THE CONTEXT: The SC has upheld the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which conferred special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and said steps should be taken to conduct elections in the assembly by September 30, 2024. However, it has received criticism and opposition termed the “manner” in which the abrogation of Article 370 took place as “unconstitutional.”

REASONS FOR ABROGATION:

Temporary Provision: Article 370 is titled “Temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”. This suggests it wasn’t meant to be permanent.

Uniformity: Removal can lead to the uniform application of Indian laws to Jammu & Kashmir, integrating it fully with India.

Development & Growth: It was believed that removal can boost the region’s development, as it would get equal attention and opportunities like other states.

Limited Integration: It was argued that Article 370 has hindered the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. They believe that the provision has perpetuated a sense of separatism and prevented the region from fully embracing its Indian identity.

ISSUES RAISED BY OPPOSITION:

Federal interest: In upholding the removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, the Supreme Court of India has imperilled the rights of States. It represents not merely judicial deference, but a retreat from the Court’s known positions on federalism, democratic norms and the sanctity of legal processes. The most potent attack on federal principles is the Court’s conclusion that Parliament, while a State is under President’s Rule, can do any act, legislative or otherwise on behalf of the State legislature. This alarming interpretation undermines the basic feature of the Constitution as enunciated by the Court itself and may have grave implications for the rights of States.

Violating constitutional provisions:  Article 370, whether it was temporary or not, is a provision of the Indian Constitution. As per, Article 368 any provision of the Constitution has to be amended by the Parliament with a requisite majority. But abrogation was not done in accordance with that is termed as invalid.

Undermined historical context: The Instrument of Accession was like a treaty between two sovereign countries that had decided to work together. The SC verdict fails to appreciate historical context and undermines constitutional procedure by striping Kashmir of its special status and bring it on a par with other States.

Did not consult elected representative: The government seems to have acted in a mala fide manner by imposing President’s Rule for the intended abrogation of special status without the need to involve any elected representative from J&K. As, in the reorganisation of the state, the Presidential order also requires the concurrence of the government of the state. However, since Jammu & Kashmir is currently under Governor’s rule, the Governor’s concurrence is deemed to be the government’s concurrence.

THE WAY FORWARD:

Preserving Regional Identity: One of the primary rationales behind Article 370 was to respect and preserve the unique identity, history, and culture of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. There should be adequate steps by the union government to address the same.

Upholding Democratic Principles: Article 370 exemplifies India’s commitment to democratic principles by respecting the choice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to have their own constitution and laws. There is a need to uphold democratic principles emphasizing the importance of a government accountable to the people it serves.

Safeguarding Federal principles: The state is an integral part of India with unique privileges and autonomy. There is a need to safeguard and enhance the autonomy and rights of the state the face of increasing centralization and interference from the Centre.

Addressing Historical Context: The inclusion of Article 370 was a response to the specific historical context of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India after independence in 1947. The provision was a result of negotiations between the leaders of the state and the Indian government to address the concerns and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This historical context should be kept in mind when taking any step that is irreversible in nature.

THE CONCLUSION:

The recent SC verdict though rightly upheld Indian sovereignty over J&K,  undermines federalism and democratic processes to a frightening degree. There is a need for holistic approach for a successful transition, combining economic growth, inclusive governance ensuring a brighter future for the region while upholding its sovereignty and integrity.

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.1 With the verdict on Article 370 petitions, the Supreme Court (SC) has drawn to a close a historical legal battle that has recast Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional relationship with the Union of India. Comment.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/ominously-anti-federal-on-the-supreme-courts-judgement-on-article-370-and-jks-special-status/article67628150.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: As per an annual report published on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28 at Dubai recently, India has been effectively ranked fourth in climate performance 2024.

EXPLANATION:

• India secured the seventh rank in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) for 2022, exhibiting an improvement from its eighth position last year.
• Despite this, India effectively stands fourth as no country occupies the top three ranks in the ‘very high’ performance category.
• The report was released during COP28 in Dubai, highlighting India’s score of 70.25% in climate performance, a notable increase from its 67.35% score the previous year.

Top Performing Countries and India’s Position

• Denmark retained the top position in the index with a score of 75.59%, followed by Estonia and the Philippines in the second and third positions, respectively. India closely followed, securing the fourth position in the rankings. However, it is imperative to note that most developed countries witnessed a decline in their performance compared to the previous year.

Global Trends and Concerns Highlighted in the Report

• Global Emissions and Targets:
  • The report emphasizes the urgency for countries to peak their emissions by 2025 and halve their emissions by 2030 in comparison to 2020 levels to maintain the 1.5°C goal set in the Paris Agreement.
  • Despite this urgency, global greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2022, and atmospheric CO2 levels are now 50% higher than pre-industrial levels.
• Lack of Improvement in Global Performance:
  • An analysis showed that out of 64 assessed countries, 37 countries regressed in their performance from the previous year, and the positions of five countries remained unchanged.
  • This stagnation in progress toward reducing emissions is a significant concern outlined in the report.

Parameters Considered in Assessing Climate Performance

• The CCPI evaluates countries based on four key categories, each contributing to a percentage of the overall ranking:
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions (40%):
    • India ranked ninth in this category, attributed to its lower per capita energy use.
  • Renewable Energy (20%):
    • India ranked 37th, signalling a slight decline in performance from the preceding year, despite remaining within the ‘high’ performance category.
  • Energy Use (20%):
    • India ranked tenth due to its low per capita benchmark, contributing to a favorable assessment in this category.
  • Climate Policy (20%):
    • India also ranked tenth in Climate Policy, indicating moderate progress in policy initiatives for climate change mitigation.

India’s Energy Landscape and Coal Dependence

• Renewable Energy Progress:
  • While India shows a positive trend in renewable energy, the report highlights this progress as slow, leading to its 37th rank in the category.
• Challenges with Coal Usage:
  • India’s heavy reliance on coal to meet its escalating energy demands remains a significant concern.
  • The report underscores that despite efforts to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) through promoting renewable energy, the reliance on coal and fossil fuels leads to substantial greenhouse gas emissions and severe air pollution, particularly in urban areas.

Comparative Analysis with BASIC Group (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) and Developed Nations

• Performance of BASIC Countries:
  • Apart from India, other BASIC countries like China, Brazil, and South Africa showcase varying performances.
  • China retained its position from the previous year, while Brazil improved significantly by 15 positions.
  • South Africa experienced a slight decline in rank.
• Challenges for Developed Nations:
  • Developed countries like Italy, United Kingdom, France, Japan, and the United States witnessed a decline in their rankings, reflecting challenges in meeting climate goals and reducing emissions.

Conclusion and Concerns for Future Climate Action

• The CCPI report highlights India’s commendable performance in certain parameters but emphasizes the need for accelerated progress in renewable energy, reduced reliance on coal, and more robust climate policy measures.
• Globally, the report underlines the stagnation in climate performance and the urgency for countries, especially developed nations, to ramp up efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve emission reduction targets.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/cop28-india-had-fourth-best-ranking-in-climate-performance-among-countries-during-2022-says-report-93276

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a private member’s Bill has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha aiming to amend the Constitution concerning the Governor’s role.

EXPLANATION:

• The primary goal of the Bill is to provide State Assemblies with the authority to recall Governors and enhance accountability and legitimacy within the Governor’s office.

Proposed Amendments and Electoral Process

• Election Process:
  • The Bill suggests altering the method of Governor selection by proposing that Governors be elected by an electoral college comprising members from Legislative Assemblies, Gram Panchayats, Municipalities, and Corporations via proportional representation and secret ballot.
• Fixed Term and Removal Process:
  • It proposes a fixed five-year term for Governors from the date of assuming office and outlines a process for Governors to resign by writing to the Speaker of State Assemblies.
  • Additionally, it suggests a removal process through a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of the State Legislative Assembly.

Debate Highlights and Opinions

• Support from Opposition:
  • Members of the Opposition generally supported the Bill, citing the regular conflicts between Governors and State governments.
  • They advocated for Parliament’s intervention to safeguard the federal rights of States and criticized instances of Governors delaying assent to Bills, violating constitutional provisions.
• Concerns and Opposition Stance:
  • Some members expressed reservations about the Bill.
  • Some argued that the Governor’s office carries official responsibility, not accountability.
  • it was highlighted that the importance of the Governor is in maintaining the federal structure of the Constitution.
  • The Governor’s role as a bridge between the Centre and the States has been emphasized.

Criticism of Governor’s Role and Central Influence

• Issues Raised:
  • Members highlighted concerns about Governors allegedly functioning as political agents of the ruling party at the Centre, influencing decisions, and causing conflicts with elected State governments.
• Accusations of Central Influence:
  • Some MPs criticized the Governor’s office as a mechanism of colonialism, suggesting that Governors are guided by directives from central authorities, undermining their impartiality.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE GOVERNOR

• Article 153 says that there shall be a Governor for each State. One person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
• A Governor is appointed by the President and is a nominee of the Central Government.
• It is stated that the Governor has a dual role.
• He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his Council of Ministers (CoM).
• He functions as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government.
• Articles 157 and 158 specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. A governor must:
• Be a citizen of India.
• Be at least 35 years of age.
• Not be a member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
• Not hold any office of profit.
• Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, etc. (Article 161).
• There is a CoM with the CM at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except some conditions for discretion. (Article 163).
• The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers (Article 164).
• Governor assents, withholds assent, or reserves the bill for the consideration of the President passed by the Legislative Assembly (Article 200).
• Governors may promulgate the Ordinances under certain circumstances (Article 213).
• Governor’s role:
• The Governor holds a constitutional position and is expected to perform specific functions, including granting assent to bills passed by the state legislature and ensuring the proper functioning of state administration.
• The Governor’s actions are perceived as a hindrance to these responsibilities.

Conclusion and Divergent Views

• The debate over the private member’s Bill underscores the divergence in opinions regarding the role, selection, accountability, and influence of Governors in Indian states.
• While some advocate for enhanced accountability through State Assembly oversight, others emphasize the Governor’s role in maintaining the federal structure and bridging the gap between the Centre and States.
• The discussions in the Rajya Sabha reveal a spectrum of views on the proposed amendments and the contentious nature of Governor-State government relations within India’s federal structure.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/agri-business/food-ministry-revises-wheat-stock-limits-to-rein-in-prices-hoarding/article67618881.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The recent revision of wheat stock limits by the Centre comes in response to unchanged soaring prices of wheat and wheat flour across various parts of the country.

EXPLANATION:

• The move aims to regulate stockpiling activities, curb hoarding, and ensure adequate food security.

Revised Stock Limits for Different Entities

• Traders and Wholesalers:
  • The revised stock limit for traders and wholesalers has been reduced from 2000 metric tonnes (MT) to 1000 MT, thereby aiming to restrict excessive accumulation.
• Retailers:
  • Each retail outlet is now permitted to stock five MT, reduced from the previous limit of 10 MT.
  • Whereas big chain retailers can store 5 MT per outlet and 1000 MT collectively at their depots, as opposed to the earlier limits of 10 MT and 2000 MT, respectively.
• Processors:
  • The new limit for processors is 70% of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the remaining months of 2023-24.
  • This replaces the earlier limit, which was 75% of the annual installed capacity or the quantity equivalent to the monthly installed capacity multiplied by the remaining months of 2023-24, whichever was lesser till the current date.

Government’s Rationale and Regulatory Measures

• Food Security and Preventing Hoarding:
  • The Centre emphasizes that these revisions aim to manage overall food security and prevent hoarding and speculative practices within the wheat market.
• Legislation and Enforcement:
  • The decisions fall under the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits, and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2023.
  • Entities involved in wheat stocking are directed to register on the government’s wheat stock limit portal and update their stock positions weekly.
  • Failure to comply or violations may face punitive action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, with a 30-day window to conform to the prescribed limits.

Monitoring and Market Interventions

• Enforcement and Monitoring:
  • The government assures close monitoring by officials at both central and state levels to ensure compliance with these stock limits and to prevent any artificial scarcity of wheat in the country.
• Increased Supplies in Open Market:
  • Immediate steps include an increase in supplies in the open market from 3 lakh MT to 4 lakh MT, aimed at enhancing wheat availability.
• Targeted Sales:
  • Identifying areas with higher prices, central cooperative organizations such as NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandar are engaged in targeted sales to address the immediate market demands and stabilize prices in those regions.

Conclusion

• The government’s decision to revise wheat stock limits intends to strike a balance between ensuring adequate availability of wheat in the market while discouraging hoarding practices that contribute to price escalation.
• By implementing stringent regulations, monitoring mechanisms, and increasing open market supplies, the Centre aims to stabilize prices and maintain sufficient wheat stocks to safeguard food security in the country.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/agri-business/food-ministry-revises-wheat-stock-limits-to-rein-in-prices-hoarding/article67618881.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recent seismic activity in parts of north India and Nepal has been attributed to the activation of the Almora fault, according to Earth Sciences Minister.

EXPLANATION:

Background Seismicity and Recent Spike

• Consistent Background Seismicity:
  • The Earth Sciences Minister highlighted the steady level of background seismic activity, denoting usual earthquake occurrences, in the regions under scrutiny.
• Recent Spike in Earthquakes:
  • Despite the consistent background seismicity, certain areas in north India and Nepal experienced a surge in seismic events, particularly attributed to the activation of the Almora fault.

