16-October-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

HALF OF UAPA INVESTIGATIONS PENDING FOR OVER THREE YEARS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967, meant to address issues of national security, has drawn criticism due to its stringent provisions, particularly around delays in trials and the denial of bail. Recent developments, including prolonged detentions, have intensified concerns about the act’s use, with legal experts raising issues about its impact on justice.

Key Issues

Delayed Investigations:

• Pending Investigations: By the end of 2022, 50% of UAPA cases were pending for over three years—one of the highest among various crimes.
• Rising Delays: The percentage of UAPA cases pending over three years rose from 40% in 2019 to 50% in 2022.

Recent Cases:

• N. Saibaba: Former Delhi University professor, passed away months after being acquitted, following nearly a decade in prison.
• Umar Khalid: JNU student, awaiting bail after four years in jail, with court proceedings postponed due to judicial leave.
• Supreme Court Bail Grant: Last month, the court granted bail to a person under UAPA, citing prolonged trial delays after four years in custody.

Judicial Observations:

• Bail Guidelines: In August 2024, the Supreme Court reiterated that “bail is the rule, jail is the exception,” even under UAPA.
• Expedited Trials: In September, the court noted that serious offenses under UAPA should lead to faster trials.

UAPA:

Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) is a stringent anti-terrorism law in India. It empowers the government to designate individuals and organizations as terrorists and provides for severe penalties for those involved in unlawful activities.

Key Provisions

• Designation of Individuals and Organizations: The government can designate individuals and organizations as terrorists if they are involved in unlawful activities.
• Offenses: UAPA defines various offenses, including:
  • Membership in a terrorist organization
  • Providing support to a terrorist organization
  • Committing terrorist acts
  • Conspiracy to commit terrorist acts

Impact on Detainees:

• Low Conviction Rates: Between 2017-2022, less than 10% of UAPA arrests led to convictions or acquittals.
• Prolonged Detention: Most accused remain in jail without trial or bail, with only 23% receiving bail during 2018-2020.

Concerns

• Overreach and Human Rights Violations: UAPA has been criticized for being misused to target political opponents, civil society activists, and minorities.
• Impact on Freedom of Expression: The law has been accused of chilling freedom of expression, as individuals may fear being labelled as terrorists for their views or activities.
• Due Process Concerns: There have been concerns about the lack of due process in UAPA cases, including delays in trials and the denial of bail.

Important Considerations

• Balance Between Security and Human Rights: It is essential to strike a balance between the need to ensure national security and the protection of human rights.
• Rule of Law and Due Process: UAPA must be implemented in accordance with the rule of law, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and have access to justice.
• Transparency and Accountability: The government must be transparent and accountable in its use of UAPA, providing clear evidence and justification for any actions taken.

Conclusion

The data underscores the challenges within the UAPA framework, where delays in investigations and trials result in prolonged detentions, effectively turning the judicial process into a form of punishment.

Multiple choice question:

1. With reference to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), consider the following statements:

1. UAPA was enacted in 1967 to prevent unlawful activities that threaten India’s sovereignty and integrity.
2. Under the UAPA, individuals accused can easily avail bail under normal judicial procedures.
3. The UAPA allows the designation of individuals as terrorists in addition to organizations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

UAPA was enacted in 1967 to prevent unlawful activities that threaten India’s unity, sovereignty, and integrity.

The UAPA is known for its stringent provisions, making bail difficult to obtain.

An amendment to the UAPA allows the designation of individuals as terrorists, not just organizations.

INDIA-UAE CEPA: CONCERNS OVER SILVER IMPORT SURGE

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, which came into effect in 2022, facilitates free trade between the two nations. While it has boosted bilateral trade, India has raised concerns over a surge in certain imports, urging the UAE to address these issues under the free trade agreement.

Key Issues

Surge in Silver and Other Imports:

• India has seen a sharp rise in the import of silver products, platinum alloys, and dry dates from the UAE.
• In 2023-24, India’s gold and silver imports from the UAE soared by 210%, reaching $10.7 billion.
• India suspects circumvention of rules under CEPA, particularly the rules of origin, which dictate the source of the goods.

