02-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

INDIA OFFERS TO HOST 2028 CLIMATE MEET

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP-28) witnessed a significant proposition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India extended an invitation to host the 33rd edition of the annual summit in 2028. Modi’s address emphasized the urgency of global collaboration to address climate change and introduced India’s innovative “Green Credit Initiative” as a non-commercial effort to combat environmental exploitation.

Key Points:

India’s Offer to Host COP-33:

• Modi refrained from new commitments to control global temperature rise.
• India’s proposal to host COP-33 in 2028 highlights the nation’s commitment to addressing climate challenges.
• The approval process involves other signatories to the UNFCCC.

Green Credit Initiative:

• Modi urged countries to join India in the “Green Credit initiative” as a non-commercial effort.
• The initiative aims to create a carbon sink through innovative market-based mechanisms.
• The global Green Credit scheme targets generating credits for environmental actions, including plantations on waste or degraded lands.

Global Climate Commitments:

• Modi reiterated India’s commitments made at COP-26, including reducing emissions intensity by 45%, increasing non-fossil fuel share to 50% by 2030, and achieving net zero by 2070.
• Welcomed the Loss and Damage Fund’s approval at COP-28, with financial commitments exceeding $500 million.

Climate Finance Targets:

• Applauded the $30-billion Climate Investment Fund announced by the UAE, urging countries to finalize the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance commitments.
• Stressed the importance of developed countries fulfilling their commitments to the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund.

Conclusion:

Prime Minister Modi showcased visionary leadership at COP-28 by presenting crucial mechanisms for global collaboration through the Green Credit Initiative. The invitation to host COP-33 underscores India’s dedication to sustainable development. Modi’s emphasis on sustainable lifestyles echoes the global call for environmentally conscious living. As the world grapples with climate challenges, India’s proactive stance at COP-28 sets the stage for constructive international cooperation.

FINDING FUNDS

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The operationalization of the Loss and Damage (L&D) fund, a longstanding demand for climate justice, marked a significant development at COP-28. While the establishment of the fund is a diplomatic victory, it faces crucial challenges that demand attention and resolution.

Key Points:

Loss and Damage Fund Operationalization:

• The L&D fund, a demand spanning three decades, is crucial for responding to unavoidable climate change effects.
• Member-states at COP-28 agreed to operationalize the fund, a result of persistent efforts by the G-77 bloc of countries plus China.

Challenges in the Fund’s Structure:

• The World Bank will host the fund for an interim period of four years, raising concerns about significant overhead fees.
• Some countries have committed amounts, but the periodic replenishment and total insufficiency (currently $450 million) pose challenges.

Voluntary Contributions and Transparency:

• Contributions to the fund are voluntary, with varying commitment amounts from different countries.
• Lack of clarity on whether committed amounts will be periodically replenished.

World Bank’s Stewardship Conditions:

• The World Bank’s stewardship includes meeting transparency conditions and submitting reports to the Parties to the Paris Agreement.
• If the World Bank’s management is deemed unsuitable, the fund can exit the World Bank.

Conclusion:

While the operationalization of the L&D fund at COP-28 is a positive step, there are significant challenges to address. The voluntary nature of contributions, concerns about the World Bank’s oversight, and insufficient committed amounts raise questions about the fund’s effectiveness. As the fund goes online, it is imperative to ensure accessibility, timely disbursement, and transparency, meeting the needs of those most affected by climate change. Further concerted efforts are required to fulfill the fund’s potential and address the pressing issues highlighted during COP-28.

RE-ENACTED BILLS CANNOT BE SENT TO PRESIDENT: SC

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

In a recent development, the Supreme Court addressed a constitutional concern involving the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, referring re-enacted Bills to the President. The Tamil Nadu government criticized this move as a display of “constitutional obstinacy.” The legal proceedings unfolded with a three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, asserting the Governor’s limitations in such matters.

Key Points:

Governor’s Referral Criticized:

• Governor R.N. Ravi faced criticism for referring 10 re-enacted Bills to the President after withholding assent on November 13.
• The Tamil Nadu government accused the Governor of exhibiting “constitutional obstinacy.”

Court’s Position on Withheld Assent:

• The Chief Justice emphasized that once the Governor withholds assent, he cannot subsequently refer re-passed Bills to the President.
• According to Article 200, if the Assembly re-passes the Bills, the Governor is obligated to grant assent.

Attorney-General’s Counterargument:

• The Attorney-General contended that the Governor had only withheld assent without sending the Bills back to the Assembly.
• The first proviso of Article 200, according to the Attorney-General, applies when the Governor suggests amendments or recommends changes, not when assent is withheld.

Ambiguity Surrounding Bill Status:

• The Attorney-General’s submissions suggested ambiguity regarding whether the Bills were considered re-enacted or treated as fresh Bills.
• Senior advocates questioned the legitimacy of the Governor’s actions, questioning if the Bills were effectively “killed.”

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud, urged resolution between the Chief Minister and the Governor to overcome the impasse. The legal proceedings underscore the need for clarity on the constitutional powers and limitations of the Governor, emphasizing the adherence to established legal procedures. The case is adjourned until December 8, with implications for the processing of Bills and a call for collaborative dialogue between key stakeholders in Tamil Nadu.

