lagrangian points are essential in space exploration and satellite positioning because they offer stable regions in space where objects can remain in relatively constant positions relative to the larger celestial bodies. They have been used for a variety of purposes, including astronomical observations, space science missions, and Earth monitoring, and they play a critical role in planning and executing space missions.

ADITYA L1’S JOURNEY FROM EARTH TO THE L1 LAGRANGE POINT

The journey of the Aditya-L1 mission from Earth to the L1 Lagrange Point involves several phases and complex orbital maneuvers. The following steps involved:

Launch: The Aditya-L1 mission begins with its launch from Earth. The launch vehicle used would depend on the specific requirements and payload of the mission. Typically, ISRO would use one of its reliable rockets, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) or the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), to launch Aditya-L1 into a transfer orbit.
Transfer Orbit: After launch, Aditya-L1 enters a transfer orbit that takes it away from Earth and toward its destination, the L1 Lagrange Point. The transfer orbit is designed to conserve fuel while allowing the spacecraft to gradually increase its distance from Earth.
Orbital Maneuvers: During its journey, Aditya-L1 performs a series of orbital maneuvers to adjust its trajectory and align itself with the L1 Lagrange Point. These maneuvers involve firing its onboard propulsion system at specific points along its trajectory to change its speed and direction.
Earth-Sun Halo Orbit: To reach the L1 Lagrange Point, Aditya-L1 will ultimately enter a specific type of orbit known as an Earth-Sun Halo orbit. This orbit allows the spacecraft to remain in the vicinity of the L1 point while taking into account the gravitational influences of both the Earth and the Sun. It involves a delicate balance of forces to keep the spacecraft in a stable position relative to the L1 point.
Arrival at L1: Once Aditya-L1 reaches the vicinity of the L1 Lagrange Point, it will perform precise orbital maneuvers to ensure it enters the L1 region and maintains a stable position there. At L1, the gravitational forces of the Earth and the Sun are roughly balanced, allowing the spacecraft to maintain its position with minimal fuel expenditure.
Mission Operations: After reaching its destination, Aditya-L1 begins its scientific observations and data collection activities. It will study the Sun and perform various experiments and observations related to solar phenomena and space weather.

The journey to L1 and subsequent mission operations are carefully planned and executed to achieve the mission’s scientific objectives. Aditya-L1’s mission control team on Earth closely monitors the spacecraft’s status and conducts regular course corrections and adjustments as needed to ensure it reaches and maintains its position at the L1 Lagrange Point. Top of Form

SOLAR SPACE PROGRAM OF OTHER COUNTRIES

NASA’S SOLAR AND HELIOPHYSICS PROGRAMS (UNITED STATES)

NASA has a long history of solar and heliophysics missions. Notable missions include the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Parker Solar Probe, and the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope, which will also study the Sun and its interactions with the solar system.

ESA’S SOLAR MISSIONS (EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY)

ESA has been involved in multiple solar missions, such as the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), Solar Orbiter, and the upcoming Lagrange mission to study the Sun’s polar regions.

JAPAN’S SOLAR MISSIONS (JAPAN AEROSPACE EXPLORATION AGENCY – JAXA)

JAXA has launched missions like Hinode (Solar-B) and the upcoming Solar-C mission, which aim to study the Sun’s magnetic fields and solar activity.

CHINA’S SOLAR MISSIONS (CHINA NATIONAL SPACE ADMINISTRATION – CNSA)

China has launched the Chang’e missions to the Moon, which also carried instruments to observe the Sun. Additionally, CNSA has plans for solar observation missions like the Solar Exploring Orbiter (SOLEX) and the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE).

INDIA’S ADITYA-L1 MISSION (INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION – ISRO)

As previously discussed, ISRO launched the Aditya-L1 mission to study the Sun, particularly its corona and its impact on space weather.

RUSSIA’S SOLAR MISSIONS (ROSCOSMOS)

Russia has been involved in solar research and space weather monitoring through various missions and collaborations, such as the International Space Station (ISS) and the Interheliozond mission.

SOUTH KOREA’S SOLAR MISSIONS (KOREA ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCE INSTITUTE – KASI)

KASI has been involved in solar research and has plans for future solar observation missions.

THE CHALLENGES OF ADITYA-L1 MISSION

ORBITAL DYNAMICS

Aditya-L1 is designed to orbit the L1 Lagrange Point, which requires precise orbital calculations and maneuvers to maintain its position relative to the Earth and the Sun. The gravitational forces of these celestial bodies can affect the spacecraft’s trajectory, necessitating regular orbital adjustments.

INSTRUMENTATION

Aditya-L1 carries a suite of scientific instruments for solar observation. Developing and calibrating these instruments to capture accurate and detailed data about the Sun’s behavior and magnetic fields is a significant technical challenge.

DATA TRANSMISSION

Transmitting large amounts of data from the spacecraft to Earth poses a challenge, as it must be done efficiently and reliably. The distance between the L1 Lagrange Point and Earth can affect communication and data transfer rates.

SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS

Operating the spacecraft from Earth requires precise command sequences and regular monitoring to ensure it remains in its intended orbit and continues to collect valuable scientific data.

SOLAR FLARES AND SPACE WEATHER

The mission aims to study solar flares and their impact on space weather. However, solar flares can be unpredictable and pose a potential threat to the spacecraft’s instruments.

BUDGET AND FUNDING

Securing funding for space missions can be challenging. Ensuring a stable budget throughout the mission’s lifecycle is essential for its success.

WAY FORWARD

DATA ANALYSIS

The collected data will be analyzed by scientists and researchers to extract valuable insights into solar science and space weather. This analysis may lead to new discoveries and a deeper understanding of solar activity.

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION

Aditya-L1 includes technology demonstrations, and the successful validation of these technologies can lead to their broader use in future space missions.

CONTINUED SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATIONS

Aditya-L1’s primary mission objective is to study the Sun and its various phenomena, including the solar corona, solar flares, and magnetic fields. The spacecraft will continue to collect data and images to enhance our understanding of these aspects.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

Aditya-L1 is part of international efforts to study the Sun and space weather. Continued collaboration with other space agencies and organizations will ensure that data is shared and analyzed globally, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of solar phenomena.

MISSION UPDATES AND REPORTS

Regular mission updates and reports will be provided to the scientific community and the public to communicate the mission’s progress and findings.

DATA ARCHIVING

Ensuring the long-term availability and accessibility of mission data is essential for future research and scientific advancements.

PREPARATION FOR FUTURE MISSIONS

Lessons learned from Aditya-L1 can inform the planning and execution of future solar and space weather missions. India and other space agencies may continue to invest in solar science research.

CONCLUSION: The Aditya-L1 mission represents an important endeavor by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to study the Sun and its various phenomena, including the solar corona, solar flares, and space weather. Its success will depend on the spacecraft’s launch, deployment, and its ability to carry out its scientific mission as planned. The Aditya-L1 mission are essential because they advance our knowledge of the Sun, its behavior, and its influence on space weather, climate, and the solar system. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety and functionality of our technological infrastructure in space and on Earth and contribute to scientific understanding and technological innovation.

UPSC PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What are the main objectives of the Aditya-L1 Mission? Comment on the need for such a mission to India.

Q. Discuss the significance and challenges of the Aditya-L1 Mission. How does the Aditya-L1 Mission compare to previous missions studying the Sun?

PYQS RELATED TO ADITYA-L1 MISSION

Q. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC Mains 2016)

Q. If a major solar storm (solar-flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (UPSC Prelims 2022)

GPS and navigation systems could fail.
Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
Power grids could be damaged.
Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only

(d) 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6 and 7

Answer: C

Q. With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2016)

Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Q. Which of the following pair(s) is/are correctly matched? (UPSC Prelims 2014)

Spacecraft Purpose

Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
Messenger : Mapping and investigating the Mercury
Voyager 1 & 2 : Exploring the outer solar system

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer (b)

TOPIC – CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION

THE CONTEXT: India on 24^th August 2023 expressed gratitude to world leaders for their wishes on Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on Moon. India on 23rd August 2023 successfully landed a spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole, an uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water and precious elements, as the country cements its growing prowess in space and technology. After a failed attempt nearly four years ago, India made history by becoming the first country to touch down near the little-explored south-pole region and joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China in achieving a moon landing.

WHAT IS CHANDRAYAAN-3?

Chandrayaan-3 is described as India’s lunar mission with the goal of achieving a soft landing near the lunar south pole.
Soft landing refers to safely landing a spacecraft on the lunar surface without causing significant damage to the vehicle.
The lunar south pole is of particular interest due to its unique geological features, potential water ice deposits, and the presence of permanently shadowed regions that could harbor valuable scientific information.
The mission would likely carry a suite of scientific instruments to analyze the lunar surface, study its composition, map its topography, and gather data about its environment. These instruments include cameras, spectrometers, seismometers, and more.
Chandrayaan-3’s lander would incorporate lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2’s landing attempt to ensure a successful and controlled soft landing on the lunar surface.
ISRO employed advanced landing technologies and systems to mitigate the challenges associated with landing on the Moon.
Chandrayaan-3 incorporates advancements in technology, communication systems, navigation, and spacecraft design to increase mission reliability and success.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is significant for a number of reasons:

It is India’s third lunar mission, and the second attempt at soft-landing on the Moon. The first attempt, Chandrayaan-2, was unsuccessful due to a technical malfunction. The success of Chandrayaan-3 will demonstrate India’s ability to soft-land on the Moon, which is a challenging technological feat.
Chandrayaan-3 will be the first mission to soft-land near the lunar south pole. The lunar south pole is a region that has not been explored in much detail, and it is thought to be rich in water ice. The mission will conduct experiments to study the composition of the lunar south pole and to search for water ice.
Chandrayaan-3 will carry a number of scientific instruments, including a lander, a rover, and an orbiter. The lander will carry instruments to study the lunar surface and atmosphere, while the rover will explore the lunar surface. The orbiter will map the Moon and study its environment.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission will help India to develop its space technology and to gain experience in conducting complex interplanetary missions. The success of the mission will be a major boost for India’s space program and will help to position India as a leading spacefaring nation.

WHY IT IS A MILESTONE?

Chandrayaan-3 has been launched and achieved significant milestones, it would likely be because of the advancements it brings to India’s lunar exploration capabilities. Here are some potential reasons why Chandrayaan-3 is considered a milestone:

Landing Success: The Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on the Moon’s surface, it would mark a significant achievement for India’s space program. Learning from the challenges faced during Chandrayaan-2’s landing attempt, a successful landing by Chandrayaan-3 would demonstrate India’s improved expertise in lunar soft landing technology.
Enhanced Scientific Research: Chandrayaan missions are designed to conduct scientific research on the Moon, including studying the lunar surface, mineral composition, water ice presence, and more. Chandrayaan-3 could contribute to a deeper understanding of the Moon’s history, geology, and potential resources.
Technological Advancements: Each Chandrayaan mission builds on the technological achievements of its predecessors. The Chandrayaan-3 incorporates new technologies, instruments, or engineering solutions, it could mark a significant step forward in India’s space capabilities.
International Collaboration: The Chandrayaan-3 involves collaboration with other countries or space agencies, it could signify India’s growing role in global space exploration efforts and its ability to work collaboratively on complex missions.
Public Engagement and Inspiration: Successful space missions often inspire the public and future generations to take an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Chandrayaan-3’s success could have a positive impact on education and awareness in India and around the world.
Commercial Opportunities: Successful of lunar missions is open up possibilities for future commercial ventures, such as mining resources or setting up research stations on the Moon. Chandrayaan-3’s achievements are contribute to these potential endeavors.

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENTS IN CHANDRAYAAN-3

ISRO Chandrayaan-3 includes various technical equipments for the mission’s success.

The mission has three major modules:

Propulsion module: It will carry the lander and rover configuration to 100 km lunar orbit.
Lander module (Vikram lander) : It has the capability to soft land and deploy Rover on the lunar surface.
Rover (Pragyan): It will carry out chemical analysis of the lunar surface.

THE PAST TWO CHANDRAYAAN MISSION FAILURES

Chandrayaan-1

Chandrayaan-1 was not a complete failure; in fact, it achieved several significant milestones in India’s space exploration efforts and that is first steps for moon mission. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on October 22, 2008, Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar probe.

