TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: A recent study, published in the International Journal of Water Resources Development, delves into the intricate relationship between climate variability and its effects on crop yield in India.

EXPLANATION:

• The study offers critical insights into the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly concerning water risks.
• Here, we will explore the nuanced findings and their implications for informed policy decisions.

Climate Variability and Crop Yield Analysis

• Seasonal Impact on Crop Yield:
  • The study highlights the significant influence of climate variables like rainfall, evapotranspiration, temperature, and windspeed across different seasons on crop yields.
  • Each crop exhibits varying degrees of sensitivity to these climate elements, impacting both the expected yield and yield variability.
• Crop-Specific Responses:
  • Crops such as bajra, chickpea, groundnut, rice, and sugarcane demonstrate unique relationships with climate variables.
  • For instance, the optimal levels of rainfall and temperature vary for different crops, influencing their yields positively or negatively.
• Risk Assessment and Water Elements:
  • Extremes in rainfall, temperature, evapotranspiration, and windspeed are associated with increased yield risks for specific crops.
  • Moreover, the study identifies how low or high values of these climatic factors affect crop yield variability.

Water Management Implications and Policy Considerations

• Water Availability and Crop Production:
  • Changes in water availability due to climate variations significantly impact crop production.
  • To mitigate adverse effects, the study suggests strategies such as diverting surplus water for storage to meet higher water demands during dry seasons.
• Addressing Extreme Climate Events:
  • Flooding and droughts caused by extreme rainfall and temperature pose challenges.
  • Effective drainage systems and reallocation of water to crops benefiting from irrigation expansion or tolerant to extremes are recommended for better water management.
• Adaptive Strategies:
  • The study emphasizes the need for seasonal adaptations and crop-specific measures to sustain long-term water availability.
  • It suggests identifying high-tolerant crops and optimizing irrigation diversification based on climate effects.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

• Enhancing Water Management Policies:
  • Policy re-evaluation is essential to address the impact of climate change on farm water management.
  • Decision-makers need to consider strategies like predictive techniques, diversification of irrigation, and climate-smart agriculture for sustainable outcomes.
• Incorporating Scientific Techniques:
  • Implementing modern irrigation techniques and utilizing rainwater effectively can alleviate pressure on groundwater resources.
  • Precision farming, scientific water management, and climate-smart agricultural practices are advocated for resilient crop production.
• Inclusive Governance and Farmer Participation:
  • Encouraging farmer involvement in water management and aligning policies with region-specific sustainable agricultural practices can yield efficient, equitable, and economically viable outcomes.

Conclusion

• Understanding the intricate effects of climate variability on crop yield and water security is paramount for reevaluating agricultural policies in India.
• This study underscores the need for adaptive strategies, scientific water management, and climate-resilient agriculture to mitigate risks associated with climate change.
• Policy interventions that prioritize sustainable water use and empower local governance can pave the way for resilient agricultural practices and long-term food security in India.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/agriculture/understanding-climate-effect-on-crop-yield-and-associated-risks-to-water-security-in-india-is-crucial-93393

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: While India’s Constitution tilts towards the Centre on certain areas, not all states are equal either. Right after Article 370, the Constitution creates special provisions for at least nine states, from Article 371A-I.

EXPLANATION:

Quasi-Federal Structure of Indian Governance

• India’s constitutional framework reflects a quasi-federal structure, balancing the Centre’s authority with varying degrees of autonomy granted to states.
• The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution delineates Union, State, and Concurrent lists, outlining legislative powers shared between the Centre and states.
• However, certain provisions tilt authority towards the Centre in specific domains.

Understanding Special Status for States

• India’s diverse landscape necessitates differentiated approaches in governance, leading to special provisions for various states based on fiscal, political, and administrative considerations.
• These provisions aim to address regional disparities while fostering unity within the federal structure.
• However, critics argue that such asymmetric federalism could sow seeds of regionalism and impact national integration.

Examples of Special Status

• Beyond Article 370:
  • While Article 370 is a well-known instance of asymmetric federalism concerning Jammu and Kashmir, there exist special provisions for nine states, ranging from Article 371A-I.
  • These provisions fall under the Constitution’s section titled “Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions,” intended to operate until crises like secessionist sentiments or conflicts cease.
  • Importantly, they lack explicit expiration dates.
• Negotiated Autonomy:
  • States like Nagaland and Mizoram negotiated autonomy with the Centre as a political compromise, safeguarding cultural practices, land ownership, and natural resources from parliamentary interference.
  • These special provisions were pivotal in resolving independence movements in these regions.
• Delhi’s Unique Arrangement:
  • Delhi, not classified as a state in the Constitution’s First Schedule, operates under Article 239AA, granting it legislative powers over state and concurrent list subjects.
  • This unique arrangement exemplifies a special status designed for the administration of the national capital.

Legal Interpretations and Recent Rulings

• Challenges and Interpretations:
  • The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir led to legal challenges asserting that it conferred internal sovereignty, which couldn’t be unilaterally revoked.
  • However, a Supreme Court ruling clarified that Article 370 represented asymmetric federalism, distinct from internal sovereignty.

Conclusion

• The existence of special provisions for select Indian states reflects the nuanced approach to governance, accommodating diverse needs within the federal framework.
• While these provisions aim to address regional disparities and political compromises, ongoing debates persist regarding their impact on national integration and the duration of their applicability, signalling the complex interplay between federalism and the unity of the Indian nation.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/why-many-states-in-india-enjoy-special-provisions-9068631/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The recently concluded COP28 in Dubai aimed to address critical issues in combating climate change, particularly the pressing need to align actions with the 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold.

EXPLANATION:

• However, an analysis of the agreement suggests a significant gap between aspirations and practical measures to achieve this ambitious goal.

Inadequacies in Addressing Emissions

• Reality Check on Emissions:
  • Despite claims of progress, the UN Environment Programme’s Emissions Gap Report revealed a disheartening reality.
  • Global emissions in 2022 surged by at least a billion tonnes compared to 2019, indicating a nearly 2% rise, a troubling trend for climate targets.
• IPCC Recommendations vs. Current Actions:
  • The IPCC guidelines underscore a crucial requirement: a 43% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 levels by 2030 to sustain the 1.5-degree target.
  • However, current actions, as outlined in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are projected to lead to a mere 2% reduction by 2030, vastly inadequate to meet the urgent emission cut requirement.

Effectiveness of Climate Actions

• Insufficiency of Annual Emission Reductions:
  • To achieve the necessary 43% cut by 2030, an unprecedented average annual reduction of 8.7% is mandated.
  • Historical data reveals such extensive cuts have never been accomplished, even during significant disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Lack of Immediate Action Acceleration:
  • Despite the agreement highlighting tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030, there is an evident absence of concrete steps to expedite immediate climate actions.

Challenges and Weaknesses in the Agreement

• Insufficient Contribution of Measures:
  • Estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggest that the proposed measures could potentially save 7 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.
  • However, this pales in comparison to the projected shortfall of 24 billion tonnes, as per the Emissions Gap Report.
• Methane Emissions and Weak Agreements:
  • The agreement’s focus on methane reductions, though impactful due to methane’s potency, is limited as it accounts for less than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Furthermore, the COP28 agreement on methane cuts lacks defined reduction targets and relies heavily on voluntary commitments.

Financial Constraints and Lack of Resourcing

• Limitations in Financial Aid:
  • Many developing countries outlined in their NDCs that they could amplify climate actions if provided with requisite financial and technological support.
  • Unfortunately, COP28 failed to address this crucial aspect, hindering the potential acceleration of climate actions.

Conclusion

• The COP28 agreement, despite its symbolic acknowledgment of transitioning from fossil fuels and emphasizing renewable energy and efficiency improvements, falls short in several critical aspects.
• The disparity between ambitious climate targets and practical measures to achieve them persists, with insufficient emission reductions and inadequate financial support hampering global efforts to combat climate change effectively.
• The urgent need for more concrete, aggressive actions remain unmet, jeopardizing the prospect of attaining the 1.5-degree Celsius pathway.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/climate-change/given-a-robust-action-plan-to-keep-1-5c-target-within-reach-al-jaber-9067394/

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: PACE is a NASA mission scheduled to launch no earlier than Feb. 6, 2024, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

EXPLANATION:

WHAT IS PACE?