Review of CEPA Provisions:

• India requested a review of specific provisions in CEPA due to the surge in imports.
• A meeting was held between Indian and UAE officials to discuss these concerns.
• India emphasized the importance of verifying compliance with rules of origin to ensure that goods benefiting from CEPA concessions genuinely originate from the UAE.

Tariff Concessions and Trade Impact:

• India provides customs duty concessions of 7% on silver and a 1% concession on 160 metric tonnes of gold.
• India’s trade with the UAE totaled $83.65 billion in 2023-24, making the UAE its third-largest trading partner.

Free Trade Agreements:

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are legal agreements between two or more countries that reduce or eliminate trade barriers, such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies. These agreements aim to promote economic growth, create jobs, and increase consumer choice by facilitating the free flow of goods and services across borders.
Preferential Trade Area (PTA):

• This is the most basic form of economic integration.
• Countries involved in a PTA agree to reduce tariffs on a selected group of goods and services.
• This is often a stepping stone towards deeper forms of integration.

Free Trade Area (FTA):

• In an FTA, participating countries agree to eliminate tariffs and quotas on all goods traded between them.
• However, each country maintains its own trade policies with non-member countries.

Customs Union:

• A customs union goes beyond an FTA by establishing a common external tariff (CET).
• This means that member countries apply the same tariffs to imports from non-member countries.
• This creates a unified market for goods from within the union.

Common Market:

• A common market is a more advanced form of economic integration.
• In addition to a common external tariff, it allows for the free movement of labor and capital within the member countries.
• This facilitates the establishment of businesses and the flow of investment across borders.

Economic Union:

• An economic union is the most integrated form of economic cooperation.
• It involves a common market, a common monetary policy, and a coordinated fiscal policy.
• The European Union (EU) is the most prominent example of an economic union.

Economic Market:

• This is the broadest term, encompassing all economic activities within a region or country.
• It includes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Key Provisions of FTAs

• Tariff Reduction or Elimination: FTAs typically involve the gradual or immediate reduction or elimination of tariffs on goods traded between the participating countries.
• Quota Removal: Quotas, which limit the quantity of goods that can be imported, are often eliminated or reduced under FTAs.
• Non-Tariff Barrier Reduction: FTAs may address other trade barriers, such as subsidies, anti-dumping measures, and technical standards.
• Investment Protection: FTAs often include provisions to protect investors from expropriation and other discriminatory treatment.
• Dispute Settlement: FTAs establish mechanisms for resolving trade disputes between the participating countries.

Benefits of FTAs

• Economic Growth: FTAs can boost economic growth by increasing trade and investment.
• Job Creation: FTAs can create jobs in sectors that benefit from increased trade, such as manufacturing and services.
• Lower Consumer Prices: FTAs can reduce the cost of goods and services for consumers by increasing competition.
• Greater Market Access: FTAs can provide businesses with greater access to foreign markets, allowing them to expand their operations.

Challenges of FTAs

• Job Losses: In some sectors, FTAs can lead to job losses due to increased competition.
• Environmental Concerns: FTAs may not adequately address environmental concerns, such as labor standards and pollution.
• Loss of Sovereignty: Some countries may argue that FTAs can erode their sovereignty by limiting their ability to regulate their economies.

Conclusion

India’s concerns over the surge in imports from the UAE highlight the need for stricter enforcement of trade regulations under CEPA to ensure fair and balanced trade. Both sides have agreed to work on addressing these issues collaboratively.

Multiple choice question:

1. With reference to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), consider the following statements:

1. A Free Trade Agreement primarily focuses on reducing or eliminating tariffs on goods between the participating countries.
2. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement includes trade in services, investment, and broader economic cooperation beyond just goods.
3. India’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) allows unlimited tariff-free imports of all types of goods from the UAE.

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: A

Explanation:

Free Trade Agreements primarily focus on reducing or eliminating tariffs and quotas on goods traded between member countries.

A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covers not only trade in goods but also includes services, investments, intellectual property, and other areas of economic cooperation.

While India-UAE CEPA allows for significant tariff reductions, particularly in sectors like gold and silver, it does not provide unlimited tariff-free imports of all goods. Specific rules and limits apply.