The accomplishments of Chandrayaan-1:

Confirmation of Water Molecules on the Moon: One of the main objectives of Chandrayaan-1 was to search for water molecules on the lunar surface. The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) on board the spacecraft confirmed the presence of water molecules in the lunar exosphere.
High-Resolution Imaging: Chandrayaan-1 carried the Moon Impact Probe and also the Moon Impact Probe, both of which provided high-resolution images of the lunar surface. These images helped scientists gain a better understanding of the Moon’s topography.
Mapping of Lunar Surface: The spacecraft carried several scientific instruments, including the Moon Impact Probe, the Moon Impact Probe, and the Chandrayaan-1 X-ray Spectrometer (C1XS), which helped map the mineral composition of the Moon’s surface.
Discovery of Hydroxyl and Water Ice: Chandrayaan-1’s Moon Impact Probe helped discover hydroxyl molecules on the Moon’s surface. Additionally, data from the Moon Impact Probe and other instruments confirmed the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed regions near the lunar poles.
Endurance and Longevity: Although Chandrayaan-1’s mission was initially planned for two years, it continued to function for nearly 10 months, successfully completing more than 3,400 orbits around the Moon.

However, it’s true that the mission faced some challenges as well:

Communication Loss: In August 2009, communication with the spacecraft was abruptly lost due to technical issues. Despite this, the mission had already collected a substantial amount of valuable data.
Limited Mission Life: The communication loss marked the end of the primary mission, as the spacecraft’s instruments and systems were no longer operational. This was a setback, but it does not negate the achievements of the mission up to that point.

Chandrayaan-1 experienced a premature end to its primary mission due to communication issues, it still accomplished many of its objectives and contributed significantly to our understanding of the Moon’s composition and surface features. It also paved the way for future lunar exploration missions, including Chandrayaan-2.

Chandrayaan-2

Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar exploration mission, is not considered a complete failure, although it did face challenges during its landing phase. The mission consisted of an orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a rover named Pragyan. While the Vikram lander did encounter issues during its descent to the lunar surface, the overall mission was not a total failure. Here’s a breakdown of the mission and the challenges it faced:

Orbiter Success: The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter was successfully inserted into lunar orbit and continues to function well. It is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to study the Moon’s surface, analyze minerals, study the exosphere, and map water ice on the lunar surface. The orbiter’s mission has been successful in gathering valuable data and contributing to lunar science.
Lander Failure: The Vikram lander, designed to make a soft landing on the Moon’s surface near the south pole, faced challenges during its descent on September 6, 2019. As it descended, communication was lost with ISRO’s ground control during the final moments. Subsequent analysis revealed that the lander had crash-landed on the Moon. The communication loss was due to a hard landing, and Vikram was not able to function as intended.

Despite the setback with the Vikram lander, the Chandrayaan-2 mission is not considered a complete failure for several reasons:

Orbiter Success: The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to be operational and has provided valuable scientific data and images. It has achieved a significant portion of the mission’s scientific objectives.
Learning Experience: The landing attempt provided ISRO with important data and insights that will be useful for future missions. The challenges faced during the landing attempt will likely inform the design and execution of future soft landing attempts.
Showcased Technological Capability: Chandrayaan-2 demonstrated India’s capability to develop and launch complex missions to the Moon, including the successful insertion of the orbiter into lunar orbit.
Public Engagement: The mission garnered significant public attention and interest, inspiring the nation’s youth to take an interest in space science and exploration.

The Vikram lander’s failure to achieve a soft landing was a setback for the Chandrayaan-2 mission, the overall mission was not a complete failure due to the successful operation of the orbiter and the learning opportunities gained from the landing attempt.

The Benefits of Chandrayaan Moon Mission

The Chandrayaan moon mission has a number of benefits for India-

The mission will help scientists to better understand the moon’s origin, evolution, and geology.
It will also help scientists to study the moon’s environment, including its atmosphere, water ice, and potential for future human exploration.
The mission will also help to develop new technologies that can be used for space exploration and other applications.
The mission will boost India’s space industry and create jobs.
It will also help to attract foreign investment in the space sector.
The mission will also help to improve India’s image as a scientific and technological leader.
The mission will help to develop new technologies for space exploration, such as new ways to land on the moon and new ways to explore the lunar surface. These technologies can be used for future missions to the moon and other planets.
The mission will help to create new jobs in the space sector. The ISRO is estimated to employ over 17,000 people, and the Chandrayaan mission is expected to create even more jobs.
The mission will help to attract foreign investment in the space sector. The ISRO has already signed agreements with several foreign companies to collaborate on space projects.
The mission will help to improve India’s image as a scientific and technological leader. The success of the Chandrayaan mission will show the world that India is capable of carrying out complex space missions.

The Chandrayaan moon mission has the potential to bring significant benefits to India. The mission is a testament to India’s growing technological capabilities and its commitment to space exploration.

OTHERS MOON MISSIONS

There have been several other moon missions conducted by various space agencies and countries. Here are a few more examples:

Bereshit (SpaceIL, Israel): Bereshit was a privately funded lunar lander developed by the Israeli organization SpaceIL. It was launched in 2019 as part of the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition with the goal of achieving the first privately-funded moon landing. While the lander did crash on the lunar surface during its landing attempt, it was still a significant achievement for a non-governmental organization.
Hiten (ISRO, India): Launched in 1990 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Hiten was India’s first lunar probe. It was primarily a technology demonstration mission, and it impacted the Moon’s surface in 1994.
Clementine (NASA, USA): Launched in 1994, Clementine was a joint mission between NASA and the Department of Defense. It was designed to study the Moon from lunar orbit, conducting mapping and scientific observations.
SELENE-2 (JAXA, Japan): The proposed SELENE-2 mission by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aims to send a spacecraft to the Moon to explore and study the lunar surface in greater detail, building on the success of the original Kaguya (SELENE) mission.
Lunar Prospector (NASA, USA): Launched in 1998, Lunar Prospector was a NASA mission that orbited the Moon to study its composition, magnetic field, and search for evidence of water ice.
Chang’e 5 (CNSA, China): Launched in 2020, Chang’e 5 was a Chinese mission designed to collect lunar samples and return them to Earth. It successfully brought back lunar samples from the Moon’s surface.
Luna-Glob (Roscosmos, Russia): The Luna-Glob program by the Russian space agency Roscosmos aims to launch a series of robotic missions to the Moon, including landers and orbiters. The first mission in this program is planned to study the Moon’s south pole region.
Huygens (ESA): While not a lunar mission, Huygens was a European Space Agency (ESA) probe that successfully landed on Saturn’s moon Titan in 2005 as part of the Cassini-Huygens mission.
LRO (NASA, USA): The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2009, is a NASA mission that continues to orbit the Moon, mapping its surface in high detail and providing valuable data for future lunar missions.

These are just a few more examples of moon missions that have been conducted by various space agencies and organizations over the years. Each mission contributes to our understanding of the Moon’s composition, geology, and history, as well as paving the way for future exploration and scientific research.

FUTURE ISRO PROGRAM

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had several ambitious space programs and missions planned for the future. The key point of future ISRO programs and missions are following:

Aditya-L1 Mission:

Aditya-L1 is the first Indian mission to study the Sun from a vantage point in the Earth-Sun Lagrange point L1. This is a point in space where the gravitational forces of the Earth and the Sun are balanced, so that the spacecraft can stay in a fixed position relative to both bodies. The Aditya-L1 mission is a solar mission being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is scheduled to be launched in September 2023.

Aditya-L1 will Carry five Scientific Payloads:

The Visible Emission Spectrometer (VES) will study the Sun’s visible emissions in the wavelength range of 380-1000 nanometers.

Visible Emission Spectrometer (VES) Aditya-L1 mission

The Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) will study the Sun’s extreme ultraviolet emissions in the wavelength range of 6-100 nanometers.

Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) Aditya-L1 mission

The Coronal Hard X-ray Imager (CHXI) will study the Sun’s corona in the hard X-ray wavelength range of 10-100 keV.

Coronal Hard X-ray Imager (CHXI) Aditya-L1 mission

The Solar Wind Composition Spectrometer (SWCS) will study the composition of the solar wind in the vicinity of the spacecraft.

Solar Wind Composition Spectrometer (SWCS) Aditya-L1 mission

The Magnetometer (MAG) will measure the magnetic field of the Sun and the solar wind.

X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat):

The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is a space observatory being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI). It is scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2023.
XPoSat is India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission. Polarimetry is the study of the polarization of light, which is the direction in which the light waves are oscillating. XPoSat will measure the polarization of X-rays from astronomical sources, such as black holes, neutron stars, and active galaxies.

XPoSat will Carry two Scientific Payloads:

The Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) will measure the degree and angle of polarization of X-rays in the energy range of 8-30 keV.
The X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (SPECT) payload will provide spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
XPoSat will be placed in a low Earth orbit. It is expected to have a mission life of at least 5 years.

The Objects of XPoSat in the Universe:

To study the polarization of X-rays from black holes, neutron stars, and active galaxies.
To understand the physical processes that are taking place in these objects.
To improve our understanding of the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies.
To search for new types of astronomical objects.
To develop new technologies for X-ray polarimetry.

NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Satellite:

NISAR is a joint Earth observation mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite will use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to map Earth’s land and ice surfaces, including changes as small as centimeters.

NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Satellite:

NISAR will be the first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequencies (L-band and S-band). This will allow the mission to observe a wider range of changes than either one alone.
The NISAR mission is expected to launch in 2024. It will have a mission life of 3 years.

The Scientific Objectives of NISAR Include:

Studying the effects of climate change on Earth’s land and ice surfaces.
Monitoring natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
Improving our understanding of Earth’s crust and interior.
Developing new technologies for radar imaging.

NISAR is a major milestone in the collaboration between NASA and ISRO. The mission will provide valuable insights into Earth’s changing environment and help us to better understand our planet.

The Benefits of NISAR:

It will provide detailed images of Earth’s surface that can be used to study a wide range of phenomena, such as climate change, natural disasters, and land use.
It will be able to see through clouds and darkness, so it can image Earth’s surface even when other sensors cannot.
It will be able to image Earth’s surface at high resolution, so it can detect small changes that would be difficult to see with other sensors.
It will be able to image Earth’s surface over a wide range of frequencies, so it can be used to study a variety of different materials.

SPADEX or Space Docking Experiment:

It is a twin spacecraft mission being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to demonstrate technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying, with scope of applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing and other proximity operations.
The SPADEX mission will consist of two IMS class (200 kg) satellites, one would be Chaser and other being Target and both would be launched as co-passengers or auxiliary payloads. Both spacecraft would be injected into slightly different orbits. The Chaser spacecraft will then autonomously rendezvous and dock with the Target spacecraft.
The SPADEX mission is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2024. It is a major milestone in India’s space program and will help to develop the technologies needed for future human spaceflight missions.

The key Technologies that will be Demonstrated by the SPADEX Mission:

Autonomous rendezvous and docking
Formation flying
In-space satellite servicing
Proximity operations

The SPADEX mission will also help to develop new technologies for space docking, such as a new docking mechanism that is being developed by ISRO. This new docking mechanism is designed to be more reliable and efficient than current docking mechanisms.

The SPADEX mission is a significant achievement for the ISRO and will help to make India a major player in the global space race. The mission will also help to develop the technologies needed for future human spaceflight missions, such as the Gaganyaan mission, which is scheduled to launch in 2024.

HOW IT WILL CHANGE INDIA’S IMAGE GLOBALLY

The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon is a major achievement for India and will change the country’s image globally in a number of ways.

Technological Prowess: A successful Chandrayaan-3 mission would showcase India’s advanced technological capabilities in space exploration. It would demonstrate that India possesses the expertise to plan, design, and execute complex missions, including soft landings on extraterrestrial bodies.
Scientific Achievement: Chandrayaan-3’s success would contribute to the global scientific community’s understanding of the Moon’s geology, surface features, and potential resources. This scientific knowledge-sharing could enhance India’s reputation as a significant contributor to space-based research and exploration.
International Collaboration: A successful mission could foster increased collaboration between India and other spacefaring nations. Joint ventures and partnerships in space research could lead to shared expertise, resources, and data exchange, further enhancing India’s global presence.
Soft Power and Diplomacy: Success in space missions can boost a country’s soft power, influencing perceptions and relationships on the global stage. It could lead to greater respect for India’s scientific achievements and encourage diplomatic interactions.

International Space Leadership: A successful lunar landing mission could position India as a key player in international space exploration efforts. It could lead to invitations for participation in global discussions on space policies, strategies, and collaborative missions.