• PACE is NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem mission, currently in the design phase of mission development.
• It is scheduled to launch in 2024, extending and improving NASA’s over 20-year record of satellite observations of global ocean biology, aerosols (tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere), and clouds.
• PACE will advance the assessment of ocean health by measuring the distribution of phytoplankton, tiny plants and algae that sustain the marine food web.
• It will also continue systematic records of key atmospheric variables associated with air quality and Earth’s climate.

PACE has two fundamental science goals:

• To extend key systematic ocean colour, aerosol, and cloud data records for Earth system and climate studies.
• To address new and emerging science questions using its advanced instruments, surpassing the capabilities of previous and current missions.

Observatory

• Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is responsible for the principal mission elements, including the design and fabrication of the spacecraft, development of scientific instrumentation.
• The Development Team at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) will guide PACE through each phase as the instruments, spacecraft, and observatory are built, tested, and flown.

INSTRUMENTS:

• The primary science instruments planned for PACE are:
  • Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI):
    • Spectrometer used to measure intensity of light over portions of the electromagnetic spectrum: ultraviolet (UV), visible, near infrared, and several shortwave infrared bands.
    • The OCI will enable continuous measurement of light at finer wavelength resolution than previous NASA ocean colour sensors, providing detailed information on our global ocean.
    • The colour of the ocean is determined by the interaction of sunlight with substances or particles present in seawater such as chlorophyll, a green photosynthetic pigment found in phytoplankton and land plants.
  • Multi-angle Polarimeters:
    • Radiometers used to measure how the oscillation of sunlight within a geometric plane – known as its polarization – is changed by passing through clouds, aerosols, and the ocean.
    • Measuring polarization states of UV-to-shortwave light at various angles provides detailed information on the atmosphere and ocean, such as particle size and composition.
  • Combined, these instruments will be a major advance in satellite observing technology, allowing for new opportunities to monitor and respond to changes in our ecosystem, and the ways in which the atmosphere and ocean interact.

SOURCE: https://www.nasa.gov/general/experience-the-launch-of-nasas-pace-mission/#:~:text=PACE%20is%20a%20NASA%20mission,biology%2C%20aerosols%2C%20and%20clouds.

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit held in New Delhi has concluded with the adoption of the ‘New Delhi Declaration. It  reflected the commitment of 28 countries and the European Union to principles that align with democratic values and human rights in the development, and use of artificial intelligence. India hosted the annual GPAI Summit for the first time.

EXPLANATION:

• This declaration reflects a recognition of the importance of ethical considerations and accountability in AI technologies.
• This indicates a focus on ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a manner that considers long-term implications and societal well-being.

Commitment to democratic values and human rights

• The GPAI aims to be an inclusive movement, involving countries from the Global South and ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible worldwide, aligning with the goal of global collaboration.
• The participating countries acknowledge and commit to addressing various challenges associated with AI, including concerns about misinformation, lack of transparency, fairness, protection of intellectual property and personal data, and potential threats to human rights and democratic values.

Innovation in Agriculture

• The declaration specifically recognizes India’s contribution to making agriculture a thematic priority for
• This reflects a recognition of the potential of AI innovation in supporting sustainable agriculture.

International Cooperation

• The summit emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to find the best possible solutions for the deployment and governance of AI.
• There is an expressed desire for GPAI to be more inclusive, encouraging the participation of developing countries as well as inclusion of lower and middle-income countries.

MEANING OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOVERNANCE

Set of policies, regulations, ethical frameworks, and practices that guide the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Ethical and Responsible AI Development

• AI governance frameworks aim to establish ethical guidelines for the development of AI technologies.

Risk Mitigation

• Mitigating risks associated with AI technologies like risks related to data privacy, security, unintended consequences, and potential negative impacts on individuals and society.

Transparency and Accountability

• Transparent AI models are easier to understand, audit, and interpret.
• An accountable AI governance framework addresses issues of liability in cases where AI systems cause harm or make incorrect decisions.

Inclusive Decision-Making

• It involves involving diverse stakeholders, including experts, policymakers, industry representatives, and members of the public, to ensure a broad range of perspectives and avoid concentration of power.

GLOBAL AI FRAMEWORK CHALLENGES

Dynamic Nature of AI Technology

• AI is a rapidly evolving field, and staying updated with the technological advancements is a constant challenge for regulators and policymakers.
• Ensuring that regulations remain relevant and adaptable to new developments is essential.

Skills Gap and low public awareness

• There is a shortage of professionals with the necessary expertise in AI governance, policy-making, and ethical considerations.
• Building public awareness and engagement regarding AI technologies, their implications, and the potential risks is critical.

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (GPAI)

About the Initiative

• It is an international initiative established to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence (AI).
• It aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.
• GPAI secretariat is hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It has 28 countries, including India, and the European Union as members.

History

• The partnership was first proposed by Canada and France at the 2018 G7 summit, and officially launched in June 2020.
• India is a founding member of GPAI, but the group does not include India.

CONCLUSION

• Members of GPAI agreed on the ‘New Delhi Declaration,’ showing a global commitment to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly, in line with democratic values and human rights.
• The summit highlighted the importance of an inclusive approach, welcoming participation from developing nations and ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to people worldwide.
• The declaration aims to address concerns related to AI, such as misinformation, transparency, and the protection of intellectual property and personal data.

SOURCE:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ai-summit-adopts-new-delhi-declaration-on-inclusiveness-collaboration/article67635398.ece

TAG: GS 3 INDIAN ECONOMY

CONTEXT: The government has reconstituted the ministerial group of the GST Council that was tasked with recommending the simplification of the complex tax structure and a rejig of its multiple rates.

EXPLANATION

• Since the beginning of the introduction of the GST tax regime, there has been a call to rationalize the tax structure.
• The group of ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation, headed by former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, had been in suspended mode since its formation in 2021.
• The convenor’s role for the seven-member GoM has been assigned to Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna.

CURRENT GST STRUCTURE

• The current GST structure has a total of four tax slabs, including 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.
• There are different forms of taxes levied under GST:

Central GST (CGST)

This tax is imposed on the movement of goods and services within the state but is appropriated by the central govt.

State GST (SGST)

It is the tax levied by the state government and appropriated in the state where the transaction occurs or where the goods are sold and consumed.

ntegrated GST (IGST)

This tax is imposed on all the goods and services between two or more states or union territories.

Union Territory GST (UTGST)

Imposed on supply of goods and services within the Indian Union Territories.

NEED FOR RATIONALISATION

• Ease-of-doing-business is needed as the current structure is quite complicated. For example, there are some items whose tax rates depend on their packaging, like specified food products, or selling prices.
• To reduce the number of litigations arising from classification disputes.
• GST is an indirect tax, which means that it is regressive in nature. Lower tax rates on some of the basic items would ease the pressure on common man.
• The frequent changes in rates for different goods and services in the past have created uncertainty for businesses.
• The 15th Finance Commission had observed that the GST’s revenue neutrality was compromised due to multiple tax rate reductions.

IMPLICATIONS

• Improved compliance: As too many tax rates lead to tremendous compliance-related problems.
• Improved tax collection: Higher tax rates doesn’t always imply higher revenue collection, going by the Laffer curve theory. This is proven by the fact that with reduction in tax rates on some items in the past, tax collection has only increased.

CONCLUSION

• Rate rationalization in the GST regime remains an ongoing challenge.
• There is a need for careful consideration to strike a balance between revenue generation and easing the compliance burden.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/business/centre-rejigs-gom-to-simplify-gst-rates/article67635249.ece

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

CONTEXT: In the recently concluded COP28 Summit, the global leaders took a small step towards moving away from fossil fuels. The adopted Dubai Consensus resolution calls for “just” and  “orderly” acceleration towards renewables.

EXPLANATION

• It is for the first time that a consensus has been reached to move away from fossil fuels, a major bone of contention for almost 40 years.
• Many countries, represented by small-island nations, wanted the agreement to be on ‘complete phase-out’. However, in the final document, it was diluted.

WHAT TRANSPIRED?

• The attitude of middle-income developing countries, who were very uncertain about the much hyped phased out of fossil fuels, was the main reason behind the ‘softening the text’.
• The host UAE, one of the biggest oil producers, has faced criticism for close ties with fossil fuel interests from the start, especially after oil executive al-Jaber was appointed to preside over the negotiations.
• This raised the conflict-of-interest issues.