Role of Almora Fault in Earthquake Occurrences

• Triggering Significant Earthquakes:
  • The Almora fault, a critical geological structure in the western Himalayas, has played a pivotal role in recent seismic activity.
• Key Mainshocks and Their Magnitudes:
  • Notable earthquakes were reported on January 24 (5.8 magnitude), October 3 (6.2 magnitude), and November 3 (6.4 magnitude), all linked to the Almora fault.
• Geological Significance:
  • The fault line lies adjacent to active faults within the Himalayan region, where the Indian plate subducts under the Eurasian Plate, resulting in frequent seismic occurrences.

Impact and Concerns

• Geographical Impact:
  • The seismic events had a wide-reaching impact, with tremors felt across a significant area.
  • For instance, the January 24 quake centered in Nepal was felt strongly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
• Safety and Preparedness Concerns:
  • The recent activation of the Almora fault has raised concerns regarding regional safety measures and preparedness for potential earthquakes.

Mitigation Efforts and Safety Measures

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Initiatives:
  • The BIS’s has played an important role in releasing the Seismic Zoning Map of India, categorizing regions into different risk zones (II to V) and offering guidelines for constructing earthquake-resistant structures.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Interventions:
  • The NDMA is actively implementing precautionary measures, including earthquake drills, awareness campaigns, and incident management strategies to enhance preparedness and response capabilities in seismic zones.

Lessons and Continued Vigilance

• Aftermath and Aftershocks:
  • The aftermath of the earthquakes, especially the powerful November 3 quake registering a magnitude of 6.4, was marked by more than 382 aftershocks.
  • It emphasized the necessity for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in seismically active regions.
• Regional Safety and Ongoing Concerns:
  • The recent seismic events underscore the ongoing concern for regional safety and the need for sustained efforts in earthquake preparedness and risk reduction strategies.

Conclusion

• The statement by Earth Sciences Minister highlighted the increased seismic activity in specific regions attributed to the activation of the Almora fault.
• By emphasizing the significance of geological structures like the Almora fault and the subsequent impact on safety, the minister underscores the importance of proactive measures, guidelines, and initiatives aimed at mitigating the risks associated with earthquakes and enhancing preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.

SOURCE: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/what-led-to-frequent-earthquakes-this-year-earth-sciences-minister-answers-2473074-2023-12-07

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Dark matter remains one of the most enigmatic components of the universe, constituting a substantial portion (around 85%) of its mass. However, its elusive nature—being nonluminous and undetectable via traditional means—has made it a challenging puzzle for astrophysicists and cosmologists.

The Dark Matter Conundrum

• Nature of Dark Matter:
  • Unlike normal matter, dark matter doesn’t interact via electromagnetic forces, making it invisible to telescopes and difficult to directly observe.
• The Cold Dark Matter Theory (CDM):
  • Prevailing theories, such as the CDM paradigm, suggest that dark matter particles are collisionless, influencing cosmic structure formation through gravitational effects.

Puzzles in Astrophysics

• High-Density Dark Matter Halo in Massive Elliptical Galaxies:
  • Observations of strong gravitational lensing revealed a high-density dark matter halo, challenging the expectations set by the CDM theory.
• Ultra-Diffuse Galaxies with Extremely Low Densities:
  • Conversely, ultra-diffuse galaxies exhibit remarkably low luminosity and dispersed distributions, posing another challenge to the CDM theory.

Introducing SIDM as a Solution

• Self-Interacting Dark Matter (SIDM) Theory:
  • SIDM proposes that dark matter particles interact through a dark force, allowing for self-collisions, particularly near the center of galaxies.
• Research Led by Hai-Bo Yu:
  • A team led by Professor Hai-Bo Yu from the University of California, Riverside, conducted a study exploring SIDM’s potential to address these astrophysical puzzles.

Simulations and Findings

• High-Resolution Simulations:
  • The research team conducted high-resolution simulations of cosmic structure formation incorporating strong dark matter self-interactions.
• Heat Transfer and Halo Density:
  • SIDM simulations revealed that self-interactions lead to heat transfer within halos, diversifying their central densities compared to their CDM counterparts.
• Reconciling Opposite Extremes:
  • SIDM’s ability to explain both high-density halos and ultra-diffuse galaxies challenges the limitations of the CDM paradigm.

Implications and Future Prospects

• Challenges to CDM Paradigm:
  • The puzzles presented by observations of different galactic structures pose challenges for the traditional CDM theory.
• SIDM as a Compelling Candidate:
  • SIDM emerges as a compelling candidate to reconcile these extremes, presenting a more intricate and dynamic view of dark matter.
• Encouraging Further Studies:
  • The team hopes their work encourages more investigations in this area, particularly leveraging upcoming astronomical observatories’ data, such as the James Webb Space Telescope and the Rubin Observatory.
• Significance of Observational Probes and Simulations:
  • This study underscores the significance of utilizing astrophysical observations and sophisticated simulations to understand dark matter’s properties and behaviour.

Conclusion

• The study by Hai-Bo Yu and collaborators sheds light on the potential of SIDM to address the discrepancies observed in the distribution and density of dark matter within different galactic structures.
• By challenging the prevailing CDM paradigm, this research paves the way for a deeper understanding of dark matter’s complexities, urging further exploration and investigation in this intriguing field.

SOURCE: https://phys.org/news/2023-12-dark-theory-puzzles-astrophysics.html

THE CONTEXT: The Global Hunger Index, 2023 has ranked India 117th out of 125 countries. But the Government has objected to the ranking citing flawed methodology. This article explains about the Global Hunger Index and the issue of hunger and malnutrition in India from the UPSC perspective.

WHAT IS GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX?

• The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at global, regional, and national levels, reflecting multiple dimensions of hunger over time.
• The GHI is intended to raise awareness and understanding of the struggle against hunger, provide a way to compare levels of hunger between countries and regions. It calls for attention to those areas of the world where hunger levels are highest and where the need for additional efforts to eliminate hunger is greatest.
• It is calculated by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) based in Washington, D.C. It is Jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe annually.
• Based on the values of four indicators, a GHI score is calculated on a 100 point scale reflecting the severity of the hunger, where 0 is the best possible score(no hunger) and 100 is the worst.

THE GHI CALCULATION METHODOLOGY:

AN OVERVIEW OF INDIA’S RANK

1. DECLINING TREND

India’s rank in the Global Hunger Index has consistently worsened in the last 10 years, and the country’s rank has become quite poor since 2016.

2. Nutrition assessment

• Undernourishment: The undernourishment rate in India is 16.6%.
• Under-five mortality: India’s under-five mortality rate is 3.1%.
• Prevalence of anaemia: The prevalence of anaemia in women between the ages of 15-24 stood at 58.1%. More than 50% of women and adolescents are anaemic in the country, one of the highest across the world.
• Child-wasting: As per the index, India also has the highest child-wasting rate in the world at 18.7%, reflecting acute undernutrition.
• Child stunting: It has declined from 38.7% to 35.5% between 2014 and 2023.

DEFINITION OF THE KEY TERMS:

Hunger: It is usually understood to refer to the distress associated with a lack of sufficient calories. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines food deprivation, or undernourishment, as the habitual consumption of too few calories to provide the minimum dietary energy an individual requires to live a healthy and productive life, given that person’s sex, age, stature, and physical activity level.

Undernutrition: It goes beyond calories and signifies deficiencies in any or all of the following: energy, protein, and/ or essential vitamins and minerals. Undernutrition is the result of inadequate intake of food in terms of either quantity or quality, poor utilization of nutrients due to infections or other illnesses, or a combination of these immediate causes.

Malnutrition: It refers more broadly to both undernutrition (problems caused by deficiencies) and overnutrition (problems caused by unbalanced diets that involve consuming too many calories in relation to requirements, with or without low intake of micronutrient-rich foods).

Stunting: It is defined as low height-for-age. It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition, usually associated with poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness and/or inappropriate feeding and care in early life.

Wasting: It is defined as low weight-for-height. It often indicates recent and severe weight loss, although it can also persist for a long time.It usually occurs when a person has not had food of adequate quality and quantity and/or they have had frequent or prolonged illnesses.

3. India’s comparison with Neighboring countries

          India fares worse (rank lower) than South Asian countries- Sri Lanka (60), Nepal (69), Bangladesh (81), and Pakistan (102).

WHAT IS THE RESPONSE OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA VIS A VIS THE INDEX

FAILS TO REPRESENT REALITY

• Government said in a statement that the Global Hunger Index is an inaccurate indicator of “hunger” and fails to accurately represent India’s situation.
• The report is disconnected from ground reality and is an attempt to taint India’s image, but India is a nation known for its agricultural prowess and food surplus status.

ISSUES IN METHODOLOGY

• The Index suffers from serious methodological issues. Three out of the four indicators used for calculation of the index are related to the health of children and cannot be representative of the entire population.
• The fourth and most important indicator ‘Proportion of Undernourished (PoU) population’ is based on an opinion poll conducted on a very small sample size.

IGNORES GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

• It deliberately ignores the food security efforts of the Central government, especially during the pandemic, as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna (PM-GKAY), which provisioned an additional five kg ration per person each month in addition to the National Food Security Act.
• Under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0), India has prioritised a number of crucial initiatives to address the problem of malnutrition.
• Poshan Tracker’ application was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development acted as a vital governance tool in the field of nutrition by a number of significant international organisations, including UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank.

LIMITED DATA

• There are issues of limited sample size and reliance on a constrained set of questions introduce biases that fail to capture the intricate nuances of India’s food situation.
• For example, the undernourishment data, a cornerstone of the index, relies on a Gallup World Poll with a mere 3,000 respondents.
• Household consumption surveys, which have not been conducted since 2011, are a primary source of data.

ISSUES IN MINDSET

• Though, it is evident that there are methodological errors and misinterpretations of the underlying data.
• Additionally, there is a prevailing mind-set issue rooted in stereotypes, where India is often perceived as a nation plagued by widespread child starvation.

ANALYSIS OF THE CLAIM OF THE GOI ON GHI: WHETHER IT IS CORRECT?

• Indian government has called the Global Hunger Index as a “flawed measure of hunger that doesn’t reflect India’s true position’’.
• For example, It said that data recorded on its Poshan Tracker portal showed child wasting prevalence of 7.2% among a total of 7.24 crore under-five-year-olds whose data was captured, whereas the GHI used a value of 18.7% for child wasting.
• Here, GHI argues that it uses the same data sources for all countries to calculate the respective country scores. This ensures that all the rates used have been produced using comparable methodologies.
• The other objection the government alleged that the use of a telephone-based opinion poll to calculate undernourishment, one of the indicators used in GHI.
• The GHI has maintained that it doesn’t use the poll, but relies on data from India’s Food Balance Sheet to calculate undernourishment.
• Government argues that the three out of the four indicators used for calculation of the index are related to the health of children and cannot be representative of the entire population. And the fourth indicator ‘Proportion of Undernourished (PoU) population’ is based on an opinion poll on narrow size of population of 3000.
• The Indian government also cast doubts over using stunting and wasting as two indicators for the GHI report preparation. The government says ‘hunger’ may cause stunting and wasting, but they could also be a result of factors like sanitation, genetics, utilisation of food intake etc. Therefore, it raised questions over using ‘hunger’ as something it termed as ‘outcome’ for stunting and wasting, for the GHI scores.
• There may be issues with the index, but to dismiss the lower ranking as completely false is not the right approach. Especially when other reports have pointed out the challenges of hunger in the country, the GoI needs to be more receptive to the findings of the report while the agency publishing GHI needs to address the methodological concerns if any.

GLOBAL INDICES FOR REFORMS AND GROWTH

• The Government of India has decided to leverage select Global Indices to drive reforms and growth across the country.
• The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog has been designated as the knowledge partner for this exercise to facilitate monitoring progress on these Indices across States/UTs through a single dashboard.
• These Indices are divided across four categories – Industry, Development, Economy and Governance.
• It is being utilized as a means of driving India’s performance across important social, economic and development parameters tracked globally and at the indigenous level.
• It also aims to serve as a means of improving citizen service delivery through robust data for systemic reforms in the policies to improve the standard and ease of living, creating a conducive ecosystem for investment, and drive sustainable development.

THE STATUS OF HUNGER IN INDIA: THE COMPLETE PICTURE

1. THE NATIONAL FAMILY HEALTH SURVEY (NFHS-5): The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) has shown improvement in stunting and waste and a significant reduction in Under-five Mortality Rate. As per the recent report of NFHS-5 (2019-21), the nutrition indicators for children under 5 years have improved as compared with NFHS-4 (2015-16). Stunting has reduced from 38.4% to 35.5%, Wasting has reduced from 21.0% to 19.3% and Underweight prevalence has reduced from 35.8% to 32.1%.

