28-February-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

GERMANY’S ELECTION RESULTS AND THEIR IMPACT

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

Germany’s recent elections saw the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) winning the most votes, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gained significant support. However, coalition talks will determine the next government.

Key Points

• CDU-CSU Victory: The conservative CDU-CSU alliance won the most seats but fell short of a majority.
• Rise of AfD: The far-right AfD became the second-largest party, reflecting strong public demand for stricter immigration policies.
• Coalition Challenges: The CDU-CSU needs 316 seats to govern and must form alliances, but ideological differences make negotiations difficult.

Major Election Issues

• Voting System Change: In 2025, Germany introduced a two-vote system—one for a local representative and one for a party. A minimum of 5% is required for a party to enter parliament.
• Immigration Policies: CDU, FDP, AfD, and BSW support stricter laws, while SPD and Greens prefer relaxed rules. Recent attacks increased calls for tougher policies.
• Economy & Debt: CDU and FDP want to maintain strict debt limits, while SPD and Greens seek flexibility for more investments.
• Foreign Policy: Most parties back NATO and Ukraine, but AfD and BSW favor closer ties with Russia.

Future Implications

• Coalition Struggles: CDU faces difficulties forming a stable government due to ideological differences.
• Political Shift: AfD’s rise could lead to stricter immigration policies and deeper political divisions.
• Economic & Foreign Policy: The debt debate affects investments, while AfD’s stance on Ukraine challenges NATO commitments.

NEW LAW ON THE APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS (2023)

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

In 2023, the process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) was changed through a new law. This law has raised concerns about government influence over the Election Commission of India (ECI), which is responsible for conducting free and fair elections.

Background of the New Law

• The law was enacted in 2023 under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, following a Supreme Court judgment in March 2023.
• Earlier, the President appointed the CEC and ECs based on the Prime Minister’s recommendation.
• The Supreme Court ruled that this system compromised the independence of the ECI, leading to the introduction of a new appointment process.

Key Features of the New Appointment Process

• A selection panel will choose the CEC and ECs, consisting of:

• The Prime Minister (Chairperson)
• The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha
• A Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister

• A search committee, led by the Law Minister and two senior bureaucrats, will shortlist five candidates for the selection panel to consider.
• The final appointment will be made based on a majority decision in the selection panel.
• This law removes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel, which was part of an earlier Supreme Court proposal.

Concerns and Challenges Against the Law

1. Government’s Dominance in Selection

• Since the selection panel includes the Prime Minister and a Cabinet Minister appointed by him, the government has a built-in majority.
• The LoP’s role is limited, as their dissent will not affect the final decision.
• The appointment process may favor government-backed candidates, affecting the ECI’s neutrality.

2. Constitutional Issues

• The Supreme Court’s earlier ruling emphasized an independent selection process, which this law does not fully ensure.
• Critics argue that this law may violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) by not providing a fair selection process.
• Since free and fair elections are part of the basic structure of the Constitution, any law that threatens electoral integrity could be unconstitutional.

3. Impact on Election Fairness

• The ECI must remain unbiased, as it conducts elections for over 960 million voters in the world’s largest democracy.
• If Election Commissioners are appointed based on political preferences, it could affect public trust in the electoral process.
• A fair and independent selection process is necessary to ensure credible elections.

Issues with the Selection Panel’s Composition

• The selection committee includes two members from the ruling government and only one from the opposition.
• The Prime Minister chairs the committee, and the Cabinet Minister is unlikely to oppose him.
• The President has to appoint the person recommended by this panel, giving no room for independent scrutiny.
• The absence of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) removes an important neutral voice from the selection process.

Lack of Objectivity in Candidate Selection

• A Cabinet Minister, being subordinate to the Prime Minister, cannot act independently in evaluating candidates.
• The new process ensures predictable outcomes, favoring government-supported individuals.
• A truly independent system should include experts capable of impartial judgment, which this law does not provide.

Judicial Review and Future Implications

• The Supreme Court will examine whether the law upholds constitutional principles and maintains electoral independence.
• If the law is found to compromise free and fair elections, it may be struck down or require modifications.
• A transparent and neutral appointment process is crucial to ensure the Election Commission remains independent and credible.

