09-January-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

RIVER INTERLINKING: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIETAL IMPLICATIONS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The River Interlinking Project in India, including initiatives like the Ken-Betwa link, aims to address water scarcity in regions like Bundelkhand. However, these projects raise significant environmental and social concerns, including ecological damage and flawed water management strategies.

Key Features of River Interlinking

• Concept and Objective: Proposed to transfer water from surplus to deficit basins to mitigate floods and droughts. Envisioned as a National Water Grid with projects like Ken-Betwa.
• Historical Context: Originated with Sir Arthur Cotton and later refined by engineers like M. Visvesvaraya. The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) was formed to assess feasibility.

Environmental Concerns

• Ecological Disruption: Dams and diversions impact natural hydrographic systems, leading to the loss of ecological niches.

• Deltaic regions suffer from reduced freshwater flow, impacting biodiversity and livelihoods.

• Global Examples: The Aral Sea turned into a desert due to river diversion for irrigation. Florida’s Kissimmee River project caused wetland loss, requiring costly restoration.
• Indian Examples: Downstream impacts on the Narmada River post-Sardar Sarovar dam construction.

Economic and Social Costs

• High Project Costs: The estimated cost of ₹5.5 lakh crore excludes long-term environmental and social expenses. These costs are ultimately borne by the common people.
• Impact on Marginalized Communities: Reduced River flow deprives farmers and fishers of livelihoods.

Better Alternatives

• Sustainable Water Management: Focus on watershed management, aquifer regulation, and efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation.

• Incorporate local practices and community participation in decision-making.

• Learnings from Global Success: Israel’s modern irrigation methods save water and maintain aquifer health.

National River Linking Project (NRLP)

The National River Linking Project (NRLP) is an ambitious initiative to connect India’s rivers through a network of canals and reservoirs to address water scarcity and optimize water distribution. Originating in the colonial era, it aims to form a large South Asian Water Grid.

Key Features of NRLP:

• Originally proposed as the National Perspective Plan, the NRLP aims to interlink 14 Himalayan and 16 Peninsular rivers.
• The project involves constructing 30 canals and approximately 3,000 reservoirs.

Historical Background:

• The idea was first introduced in 1858 by British engineer Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton to enhance irrigation and navigation.

Himalayan Component:

• The Ganga and Brahmaputra basins with the Mahanadi basin.
• The eastern Ganga tributaries with the Sabarmati and Chambal systems.

Peninsular Component:

• Proposes 16 links to connect rivers in southern India.
• Key projects include linking:
• Mahanadi and Godavari with Krishna, Pennar, and Cauvery rivers.
• Ken with Betwa, Parbati, and Chambal rivers.

Management and Implementation:

• Overseen by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Plans are underway to establish a National River Interlinking Authority (NIRA) for better execution.

Past River-Linking Examples:

• The Periyar Project (1895) connected the Periyar and Vaigai basins.
• In 2015, Godavari was linked to Krishna near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion

The River Interlinking Project poses risks to India’s ecological balance, biodiversity, and social fabric. Sustainable water management and preserving river eco-services should be prioritized over geoengineering solutions.

Practice Question:

1. With reference to the National River Linking Project (NRLP) in India, consider the following statements:

1. The NRLP aims to connect 14 Himalayan rivers and 16 peninsular rivers through inter-basin water transfers.
2. The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the NRLP.
3. The Himalayan component of the NRLP proposes to connect the Brahmaputra and the Cauvery rivers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

• The NRLP involves interlinking 14 Himalayan rivers and 16 peninsular rivers to address water scarcity.
• The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) manages the NRLP’s feasibility and implementation.
• The Himalayan component does not connect the Brahmaputra and Cauvery rivers. Instead, it focuses on linking the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins with the Mahanadi and other systems.

RIGHT TO FOOD AND CHALLENGES WITH THE PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (PDS)

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The right to food, recognized as a fundamental right in India, aims to ensure food security for all. However, issues with the Public Distribution System (PDS) have left marginalized communities, such as the Musahars, struggling to access basic rations.

Key Issues with PDS

Exclusion from PDS Rolls

• Many households, especially in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar, have been removed from PDS rolls.
• Marginalized communities like the Musahars face greater challenges, including missing or incomplete family details on ration cards.
• Biometric verification issues at fair price shops (FPS) often result in names being struck off the rolls, forcing individuals to apply for new ration cards.