OPP MPS WALK OUT OF JOINT PANEL MEETING ON WAQF BILL

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The opposition members boycotted the joint committee meeting on the waqf (amendment) bill for the second day, accusing the chairperson of bias. They wrote to the lok sabha speaker requesting his intervention to ensure a fair and impartial process.

Parliamentary Committees in India

Parliamentary Standing Committees are specialized committees formed by the legislature to oversee the functioning of government departments and agencies. They play a crucial role in the Indian parliamentary system by providing oversight, scrutiny, and recommendations on various policy matters.

Classification

Standing Committees

• These are permanent committees established to handle specific areas of public policy or administration.
  • They are reconstituted at the beginning of each session of Parliament.
  • They remain in existence throughout the session and often across different sessions.
  • Focus on continuous oversight and examination of various issues related to governance and public policies.

Ad hoc Committees

• These are temporary committees formed for a specific purpose and dissolved after completing their assigned task.
  • Created to handle a particular issue, report on a bill, or investigate a matter of public importance. Disbanded once the task is accomplished.

Key Functions of Parliamentary Standing Committees

• Scrutiny of Government Bills: Committees examine government bills in detail, suggesting amendments and providing recommendations to improve the legislation.
• Oversight of Government Departments: Committees monitor the performance of government departments and agencies, ensuring that they are functioning efficiently and effectively.
• Examination of Public Accounts: Committees examine the public accounts of the government, identifying irregularities and inefficiencies.
• Inquiry into Matters of Public Importance: Committees can conduct inquiries into matters of public importance, such as corruption, human rights violations, and environmental issues.
• Recommendations to the Government: Committees submit reports to the government with their findings and recommendations. These recommendations can be influential in shaping government policies.

Types of Parliamentary Standing Committees

• Departmental Standing Committees: These committees are formed to oversee specific government departments, such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of External Affairs.
• Finance Committee: This committee is responsible for scrutinizing the Union Budget and government expenditure.
• Public Accounts Committee (PAC): The PAC examines the public accounts of the government, identifying irregularities and inefficiencies.
• Estimates Committee: This committee examines the estimates presented in the budget, assessing the efficiency and economy of government expenditure.

Composition of Parliamentary Standing Committees

• Members: Committees are typically composed of members from both the ruling party and the opposition.
• Chairperson: The chairperson of a committee is usually a member of the ruling party.
• Quorum: A certain number of members (quorum) must be present for a committee meeting to be valid.

Significance of Parliamentary Standing Committees

• Accountability and Transparency: Committees play a vital role in ensuring the accountability and transparency of the government.
• Effective Governance: Committees can help improve governance by identifying and addressing inefficiencies and corruption.
• Public Participation: Committees can provide a platform for public participation in the legislative process.

Challenges and Limitations

• Limited Resources: Committees may face limitations in terms of resources and staff, which can hinder their effectiveness.
• Political Influence: Political pressure can sometimes influence the functioning of committees, compromising their independence.
• Lack of Public Awareness: Many people may not be aware of the work done by parliamentary standing committees.

Conclusion

Parliamentary standing committees are an essential component of the Indian democratic system. They provide a valuable mechanism for oversight, scrutiny, and accountability. By effectively functioning, these committees can contribute to good governance and enhance the democratic process.

Multiple choice question:

1. Which of the following statements about Parliamentary Committees in India is/are correct?

1. Standing Committees are temporary in nature and are dissolved after completing their assigned task.
2. Ad hoc Committees are permanent and provide continuous oversight of government functioning.
3. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is responsible for examining the public accounts of the government.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: B

Explanation:

This statement is incorrect. Standing Committees are permanent committees that are reconstituted at the beginning of each session of Parliament and continue to exist across multiple sessions. They are established to focus on specific areas of public policy or administration.

ad hoc Committees are temporary in nature, formed for a specific purpose and dissolved once their task is complete. They do not provide continuous oversight; rather, they focus on particular issues, bills, or investigations.

The PAC is a Standing Committee that examines the government’s public accounts, identifies irregularities, and ensures accountability in government expenditure.

GREENWASHING GUIDELINES: CURBING MISLEADING ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

In response to the growing problem of companies making unverified environmental claims about their products or services, the Indian government has introduced guidelines to curb false advertising related to environmental impact. These new rules make it mandatory for companies to back up their claims with scientifically verified data, thus ensuring transparency and authenticity.

