1-November -2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

AKHAURA-AGARTALA RAIL LINK TO BE INAUGURATED VIRTUALLY BY PM MODI, SHEIKH HASINA TODAY

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The historic inauguration of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link is a monumental step fostering connectivity between Bangladesh and northeast India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will virtually inaugurate this railway project after a hiatus of nearly seven decades, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation.

Key Highlights of the Rail Link Inauguration:

Connectivity Enhancement: This rail link re-establishes a crucial connection between Tripura and Kolkata via Bangladesh, significantly reducing travel time and distance compared to the longer route via Guwahati and Jalpaiguri stations. The rail link holds promise to enhance connectivity to Tripura, southern Assam, and Mizoram from Kolkata.

Trade and People-to-People Ties: It’s expected to bolster trade relations between India and Bangladesh, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, tea, sugar, construction materials, iron and steel, and consumer goods. Additionally, it’s set to strengthen people-to-people bonds between the two nations.

Project Details: The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link, a 12.24 km line, comprises 6.78 km in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura. A trial run by a goods train was successfully conducted between the stations, marking a significant step towards operational readiness.

Conclusion:

The rail link’s inauguration symbolizes a historic moment, supported by a grant aid from India to Bangladesh. This project, initially conceptualized during the colonial era, reflects a long-standing relationship between regions. The revival of this initiative demonstrates renewed cooperation and the potential for mutually beneficial regional growth and connectivity.

ETHICS, PARLIAMENTARY CONDUCT AND THE INDIAN MP

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

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee’s inquiry into allegations against Mahua Moitra, an All India Trinamool Congress MP, has sparked widespread public discussion. The accusations involve claims that she received money from a businessman for raising parliamentary questions, bringing ethical conduct into question. The proceedings draw attention to the crucial roles, responsibilities, and codes of conduct expected from Members of Parliament (MPs).

Instances of Misconduct and Action Taken:

• Breach of Privilege: MPs implicated in accepting money for posing questions faced inquiries, some leading to expulsion. In 1951, H.G. Mudgal was found guilty of promoting business interests through parliamentary actions and resigned before facing expulsion.
• Ethical Conduct Defined: The Ethics Committee, despite an undefined term ‘unethical conduct’, scrutinizes and recommends disciplinary actions. Cases of impersonation, misconduct during official tours, misuse of privileges, and serious misconduct were investigated and penalized.

Parliamentary Probe vs. Judicial Inquiry:

• Investigative Procedures: Parliamentary committees conduct probes differently from judicial bodies. These committees follow parliamentary rules, examining evidence, oral and written submissions, and expert opinions to reach conclusions. They do not adhere to the Evidence Act.
• MPs’ Online Inquiries: MPs sharing passwords for submitting questions, though not regulated, have raised ethical concerns. Parliament’s disciplinary power doesn’t extend to investigating an MP’s sources for parliamentary work, as per constitutional freedoms.

Conclusion:

The Ethics Committee’s role in ensuring ethical conduct among MPs remains pivotal, balancing between protecting parliamentary dignity and members’ constitutional rights. Defined ethical violations are examined, and action is recommended accordingly. However, the extent of inquiry into MPs’ sources remains legally ambiguous, underscoring the balance between parliamentary privilege and the permissible scope of investigation in the face of constitutional freedoms.

STAFF SHORTAGE, FINANCIAL DEPENDENCY PLAGUE LOCAL GOVERNANCE

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

The state of local governance in Indian cities reveals critical issues such as financial dependency on state governments, staffing shortages, and a lack of transparency in financial disclosures. The Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023, conducted by the Janaagraha Centre, highlights these challenges prevalent in local governments.

Challenges in Local Governance:

• Financial Dependency: Majority of local governments depend financially on state administrations. States like Assam empower city governments to collect major taxes while borrowing necessitates approval, except for select states.
• Power Asymmetry across City Categories: The ASICS report showcases how megacities enjoy more financial decision-making power but lack a directly elected mayor with a longer tenure. Smaller cities, on the other hand, have more elected mayors with longer tenures but limited financial autonomy.
• Limited Staffing Control: Mayors and councils have restricted control over staff appointments, hindering the creation of robust organizational structures. State governments appoint senior management, making it challenging for cities to enforce disciplinary actions.