Corruption in Ration Distribution

• FPS dealers often release only 4 kg of food grains per person instead of the entitled 5 kg for Priority Household (PHH) cardholders.
• Beneficiaries receive low-quality rice while wheat is not provided.

Documentation Barriers

• States like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh demand caste, income, and residence certificates for ration card applications, despite no legal basis under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 or the PDS Control Order of 2015.
• The digitization of processes has created hurdles for marginalized groups unfamiliar with online systems.

Exploitation by Middlemen

• Vulnerable individuals, especially the Musahars, often fall prey to middlemen who charge exorbitant fees (₹3,000+) for ration card processing.
• Many applicants lose money without receiving their ration cards due to fraudulent practices.

Delayed Issuance of Ration Cards

• Applications for ration cards, essential for basic subsistence, face significant delays ranging from 4 to 18 months.
• This violates the PDS Control Order of 2015, which mandates issuing ration cards within 30 days.

PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (PDS) AND HOW IT FUNCTIONS:

Purpose of PDS:
The Public Distribution System is a government initiative to provide essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and kerosene to the economically disadvantaged sections of society at subsidized rates. It aims to ensure food security and help reduce poverty.

Functioning:
The system operates through a network of fair price shops (FPS) across the country. The government procures food grains from farmers, stores them, and distributes them through these shops to eligible families, often based on their ration cards.

Targeting Beneficiaries:
PDS targets different categories of beneficiaries, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families (those below the poverty line) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families. The distribution is based on the criteria set by the government, with subsidies to make food affordable for the poor.

Conclusion:

Despite being a fundamental right, the right to food is hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and systemic corruption in the PDS. Addressing these issues requires robust governance reforms to ensure food security for the most vulnerable communities.

CHALLENGES TO THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ACT

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, enacted to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, faces challenges due to deliberate delays, vacancies in information commissions, and weakened institutional autonomy.

Issues Affecting the RTI Act

Dilution of the RTI Act’s Efficacy

• Amendments have weakened the effectiveness of the RTI Act over the years.
• Governments often delay or deny information requests, defeating the purpose of transparency.

Vacancies in Information Commissions

• The Central Information Commission (CIC) currently has eight vacancies, with 23,000 appeals pending.
• Many State Information Commissions are nearly non-functional due to lack of members.
• Vacancies hinder the resolution of appeals and discourage public participation in seeking information.

Judicial Intervention

• The Supreme Court has directed the government to outline timelines for filling vacancies in the CIC and expedite appointments.
• States have been urged to complete their appointment processes within a specified time frame.

Failure to Follow Proactive Appointment Procedures

• A 2019 Supreme Court ruling required timely advertising and filling of positions, which has been largely ignored.
• Retired civil servants continue to dominate appointments, reducing diversity in the commission.

Loss of Institutional Autonomy

• The CIC’s fixed five-year tenure was replaced with an open-ended system, affecting its independence.

RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005

The RTI Act stems from the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19).

• Objective: To empower citizens by ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
• Key Features:
  • Citizens can request information in a specified format.
  • Public authorities must respond within 30 days or justify rejections.
  • Exemptions include information on national security, defence, or personal details.
• Coverage: Extends to government bodies, NGOs, and private entities financed by the government.

Should Political Parties Come Under RTI?

Transparency in Funding:

• Public disclosure of funding sources builds trust in political parties and strengthens democracy.
• Current laws, such as the Income Tax Act, do not mandate revealing donations under ₹20,000, enabling potential misuse.

Government Support:

• Political parties benefit from government resources, including subsidies, tax exemptions, and free media airtime.
• State facilities for offices and residences are also provided.

Public Accountability:

• Since political parties play a key role in democracy, they must ensure financial transparency like NGOs financed by the state.

Conclusion:

Delays, vacancies, and weakened institutional structures undermine the RTI Act’s purpose. Strengthening the commission’s functioning, ensuring timely appointments, and restoring its autonomy are essential to uphold transparency and accountability.

Practice Question:

1. With reference to the Right to Information Act, 2005, consider the following statements:

1. The RTI Act requires public authorities to provide information within 30 days, except for cases involving life and liberty, where the timeline is 48 hours.
2. Non-governmental organizations substantially funded by the government are covered under the RTI Act.
3. Information related to national security and personal privacy is exempted under the RTI Act.