2. THE STATE OF FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN THE WORLD (SOFI) REPORT 2023:

• It is published jointly by five UN organisations i.e the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization.
• It also presents worrisome estimates of widespread and worsening food insecurity in India.
• According to the SOFI report, India has the lowest cost of a healthy diet among BRICS nations and its neighbours. For instance, in India, a healthy diet costs 3.066 PPP dollars per person per day, the lowest among the countries considered.
• While food prices remain relatively low in India, a healthy diet is unaffordable to nearly three-fourth of the people given their low incomes. For instance, in India, 74% were not able to afford a healthy diet, the fourth highest share among the nations considered.
• Only countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina-Faso, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea and Guinea Bissau had a higher share of their respective populations than India which were not able to afford a healthy diet.
• The SOFI-2023 report also said 233.9 million (24 crore) people in India are ‘undernourished’.
• (GNR 2021)

THE REASONS BEHIND INDIA’S PERSISTENT PROBLEM OF HUNGER

RISING POPULATION

• With increasing number of population in India, it has become hard to fulfill the requirements of each section of the society.
• Despite, a major part of the Indian population is engaged in agricultural activities, the availability of food remains a challenge due to this increasing population of the country.

CLIMATE CHANGE

• There is a persistent issue of climate change with erratic rainfall and increasing frequency of extreme events that have impacted agricultural activities everywhere, creating unfavourable conditions for food production.
• Climate variability affecting rainfall patterns and agricultural seasons, and climate extremes such as droughts and floods, are among the key drivers behind the rise in hunger, together with conflict and economic slowdowns.

INEFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES

• There is a poor implementation of the existing schemes and policies in India. For example, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the National Health Mission (NHM) have not achieved adequate coverage.
• Apart from that, food wastage is also an emerging challenge that undermines the efforts to end hunger and malnutrition. According to the FAO, the global volume of food wastage is estimated at 1.6 billion tonnes of primary product equivalents.

LACK OF AWARENESS

• There is a lack of awareness among the population of India about the existing programmes of the government.
• There is also issue of lack of education and training on new techniques, technologies and agricultural products which has led to less agriculture production. Traditional farming methods are slightly more time-consuming and delay the production of food grains, etc.
• The change from multi to mono cropping systems limits the diversity of agricultural products. Inclination towards cash crops and changing food habits result in malnutrition, undernutrition and even micro-nutrient deficiencies.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL NATURE

• Hunger and the related undernutrition is the result of various associated factors ranging from water, sanitation, access to food items.
• A person’s ‘nutritional quotient’ is also dependent on demographic factors like gender, caste, age, etc.

STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA TO FIGHT HUNGER

NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT, 2013

• The National Food Security Act of 2013 aims to provide for food and nutritional security in the human life cycle approach by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices for people to live a life with dignity.
• The Act provides for coverage of up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), thus covering about two-thirds of the population.
• The eligible persons will be entitled to receive 5 Kgs of foodgrains per person per month at subsidised prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse grains.

INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (ICDS) SCHEME

• It provides for supplementary nutrition, immunization and pre-school education to the children is a popular flagship programme of the government.
• It was launched in 1975, it is one of the world’s largest programmes providing for an integrated package of services for the holistic development of the child.
• ICDS is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by state governments and union territories. The scheme is universal, covering all the districts of the country.
• The Scheme has been renamed as Anganwadi Services. The services are now offered as part of the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 ( Poshan 2.0)

PRADHAN MANTRI MATRU VANDANA YOJANA

• Under-nutrition continues to adversely affect the majority of women in India. In India, every third woman is undernourished, and every second woman is anaemic.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana  (PMMVY) is a Maternity Benefit Programme that is implemented in all the districts of the country.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored DBT scheme that provides a cash incentive of ₹ 5000/- to Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers of 19 years of age or above for the first live birth.
• The incentive is paid in three installments upon fulfilling certain health and nutrition conditions.

INTEGRATED NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME SAKSHAM ANGANWADI AND POSHAN 2.0

• It aims to address the problems of malnutrition in children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• It also seeks to develop and promote practises that foster health, wellness, and immunity through a strategic shift in nutrition content and delivery and the development of a converging eco-system.
• Poshan Tracker: The ‘Poshan Tracker’ ICT application was created and implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development as a crucial governance tool. The Poshan Tracker has included WHO’s expanded tables to dynamically determine stunting, wasting, underweight, and obesity status based on a child’s height, weight, gender, and age.

EAT RIGHT INDIA MOVEMENT

• It is an outreach activity organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.
• Eat Right India adopts an integrative or ‘whole of the government’ approach since the movement brings together food-related mandates of the agriculture, health, environment and other ministries.
• It also adopts a ‘whole of society’ approach, bringing all stakeholders together on a common platform.
• Eat Right India is aligned to the National Health Policy 2017 with its focus on preventive and promotive healthcare and flagship programmes like Ayushman Bharat, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anemia Mukt Bharat and Swacch Bharat Mission.

LESSONS FROM INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES: CASE STUDY

FOME ZERO: HOW BRAZIL IS TACKLING HUNGER AND FOOD INSECURITY

About Fome Zero: Hunger is a multi-sectoral problem requiring an integrated, cross-government response. The Fome Zero programme recognises that poverty reduction, food security, and support for small-scale agriculture are intimately connected. Its 50 interlinked initiatives are intended both to increase access to food for the poorest people (through cash transfers, livelihoods support, and targeted free meals), and to support food production from small-scale and family farmers.

 Fome Zero has three main policy pillars:

 1. The Bolsa Família is the world’s largest conditional cash transfer programme. It provides direct income, under certain conditions, to 12.7 million families (nearly 50 million people) facing poverty and deprivation (World Bank 2010). Through linking and integration with other social programmes, access to financial benefits is based on access to basic rights such as health, education, and food in order to support poverty reduction more effectively.

 2. The school meal programme provides 47 million free school meals every day.

 3. The strengthening of family agriculture pillar: It is intended to strengthen and stimulate small-scale and family-based agriculture in order to increase the quality and quantity of the food supply, and to support increased incomes for rural households. This programme includes subsidized credit, training and technical assistance, and insurance for small-scale and family farmers. The Family Agriculture Food Procurement Programme aims to ensure a stable market price for products from small-scale farmers, for example by buying local food products for government feeding programmes or for local food banks.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Holistic Approach: There is a need of adoption of holistic approach to address the challenge of food security. It can be done by looking at diverse issues from a common lens such as inequality, food diversity, indigenous rights, and environmental justice and sustainable green economy.
• Addressing loopholes in food security management: Food management in India is one of the main reasons for food insecurity. It can be done by ensuring transparency in food stock holdings by using technological advancements as using IT to improve communication channels with farmers. It can help them to get a better deal for their produce while improving storage houses with the latest technology is equally important to deal with natural disasters.
• Improvement in data collection: There is an urgent need to critically re-evaluate the methods and data sources of food security assessment. It can be done with improved and real-time data from the Indian Government, coupled with closer coordination with international organizations, particularly the FAO and the WHO. This collaborative effort is essential to ensure a more accurate representation of India’s food security situation and to effectively combat hunger and malnutrition.
• Political will and government initiatives: There is a need of significant political will and government action to transform its food and nutrition landscape. The existing government initiatives and schemes should be implemented carefully and adequately so that no one is left behind.
• Agricultural investment: For managing food security, there is a need to invest in agricultural research and development to develop high-yield and climate-resilient crop varieties. It can be done by promoting sustainable farming practices, including organic farming and precision agriculture and improved access to modern farming technologies, such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems.

THE CONCLUSION: It may be true  that there are issues in methodology of Global Hunger Index, showing such poor state of hunger in India. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that while significant progress has been made, there are still issues that persist in ensuring food security in India. The challenge lies in identifying these specific areas and taking immediate steps to combat hunger and malnutrition in all its forms.

MAINS QUESTIONS:

Q.1 India’s ranking in recently published Global Hunger Index, 2023 underscores the persistent challenges in addressing hunger and undernutrition. Comment.

Q.2 The government has rejected the Global Hunger Index, 2023, claiming it was an effort to ‘taint’ India and questioned its methodology. In this respect, compare the findings of the index with other national and international reports. Also highlight the status of food security measures taken by the government to address the problem of hunger.

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a joint report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed a significant global deficiency in multi-hazard early warning systems.

EXPLANATION:

• Despite progress in mitigating impacts from extreme weather and climate-related crises, half of the world’s countries lack adequate systems for early warnings.

State of Early Warning Systems Worldwide

• The report, released during the UN Climate Meeting (COP28) in Dubai, highlights Africa’s commendable efforts in doubling the coverage of early warning systems.
• However, the continent still falls below the global average.
• Notably, less than half of the Least Developed Countries and a mere 40% of Small Island Developing States possess multi-hazard early warning systems.
• In Arab States, there is a glaring deficiency in risk knowledge crucial for underpinning effective early warning systems.

UN Secretary-General’s Address and Case Studies

• At a high-level event in Dubai, UN Secretary-General presented the “2023 Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems” report to ministers and stakeholders.
• The report emphasizes India’s inadequacies in disaster risk knowledge, management, warning dissemination, and communication.
• However, it acknowledges the country’s preparedness, response capabilities, and detection and forecasting abilities.
• The report cites the flooding in Bangladesh in 2020 and the impact of Cyclone Amphan in India and West Bengal in 2019.
• It attributes mitigated impacts to improved forecasting and the activation of Early Action Protocols.

Progress and Challenges of Early Warnings for All Initiative

• The report evaluates the progress of the Early Warnings for All Initiative, designed to encompass global coverage by 2027.
• Six additional countries have implemented early warning systems, bringing the total to 101, a doubling since 2015.
• UN Secretary-General emphasizes the initiative’s potential to safeguard vulnerable communities and calls for increased support, aiming to double efforts in 2024.

International Support and Funding for Early Warning Systems

• During the report launch, Denmark, Sweden, and France pledged substantial financial support – 6 million Euros, 5 million Euros, and 8 million Euros respectively – toward strengthening early warning systems.
• This funding aims to build on the foundation laid since the initiative’s inception.
• Major Multilateral Development Banks and the Green Climate Fund also committed to scaling up investments in early warning systems.
• Additionally, countries like Maldives, Laos, and Ethiopia have formulated national action plans and coordination structures.
• Benin has improved communication strategies targeting high-risk communities.
• Fiji has fortified its flash flood warning to protect its entire population of nearly 1 million people.

Conclusion: Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Early Warning Systems

• The report underscores the critical need for improved multi-hazard early warning systems globally.
• It highlights progress made, challenges faced, and the essential role of international cooperation and financial support.
• The commitment of nations and international organizations to fortify these systems is vital in safeguarding vulnerable communities and reducing the impacts of climate-related crises.
• The report signals a path forward for collaborative efforts to achieve comprehensive and effective early warning systems across the globe.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/half-the-countries-in-world-lack-adequate-multi-hazard-early-warning-systems-report-101701629213134.html

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Google DeepMind’s recent breakthrough involves an AI tool called Graph Networks for Materials Exploration (GNoME), revolutionizing materials science by predicting structures for over 2 million new materials.

EXPLANATION:

• This innovation holds vast potential for transformative applications across various industries, including renewable energy, semiconductor design, battery research, and computing efficiency.

Significance of the Breakthrough: Expanding the Horizon of Stable Materials

• The introduction of GNoME marks a monumental leap, exponentially increasing the pool of ‘stable materials’ available to humanity.
• This includes inorganic crystals vital for contemporary technology applications like computer chips and batteries.
• The stability of these materials is pivotal as unstable ones might undergo decomposition, rendering them unusable.
• DeepMind’s AI prediction has curated a list of 381,000 out of the 2.2 million crystal structures projected to be the most stable.
• This advancement holds immense significance in various technological domains.
• For instance, in the pursuit of solid electrolytes to replace liquid ones in Li-ion batteries or the quest for new compounds akin to graphene for revolutionizing electronics and superconductors.

Revolutionizing Material Discovery: AI as a Catalyst

• Traditionally, the discovery of stable materials involved laborious trial-and-error experimentation or synthesizing elements, an expensive and time-consuming process.
• Human-driven experimentation has led to the identification of around 28,000 stable materials in the Inorganic Crystal Structures Database.
• GNoME, however, has rapidly escalated this process by utilizing filters to pinpoint materials that meet specific criteria for synthesis and potential application.
• This AI model operates through a state-of-the-art graph neural network (GNN) design, interpreting input data resembling atomic connections in the form of a graph.
• Trained via ‘active learning,’ GNoME evolves from a small, specialized dataset to identify patterns unseen in the original data, aiding in the discovery of new materials.

The Mechanics Behind GNoME’s Functionality

• GNoME employs two main pipelines:
  • a structural pipeline generating candidates akin to known crystals and
  • a compositional pipeline following a randomized approach based on chemical formulas.
• These outputs undergo evaluation using established Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, which assess material stability.
• The results inform subsequent rounds of active learning, enhancing GNoME’s precision in predicting material stability from 50% to approximately 80%.
• DeepMind claims that their research, which has made 380,000 stable predictions publicly available, is equivalent to 800 years of traditional knowledge accumulation in material science.
• The model was trained initially on crystal structure data from the Materials Project, a collaborative initiative to compute properties of inorganic materials and offer the data freely to researchers.