Conclusion

The new law on Election Commissioners’ appointment has sparked concerns over fairness and neutrality. The dominance of the government in the selection panel raises questions about the ECI’s autonomy. The Supreme Court’s decision on this matter will be critical in determining the law’s impact on democracy and electoral integrity.

INDIA-U.S. DEFENCE COOPERATION

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The Prime Minister’s recent visit to the United States has strengthened India-U.S. defence ties, focusing on military collaboration, joint production, and technology sharing. Several agreements were signed to enhance interoperability and boost India’s defence capabilities. However, some challenges remain in technology transfer and fighter jet procurement.

Strengthening Defence Partnership

• The visit led to greater military cooperation between India and the U.S.
• Both countries agreed to improve joint operations and strategic alignment.
• India will move forward with the purchase and joint production of ‘Javelin’ Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and ‘Stryker’ Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs).
• Co-manufacturing these systems in India will strengthen the domestic defence industry and integrate India into the global supply chain.

Major Defence Acquisitions

• India is set to acquire six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to boost its naval surveillance capabilities.
• A new 10-year Framework for Defence Partnership will guide long-term collaboration.
• Both nations are expanding work on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and autonomous defence technologies.
• Contracts between Indian and U.S. companies will support the development of Active Towed Array Systems (ATAS), used for naval surveillance.
• A new Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) will further promote cooperation in autonomous defence technologies.

Future Prospects for Collaboration

• India and the U.S. are expected to increase joint efforts in undersea defence technologies and advanced fighter jets.
• Discussions are ongoing to enhance cooperation in space, air defence, and anti-tank missile systems.
• Both countries are reviewing existing arms transfer regulations to simplify defence trade.
• The Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement aims to streamline the purchase and mutual supply of defence equipment and services.

Challenges in Defence Cooperation

• No immediate progress was made on the delivery of General Electric (GE) F-404 engines for India’s Tejas-Mark 1A fighter jets.
• There are concerns about the delayed transfer of 80% of the technology for GE’s F-414 engines to India.
• Talks included a potential purchase of F-35 fighter jets, but their integration into the Indian Air Force (IAF) poses challenges.

Indian Air Force Modernization Challenges

• The IAF is facing delays in the induction of Tejas-Mark 1A and Mark-II fighter jets, which are critical for replacing retiring MiG-21 squadrons.
• The fighter jet fleet could shrink to below 30 squadrons, affecting national security.
• The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) project, initiated in 2000, has seen multiple delays.
• The earlier Rafale deal faced hurdles due to disagreements over technology transfer and costs.

Concerns Regarding F-35 Fighter Jets

• The proposal to sell F-35 jets to India has re-emerged, but it lacks provisions for joint production or technology transfer.
• Each F-35 jet costs approximately $80 million, while Rafale jets were purchased at $244 million per unit, including advanced weapons.
• The integration of F-35 jets would require extensive new infrastructure and maintenance facilities.
• The deal could also come with stringent operational restrictions and intrusive inspections from the U.S.

Conclusion

India and the U.S. have deepened their defence partnership through agreements on co-production, arms procurement, and regulatory cooperation. However, unresolved challenges, such as delays in GE engine supplies and complexities in integrating the F-35, must be addressed to ensure smooth collaboration. Strengthening technology transfer agreements and ensuring a balanced procurement strategy will be crucial for India’s defence modernization.

GHARIAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN MADHYA PRADESH

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMEMT: THE HINDU

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently released 10 gharials into the Chambal River to support conservation efforts for this critically endangered species. Gharials play a vital role in maintaining river ecosystems, and their protection is essential for biodiversity.

About Gharials

• Gharials are freshwater crocodiles belonging to the Crocodylidae family.
• Scientific Name: Gavialis gangeticus
• Habitat and Distribution:
  • Once found across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
  • Now mainly restricted to northern India and Nepal in fragmented populations.
  • Major populations exist in the Chambal, Girwa (India), and Rapti-Narayani (Nepal) rivers.
  • India’s Gharial reserves are in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Importance of Gharials

• They are fish-eating crocodilians that help maintain a balanced river ecosystem.
• Their presence indicates healthy and pollution-free water bodies.

Threats to Gharials

• Overhunting in the past for skin and traditional medicine.
• Habitat destruction due to dams, irrigation canals, and illegal sand mining.
• Pollution affecting water quality.
• Fishing nets accidentally trapping and killing gharials.