Transparency and Vacancies:

• Transparency Deficit: A scarcity of cities disclosing civic information is observed. Eleven states have enacted Public Disclosure Laws, yet only a few cities publish comprehensive financial statements and internal audit reports.
• Staffing Shortages: High vacancy rates in municipal corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats indicate severe understaffing in local governments, hindering effective operations.

Conclusion:

The inadequacy of financial autonomy, staffing constraints, and transparency issues in local governance are key challenges observed in Indian cities. These issues need addressing to empower city administrations, improve staffing conditions, and enhance transparency, aligning local governance standards with global metropolises.

WHAT A ‘NORMAL’ MONSOON HIDES

GS 1 (GEOGRAPHY): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

The apparent ‘normalcy’ of India’s monsoon rainfall, recorded at 94% overall, for the eighth consecutive year masks the substantial regional and temporal variations that have emerged over the years. Climate change is identified as a significant factor contributing to this variability.

Irregular Monsoon Patterns:

• District-level Variations: Monsoon patterns showcased stark variations in rainfall distribution. While certain days experienced heavy downpours, extended dry periods prevailed, impacting a majority of districts. Climate change is speculated to intensify this variability.
• Rarity of ‘Normal’ Days: Analysis from Climate Trends highlights that ‘normal’ daily rainfall occurrences at the district level were rare. Over 60% of districts experienced significant deficits or no rainfall, while only 6% encountered average rainfall.
• Extreme Rainfall Events: The season witnessed the second-largest number of extreme rainfall events in five years. Such events compensated for dry days, creating an illusion of normalcy.

Regional Discrepancies:

• Northwest vs. Northeast: Disparities were evident regionally, with the northwest and central regions receiving over 100% rainfall, while the east and Northeast observed mere 80%. Southern regions faced deficits during the monsoon season.
• Kerala and Northeast India: Northeast India has historically faced below-normal rainfall, with this year reflecting a deficiency of over 20%. Kerala, typically rain-rich, suffered a 34% deficit this season, a concerning trend over the past 12 years.

Climate Change and Uncertainty:

• Complex Monsoon Patterns: Climate change and associated factors have contributed to erratic rainfall patterns. Events such as El Nino did not have the expected influence on monsoon patterns, impacting rains in a less predictable manner.
• Adapting to Uncertainty: Increased unpredictability in monsoon patterns necessitates a focus on disaster preparedness, addressing vulnerabilities, and reinforcing climate resilience in infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

Conclusion:

India’s ‘normal’ monsoon figures belie the underlying complexity and variation in rainfall patterns. The interplay of climate change, regional disparities, and temporal variations requires adaptive strategies to manage the unpredictability of monsoon rainfall and its diverse impacts.

AMAZON BASIN IS IN TRANSITION TO AN ANTHROPOGENIC DISTURBANCE-DOMINATED REGIME, MAINLY DRIVEN BY GLOBALISATION

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – DOWN TO EARTH

The Amazon basin, faced with its worst drought in 122 years, presents complex ecological, social, and economic challenges. The current scenario in this massive hydrobasin reflects severe climate-induced disturbances with far-reaching impacts.

Amazon Basin Overview:

• Size and Significance: The Amazon basin, covering about 6.87 million sq km, significantly influences global freshwater discharge. Holding 150-200 billion tonnes of carbon and 10% of global biodiversity, it plays a critical role in various ecological cycles, particularly within floodplain ecosystems.
• Floodplain Dynamics: The annual flood pulse is integral to Amazonian life, shaping geomorphology, biogeochemical cycles, and supporting indigenous communities’ livelihoods. The flood pulse triggers life cycles, growth rhythms, and economic activities.

                     

Recorded Hydrological Trends:

• Changing Regimes: Over the last century, the Central Amazon witnessed an intensification in its hydrological regime, marked by nine severe flood events in this century alone. Notably, the emergency situation created by recent floods during 2009-2022 surpasses that of the entire 20th century.
• Historical Drought: The unprecedented drought of 2023 recorded the lowest water levels in Manaus, raising significant concerns about the causes and severity of this drought.