Conclusion: Transformative Implications for Material Science

• DeepMind’s GNoME represents a paradigm shift in materials science, leveraging AI to accelerate the discovery and prediction of stable materials.
• By streamlining the identification of materials with specific properties, this breakthrough holds the promise of catalyzing advancements across multiple industries, paving the way for innovative technologies, renewable energy solutions, enhanced computing efficiency, and revolutionary battery designs.
• This AI-driven approach has unlocked new avenues for researchers, potentially reshaping the landscape of material discovery and innovation in the foreseeable future.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/google-deepminds-ai-breakthrough-chip-battery-development-9057935/

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Amid Israel’s ongoing military attacks on the Gaza Strip, particularly in its southern region, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter in a bid to establish a ceasefire.

EXPLANATION:

Understanding Article 99 of the UN Charter:

• Purpose and Scope:
  • Article 99 of the UN Charter allows the Secretary-General to bring attention to any issue that, in their opinion, poses a threat to international peace and security.
  • This article grants discretionary power to the Secretary-General to alert the Security Council about matters of concern.
• Invocation of Article 99 in the Current Situation:
  • Secretary-General invoked Article 99 regarding the conflict between Israel and Gaza, emphasizing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
  • Secretary-General highlighted the collapsing humanitarian system, extensive civilian casualties, destruction, and trauma in both Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territory.
• Impact of Invocation and Proposed Action:
  • Secretary-General urged the Security Council to avert a humanitarian catastrophe by declaring a ceasefire.
  • The United Arab Emirates presented a draft resolution to the UNSC based on Secretary-General letter, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict zone.
  • The proposed resolution is expected to be brought to a vote in the Security Council.
  • However, the unanimous support of all permanent members is unlikely due to differing positions on the conflict.

Historical Context of Article 99 Invocation:

• Article 99 has been rarely invoked in the history of the United Nations.
• Past instances include situations such as the Congo crisis in 1960 and a complaint by Tunisia against France’s military actions in 1961.
• The invocation of Article 99 is considered a significant and dramatic move, reflecting the Secretary-General’s concern for global peace and security.

Potential Implications and Challenges:

• Humanitarian Impact:
  • The invocation of Article 99 aims to draw attention to the dire humanitarian situation, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent further civilian suffering and restore essential services.
• Diplomatic Challenges:
  • The proposed resolution faces challenges in achieving unanimous support from the Security Council’s permanent members, given differing positions on the conflict.
• Possible Resolutions:
  • For the draft resolution to pass, it requires at least nine affirmative votes in the Security Council without veto from any of the permanent members.

Conclusion:

• Secretary-General’s invocation of Article 99 highlights the severity of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
• It calls upon the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take immediate action to address the situation and prevent further deterioration in the region.
• However, achieving a unanimous resolution remains uncertain due to the divergent positions among the Security Council’s permanent members.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/article-99-un-invoke-israel-gaza-explained-9058381/

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The sixth meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave, founded by India, Maldives and Sri Lanka in 2011, was held at the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius recently.

EXPLANATION:

Background of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

• The Colombo Security Conclave, established in 2011 by India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, serves as a regional platform focusing on maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
• Its primary objectives encompass various aspects of security, including counterterrorism, maritime safety, counter-radicalisation efforts, combatting organized crime, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and humanitarian assistance.

Key Insights from the Sixth Meeting

• Meeting Location and Attendees:
  • The sixth CSC meeting was conducted in Mauritius, with the participation of National Security Advisors from India, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.
  • Representatives from Seychelles and Bangladesh were also present.
• Absence of Maldives:
  • Despite being a founding member, Maldives was notably absent from the meeting, raising questions about its participation or level of engagement.
  • It remains unclear whether the absence signifies non-participation or if the country was represented at a lower level.
• NSA’S Emphasis:
  • India’s National Security Advisor highlighted the CSC’s significance in ensuring regional security and stability.
  • He stressed the necessity for continuous collaboration across various sectors, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement.
• Roadmap of Activities:
  • The meeting concluded with an agreement on a Roadmap of Activities for 2024, outlining strategic plans and initiatives to bolster regional security within the CSC framework.

Evolution and Expansion of the Conclave

• Recent Developments:
  • The CSC witnessed a revival in 2020 after a six-year hiatus.
  • During this resurgence, the participating countries expressed intentions to expand the grouping’s membership, welcoming Mauritius into the fold in March 2022.
  • Additionally, Bangladesh and Seychelles have participated as observers in these meetings.
• Objective Expansion:
  • The expansion efforts aim to broaden the CSC’s reach and influence within the region, potentially fostering stronger collaborations and synergies in addressing shared security challenges.

Maldives’ Current Engagement and Regional Dynamics

• Maldives’ Shift in Government:
  • Following recent presidential elections in Maldives, the country experienced a change in government, potentially impacting its engagement and participation in regional forums like the CSC.
• Alternative Engagements:
  • While Maldives was absent from the CSC meeting, the Vice-President was reported to be attending the ‘China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation’ in Kunming, signifying alternative engagements and interests in regional collaborations.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

• The CSC serves as a crucial platform for addressing multifaceted security challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
• While recent meetings have seen progress and strategic planning, the absence of a founding member like Maldives raises questions about continued commitment and engagement within the Conclave.
• The expansion efforts, including the involvement of Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Seychelles, highlight a concerted effort to broaden the Conclave’s influence.
• However, sustaining meaningful collaborations among member countries remains pivotal for ensuring regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean.

SOURCE: https://m.thewire.in/article/diplomacy/nsa-ajit-doval-underlines-importance-of-colombo-security-conclave-co-founder-maldives-skips-meeting/amp

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: As per a new report, Sixty-nine million children or more than one in five, live in poverty in the world’s 40 richest countries part of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU).

EXPLANATION:

• Despite a notable overall reduction in poverty by almost 8 percent across these nations between 2012-14 and 2019-21, unveiled in a report by UNICEF recently, the prevalence of child poverty remains alarmingly high.

Relative Poverty Calculation

• UNICEF’s research arm, Innocenti, employed a relative poverty metric, defining households whose income is 60 percent of the average household income in their respective countries.
• This criterion signifies families possessing some financial means but insufficient to afford beyond basic necessities.
• Developed nations often utilize this indicator as the primary poverty threshold.

Country-Specific Findings

• Top Performers in Poverty Mitigation:
  • Poland, Slovenia, Latvia, and the Republic of Korea demonstrated commendable efforts in addressing child poverty.
• Mixed Progress and High Rates:
  • Greece, Malta, and New Zealand, while making strides in poverty reduction, still grapple with relatively high child poverty rates.
• Stagnating Low Poverty Rates:
  • Denmark, Iceland, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Norway showcased consistently low child poverty rates but evidenced an increasing trend over time.
• High Rates and Poor Trends:
  • France, Luxembourg, Turkey, and the United Kingdom exhibited both high child poverty rates and unfavourable poverty reduction trends.

Inequality Factors Contributing to Child Poverty

• The report identified several factors contributing to the persistence and exacerbation of child poverty.
  • Migrant and Ethnic Disparities:
    • Children of migrant parents faced 2.4 times higher relative income poverty rates compared to children whose parents were citizens of the country.
    • This gap widened from approximately 19 percentage points in 2012 to about 22 percentage points in 2021.
  • Racial and Ethnic Minority Disadvantages:
    • Similar disparities in poverty were evident among children from racial or ethnic minority groups, signaling deeply rooted inequalities.
  • Geographical Disparities:
    • Rural-urban distinctions persisted in many European countries, with substantially higher poverty rates in rural areas despite progress elsewhere.
  • Household Structure Impact:
    • The number of adults in a household significantly influenced children’s economic welfare.
    • Children in one-adult households were over three times more likely to live in poverty than those living with two or more adults, with Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and Slovenia particularly affected.

Long-term Impacts and Urgent Calls for Action

• The detrimental effects of persistent poverty on children were highlighted, revealing that those consistently exposed to poverty faced significantly higher risks of emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• In response, the report emphasized the urgent need for governments and stakeholders to prioritize and augment expenditure on child and family benefits to combat child poverty effectively.

Recommended Actions

• The report suggested four critical areas necessitating immediate attention to alleviate child poverty:
  • Expansion of Child-Sensitive Social Protection
  • Improvement and Access to Essential Services
  • Ensuring Decent Work and Family-Friendly Policies
  • Mitigating Inequalities in Poverty Risks
• The report underscores the complexity of child poverty within the wealthiest nations, urging concerted efforts to address multifaceted inequalities and systemic issues for the betterment of children’s lives and future prospects.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/economy/over-69-million-children-live-in-poverty-in-40-of-the-world-s-richest-countries-unicef-93245

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Lok Sabha recently approved the bill – the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 26, 2023.
• It amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004.
  • The Act provides for reservation in jobs and admission in professional institutions to members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other socially and educationally backward classes.

KEY FEATURES OF THE BILL INCLUDE:

• Socially and educationally backward classes:
  • Under the Act, socially and educationally backward classes include:
    • people residing in villages declared as socially and educationally backward by the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir,
    • people residing in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control and International Border, and
    • weak and under-privileged classes (social castes), as notified.
  • The government may make inclusions or exclusions from category of weak and under-privileged classes, on the recommendations of a Commission.
  • The Bill substitutes weak and under-privileged classes with other backward classes as declared by the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The definition of weak and under-privileged classes is deleted from the Act.

Conclusion

• The passage of these bills marks a significant legislative step in reorganizing and reshaping representation and reservation in the J&K Assembly.
• The government’s assertion about positive changes and the opposition’s concerns over the timing of elections and restoration of statehood underscore the ongoing debate and challenges in the region following the revocation of Article 370.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/never-said-diluting-article-370-will-end-terrorism-in-jk-amit-shah/article67611177.ece

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Lok Sabha recently approved the bill – the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 26, 2023.
• The Bill amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
• The Act provides for the reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).

KEY FEATURES OF THE BILL INCLUDE:

Number of seats in the Legislative Assembly:

• The Second Schedule of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 provides for the number of seats in legislative assemblies.
• The 2019 Act amended the Second Schedule of the 1950 Act to specify the total number of seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to be 83.
• It reserved six seats for Scheduled Castes.
• No seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
• The Bill increases the total number of seats to 90.
• It also reserves seven seats for Scheduled Castes and nine seats for Scheduled Tribes.

Nomination of Kashmiri migrants:

• The Bill adds that the Lieutenant Governor may nominate up to two members from the Kashmiri migrant community to the Legislative Assembly.
• One of the nominated members must be a woman.
• Migrants are defined as persons who migrated from the Kashmir Valley or any other part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir after November 1, 1989, and are registered with the Relief Commissioner.
• Migrants also include individuals who have not been registered due to:
  • being in government service in any moving office,
  • having left for work, or
  • possessing immovable property at the place from where they migrated but are unable to reside there due to disturbed conditions.

Nomination of displaced persons:

• The Bill adds that the Lieutenant Governor may nominate to the Legislative Assembly one member representing displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
• Displaced persons refer to individuals who left or were displaced from their place of residence in Pakistani-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and continue to reside outside such place.
• Such displacement should have taken place in 1947-48, 1965, or 1971 due to civil disturbances or fear of such disturbances.
• These include successors-in-interest of such persons.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/never-said-diluting-article-370-will-end-terrorism-in-jk-amit-shah/article67611177.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a team of researchers has uncovered a substantial and previously unidentified mass of water in the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant discovery in oceanography.

EXPLANATION:

• This finding challenges previous assumptions about the homogeneity of oceanic bodies and sheds light on the complexity of global water masses.

Background: Oceanic Bodies and Circulation

• Oceanic bodies possess distinct physical properties, including temperature, salinity, and chemical composition.
• Examples include the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and the well-known Gulf Stream, each influencing regional climates and marine ecosystems.
• In contrast, the Pacific and Indian Oceans were previously identified as having vast areas of distinct equatorial waters, formed by the convergence of northern and southern waters.

A Puzzling Absence in the Atlantic

• Surprisingly, while these equatorial waters were observed in the Pacific and Indian Oceans in 1942, a similar phenomenon was absent in the Atlantic.
• Given the commonalities in equatorial circulation and mixing across the three oceans, this absence puzzled scientists.

Discovery and Analysis

• The researchers scrutinized data from the Argo program, leveraging a network of autonomous instruments navigating ocean depths.
• By analyzing these datasets, the team identified a distinct body of water, termed the “Atlantic Equatorial Water.”
• This mass likely originated from the amalgamation of the South Atlantic Central Water and the North Atlantic Central Water.
• The newfound body of water spans from the Brazilian coast to the Gulf of Guinea, marking a significant extension within the Atlantic basin.

Implications and Future Research

• The identification of this new body of water offers a crucial piece in completing the puzzle of global oceanic water masses.
• Understanding its formation and dynamics holds promise for advancing knowledge about oceanic mixing processes, influencing climate models and marine life studies.
• Further research endeavors in this region aim to deepen insights into the complex interplay of currents, temperatures, and chemical compositions shaping the Atlantic Ocean’s characteristics.