What is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing refers to the practice of companies, organizations, or governments promoting their products, services, or activities as environmentally friendly without providing valid evidence to support such claims.

As the pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices rises due to climate change, more businesses are misleadingly marketing themselves as sustainable or green.

Impact:

• Greenwashing deceives consumers who are increasingly looking for environmentally conscious choices.
• It undermines genuine efforts to combat climate change by diluting the significance of truly eco-friendly practices.

New Guidelines to Regulate Greenwashing

• Objective: The government aims to prevent businesses from making false or vague environmental claims through new guidelines issued under the Consumer Protection Act. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) will oversee the implementation.

Key Features:

• These guidelines make it compulsory for businesses to support their green claims with reliable data, such as certificates or scientific evidence.
• They also complement existing regulations on misleading advertisements and aim to ensure fair practices in environmental marketing.

Six Principles for Trustworthy Environmental Claims

• Truthfulness and Accuracy: Environmental claims must be supported by verified evidence, such as certificates from recognized authorities, to ensure authenticity.
• Clarity and Simplicity: Terms like “green” or “clean” should be used only when backed by specific facts, and the language should be simple and clear for consumers to understand.
• Fair and Meaningful Comparisons: Any comparison made between products or services must be based on factual data and should be relevant. Claims should not mislead by omitting key differences.
• Specific and Relevant Claims: Companies must provide details when making claims about specific features or aspects of their products to ensure transparency.
• Avoid Misleading Visuals: Packaging or marketing visuals should not mislead consumers by overstating the environmental benefits of a product.
• No False Endorsements: Claims suggesting endorsements from non-existent or unauthoritative sources must be avoided.

Why These Guidelines Are Necessary

• Rising Consumer Awareness: With growing public concern about environmental sustainability, consumers are more likely to choose products labelled as eco-friendly. These guidelines ensure that they are not misled by unverified claims.
• Preventing Misleading Terms: Terms like “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” and “green” are often used loosely without sufficient backing. The guidelines provide clear directives to ensure that only products that genuinely meet environmental standards are marketed as such.
• Enforcement: Businesses that do not comply with the guidelines could face penalties or sanctions from regulatory bodies.

Conclusion

The government’s new greenwashing guidelines are a critical step in promoting transparency and preventing false environmental claims. By ensuring that businesses provide evidence for their eco-friendly claims, these rules protect consumers and encourage more responsible environmental practices across industries.

A FOOD-SUFFICIENT INDIA NEEDS TO BE HUNGER-FREE TOO

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The eradication of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition is a critical global goal, enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals. However, rising conflicts, climate change, and economic downturns continue to hinder progress towards this objective. This essay will delve into the multifaceted causes of global hunger and explore potential solutions to address this pressing issue.

The Root Causes of Hunger

• Lack of Access to Food: Food insecurity often stems from limited access to nutritious food. This can be due to poverty, geographic isolation, or conflict-induced disruptions in food supply chains.
• Unaffordability of Healthy Diets: Even when food is available, it may be too expensive for many people to afford. Rising food prices, coupled with stagnant incomes, can make healthy eating a luxury.
• Malnutrition: Inadequate nutrient intake, whether due to insufficient food or unbalanced diets, leads to malnutrition. This can manifest in various forms, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity.
• Inequality: Social and economic disparities contribute to hunger. Vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and marginalized communities, are disproportionately affected.

Global Hunger Statistics

• Rising Numbers: The number of undernourished people worldwide has increased, reaching 757 million in 2023.
• Regional Disparities: Africa faces the highest rates of hunger, followed by Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
• Rural vs. Urban: Rural areas are generally more vulnerable to food insecurity compared to urban and semi-urban areas.
• Gender Divide: Women are more likely to be undernourished than men, although this gap is narrowing.

The Cost of a Healthy Diet

• Increasing Prices: The cost of a healthy diet has risen significantly in recent years, making it more difficult for many people to afford.
• Regional Variations: The cost varies across regions, with higher prices in some areas due to factors such as transportation costs and import dependence.
• Economic Impact: The inability to afford healthy food can have severe economic consequences, leading to poverty and reduced productivity.

