20-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL AND DELAY IN PANEL REPORT SUBMISSION

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is unlikely to meet its deadline for submitting the report during the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The Bill, tabled on August 8, proposes significant changes to the Waqf Act, 1995, which has led to clashes between ruling and Opposition members.

Delays and Internal Differences:

• The JCP faces delays due to frequent disagreements, walkouts, and reduced sittings.
• Some Opposition members have called for an extension, citing the need for more consultations and study tours to fully evaluate the implications of the proposed changes.
• The original deadline for the report was set for the first week of the Winter Session (November 25–December 20).

Reasons for Opposition:

• The Opposition has expressed concerns over provisions empowering District Collectors to decide disputes instead of Waqf Tribunals.
• The inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards has also faced criticism.
• Opposition MPs accuse the JCP chairperson, Jagadambika Pal, of bypassing proper discussions.

Reduced Meetings and Study Tours:

• The JCP has conducted 25 meetings so far, but the frequency has decreased, with only one meeting scheduled for this week.
• A planned study tour was partially canceled after Opposition members refused to participate.

Political Dynamics:

• The BJP is reportedly not against delays, as extended debates on the Bill keep the waqf issue in public focus.
• The matter has also been highlighted during election campaigns in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and other states.

Composition of the JCP:

• The committee includes 31 members: 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.
• Among them, 13 are from Opposition parties, further contributing to the divide in proceedings.

JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE (JPC):

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is an ad-hoc committee set up by the Indian Parliament to study and report on specific issues or Bills. It plays an important role in legislative scrutiny and policymaking.

Key Features

Purpose and Nature:

• Established to examine particular subjects or Bills in detail.
• Its formation is temporary and task-specific.

Composition:

• Includes members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• Members are drawn from ruling and Opposition parties.
• Chaired by a Lok Sabha member, appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Size and Term:

• The composition and size are decided by Parliament.
• There is no fixed number of members.
• The committee is dissolved once its task or term is completed.

Recommendations:

• The JPC’s suggestions are advisory, not binding on the government.
• Recommendations from Select Committees and JPCs with ruling party dominance are often accepted.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, proposing changes to existing laws, has sparked significant debate within the JCP, causing delays in the submission of its report. The political and procedural challenges underscore the complexity of resolving this contentious issue. An extension for further discussions and consultations appears likely.

IMPOSING TARIFFS ON CHINESE IMPORTS

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The U.S., under the leadership of Donald Trump, proposed imposing tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports to reduce its trade deficit and counter China’s subsidization policies. The move has sparked debates over its potential economic impacts on the U.S., China, and the global economy.

Key Objectives of Tariff Imposition

• Reducing Trade Deficit: The U.S. aims to lower its significant trade imbalance with China.
• Countering Subsidies: Tariffs are intended to penalize China for subsidizing domestic industries, which makes its products cheaper and more competitive.
• Promoting Domestic Production: Tariffs are expected to encourage Americans to buy domestically made goods.

Impacts on the U.S. Economy

• Increase in Prices: Tariffs would raise the prices of imported goods, leading to higher inflation.
• Boost to Domestic Production: Higher prices for imports could shift consumption to domestic goods, increasing local manufacturing.
• Impact on Trade Deficit: If successful, the policy could improve the trade deficit and strengthen the U.S. dollar.

Impacts on the Chinese Economy

• Reduced Export Competitiveness: Chinese exporters may lose their edge due to higher prices in U.S. markets.
• Policy Responses: China might devalue its currency, provide subsidies, or implement stimulus measures to support its exporters.
• Inflation Risks: Currency devaluation could lead to higher domestic inflation in China.

Global Implications

• Trade Wars: If China and other nations retaliate with tariffs, it could trigger a global trade war.
• Effect on Commodity Prices: A trade war might disrupt global supply chains and destabilize commodity prices.
• Wider Inflationary Pressures: Tariffs could lead to inflation in multiple countries, impacting global economic stability.