Conclusion

• The revelation of the Atlantic Equatorial Water introduces a compelling avenue for exploration within oceanography, challenging previous assumptions about the uniformity of oceanic bodies.
• This discovery underscores the intricate and dynamic nature of Earth’s oceans, prompting continued research to unravel the mysteries of ocean circulation and its global implications.

SOURCE: https://www.iflscience.com/gigantic-missing-body-of-water-discovered-stretching-across-the-atlantic-ocean-71696

TAG: GS 1: ART AND CULTURE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Gujarat’s traditional dance form ‘Garba’ was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

EXPLANATION:

• This inclusion marks the 15th cultural element from India to earn this distinction, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja added two years earlier.

UNESCO’s Recognition

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inscription of ‘Garba of Gujarat’ during its 18th session in Kasane, Botswana.
• It was included under the provisions of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Description of Garba

• Garba is an integral part of Gujarat’s cultural tapestry, characterized as a ritualistic and devotional dance form performed across the state and India.
• It holds prominence during the nine-day festival of Navaratri, dedicated to worshipping feminine energy or Shakti.
• This dance is an expressive representation of the divine feminine, showcasing cultural, performative, and visual aspects embedded within its celebration.

Cultural Significance

• UNESCO highlighted Garba’s multi-dimensional celebration of feminine energy.
• It transcends spaces, being performed in homes, temple courtyards, public areas in villages, urban squares, streets, and expansive open grounds.
• The dance serves as an inclusive community event, fostering participation and cultural communion.
• The dance’s essence lies in its worship of the primordial goddess, making Garba a unique manifestation of honouring the divine feminine.
• This recognition would preserve the tradition and inspire younger generations to continue nurturing the associated knowledge, skills, and oral traditions.

National Celebration and Recognition

• The Government of Gujarat organized numerous curated Garba events across the state to celebrate this monumental achievement.
• Additionally, a troupe of eight dancers from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) showcased Garba at the UNESCO meeting venue.

Other UNESCO Inscriptions

• Besides Garba, UNESCO added various cultural elements to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including Rickshaws and Rickshaw painting in Dhaka, Songkran in Thailand, Hiragasy from Madagascar, Junkanoo from the Bahamas, and celebrations of Prophet Mohammed’s birthday in Sudan.

INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE LIST OF UNESCO:

• The Intangible Cultural Heritage List is a UNESCO initiative aimed at safeguarding and promoting the world’s diverse traditions and expressions.
• It was established by the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• The list recognizes cultural practices and expressions that help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance.
• List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding:
  • The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding is composed of intangible heritage elements that concerned communities and States Parties consider require urgent measures to keep them alive.
  • Inscriptions on this List help to mobilize international cooperation and assistance for stakeholders to undertake appropriate safeguarding measures.
• Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
  • The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance.

Conclusion

• Garba’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list stands as a testament to its cultural richness and significance, spotlighting India’s diverse cultural heritage.
• This recognition not only honours Gujarat’s tradition but also underscores the importance of safeguarding and promoting such invaluable cultural expressions worldwide.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/garba-of-gujarat-makes-it-to-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/article67611502.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: While acknowledging that the formation of new stars in galaxies can also produce radio waves, the research team focused on galaxies with minimal or no star formation. Of the 587 nearby galaxies scrutinized, all 40 of the largest galaxies examined were found to emit radio waves.

EXPLANATION:

• Radio galaxies are a distinct class of galaxies characterized by their substantial emissions of radio waves that extend far beyond their visible structures.
• These phenomena are rooted in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) housing supermassive black holes and generate colossal lobes of gas emitting radio waves.

Characteristics of Radio Galaxies

• Radio galaxies emit intense radio waves originating from expansive lobes of gas, extending millions of light-years beyond the visible galaxy structure.
• These lobes, typically occurring in pairs, are a consequence of AGNs—regions of extraordinary brightness where supermassive black holes actively consume surrounding matter, emitting glowing radiation.
• Around 15% to 20% of galaxies hosting AGNs exhibit “radio loud” characteristics, as distinguished by their prominence in radio emissions.
• The differentiation between “radio loud” and “radio quiet” AGNs remains an ongoing area of investigation due to similarities in emissions across various wavelengths.

Factors Influencing Radio Loudness

• Research hints at potential connections between radio loudness and the type of host galaxy.
• Notably, radio galaxies predominantly manifest in the form of massive elliptical galaxies, possibly formed through mergers of smaller galaxies.
• Additionally, the rotational dynamics of central black holes may contribute to the formation of powerful jets, influencing radio emissions.

Examples of Radio Galaxies

• Prominent instances of radio galaxies include:
  • Cygnus A, exhibiting bright lobes of gas surrounding a galactic nucleus;
  • Messier 87, characterized by twin jets emanating from a luminous core; and
  • Centaurus A, an elliptical galaxy intersected by a dust lane.

Types of Radio Galaxies

• Distinctive optical emissions define two types of radio galaxies:
  • broad-line radio galaxies
  • narrow-line radio galaxies
• Broad-line radio galaxies display broad-line emissions from ionized oxygen, hydrogen, and silicon in their optical spectra.
• Whereas narrow-line radio galaxies lack such emissions but showcase narrow emission lines from hydrogen and oxygen.

Differences from Normal Galaxies

• Unlike typical galaxies, radio galaxies possess AGNs fueling the emission of intense radio waves.
• The presence of supermassive black holes driving these AGNs distinguishes them.
• These AGNs can produce enormous dual lobes extending thousands of light-years from the galactic center, sometimes exceeding the width of the Milky Way.

Formation and Structure of Radio Galaxies

• The prevalent model suggests that massive dual radio lobes derive energy from supermassive black hole jets.
• As these jets feed into the lobes, pressure builds within them, causing expansion.
• These lobes, primarily symmetrical elliptical structures aligned with the galaxy’s center, comprise immense clouds of plasma, constituting some of the most substantial structures observed in astronomy.

Radiation and Energy Emissions

• Radio lobes emit synchrotron radiation generated by accelerated electrons in powerful magnetic fields.
• These emissions span a broad spectrum, ranging from radio waves to infrared, optical, ultraviolet, and even X-ray radiation.
• The energy released by these lobes can be tremendously high, exceeding the total energy emitted by the Milky Way galaxy.

Conclusion

• The study of radio galaxies unveils the dynamic interplay between supermassive black holes, AGNs, and the colossal emissions of radio waves.
• Understanding their formation, structure, and energy emissions remains an intriguing area of astronomical research, offering insights into the most extreme phenomena within galaxies and the universe at large.

SOURCE: https://www.space.com/what-are-radio-galaxies

THE CONTEXT: The expulsion of Trinamool Congress MP from the Lok Sabha by a hurried voice vote, based on a report of the Ethics Committee of the House seems dangerous for parliamentary democracy.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• By a 6:4 majority, including the vote of suspended Congress MP, the ethics committee recommended the expulsion of MP on the charges of ‘unethical conduct,’ ‘breach of privilege’ and ‘contempt of the House.’
• The committee cited in its report a precedent of the expulsion of 11 MPs in 2005 for a cash-for-query sting operation by a news platform. However, there was video evidence that established a strong case then, unlike the charges against the recent case.

ISSUES:

• Not enough scrutiny: There was not enough scrutiny conducted for the expulsion of MP in this case. The committee itself conceded in its report that it had no proof of cash exchanges, but it was emphatic in calling for her expulsion, and even labelled the sharing of her login credentials a criminal act. The report of the Ethics Committee was tabled and voted in a hurry rejecting the appeal of Opposition MPs for a more detailed discussion.
• Lack of transparency: One of the issues raised by the Ethics Committee is regarding endangering national security as some parliamentary documents are not in public domain. This means by giving the login credentials to a non-MP Ms. Moitra has violated the privileges of the parliamentarians and also undermined national security. However, this argument is against the principles of parliamentary form of government which is transparency in government functioning. Ideally, what parliamentarian have access to should also be available to the common people.
• Overlap with Privileges Committee: The work of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee often overlap. An allegation of corruption against an MP can be sent to either body, but usually more serious accusations go to the Privileges Committee. The mandate of the Privileges Committee is to safeguard the “freedom, authority, and dignity of Parliament”.

However, often there is no such differences and often lead to contradictory situations.

• Enforcing Brute Majority: The precedent that the majority in Parliament can expel an Opposition member on a dubious charge is dangerous for parliamentary democracy. The recent expulsion of MP is a case of justice hurried and buried.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Need of more scrutiny: The Parliamentary committee should take more time to study the case to reach at efficient and just conclusion. The extended time should be seen as an opportunity for deeper scrutiny to tackle all the issues raised in the case.
• Balancing Authority and Rights: The recent case underscores the need to strike a delicate balance between parliamentary authority and the rights of its members.
• Judicial Oversight: The potential for judicial review emphasizes the importance of legal oversight in maintaining democratic principles and fairness in legislative processes. It can be enforced for effective working of parliamentary system.

THE CONCLUSION:

Parliamentary privileges are conferred on the members for the smooth functioning of the parliament.  Mandating scrutiny of parliamentarians are not a hurdle to the legislative process, but it should be aimed at improving quality of governance rather than curbing on rights of parliamentarians.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 “Parliament’s power to amend the constitution is limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power”. In light of this statement, explain whether parliament under article 368 of the constitution can destroy the basic structure of the constitution by expanding its amending power? (2019)

Q.2 The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? (2013)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Discuss the role of ethics committee in ensuring accountability in parliamentary system. Suggest ways to improve its effectiveness.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/bad-precedent-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-expulsion-of-trinamool-congress-member-of-parliament-mahua-moitra/article67624791.ece

THE CONTEXT: Cooperatives in India play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the country by addressing the needs of various sectors, including agriculture, banking, credit, marketing, and more. However, the cooperative sector in India has faced various serious challenges in recent years as evident by the PMC Bank crisis in 2019 or the very recent case of financial irregularities in the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank, Kerala. The following article attempts to explore the various ills surrounding the cooperative sector in India and suggest ways to reform it from the UPSC perspective.

WHAT IS A COOPERATIVE SOCIETY?

• According to the International Cooperative Alliance, a cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
• Cooperatives, as business enterprises, have fundamental concerns like ownership and control, but these concerns are directly held by the consumers or users. As a result, they adhere to a set of overarching principles that go beyond mere profit generation. While they aim for profitability, it is balanced by the well-being of their members and the broader community’s interests.

INSTANCES IN THE PAST HIGHLIGHTING THE ROT IN THE COOPERATIVES SECTOR

The Department of Financial Services on July 31, 2023, disclosed alarming figures related to fraudulent activities in the cooperative banking sector. According to their data, cooperative banks across the country reported a staggering total of 4,135 frauds during the last five years, with an involved amount reaching Rs 10,856.7 crore. As of June 14, 2023, the total number of cooperative banks in the country stands at 1,886, comprising 1,500 urban cooperative banks and 386 rural cooperative banks.

TRACING THE HISTORY OF COOPERATIVES IN INDIA

LAWS UNDER WHICH COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES CAN BE REGISTERED IN INDIA

In India, different types of cooperatives need to register under various laws based on their nature and functions. Here are some of the key laws under which different types of cooperatives are required to register:

• Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002: Multi-State Cooperative Societies register under this act when they operate in multiple states. This law governs their formation and operation, ensuring uniformity in their functioning across different regions.
• Cooperative Societies Act of the respective State: Most cooperative societies, including agricultural credit societies, housing cooperatives, and non-agricultural credit societies, register under the cooperative societies act of the respective state they are located in. Each state has its own cooperative societies act that governs the registration and functioning of these societies.
• Banking Regulation Act, 1949: Cooperative banks, including urban cooperative banks (UCBs), register under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, and the Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955. They are broadly divided into Urban and Rural cooperative banks. This act empowers the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to regulate and supervise cooperative banks in India.

Cooperative banks are financial institutions established by individuals from the same local or professional community or those who share a common interest. These individuals come together and create a cooperative society under the legal framework of the Cooperative Societies Act. When such a cooperative society ventures into the field of banking, it is referred to as a Cooperative Bank. Before commencing banking operations, the society is required to acquire a license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

• The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Act, 1962: Cooperative societies seeking financial assistance and development support from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) need to register under this act to access NCDC’s services and resources.
• State Cooperative Marketing Acts: Marketing cooperatives, often known as Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) or similar entities, register under the State Cooperative Marketing Acts. These acts govern the marketing and distribution of agricultural produce.
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Act, 1981: Cooperative credit institutions, especially those in the agricultural sector, register under the NABARD Act to avail financial and developmental assistance from NABARD.
• State Specific Acts and Regulations: Some specific types of cooperatives may be governed by state-specific acts and regulations. For example, cooperative housing societies in Maharashtra register under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, and the Maharashtra Ownership Flats (Regulation of the Promotion of Construction, Sale, Management, and Transfer) Act, 1963.