Inspiration and Education: Success in space missions often inspires young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Chandrayaan-3’s success could motivate more students to engage in these fields, contributing to India’s future technological workforce.
Economic Opportunities: Space exploration has economic implications beyond scientific research, including the development of new technologies, job creation, and the growth of the space industry. A successful mission could stimulate economic growth and innovation in related sectors.
Space Tourism and Commercial Ventures: A successful lunar mission could attract attention from space tourism and commercial space companies looking for collaboration or partnership opportunities. India could become a destination for space-related activities, contributing to its global profile.

WHY THE COUNTRIES ARE INTERESTED IN THE MOON MISSION?

Countries are Showing Increasing Interest in Moon Missions for Several Reasons:

Scientific Exploration: The Moon is a relatively close celestial body, and exploring it can provide valuable insights into the early history of our solar system and Earth. Studying the Moon’s geology, composition, and history can help scientists better understand the evolution of planets and their satellites.
Resource Potential: The Moon is believed to contain valuable resources such as water ice in permanently shadowed regions. Water is crucial for supporting future long-duration space missions and establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon.
Commercial Opportunities: The Moon is becoming a potential platform for commercial activities, such as mining of resources, tourism, and research. Private companies see opportunities for business ventures in space, and governments want to ensure they have a role in regulating and benefiting from these activities.
Human Spaceflight: Some countries have aspirations to send astronauts to the Moon, either as part of their own programs or through collaboration with established space agencies. This extends human presence beyond low Earth orbit and contributes to our understanding of long-duration space travel.

These reasons, among others, contribute to the growing interest in moon missions by countries around the world. As technology advances and our understanding of the Moon’s potential increases, we can expect to see even more ambitious and collaborative efforts aimed at exploring and utilizing our nearest celestial neighbor.

CONCLUSION

The successful execution of Chandrayaan-3, India’s dedicated lunar mission aimed at achieving a soft landing and rover deployment on the Moon’s surface, would hold significant implications on multiple fronts. Chandrayaan-3’s success are underscore India’s prowess in designing, engineering, and executing complex space missions. The mission’s triumph would enrich humanity’s understanding of the Moon’s geology, composition, and surface characteristics. The success of Chandrayaan-3 goes beyond scientific data collection; it holds the potential to elevate India’s reputation, inspire future generations, drive economic growth, and establish India as a formidable force in the global space community. Its impact would reach into various facets of society, leaving an indelible mark on India’s journey through the cosmos and on the world stage.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

After the success of Chandrayaan-3, India enters in royal space club. Discuss how this will change India’s image globally.
“The success of Chandrayan 3 not only opens up great opportunities for the future of India’s space program but also heats up the global race for dominance over the space”. Explain.

TOPIC: THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA BILL AND THE CHALLENGES TO ITS INDEPENDENCE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Government has introduced the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha aiming to change the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). The Bill seeks to remove the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from a panel to select the CEC and ECs. This article analyses the provisions of the Bill and its implications for the independence of the ECI.

THE SALIENT FEATURES OF THE BILL

Election Commission

As per Article 324 of the Constitution, the Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election Commissioners (ECs), as the President may decide.
The CEC and other ECs are appointed by the President. The Bill specifies the same composition of the Election Commission.
It adds that the CEC and other ECs will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.

Selection Committee

The Selection Committee will consist of:

(i) the Prime Minister as Chairperson

(ii) the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha as member

(iii) a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as member.

If the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha has not been recognised, the leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha will assume the role.

Search Committee

A Search Committee will prepare a panel of five people for the consideration of the Selection Committee.
The Search Committee will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
It will have two other members, not below the rank of Secretary to the central government, having knowledge and experience in matters related to elections.
The Selection Committee may also consider candidates who have not been included in the panel prepared by the Search Committee.

Qualification of CEC and ECs

Persons who are holding or have held posts equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the central government will be eligible to be appointed as CEC and ECs.
Such persons must have expertise in managing and conducting elections.

Salary and allowances

The Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 provides that the salary of the ECs will be equal to that of a Supreme Court judge.
The Bill provides that salary, allowance, and service conditions of the CEC and other ECs will be the same as that of the Cabinet Secretary.

Term of office

The 1991 Act mandates that the CEC and other ECs will hold office for a term of six years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
If an EC is appointed as the CEC, his total term cannot exceed six years.
The Bill retains the same tenure. Further, under the Bill, the CEC and other ECs will not be eligible for re-appointment.

Conduct of business

All business of the Election Commission is to be conducted unanimously.
In case of difference of opinion between the CEC and the other ECs on any matter, it shall be decided through majority.

Removal and resignation

Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the CEC can only be removed from his office in a manner similar to that of a Supreme Court judge.
This is done through an order of the President, based on a motion passed by both Houses of Parliament in the same session.
The motion for removal must be adopted with:

(i) majority support of total membership of each House

(ii) At least two-thirds support from members present and voting.

An EC can only be removed from office on the recommendation of the CEC. The Bill retains this removal procedure.
Further, the 1991 Act provides that the CEC and other ECs may submit their resignation to the President. The Bill has the same provision.

THE BACKGROUND OF THE BILL

On 2^nd March 2023, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India directed that the appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners (ECs) shall be made by a “three-member committee” consisting of the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha (or the leader of the largest opposition party [LOP]), and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
This “practice” of the appointment of the CEC and the ECs on the advice of a committee was to remain in force till a law was enacted by Parliament.
The directions came in response to a 2015 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, challenging the constitutional validity of the practice of the Centre-appointed members of the Election Commission.
PIL requested the court to “consider the true effect of Article 324,” especially Article 324(2), which provides for the appointment of the CEC and other ECs by the President “subject to any law made by Parliament.
The petitioners sought a law for ensuring a fair, just and transparent process of selection by constituting a neutral and independent collegium/ selection committee.

The Petitioners Highlighted:

√ Appointment done solely by the Executive; practice incompatible with Article 324(2)

√ No law to regulate appointment of Election Commissioners

√ There has been inaction by the government in not making appropriate law.

√ Financial independence is not enough to ensure overall independence.

Earlier in 2018, a two-judge bench of the SC referred the case to a larger bench since it required a close examination of Article 324 of the Constitution, which deals with the role of a Chief Election Commissioner.
Article 324(2) reads: “The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time-to-time fix and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf by Parliament, be made by the President.”
However, since there was no law made by Parliament as prescribed by the Constitution, the Court stepped in to fill the “constitutional vacuum”.
The Bill now seeks to address this vacuum and set up a legislative process to make appointments to the EC.

HOW THE MEMBERS OF THE ECI HAVE BEEN APPOINTED SO FAR?

The appointment of EC members has historically been a central government privilege. The President appoints the CEC and other ECs on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. So essentially, the ECI selection panel has always been an executive domain. There is a database of serving/retired officers of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India/Chief Secretaries. The appointees are selected from the said database. The Law Minister suggests a pool of suitable candidates to the Prime Minister for consideration. The President makes the appointment on the advice of the PM.

THE ECI BILL AND THE INDEPENDENCE OF ELECTION COMMISSION

The new Bill has a clause that indicates LoP will either be disregarded or ignored when choosing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs) and would be selected by the political executive belonging to the ruling party. This primacy of executive can undermine the independence of the institution which is enshrined in the constitution. As per the provisions, Section 6 of the Bill establishes a search committee composed of two secretaries and the Cabinet secretary as its chairman. This provision of the search committee and the five candidates that it has been mandated to shortlist is matter of concern. Because it indicates that only a handful of high-level bureaucracy hold its control over commission.

Another provision, Section 8(2) of the Bill lays down that the selection committee can regulate its own procedure for selecting the CEC or other ECs. It authorises this committee to consider any other person than those included in the panel by the search committee. This means the selection committee can go beyond the search committee’s recommendations and appoint anyone it wants as CEC/EC thus making the entire search process meaningless. When the process is opaque like that and only few people controlling the procedure, it compromises with the independence of the commission as they tend to be subservient to the people selecting them.

As per current provision, The CEC’s status and salary are equivalent to those of a SC judge. However, the Bill seeks to downgrade it, making it equivalent to a cabinet secretary. The primary intent of the constitution makers was based on the fact that Election commission should be outside the control of the executive to ensure its independence and efficiency. However, the proposed bill is not aligned to this and thereby endangering the very purpose for which the commission is being constituted. The ECI needs to be independent and fully insulated from any external or internal disruption environment to instill sufficient confidence among the political parties and the public and allow the commission to hold elections in a free and fair manner.

DOES THE BILL VIOLATE SC JUDGEMENT?

The Supreme Court in March ordered the formation of a panel to advise on the appointments to the Election Commission until Parliament makes a law for the establishment of an independent selection panel.
To insulate the panel from political pressure or executive overreach, the SC said the panel will comprise the prime minister, the Lok Sabha’s leader of opposition (LoP), and the Chief justice of India (CJI) until a law is enacted.
However, the Bill replacing the CJI with a Union Cabinet minister seems to compromise the independence of the Election Commission.
The question arises here that can the Parliament undo a decision of the Supreme Court or is it a violation of the SC Judgement?
Though, the Parliament has the power to nullify the effect of a Court ruling by addressing the concerns flagged in the judgement. The law cannot simply be contradictory to the ruling.
In this case, the arrangement prescribed by the Supreme Court was specifically because the Court noted that there was a “legislative vacuum.” Filling that vacuum is well within the purview of Parliament. However, the idea of an independent body that conducts elections permeates through the judgement that the Court that repeatedly stated that to be the objective of the framers of the Constitution which the bill does not seems to follow.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION COMMISSION

United States: In United States, six-member Federal Election Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. By law, no more than three Commissioners can represent the same political party, and at least four votes are required for any official Commission action. This structure was created to encourage nonpartisan decisions.
Canada: In Canada, the position of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) was created in 1920 by the Dominion Elections Act. The Chief Electoral Officer is appointed for a 10-year non-renewable term by a resolution of the House of Commons. He or she reports directly to Parliament and is thus completely independent of the government of the day and all political parties. He or she can be removed from office only for cause, by the Governor General after a joint request following a majority vote by the House of Commons and Senate.
United Kingdom: In United Kingdom, it has been the usual practice of the Speaker’s Committee (whose membership drawn from MPs within the Parliament) to recommend the appointment of Electoral Commissioners for a four-year term and, if re-nominated by the party leader and found appropriate by the Committee, to recommend re-appointment for a further four-year term, giving an ordinary maximum term of eight years. There is no presumption in the statute either for or against re-appointment. The candidates for these posts are then approved by the House of Commons and further appointed by the Monarch.
France: In France, the nine-member Constitutional Council oversees the election of the President of the Republic and referenda. The French President and the presidents of each of the houses of Parliament (National Assembly & Senate) appoint three members each.

RECOMMENDATIONS BY VARIOUS COMMITTEES REGARDING APPOINTMENTS

There have been a number of committees which have examined the issues pertaining to our electoral system and made a number of recommendations. Few of them are mentioned here:

Goswami Committee Report, 1990

- The Election Commission should be a multi- member body with three members.
- The Chief Election Commissioner should be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the Opposition (and in case no Leader of Opposition is available, the consultation should be with the Leader to the largest opposition group in the Lok Sabha).
- The consultation process should have statutory backing.
- The appointment of other two Election Commissioners should be made in consultation with Chief Justice of India, the Leader of the Opposition (in case no Leader of Opposition is available, the consultation should be with the Leader to the largest opposition group in the Lok Sabha) and the Chief Election Commissioner.

National Commission for reviewing the work of the Constitution, 2002

It was set up under the Chairmanship of the Former Chief Justice of India, M.N. Venkatachaliah. Various recommendations were made by the Commission in relation to electoral processes and political parties. One of the major recommendations regarding appointments is as follows:

- The Chief Election Commissioner and the other Election Commissioners should be appointed on the recommendation of a Body consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- It was further recommended that similar procedure should be adopted in the case of appointment of the State Election Commissioners.

Second Administrative Reforms Commission Report, 2007

The Commission consisted of Shri Veerappa Moily, the then Law Minister, as its Chairperson and five other Members.

- It recommended that the Collegium headed by the Prime Minister, with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Law Minister and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as Members, should make recommendations for consideration of the President for appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners.

255th Law Commission Report, 2015

- It recommended the appointments of Chief Election Commissioners (CEC) and all Election Commissioners should be made by the President in consultation with a three-member collegium or selection committee.
- The collegium or committee shall consist of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition of the Lok Sabha (or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha) and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- The elevation of an EC should be on the basis of seniority. If senior EC is not appointed due to unfit reasons, the three member collegium or a committee give reasons in writing.
- It recommends that equal constitutional protection must be given to all members of the ECI in matters of removability from office.