Addressing Hunger in India

• Thalinomics: India’s focus on “thalinomics,” which aims to make nutritious meals affordable for all, is a promising approach.
• Agri-Food System Transformation: Reforming the agricultural sector to improve productivity, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable practices is essential.
• Social Safety Nets: Government programs that provide food assistance and income support can help alleviate hunger.

Beyond Food Security

• Nutrition Education: Promoting awareness of healthy diets and nutrition can empower individuals to make informed choices.
• Food Systems Sustainability: Ensuring that food production systems are sustainable and resilient to climate change is crucial for long-term food security.
• Global Cooperation: International collaboration is needed to address global challenges such as climate change and conflict, which can exacerbate hunger.

Conclusion

Eradicating hunger requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of food insecurity, promotes equitable access to nutritious food, and supports sustainable food systems. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has the right to a healthy and fulfilling life.

WORLD FOOD DAY 2024: FOOD ACCESS AND EQUITABLE AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

World Food Day 2024 emphasizes the theme of “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” It highlights the importance of access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all people. On this occasion, global agencies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP) collaborate with the Government of India to advance food security and nutrition.

India’s Progress in Food Security

Green Revolution and Beyond:

• India’s Green Revolution in the 1960s addressed food shortages, turning the country into a food surplus nation.
• Initiatives like the White Revolution (milk production) and Blue Transformation (fisheries) have diversified India’s agrifood system, ensuring varied food sources.
• These revolutions helped improve food availability, but the current focus is on nutrition, especially for children and the economically productive population.

National Food Security Act (NFSA):

• Enacted in 2013, the NFSA provides food entitlements to over 800 million people, ensuring access to subsidized grains.
• India’s commitment to nutrition is evident through fortified rice distribution programs launched in 2024, addressing malnutrition.

Challenges in Agriculture

Small and Marginal Farmers:

• Over 82% of India’s agrarian households own less than two hectares of land, facing difficulties like low productivity and income.
• Challenges such as water overuse, soil degradation due to chemical fertilizers, and fragmented landholdings limit agricultural modernization.

Climate Change and Resource Management:

• Erratic weather patterns and environmental degradation pose risks to farming communities.
• Sustainable practices like water conservation and soil restoration are critical to building resilience in agriculture.

Market Access:

• Smallholder farmers face difficulties in accessing markets due to inadequate infrastructure and supply chain inefficiencies.
• Improving market connectivity can increase farmers’ incomes and reduce food wastage.

Addressing Food Inequality

Urban Food Security:

• Food security concerns extend beyond rural farming communities to non-agricultural households, particularly in urban areas.
• With increasing urbanization, ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all households, regardless of occupation, is crucial.

Public Distribution System (PDS):

• The PDS has played a significant role in ensuring food availability to both agricultural and non-agricultural households.
• However, inequalities in food access persist, and efforts are required to ensure that all sections of society benefit from food security programs.

Collective Responsibility

Global and National Collaboration:

• The collaboration between FAO, IFAD, WFP, and the Government of India showcases the collective responsibility to strengthen agrifood systems.
• The focus is on creating equitable, resilient, and sustainable food systems that cater to the needs of both rural and urban populations.

Empowering Vulnerable Communities:

• Efforts include providing education, technology, and financial support to smallholder farmers to boost productivity and resilience.
• Addressing inequalities in food access and promoting nutrition security remain key goals to uplift marginalized communities.

Conclusion:

On World Food Day 2024, it is important to recognize that achieving food security is not just about increasing agricultural production but also about ensuring equitable access to food. Building a resilient and sustainable agrifood system is a shared responsibility that requires continued support for both rural farmers and urban families.

NOBEL PRIZE 2024: ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS AND WHY NATIONS SUCCEED OR FAIL

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to U.S. economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their groundbreaking research on how political and economic institutions shape the prosperity or poverty of nations. Their studies focus on the impact of institutional frameworks on long-term economic growth and why some nations are rich while others remain poor.

Why Are Some Countries Rich and Others Poor?

Great Economic Divergence:

• The question of why certain countries thrive economically while others struggle has been a subject of debate for centuries.
• The Nobel committee highlighted that today, the richest 20% of countries are 30 times wealthier than the poorest 20% in terms of average income.
• While many have attributed the wealth gap to Western colonialism, resource endowment, or even chance, the Nobel laureates argue that the primary reason for these disparities lies in the quality of institutions.