EXTENT OF POWERS OF THE RBI & STATE GOVERNMENTS IN THE REGULATION OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES

Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

• Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs): The RBI has significant regulatory powers over UCBs. It issues licenses for the establishment of UCBs and provides them with guidelines for their operations. The RBI also conducts inspections and audits of UCBs to ensure their compliance with banking regulations. For example, the RBI can issue directions to UCBs to rectify deficiencies, freeze assets, or supersede the board of directors in cases of financial distress.
• Policy Formulation: The RBI plays a role in formulating policies related to cooperative banks, which includes setting guidelines for capital adequacy, asset classification, income recognition, and provisioning.
• Resolution and Amalgamation: The RBI has the authority to take corrective measures, such as supersession of the board and imposition of restrictions, to address financial distress in UCBs. It also encourages amalgamation and restructuring of weak UCBs. For example, the amalgamation of Rupee Cooperative Bank with Saraswat Cooperative Bank in 2013.

State Governments:

• Registration and Governance: State governments are primarily responsible for the registration and governance of cooperative societies. They enact Cooperative Societies Acts that define the legal framework for the formation, registration, and operation of cooperatives.
• Registrar of Cooperative Societies: State governments appoint a Registrar of Cooperative Societies who is responsible for granting registration to cooperative societies, ensuring their compliance with state laws, and overseeing their governance. The Registrar has the authority to grant or cancel the registration of cooperative societies.
• Agricultural Cooperatives: State governments regulate and support agricultural cooperatives, particularly Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs), which play a crucial role in marketing agricultural produce.
• Housing Cooperative Societies: The formation, governance, and dispute resolution related to housing cooperative societies are largely under state government jurisdiction. They enforce laws such as the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, to govern these societies. The rules for housing societies differ from one state to another, based on the respective state’s Cooperative Societies Act.
• Financial Cooperatives: State governments also regulate certain financial cooperatives, especially rural cooperative banks. These institutions are subject to the rules and regulations specified in the state’s Cooperative Societies Act. For example, the Kerala State Cooperative Bank operates under the regulatory framework of the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act.

In summary, while the RBI has a predominant regulatory role in overseeing UCBs at the national level, state governments hold substantial regulatory powers when it comes to the registration and governance of various types of cooperative societies. State governments define the legal framework, appoint registrars, and regulate cooperative societies based on their specific Cooperative Societies Acts. Cooperative societies in India are thus subject to a dual regulatory framework, with each entity overseeing aspects within its jurisdiction.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS REGARDING COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES

The Indian Constitution contains several provisions that pertain to cooperative societies and their governance. While the Constitution does not explicitly define cooperative societies or provide detailed guidelines for their formation and functioning, it does lay the foundation for the legal framework through various principles and articles

• Article 19(1)(c): This provision falls under the Right to Freedom, and it grants Indian citizens the right to form associations or unions, including cooperative societies. It ensures the freedom to establish and operate cooperatives without undue government interference.
• Article 43-B (Directive Principles of State Policy): Article 43-B was inserted into the Constitution through the 97th Amendment in 2011. It emphasizes the promotion of cooperative societies, especially those in rural areas, as a means of economic and social development. The state is directed to encourage and support these cooperatives.
• Article 243-ZT (Part IX-B of the Constitution): This article is part of the provisions related to the Panchayats in rural areas. It recognizes the importance of cooperative societies and empowers Panchayats to take measures to strengthen and promote them.
• Article 243-ZV (Part IX-B of the Constitution): This article, related to the Panchayats as well, states that Panchayats can levy taxes, duties, tolls, and fees for various purposes, including promoting cooperative societies.
• Article 243-ZW (Part IX-B of the Constitution): This article allows for the delegation of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats by the state legislature, including those pertaining to cooperative societies. It emphasizes local self-governance and management of resources.
• In Schedule 7 as Entries 43 and 44 in the Union list and Entry 32 in the State list

IMPORTANCE OF COOPERATIVE BANKS IN INDIA

Financial Inclusion and Rural Development

• Cooperative banks are often the primary source of banking services in rural and semi-urban areas where commercial banks may not have a significant presence. They facilitate financial inclusion by bringing banking services to remote regions.
• Example: Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in India, which have a cooperative bank structure, have been instrumental in providing banking services to underserved areas.
• It has an extensive branch network all over the country, making credit easily available even to rural areas. It accounts for 67 per cent of total rural credit.

Agricultural Lending

• Cooperative banks are at the forefront of providing credit to the agricultural sector, supporting farmers with agricultural loans, crop loans, and allied activities.
• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), cooperative banks contribute a significant share of agricultural credit in the country.
• Example: The Gujarat State Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank Limited (GSCARDB) has played a pivotal role in promoting agricultural activities in the state.
• The National Cooperative Database (NCD) has mapped 2.5 lakh primary agricultural, dairy, and fishery societies and over five lakh societies in the remaining sectors.

Savings Mobilization

• Cooperative banks encourage savings in rural and urban areas, fostering a culture of thrift and financial discipline.
• They offer savings accounts with attractive interest rates and serve as a secure place for individuals to deposit their savings.
• Example: Kerala State Co-operative Bank is known for its robust savings products, attracting depositors from different walks of life.

Credit to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

• Cooperative banks often focus on providing credit to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises, supporting entrepreneurship and economic development.
• Example: The Tamil Nadu State Apex Cooperative Bank (TNSCB) provides financial assistance to SMEs, promoting economic growth in the state.

Support for Women Empowerment

• Women’s cooperative banks and self-help groups (SHGs) supported by cooperative institutions have empowered women economically and socially.
• These initiatives provide women with access to credit, allowing them to engage in income-generating activities.
• Example: Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank in Maharashtra, a women’s cooperative bank, empowers rural women by providing financial services tailored to their needs.

Community Development

• Cooperative banks are deeply rooted in their communities and often engage in various social and community development initiatives.
• They support local development projects, educational programs, and healthcare services.
• Example: The Kerala State Co-operative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (KSCARDB) is involved in community initiatives, including projects related to agriculture, education, and rural infrastructure.

Stabilizing the Financial System

• Cooperative banks provide stability to the financial system by offering a safe place for deposits and promoting financial intermediation in underserved areas.
• They complement the services of commercial banks and prevent financial exclusion in various regions.
• Example: Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in cities like Mumbai provide banking services to urban populations and serve as important pillars of the financial system.

Empowering Local Governance

• Cooperative banks often work closely with local bodies and panchayats, promoting cooperative federalism and decentralized financial management.
• They strengthen local governance by supporting rural development projects at the grassroots level.
• Example: Cooperative banks collaborate with Gram Panchayats in West Bengal to implement various development programs and uplift rural areas.

Job Creation

• Cooperative banks create employment opportunities in both urban and rural areas, fostering economic growth.
• They generate jobs for banking professionals, support staff, and other ancillary roles.
• Example: Cooperative banks often employ local residents, providing livelihoods in areas where employment opportunities may be limited.

Economic Diversification

• Cooperative banks diversify economic activities by providing financial services to a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, housing, education, and more.
• This diversification contributes to the overall economic stability and development of the regions they serve.

ISSUES SURROUNDING COOPERATIVE BANKS IN INDIA

Financial Mismanagement and Scams

• Several cooperative banks and credit societies have been involved in financial mismanagement and scams, leading to significant losses for depositors and members.
• For instance, the PMC Bank crisis in 2019, where the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank faced a massive financial fraud, left thousands of depositors in distress.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

• Transparency and accountability within many cooperatives have been questioned.
• Audits of cooperative banks are often conducted by government officials and are neither regular nor comprehensive. Delays in audit processes and the submission of reports are common. The lack of transparent financial reporting and auditing practices has raised concerns about the safety of members’ investments.

Political Interference

• Political interference in the management and functioning of cooperatives is a persistent issue. Many cooperatives are influenced by political leaders, which can lead to mismanagement and inefficiency.
• Many of them are in cooperatives because they want to use this position as a steppingstone for their political ambitions.

Rural-Urban Divide

• There is a significant divide between urban and rural cooperatives in terms of access to resources, technology, and government support. Rural cooperatives often face more challenges in accessing credit, markets, and infrastructure.

Poor Management and Lack of Professionalism (on part of RBI & leadership in respective Cooperative societies/banks)

• Many cooperatives lack professional management and governance. This results in inefficiencies and a lack of competitiveness. The absence of skilled professionals in leadership positions can hinder the growth of cooperatives.
• Previously, UCBs were subject to dual regulation by both the state registrar of societies and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, in 2020, the RBI took over the supervision of all UCBs and multi-state cooperatives.
• Even after RBI’s supervision, scams and corruption continue to take place as seen in the recent Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank in Thrissur, Kerala.
• Cooperatives have sometimes been used for regulatory arbitrage, circumventing lending and anti-money laundering regulations. Notably, the investigation into the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank scam revealed severe financial mismanagement and a breakdown of internal control mechanisms.

Poor lending standards

• The RBI’s report indicated a significant decline in agricultural lending by UCBs. While these banks once played a crucial role in this sector, their share in total agricultural lending has decreased significantly, from 64% in 1992-93 to just 11.3% in 2019-20.

Competition and Technology Challenges

• Cooperative sectors such as retail and consumer cooperatives are facing stiff competition from e-commerce platforms and modern retail chains. Adapting to changing consumer preferences and technology is a challenge.
• Evolving trends in the financial sector, including the rise of microfinance, FinTech companies, payment gateways, e-commerce firms, and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), pose challenges to the continued presence of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). UCBs are often small in size, lack professional management, and have limited geographic diversity in their operations.

Crisis of the non-performing assets (NPAs)

• Many of the co-operative banks have higher Non-Performing Assets (NPA) than commercial banks. This is because co-operative institutions have the leeway to extend credit to local consumers, often on the basis of trust or compassion or due to pressure from local social or political groups. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor has also expressed concern over high gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio of 8.7% in urban cooperative banks (UCBs).

STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE COOPERATIVE SECTOR IN INDIA

ADMINISTRATIVE & POLICY STEPS

Ministry of Cooperation

A new Ministry of cooperation has been created to streamline the cooperative sector in India. It provides a separate administrative, legal and policy framework mechanism for strengthening the cooperative sector in the country

Tax Benefits and Incentives

Tax benefits and incentives are offered to cooperative societies. For instance, under Section 80P of the Income Tax Act, cooperative societies enjoy tax exemptions on their income.

Support for Women’s Cooperatives

The government encourages the formation of women’s cooperative societies and self-help groups (SHGs). These entities empower women economically and socially. An example is the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), which promotes the creation of SHGs.

Credit Facilities and Interest Subsidies

Various government programs offer credit facilities and interest subsidies to cooperative societies. For instance, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) provides financial assistance to cooperatives in different sectors.

Training and Capacity Building

The National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conduct training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of cooperative bank staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet modern banking requirements.

Promotion of Agricultural Cooperatives

• The government actively promotes agricultural cooperatives, which are instrumental in providing credit and marketing support to farmers. One of the notable examples is the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), which procures and markets agricultural produce on behalf of farmers.
• The government has actively promoted the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations to improve the income and livelihood of farmers. FPOs are essentially cooperative structures that allow farmers to collectively engage in agricultural and marketing activities.

LEGISLATIVE STEPS

Implementation of the 97th Amendment

The 97th Amendment to the Constitution in 2011 gave cooperatives a constitutional status and emphasized democratic functioning and accountability within these organizations. This amendment aimed to promote transparency and strengthen the cooperative movement in the country.

Increasing RBI oversight

In June 2020, the Central government passed an Ordinance to place all urban and multi-state cooperative banks directly under the regulatory oversight of the RBI.

The Multistate Cooperative Societies Amendment Act, 2022

It amends the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, To enhance transparency, accountability, improve ease of doing business, and promote better financial discipline among multi-state cooperatives.

STEPS TAKEN BY RBI

Regulatory oversight

• In January 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) updated the Supervisory Action Framework (SAF) for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).
• In 2021, the RBI established a committee that proposed a four-tier structure for UCBs.

Amalgamation and strengthening

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been actively encouraging the amalgamation of weak cooperative banks to improve their financial health. It also provides financial assistance and regulatory guidance to strengthen these banks.

Prudential Norms and Regulations

RBI has introduced prudential norms and regulations for cooperative banks to ensure their financial stability and protect depositors’ interests. This includes measures for asset classification, income recognition, and provisioning. Also, there’s regulatory oversight over the earmarked priority sector lending commitments.

Technology Adoption

Cooperative banks are encouraged to adopt modern technology for efficient operations and better customer service. This includes the use of core banking solutions, online banking, and digital payment systems.