HOW THE TRANSITION WILL BE ACHIEVED?

• The renewable energy pledge aims to triple the world’s green energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030. This agreement has been signed by 118 countries.
• Countries are also rooting for carbon capture and storage, a technology that oil producers want to use to continue drilling.
• Another important factor is the requirement for countries to submit stronger carbon cutting plans by 2025.
• If China and India, among the top polluters, put a rapid transition to green energy at the heart of these new commitments, that could make a massive difference to the global effort.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WORLD

• According to the IPCC, creating a path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is the best shot at keeping global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5 degrees C by the end of the century.
• This implies cutting emissions to 43% of 2019 levels by 2030 and 60% by 2035.

CHALLENGES TO PLEDGES

• Lack of greater short-term emissions cuts is the key weakness being cited by experts.
• Developed countries, even though they have made tall promises, have fallen short of fulfilling them.
• For example, a 2009 commitment to mobilise $100 billion a year between 2020 and 2025 has only been partially realized.
• Most of the funding provided by the developed countries to developing countries for transition have been in the form of loans and not grants.

INDIA-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES

• Developed nations, in over a century of fossil fuel usage, have already used the available carbon space. This leaves very little space for countries like India, whose per capita use of energy is way behind developed countries’.
• The poor financial condition of power distribution companies (discoms) remains the most important challenge for further scaling up renewables in India.
• India has been heavily dependent on importing solar panels.
• There are issues of rising costs, labor constraints, and supply chain bottlenecks, which are impeding renewable energy projects.

CONCLUSION:

• The consensus on ridding the world of fossil fuels is remarkable, given that it is for the first time that the conference yielded some concrete and realistic commitments.
• Given the limited carbon space, industrialised western nations must cede space by taking on more stringent reductions than they have committed to so far.
• A global net zero by 2050 should not imply a net zero for all countries at that time. Developed countries, with access to funds and advanced technologies, should take the lead.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/at-dubai-cop28-nations-reach-consensus-to-transition-from-fossil-fuels/article67633151.ece

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The draft decisions taken at COP28 at Dubai have referred to the abatement and removal of carbon emissions using carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon-dioxide removal (CDR) technologies.

EXPLANATION:

• Considering the meaning of the word ‘abatement’ has become an important bone of contention, understanding the meaning and limitations of CCS is important – as also those of
• At COP28, the term “unabated fossil fuels” has come to mean the combustion of these fuels without using CCS technologies to capture their emissions. Draft decision texts point to a need to “phase out” such unabated fossil fuels. On the other hand, removal has been referenced in the context of the need to scale zero- and low-emission technologies and support forest restoration as a means to promote emission removal.

WHAT ARE CCS AND CDR?

• CCS refers to technologies that can capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) at a source of emissions before it is released into the atmosphere.
• These sources include the fossil fuel industry (where coal, oil and gas are combusted to generate power) and industrial processes like steel and cement production.
• CDR takes the forms of both natural means like afforestation or reforestation and technologies like direct air capture, where machines mimic trees by absorbing CO₂ from their surroundings and storing it underground.
• There are also more complex CDR technologies like enhanced rock weathering, where rocks are broken down chemically and the resulting rock particles can remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. Other technologies like bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) capture and store CO₂ from burning biomass, like wood.

HOW WELL DO CCS AND CDR NEED TO WORK?

• While their technical details are clear, scientists have questions about the scale at which CCS and CDR are expected to succeed.
• The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), prepared by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), deals with climate mitigation. It relies a lot on the use of CDR for its projections related to the world achieving the goal of limiting the world’s average surface temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C with no or limited overshoot.
• The emission scenarios that the IPCC has assessed have more than a 50% chance of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees C assume the world can sequester 5 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040. This is more than India emits currently every year. There is no pathway to 1.5 degrees celsius in AR6 that doesn’t use CDR.
• If CO₂ emissions continue at current levels, we will have a 50% chance of exceeding 1.5 degrees C compared to pre-industrial levels in seven years .
• To achieve the decrease in CO₂ emissions by direct mitigation would be nearly impossible at this point and would require a lot of

HOW WELL DOES CDR WORK?

• CDR methods like afforestation, reforestation, BECCS, and direct air capture are constrained by their need for land.
• Land is often considered to be ‘viable’ for planting trees and deploying other large-scale CDR As a result, such CDR projects can adversely affect land rights of indigenous communities and biodiversity and compete with other forms of land-use, like agriculture that is crucial for ensuring food security.

WHAT ARE OTHER PITFALLS OF CCS AND CDR?

• By removing CO₂ from their environment, there are concerns that CCS and CDR create more ‘room’ to emit the greenhouse gas. In some cases, CCS has also been used to inject captured CO₂ is into oil fields to extract more oil.
• In future emissions scenarios that the IPCC has assessed, the world’s use of coal, oil, and gas in 2050 needs to decline by about 95%, 60%, and 45% respectively from their use in 2019 to keep the planet from warming by less than 1.5 degrees C. But without CCS, the expected reductions are 100%, 60%, and 70% for coal, oil, and gas by 2050.
• In a recent paper, an international group of researchers wrote that higher use of CCS and CDR make way for emissions pathways with a higher contribution from gas.

CONCLUSION:

There is need to identify viable and scalable CDR methods and need to figure out financial mechanism for CDR at a large scale in the future.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/carbon-capture-sequestration-science-limitations-ipcc-explained/article67627040.ece

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: India recently voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that called on Israel for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians in accordance with international law and the release of all hostages.

EXPLANATION:

• The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for ceasefire and for the release of hostages and for the observance of international law.
• India was among 153 countries that made up a massive 4/5th majority in the Assembly who voted in favour of the resolution. Only 10 countries, including the U.S. and Israel, voted against the resolution, and 23 countries, mainly from Europe abstained.

ISRAEL AND PALESTINE REMARKS:

• Despite being “unsatisfied” with the UNGA resolution, Israel said it appreciated India’s support and votes in favour of two proposed amendments of both U.S. and Austria that were not adopted by the UNGA.
• The Palestinian Ambassador thanked India for support and said that all countries must say “enough is enough”.

INDIA’S STAND:

• Earlier India has not supported the resolution as the resolution did not include any specific reference to the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by
• In the explanation of vote (EoV), India did not clarify the reason for India’s shift but said that India “welcomes” the fact that the international community had been able to find a “common ground” to address the situation in West Asia.
• ‘Two-state solution’: India mentioned the October 7 “terrorist attack” without naming Hamas, the “humanitarian crisis and large-scale loss of civilian lives”. There is a need to observe the international humanitarian law “in all circumstances”, and the effort to find a lasting “two-state solution” to the question of Palestine.

THE UNGA RESOLUTION

• The UNGA resolution “Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations”, was introduced by Egypt and co-sponsored by 21 countries.
• It was followed by the U.S.’s decision to veto a similar resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the N. Security Council.
• The U.S. decision was unusual as it came despite an explicit invocation of “Article 99” by U.N. Secretary General that the situation in Gaza “threatens the maintenance of international peace and security,”. Article 99 has not been invoked by UNSG since 1989 and the war in Lebanon.
• “The gravity and complexity of what the international community faces is underlined by the Secretary General invoking Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations.

IMPLICATION OF THE RESOLUTION:

• While the UNGA does not have the power to enforce its resolutions as the UNSC does, it carries the sentiment of the global community against the Israeli bombardment of Gaza that has rendered more than a million people homeless.

RESOLUTION BY USA AND AUSTRIA:

• At the UNGA the U.S. also proposed an amendment that would insert a specific mention of “heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages”.
• Austria proposed an amendment to name Hamas and other groups that are holding Israeli hostages.
• India voted in favour of them, but both amendments were dropped as they did not receive the votes required.

CONCLUSION:

Both Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. The challenge in this extraordinarily difficult time is to strike the right balance.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-and-152-other-members-vote-overwhelmingly-at-un-general-assembly-to-demand-a-humanitarian-ceasefire-in-gaza/article67632382.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The Saiga antelope, which faced a perilous decline since the breakup of the Soviet Union, has demonstrated a remarkable recovery, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to alter its status from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened.

EXPLANATION:

• Despite disease outbreaks and challenges, conservation efforts have contributed significantly to its survival.