THE WAY FORWARD

Adhering to SC judgment: The Supreme Court in its order quoted the Law Commission Report 2015 that highlighted that the “Commission should be completely insulated from political pressure or executive interference to maintain the purity of elections, inherent in a democratic process”. Thus the bill needs to be reformed to adhere to SC judgment to ensure efficiency of the Election Commission.
Ensuring Independence : There is need to secure the independence of the institution for its proper functioning , one way to ensure the independent functioning of ECI members, in the bench’s view, is to ensure that they are able to complete the period of tenure mandated under the EC Act.
Ensuring transparency: The institutions still continue to operate in an opaque manner. However, to strengthen the democratic processes, the institution of the Election Commission needs to be independent and demonstrate transparency and accountability.
Implementing committee report: There is need to implement the Goswami committee, report which, besides recommending the ECI to be a multi-member body, said the CEC should be appointed by the President in consultation with the CJI and the Leader of the Opposition (and in case no Leader of the Opposition is available, the consultation should be with the leader to the largest opposition group in the Lok Sabha). It will maintain the neutrality of the ECI and to shield the CEC and Election Commissioners from executive interference.
Learn from international experience: There is need to learn from international experience as an examination of the practices for appointment of the head of election-conducting bodies across the world shows the trend of including members of the opposition in the process. In addition, some jurisdictions also have Constitutional functionaries such as Speakers of Parliament, and judges of the highest Court in the country, in a multi-member Committee. It not only provides a system of accountability of the ruling party but also ensures a much crucial deliberative process.

THE CONCLUSION: Democracy can only function upon the faith that elections are free and fair, and, the sovereignty of the people rests upon free elections, held on a regular basis through which people choose the representatives. Therefore, the ECI needs to be independent and fully insulated from “any external or internal disrupting environment”.

MAINS QUESTION

Discuss the provisions of the Election Commission of India Bill, 2023. Does the Bill undermine the independence of the institution of the Election Commission of India. Examine.
“Integrity institutions require independence from the executive for enforcing their watchdog role in a democracy governed by rule of law”. Comment.

TOPIC: THE BRICS SUMMIT, 2023- A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

THE CONTEXT: The 15th BRICS summit was hosted by South Africa in Johannesburg on August 22–24, 2023. The summit was held against the backdrop of geopolitical changes and changing global economic dynamics. The summit also marked the first in-person meeting of BRICS leaders since 2019. In this article, we will analyze the various dimensions of the summit from the UPSC CSE perspective.

THE OUTCOMES OF THE SUMMIT

The theme for the 15th BRICS Summit was “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.
The 26-page Johannesburg declaration adopted at the conclusion of the Summit reflected the issues of global economic, financial, and political importance.

Some of the major joint statements released during the summit are:

Opposition to Unilateral Measures:The summit condemned unilateral coercive actions, advocated inclusive multilateralism, and upheld international law.
Agriculture and Food Security:The summit strived for fair agricultural trade, ending hunger, sustainable agriculture, and resilient practices.
UN Reform: The summitsupported comprehensive UN reform, including the Security Council, for enhanced democracy, effectiveness, and developing country representation.
Anti-Corruption: The summit also reiterated the importance of uplifting and strengthening anti-corruption practices. It has led an initiative to combat corruption practices by educating the masses and leading numerous programs.
Protecting Customers in the e-Commerce Era: The summit acknowledged the need to safeguard customers in the era of e-commerce which has led to the establishment of the Digital Economy Working Group.
Strengthening Trade: The summit supported and decided that there will be a surge in the collaboration pertaining to trade activities. As prescribed by the BRICS Framework for Cooperation on Trade in Services, there will be a collaboration of the BRICS business council with the BRICS national focal points.

BRICS EXPANSION

The major highlight of the fifteenth summit was the agreement to admit six new member countries: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, who will officially join the group in January 2024.
BRICS currently consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

COUNTER-TERRORISM

It also calls for expeditious finalization and early adoption of the India initiated Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) within the UN Framework, while maintaining that ‘terrorism should not be related to any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group’.
The declaration also called for peaceful resolution of global conflicts, including in Niger and a ceasefire in Sudan.

DE- DOLLARISATION

It emphasized need for BRICS to conduct trade and financial transactions in their own currencies, rather than the US dollar. The notion of de-dollarization of the global economy is, however, unlikely to materialize, not at least in the next 10-15 years, as currently over 50% of global trade is in US dollars (while the Chinese renminbi accounts for just 3-4%).
It was agreed at the Summit to work towards this issue and the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central bank Governors were tasked with considering the modalities of trading in local currencies and payment platforms and report to the next Summit.

INTRA-BRICS COOPERATION

It focuses on intra-BRICS cooperation and outreach to other developing countries.
The Declaration also reflects the shared views of its members on several political issues in a bid to strengthen the bloc as an alternative to the U.S.-led liberal international order.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SUMMIT

This is the first in-person summit since 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also the first in-person meeting since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, an event that has cast a long shadow not only over global stability, but food, fertilizer and energy security.
Generally, BRICS is essentially a movement of “emerging economies”, and thus gives importance mainly to economic issues, but given the geopolitical flux especially after the war in Ukraine, this BRICS summit takes on a new importance in geopolitical issues.
At the Summit along with critical geopolitical concerns, economic cooperation and the constantly increasing multilateral trade and development were discussed.

EXPANSION OF THE BRICS

The summit’s most notable outcome was the admission of six new members.
Among these, Iran stands out as particularly contentious and in direct opposition to the U.S. whereas Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will bring substantial financial resources, while Argentina will bolster South American representation.
Egypt and Ethiopia will enhance the African presence within the organization.

ECONOMIC AND GROWTH ASPECTS

The countries discussed global trade, investment and economic growth in general, as the nations of this intergovernmental organisation comprise of almost one third of the world’s GDP and in world trade, these countries have about 17% share.
The new members are economically strong as India, Iran, and Russia are already developing the International North-South Transport Corridor. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of the world’s largest oil and gas exporters
The New group incorporates major global oil producers near crucial trade chokepoints, such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-al Mandab Strait.
Egypt and Ethiopia are an important presence in the strategically important Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Argentina is the second largest economy in Latin America.

CLIMATE CHANGE

BRICS members agreed to address the challenges posed by climate change while also ensuring a just, affordable and sustainable transition to a low-carbon and low-emission economy.
The five nations called on developed countries to lead by example and support developing countries towards such transitions.
BRICS nations opposed trade barriers imposed by certain developed countries under the pretext of tackling climate change.

MULTILATERALISM

BRICS has always been understood as a constructive platform to contribute to the reform of multilateral institutions.
The growing weight of the BRICS members merits demands for a larger role in economic governance reforms.
The BRICS countries want more power in multilateral decisions that guarantee a greater degree of domestic autonomy or flexibility in their respective development agendas.
The decision to invite new members is a choice of development model for the next stage and will foster collective influence in global partnerships for multilateralism.

REFORM OF EXISTING GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS

This brand-new BRICS policy document emphasised on reform of existing global institutions including the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, WTO, WHO and others.
BRICS can deal with this via a democratic platform within the UN. As with the new BRICS expansion, the members have quite specific trade influence.

SECURITY

Apart from world trade and global economic growth, another key area of discussion was the world security.
The BRICS nations vowed to work towards confronting the menace including cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE EXPANSION OF THE BRICS

The implications of this expanding BRICS have very specific and wide-ranging implications in both positive and negative terms.
First, there is considerable anti-US sentiment in the world, and all these countries are looking for a grouping where they can use that sentiment to gather together. Second, there is a lot of appetite for multipolarity, for a platform where countries of the Global South can express their solidarity.

GROWING INCLUSIVITY

The expansion signifies a growing alignment of geopolitical and economic agendas within the BRICS which indicates towards inclusivity with incorporating of countries with varied interests.
With the inclusion of two African countries, it strengthened efforts to promote integration, development, and growth through the African continent as well.

ALTERNATIVE WORLD ORDER

The expansion of the BRICS to a BRICS+ format and the adoption of guiding principles, standards, and procedures for the same, have potentially made the BRICS a more attractive institution for consensus-building and dialogue in the developing world.
If not a new world order, the BRICS expansion is certainly an attempt at an alternative world order, one with a more sympathetic ear for the developing many versus the developed few.

SPOKESPERSON OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD

Adding new members strengthens the group’s heft as a spokesperson of the developing world. BRICS currently represents around 40% of the world’s population and more than a quarter of the world’s GDP.
With the additions, it will represent almost half the world’s population, which will increases its say in the global multilateral forums.

DIFFICULT TO BUILD CONSENSUS

Apart from above mentioned positive implication, there is challenges and opportunities as well because of expansion that will test the BRICS’ cohesion and effectiveness.
Its ability to remain a credible force for reshaping global governance will depend on its capacity to forge consensus among its diverse members.
However, a larger membership also means greater challenges to reaching consensus and adds new layers of complexity.

BALANCING THE GROUP

There is major challenge in front of institution and India to not portrait the grouping as anti-west.
The incorporation of U.S. allies such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia alongside countries ambivalent or opposed to the United States could frustrate efforts at deepening cooperation between member-states.
Members would need to decide if BRICS is to be a bloc of emerging economies seeking to promote their interests in a multipolar world order or adopt a more explicitly anti-West orientation, the latter of which is preferred by China and Russia.
The most controversial issue for BRICS however, is the defense of nonalignment and neutrality in tensions between the United States and China and in the war in Ukraine.

THE ISSUES THAT BRICS SUMMIT DID NOT ADDRESS

BRICS as a forum was expected to address the few prominent geopolitical issues that it failed to address:

UKRAINE WAR

BRICS should have acted as a summit to taking up the issues of Ukraine War and complaints against the West for its responsibility for crises and wars and its inability to even control the consequences of these events.
Though Russian President and BRICS addressed the matter that they are ready to join efforts to seek an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine but not any fruitful conversation or action took place.

ISSUE OF CONSENSUS

BRICS is being called a negative coalition of states that cannot agree on a common position.
They can create a consensus on what they oppose to avoid sanctions and protectionist measures but cannot build consensus over important issues because of differing viewpoints within the grouping.

BRICS NATIONS FAILED TO REBUILD THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL ORDER

There are issues pertaining to the New Development Bank (NDB) which was not addressed.
Less than a quarter of disbursements made by the BRICS Bank last year were in local currency and the vast bulk of that was denominated in Chinese renminbi and, more recently, South African rand.
Despite initially inspiring language around equality, transparency and accountability, NDB’s decision-making process probably much more opaque than other banks.

CURRENCY

BRICS leaders are also expected to take forward earlier talks on intra-BRICS trading in national currencies, although plan for pushing for a “BRICS currency” to challenge the dollar appear to be on the agenda.
But the hype about a common BRICS currency might be impractical and premature, but trading in national currencies is needed in a reality. The recent rupee-designated oil transaction between India and the United Arab Emirates is not merely a swipe at the petrodollar arrangement that has prevailed since 1973. It is also a signal that the world’s major commodity exporters and importers can try to reduce their dependence on the dollar by trading in local currencies.

INDIA AND THE BRICS SUMMIT 2023

At the Summit, India called for a strengthened BRICS that will be.

(B) Breaking barriers

(R) Revitalizing economies

(I) Inspiring innovation

(S) Shaping the future

India’s initiatives at the summit:

Called for reform of Multilateral Financial Institutions and WTO
Called for setting defined timelines for UNSC reforms.
Urged BRICS to send a global message of unity and not polarization.
Proposed creation of a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium
Offered Indian Digital Public Infrastructure – the Indian stack to BRICS partners.
Proposed undertaking skill mapping, skilling and promoting mobility among BRICSs countries
Proposed joint efforts of BRICS countries for protection of Big Cats under International Big Cat Alliance
Proposed establishing a repository of traditional medicine among BRICS countries
Called upon BRICS partners to support AU’s permanent membership of the G20

India participated at BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus dialogue session and invited the participant countries to join International Solar Alliance, One Sun, One World, One Grid; Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure; One Earth, One Health; Big Cat Alliance and Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. India initiated Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) within the UN Framework to openly discuss the problem of terrorism and build deliberations with the BRICS nations. India supported expansion of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping. India took the lead in forging consensus on membership criteria and selection of new members. India suggested measures in areas of railway research networks, and cooperation among MSMEs and start-ups.

