30-December-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

ONE NATION ONE ELECTION AND REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and State/Union Territory Legislative Assemblies to improve efficiency and reduce election fatigue. However, it raises critical questions about its impact on India’s federal structure and representative democracy.

Key Provisions of the ONOE Proposal

The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024:

• Proposes simultaneous elections by adding Article 82(A).
• Aligns Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, fixing their tenure.
• Mid-term elections, if required, will only cover the remaining tenure.

Amendments to Articles:

• Articles 83, 172, and 327 are amended.
• Changes take effect post-2029, enabling simultaneous elections in 2034.

Union Territories Bill, 2024:

• Aligns the tenure of Union Territories’ legislatures with the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

About Representative Democracy

• Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.
• Emphasizes free elections, accountability, and protection of minority rights.

Challenges:

• A Pew Research study (2024) highlights global dissatisfaction, with citizens questioning the system’s efficiency.
• Support for authoritarian and military rule in some nations indicates disillusionment with representative democracy.

Critique by Jayaprakash Narayan: Flaws in Parliamentary Democracy:

• Risk of unstable minority governments in a multi-party system.
• Political manipulation through populism and divisive rhetoric.
• High centralization of power, weakening intermediary institutions.
• Excessive election costs, tying democracy to wealth and large organizations.
• Call for Reform: JP’s critique focused on strengthening democracy by addressing these weaknesses.

Concerns with ONOE Process

• Inadequate Public Consultation: Citizens given only 10 days for feedback, violating the 2014 Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy. Lack of explanatory materials limits public understanding of the reform.
• Perfunctory Approach: Simplistic “yes/no” responses undermine meaningful engagement and inclusivity.

Implications for Representative Democracy

• Centralization vs Federalism: Synchronizing elections may overshadow regional issues with national narratives, weakening federalism.
• Electoral Accountability: Frequent elections enable regular government evaluation, which may diminish under ONOE.
• Inclusivity: Rushed reforms risk alienating diverse voices and reducing democratic participation.

Conclusion

While ONOE seeks efficiency, it must not compromise India’s democratic principles of inclusivity, accountability, and federalism. A well-structured and inclusive process is vital for ensuring reforms align with the true spirit of representative democracy.

RESTORING CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER IN MANIPUR

TOPIC: (GS3) SEQURITY: THE HINDU

The prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur has highlighted the lack of executive accountability and compelled judicial intervention. The Supreme Court’s limited engagement has raised concerns about institutional neglect and the erosion of the rule of law in the state.

Key Issues in Manipur

Supreme Court’s Limited Role

• Infrequent Hearings: The Supreme Court conducted only six hearings on Manipur-related cases in 2024, despite continued ethnic violence.
• Delayed Justice: Significant cases, such as the sexual assault of tribal women, have seen no progress, with trials yet to begin despite chargesheets being filed in October 2023.
• Ineffective Orders: The court’s directives for Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and rehabilitation efforts have shown minimal results.

Escalating Crisis

• State’s Surrender of Authority: The state has lost its monopoly over law and order, allowing militant groups to dominate.
• Ethno-Cultural Oaths: Illegal oaths administered by groups like Arambai Tenggol have further divided the state.
• Militarised Buffer Zones: Ethnic separation has led to geographical and demographic divides enforced by military presence.

Judicial Actions Taken

• Formation of Committees: A three-member retired judges’ panel led by Justice Gita Mittal was tasked with monitoring relief and rehabilitation efforts.
• Special Investigation Teams: SITs were established to investigate crimes but have filed chargesheets for only 6% of cases as of November 2024.
• Student Rehabilitation: Pleas for relocating displaced students to universities and institutes outside Manipur are under consideration.

Recommendations for Restoration

• Transfer of Trials: Shift SIT-investigated cases to courts outside Manipur for fair trials and immediate cognisance of chargesheets.
• Enhanced Transparency: Direct SITs to provide regular updates to petitioners and victims’ families about investigations and case progress.
• Bipartisan High-Powered Commission: Establish a commission with representatives from both ethnic communities to address multi-faceted governance issues and report findings directly to a Special Supreme Court Bench.

Conclusion

To restore trust and the rule of law in Manipur, comprehensive judicial and administrative reforms are crucial. The Supreme Court must actively oversee the implementation of measures ensuring justice and healing for the people of Manipur.

JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Judicial accountability in India involves ensuring that judges maintain integrity and fairness while performing their duties. However, the existing mechanism to hold higher judiciary members accountable faces significant challenges, as highlighted by various cases.

Mechanism for Holding Judges Accountable

Judicial accountability is governed by the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and Articles 124(4), (5), 217, and 218 of the Constitution.

Process Overview:

• Requires “proved misbehaviour or incapacity” as determined by a three-member committee.
• The process begins only after a motion for impeachment is admitted in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha and approved by the presiding officer.
• The committee functions like a trial court to evaluate charges.

Significant Cases of Judicial Misconduct

Justice V. Ramaswami (Supreme Court)

• Found guilty of misusing public funds for personal luxuries, such as purchasing maces and furniture without due procedure.
• Despite a guilty verdict by the inquiry committee, the impeachment motion failed in Parliament due to abstentions, allowing him to complete his term.

Justice Soumitra Sen (Calcutta High Court)

• Accused of misappropriating funds and misleading the court.
• The Rajya Sabha passed the impeachment motion, but he resigned before the Lok Sabha could vote.

Justice P.D. Dinakaran (Sikkim High Court)

• Faced charges of land encroachment and corruption.
• Resigned before the three-member panel could conclude its inquiry.

Issues with Judicial Accountability

• Resignation Halting Investigations: Judges can resign to avoid further inquiry, retaining post-retirement benefits and privileges.
• Ineffectiveness of Impeachment Process: Requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses, making it politically challenging. Guilty judges often escape accountability despite findings.
• Immunity Compared to Other Officials: Judges enjoy higher protection, unlike elected officials.

Proposed Reforms

• Continue Investigations Post-Resignation: Ensure inquiries remain independent of the judge’s resignation.
• Strengthen the Impeachment Process: Simplify procedures to increase effectiveness.
• Adopt a Broader Accountability Framework: Reinforce trust in the judiciary through transparency and ethical conduct.

Conclusion
Judicial accountability is essential to uphold public trust and democracy. Strengthening mechanisms to address misconduct is critical for maintaining the judiciary’s integrity.

SIANG UPPER MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT (SUMP)

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), proposed by the Indian government, aims to safeguard the flow of the Siang River while addressing flood risks posed by water releases from China. It is a large-scale initiative with both hydropower and flood mitigation objectives.

Key Highlights of the Project

Purpose and Significance

• Dual Objectives: SUMP is not just a hydropower initiative but also a critical measure to maintain the Siang River’s natural flow.
• Flood Mitigation: The project will help prevent floods if China releases excess water downstream into India.
• National Importance: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized that protecting communities dependent on the river is the project’s primary goal.

Details of the Project

• Estimated Cost: The project is expected to cost ₹1.13 lakh crore.
• Hydropower Potential: With an installed capacity of 11,000 MW, it will generate renewable energy as a secondary benefit.
• Strategic Location: The project will be on the Siang River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, which originates in Tibet and flows through Arunachal Pradesh.

China’s Dam Plans and its Impact

• China’s Mega Dam: China has approved a $137 billion dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border.
• Concerns for India: The dam’s construction near the river’s sharp U-turn into Arunachal Pradesh could affect the Siang River’s flow, especially during winters, due to potential water diversion into China’s arid regions.

Challenges for SUMP Implementation

• Local Opposition: Residents fear displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental degradation due to the massive scale of the dam.
• Pre-Feasibility Report Pending: Surveys and groundwork for the project are yet to be completed.

Importance of Safeguards

• Environmental Concerns: The project must balance developmental goals with ecological preservation.
• Preventing Severe Impacts: India must act to avert risks posed by China’s activities on shared river systems.

SIANG RIVER

Origin and Flow:

• The Siang River is known as the Tsangpo or Yarlung Zangbo in China.
• It flows over 1,000 km eastward in Tibet before forming a U-shaped bend around the Namcha Barwa peak.

Entry into India:

• The river enters Arunachal Pradesh, where it is called the Siang or Dihang River.

Journey through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam:

• After flowing southward into Assam, it is joined by two mountain streams, the

Lohit and Dibang rivers.

• At this point, it is renamed the Brahmaputra River.

Further Course iis called Jumna.n Bangladesh:

• In Bangladesh, the Brahmaputra
• It merges with the Padma River, which then joins the Meghna River and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Tributaries and Sub-Basins:

The Siang River sub-basin includes tributaries from various states:

• Arunachal Pradesh: Subansiri, Kameng, and Bhareli rivers.
• Assam: Manas, Kopili, Sankosh, and Dikhow rivers.
• Nagaland: Doyang River (flows into Dhansiri).
• Meghalaya: Umngot and Kynshi rivers.