Saiga Population and Decline

• In 2003, merely 6% of the Saiga population remained, marking a drastic decline from an estimated one million in the early 1990s.
• The antelope species, existing since the last Ice Age, were originally spread across the Eurasian Steppe but now inhabit fragmented populations within Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, and Uzbekistan.

Conservation Impact and Efforts

• The positive change in the Saiga’s global Red List status is attributed to effective national and international conservation initiatives, particularly in Kazakhstan.
• Kazakhstan witnessed a substantial recovery in Saiga populations, increasing from a critical low of 48,000 in 2005 to over 1.9 million, largely due to anti-poaching measures, law enforcement, and the establishment of protected areas.

Government and Civil Society Collaboration

• The Government of Kazakhstan has taken commendable leadership in species recovery, investing in impactful actions and forming collaborations with civil society.
• This inclusive network involves government bodies, conservationists, academics, and international experts.
• International organizations like the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) have played significant roles in facilitating coordinated conservation efforts across Saiga habitats.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Prospects

• While there has been a notable increase in Saiga populations in Kazakhstan and Mongolia, the species still faces challenges.
• Challenges include ongoing poaching, illegal trade, disease outbreaks, climate change impacts, human interference, and infrastructure development, all of which threaten the Saiga’s full recovery.

Continued Conservation Efforts

• Efforts to sustain recovery include maintaining population monitoring, protecting key habitats, collaborating with local communities for awareness and conservation actions and addressing persistent threats to Saiga populations.
• While progress has been significant, the Saiga’s full recovery will only be achieved by restoring its ecological role across its entire range and addressing the persisting threats to its existence.

Conclusion

• The Saiga antelope’s resurgence from the brink of extinction is a testament to the success of coordinated conservation efforts, particularly in Kazakhstan, and international collaboration.
• However, sustained efforts are crucial to ensuring the Saiga’s continued recovery and securing its place in the vast Eurasian Steppe ecosystem.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/miracle-on-the-steppe-the-saiga-has-beaten-extinction-for-now-finds-new-iucn-red-list-93335

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Lok Sabha approved two bills on December 12 to extend the constitutional provisions granting 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State legislatures to the Union Territories of Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir.

EXPLANATION:

• The bills aim to implement the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act in these regions to ensure gender representation in legislative bodies.

Debate Context and Dominance of Article 370 Verdict

• Despite the focus on the women’s reservation bills, the parliamentary discussion was largely influenced by the recent Supreme Court verdict regarding the abrogation of Article 370.
• The debate’s trajectory was steered towards this verdict, drawing attention away from the core topic of the bills.

Content of the Bills

• Minister of State for Home presented the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.
• The Bills aimed to modify the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, respectively, to facilitate women’s reservations in the legislative assemblies of Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry.

Parliamentary Debates and Perspectives

• The importance of women’s representation has been emphasized.
• However, linking the debate timing to the recent Supreme Court verdict on Article 370, echoing the disappointment of parties from Jammu and Kashmir.
• The absence of MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir for the past six years has been highlighted, questioning the governance structure in the Union Territory.
• Historical obligations and promises during Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India has been referenced, expressing concerns over the unresolved issues post the Article 370 abrogation.

Implementation and Future Steps

• The implementation of the women’s reservation law faces delays as it awaits the next census (anticipated in late 2024) and subsequent delimitation exercises in 2026 to determine the specific constituencies reserved for women.
• The women’s quota in the Lok Sabha and Assemblies will be in effect for 15 years, with provisions for Parliament to extend the benefit period subsequently.

Conclusion

• Despite the bills’ passage aimed at enhancing gender representation in legislatures, the parliamentary debate was diverted towards the broader context of governance and unresolved issues following the abrogation of Article 370.
• The bills are a step forward for gender inclusion in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry, although broader governance concerns dominated the discussion.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ls-clears-bills-for-womens-quota-in-jk-puducherry-assemblies/article67631129.ece

TAG: GS 3: AGRICULTURE

THE CONTEXT: Recently the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations released the “Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends” report.

EXPLANATION:

• The report highlighted concerning statistics related to the affordability of healthy diets, malnutrition, and stunted growth in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Affordability of Healthy Diet

• In 2021, 74.1% of Indians were unable to afford a healthy diet, showing a slight improvement from 2020’s 76.2%.
• Pakistan and Bangladesh faced similar challenges, with 82.2% and 66.1% of their populations respectively encountering difficulties in accessing healthy food.
• Rising food costs, when not matched by increased income, exacerbate the challenge of affordability, leading to more people unable to access nutritious meals.

Impact of COVID-19 and “5Fs” Crisis

• The report highlighted the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the “5Fs” crisis (Food, Feed, Fuel, Fertilisers, and Finance) in the region.
• The region still suffers from the aftermath of these crises, with Asia-Pacific accounting for half of the world’s severe food insecurity, affecting more women than men.

Nutrition and Health

• The region continues to struggle with undernourishment, with 370.7 million undernourished individuals, representing half of the global total.
• Stunting, wasting, overweight issues among children under 5 years, and anaemia among women of reproductive age remain significant concerns.

Undernourishment and Food Insecurity

• 6% of India’s population faces undernourishment, impacting health, nutrition, as well as economic and social well-being.
• Southern Asia registers higher prevalence rates for severe food insecurity compared to other subregions, with Southern Asia also showing higher percentages for moderate or severe food insecurity since 2015.

Childhood Malnutrition

• 7% of Indian children under five suffer from stunted growth, largely attributed to factors such as poor maternal health, inadequate infant feeding practices, and persistent infections.
• India records the highest rate of wasting among children under five in the region at 18.7%, surpassing the WHO’s global nutrition target of less than 5%.

Maternal Health and Anaemia

• Anaemia affects 53% of women aged 15 to 49 in India, posing health risks for both women and their offspring during pregnancy and childbirth.

Other Health Concerns

• Obesity among adults stands at 1.6%, and the prevalence of low birthweight in India is notable at 27.4%.

Breastfeeding and Nutrition Improvements

• India has shown improvement in exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants (0–5 months) at 63.7%, higher than the global prevalence of 47.7%.
• However, India faces challenges with high rates of low birthweight in the region, alongside Bangladesh and Nepal.

Conclusion

• The FAO report underlines critical challenges in achieving nutritional goals, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to address affordability, food security, and malnutrition issues in India and the broader region.
• The statistics highlight the urgency for targeted interventions and policies to improve access to healthy diets and mitigate the detrimental effects of malnutrition on public health and well-being.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/741-of-indians-unable-to-afford-a-healthy-diet-fao-report/article67631605.ece

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously affirmed the President’s authority to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019, leading to the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, thereby nullifying its special privileges.

EXPLANATION:

• Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud led the five-judge Bench that validated the President’s power to unilaterally issue a notification to nullify Article 370 if “special circumstances warrant a special solution.”
• The court emphasized that it could not contest the President’s decision regarding the cessation of the special circumstances that initially led to the establishment of Article 370.

Historical Integration of Jammu and Kashmir

• The court acknowledged the 70-year-long collaborative effort between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir for the integration process.
• The aim was to align the rights and obligations outlined in the Indian Constitution with those of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, making them applicable in the entirety.

Redundancy of Jammu and Kashmir Constitution

• The Supreme Court declared the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution “redundant” and “inoperative,” emphasizing that the Indian Constitution stands as a comprehensive code for constitutional governance.

Restoration of Statehood and Elections

• The Centre assured the restoration of Statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.
• The Election Commission of India was directed to conduct Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by September 30, 2024.

Validity of Reorganization and President’s Rule

• The court did not find it necessary to examine the legality of reorganizing Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.
• It upheld the creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh from the state.
• The timing of the abrogation following the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly and the subsequent imposition of President’s rule did not deter the court’s decision.
• Even if the court had ruled against the Proclamation issued under Article 356, it stated that no material relief could be provided as President’s Rule was revoked on October 31, 2019.