THE WAY FORWARD

Expansion should be fast tracked: Expansion of BRICS has further boosted its influence as now the group represents a significant portion of the world’s population, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), global trade, and energy production. In this respect, there is need to fast track the expansion mechanism by building consensus.
Permanent secretariat: With its expanded membership and relevant portfolio, BRICS should consider setting up a permanent secretariat, which it does not have yet.
Promote globalization and multilateralism: As we enter a multipolar era, it becomes imperative to acknowledge new players and the reality that the global landscape will not be characterized by harmonized systems, but rather a rich variety of approaches. This is the role BRICS, a platform should play that contributes to globalization, multipolarity and multilateralism.
Prioritize Cooperative mechanism: There is need of cooperative mechanisms for energy transition, technology transfer, financing the New Development Bank, resumption of the World Trade Organization dispute settlement mechanism, and UN Security Council reform.
Global Governance: There is a need to make global governance more representative and inclusive by igniting a genuine conversation. In global governance, more imperfect institutions reflecting the realities of today are better than one imperfect institutional structure that is alien to the world of today. In this context BRICS should work towards equity, inclusion and representation.
International stability: BRICS nations should strive for peaceful and diplomatic settlement of crisis and conflict in various regions of the world. BRICS, being one of the pillars of the emerging polycentric world order, plays an important stabilising role in global affairs. In the context, BRICS can contribute significantly in maintaining international stability and ensuring global economic growth.

THE CONCLUSION: The 15th BRICS Summit represented a significant moment in the evolution of this alliance. As BRICS continues to grow and evolve, it holds the promise of promoting cooperation, stability, and development on a global scale. In this respect, it is needed that BRICS should promote comprehensive development of all states both big and small and enhanced mutually beneficial cooperation among them on the basis of shared interests.

MAINS QUESTIONS

The Fifteenth BRICS summit has sent a strong signal that the post–World War II order should accept the multipolar reality and change with the times.
“With the expansion of BRICS grouping, it can strengthen its claim of being the voice of the Global South”. Analyse.

TOPIC: THE ISSUE OF FOREST FIRES

THE CONTEXT: Throughout the globe, wildfires are growing in intensity and spreading in range. From Australia to Canada, the United States to China, across Europe, the Amazon and pockets of India, wildfires are wreaking havoc on the environment, wildlife, human health, and infrastructure. Climate Change is to blame for most of the forest fires occu rring across the world.

Globally, only around 4% of all forest fires have natural causes such as lightning. In all other cases, the anthropogenic origin of the fires is common.

THE RECENT FOREST FIRES (2022-2023)

Wildfires in Hawaii (Lahaina)
USA: Northern California
Canada: British Columbia and Alberta province
Russia: Black Sea town of Gelendzhik
Zombie fires in Canada and Siberia (Russia)
Spain: Tenerife, Canary Islands and La Palma
Greece: Plataniostos in Evia Island; city of Alexandroupolis, Evros region
Fires in Italy
India: Fires in Simlipal National Park (Odisha), Goa
Australian bushfires
South Central Chile: Ñuble, Maule, Biobío and Auracanía.

DELVING DEEPER INTO REASONS BEHIND RAVAGING FOREST FIRES THIS YEAR IN EUROPE AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

As concluded by the IPCC Synthesis Report 6, the global mean temperatures have already risen by more than 1°C. And there has been unprecedented rise in extreme weather events including heatwaves, droughts and Arctic Amplification, all of which are known to influence the global climate and elevate dryness in atmosphere, sucking up all moisture and thus, triggering forest fires.

HAWAIIAN WILDFIRES(MUII)

Wildfires were once uncommon in Hawaii, ignited largely through volcanic eruptions or lightning strikes. But in recent decades, human activity has made them more common and extreme.

A combination of factors played a role in fuelling forest fires in the Hawaiian island recently:

Dry weather: Drought has gripped about 80% of Hawaii. 90% of Hawaii is getting less rainfall than it did a century ago, particularly since 2008, thanks to the Climate Change.
Hurricane winds: Strong winds from Hurricane Dora fuelled the fires.
The last major fire in Hawaii occurred in 2018, when winds from Hurricane Lane whipped up the flames around Lahaina.

WILDFIRES IN EUROPE

POLAR AMPLIFICATION: The rise in global temperature in the past few years have caused deviations above the normal by as much as 15 degrees in Antarctica, and by more than 3 degrees in the north pole.
These unusually higher temperatures in polar regions have also induced changes in old wind patterns.
These changes turned western Europe into what has been described as a “heat dome” — a low pressure area that began to attract hot air from northern Africa.
Extreme temperatures and a lack of rainfall are serious issues in southern Italy and are linked to climate change.

FOREST FIRES IN THE USA (2022-2023)

CHANGES IN JET STREAMS: In the case of the U.S., the record temperatures are being linked to changes in the jet stream — a narrow band of westerly air currents that circulate several kilometres above the earth’s surface.
While a conventionally strong jet stream would bring cooler air from the northern Atlantic, in recent years the jet stream has weakened and split into two, leading to intense and more frequent heat waves over parts of the American continent.

FOREST FIRES IN CHILE

Reeling under conditions of mega-drought and water crisis due to extreme heatwaves, the Southern-Central Chile experienced serious forest fires in the month of February, 2023.

VULNERABILITY OF INDIA TO FOREST FIRES

According to the State of Forest Report 2021 brought out by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), approximately 22 per cent area of forest cover in India falls under the highly and extremely fire-prone category.

According to a CEEW (Council on Energy, Environment and Water) study, more than 75% of Indian districts are extreme forest fire hotspots. Over 1000 forest fires throughout India have been recorded in a single week of February this year (2023) which is worrisome!

Numerous incidences of forest fires have been recorded in India since 2022; for instance: Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve, Odisha’s Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh’s Ladkui jungles in Sehore district, near the Kodaikanal hills of Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district among other areas.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FOREST FIRES? LET’S FIND OUT!!!

NATURAL CAUSES

Lightning: Lightning is much likely to trigger wildfires that are considered dangerous as they spread quickly. E.g; Forest fires in Canada’s British Columbia and Alberta provinces (2023)
90% of forest fires in the boreal forests of northern Canada and Alaska are triggered by lightning.
Dry climate: Lack of adequate moisture and soaring temperatures are naturally bound to induce wildfires.
According to a study, increased temperatures and resultant aridity have increased the number and spread of forest fires in USA in last 30 years.
Volcanism: The spreading of hot lava to surrounding lands causes wildfires when the dry vegetation gets ignited.
Rubbing of stones: Forest fires are also triggered by rubbing of dry sticks and rolling of stones.
Nature of vegetation: Pine needles are highly fire-prone and so pine forests in the Himalayan states of India are very prone to fires.

ANTHROPOGENIC CAUSES

Climate Change: The increasing temperatures and dryness, rising frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts have aggravated the situation and resulted in remarkable uptick in the incidences of forest fires throughout the world.
The zombie fires in Canada and Siberia have risen with growing dryness in Arctic soils on the account of changing climatic conditions. The Arctic Amplification is responsible for such wildfires.
Poaching: The forest fires in Odisha, India are attributed to poaching. The poachers in order to hunt wild animals start wildfires.
Shifting cultivation: The faulty agronomic practices like jhumming ignite fires in the adjoining forests is the case with North-East India and Amazon forests in Brazil.
Accidental fires: Accidental fires break out due to camp-fires, sparks from vehicular exhaust and cigarettes.
Collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs): According to a World Bank report, people in Central India burn to aid in the collection of flowers from the mahua plant (Fires in Simplipal National Park), during collection of tendua leaves for bidi making etc.

HOW DO FOREST FIRES IMPACT THE ENVIRONMENT, SOCIETY AND ECONOMY? STUDYING IMPLICATIONS THROUGH BROAD SPECTRUM!!!

Loss of vegetation cover: The degradation of forests on the account of wildfires changes the landscape and nature of forests inhabiting the region. The open forests and grasslands have increased at the expense of dense forests like Amazon and Congo rainforests.

Loss of biodiversity: The hotspots of biodiversity are heavily affected due to forest fires. The loss of precious umbrella species, specialist species and keystone species lead to ecological imbalance, further increasing the risks to survival of species with the tendency for increased inbreeding due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Global Carbon emissions: Wildfires around the world emitted 1.76 billion tonnes of carbon in 2021 according to the European Union’s Copernicus satellite data. This is the equivalent of 6.45 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide and was 148 per cent more than the total fossil fuel emissions of the European Union.

Effect on polar areas: The particulate matter released from forest fires has been found in the snow of polar areas, which has the potential to adversely affect the albedo and consequently, cause further warming of the Arctic.
Reduction in carbon sinks: The zombie fires in the regions of permafrost further raise apprehensions due to reduction in carbon sinks(peatlands) and release of methane, a greenhouse gas having global warming potential higher than CO2. Peatlands are being destroyed by wildfires which induces positive carbon feedback cycle.
Economic losses: When the flames reach areas inhabited by people, they can claim many lives and engulf swathes of productive agricultural lands. The tribal communities dependent on forest produce for livelihood suffer with the loss of timber and non-timber forest produce due to wildfires.
Air Pollution and health impacts: The release of toxic gases, particulate matter and creation of haze and smog as result of wildfires poses health challenges due to contaminated air. E.g., Smoke from the Siberian wildfires choked the nearby cities for months and spread across the Pacific Ocean to reach Alaska.
PM2.5 can penetrate the lung membranes when breathed in, damaging the respiratory system and passing into the blood stream.
Respiratory and cardiac diseases due to air pollution are much prevalent effects.
Degradation of Catchment Areas: Following an incidence of wildfire, increased erosion rates and changes in runoff generation and pollutant sources may dramatically increase the influx of sediments, nutrients and pollutants, potentially contaminating water supplies and leading to environmental concerns like eutrophication and dead zones.

ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS FROM FOREST FIRES? THE ANSWER IS YES!!!

In natural forest systems, fire plays a very important role.
It is one of the methods for the natural recycling of nutrients often helping the tree species to regenerate.
The fire ecology often removes invasive weeds and helps in maintaining habitat for wildlife.

THE EXISTING MEASURES IN INDIA TO ADDRESS THE INCREASING FOREST FIRES

Early Warning: The Forest Survey of India developed in 2016, an indigenous “Early Warning Alert System for Forest Fire”. The alerts to State Forest departments are based on parameters like Forest Cover, Forest Type, and Climatic Variables (Temperature and Rainfall).
Legislative framework: As per, sections 26 and 33 of the Indian Forest Act of 1927, it is a criminal offense to burn or to allow a fire to remain burning in reserved and protected forests. Section 30 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 further prohibits setting fire in wildlife sanctuaries.
National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF): It has been formulated to minimize forest fires by informing, enabling, and empowering forest fringe communities and incentivizing them to work in tandem with the forest departments.
Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme: In 2017, Intensification of Forest Management Scheme was revised and replaced with Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme. It aims at minimising forest fire incidences through partnership with forest fringe communities. It also emphasises on the preparation of a fire danger rating
State-level interventions: Over the past 10-15 years, remote sensing has been used extensively for forest fire detection in India. State-level detection and alert systems have also been developed in states of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Uttarakhand. Telangana is the only state to have digitized locations of fire lines.
Draft National Forest Policy, 2018: To protect the interest of tribals, the Draft Policy of 2018 proposes to launch Community Forest Management Mission for management of community forest resources though a participatory forest management

NDMA GUIDELINES TO MANAGE FOREST FIRES

Major recommendations include:

Incorporate Forest Fire Prevention and Management (FFPM) in existing policy and planning documents
Establish National Forest fire Knowledge Network
Capacity building of forest officials for better use of early warning systems
Assess risk and prepare vulnerability and risk maps
Document national and international good practices and utilise them for making forest fire management more effective and practical
Increase community awareness

HOW CAN THE FOREST FIRES BE MITIGATED? STUDYING THE WAY FORWARD!!!

UNEP has projected in its report “FRONTIES REPORT 2022” that the number of wildfires is likely to increase by up to 14% by 2030. The report has made following recommendations:

Hazard mapping- Based upon the past experiences and recent occurrences, the regional and national authorities must maintain updated database of forest fires for holistic understanding of trends by the policy makers. National Forest fire Knowledge Network driven by this data should be created.

GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES BASED ON CUMMUNITY PARTICIPATION:

In 2003, Indonesia launched the Fire Care Community programme which established a regional fire alert system that engaged companies and civil society organisations in training forest communities and equipping them to monitor and mitigate fires.