Conservation Efforts in Madhya Pradesh

• Captive breeding programs and reintroduction into rivers.
• Stronger laws to protect river habitats from sand mining and pollution.
• Awareness campaigns to involve local communities in conservation.

Role of Chambal Sanctuary

• The National Chambal Sanctuary, spread across three states, is a key habitat for gharials.
• Conservation efforts here have helped revive populations in Punjab’s Sutlej and Beas rivers.

Conclusion

Madhya Pradesh’s conservation strategies have significantly improved gharial populations. Sustained habitat protection, pollution control, and scientific monitoring are necessary to ensure their long-term survival

NASA’S SPHEREX TELESCOPE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

NASA is set to launch the SPHEREx telescope on February 28 to study the universe in infrared light. The mission aims to explore cosmic inflation, galaxy formation, and the presence of life-related molecules in space.

Mapping the Universe in Infrared Light

• SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) is designed to create a detailed infrared sky map.
• Unlike previous telescopes that focused on small regions, SPHEREx will scan the entire sky in 102 infrared colors.
• It will provide a more complete view of galaxies, celestial bodies, and cosmic structures.

Studying Cosmic Inflation and Universe Expansion

• Cosmic inflation refers to the rapid expansion of the universe that happened 14 billion years ago.
• By analyzing the 3D distribution of 450 million galaxies, SPHEREx will help scientists understand how the universe expanded faster than light for a brief moment.
• This research could explain the large-scale structure and uniformity of the universe.

Searching for Life-Forming Molecules

• SPHEREx will identify key life-forming elements like water, carbon, and oxygen in the Milky Way.
• These molecules are found frozen in space dust and icy particles.
• Studying their presence helps scientists understand how life-essential materials reached Earth and other planets.

U.S. “GOLD CARD” VISA PROGRAM

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: TIMES OF INDIA

The U.S. government has introduced the “Gold Card” visa program, offering permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship for foreign investors willing to pay $5 million. This program replaces the EB-5 visa scheme.

Comparison: EB-5 vs. Gold Card

• EB-5 Visa: Introduced in 1990, it required investment in U.S. businesses and the creation of at least 10 jobs.
• Gold Card Visa: Requires only a $5 million payment, without job creation or business investment.

Benefits and Concerns

• Attracts wealthy investors, boosting sectors like real estate and luxury markets.
• Simplifies the process and reduces fraud risks compared to EB-5.
• Raises ethical concerns, as it favors the wealthy over skilled professionals.
• Security risks due to potential money laundering and foreign influence.

Challenges and Impact on Indians

• Needs Congressional approval, facing potential legal and political hurdles.
• Expensive for Indian investors, with limited interest due to the high $5 million cost (~₹43 crore).

RBI SURVEY ON FARMERS’ SHARE IN CONSUMER PRICES FOR RABI CROPS

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey (May-July 2024) analyzed how much farmers earn from the final consumer price of rabi crops. The findings show that farmers receive 40-67%, with non-perishable crops getting a higher share than perishable ones.

Farmers’ Earnings for Different Crops

Higher Share for Non-Perishable Crops

• Wheat farmers receive 67% of consumer prices, mainly due to government procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Rice farmers earn about 52%, similar to past trends.

Lower Share for Perishable Crops

• Fruits and vegetables fetch only 40-63% due to high trader and retailer markups.
• Perishability leads to price fluctuations and losses in transportation and storage.

Pulses and Oilseeds

• Lentil farmers receive 66%, and gram (chana) farmers get 60%.
• Rapeseed and mustard farmers earn 52%, slightly lower than in 2021.

Challenges in the Supply Chain

• Unorganized markets for perishables involve multiple intermediaries.
• High transportation and labour costs reduce farmers’ profits.

Other Key Findings

• Digital payments in agriculture have increased since 2018.
• Weather conditions and irrigation availability play a crucial role in farmers’ sowing decisions.

HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION IN THE GULF OF MANNAR

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has invited bids for hydrocarbon exploration in Tamil Nadu’s Gulf of Mannar under the 10th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).

Key Points

• Exploration Area: Covers 9,990.96 sq km in Tamil Nadu’s deep-sea region.
• Environmental Concerns: Risks to the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, which shelters endangered species like dugongs and turtles.
• Impact on Fishermen: Local fishermen fear marine ecosystem damage and loss of livelihood.