THE WAY FORWARD

• High Powered Committee on Co-operatives (2009) had recommended that central government should create a National Co-operative Rehabilitation and Institutional Protection Fund to revive sick units and states should contribute to the fund.
• In 2015, a committee headed by R. Gandhi, a former deputy governor at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), suggested a series of governance reforms for the cooperative banking sector. Some of these recommendations included:
  • Enhanced RBI Oversight: Strengthening the RBI’s control and supervision over cooperative banks. This entails providing the RBI with greater authority and involvement in overseeing the functioning of these banks.
  • Professional Management: Advocating for professional management of these banks, similar to the corporate banking sector. This implies granting the board of directors’ powers akin to those held by directors in commercial banks, allowing them to independently assess and supervise the bank’s operations. The board should have the authority to question the representation of shareholders.
  • Amendments to Banking Regulation Act, 1949: Proposing changes to the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, to expand the RBI’s authority to wind up and liquidate banks without the involvement of other regulators, particularly under the cooperative societies’ laws.
  • Conversion to Small Finance Banks: Recommending that cooperative banks be permitted to convert into small finance banks under RBI regulations, provided they meet specific criteria and conditions.
  • Establishment of an Umbrella Organization: Suggesting the creation of an overarching organization responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of all cooperative banks. This organization should report directly to the RBI, thus subjecting it to more rigorous control.
• The Multistate Cooperative Societies Amendment Act, 2022, was long due as there was no centralized legislation for multistate cooperatives Which were reeling under mismanagement and misuse of funds. However, the government must look towards creating a more decentralized and autonomous ground for the cooperative societies by overcoming centralizing provisions in the amendment bill.
• Cooperative societies must be brought under the purview of the RTI act to ensure greater efficiency and transparency in the overall functioning and management.
• Steps should be taken to implement regular audits from autonomous bodies and also make ground for efficient social audits of various policies and fund allocation by the stakeholders of respective cooperative societies.
• The 2^nd report of Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recommended that under Article 19, 19(1)(h) may be added as follows: “(h) to form and run cooperatives based on principles of voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, and autonomous functioning free from State control.” This would ensure more transparency and autonomy to cooperative structure in India.

THE CONCLUSION: In summary, cooperative banks in India are not just financial institutions; they are essential pillars of economic development, financial inclusion, and community empowerment. Their contributions to agricultural lending, rural development, financial inclusion, and social development are instrumental in shaping India’s economic landscape. With a strong focus on cooperative principles and community well-being, these banks continue to play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards economic growth and social equity. Thus, only a prudent, proficient and transparent cooperative banking sector can fulfill the aim of financial inclusivity in India.

QUESTIONS:

Q.1  “Cooperative banks should focus more on the quality of governance, which is based on three pillars of compliance, risk management, and internal audit.” Analyse the statement in the light of recent scams surrounding the cooperative banking system in India.

Q.2 “The Indian cooperative sector suffers from regulatory inflation and multiplicity of control at various levels of government.” Critically analyze

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL COOPERATIVE IN INDIA:

• Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd):

o    Type: Dairy Cooperative

o    Success Story: Amul is one of India’s most iconic cooperatives, bringing together millions of dairy farmers in Gujarat. It has empowered farmers by providing a platform to market their milk and dairy products collectively. Amul is a symbol of cooperative success, significantly improving the livelihoods of its members.

o    Amul, with over 3.6 million milk producer members, has become the world’s largest producer of milk and milk products. It processes around 23 million liters of milk daily and has increased the income of dairy farmers significantly.

• Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO):

o    Type: Agricultural Cooperative

o    Success Story: IFFCO is one of the world’s largest fertilizer cooperatives, catering to the agricultural needs of farmers across India. It has been instrumental in providing quality fertilizers, agricultural inputs, and education to promote sustainable farming practices.

o    IFFCO, owned by over 36,000 member cooperatives, is the largest fertilizer cooperative in the world. It produces more than 8 million metric tons of fertilizers annually, directly benefiting millions of farmers in India.

• Indian Cooperative Movement (ICM):

o    Type: Cooperative Union

o    Success Story: The Indian Cooperative Movement is a federation of cooperatives working to promote cooperative values and principles. It plays a vital role in coordinating the activities of various cooperative societies in India, fostering cooperation and development.

o    The Indian Cooperative Movement is an umbrella organization representing over 600,000 cooperatives in India. It plays a pivotal role in coordinating cooperative activities across sectors, contributing to the livelihoods of millions.

• SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association):

o    Type: Women’s Cooperative

o    Success Story: SEWA is a renowned women’s cooperative that empowers self-employed women across various sectors, including agriculture, crafts, and small businesses. It provides access to financial services, skill development, and advocacy, improving the socio-economic status of women.

o    SEWA, with a membership of nearly 2 million self-employed women, provides access to financial services, healthcare, and employment opportunities. It has been instrumental in improving the economic status of women in India.

• Punjab State Cooperative Bank (PSCB):

o    Type: Cooperative Bank

o    Success Story: The Punjab State Cooperative Bank is a prominent cooperative bank that serves the financial needs of farmers and the rural population in Punjab. It offers agricultural credit, savings accounts, and other banking services, contributing to the economic well-being of its members.

o    PSCB serves over 4,000 primary cooperative societies and millions of farmers in Punjab. It has provided agricultural credit amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees, supporting agricultural activities and rural development in the state.

These examples represent the diversity and success of cooperative societies in India, embodying the core cooperative principles of self-help, democratic governance, and the collective pursuit of common economic and social objectives.

The Multistate Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) Amendment Bill, 2022

Key issues regarding the bill:

• The bill is said to be culminating into the concentration of power of the central government, which may impact the autonomy and free functioning of multistate cooperative societies creating a potential for their misuse.
• Granting veto powers to the central and state governments over the redemption of their shareholding could potentially undermine the principle of Democratic member control and organizational autonomy which form the essence of cooperative societies.
• It imposes financial burden on successful cooperatives to support struggling ones which can potentially undermine growth capacity of well-functioning cooperatives.

Task Force on Revival of Cooperative Credit Institutions (2004)

• Formed by the honorable Prime Minister in the year 2004 for the revival of cooperatives in India, so as to holistically overcome the various challenges they face.
• Based on the recommendations of the above task force, the Union Government has introduced The Constitutional (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2006 in the Parliament on 22^nd May, 2006.
• The Task Force on the Revival of Cooperative Credit Institutions in its Report (December, 2004) examined the enabling legislations for cooperatives in detail and suggested a Model Mutually Aided Cooperative Societies Act to be adopted by all the States. The salient features of the draft model law suggested by the Task Force are as under:

o   The law is based on internationally accepted principles of cooperation and ensures that cooperatives function in a democratic manner.

o   The model law is member-centric. It ensures that members are in control of their organisation, and that they can hold accountable those they elect. It places responsibilities on members, and it gives them the right to manage their own affairs, based on the responsibilities that they choose to fix for themselves.

o   It places responsibilities on elected Directors in such a manner, that elected positions are positions of responsibility and not only of power and authority. Accountability of the Directors to the General Body is in-built, and any lapse is treated seriously. A Director’s behaviour is expected to be reported to the General Body for its scrutiny.

o   The Model Law makes it clear that cooperative societies are not the creatures of the State–nor are they statutory creatures. Membership in these societies is voluntary and therefore as in the case of Companies, Societies, Trade Unions, and unincorporated Associations, elections should be an internal affair of each organisation.

o   For similar reasons, an Audit Board is not envisaged under this law. The General Body of each cooperative society will appoint an auditor, and the responsibilities of the auditor have been made explicit. Presentation of copies of the audited statements of accounts for the previous year, along with audit objections, to each member has been made compulsory.

o   Recruitment of staff will be the responsibility of each cooperative society. Common cadres and recruitment boards are not envisaged. Just as other forms of citizens’-organisations (Companies, Societies, Trade Unions, unincorporated Associations) take responsibility for staff recruitment and personnel management, cooperative societies too should have the right to make all staff related decisions. Labour laws are expected to apply.

o   Profit (surplus) and loss (deficit) are to be shared among members. Cooperatives are expected to be professionally managed in the truest sense of the phrase, as Directors have to face their General Body each year and recommend surplus/ deficit sharing to members.

o   The law envisages creation of cooperative societies based on mutual aid and trust amongst members. While cooperative societies are permitted to accept member savings and deposits, and borrowings from others, they are not permitted to accept savings from non-members. In case a cooperative wish to accept public (non-voting member) deposits, it will need to be licensed by the RBI and follow such other regulatory norms as prescribed by the RBI.

o   The manner of recovery of dues from members is required to be in-built in the Articles of Association.

THE CONTEXT: Recent announcement by Sri Lanka’s President about a proposal to establish land connectivity with India has come after a long while. Much of the plans outlined in the statement have been discussed for years but could not implemented.

RECENT ISSUES BETWEEN INDIA AND SRI LANKA

• Pending bridge project: The idea of building a bridge linking Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu with Talaimanar in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka was floated twenty years back. This was part of larger vision of regional economic integration aimed at generating more opportunities for economic growth. But due to opposition by groups representing the interests of Sinhalese-Buddhists this connectivity was halted many times. It has again found

mention in a joint statement issued in July, 2023 after both the prime ministers met in New Delhi.

• Issue with Energy sector: Another area of concern in the relation of India and Sri Lanka is related to energy sector. For example, the idea of connecting the electricity networks of the two countries was floated even in 1970. Over 13 years have lapsed since the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the bilateral grid, but not even one unit of electricity has been transmitted.  In the case of Bangladesh, India has been exporting at least 7,000 million units (MU) annually for the last couple of years. However, certain projects are underway and both countries should be focused to ensure that the deadline is met.
• Economic relations: Energy is not the only area where progress has been slow. The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement was signed in December 1998, yet the two countries have not yet been able to go beyond it despite holding talks for years.
• Untapped potential of tourism: In the area of tourism, which is a major source of revenue for Sri Lanka, India remained the largest single country of tourist arrivals, with its share being 17% of the overall number of arrivals. But the potential is much higher which is not being explored due to underperformance of Sri Lanka.
• Fisheries Dispute: One of the longstanding issues between India and Sri Lanka is related to fishing rights in the coastal waters of Indian ocean.Indian fishermen have often been arrested by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. This has led to tensions between both the countries.
• China’s Influence:India has repeatedly expressed concerns about China’s increasing economic and strategic influence on Sri Lanka. It has been viewed as a challenge to India’s own interests in the region.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Infrastructure development: The relationship between India and Sri Lanka in the areas of infrastructure development, energy links and trade has vast potential. It should be much deeper than what it is now by encouraging investment from India’s private sector and joint ventures with Sri Lankan companies.
• Enhancing Economic Cooperation:Both countries should work towards reducing trade imbalances and promoting greater economic cooperation. It can be done by identifying sectors with complementary interests and fostering investments can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Balancing China’s interests:While maintaining friendly ties with other countries is essential, both India and Sri Lanka should ensure that their bilateral relations remain strong and are not unduly influenced by china.
• People-to-People Relations:There is a need to strengthen people to people relations by encouraging cultural exchanges, tourism, and educational ties. Strong connectivity is one of the avenues which can strengthen ties between the two countries and increase people-to-people linkages.
• Energy security:As the global energy crisis continues to rise, it is imperative that India and Sri Lanka cooperate in making use of clean and green energy to make South Asia Energy self-sufficient.
• Building upon the initiatives take in recent years: The momentum has been generated by certain developments in the last one year as:

1. Resumption of air services between Chennai and Jaffna

2. Launch of passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai

3. Joint venture agreement among India’s National Dairy Development Board, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation

4. Cargills of Sri Lanka for self-sufficiency in the dairy sector

It should be sustained and improved upon to view Sri Lanka as a high standard of living and stable economy.

THE CONCLUSION:

There has been rising concern due to long pending infrastructure and security projects between India and Sri Lanka. There is a need to enhance connectivity and energy security between both the countries based on cooperation, coordination and consolidation. It can be done by laying specific procedures for specific issues to further strengthen India’s relationship with Sri Lanka.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (2013)

Q.2 ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (2022)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Economic ties between India and Sri Lanka while growing in recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/bridge-this-deficit-between-india-and-sri-lanka/article67619246.ece

THE CONTEXT: The World Meteorological Organization’s recent report, The Global Climate 2011-2020, gives a broad view of the planet’s response to greenhouse gas emissions. In the section on the state of glacier health, it points out that, on average, the world’s glaciers thinned by approximately a metre a year from 2011 to 2020.

THE GLOBAL CLIMATE 2011-2020

About:

• A Decade of Acceleration report documents how extreme events across the decade had devastating impacts, particularly on food security, displacement and migration, hindering national development and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It also showed how improvements in forecasts, early warnings and coordinated disaster management and response are making a difference.

Report:

• The report was released at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28.
• In the section on the state of glacier health, it points out that, on average, the world’s glaciers thinned by approximately a metre a year from 2011 to 2020.
• When compared across decades, there is significant regional variability, but the overall pattern remains that glaciers in all regions of the world are becoming smaller.
• In fact, some of the reference glaciers, which are used to make long-term assessments of glacier health, have already melted away as the nourishing winter snow is completely melting away during summer.
• In Africa, glaciers on the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Kenya are projected to disappear by 2030, and those on Kilimanjaro by 2040.
• The report points to the rapid growth of pro-glacial lakes and the likelihood of glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF), posing additional threats to ecosystems and livelihoods.

ABOUT GLACIER LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)

• Glaciers are made of layers of compressed snow that move or “flow” due to gravity and the softness of ice relative to rock.
• Proglacial lakes, formed after glaciers retreat, are often bound by sediment and boulder formations. Additional water or pressure, or structural weakness, can cause both natural and manmade dams to burst.

Reasons behind the GLOF:

• Seismic activity and a buildup of water pressure can cause glaciers to burst, but one particular concern is climate change.
• High temperatures coupled with less snowfall can accelerate melting, which causes water to rise to potentially dangerous levels.
• Most mountain glaciers around the world were much larger in the past and have been melting and shrinking dramatically due to climate change and global warming.