Understanding Article 370’s Temporariness

• The court clarified that Article 370 was a “temporary provision” established during a time of internal conflict and war to facilitate Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to the Union.
• It underscored that only the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir’s power to recommend abrogation ceased to exist with its dissolution in 1957.
• However, the President’s authority under Article 370(3) remained intact.
• Chief Justice highlighted that the State of Jammu and Kashmir did not possess “internal sovereignty” distinct from other states in the country.
• The special privileges and separate Constitution were considered aspects of asymmetric federalism rather than sovereignty.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court’s verdict validates the abrogation of Article 370, emphasizing its temporary nature and underscoring the constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union.
• The ruling provides clarity on the President’s power, the historical context, and the state’s constitutional status while reiterating the primacy of the Indian Constitution in governing the entire nation.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-upholds-abrogation-of-article-370-says-move-was-part-of-70-year-old-exercise-to-integrate-jk-to-the-union/article67626914.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Researchers at IIT Jodhpur have developed a groundbreaking method that combines algae-assisted microbial fuel cells to capture carbon dioxide, treat wastewater, and generate power simultaneously.

EXPLANATION:

• This technology represents a promising alternative to traditional carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) methods, offering multiple benefits in environmental remediation and energy production.

ALGAE-ASSISTED CARBON CAPTURE PROCESS

• Absorption of CO2 from Flue Gas
  • The process initiates by cooling the flue gas from thermal power stations and industrial plants using a heat exchanger.
  • The cooled flue gas is then directed to a sieve-plate absorption column, where sodium carbonate supplemented wastewater absorbs CO2, producing flue-gas-derived bicarbonates (FGDBs).
• Utilization in Algae-Assisted Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC)
  • FGDBs are utilized in plastic bag photobioreactors (PBRs) combined with algae-assisted microbial fuel cells.
  • This novel integration facilitates biochemical CO2 sequestration while simultaneously generating power and promoting algae biomass growth.

ADVANTAGES OVER CONVENTIONAL METHODS

• Efficiency of CO2 Fixation
  • Compared to the conventional method of bubbling flue gases into algal ponds, the indirect biochemical route adopted by IIT Jodhpur proves more efficient.
  • It converts CO2 into carbonates, enhancing the solubility of inorganic carbon in water, thereby fostering increased carbon retention in the water.
• Closed Systems and Wastewater Usage
  • The use of closed systems like PBRs is highlighted as preferable to open ponds, as they prevent decomposition of bicarbonates into CO2 and maintain pH levels.
  • Additionally, the technology utilizes wastewater, utilizing a thermo-tolerant algal strain (Chlorella vulgaris) capable of thriving in such conditions.

POWER GENERATION AND SCALING CHALLENGES

• Algae in Microbial Fuel Cells
  • The integration of algae into microbial fuel cells generates electricity.
  • This bio-electrochemical process harnesses the metabolic activity of microorganisms breaking down organic matter in wastewater, releasing electrons that produce electric current.
• Scalability and Limitations
  • While theoretically, all available flue gas can be used to grow algae, scalability presents challenges.
  • A tonne per day of CO2 capture demands a substantial algae culture area, limiting the practical scale of operation.
  • Moreover, only a small fraction of algae is used for power generation, leaving the majority available for bioenergy purposes.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND DEVELOPMENT

• Further Refinement and Research
  • Technology requires refinement and further research.
  • Developmental avenues include enhancing microbial consortia or genetically engineered strains, comprehensive mass balance studies, determination of feed flow rates, and retention times for efficient CO2 capture.
• Device Optimization
  • Enhancements to the device itself could involve integrating specialized gas diffusing devices (spargers) for a stable gas supply, ensuring sustained algal growth.

CONCLUSION

• IIT Jodhpur’s innovative algae-assisted microbial fuel cell technology showcases a promising approach to address multiple environmental challenges simultaneously.
• While requiring further development and refinement, its potential to capture CO2, treat wastewater, and generate power represents a significant step towards sustainable and efficient energy solutions.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-tech/carbon-capture-by-algae-assisted-microbial-fuel-cell-shows-promise/article67624539.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The renewable energy pledge, signed by 118 countries during the COP28 climate summit, aims to triple the world’s green energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030.

EXPLANATION:

• This initiative is crucial in reducing reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation.
• The objective is to limit the global average temperature increase, striving to stay below the 2-degree Celsius temperature rise since pre-industrial times, in alignment with the 2015 Paris Agreement goals.

Goals and Implications

• The pledge requires countries to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements from about 2% to over 4% each year until 2030.
• This ambitious target signifies a collective effort by world governments to mitigate the rise in emissions and shift away from fossil fuel dependency.
• The intention is to contribute to curbing the temperature rise and ideally achieve the more ambitious 1.5-degree Celsius goal set in the Paris Agreement.

Unbinding Nature of the Pledge

• It’s essential to note that while this pledge is a significant indicator of global leaders’ intentions to tackle emissions, it is not legally binding and is not officially part of the COP28 calendar.
• However, it signals a strong commitment to combatting global emissions.

ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN CLIMATE MITIGATION

• Renewable Energy’s Growing Dominance
  • The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that between 2022 and 2027, renewables will constitute over 90% of global electricity capacity expansion.
  • Countries like China, the EU, the US, and India are key drivers behind this acceleration, implementing policies, regulatory reforms, and market changes to address the energy crisis.
• Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels
  • Solar, wind, hydropower, and biofuels are recognized as the primary future energy sources, even in developing nations.
  • The ambitious aim to triple renewable energy by 2050 is expected to significantly diminish reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation.
• Global Efforts and India’s Role
  • Various countries are actively increasing their renewable energy capacity.
  • India, for instance, is the world’s third-largest renewable energy producer and aims to fulfill 50% of its electricity demands from renewables by 2030, with a net-zero emissions target by 2070.
  • However, challenges such as rising costs, labor constraints, and supply chain issues are impeding renewable energy projects globally.

GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION CHALLENGES

• Expanding Renewables Beyond Electricity
  • While the electricity sector is experiencing substantial growth in renewables, accounting for only a fifth of global energy consumption, integrating renewable sources into transportation and heating remains a critical challenge in the overall energy transition.
• Hurdles in Renewable Deployment
  • Despite the enthusiasm for renewable energy, deployment faces obstacles like rising costs, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions.
  • These challenges have resulted in delays and cancellations of projects, causing substantial financial losses for leading developers worldwide.

GEOPOLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND STANDPOINTS

• Initiatives and Opposition
  • The pledge spearheaded by the EU, US, and UAE received support from several countries but faced opposition from major coal-dependent nations like India and China.
  • These countries expressed concerns about the initiative’s stance on phasing down coal and halting investments in new coal-fired power plants.
• India’s Position
  • India, while initially staying away from the initiative due to its implications on coal, had previously supported a G20 commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  • This reflects the complexity of balancing energy transition goals with existing economic dependencies on coal.

CONCLUSION

• The renewable energy pledge at COP28 represents a significant commitment by numerous countries to accelerate the global shift towards renewable energy sources.
• Despite challenges and diverging perspectives, this initiative highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to mitigate climate change by transitioning away from fossil fuels.
• However, the practical implementation and overcoming of geopolitical differences pose significant challenges on the road to achieving these ambitious targets.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/cop28-tripling-renewable-energy-target-9062282/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

• THE CONTEXT: The Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojana, focusing on infrastructure development for the Kailas-Mansarovar yatra, recently came under scrutiny due to revelations of bypassing necessary environmental impact assessments (EIA).

EXPLANATION:

• Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, acknowledged that the environmental impact assessment norms were bypassed for civil works comprising the improvement of existing national highways in the Tanakpur to Pithoragarh section, totalling 825 kilometers.

• Project Division:
  • The project was fragmented into 53 parts, each less than 100 kilometers, effectively avoiding the requirement for environmental impact assessments, a strategy disclosed by Gadkari.

Lack of EIA and Supreme Court Directives

• Requirement for EIA:
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) guidelines state that projects involving highway expansion beyond 100 kilometers or extensive land acquisition demand prior environmental clearances.
  • However, due to the subdivision of the project, the need for EIA was circumvented.
• Supreme Court Intervention:
  • The Supreme Court, on the application by the Union Ministry of Defence, allowed the widening of three strategically significant National Highways under the Chardham Pariyojana.
  • The court mandated a 10-meter-wide pavement for these highways.