Causes and Mechanisms of the Severe Drought:

• El Niño Impact: The presence of El Niño has triggered severe dry and hot weather conditions by impacting the upward branch of the Walker Cell, causing dry air masses over the Amazon basin.
• Atlantic-Related Factors: The warm phases of the Atlantic Meridional Mode and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation have contributed to the severe drought, shifting the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and leading to dry seasons and low water vapor importation.
• Human-Induced Factors: Human activities such as deforestation and large-scale fires have altered the hydrological cycle by reducing evapotranspiration, increasing sensible heat loss, and affecting cloud formation.

Impacts of the Severe Drought:

• Community Isolation: Traditional populations face isolation, leading to challenges in accessing essentials like water, food, and health services. Economic activities, including transportation, suffer due to low water levels.
• Agricultural and Ecosystem Impact: Agriculture and livestock production, along with aquatic biodiversity, are severely impacted, leading to food shortages, reduced crop yield, and significant losses.

Conclusion:

The ongoing severe drought in the Amazon basin reflects the urgent need for international support to preserve biodiversity, ecosystem health, and promote sustainable development. These shifting climate patterns demand innovative strategies, better preparedness, and the use of advanced technology to address the critical impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functionality, and human livelihoods. The urgency of this situation emphasizes the need for immediate action to mitigate the ongoing climate change impact.

WTO’S DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BODY (DSB)

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE- THE INDIAN EXPRESS

India has emphasized the need for substantial reforms within the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The DSB is a pivotal structure responsible for addressing disputes among WTO member nations.

Understanding the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB):

Function: The DSB operates under the General Council of the WTO and is designed specifically to handle disputes arising among different WTO members.

Three Key Stages of the Dispute Settlement Process:

• Consultations: The initial step involves negotiations between the parties involved in the dispute, aiming to reach a mutual resolution without further intervention.
• Adjudication: In cases where consultations fail, the matter proceeds to adjudication by panels. If necessary, the Appellate Body gets involved to address the appeals.
• Implementation of Ruling: Once a judgment is made, it is essential that the losing party adheres to the ruling. Failure to implement the decision might result in countermeasures being imposed against the party in default.

India’s Call for Reforms:

India is advocating for substantive changes in the DSB, emphasizing the necessity of reforming the existing structure to ensure efficiency, fairness, and an effective resolution of disputes. The emphasis is primarily directed towards improving the following aspects:

• Timely Resolutions: There’s a need to expedite the dispute resolution process to avoid prolonged disputes and reduce delays.
• Appellate Body Functionality: Addressing the issue of the Appellate Body’s non-functionality, which hampers the final appellate stage of dispute settlements.
• Ensuring Compliance: Strengthening the mechanisms that ensure prompt adherence to the DSB’s rulings, promoting adherence to the WTO’s dispute resolution system.

LCH PRACHAND’S SUCCESSFUL TEST-FIRE

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

The Indian Army has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting a test-fire of rockets and turret guns on the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, which translates to “fierce.” Here are the key features of this cutting-edge combat helicopter:

Induction and Manufacturer:

• The LCH Prachand was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2022.
• Designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., it stands as an indigenous creation in India’s aerospace and defense sector.

Multi-Role Capabilities:

• The LCH Prachand is a multi-role combat helicopter, showcasing its versatility in various combat scenarios.

High-Altitude Operation:

• It stands out as the only attack helicopter globally capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 meters, a crucial feature for operations in high-altitude regions such as the Siachen glacier.

Weaponry and Missiles:

• Capable of deploying air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, providing it with formidable firepower to engage in diverse combat situations.

Twin-Engine Configuration:

• Equipped with a 8-tonne twin-engine named Shakti, specifically designed for operation in high-altitude areas.

Stealth and Defensive Features:

• The LCH Prachand boasts the best-in-class stealth features, ensuring a reduced radar footprint.
• Features advanced armored-shield systems for enhanced protection.
• Offers a dark-mode attack capability, ensuring optimal stealth during operations.