Hypothetical Example

• A Chinese shirt costing ¥724 ($100) competes with a U.S.-made shirt priced at $105.
• A 10% U.S. tariff increases the price of the Chinese shirt to $110, making U.S. products more attractive.
• In response, China could devalue its currency or provide subsidies to maintain export levels.

Conclusion

While tariffs might protect domestic industries, they risk inflating prices and triggering trade wars. Their success depends on strategic implementation and potential global responses. Balancing national interests with global economic stability is crucial.

ELECTRONIC TRACKING OF PRISONERS: A VIABLE MEASURE FOR DECONGESTING PRISONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Overcrowding in prisons is a significant issue in India, with occupancy levels far exceeding capacity. Electronic tracking devices for prisoners granted parole or bail have been proposed as a way to address this issue. By monitoring the movements of low-risk offenders, this approach could help decongest jails and ensure compliance with legal conditions.

Proposal for Electronic Tracking

• Research Initiative: The Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning has suggested piloting electronic tracking for undertrial prisoners with low or moderate risk.
• Existing Legal Framework: The Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023, permits parole or leave for prisoners willing to wear electronic tracking devices.
• Odisha’s Proposal: Odisha was the first state to propose tamper-proof trackers for undertrials accused of non-heinous crimes, aiming to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

Benefits of Electronic Tracking

• Decongesting Prisons: India’s jails housed 5,73,220 prisoners in December 2022, at 131.4% of total capacity. Tracking devices could help release low-risk prisoners, easing the burden on jails.
• Improved Monitoring: These devices ensure that released individuals adhere to bail or parole conditions, reducing the risk of them approaching victims or returning to crime scenes.
• Rights-Friendly Approach: With proper guidelines, the use of tracking devices can respect privacy rights and reduce administrative costs.
• International Precedent: Several countries use tracking devices for offenders, ensuring law enforcement and compliance with reduced physical restrictions.

Drawbacks of Electronic Tracking

• Privacy Concerns: Tracking devices could infringe on the privacy rights of the accused, particularly if used without proper safeguards.
• Stigmatization: Wearing visible tracking devices may lead to social stigma, deterring individuals from opting for this option.
• Lack of Guidelines: India currently lacks detailed protocols on when and how these devices can be deployed, leading to potential misuse or arbitrary application.

Conclusion

Introducing electronic tracking for low-risk prisoners can be a cost-effective and rights-conscious way to reduce overcrowding in Indian jails. However, addressing privacy concerns, developing comprehensive guidelines, and reducing stigmatization are essential to ensure the effective and ethical use of this technology.

DISASTER MITIGATION IN TEESTA VALLEY: A CALL FOR ACTION

TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE HINDU

The Teesta Valley, spanning Sikkim and West Bengal, faces recurring threats of floods, particularly during monsoons. The catastrophic glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in October 2023 caused immense damage, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated disaster management.

Two community-based organizations, Save The Hills and the Darjeeling Himalaya Initiative, have called for immediate intervention to prevent further devastation before the 2025 monsoon.

Key Challenges in Teesta Valley

• Impact of the 2023 GLOF: Over 100 lives lost and critical military, ecological, and infrastructure damage. Displacement of families and disruption of livelihoods, particularly in areas like Teesta Bazaar.
• Sinking Areas: Several regions along the Teesta River are subsiding, further increasing vulnerabilities.
• Unstable Infrastructure: NH10, a critical highway, remains highly unstable during monsoons, hampering transport and tourism.
• Disjointed State Responses: Sikkim and West Bengal are addressing the crisis independently, neglecting a unified landscape approach.

Recommended Measures

Structural Solutions:

• Re-channelizing the River: Remove debris from the riverbed, redirect the river to safer routes, and protect urban areas.
• Road and Bridge Repairs: Strengthen damaged infrastructure to ensure economic activities and disaster relief efforts.
• Reinforce Relief Camps: Equip evacuation centres with solar-powered backups to function during emergencies.