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. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

• The RTI Act mandates that information be provided within 30 days, with an expedited 48-hour timeline for cases involving life and liberty.
• NGOs receiving substantial government funding are obligated to disclose information under the RTI Act.
• The Act exempts information related to national security and personal privacy under Sections 8 and 9.

STATES’ REVENUE DEPENDENCE ON THE CENTRE

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

In the last decade, States in India have increasingly relied on financial transfers and grants from the Centre. Declining efficiency in own tax revenue collection and reduced non-tax revenue have deepened States’ fiscal dependency.

Key Trends in States’ Revenue

Increased Dependency on the Centre

• Between FY16 and FY25, 23-30% of States’ total revenue came from Central transfers, compared to 20-24% in the 2000s and early 2010s.
• Close to 65-70% of non-tax revenue was sourced as Central grants during this period, up from 55-65% earlier.
• The reliance on Central funding has grown as States’ own tax revenue and non-tax revenue have declined.

Decline in States’ Own Tax Revenue

• Own tax revenue includes collections from stamp duty, motor vehicle tax, registration fees, and SGST.
• Over the past decade, States’ own tax revenue as a share of total revenue has consistently remained below 50%.
• Without SGST, the share of States’ own tax revenue fell from 34% in FY18 to 28% in recent years.
• SGST now accounts for 22% of States’ total revenue, up from 15% in FY18, reflecting heavy dependence on GST Council-determined rates.

Falling Non-Tax Revenue Contributions

• Non-tax revenue includes grants, interest receipts, service earnings, and dividends from public sector enterprises.
• The share of non-tax revenue in total revenue is projected to fall below 24% in FY25, a 25-year low.
• Grants from the Centre now make up 65-70% of non-tax revenue, up from 55-60% earlier.
• Earnings from services like public health and power have rarely crossed 30% in the past decade, unlike earlier years.
• Interest receipts and dividends from State public sector enterprises contribute less than 5% and 1%, respectively, to non-tax revenue.

Own Tax Revenue and GSDP Ratio

• The ratio of own tax revenue to GSDP has declined in States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Bihar, and Delhi. For example, Tamil Nadu’s ratio fell from 7.72% (FY13-15) to 6.17% (FY22-24).
• Some States, such as Maharashtra and Odisha, showed improvement, while others remained stagnant.

Challenges:

• Inefficient tax collection from stamp duty, registration fees, and motor vehicle tax.
• Overreliance on Central transfers limits States’ fiscal independence.

Taxes Exclusively Assigned to the Union Government

Certain taxes and duties are exclusively under the Union Government’s control:

• Customs and Export Duties: Taxes on imports and exports.
• Income Tax: Collected on income, excluding agricultural income.
• Excise Duty: On goods like tobacco, jute, and cotton.
• Corporation Tax: Imposed on companies.
• Estate and Succession Duties: In respect of property (excluding agricultural land).
• Income from Union Departments: Includes earnings from railways, postal services, etc.

Taxes Exclusively Assigned to States

States have the authority to collect certain taxes, including:

• Land Revenue: Income from land taxes.
• Stamp Duty: On documents not covered by Union List.
• Agricultural Income Tax: Tax on agricultural land.
• Goods and Passengers Tax: On goods carried by road or inland water.
• Vehicle Taxes: For vehicles used on roads.
• Electricity Consumption Tax: On the consumption or sale of electricity.
• Excise Duties: On alcohol, opium, Indian hemp, etc.
• Local Taxes: On the entry of goods into local areas, luxuries, betting, and gambling.

Taxes Levied by Union but Collected and Appropriated by States

Some taxes are levied by the Union Government but collected and allocated to States:

• Stamp Duties: On financial documents like cheques, promissory notes, etc.
• Excise Duties: On medicinal and toilet preparations containing alcohol or narcotic substances.

Taxes Levied and Collected by Union but Assigned to States

Some taxes are levied and collected by the Union but assigned to States:

• Estate Duty: On non-agricultural land property.
• Railway Taxes: On goods or passengers carried by rail, sea, or air.
• Stock Market Taxes: On transactions in stock exchanges and futures markets.
• Newspapers: Tax on the sale or purchase of newspapers and advertisements.

