05-March-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

ISSUES AROUND DELIMITATION

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

Delimitation refers to the process of redrawing boundaries and fixing the number of seats for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The discussion around delimitation has resurfaced as the next exercise will be based on the first Census conducted after 2026.

What is Delimitation?

• Delimitation is the process of determining the number and boundaries of constituencies.
• It is conducted by a Delimitation Commission, which is set up by an act of Parliament.
• It was previously carried out based on the 1951, 1961, and 1971 Censuses.
• The number of Lok Sabha seats was fixed at 543 based on the 1971 Census, when India’s population was 54.8 crore.
• To encourage population control, the number of seats remained unchanged.
• The next delimitation will be based on the first Census conducted after 2026.

Why is Delimitation Being Debated?

• India’s population has grown unevenly in different States over the past five decades.
• Some northern States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have witnessed higher population growth.
• On the other hand, southern States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have seen slower growth due to successful population control measures.
• Two key possibilities are being discussed:
  1. Redistribution of the existing 543 seats among the States based on the latest Census.
  2. Increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 848 to reflect population growth.
• It is unclear whether seat allocation will be based on the current proportion of seats or projected population.

Concerns About Delimitation

• States with lower population growth may lose representation, affecting their political influence.
• Southern States, which account for 24% of Lok Sabha seats, might see a 5% decline under new seat allocation rules.
• The federal structure could be impacted, as States that successfully controlled their population may end up with fewer seats.
• Larger northern States could gain more seats, leading to a shift in political power.

Possible Solutions

• Maintain the current number of Lok Sabha seats (543) to ensure a balanced federal structure.
• Increase the number of MLAs in State Assemblies to accommodate population growth while keeping Lok Sabha seats fixed.
• Adopt a model like the U.S., where the House of Representatives has remained at 435 seats despite a population increase.
• Ensure fair representation by avoiding drastic reductions in seats for certain States.
• Plan for long-term stability, considering that India’s population is expected to peak at 165-170 crore in the next 30 years before declining.

Conclusion

Delimitation should focus on maintaining a balance between democratic representation and federal unity. A fixed Lok Sabha seat count with adjustments in State assemblies can prevent regional disparities while ensuring fair political representation across India’s diverse regions.

Prelims Practice Question

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Delimitation Commission in India:

1. The Delimitation Commission is a constitutional body responsible for redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies.
2. The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and operates under the Election Commission of India.
3. The last delimitation exercise in India was conducted based on the 2001 Census.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Delimitation Commission is a statutory body, not a constitutional body. It is formed under the Delimitation Act, enacted by Parliament.

The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the Central Government, not the President, and it functions independently from the Election Commission of India.

The last delimitation exercise was conducted based on the 2001 Census but implemented in 2008. However, the number of Lok Sabha seats remains frozen based on the 1971 Census until after the first Census conducted post-2026.

US SUSPENDS MILITARY AID TO UKRAINE: PUSH FOR PEACE TALKS

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

The United States has halted military assistance to Ukraine following a public exchange between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Trump administration. This shift indicates a change in US foreign policy, focusing more on diplomatic solutions rather than military support.

Importance of US Aid to Ukraine

• Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the US has been a major supplier of military aid.
• Provided advanced weapons, intelligence support, and logistics.
• Key supplies included Javelin missiles, HIMARS, NASAMS air defense systems, medical aid, and winter gear.
• This support has been crucial in Ukraine’s resistance against Russian forces.

Impact of the Aid Suspension

• Weakened Defense for Ukraine – Without US aid, Ukraine’s military strength may decline, making it more vulnerable.
• Push for Peace Talks – The suspension is seen as an attempt to pressure Ukraine into negotiations with Russia, aligning with Trump’s diplomatic stance.
• Challenges for European Allies – While European nations support Ukraine, they may struggle to match US-level aid, leading to a reassessment of commitments.
• Geopolitical Shifts – Russia may take advantage of the situation by intensifying its offensive, and Ukraine could seek new alliances for support.

Historical Context

• In 2019, Trump paused military aid to Ukraine to pressure Zelenskyy for political favors.
• The current suspension follows a similar strategy, but with larger geopolitical consequences.

Future Possibilities

• European nations may try to bridge the aid gap, but their military capacity is limited.
• Russia has strengthened its weapons supply, with backing from North Korea and Belarus.
• The halt in aid may push Ukraine towards an unfavorable peace deal.

Conclusion

The US stopping aid to Ukraine is a turning point in the conflict. It may lead to peace negotiations or further instability in the region, depending on how Ukraine and its allies respond.

THE WALLACE LINE AND ITS ROLE IN SPECIES DISTRIBUTION

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Wallace Line is an imaginary boundary that separates the species of Asia and Australia. It plays a crucial role in explaining differences in biodiversity across regions. This line highlights how continental movements and environmental factors have influenced species distribution over millions of years.

What is the Wallace Line?

• The Wallace Line is an invisible division that marks the separation of Asian and Australian species.
• It passes between Bali and Lombok and between Borneo and Sulawesi, showing a sharp shift in biodiversity.
• It is named after Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist who studied species distribution in the Malay Archipelago.
• This concept contributed to the field of biogeography, which examines how species are distributed across different regions.