Non-Structural Solutions:

• Early Warning Systems: Install automated flood alert mechanisms using sirens and mobile networks.
• Backup Communication: Provide ham radios and walkie-talkies for uninterrupted communication during crises.

Long-Term Strategies:

• Land-Use Planning: Identify high-risk zones for potential evacuation and resettlement.
• Economic Rehabilitation: Offer compensation and support to displaced families to restore livelihoods.
• Afforestation: Implement aggressive tree-planting programs to reduce soil erosion and regulate river flow.

Teesta River:

The Teesta River is one of the major rivers in the Eastern Himalayan region, flowing through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal and into Bangladesh. It is a lifeline for the region’s agriculture, hydropower, and ecosystem.

Geographical Features

Origin:

• The river originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim, near the Indo-China border.
• It is fed by glaciers, including the Zemu Glacier.

Course:

• Flows southward through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it joins the Brahmaputra River (locally known as Jamuna).
• Total length: Approximately 315 km.

Conclusion

A landscape-level strategy is critical to mitigate risks in the Teesta Valley. Structural, non-structural, and collaborative measures, along with sustainable planning, can help safeguard lives, infrastructure, and the region’s fragile ecosystem.

INDIA’S RESPONSE TO THE CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM)

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aims to equalize carbon costs between imported and domestically produced goods, posing significant challenges to developing nations, including India. India has termed CBAM “discriminatory” and has called for a collective response from developing nations to counter its impacts effectively.

What is CBAM?

• Definition: CBAM is a policy tool requiring importers to purchase certificates to cover the carbon emissions associated with their goods.
• Objective: To ensure imported goods bear the same carbon pricing as EU-produced items, aligning with EU climate goals.
• Implementation: CBAM’s full application starts in January 2026, focusing on goods like iron, steel, aluminium, cement, and fertilizers.
• Impact on India: The EU accounts for over 20% of India’s merchandise exports, with 25.7% of these exports subject to CBAM. Key exports impacted are iron, steel (76.83%), aluminium, and fertilizers.

India’s Concerns

• Discrimination Against Developing Nations: CBAM unfairly shifts emission reduction responsibility to exporting countries. Developing nations face additional trade barriers while grappling with climate challenges.
• Unjust Emission Accounting: Under CBAM, exporting countries are accountable for emissions generated during production, even if these products are consumed elsewhere.
• The principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities is not adequately recognized.

Proposed Solutions and Strategies

• Call for Adequate Preparation Time: India can argue that developing nations need sufficient time to adapt, similar to the EU’s gradual climate transition.
• Revenue Sharing: Advocate for CBAM revenues to be shared with non-EU nations for capacity building, green technology adoption, and climate resilience.
• Equity-Based Accounting (EBA): Propose EBA as an alternative to Production-Based Accounting (PBA). EBA considers per capita GDP, per capita emissions, trade benefits, and avoided emissions to distribute climate responsibilities fairly.
• Alignment with Developing Nations: Collaborate with other developing countries to present unified arguments against CBAM at international forums like COP.
• Focus on Climate Justice: Highlight the lack of compensatory and distributive justice in CBAM.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Trade and Climate Partnerships: India should seek bilateral agreements to address CBAM impacts while advocating for fair climate policies globally.
• Invest in Green Technologies: Enhance domestic production processes to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with global climate goals and reducing CBAM-related risks.
• Leverage Global Forums: Use platforms like the G20 and COP to push for equitable climate action frameworks and oppose protectionist policies like CBAM.

Conclusion

The EU-CBAM poses significant trade and climate challenges for India and other developing nations. A strategic, collaborative approach emphasizing fairness, capacity building, and climate justice is essential to counter the discriminatory impacts of CBAM effectively.

THE CHINA EMISSIONS PARADOX

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), plays a critical role in global climate action. While it needs to significantly reduce its emissions to meet global climate targets, This paradox highlights the complexities of balancing emission cuts and energy production.