Learning from Canadian best practice (2023): The fire prevention zone — an area carefully cleared to remove fuel and minimise the spread of flames — was created by a logging company owned by a local Indigenous community. A well-placed and well-constructed fire prevention zone can, under the right conditions, save homes and lives.

Participatory approach- Appreciating and adopting indigenous fire management techniques can prove much useful since the forest communities are the first to detect wildfires and are the first line of defence.
Long-range weather forecasting- The rising frequency of El Nino and marine heatwaves have compounded the risks to forests of the world. It becomes imperative to upgrade the existing weather modelling and forecasting systems through expansion of the global network of sensors and satellites complemented with satellite monitoring.

Technological interventions- Focus on remote-sensing capabilities like satellites, ground-based radars lightning detection as well as data handling.
Insurance as mitigation tool- Insurers rely on catastrophe modelling (CAT models), which combine hazard models with existing asset vulnerabilities to predict losses. Better collaboration between wildfire scientists and actuaries could enhance CAT modelling and mitigation efforts.
Awareness and Capacity building- Community awareness about forest fires due to callousness, illegal activities and Climate Change must be spread. Adequate emphasis must be given to capacity-building of forest officials for better use of early warning systems.
Landscape fuel management- Strategies to address the fire behaviour include landscape fuel management to reduce the amount of vegetation and vegetative debris available as fuel or to change its arrangement. Such fuel treatment methods include:
clearance of fire lines
conducting controlled burning to limit fuel loads
silvicultural practices such as selective thinning
planting fire-adapted tree species in fire-prone areas.

THE CONCLUSION: Managing wildfire risk requires integrated region-specific approaches that factor in population awareness and preparedness, ignition likelihood, fire spread forecasting, surveillance and early-warning systems, adaptive suppression strategies, fire-regime restoration and management, landscape-scale fuel management, changes in land-use practices, and active restoration of landscapes.

MAINS QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE:

Q. The frequency of wildfires due to increased atmospheric temperatures has been increasing over the years. Discussing the environmental and socio-economic impact of wildfires, highlight the mechanisms for their mitigation.

Q. In the light of recent incidences of forest fires occurring in the world, analyse the causes of wildfires. What steps have been taken by the Government of India to address the problem of increasing forest fires?

Q. Climate Change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of forest fires. Substantiate with the help of recent incidences of forest fires. What are the mitigation measures suggested by the NDMA in this regard?

TOPIC: AN ANALYSIS OF THE GLOBAL GENDER GAP REPORT 2023

THE CONTEXT: India registered an improvement of eight places in the annual Gender Gap Report, 2023 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) with respect to the previous report. It was ranked at 127 out of 146 countries in terms of gender parity. This editorial discussion analyses various aspects of gender parity highlighted in the report.

ABOUT THE INDEX

The Global Gender Gap Index annually benchmarks the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions:

Economic Participation and Opportunity
Educational Attainment
Health and Survival
Political Empowerment

The Global Gender Gap Index measures scores on a 0 to 100 scale and scores can be interpreted as the distance covered towards parity (i.e. the percentage of the gender gap that has been closed). Cross-country comparisons support the identification of the most effective policies to close gender gaps.

Findings with respect to the world: The global gender gap score in 2023 for all 146 countries included in this edition stands at 68.4% closed. At the current rate of progress, it will take 131 years to reach full parity.

Gender equality recovers to pre-pandemic levels, but pace of progress has slowed. The WEF’s Gender Gap Index, which measures gender parity in 146 countries, has shown an overall improvement of 4.1 percentage points since its inception in 2006.

FOUR SUBINDEXES

Economic Participation and Opportunity: This subindex measured gender-based gaps in workforce participation, remuneration and advancement.

Educational Attainment: Gender-based gaps in educational attainment were measured with the ratio of women to men enrolled in primary, secondary and tertiary education. The ratio of female to male literacy was also used as an indicator of a country’s long-term ability to educate women and men.

Health and Survival: The differences between women’s and men’s health were measured using the sex ratio at birth and the gap between women’s and men’s healthy life expectancy.

Political Empowerment: The gap between women and men at the highest level of political decision-making was measured by the ratio of women to men in ministerial positions and the ratio of women to men in parliamentary positions.

PROGRESS MADE

Health and Survival gender gap has closed by 96%

Educational Attainment gap has closed by 95.2%,

Economic Participation and Opportunity gaps closed by 60.1%

Political Empowerment gap has closed by 22.1%.

TIME NEEDED IN FUTURE TO CLOSE THE GAP

169 years for the Economic Participation and Opportunity gender gap

16 years for the Educational Attainment gender gap.

The time to close.

the Health and Survival gender gap remains undefined.

At the current rate of progress over the 2006- 2023 span, it will take 162 years to close the Political Empowerment gender gap

GENDER GAP IN THE ECONOMIC SPHERE

GENDER GAP IN LABOUR MARKET

Women continue to face higher unemployment rates than men, with a global unemployment rate at around 4.5% for women and 4.3% for men.
Even when women secure employment, they often face substandard working conditions: a significant portion of the recovery in employment can be attributed to informal employment, whereby out of every five jobs created for women, four are within the informal economy; for men, the ratio is two out of every three jobs.

GENDER GAPS IN THE LABOUR MARKETS OF THE FUTURE

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) occupations are an important set of jobs that are well remunerated and expected to grow in significance and scope in the future.
Women make up almost half (49.3%) of total employment across non-STEM occupations, but just 29.2% of all STEM workers.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) specifically, talent availability overall has surged, increasing six times between 2016 and 2022, yet female representation in AI is progressing very slowly.
The percentage of women working in AI today is approximately 30%, roughly 4 percentage points higher than it was in 2016.

GENDER GAPS IN THE SKILLS OF THE FUTURE

Online learning offers flexibility, accessibility and customization, enabling learners to acquire knowledge in a manner that suits their specific needs and circumstances.
However, women and men currently don’t have equal opportunities and access to these online platforms, given the persistent digital divide.
Except for teaching and mentoring courses, there is disparity in enrolment in every skill category. For enrolment in technology skills such as technological literacy (43.7% parity) and AI and big data (33.7%), which are among the top 10 skills projected to grow, there is less than 50% parity and progress has been sluggish.

GENDER GAPS IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

Much like in the case of representation of women in business leadership, gender gaps in political leadership continue to persist. Although there has been an increase in the number of women holding political decision-making posts worldwide, achieving gender parity remains a distant goal and regional disparities are significant.
Approximately 27.9% of the global population, equivalent to 2.12 billion people, live in countries with a female head of state. While this indicator experienced stagnation between 2013 and 2021, 2022 witnessed a significant increase.
Another recent positive trend is observed for the share of women in parliaments. In 2013, only 18.7% of parliament members globally were women among the 76 countries with consistent data. By 2022, this number had risen steadily to 22.9%.
Significant strides have also been made in terms of women’s representation in local government globally. Out of the 117 countries with available data since 2017, 18 countries, including Bolivia (50.4%), India (44.4%) and France (42.3%), have achieved representation of women of over 40% in local governance.

ANALYSIS OF THE SOUTHERN ASIA

Southern Asia has achieved 63.4% gender parity, the second-lowest score of the eight regions. The score has risen by 1.1 percentage points since the last edition which can be partially attributed to the rise in scores of populous countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Along with Bhutan, these are the countries in Southern Asia that have seen an improvement of 0.5 percentage points or more in their scores since the last edition.
Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are the best-performing countries in the region, while Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan are at the bottom of both the regional and global ranking tables.
At the current rate of progress, full parity in the region will be achieved in 149 years.

ANALYSIS OF PROGRESS OF INDIA IN GENDER PARITY

India has closed 64.3% of the overall gender gap, ranking 127th on the global index. It has improved by 1.4 percentage points and eight positions since the last edition, marking a partial recovery towards its 2020 (66.8%) parity level.

The country has attained parity in enrolment across all levels of education. However, it has reached only 36.7% parity on Economic Participation and Opportunity.
Although there were positive strides in wage and income parity, the representation of women in senior positions and technical roles saw a slight decline since the previous year, posing obstacles to India’s progress in economic empowerment.
On the Health and Survival index (95%), the improvement in sex ratio at birth by 1.9 percentage points to 92.7% has driven up parity after more than a decade of slow progress. Compared with top scoring countries that register a 94.4% gender parity at birth, the indicator stands at 92.7% for India.
It is said that for Vietnam, Azerbaijan, India and China, the relatively low overall rankings on the Health and Survival sub-index is explained by skewed sex ratios at

THE ISSUES

Lower FLFR

According to the latest data available from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India’s labour force participation rate (LFPR) fell to 39.5% in the last financial year (2022-23) that ended in March. This is the lowest LFPR reading since 2016-17. The LFPR for men stood at a seven-year low of 66% while that of women was pegged at a mere 8.8%.

REASON FOR LOW LFPR

Social reasons

The disproportionate burden of household duties, accompanied by mobility and safety constraints, results in women forgoing their employment. A recent NITI Aayog report states that women in India spend 9.8 times more time than men on unpaid domestic chores (against a global average of 2.6 as reported by UN Women).
Despite inadequate job creation, household incomes did rise, which potentially reduced women’s participation, especially in subsidiary activities (“income effect”) due to change in preferences.

Maternity factor

Maternity benefits Act 2016 increased cost for companies so they are reluctant to hire the female employees.
Non – availability of quality day-care

Barriers to migration for women:

A significant proportion of women usually engaged in domestic duties reported their willingness to accept work if the work was made available at their household premises.

Workplace Safety

Out of the population of working women, more than 90 percent work in the informal sector. They are either self-employed or casual workers, predominantly in agricultural and construction sectors. This means that they face increased exploitation, poor working conditions, lack of mobility, and higher risk of violence. This discourages women from entering the workforce.
Sexual Harassment at the Workplace-While policies such as Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) and National Crèche scheme have been enacted by the government, there is limited compliance by industries leading to women facing challenges at work and then choosing to drop out of the workforce.
31% of industries is not compliant with POSH. ICC is not constituted in these (NCRB data shows- sexual harassment within office premises more than doubled)
Biasness and Sterotyping
gendering of occupations-Glass ceiling effect
Gender Pay Gap- According to the Report “Women and Men in India 2022″ released by the National Statistical, wage disparity between men and women has widened over the past decade, with the gap opening up further at higher wage levels.

Policiy/Administartive

Lack of comprehensive policy support and effective implementation.
While the government has introduced a number of policies to promote gender equality; lack of convergence in existing initiatives, gender disaggregated data and adequate gender transformative policies by the government, further leads to women dropping out of the workforce.

APPROACH

As per McKinsey Global Institute’s report, India could achieve an 18 percent increase over business-as-usual GDP (USD 770 billion) by 2025.
In order to sustain and accelerate the improving LFPR for females, India must adopt a three-pronged approach with active participation, interventions and collaborations on awareness, policy change, implementation and retention initiatives from the trio of samaaj (society), sarkaar (government) and bazaar (business).
The focused support of the government to catalyse female LFPR through convergence of their efforts through different ministries is the key to fostering the contribution of women in the economy.
Stronger implementation through gender audits and availability of gender disaggregated data for implementation of existing policies such as equal pay for equal work, POSH, crèche services, etc.
Enable incentives for companies with equal gender representation across levels will ensure compliance with the policies enacted. For example: post the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, India witnessed an impressive surge in the number of women owning or managing agricultural land as per a World Bank-backed study.
Mapping of women’s aspirations to available opportunities in the job market, encouraging return to work post break/ maternity leave with effective support and upskilling opportunities are few critical steps to be taken by the industry across the sector.
Corporates also need to be compliant with policy guidelines such as equal pay, crèche facilities, POSH, etc. to encourage women to continue work, feel safe and valued. For instance, while sexual harassment cases at offices declined in FY 21 due to remote working, 97% firms are still unaware of the POSH Act. Setting up a Women Skill Impact Bond will enable skilling and retention of women in the workforce.
Need a comprehensive approach to improving labour market outcomes for women through improving access to and relevance of education and training programs, skills development, access to child care, maternity protection, and provision of safe and accessible transport, along with the promotion of a pattern of growth that creates job opportunities.