Wallace’s Discoveries on Sulawesi

• The island of Sulawesi, located near Borneo, has a unique mix of species from both Asia and Australia.
• Some species with Asian origins include the lowland anoa and mountain anoa, while species like the dwarf cuscus belong to Australian marsupials.
• The presence of species from both regions puzzled researchers, as it did not fit simple geographic patterns.
• This discovery emphasized that historical land connections and migration barriers played a major role in species evolution.

Geological History and Migration of Species

• The Malay Archipelago consists of over 25,000 islands, shaped by continental drift and volcanic activity.
• Millions of years ago, Australia moved northward from Antarctica, forming islands along its path.
• Changes in sea levels, monsoon patterns, and climate influenced the movement and survival of different species.
• Asian species spread through tropical islands, while Australian species faced challenges due to their cooler origins.

Modern Understanding of the Wallace Line

• Today, scientists recognize that the Wallace Line is a broad concept, and species migration depends on many factors.
• Advanced technology, such as evolutionary modeling, helps researchers understand how species adapt to new environments.
• The Indo-Malayan region is experiencing rapid deforestation and climate change, threatening biodiversity.
• Instead of redrawing species boundaries, conservation efforts should focus on protecting habitats and reducing environmental damage.

Conclusion

The Wallace Line remains an important concept in biogeography, helping scientists understand how species evolve and migrate. While it provides a broad explanation of biodiversity patterns, modern research shows that climate, geography, and human activity continue to shape species distribution.

BOMBAY HIGH COURT’S LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF MAHARASHTRA SLUM ACT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Bombay High Court has launched a first-ever legislative review of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment) Act, 1971. This review, mandated by the Supreme Court, aims to address issues causing delays in slum redevelopment and ensure fair rehabilitation for slum dwellers.

What Makes This Review Unique?

• Unlike judicial reviews that check a law’s constitutional validity, this review identifies loopholes affecting slum redevelopment.
• It is based on the Supreme Court’s directive to audit the Act’s effectiveness in solving redevelopment delays.

Background and Reasons for the Review

• Delays in slum redevelopment have led to violations of slum dwellers’ fundamental rights.
• In a Borivali project (2003), Yash Developers failed to deliver for 18 years, leading to legal action.
• Despite multiple Bombay High Court rulings, projects remained stalled due to legal loopholes and weak enforcement by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
• Recognizing these failures, the Supreme Court ordered a legislative review and performance audit of the law.

Key Problems Identified in the Review

• Land Classification as Slum: Influence from builders and vested interests compromises the fair identification of slum areas.
• Slum Dwellers’ Eligibility Disputes: Conflicts over who qualifies for rehabilitation lead to long legal battles and project delays.
• Developer Selection Issues: Developers manipulate slum dwellers’ cooperative societies to secure projects, often for their own profit.
• Land Allocation for Redevelopment and Sale: Builders focus more on creating saleable properties, often ignoring the welfare of slum dwellers.
• Transit Housing Delays: Many slum dwellers are forced to live in unstable conditions due to delays in temporary housing provisions.

Bombay High Court’s Response and Next Steps

• On February 14, a special bench observed that Maharashtra is unique in providing free housing to encroachers.
• The court highlighted concerns like vertical slums, lack of open spaces, and issues in mass housing policies.
• The next hearing is scheduled for March 18, where stakeholder feedback will be considered for potential policy changes.

Conclusion

The Bombay High Court’s legislative review of the Maharashtra Slum Act, 1971 is a significant step towards fixing redevelopment inefficiencies. Addressing land disputes, developer accountability, and transit housing can ensure transparent, timely, and fair rehabilitation of slum dwellers.

CARBON INTENSITY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Carbon intensity is a key indicator used to measure the environmental impact of various activities. It helps in tracking carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions produced per unit of output in industries, countries, or specific sectors. Governments and organizations use this measure to assess progress in reducing greenhouse gases and combating climate change.

What is Carbon Intensity?

• Carbon intensity refers to the amount of CO₂ emissions released for every unit of production or economic activity.
• It is used to measure the environmental impact of different industries, services, and nations.
• The lower the carbon intensity, the more efficiently an economy or sector is operating with reduced emissions.

How is Carbon Intensity Measured?

• Industries calculate carbon intensity based on their specific outputs, such as tonnes of steel produced or units of electricity generated.
• In the service sector, it may be measured using financial metrics, like emissions per dollar of revenue.
• Governments track carbon intensity at the national level using CO₂ emissions per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• This method allows for comparing emissions between countries and assessing climate change efforts.

Why is Carbon Intensity Important?

• Environmental Impact: It highlights the carbon footprint of various activities and helps identify sectors with high emissions.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Reducing carbon intensity is essential for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and slowing global warming.
• Economic Growth with Sustainability: Countries can develop their economies while keeping emissions in check by improving energy efficiency.
• Policy Development: Governments use carbon intensity data to frame policies that encourage clean energy and sustainable industrial practices.