China’s Role in Global Emissions

• Major Emitter: China has been the largest emitter of GHGs for over 15 years, contributing over 30% of global emissions annually.
• Developing Country Status: Despite being the second-largest economy, China is considered a “developing” country under international climate agreements, allowing it more flexibility in emission reductions.
• Rising Emissions: China’s emissions continue to grow, with an estimated increase of 0.2% in 2024 compared to 2023.

The Global Emissions Target and China’s Responsibility

• Paris Agreement Goals: The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Emission Cuts Needed: To achieve this, global emissions must drop by at least 43% from 2019 levels by 2030.
• China’s Target: A study by Climate Action Tracker suggests China must reduce emissions by 66% by 2030 and 78% by 2035 to align with the 1.5°C goal.

The Paradox of Chinese Emission Cuts

• China is a global leader in renewable energy production, adding over 300 GW of renewables in 2023.
• Despite this, renewables contribute less than 10% of China’s total energy supply, with coal still dominating.
• Manufacturing renewable energy equipment, such as solar panels and wind turbines, relies heavily on fossil fuels.

Supply Chain Dependency:

• China controls over 80% of solar panel production and about 60% of wind turbine manufacturing globally.
• It also leads in producing other clean energy technologies like batteries and hydrogen electrolysers.
• Drastic emission cuts could disrupt global renewable energy supply chains, delaying energy transitions worldwide.

The Global Catch-22

• Without Emission Cuts: If China doesn’t reduce emissions, global climate targets will likely be missed.
• With Emission Cuts: Deep emission reductions could constrain renewable energy supplies, making it harder for other nations to reduce their own emissions.
• Dependence Risks: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in over-reliance on a single country for critical energy technologies.

Diversifying Renewable Energy Supply Chains

• Cost Challenges: Competing with China in manufacturing costs is difficult. According to the International Energy Agency, production costs in China are:
  • 10% lower than India’s.
  • 20% lower than the United States’.
  • 35% lower than Europe’s.
• Efforts to Diversify: Countries are increasingly focusing on decentralizing clean energy production to reduce dependence on China.

China’s Contributions to Renewable Energy

• Renewable Capacity: China is set to achieve 1,200 GW of renewable energy capacity six years ahead of schedule.
• Affordable Solar Power: By dominating solar panel production, China has significantly reduced the global cost of solar energy, making it the cheapest power source in many countries.
• Balancing Priorities: While China’s progress in renewables is commendable, its reliance on fossil fuels underscores the need for a more balanced approach to achieving global climate goals.

Conclusion

The China emissions paradox highlights the delicate balance between reducing emissions and maintaining global renewable energy supply chains. A diversified approach to clean energy production is essential to reduce dependency and achieve global climate targets.

DELAY IN DELIMITATION PROCESS IN NORTHEASTERN STATES

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court has expressed concerns over the prolonged delay in delimitation in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, despite a Presidential order in 2020 to resume the process. Delimitation, which redraws electoral boundaries based on population, is critical for fair political representation but faces hurdles in these states.

Key Issues

Background of Delimitation: The delimitation process was postponed in 2008 due to security concerns in these states. In 2020, the deferment was revoked, allowing delimitation to proceed.

Current Challenges:

• Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland: Consultations are ongoing, but progress is slow.
• Manipur: Violence and unrest have made the situation unsuitable for the exercise.
• Assam: No significant updates on the process.

Supreme Court’s Observation: The court, directed the Centre to provide clarity on its plan for completing delimitation. It emphasized the importance of timely action to uphold constitutional obligations.

Government’s Position: The Additional Solicitor-General cited consultations and local issues as reasons for the delay.
Delimitation

What is Delimitation?

Delimitation refers to the process of determining the number of seats and the boundaries of electoral constituencies in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

• Reserved Seats: It also involves identifying seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

History of Delimitation Commissions

• Delimitation Commissions have been established four times:
  1. 1952
  2. 1963
  3. 1973
  4. 2002
• First Exercise: The initial delimitation was carried out in 1950-51 by the President with the Election Commission’s help.
• Last Major Change: The most recent adjustment to the state-wise Lok Sabha composition occurred in 1976, based on the 1971 census.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 82: After each Census, Parliament is required to enact a Delimitation Act to define constituencies.
• Article 170: States must also redefine their territorial constituencies based on the Delimitation Act after each Census.