Committees and Oversight for Environmental Assessment

• Constitution of High-Powered Committee (HPC):
  • MoEFCC established an HPC with representatives from various institutes to analyze the cumulative and individual impact of the Chardham Projects on the Himalayan valleys.
  • The committee aims to issue directives for conducting EIA or Rapid EIA as needed.
• Oversight Committee by Supreme Court:
  • An “Oversight Committee” was set up by the Supreme Court to ensure the implementation of recommendations from the HPC’s report.
  • This committee oversees the compliance of its suggestions in the remaining segments of the Chardham Pariyojana.

Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojana (Char Dham Highway Development Project):

• Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the ambitious Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna on 27th December 2016 at Parade Ground in Dehradun.
• The project aims at improving the connectivity to the Char Dham pilgrimage centres in the Himalayas, making journey to these centres safer, faster and more convenient.
• The Chardham project includes developing 900 km of national highways in Uttarakhand at a total cost of Rs. 12000 crores.
• Work for 17 projects worth Rs 3000 crores have already been sanctioned and tendered.
• The entire length of the highways will be two-laned with paved shoulder and with a minimum width of 10 metres.
• There will be tunnels, bypasses, bridges, subways and viaducts to prevent traffic bottlenecks.
• A team of experts have been engaged to identify zones prone to landslides, and environment friendly techniques are being incorporated in the design to make these zones safer.
• Wayside amenities and public facilities will be constructed all along the Chardham route, including parking spaces and helipad for emergency evacuation.

Conclusion: Environmental Compliance and Continuing Scrutiny

• The revelation of bypassing EIA norms in the Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojayana has raised concerns regarding environmental compliance in crucial infrastructure projects.
• The intervention of the Supreme Court and the formation of committees signify ongoing efforts to rectify this issue and ensure environmental sustainability in the project’s execution.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/government-admits-to-have-bypassed-environment-impact-assessments-for-chardham-project-93268

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Centre on September 17, has received over 21 lakh applications in two and a half months, data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) show.

EXPLANATION:

• The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, initiated by the Centre, aims to support artisans and craftspeople by providing skill-upgradation training.
• Launched on September 17, the scheme garnered a significant response, receiving over 21 lakh applications within a span of two and a half months.

Application Statistics and Regional Participation

• Regional Distribution:
  • Karnataka led with 6.28 lakh applications, followed by West Bengal (4.04 lakh), Assam (1.83 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (1.53 lakh), and Andhra Pradesh (1.21 lakh).
  • Conversely, 15 states including Haryana, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern states have fewer than 10,000 applications each.
• Top Trades:
  • Tailors accounted for 43% (9.13 lakh) of the applications, followed by masons (4.72 lakh), carpenters (1.86 lakh), and contributions from basket-makers, barbers, and armourers.

FEATURES OF THE SCHEME:

• The scheme will be fully funded by the central government.
• Under the scheme, beneficiaries will also be provided Rs 15,000 each as toolkit incentives through e-vouchers or e-RUPI.
• It will be a purpose-specific voucher issued by banks on behalf of the central government. This means the voucher can be utilized only for the purpose of purchase of toolkits.
• The minimum age of the beneficiary should be 18 years on the date of registration.
• The name of the scheme is kept in honour of the divine builder and craftsman lord Vishwakarma. The PM Vishwakarma scheme is a central sector scheme.
• The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) will handle the scheme.
• It would be open to traditional artists and crafters from 2023-24 to 2027-28.

Objectives and Framework of the Scheme

• Skill Development:
  • The scheme provides formal training to modernize traditional skills amid evolving economic landscapes.
  • It encompasses 18 trades and crafts, offering financial assistance and avenues for market linkage.
• Vetting Process:
  • Applications are undergoing vetting at village, district, and state levels to ensure scrutiny and credibility.
• Training and Stipends:
  • Successful candidates will undergo basic training for 5-7 days and advanced training for 15 days, receiving a stipend of ₹500 per day.
  • Training includes exposure to modern tools, technologies, design elements, and digital and financial skills.

Implementation and Future Targets

• Training Programs:
  • The Ministry conducted a five-day training program for 41 master trainers across ten states.
  • These trainers will educate candidates in various trades.
• Master Trainer’s Perspective:
  • Master trainers are focusing on masonry and are upgrading local skills by incorporating modern techniques like ‘cross line laser level’ for levelling and aligning floors, ensuring knowledge transfer during training sessions.
• Incentives and Financial Support:
  • Upon completion of training, artisans will receive a tool kit incentive of ₹15,000 for purchasing modern tools and collateral-free loans at a lower interest rate (around 8%) up to ₹1 lakh, with an additional ₹2 lakh for establishing their businesses.

Importance of Digital and Financial Skills

• Enhancing Financial Literacy:
  • The scheme aims to improve digital and financial skills among traditional artisans to ensure proper income tracking, aligning with the country’s economic growth goals.
• The Vishwakarma Scheme stands as a comprehensive effort to empower artisans and craftspeople by bridging the gap between traditional skills and modern demands while facilitating their economic progress.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2115-lakh-applications-received-under-pm-vishwakarma-scheme-says-skill-ministry/article67624765.ece

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: Seventy-five years ago, the UN General Assembly approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at a meeting in Paris – laying one of the foundation stones of the international order that emerged following the horrors of World War II.

EXPLANATION:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, stands as a pivotal document in the realm of international human rights.
• Consisting of a concise preamble and 30 articles, the UDHR articulates fundamental rights and freedoms.

Foundational Principles and Key Rights

• The UDHR underscores the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals (Article 1).
• It asserts the entitlement of everyone to the rights and freedoms enumerated without discrimination based on various factors (Article 2).
• It safeguards crucial liberties such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person (Article 3), prohibits slavery and torture (Articles 4 and 5), and ensures equality before the law and fair trials (Articles 7-11).
• Additionally, the UDHR guarantees the rights to seek asylum, freedom of religion, opinion, expression, assembly, and education, emphasizing the universal nature of these rights.

Historical Context and Drafting Process

• Amid the aftermath of World War II and the Holocaust, global leaders sought to prevent future atrocities by establishing a roadmap for securing individual rights universally.
• The drafting committee, led by Eleanor Roosevelt, comprised members from various countries and finalized the UDHR after contributions from over 50 UN member countries.

Legal Status and Global Influence

• While not a legally binding treaty by itself, the UDHR’s principles have significantly influenced many nations’ laws and served as the bedrock of international human rights law.
• Its impact is evident in over 70 human rights treaties at both global and regional levels, guiding legal frameworks worldwide.

Contemporary Challenges and Relevance

• As the UDHR commemorates its 75th anniversary, the world faces numerous human rights challenges amidst conflicts, crises, and violations across different regions.
• Criticisms of the document include misuse for political agendas and selective observance by various governments.

Continuing Significance and Reflection

• Despite criticisms and challenges, the UDHR remains a foundational document, inspiring movements against discrimination, apartheid, and oppression globally.
• It stands as a testament to the possibility of a unified global vision for human rights and serves as a reminder of the imperatives of equality and dignity for all individuals.
• N. Human Rights Chief emphasizes the relevance of the UDHR and underscores the importance of honouring its successes and learning from its failures, asserting that human rights are intrinsic to every human being.

Conclusion

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a product of the post-WWII global order, holds immense significance in guiding and shaping human rights law and advocacy worldwide.
• Despite challenges and criticisms, its enduring legacy underscores the vital importance of respecting and safeguarding the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/universal-declaration-of-human-rights-marking-75th-anniversary-9061964/

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The European Union (EU) recently reached a landmark provisional agreement on comprehensive laws to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

EXPLANATION:

• This groundbreaking legislation positions the EU as the first continent to establish clear regulations governing AI technologies.
• The proposed AI Act is anticipated to undergo a vote in the European Parliament and is slated for implementation by 2025.

Significance of EU’s Framework in the Global AI Landscape

• Amidst the ongoing pursuits of the US, UK, and China to establish their AI regulatory frameworks, the EU’s legislation assumes considerable significance.
• It encompasses several safeguards regulating AI use, including guidelines for law enforcement adoption and provisions empowering consumers to file complaints regarding potential violations.