Ways to Reduce Carbon Intensity

• Shifting to Renewable Energy: Using solar, wind, and hydro power reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
• Energy Efficiency Improvements: Industries can adopt advanced technologies to minimize waste and emissions.
• Sustainable Transport: Promoting electric vehicles (EVs), public transport, and fuel-efficient vehicles lowers transportation emissions.
• Carbon Pricing and Regulations: Governments can implement carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to encourage businesses to reduce emissions.

Conclusion

Carbon intensity is a crucial tool for monitoring and reducing emissions at industrial, national, and global levels. Lowering carbon intensity ensures a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, making it a key focus in the fight against climate change.

IRCTC AND IRFC ATTAIN NAVRATNA STATUS: A BOOST FOR INDIAN RAILWAYS

TOPIC: (GS2) ECONOMY: PIB

The Indian government has conferred Navratna status on IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) and IRFC (Indian Railway Finance Corporation). This upgrade grants them greater financial and operational autonomy, strengthening their role in railway infrastructure and services.

What is Navratna Status?

• Navratna is the second tier in the ‘Ratna’ classification for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), placed between Maharatna and Miniratna categories.
• To qualify, a CPSE must score at least 60 points based on six financial and performance indicators.
• Additionally, the company must have received an “Excellent” or “Very Good” rating in at least three out of the last five years.
• The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance, grants this status.

Financial Performance of IRCTC and IRFC

• IRCTC, which handles railway ticketing, catering, and tourism, reported:
  • Turnover: ₹4,270 crore
  • Profit: ₹1,111 crore
  • Net worth: ₹3,230 crore
• IRFC, responsible for financing Indian Railways, recorded:
  • Turnover: ₹26,644 crore
  • Profit: ₹6,412 crore
  • Net worth: ₹49,178 crore
• Their strong financial performance justifies their Navratna status.

Advantages of Navratna Status

• Increased Financial Autonomy: Companies can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a project without government approval.
• Operational Flexibility: They can independently form joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions, competing with private firms.
• International Expansion: These companies can expand globally, attracting foreign investments and boosting India’s economy.

Other Navratna CPSEs in Indian Railways

Before IRCTC and IRFC, five other railway CPSEs had Navratna status:

• Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) – Freight and logistics.
• Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) – Infrastructure development.
• RITES Ltd – Transport consultancy.
• IRCON International Ltd – Railway and highway construction.
• RailTel Corporation of India Ltd – IT and communication services.

With this, all seven listed railway CPSEs now hold Navratna status, reinforcing Indian Railways’ financial strength and strategic importance.

NARWHALS: UNIQUE WHALES OF THE ARCTIC

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Narwhals, also called narwhales (Monodon monoceros), are medium-sized toothed whales found in the Arctic. They are famous for their long, spiral tusk, which gives them a distinctive appearance. Scientists have recently observed narwhals using their tusks for hunting, providing new insights into their behavior.

Physical Features

• Narwhals change color as they grow:

• Newborns – Blue-gray
• Juveniles – Blue-black
• Adults – Mottled gray
• Older narwhals – Almost white

• The tusk is an extended tooth that grows from the male’s upper jaw.
• It has sensory functions with around 10 million nerve endings inside.
• The tusk helps in mate competition and courtship displays.
• Narwhals use their tusks to stun and hunt fish by striking them with force.

Behavior and Diet

• Narwhals are polygynous, meaning a male mates with multiple females.
• Mating occurs between March and May.
• They give birth to a single calf, which is born tail-first.
• Male narwhals’ tusks begin growing after one year.
• Diet: They feed on Greenland halibut, Arctic cod, polar cod, squid, and shrimp.

Habitat and Distribution

• Narwhals live in Arctic waters near Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia.
• They prefer cold, deep waters and migrate seasonally.

Threats to Narwhals

• Climate Change – Melting ice affects their habitat.
• Oil and Gas Exploration – Industrial activities disturb their environment.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Near Threatened – Narwhals face risks but are not yet endangered.

Conclusion

Narwhals are unique marine mammals with fascinating features and behaviors. Protecting their habitat is crucial for their long-term survival in the Arctic ecosystem.

CITIES COALITION FOR CIRCULARITY (C-3)

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU

The Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) is a global alliance promoting city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships to advance circular economy practices. The initiative was recently launched by the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs during a key forum in Jaipur.

About Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)

• It is an international initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between cities to promote resource efficiency and sustainability.
• Announced at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific.
• Focuses on bringing together policymakers, businesses, and researchers to transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Key Highlights of the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

• Theme: “Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.”
• Venue: Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
• Organized by:
  • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India)
  • United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD)
  • Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
• Supported by:
  • United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
  • Japan’s Ministry of Environment
  • Other global and regional organizations
• The forum will adopt the Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034), a non-political, non-binding agreement to guide the next decade’s efforts toward resource-efficient and sustainable urban development.

What is a Circular Economy?

• A circular economy ensures that materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed, preventing waste generation.
• It promotes sustainable consumption through maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and composting.
• Helps in addressing climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.

Conclusion

The C-3 initiative and the Jaipur Declaration mark a significant step towards sustainable urban development by promoting resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.