Taxes Levied and Collected by Union but Shared with States

Certain taxes are levied and collected by the Union, but shared with States:

• Income Tax: On income other than agricultural income.
• Excise Duty: Excluding duties on medicinal and toilet preparations.

Sharing Mechanism: The Parliament determines the equitable distribution among States.

Way Forward:

States need consistent and technically efficient measures to improve own tax revenue. Better tax policies are required to support equitable growth and reduce fiscal dependency on the Centre.

ECONOMIC GROWTH IN INDIA POST-COVID

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

India’s economic growth post-COVID has been primarily driven by government capital expenditure (capex), but this momentum has slowed due to election-related disruptions. Private consumption, however, has shown a notable recovery.

Key Highlights of Economic Growth

Growth Moderation in 2024-25:

• GDP growth for 2024-25 is estimated to slow to 6.4% from 8.2% in the previous year.
• A positive sign is the expected pick-up in growth during the second half of the year (6.7%), compared to the first half (6%).

Government Capital Expenditure (Capex):

• The government’s capex has seen a decline due to elections, with a 12% fall in central government capex and a 6% decline in state government capex in the first eight months.
• The sluggish pace of government investment has impacted overall economic growth.

Private Consumption Growth:

• Private consumption growth has significantly improved to 7.3% in 2024-25, compared to just 4% the previous year.
• Rural consumption has rebounded, driven by healthy agricultural production, but urban consumption is showing signs of slowing down due to high food inflation.

External Demand and Export Performance:

• Goods and services exports have shown growth, with a 6% increase estimated for 2024-25, compared to 2.6% in the prior year.
• However, concerns about global uncertainties, such as changes in US trade policy and the economic situations in the EU and China, could impact future growth.

Sector-wise Growth Breakdown:

• Agriculture: Benefiting from a good monsoon and recording positive growth.
• Services: Expected to grow at 7.2%, showing slight moderation from the previous year’s growth.
• Industry: Industrial growth has slowed to 6.2%, down from 9.5% in the prior year, with declines in mining and manufacturing.

Nominal GDP Growth:

• The estimated nominal GDP growth of 9.7% is lower than the Union budget’s projection of 10.5%.
• Despite slower growth, the fiscal deficit target remains achievable, although the government’s capex target is expected to fall short by Rs 1.5 trillion.

Need for Consumption-Boosting Measures:

• To sustain economic growth, there is a need for policies that stimulate domestic consumption, particularly in a climate of uncertain external demand and slow private investment recovery.

Key Focus Areas for the Upcoming Budget:

• Continued focus on job creation, skills development, and household income growth.
• Consideration of reducing personal income taxes to improve consumer spending.
• Maintaining a balance between fiscal consolidation and growth-boosting measures.

Conclusion

While the Indian economy is showing resilience, it faces challenges due to slowed government investment and external uncertainties. In the upcoming budget, a combination of measures to stimulate consumption and promote private investment will be crucial for sustaining growth.

SOAPSTONE MINING IS LEADING TO LAND-SUBSIDENCE IN UTTARAKHAND’ BAGESHWAR

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Unregulated soapstone mining in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district has led to severe environmental and cultural consequences, including land subsidence, damage to infrastructure, and pollution. The mining operations have raised alarms regarding the lack of regulatory oversight and the adverse impacts on local communities.

Key Findings from the Report

• Mining in lower slopes of Bageshwar district is causing instability, leading to land subsidence.
• Land subsidence refers to the sinking or collapse of the ground due to underground activities like mining.
• The region, especially areas like Kanda and Kanyal, is vulnerable due to loose, loamy soil that exacerbates erosion.
• Villages situated on the upper slopes are highly affected, as the destabilization of lower slopes increases the risk of landslides during the monsoon.

Environmental Concerns:

• The absence of protective measures like retaining walls, buffer zones, and slope monitoring is accelerating erosion.
• Mining operations, along with transportation activities, have led to water scarcity, pollution, and poor air quality in the region.
• The lack of green belts around mining areas further contributes to environmental degradation.

Cultural Impact:

• The traditional Kumaoni Bakhli houses, known for their resilience in earthquake-prone areas, are now facing structural damage due to land subsidence.
• The historical Kalika Temple in Kanda, a significant religious site, is also experiencing damage, with cracks appearing on the temple floor.