Institutional Quality:

• Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson suggest that the key difference between rich and poor countries is the nature of their political and economic institutions.
• Their work, particularly in the book Why Nations Fail, emphasizes that institutions either foster long-term growth (inclusive institutions) or hinder development (extractive institutions).

Importance of Institutions

What Are Institutions?

• Nobel laureate Douglass North defined institutions as the “rules of the game” that shape human behaviour by influencing incentives.
• Inclusive institutions, which protect private property and encourage democracy, motivate individuals to invest, work, and innovate without fear of their efforts being confiscated by the state.
• On the contrary, extractive institutions, which deny property rights and political freedom, create disincentives for individuals, leading to economic stagnation.

Inclusive vs. Extractive Institutions:

Inclusive Institutions:

• Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and investments by securing property rights and providing a political framework for accountability and participation.
• Examples include democratic governance and legal frameworks that protect citizens’ economic freedoms, allowing nations to prosper over time.

Extractive Institutions:

• Concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, suppressing political freedom and economic growth.
• Examples include autocratic regimes where political elites extract resources for personal gain, without reinvesting in the nation’s development.

Colonialism and Institutional Frameworks

Institutional Legacies of Colonialism:

• The laureates studied colonial institutions and found that the type of institutions set up by colonizers largely determined the economic fate of the colonies.
• In regions where colonial powers faced adverse conditions (like high mortality rates), they established extractive institutions aimed at quick resource extraction.

• • • For example, British colonial policies in India were designed primarily for resource extraction, contributing to long-term economic difficulties.

• In contrast, where colonizers intended to settle, they built inclusive institutions, promoting long-term economic growth. The U.S., for instance, saw the establishment of inclusive institutions that fostered investment and prosperity over time.

Why Aren’t There More Inclusive Institutions?

Resistance to Institutional Reform:

• The Nobel laureates argue that rulers often resist adopting inclusive institutions when extractive ones allow them to maintain control and extract resources for personal benefit.
• Extractive institutions persist when ruling elites can suppress opposition and maintain power without facing a credible threat of revolt.
• However, when rulers face the threat of popular uprisings, they may be forced to adopt reforms and shift towards more inclusive institutions.

Balancing Power and Reforms:

• The decision to transition from extractive to inclusive institutions depends on the pressures faced by those in power. Rulers tend to resist inclusive reforms as long as they can maintain their grip on power through extractive systems.
• But when social unrest or economic collapse becomes imminent, they may have no choice but to implement inclusive reforms for long-term stability and growth.

Conclusion

The 2024 Nobel laureates have contributed a deeper understanding of why nations fail or succeed economically. By focusing on the role of institutions in shaping incentives and long-term growth, their work sheds light on how inclusive institutions foster prosperity while extractive ones lead to stagnation. The evolution of political and economic systems—whether inclusive or extractive—determines the destiny of nations, underscoring the importance of institutional quality in achieving sustained economic development.

THAAD MISSILE DÉFENSE SYSTEM

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Terminal High-Altitude Area Défense (THAAD) missile defence system, a sophisticated US military technology, has been deployed to Israel. This strategic move comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran launching numerous missile attacks against Israeli targets.

Key Points

• THAAD’s Capabilities: THAAD is a highly advanced missile defence system capable of intercepting short-, medium-, and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It consists of launchers, interceptors, radar surveillance, and a tactical fire component.
• Deployment to Israel: The initial components of a THAAD battery, along with US military personnel, arrived in Israel. This deployment aims to bolster Israel’s air defences against potential Iranian missile attacks.
• Strategic Significance: The presence of THAAD in Israel serves as a deterrent to Iran, signalling the US commitment to Israel’s defence. It also provides reassurance to Israel and its allies in the region.
• US Military Support: The deployment of THAAD is part of the broader adjustments the US military has made to support Israel and protect Americans from Iranian attacks.

Conclusion

The deployment of THAAD to Israel marks a significant escalation in the US-Iran rivalry. While it aims to deter Iranian aggression, it also raises concerns about further regional instability and the potential for unintended consequences. The situation remains tense, and the implications of this move are yet to be fully realized.