WOMEN REPRESENTATION IN STEM

According to The Equality Equation: Advancing the Participation of Women and Girls in STEM, a World Bank report that provides a rich overview of global patterns of gender gaps in STEM education, merely 18% of girls enrolled at the tertiary level are pursuing studies in the field of STEM, as compared to 35% of boys.
The scenario, however, is much better in India, with nearly 43% of STEM graduates being women, as opposed to other developed nations like the United States, Canada, and the UK, where there are fewer women – 34%, 31% and 38%, respectively – studying STEM at the tertiary level.
However, we must recognise that this figure must translate into employability and leadership. Data from the National Science Foundation showed that while 52 per cent of women enrolled for science, technology, engineering and math courses for graduation, only 29 per cent actually joined the STEM workforce. Even at the C-suite level only 3 per cent of women hold CEO posts in the STEM Industry.

Steps to be Taken:

Open pathways and dismantle biases that prevent girls from dreaming of a career in science. Address their obstacles by creating conducive workplaces, improving employment prospects and providing them with support that empowers them—able mentorship, skills, leadership development and equal opportunities.
There is a need for male allies who further facilitate this at the individual, organisational and institutional level. They play an essential role in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, that also leads to sustainable and inclusive growth for any organisation.

Political Front:

On Political Empowerment, India has registered 25.3% parity, with women representing 15.1% of parliamentarians, the highest for India since the inaugural 2006 edition.
Out of the 117 countries with available data since 2017, 18 countries — including Bolivia (50.4%), India (44.4%) and France (42.3 %) — have achieved women’s representation of over 40% in local governance.

ISSUE OF THE UNDER REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN

WHAT ARE THE REASONS

One of the main barriers to participation of women in politics in this country is illiteracy. India has one of the largest illiterate populations. Illiteracy limits the ability of the women to understand the political system and issues.
Poverty is another barrier which has led to low political participation of women in India. Often poor people have no direct voting stance. It is often influenced by rich and well-off people.
Role of Money power in politics makes it harder for women to enter the political forum.
The institution of marriage is another barrier which leads to less political participation of women in India. After a woman gets married, all her political decisions are controlled by the family.it is most often those women who have a political background that enter into electoral arena.
The unhealthy political environment
On the reserved seats, at the local level, political leaders take positions in the name of their wife, and after winning elections, actual power is used by their male counterparts instead of women. (Concept of sarpanch pati raj/pati panchayat phenomenon)

WHAT CAN BE DONE

Women representatives should form into a ‘critical mass’ so as to act as a pressure group in the legislature. A critical mass of women in politics can bring to the agenda issues of crucial concern to women which are often otherwise neglected or relegated to second place, such as contraception.
Devise, launch and promote public campaigns to alert public opinion to the usefulness and advantages for society as a whole of balanced participation by women and men in decision- making.
Women should form their own political parties such as those existing in Canada, Germany, Iceland.
Expansion of educational opportunities for women, greater recognition of their unpaid work, wider representation in electoral politics, legislative and legal mechanisms to safeguard their rights and equal opportunities for participation in the decision-making process are some other things which would strengthen the process of empowerment.
The Women’s Reservation Bill gives 33 per cent reservation for women seats in all levels of Indian politics. This is an attempt to increase female political participation.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES FOR REDUCING GENDER GAP IN ALL ASPECTS OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL LIFE

Economic Participation & Opportunity and Health & Survival: Various programmes/Schemes that are intended towards women development and empowerment are:

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) ensures the protection, survival and education of the girl child.
Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) aims to empower rural women with opportunities for skill development and employment.
Working Women Hostel (WWH) ensures the safety and security for working women.
Scheme for Adolescent Girls aims to empower girls in the age group 11-18 and to improve their social status through nutrition, life skills, home skills and vocational training
The National Crèche Scheme ensures that women take up gainful employment through providing a safe, secure and stimulating environment to the children.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandna Yojna aims to provide maternity benefit to pregnant and lactating mothers.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna(SSY) – Under this scheme girls have been economically empowered by opening their bank accounts.
Skill Upgradation & Mahila Coir Yojna is an exclusive training programme of MSME aimed at skill development of women artisans engaged in coir Industry.
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) – a major credit- linked subsidy programme aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector
Female Entrepreneurship: To promote female entrepreneurship, the Government has initiated Programmes like Stand-Up India and Mahila e-Haat (online marketing platform to support women entrepreneurs/ SHGs/NGOs), Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESSDP). Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides access to institutional finance to micro/small business.

Educational Attainment: Several steps and initiatives have been taken up in school education system such as:

National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 and flagship programme like Samagra Shiksha and the subsequent Right to Education Act (RTE).
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) have been opened in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs).
Gender sensitisation is also done which includes gender sensitization Module – part of in-service training, construction of toilets for girls, construction of residential quarters for female teachers and curriculum reforms.

Political Participation:

To bring women in the mainstream of political leadership at the grass root level, government has reserved 33% of the seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions for women.
Capacity Building of Panchayat Stakeholders including Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of Ministry of Panchayati Raj is conducted with a view to empowering women to participate effectively in the governance processes.

THE CONCLUSION: Increasing women’s economic participation and achieving gender parity in leadership, in both business and government, are two key levers for addressing broader gender gaps in households, societies and economies. Collective, coordinated and bold action by private- and public-sector leaders will be instrumental in accelerating progress towards gender parity and igniting renewed growth and greater resilience. Recent years have seen major setbacks and the state of gender parity still varies widely by company, industry and economy. Yet, a growing number of actors have recognized the importance and urgency of taking action, and evidence on effective gender parity initiatives is solidifying.

Mains Question

Analyse various dimensions of gender parity in the context of the recently published Global Gender Gap report.
Despite various government initiatives India has not been able to plug gender gap, Critically analyse the statement.

TOPIC- THE ANTI-DEFECTION LAW AND THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT ON MAHARASHTRA POLITICAL CRISIS

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court decision on political crises in Maharashtra which started in 2022 needs to be understood comprehensively. Even though the court has answered a few of the questions in the context of the Anti-Defection Law but some are still left in a lurch. This write-up explains the political crises that unfolded in Maharashtra and what the Supreme Court has said and analyses the judgment in the context of the future of the Anti-Defection law.

ABOUT THE ANTI – DEFECTION LAW

The Tenth Schedule – popularly known as the Anti-Defection Act – was included in the Constitution via the 52nd Amendment Act, of 1985. This was done to bring stability to governments by discouraging legislators from changing parties.
It is interesting to note that the law does not penalize political parties for encouraging or accepting defecting legislators however it punishes individual Members of Parliament (MPs)/MLAs for defection.
The decisions on questions as to disqualification on the ground of defection are referred to the Speaker/Chairman of the House, which is subject to ‘Judicial review’.
However, the law does not provide a timeframe within which the presiding officer has to decide a defection case.
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, changed the initially envisaged 1/3rd to now at least two-thirds of the members of a party must be in favour of a “merger” for it to have validity in the eyes of the law.

THE GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION UNDER THE ANTI-DEFECTION LAW

The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the grounds for disqualification of legislators on account of defection. These are:

If an elected member voluntarily gives up his membership in a political party.
If he votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party or anyone authorized to do so, without obtaining prior permission.
As a pre-condition for his disqualification, his abstention from voting should not be condoned by his party or the authorized person within 15 days of such an incident.
If any independently elected member joins any political party.
If any nominated member joins any political party after the expiry of six months.

Exceptions: Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule says,
4. Disqualification on the ground of defection is not to apply in case of a merger—
(1) A member of a House shall not be disqualified under subparagraph (1) of paragraph 2 where his original political party merges with another political party and he claims that he and any other
members of his original political party—
(a) have become members of such other political party or, as the case may be, of a new political party formed by such merger; or
(b) have not accepted the merger and opted to function as a separate group, and from the time of such merger, such other political party or new political party or group, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the political party to which he belongs for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 2 and to be his original political party
for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(2) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph, the merger of the original political party of a member of a House shall be deemed to have taken place if, and only if, not less than two thirds of the members of the legislature party concerned have agreed to such merger.

THE POLITICAL CRISIS IN MAHARASHTRA

The present crisis in Maharashtra where the MLAs have its root in the 2019 formation of the coalition government in the state (Maha Vikas Aghadi).
In 2022, the MLAs from the Shiv Sena distanced themselves from the coalition and showed faith in a new leader (The Shiv Sena had 55 members in the Maharashtra Assembly, Eknath Shinde, who lead the rebel group, claimed the support of 40 MLAs with him)
Mr Thackeray urged the Deputy Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings against the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, including Mr Eknath Shinde.
Interestingly, two independent MLAs moved a ‘no confidence motion against the Deputy Speaker and sought his removal from his position. Deputy Speaker rejected the motion and went ahead with the disqualification proceedings against the rebel MLAs. The Shinde faction was given two days to respond to the disqualification notice.
The Shinde faction challenged the disqualification notice, stating that the deputy speaker had no authority anymore and that the 2 day time to respond was lesser than the mandated 7 days. This gave the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs 12 days of ‘breathing time’ to respond to the disqualification notice.
The Shinde faction now approached the Governor to conduct the floor test in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly which forced the Thackeray faction to approach the Court again with the
argument that MLAs who were themselves facing disqualification had no authority to call a noconfidence motion. The Supreme Court, however, refused to stay the floor test.
Refusing to be subject to the floor test, Mr Thackery resigned as Chief Minister, making way for Mr Shinde to be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Later the Thackery faction approached the Supreme Court challenging the decision of Speaker and the Governor and the Supreme Court referred the matter to the Constitution bench.

THE CONTENTIONS RAISED BY THE THACKERAY FACTION

The acts of members of a political party within the Legislative Assembly who separate themselves from the party should incur disqualification.
The Governor should not have administered the oath of office to Eknath Shinde while the proceedings before the Supreme Court were pending.
The Thackeray faction also accused the Speaker of bias saying that the notices for disqualification were dealt with in a discriminatory manner.

THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT

The Supreme Court in Subhash Desai VS Principal Secretary, Governor of Maharashtra & Ors. (Maharashtra political crises case) gave the judgment in May 2023:

To decide whether a notice for removal of a Speaker would restrict the powers of the Speaker to issue disqualification notices to MLAs the court has referred its Nabam Rebia (2016) judgment to a larger Bench.
The Speaker must decide on disqualification petitions within a reasonable period and the Supreme Court cannot ordinarily adjudicate petitions for disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India in the first instance.
An MLA has the right to participate in the proceedings of the House until the date when the Speaker decides on the disqualification petition.
The political party and not the legislature party appoints the Whip and the Leader of the party in the House.
The Speaker and the ECI are empowered to concurrently adjudicate on the petitions before them under the Tenth Schedule and under Paragraph 15 of the Symbols Order respectively and that the proceedings before one constitutional authority cannot be halted in anticipation of the decision of another constitutional authority.
The defence of ‘split’ is no longer available to members facing disqualification proceedings (Paragraph 3 of the Tenth Schedule is deleted) and both the factions can continue as members of the House if the requirements of Paragraph 4(1) of the Tenth Schedule are satisfied.
The Speaker would prima facie determine who the political party is for the purpose of adjudicating disqualification petitions.
The court also said that the political crisis in Maharashtra was a result of party differences within the Shiv Sena and that the floor test cannot be used as a medium to resolve internal party disputes or intra-party disputes.
Dissent and disagreement within a political party must be resolved in accordance with the remedies prescribed under the party constitution (submitted to the Election Commission of India); or through any other method that the political party may opt for.
Speaking on the actions of the Governor the court said that the gubernatorial conduct in directing the Chief Minister to floor test was not actuated by objective material and hence the exercise of discretion by the Governor in this case was not in accordance with law.
However, inviting Eknath Shinde to form the government as the post of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra fell vacant after Uddhav Thackeray’s resignation was justified.

THE IMPACT OF THE JUDGMENT ON DEFECTION

Split is not an escape route for avoiding defection; the only exception is merger according to the provisions provided in the tenth Schedule.
The Anti-defection law was enacted to bring control over the political parties and the Supreme Court judgment reinforces this idea by making a distinction between a political party and a legislature party. This would certainly limit the role of the legislature party.
The judgment has accorded the power to decide on the disqualification upon the Speaker even if a motion of resolution for his own removal from the Office of Speaker is pending. This goes against the previous judgment of the Supreme Court in the Nabam Rebia (2016) case. For the time being the Court directed the Nabam Rebia’s case to be reconsidered by a 7-judge bench as an essential question of law remains to be settled.
Although the Speaker and the ECI are two independent constitutional authorities, in the case of defection the decision of one authority will have implications on the decisions of the other. As the beginning point is the question of disqualification under defection, the proceedings under the ECI should wait until the question is addressed by the Speaker. Otherwise, one authority will use the decision of the other to justify its own decision and in the process, justice might become casualty.