Complicit Administration:

• The report highlights the failure of the Uttarakhand government and the Union Ministry in regulating semi-mechanized mining operations.
• Environmental clearances for mining are granted without clear policies, allowing the use of heavy machinery that can cause harm.
• Local authorities have been accused of suppressing villagers’ concerns, with reports of encroachment on protected lands and illegal tree felling for mining purposes.

Conclusion

The unchecked mining activities in Bageshwar district are having severe environmental and social repercussions. Immediate regulatory intervention is necessary to mitigate the damage and protect both the local communities and the environment.

INDIA’S ENGAGEMENT WITH THE TALIBAN

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

India has increased its diplomatic engagement with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, focusing on security, humanitarian aid, and strategic interests.

Key Areas of Discussion:

• Security Concerns: India raised its primary concern about Afghanistan harboring anti-India terrorist groups.
• The Taliban assured India of their commitment to preventing such groups from operating in Afghan territory.
• Trade and Connectivity: Discussions also focused on using Iran’s Chabahar Port to enhance trade and provide aid to Afghanistan.
• This strategic use of Chabahar helps India maintain its presence in Afghanistan amid regional challenges.
• Sports Diplomacy: Strengthening cricket ties was discussed as a means to foster cultural exchange and enhance bilateral relations.

Geopolitical Background:

• China’s Growing Role: China’s increasing engagement with the Taliban, including investments in infrastructure, has prompted India to assert its presence in Afghanistan to counterbalance China’s influence.
• Tensions Between the Taliban and Pakistan: The strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have created space for India to engage more actively in Afghanistan.
• Regional Dynamics: With Iran and Russia focused on other priorities, India aims to fill the geopolitical vacuum and safeguard its interests in Afghanistan.

Strategic Implications:

• India’s approach to engaging with the Taliban is calibrated to avoid formal recognition while focusing on practical cooperation.
• The goal is to safeguard India’s $3 billion investments in Afghanistan, counter Chinese influence, and ensure regional stability.
• Humanitarian aid and development projects position India as a key partner for Afghanistan’s future, while maintaining vigilance against terrorism.

Challenges in India-Afghanistan Relations:

• Pakistan’s Role: Pakistan’s opposition to India’s presence in Afghanistan complicates the relationship.
• Terrorist Threats: The ongoing presence of terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan is a significant concern for India.
• Economic and Infrastructure Hurdles: Security issues and corruption have hindered India’s efforts to invest in infrastructure projects like the Salma Dam and Parliament Building.
• China’s Influence: China’s growing role in Afghanistan poses a challenge to India’s strategic interests in the region.
• Drug Trafficking: Afghanistan’s status as a major producer of opium contributes to regional instability and violence, impacting both India and Afghanistan.

Practice Question:

1. Which of the following countries share a border with Afghanistan?

1. India
2. Pakistan
3. China
4. Iran
5. Uzbekistan

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2, 3, 4
2. 2, 3, 4, 5
3. 1, 2, 4, 5
4. 2, 3, 4

Answer: B

Explanation:
Afghanistan shares its borders with the following countries:

• Pakistan (to the south and southeast)
• China (to the northeast via the Wakhan Corridor)
• Iran (to the west)
• Uzbekistan (to the north)

India does not share a direct border with Afghanistan, but they have strategic interests related to the region, particularly through the Wakhan Corridor.

FLAMINGO FESTIVAL 2025 IN ANDHRA PRADESH

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The Flamingo Festival 2025 will be held in Sullurpeta, Andhra Pradesh. The festival will focus on birdwatching, eco-tourism, and cultural activities to promote biodiversity and local development.

About Flamingos:

• Appearance: Flamingos are known for their pink or reddish color, which they get from carotenoid pigments found in their diet (mainly algae and small invertebrates).
• Habitat: They are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They prefer shallow saline or alkaline lakes and mudflats.
• Behavior: Flamingos are social birds, often found in large colonies, sometimes with thousands of individuals.
• Migration: Flamingos migrate to India during the winter season, especially to coastal wetlands and estuaries for feeding and breeding.
• Feeding: Their specialized beaks are designed for filter-feeding, helping them consume small organisms from the water.
• Ecological Role: Flamingos help maintain ecological balance by controlling algae and small invertebrate populations.

IUCN Red List Status:

• Greater Flamingo: Least Concern
• Lesser Flamingo: Near Threatened