Constitutional Amendments

• 42nd Amendment (1976): It froze the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha, maintaining the 1971 level until the year 2000 to prevent discrepancies.
• 84th Amendment (2001): Allowed the readjustment of constituencies based on the 1991 census population figures.
• 87th Amendment (2003): Allowed the delimitation based on the 2001 census without altering the number of seats for each state.

Significance of Delimitation

• Representation: Delimitation ensures fair representation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies by adjusting the number of seats according to population changes. This helps maintain the democratic principle of “one citizen, one vote, one value.”
• Equity: It aims for an equitable distribution of seats by readjusting boundaries based on population shifts. This prevents underrepresentation or overrepresentation of specific areas, promoting fairness in the political process.

Conclusion

Delimitation is vital for balanced political representation, but security and administrative challenges continue to impede its progress in the northeastern states. Resolving these issues is crucial to ensuring fair governance and adherence to democratic principles.

GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) COMMUNICATION SATELLITE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

GSAT-N2 is India’s advanced communication satellite developed to enhance data and internet services across the Indian subcontinent, especially in remote areas.

It was designed and developed by New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO under the Department of Space.

Launch Details

• Launch Vehicle:
  The GSAT-N2 satellite was launched by SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
• Significance:
  This satellite aims to enable in-flight internet connectivity and provide substantial data transmission capacity, supporting India’s Smart Cities Mission.

Features of GSAT-N2

• Communication Band: The satellite operates in the Ka-band, providing high-throughput communication.
• Spot Beams: Equipped with 32 user beams, including:
  • 8 narrow spot beams over Northeast India.
  • 24 wide spot beams covering the rest of the country.
• User Base Support: The satellite is designed to cater to a large user base with small user terminals.
• Data Throughput: The Ka-band payload offers a throughput capacity of around 48 Gbps.
• Mission Life and Mass:
  • Lift-off mass: 4,700 kg.
  • Mission life: 14 years.
• High-Throughput: It is India’s highest throughput communication satellite and the only one operating exclusively in the Ka-band.

Why SpaceX’s Falcon-9 Rocket?

• Weight Considerations: The GSAT-N2 satellite, with a weight of 4,700 kg, exceeds the capacity of ISRO’s Mark-3 launch vehicle, which can only place up to 4,000 kg into GTO.
• Commercial Collaboration: Therefore, ISRO opted for SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket for the launch, marking ISRO’s first commercial collaboration with SpaceX.

Conclusion

The GSAT-N2 satellite represents a significant advancement in India’s communication infrastructure, with its high throughput and wide coverage, enabling better connectivity across India. The collaboration with SpaceX also opens new avenues for international commercial partnerships in space exploration.

THAI SACBROOD VIRUS (TSBV)

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Managed honey bees and wild pollinators often share pathogens, a phenomenon called pathogen spillover (from managed to wild bees) and spillback (from wild to managed bees). This exchange poses significant threats to bee health and biodiversity.

About Thai Sacbrood Virus (TSBV):

Major threat: A serious threat to the Asiatic honey bee (Apis cerana indica).

Effects: The virus kills bee larvae, affecting colony health and productivity.

Strains: The strain affecting western honey bees (Apis mellifera) is less severe.

Outbreaks:

• A significant outbreak in 1991-1992 destroyed ~90% of Asiatic honey bee colonies in South India.
• Reemerged in Telangana in 2021.
• Also reported in China and Vietnam.

Key Facts About Indian Bees:

• India is home to over 700 bee species, including four native honey bees: Asiatic honey bee, giant rock bee, dwarf honey bee, and stingless bees.
• Western honey bees were introduced in 1983 to boost honey production.