ISSUES WITH THE JUDGMENT

The Supreme Court has emboldened the role of the Speaker in deciding the cases of defection even though the most glaring loophole in the anti-defection law is the role of the Speaker itself, as some Speakers do play a partisan role, given their party membership.
The judgement does not explicitly declare the present government formed by Mr Shinde either as unconstitutional or contrary to the norms of constitutional morality, even though the court expressed its displeasure on the role played by the Speaker and the Governor. This is baffling as this may further provide an incentive to defect in the future.
The judgment has not provided a time frame for the Speaker to decide upon the disqualification question. The court should have reiterated the observation made in Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs the Hon’ble Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly & Ors. (2020) case wherein the court held that unless there are any exceptional circumstances, disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule should be decided by Speakers within three months.

THE ANALYSIS OF THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT

There are conflicting interpretations of Kihoto Hollohan and Nabam Rebia judgment regarding the power of the Speaker to decide a disqualification petition. Because of this issue, the matter has been referred to a larger bench, which can provide an authoritative pronouncement on the issue. The Court also held that the Maharashtra Governor did not act in accordance with the law in calling for a floor test. The court further held that the Constitution does not empower the Governor to enter the political arena and play a role either in inter-party disputes or in intra-party disputes. This is a critical proposition that denunciates the active role that Governors are increasingly playing in the formation of state governments. The court also called out the illegal actions of the Speaker which must persuade the Speaker to act impartially and independently within a reasonable time frame to decide on the question of disqualification. However, remitting the matter back to the same speaker whose actions the court termed illegal will be similar to placing too much faith in the impartiality of the Speaker. Also, despite holding that the government formation was illegal the court failed to provide complete justice as it refused to reinstate a democratically elected government by taking shelter under the superficial ground of resignation by the Chief Minister.

THE WAY FORWARD:

The Speaker should observe ethical conduct and give decisions within a reasonable period as advised by the Supreme Court.
Political parties shall also have internal democracy to listen and act on different opinions emerging from within. This might restrict the defecting tendencies among the elected representatives and also help in the overall strengthening of the parliamentary democracy in the country.
The Law Commission in 1999 and the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) in 2002 recommended deleting the clause related to the merger (Paragraph 4, Exception to Disqualification). Parliament should reconsider the debate and decide on the recommendations.
The Supreme Court needs to maintain consistency in deciding matters over the role and responsibilities of the Speaker and Governor.
People themselves shall be made aware and educated about their role in the parliamentary democracy and also with the issues of defection and that their franchise shall not be misused by the elected representatives.
The Anti-Defection Law has failed to curb defections in recent years and lacks any deterrence effect on legislators. The law shall be reformed/amended to address the pertaining issues.

THE CONCLUSION

As defections continue unabated and Speakers refrain from acting on these developments based on their political loyalties, there is a strong case to reform the anti-defection law. The judgment assumes significance for its candid reminder to both the Constitutional authorities; Speaker of the House and the Governor, to live up to the constitutionally generated legitimate expectations held by the people of the Republic of India. It is also imperative for the political leaders and the legislatures that the four walls of the legislature should be protected from extra-parliamentary influences and not be seen as collaborators in flouting the constitutional provisions.

Mains Practice Questions:

1. Anti-defection law was introduced as a panacea for the menace of floor-crossing and toppling of elected regimes, however, the recent events raise questions over its efficacy. Critically discuss.
2. Due to the Anti-Defection law, the idea of accountability has been distorted by making legislators accountable to the political party. Comment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VARIOUS INCIDENTS RELATED TO DEFECTION IN INDIAN POLITY

We know that the anti-defection law does not apply if the number of MLAs who leave a political party constitutes two-thirds of the party’s strength in the legislature. These MLAs can merge with another party or become a separate group in the legislature. For example,

In 2021 in Meghalaya, 12 of 17 Congress MLAs joined the All India Trinamool Congress. the Speaker recognised as a ‘merger’ the crossover of 12 Congress MLAs out of a total of 17 to the Trinamool Congress and refused to disqualify them.
In 2019 Rajasthan , all six MLAs of the Bahujan Samaj Party in Rajasthan joined the Congress. The same year, four out of six Telgu Desam Rajya Sabha MPs joined the BJP. In all such cases, the MPs/MLAs were not disqualified.

RESIGNATION AND ANTI-DEFECTION LAW

In Karnataka, the 2018 elections threw up a hung assembly. After the Bharatiya Janata Party failed to prove its majority after BS Yediyurappa took an oath, the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular formed the government under the leadership of HD Kumaraswamy. But a year later, the resignations by Congress and JDS MLAs reduced the government to a minority and the government later fell. The rebel MLAs were later elected on a BJP ticket in the by-elections.
Again in 2018, Congress won the Madhya Pradesh elections and formed a government under Kamal Nath. Less than a year later, 23 Congress MLAs including six ministers owing allegiance to Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned. The MLAs later joined the BJP government after winning by-elections.

The resignation is the way to circumvent the Anti-defection law and attract punishments thereby prescribed. However, some also contend that if the person is no longer satisfied by the ideologies or the policies of the government then the only way is to resign. It is hard to ascertain whether the resignations are voluntary or under coercion.

THE ISSUES WITH ANTI-DEFECTION LAW

UNDERMINING REPRESENTATIVE & PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY

After enactment of the Anti-defection law, the MP or MLA has to follow the party’s direction blindly and has no freedom to vote in their judgment.
Due to the Anti-Defection law, the chain of accountability has been broken by making legislators accountable primarily to the political party.

AMBIGUITY OVER MERGER CLAUSE

The confusion is about the use of the terms ‘Political Party’ and ‘Legislature Party’. It is not clear whether political parties should merge amongst themselves before the merger of elected members (Legislature Party) of two distinct parties. The merger envisaged in Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule is a two-step process. Under this, one political party first merges with another, and then the legislators accept the merger.
However, the second subparagraph (of Paragraph 4) says that a party shall be “deemed” to have merged with another party if not less than 2/3rd of the members of the legislature party concerned have agreed to such merger.
The ambiguity is whether the merger of the Legislature Party would be deemed to be the merger of the Political party as well. Legal experts from the Vidhi Center of Legal Policy argue that the clause seems to be creating a “legal fiction” so as to indicate that a merger of 2/3rd members of a legislature party can be deemed to be a merger of political parties. Even if there is no actual merger of the original political party with another party.

SUBVERSION OF ELECTORAL MANDATES

Defection is the subversion of electoral mandates by legislators who get elected on the ticket of one party but then find it convenient to shift to another, due to the lure of ministerial berths or financial gains.

AFFECTS THE NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF THE GOVERNMENT

The infamous “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram” slogan was coined against the background of continuous defections by the legislators in the 1960s.
The defection leads to instability in the government and affects the functioning of the administration.

ALLOWS ONLY WHOLESALE DEFECTION

It allows wholesale defection, but retail defection is not allowed. Amendments are required to plug the loopholes.
He raised concern that if a politician is leaving a party, s/he may do so, but they should not be given a post in the new party.

CONTROVERSIAL ROLE OF SPEAKER

There is no clarity in the law about the timeframe for the action of the House Chairperson or Speaker in the anti-defection cases.
Some cases take six months and some even three years. There are cases that are disposed of after the term is over.
Being members of political parties, some Speakers do play a partisan role.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH OF LEGISLATORS

One of the conditions for disqualification is the violation of the whip issued by the Political Party to vote in a particular manner. Critics argue that this greatly limits the ability of a member to exercise her free opinion on the floor of the House on certain proposed legislation.

PROMOTE HORSE-TRADING

Defection also promotes horse-trading of legislators which clearly go against the mandate of a democratic setup.

VIEWS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES ON ANTI-DEFECTION LAW

DINESH GOSWAMI COMMITTEE ON ELECTORAL REFORMS (1990)

Disqualification should be limited to cases where (a) a member voluntarily gives up the membership of his political party, (b) a member abstains from voting, or votes contrary to the party whip in a motion of vote of confidence or motion of no-confidence. The issue of disqualification should be decided by the President/ Governor on the advice of the Election Commission.

LAW COMMISSION (170TH REPORT, 1999)

Provisions which exempt splits and mergers from disqualification to be deleted.
Pre-poll electoral fronts should be treated as political parties under the antidefection law.
Political parties should limit the issuance of whips to instances only when the government is in danger.

ELECTION COMMISSION

Decisions under the Tenth Schedule should be made by the President/ Governor on the binding advice of the Election Commission.

CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMISSION – NCRWC (2002)

Defectors should be barred from holding public office or any remunerative political post for the duration of the remaining term.
The vote cast by a defector to topple a government should be treated as invalid.
Recommendations:

On Presiding Officer: Various expert committees have recommended that rather than the Presiding Officer, the decision to disqualify a member should be made by the President (in case of MPs) or the Governor (in case of MLAs) on the advice of the Election Commission.

Similar to Office of Profit: This would be similar to the process followed for disqualification in case the person holds an office of profit (i.e. the person holds an office under the central or state government which carries a remuneration, and has not been excluded in a list made by the legislature).

JUDICIAL PRECEDENTS

1. KIHOTO HOLLOHAN vs ZACHILLHU (1992): In the judgment, the Supreme Court clarified that the 10th schedule is constitutionally valid. It neither impinges upon the freedom of speech and expression nor subverts the democratic rights of elected members. It also upheld the sweeping discretion available to the Speaker in deciding cases of disqualification of MLAs. However, it also held that the Presiding Officer’s decisions of disqualification shall be open to judicial review. The Supreme Court also held that judicial review cannot be available prior to the making of the decision by the Speaker not at the interlocutory stage of the proceedings.
2. RAVI S NAIK vs UNION OF INDIA (1994): The Supreme Court had said that “ an inference can be drawn from the conduct of a member that he has voluntarily given up the membership of the party to which he belongs.
3. NABAM REBIA vs DEPUTY SPEAKER (2016): The court had ruled that it would be “constitutionally impermissible for a Speaker to adjudicate upon disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule while a motion of resolution for his own removal from Office of Speaker is pending”. (NOW REFERRED TO LARGER CONSTITUTION BENCH)
4. GISIRSH CHANDONKAR vs THE SPEAKER, GOA (2011): The Bombay High Court held that the merger of 2/3rd of members of the legislative assembly is deemed to be the merger of the original party. (subjudice in Supreme Court).
5. Keisham Meghachandra Singh case (2020): The Supreme Court in Keisham Meghachandra Singh vs. the Hon’ble Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly & Ors. (2020) case made a significant suggestion regarding disqualification powers of the Speaker. The Court was adjudicating upon the matter relating to the disqualification of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the Manipur Legislative Assembly under the Tenth Schedule. The Court recommended the Parliament to amend the Constitution regarding the role of the Speaker as a quasi-judicial authority while dealing with disqualification petitions under the anti-defection law (when such a Speaker continues to belong to a particular political party either de jure or de facto). The Court suggested that an independent tribunal can be appointed which will substitute the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies to deal with matters of disqualifications under the Tenth Schedule. The Tribunal will be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court. The Court also suggested that some other outside independent mechanism can adjudicate on such matters. This will ensure that such disputes are decided both swiftly and impartially.

ANTI-DEFECTION LAWS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

EUROPE

There are strict laws in all the countries of Europe that if a member changes party, then their membership of Parliament is terminated. It is believed that the person has violated the laws of the country.

IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION IN BANGLADESH

In Bangladesh, Kenya, South Africa and many other countries, no public representative can do defection. The law doesn’t even allow it. Article 70 of the Bangladesh Constitution states that if a public representative votes against his party in the House or changes the party, he must resign from membership.

SEAT HAS TO BE VACATED IN KENYA

In Kenya, Section 40 of their Constitution states that if a member leaves his party, he must vacate his seat. Speaker will decide this and the member can appeal against it in the High Court.

IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE PARTY IN SINGAPORE

According to Article 46 of the Constitution of Singapore, if a member leaves the party or is removed by the party, he must also vacate his seat. Parliament will decide the disqualification of any such member.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE HOUSE ENDS IN SOUTH AFRICA

This is explained in Section 47 of the Constitution of South Africa. According to it, if a member leaves his party, then his membership will automatically end.

FLEXIBLE RULES IN UK AND CANADA

In Britain and Canada, the rules are flexible, but there is generally no opportunistic defection to form or topple governments. There the defection is called crossing the line. In Britain and Canada, the ruling party and the opposition sit separately. There, if a member crosses his floor and sits on the other side, then it is considered as a change of party.