Key Components of the EU AI Legislation

• Safeguards and Restrictions:
  • The legislation features stringent restrictions on facial recognition technology and the use of AI for manipulating human behaviour.
  • Moreover, governments can only deploy real-time biometric surveillance in public areas during severe threats like terrorist activities.
• Risk-Based Classification:
  • AI applications are categorized broadly into four risk classes.
  • High-risk applications like AI in self-driving cars are allowed but subject to certification and open disclosure of underlying techniques.
  • Medium-risk applications, such as AI chatbots, require detailed documentation and transparency for user interactions.
• Empowerment for EU’s Tech Leadership:
  • European Commissioner views the legislation as a platform for EU startups and researchers to lead the global AI race.
  • It emphasizes trust-building through technology that prioritizes people’s safety and rights.

EU vs. US Approaches to AI Regulation

• EU’s Regulatory Leadership:
  • Over the past decade, the EU has been at the forefront of tech regulation with laws like GDPR, DSA, and DMA, focusing on privacy, curbing tech dominance, and protecting users.
  • The AI legislation further solidifies its stance on safeguarding individual rights.
• US Initiatives:
  • While the US has not passed significant tech-related legislations, recent moves like the White House Executive Order on AI and the proposed AI Bill of Rights showcase efforts to provide a regulatory framework.
  • However, these actions come after a prolonged absence of major tech regulations.

Global Impact and Diverse Approaches to AI Policy

• Diverse Responses to Generative AI:
  • Policymakers globally are scrutinizing generative AI tools, addressing concerns related to privacy, bias, and intellectual property rights.
  • The responses vary across regions, with the EU taking a stringent stance based on the nature of AI use cases, while the UK adopts a more innovation-friendly approach.
  • The US and China also offer their distinct regulations on AI.
• India’s Approach:
  • India aims to develop its sovereign AI infrastructure, emphasizing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) models.
  • This approach focuses on leveraging technology for governance solutions, targeting sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and language translation to drive economic development.

Conclusion: Global Perspectives on AI Regulation

• The EU’s groundbreaking AI legislation sets a precedent in regulating AI technologies, emphasizing safeguards, risk-based classification, and consumer empowerment.
• Amidst varying approaches worldwide, from stringent regulations to innovation-friendly policies, the global AI landscape is witnessing a pivotal moment as nations navigate the complex challenges and opportunities presented by AI advancements.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/eu-worlds-first-law-regulating-ai-9062105/

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY, GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution directed all mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for making any ethanol “with immediate effect”.

EXPLANATION:

• This directive is a setback for companies that had invested in facilities to produce ethanol directly from cane juice/syrup, affecting their operations.
• The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) aimed to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels by blending ethanol extracted from agricultural resources into petrol.
• This initiative has seen notable success, with ethanol blending in petrol rising significantly from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23.

Feedstock Diversification and Differential Pricing

• The increase in ethanol production was fuelled by diversification in feedstocks.
• Previously reliant on sugarcane-based feedstocks, the program expanded to include B-heavy molasses, concentrated sugarcane juice, surplus rice from FCI stocks, damaged food grains, and maize.
• Differential pricing policies, introduced by the government, incentivized ethanol production from alternative feedstocks by offering higher prices for ethanol produced from sources other than C-heavy molasses.

Impact on Supply and Blending Targets

• The directive has implications for the supply of ethanol to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), affecting their ability to meet blending targets.
• OMCs received offers for ethanol supply for 2023-24, with a significant portion (135 crore litres) coming from ethanol produced from sugarcane juice/syrup.
• The restriction could lead to stranded capacities and impact the achievement of blending targets, set at 15%.

Shift in Feedstock and Pricing Policy

• Industry experts anticipate a shift in ethanol production from a reliance on sugarcane-based feedstocks to greater utilization of grains due to the government’s supportive pricing policies.
• These policies have encouraged diversification and reduced dependence on a single feedstock or crop for ethanol production.

Concerns Over Sugar Supply

• The directive limiting sugarcane juice/syrup for ethanol production is tied to concerns over sugar supply.
• The sugar year ended with low stocks, and uncertainties over production for the current year further compound the situation.
• Anticipated declines in sugar production in key states like Maharashtra and Karnataka due to inadequate rainfall and low reservoir levels add to the apprehension.

Government Prioritization: Food Over Fuel

• The recent directives, coupled with the ban on sugar exports, signal the government’s prioritization of domestic food supply over ethanol production.
• This stance underscores a preference for ensuring adequate food availability for consumers over prioritizing fuel production.

ETHANOL BLENDING PROGRAMME:

• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in January, 2003 with a target of blending 5% ethanol with petrol by 2010.
• The target was subsequently revised to 10% by 2022 and 20% by 2030.
• The programme sought to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels and to reduce import dependency for energy requirements.

Conclusion

• The recent restrictions on using sugarcane juice/syrup for ethanol production have significant ramifications for the ethanol blending program in India.
• They not only impact the supply of ethanol but also highlight the government’s prioritization of food security over fuel production, reflecting concerns over sugar stocks and production uncertainties in the agricultural sector.
• The industry may see a shift towards alternative feedstocks and pricing strategies to navigate these challenges in achieving ethanol blending targets set by the government.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/food-versus-fuel-whats-happening-with-centres-ethanol-blending-scheme-9062757/

THE CONTEXT: Two months after Israel’s bombardment of Gaza residents in retaliation for the terror attacks by Hamas, India joined the global call to stop the bombing. It voted in favour of a resolution at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) along with 152 other nations.

BACKGROUND:

• The United Nations Secretary-General invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, urging the UN Security Council to act on the war in Gaza.
• Article 99 allows the secretary-general to “bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security”.

UN RESOLUTION:

• The 193-member UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the draft resolution ‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations’.
• It was initiated by Egypt, at an Emergency Special Session of UNGA with 153 nations voting in favour, 10 against and 23 abstentions. .
• Those voting against included Austria, Israel and the US while Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ukraine and the UK were among those who abstained.
• The resolution demanded

1. An immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza
2. An observance of international humanitarian law
3. The unconditional release of all hostages by ensuring humanitarian access

• The 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) expressed grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population.
• While the UNGA does not have the power to enforce its resolutions as the UNSC does, it carries the sentiment of the global community against the Israeli bombardment of Gaza that has rendered more than a million people homeless.

INDIA’S STAND:

• India’s vote was a shift from its previous vote at the UNGA resolution on October 27, when India had decided to abstain from voting for a resolution that called for a ceasefire.
• The government explained this to be a matter of principle, as part of India’s “zero-tolerance” approach towards terrorism, as the earlier resolution did not contain an “explicit condemnation” of the October 7 attacks.
• However, while the UNGA resolution passed recently bears no direct mention of the terror attacks, India has voted in favour.
• Although the government has yet to detail the rationale, there could be several reasons:

1. High casualty: There is high casualty with 18,000 dead and the highest such toll of nearly 90 journalists.
2. Hostages: More than 80% of the entire population is homeless. More than 100 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas custody.
3. Indiscriminate use of missiles: Israeli defence forces have gone far beyond their original mandate of eliminating Hamas capacity and freeing the hostages and led to forced occupation of more territory. Even the U.S., Israel’s biggest ally, estimates that nearly half of the 29,000 air-to-ground munitions deployed by Israel thus far are “unguided” or indiscriminate missiles.
4. Global opinion: Global opinion, including Indian public opinion, has moved from sympathy with Israel, to horror at the unfolding aftermath. India could not have been immune to entreaties by Palestine and the Gulf States to take a relook at its vote.

IMPLICATIONS:

• It may be too early to see India’s UNGA vote as a reversal of its earlier position and a reversion to its original position in the conflict, where it has traditionally called for peace.
• Much will depend on the role India chooses for itself in ensuring the ceasefire is effected and holds, given that Israel has already rejected the UNGA

WAY FORWARD:

• India’s Principled Stand: India should reiterate its support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue and call for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict.
• Balanced Approach: India has always shown a balanced approach and it should continue doing this. For example, even with closer ties to Israel, India continued supporting Palestine. India’s External Affairs Ministry voiced support for direct negotiations towards a sovereign Palestinian state, showing a balance in its stance.
• More vocal position: India must take a more vocal position on Gaza with Israel. India will need to mobilise its diplomatic skills and goodwill with the main actors to negotiate in the coming times.
• India role for peace in west Asia: India’s role in multilateral organizations requires constant efforts in cooperation with all related parties to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and West Asia”.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s recent vote in UN General Assembly reflects its balanced approach to international conflicts.  It underscores India’s commitment to principles of diplomacy and its focus on a negotiated resolution to complex global issues.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)

Q.2 ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leave UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of the US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.(2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 India is currently facing dilemma with respect to ongoing Israel Palestine conflict. Suggest the diplomatic and political efforts that can help India protect its geopolitical interests.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/principled-shift-the-hindu-editorial-on-indias-stand-on-gaza/article67638569.ece

THE CONTEXT: More than four years after the abrogation of Article 370, the Supreme Court of India, recently, unanimously upheld the actions of the Indian government. While much of the discourse around the judgment has focused on the question of statehood, the special status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was at the heart of the matter as well.