Examples of GLOF in India:

• Uttarakhand Kedarnath Flash Flood: An outburst flood triggered by the Chorabari Tal glacial lake in Uttarakhand devastated Kedarnath in 2013.
• Uttarakhand Chamoli District GLOF: In Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, a glacial lake outburst flood originating from the Nanda Devi Glacier caused significant damage in 2021.
• GLOF in North Sikkim: Recently, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim breached, causing massive devastation.

DESTRUCTION AND IMPACT

Increasing sea level: Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, potentially causing coastal flooding and erosion.

Biodiversity loss: Glacial melting will also cause the extinction of numerous species, as glaciers are the natural habitat of a number of animals, both terrestrial and aquatic.

Economic impact: Across all continents, the rapid melting of glaciers is generating adverse effects, including flooding and other glacier-related disasters. Mitigating these effects will necessitate substantial financial resources and coordinated intervention.

Scarcity of fresh water: At the current rate of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is expected to see temperatures increase by 2.5°-3°C by the end of the century, the volume of glaciers is forecast to decline anywhere from 55% to 75%. This means sharp reductions in freshwater supply in the immediate vicinity of 2050.

Increasing global warming: Glaciers play a significant role in reflecting and absorbing the heat on earth. This means that as glaciers keep on melting, temperatures all over the world will at the same rate keep on increasing.

Increased risk of natural disasters: The retreat of glaciers can significantly increase the risk of natural disasters such as landslides, rockfalls, and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

THE WAY FORWARD

Early warning system: An early warning system is needed for the likelihood of GLOF events.

Weather monitoring: Understanding precipitation patterns and snowmelt can help predict the risk of lake outburst.

Land-use planning: Avoiding development in flood-prone areas mitigates the potential for damage and loss of life.

Technological innovation: Investing in research and development of new technologies that address climate change challenges, such as carbon capture and storage, is essential for finding long-term solutions.

Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction: Implementing and strengthening policies that limit greenhouse gas emissions is paramount. This includes measures like carbon pricing, regulations on fossil fuel usage, and incentives for renewable energy adoption.

Transition to renewable energy: A rapid and decisive shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, is essential to break free from dependence on fossil fuels.

Water resource management: Implementing efficient water management practices, including rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and improved irrigation systems, can help communities adapt to water scarcity caused by glacial melt.

Reforestation: Planting new trees is one of the most effective ways to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and limit global warming.

International agreements: International agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Montreal Protocol provide a framework for coordinated action to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming. By working together, nations can share best practices, leverage resources, and achieve collective goals that benefit everyone.

CONCLUSION:

Threats from contracting glaciers should be in the same category of risk as cyclones and earthquakes. Correspondingly, there is a need to make comprehensive risk assessments, map regions of vulnerability and commission infrastructure development with the highest standards of care.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q) Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures. (2023)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Examine the main reasons behind the rapid melting of glaciers around the world. Also suggest some effective measures to combat glacier melting.

SOURCE: An icy warning: The Hindu Editorial on threats from contracting glaciers – The Hindu

THE CONTEXT: Two important pieces of legislations regarding Jammu and Kashmir were passed by the lower house of Parliament recently. These are Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which aims to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which aims at amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. The two legislations are being viewed by opposition as an attempt by the Union government to tweak the political landscape to its advantage for electoral gains.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• It has been more than five and a half years since an elected government collapsed and Governor’s rule was imposed in Jammu & Kashmir amidst the suspension of the elected Assembly.
• Subsequently, Article 370 that provided for special status for the erstwhile State was removed, the State bifurcated with the region encompassing Jammu and the Kashmir Valley made into a new Union Territory and Ladakh hived off into another.

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023

• It amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.  The Act provides for the reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).
• Number of seats in the Legislative Assembly:  The first increases the total number of Assembly seats from 107 to 114, with reservation of nine seats for Scheduled Tribes. Earlier there were 37 seats in Jammu which have now become 43, earlier there were 46 seats in Kashmir which have now become 47. Apart from that, 24 seats have been kept reserved for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• Nomination of Kashmiri migrants:The Bill adds that the Lieutenant Governor may nominate up to five members, of which two will be women, one a Kashmiri migrant and one from PoK.

Migrants are defined as persons who migrated from the Kashmir Valley or any other part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir after November 1, 1989, and are registered with the Relief Commissioner.  Migrants also include individuals who have not been registered due to:

• being in government service in any moving office
• having left for work
• possessing immovable property at the place from where they migrated but are unable to reside there due to disturbed conditions.

Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023:

• It amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004.  The Act provides for reservation in jobs and admission in professional institutions to members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other socially and educationally backward classes.
• Under the Act, socially and educationally backward classes include:
• people residing in villages declared as socially and educationally backward by the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir
• people residing in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control and International Border
• weak and under-privileged classes (social castes), as notified
• The government may make inclusions or exclusions from category of weak and under-privileged classes, on the recommendations of a Commission.
• The Bill substitutes weak and under-privileged classes with other backward classes as declared by the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.   The definition of weak and under-privileged classes is deleted from the Act.

ARTICLE 370 AND ITS REVOCATION

• Article 370 was a provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomy and privileges to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the state to have its own constitution, flag, and autonomy over most matters except foreign affairs, defence, and communications.
• This article was abrogated in 2019, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and integrating it fully into the Indian Union.
• On 5th August 2019, President of India in the exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 370 of the Constitution had issued the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019. It repealed the special status previously accorded to Jammu and Kashmir.
• Jammu and Kashmir now abide by all legislative amendments made by the parliament, including the Right to Information Act and the Right to Education Act.

CONCERNS

• Pending SC verdict: The constitutionality of the changes under revocation of Article 370 is still under question and the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on it. In this scenario, Union government has brought the Bills in a haste without waiting for the SC verdict on the matter.
• Seats in legislative assembly: There is an increase in number of nominated seats, and it is being believed that these members will mainly be Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley. In this regard, concerns have been raised of tilting the balance away from a Muslim-majority Valley.
• Violation of fundamental rights: It has been argued that in a federal democracy, the right to autonomous self-government is a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution. It cannot be taken away without the due procedure established by the law.
• Delay in Restoration of Statehood:Another major concern is the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. It has been four years since revocation of its special status since it was reorganized into Union Territories.  The government has not committed to a specific timeline for this restoration.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Elections in J&K: Elections is J&K should not be delayed further. There should be immediate restoration of the democratic process by holding popular elections. Elections should be held at the earliest and Election Commission of India and the State’s Election Commission will have to take a call soon to conduct elections. Also, local citizens need to be empowered through political platforms.
• Restoration of Statehood: It is time for the restoration of popular government as well as Statehood in J&K. It is imperative for the government to act with urgency in facilitating the reinstatement of J&K’s statehood. The absence of statehood limits the region’s capacity to have a say in its own governance, hindering its ability to address its unique concerns and aspirations.
• Strengthening Security and Peace: There is a need for strict measure to ensure security by countering insurgency to bring stability for development. It can also be done by strengthening local law enforcement and developing connectivity for trade and tourism. This would help not just to fill a glaring void in public life in the region but also set the stage for addressing the long-pending issues that have led to the persistence of militancy.
• Restoring Normalcy and Trust: There is a need for restoring normalcy and trust by fostering dialogue between local leaders and parliamentarians. At the same time, there should be focus on economic growth via infrastructure, tourism and special economic zones among others.

THE CONCLUSION:

There is a need for multi-faceted approach for a successful transition from UT to statehood for ensuring economic growth and inclusive governance in the region. At the same time, cultural preservation, and effective diplomacy needs to be ensured for upholding the integrity and security of the region.

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 In a significant legislative move, the Lok Sabha passed two new bills amending key laws in Jammu and Kashmir which has raised concerns. Discuss the challenges arising from this situation and suggest potential initiatives that can be pursued to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region?

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/no-fait-accompli-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-changes-proposed-in-the-lok-sabha-in-jammu-and-kashmir/article67615639.ece#:~:text=No%20fait%20accompli%3A%20The%20Hindu,Jammu%20and%20Kashmir%20%2D%20The%20Hindu

THE CONTEXT: Cyclone Michaung has disrupted life in Chennai. Cyclone made its landfall in Andhra Pradesh on December 5. Heavy rainfall caused floods, submerging houses and halting communication services, at least 20 people have lost their lives.

MORE ON THE NEWS

• On December 1, the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC), a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy command, upgraded the likelihood of cyclone formation to high.
• By December 2, the depression had intensified into a deep depression, as expected, while it was around 500 km southeast of Chennai and moving at around 17 km/hr.
• On December 5, Cyclone Michaung (pronounced mig-jaum) made landfall over Nellore in Andhra Pradesh as a super-cyclonic storm.
• A day earlier, the weather system had produced 150-200 mm of rain in north Tamil Nadu.

ABOUT CYCLONE MICHAUNG

• Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung was a strong tropical cyclone that formed over the Bay of Bengal off the south-eastern coast of India.
• It originated as a low-pressure area in the Gulf of Thailand and crossed into the Bay of Bengal which became a deep depression on December 2.
• It developed into a cyclonic storm thereafter and was named Michaung.

HOW ARE CYCLONES NAMED?

• In 2000, a panel of the World Meteorological Organisation together with members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission prepared the list of names of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, to be given from the September 2004 season.
• The name of each cyclone is picked from this list and cycles through each country’s suggestion.
  • For example, after Michaung (by Myanmar), the next five cyclones will be called ‘Remal’ (Oman), ‘Asna’ (Pakistan), ‘Dana’ (Qatar), ‘Fengal’ (Saudi Arabia), and ‘Shakhti’ (Sri Lanka).

WHY DID CYCLONE MICHAUNG INTENSIFY?

• On December 4, the cyclonic storm intensified into a super-cyclonic storm. Such intensification events are a source of uncertainty in cyclone models because they alter the storm’s future course.
• Tropical cyclones are ‘engines’ that use a warm sea surface as ‘fuel’. This is why they form close to the equator (but seldom at the equator itself because the spinning force, called the Coriolis force, is lowest there).
• As air moves over such a warm sea, it also becomes warmer and laden with moisture, and begins to ascend. In the process, it becomes cooler, which condenses the vapour and forms clouds.
• Condensation releases heat, which makes the air lighter and causes it to ascend further. As it does, the surrounding air moves in underneath, creating the surface winds associated with cyclones.
• The intensification is also greater if the cyclone spends more time over the water before landfall, as Cyclone Michaung did off the coast of north Tamil Nadu.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Stormwater drainage system: The Tamil Nadu government is constructing a stormwater drainage system across Chennai and the city administration has claimed that the areas with the new drains escaped flooding. The Rs 4,500 crore project has been on since 2017 and by all accounts, nearly two-thirds of Chennai remains to be connected with the new network.

Flood Management Programme (FMP): Central Govt. has been providing financial assistance through a scheme called Flood Management Programme (FMP) since XIth Plan. The scheme since its inception has undergone several changes as per demands of states/UTs and also on account of various directions and policies of Govt.

Central Water Commission (CWC): The Government of India set up the Central Water Commission for achieving the goal of furthering and promoting measures of flood control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country in the areas of beneficial uses, irrigation and hydropower generation, flood management and river conservation.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): For prevention and mitigation effects of disasters including flood disasters and for undertaking a holistic, coordinated and prompt response to any disaster situation, the Government of India has set up a National Disaster Management Authority.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE INTENSIFICATION

Flooding: Heavy rainfall caused floods that submerged houses and halted communication services. At least 20 people have lost their lives.

Power outages: Several localities continue to be under water more than 48 hours after the rains abated, leading to power outages.

Shortages of essentials: There are shortages, including drinking water, milk and diesel.

Electrocutions: People are being electrocuted by loose cable wires.

Ineffective drainage system: The city’s drainage system is inadequate and needs to be improved.

Wetland encroachment: Construction projects on wetlands should be rethought.

Drinking water shortage: The city has a pressing drinking water shortage problem.

THE WAY FORWARD

Drainage revamp system: The suffering caused by the latest floods should push the state government to expedite the drainage revamp system.

Construction projects on wetlands:  After the 2015 floods, experts reasoned that planners should re-think construction projects on wetlands.

Create flood-resilient infrastructure: Design and build infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, to withstand flooding. This includes raising electrical panels, using flood-resistant materials, and installing backflow prevention devices.

Upgrade and expand drainage systems: This includes increasing the capacity of existing drainage channels, constructing new ones, and improving the efficiency of pumping stations.

CONCLUSION:

In the past five years, meteorological agencies have stepped up to the challenge of issuing timely cyclone alerts. City planners need to act now. A holistic approach combining drainage improvements, wetland preservation, and sustainable urban planning is key to bolstering flood resilience.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION:

Q.1) Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by Indian Meteorological Department. (2022)

Q.2) The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1) In recent years, Tamil Nadu has been experiencing short-duration spells of intense rainfall, like in several parts of the country. What are the reasons for frequent floods in India? Suggest steps that need to be taken for proper flood management.

SOURCE: Express View on Chennai floods: A wake-up call for urban planners | The Indian Express