AT INTERPOL MEET, INDIA ASKS MEMBER NATIONS TO DENY CRIMINALS SAFE HAVEN

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – THE HINDU

During the 91st Interpol General Assembly, a high-profile Indian delegation, led by CBI Director Praveen Sood and NIA Director-General Dinkar Gupta, advocated a unified global stance against harboring criminals and illicit gains

Key Points:

Delegation’s Urgent Plea:

• CBI Director Praveen Sood and NIA Director-General Dinkar Gupta led the Indian delegation at the 91st Interpol General Assembly.
• The delegation urged member nations to refrain from providing a safe haven for criminals, their activities, and the proceeds of crime.

Global Extradition Efforts:

• The plea coincides with India’s persistent efforts to secure the extradition or deportation of alleged terrorists, including pro-Khalistan elements, from various countries.
• Notable countries involved include Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Successful Returns Through Interpol:

• In 2023, close coordination through Interpol channels facilitated the return of 24 criminals and fugitives wanted by Indian agencies from abroad.
• India has identified the locations of 184 criminals in different countries, initiating formal proceedings for their return.

Enhanced International Collaboration:

• The CBI emphasized the increased utilization of Interpol channels and strengthened collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to combat crime globally.
• The Indian delegation advocated for coordinated strategies to tackle criminal organizations operating across international borders.

WORLD BANK RECALLS PAPER ON DECLINE IN TOILET USAGE IN INDIA

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The World Bank’s recall of a departmental working paper, titled “Progress on Sanitation in Rural India: Reconciling Diverse Evidence,” has stirred discussions. Published in September, the paper raised concerns about declining toilet usage in rural India since 2018, despite initial successes of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin. The recall, citing internal review and procedural issues, comes amidst reports of government pressure on the World Bank to withdraw these papers.

Key Points:

Paper’s Initial Findings:

• The recalled paper revealed a decline in toilet usage in rural India post-2018, despite substantial gains in toilet access under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin.
• Notably, usage dropped significantly among Scheduled Caste (20%) and Scheduled Tribe (24%) communities.

Recall Amid Controversy:

• The World Bank, citing technical and procedural issues, recalled three papers, including the sanitation one, pending an internal review.
• Reports suggest possible government pressure on the World Bank to withdraw these papers, although the government has not officially commented.

Other Recalled Papers:

• The two additional recalled papers were titled “What Lies Beneath? An Assessment of India’s Groundwater Quality And Monitoring Systems” and “Lifting the lid: Process and Delivery of the Swachh Bharat Mission.”

Data Reconciliation:

• The sanitation paper reconciled data from various sources, including National Family Health Surveys and National Sample Surveys, highlighting diverse evidence on toilet access and usage.

 

CENTRE APPROVES RS 1,658 CRORE RECOVERY, RECONSTRUCTION PLAN FOR JOSHIMATH

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – BUSINESS STANDARD

The central government has sanctioned a Recovery and Reconstruction (R&R) Plan of Rs 1,658 Crores for Joshimath in Uttarakhand, which suffered from a landslide and ground subsidence. This comprehensive plan involves significant central assistance and state government funding, emphasizing a three-year implementation timeline with a commitment to Build Back Better (BBB) principles and sustainability initiatives.

Key Points:

Financial Allocation:

• The Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Joshimath amounts to Rs 1,658 Crores.
• It incorporates a substantial Rs 1,079.96 Crores in central assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund’s recovery and reconstruction window. The remaining funds will be provided by the State government.

Implementation Timeline:

• The recovery plan is structured for a three-year implementation period.
• This timeframe aligns with the commitment to employ best practices, BBB principles, and sustainability initiatives in the reconstruction process.

Build Back Better (BBB) Principles:

• BBB is a post-disaster recovery approach aimed at not just rebuilding but reducing future vulnerability.
• It prioritizes community resilience, adopting a people-centered recovery strategy that enhances well-being, inclusivity, and reduces inequality.

Sendai Framework Priority Action:

• BBB is one of the four priority actions outlined in the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction (2015-2030).
• The other three priorities include understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, and investing in disaster reduction for resilience.

Joshimath Landslide Disaster:

• Joshimath, situated in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, faced a severe landslide, attributed to various factors.
• Technical reports from central government institutions identified the town’s high-risk seismic zone, its location on a slope over loose sediments, population pressure, and inadequate water disposal systems as contributing factors.

Conclusion:

The approval of the Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Joshimath reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of the landslide through a comprehensive and sustainable approach. By incorporating BBB principles and aligning with the Sendai framework priorities, the plan seeks not only to rebuild infrastructure but also to enhance community resilience and reduce vulnerability in the long term.

NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM 

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is Largest and highest masonry dam globally. Named after the renowned Buddhist scholar Nagarjuna. Situated on the Krishna River, spanning Nalgonda and Guntur districts.

Objective and Significance:

• Multi-purpose project for irrigation and hydroelectricity. Often referred to as one of the Modern Temples of India.

Geographical Features:

• Ethipothala waterfalls and Srisailam Wildlife Reserve are in proximity to the dam.

Administrative Control:

• As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Telangana exercises control and supervision over Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. Andhra Pradesh governs the Srisailam project.

Impact and Importance:

• Critical role in water management and electricity generation. Stands as a testament to engineering prowess and developmental significance.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, beyond its engineering marvel, symbolizes the synergy between development and nature, serving as a key contributor to regional irrigation and power needs. The geographical richness around the dam adds to its allure, making it a notable landmark in India’s infrastructure landscape.