SPECIAL STATUS OF ARTICLE 370:

• Basic Principles committee’s report, based on which the State Constitution was drafted, stated: ‘The sovereignty of the State resides in the people thereof and shall except in regard to matters specifically entrusted to the Union be exercised on their behalf by the various organs of the State.
• The State’s legislature will have powers to make laws for the State in respect of all matters falling within the sphere of its residuary sovereignty’.

ANALYSING THE SC JUDGEMENT:

• To arrive at its conclusions, the Court employs a historical, textual, and structural interpretation of the Constitution of India, and all three approaches are deeply informed by constitutional monism.
• There are the sites where the Court employs a monist reading of the Constitution, and it sets a dangerous precedent for federalism in India.

Federalism and constitutional sovereignty

• Union Constitution as sole bearer of sovereignty: The monism that is reflected in the judgment imagines the Union Constitution as the sole bearer of internal and external sovereignty. Unlike this, Article 370 laid down an elaborate framework for the distribution of powers and authority between the Union and the State governments.
• Non recognition of shared sovereignty: By focusing more on the particular concept of sovereignty ‘which requires no subordination to another body’, the Court ends up refusing to recognise the shared sovereignty model of Article 370. Sovereignty in federal constitutions is not a binary concept but it encompasses various dimensions and exists along a spectrum of degrees.

The contingency of the presidential power

• Unbridled power of constituent assembly: Another site where the Court’s monism operates is in its reading of Clause 3 of Article 370. The Court rejects the argument that Article 370 had gained permanence after the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly. It stated that it is premised on the understanding that the constitutional body had unbridled power to alter the constitutional integration of the State with the Union’. In a constitutional democracy, no body or institution has unbridled powers. Further, Clause 3 of Article 370 is primarily concerned with the relationship of two powers and not just the status or the relationship of the power-bearing entities.
• Presidential power to abrogate Article 370: The proviso to Clause 3 makes it clear that the presidential power to abrogate Article 370 was contingent on the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly. As it is in the nature of the presidential powers under Clause 3 to be contingent on the Constituent Assembly, this limitation does not die with the dissolution of the Assembly. The relation of powers here does not mean that the President becomes ‘subordinate’ to the Constituent Assembly but that power as a federal arrangement has been distributed across multiple axes under Article 370.  President’s limitless power to abrogate Article 370 makes State’s Constitution inoperative .It led to application of the Indian Constitution to the State of Jammu and Kashmir which severely affects the federalism and constitutional democracy.

STATE’S VIEWS

• Non binding nature of state’s view: The judgment’s monism imagines popular sovereignty as a monolith where since the views of an individual state for the purposes of reorganisation are not binding on There are many sites within the Constitution where a recommendatory power is vested in a body. Merely because that power may not be binding does not mean that the power can be taken over by another body or that power need not be exercised.
• Unequal nature of states: The inevitable conclusion that one arrives at is that the popular sovereignty of a State’s people vis-à-vis the State becomes subordinate to the popular sovereignty of the entire nation vis-à-vis the Union as well as the States. This is particularly worrying in the context of J&K where the threshold for reorganising the State was historically much higher compared to the other States.

THE CONCLUSION:

The Court by relying on a monist reading of the Constitution has not only upheld the abrogation of Article 370 but has also put its stamp on the approval of the silencing of the voice of the people of the former State of J&K. At the same time, misuse of the President’s rule to bring irrevocable changes to the states like bifurcation of the state without consulting the state legislative assemblies undermines federal principles.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss The future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (2016)

Q.2 The banning of ‘Jamaat-e-islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over- ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 What is constitutional monism? Examine the Supreme Court’s judgment on the abrogation of Art 370 in the context of the principle of  constitutional monism which seems to affect federalism and constitutional democracy in India.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article-370-judgment-is-a-case-of-constitutional-monism/article67635313.ece

THE CONTEXT: The SC upheld the decision to abrogate the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. At the same time, the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court expressly directed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) must conduct elections to the Legislative Assembly of J&K by September 30, 2024.

STATUS OF ELECTIONS IN J&K

• J&K remains among India’s most conflict-prone regions due to historical reasons related to integration of the erstwhile princely State into the Indian Union and later due to accumulated grievances over the conduct of democratic processes.
• Even when periodic and regular elections were conducted during the height of the militancy, participation was limited in many parts of the Valley, denoting the dissatisfaction with the political system.
• However, since the early-mid 2000s when electoral participation improved, and J&K’s citizens began to partake in the democratic process to get their concerns addressed.
• Then again due to agitations and protests by separatists over security policies and later due to steps taken by union government led to the current situation.
• In the last five and a half years, local government elections have been held with varying levels of participation indicating that the citizens in the state have been against the measures that have been implemented since 2018.
• It is welcome step that the Court has set a deadline to conduct the long-delayed elections in J&K, which has been under spells of Governor’s Rule and President’s Rule since 2018 and without a Legislative Assembly.

ISSUES:

• Delayed statehood: There is long standing demand of statehood that is being delayed unnecessarily. Even the recent SC judgment does not press the government to restore statehood to the bifurcated Union Territory. It could have directed the Union government to restore statehood by a specified date, as there remains no reason for the continuance of J&K as a Union Territory.
• Democratic process: Jammu and Kashmir has not seen legislative elections for nine years. The last Assembly election took place in 2014, and the last elected administration fell in June 2018. The delay in holding Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir has raised questions about the democratic process in the region. Despite assurances that the administration is ready whenever the Election Commission of India (ECI) decides, the recent announcement of a committee to look into simultaneous State and Union elections suggests that elections are unlikely to happen soon.
• Representation: The recommendations of the Delimitation Commission raised concerns about equal representation, affecting the democratic principle of equal representation. Further complicating matters were changes in residency rules that allowed a significant number of new voters to be added to the existing voter pool. The expansion of reserved seats and the inclusion of more groups in the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes categories could exacerbate competition within these categories. This led to concerns about the denial of democratic rights and constitutional obligations.
• Increasing militancy: Despite steps taken for maintaining peace in the state, political instability, separatism and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism continue to surround the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Early conduction of election: By conducting speedy assembly election, it is believed that elected representatives could address issues such as unemployment and land rights more effectively. Holding an Assembly election at the earliest could bring stability in the region.
• Deadline for statehood: As with elections, the Supreme Court should have given a deadline for restoration of statehood too. Restoration of statehood is an important measure as this guarantees a degree of federal autonomy to the province. It allows the elected government to be able to better address the concerns of the electorate than depend on the representatives of the Union government.
• Trust and confidence building: It is crucial to address the concerns and expectations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Delaying the democratic process undermines the region’s confidence in the political system. To build trust and stability, it is essential to ensure that free and fair election while giving representative of the diverse population.
• Outreach programme: Government can mitigate the challenges arising out of action on article 370 by launching a comprehensive outreach programme to all Kashmiris.
• International image: India’s unique selling proposition as a leader in the Global South can only be achieved if it sets precedent for conduct of formal democratic process in the country. It can be done by conflict resolution in places such as Kashmir.

THE CONCLUSION:

The delay in holding Assembly elections has led to widespread discontent in the region. People are concerned about the shrinking number of their representatives and the potential impact of new reservations on political dynamics.  It is time for the restoration of popular government as well as Statehood in J&K and elections should be held at earliest and for that strong political will is required.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss The future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (2016)

Q.2 The banning of ‘Jamaat-e-islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q) The abrogation of Article 370 was the culmination of a “gradual and collaborative exercise” spread over the past 70 years between the Centre and the State to integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the Union. Critically discuss the statement in the light of the SC verdict upholding the abrogation of Art 370.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/welcome-direction-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-supreme-courts-deadline-to-conduct-elections-in-jk/article67631471.ece