Conclusion

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project reflects India’s proactive approach to safeguarding river ecosystems and mitigating flood risks while generating clean energy. Balancing local concerns and international water-sharing challenges will be key to its success.

PARTICIPATION OF OVERSEAS INDIANS IN LOK SABHA ELECTIONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Despite a notable rise in the number of overseas Indians registering as voters, their actual turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections remained significantly low, highlighting challenges in facilitating their participation.

Increase in Registrations

• A total of 1,19,374 overseas Indians registered as electors in 2024, up from 99,844 in 2019.
• Kerala had the highest registrations with 89,839 electors.

Low Voter Turnout

• Only 2,958 overseas voters returned to India to cast their votes.
• Kerala accounted for 2,670 voters, the majority of the turnout.
• Large states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu recorded zero turnout.
• In Gujarat, only 2 out of 885 electors voted, while in Maharashtra, 17 of 5,097

Challenges in Voting

• As per current laws, overseas voters must travel to their respective constituencies in India to vote and show their passport as identification.
• Reasons for low participation include: High travel costs. Work and educational commitments abroad.

Legislative Efforts and Proposals

• Proxy Voting Proposal: In 2018, a Bill to allow proxy voting for overseas Indians was passed in the Lok Sabha but did not move forward in the Rajya Sabha.
• Remote Voting Initiative: In 2020, the Election Commission proposed extending the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) to overseas voters, similar to service voters. This would require changes in election rules, but no decision has been made so far.

OVERSEAS CITIZENS OF INDIA (OCI):

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are individuals of Indian origin or descent who hold citizenship of another country. They are granted special privileges by the Government of India but are not Indian citizens.

Who Can Be an OCI?

Eligibility Criteria:

• Foreign nationals of Indian origin who were eligible for Indian citizenship on or after January 26, 1950.
• Individuals who belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947. Children or grandchildren of such individuals.

Exceptions:

• People who were ever citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, or whose ancestors were, are not eligible.

Key Privileges of OCI

Visa-Free Travel:

• OCI cardholders can enter India without a visa for any purpose.
• Lifelong validity of the OCI card ensures hassle-free travel.

Employment and Residency:

• Permission to live and work in India indefinitely.
• Can purchase property in India, except agricultural land or plantations.

Educational and Economic Benefits:

• Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in financial, educational, and economic fields.

Limitations of OCI

No Voting Rights:

• OCI cardholders cannot vote in Indian elections.

Ineligibility for Public Offices:

• Cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Prime Minister, or Member of Parliament.
• Cannot work in government positions or join the Indian armed forces.

Restrictions on Certain Rights:

• Prohibited from acquiring agricultural or plantation properties.
• Subject to special permissions for research activities.

Conclusion
Efforts to improve voting accessibility for overseas Indians, such as enabling remote voting, are essential to increase their participation in elections and uphold democratic inclusivity.

ISRO’S SPACE DOCKING EXPERIMENT MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

ISRO is concluding 2024 with the launch of the PSLV-C60/SpaDeX mission, marking its first-ever attempt at a Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). This mission aims to demonstrate key docking technologies crucial for future space endeavours.

Key Highlights of the SpaDeX Mission

Mission Overview

• The PSLV-C60 is scheduled to launch on December 30, 2024, at 9:58 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Srihari Kota.
• The mission involves two small satellites, Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02), each weighing approximately 220 kg.

Objective of SpaDeX

Demonstrating in-space docking between two satellites.

Developing and validating critical technologies for:

• Rendezvous and docking in space.
• Future missions, such as satellite servicing, interplanetary missions, and building a space station.
• Indian astronaut and lunar sample return missions.

Launch Details

• The satellites will be placed in a 470-km circular orbit at a 55-degree inclination.
• SDX02 (Target) will separate 15 minutes after launch, followed by SDX01 (Chaser).

Docking Process

• The Target spacecraft will adjust its velocity using its propulsion system, creating a 10-20 km separation from the Chaser.
• Both satellites will align in the same orbit, separated by 20 km (Far Rendezvous).
• The Chaser will progressively approach the Target with reduced distances until docking, expected in the first week of January 2025.

Additional Payloads

• The mission will also carry 24 PS4-Orbital Experiment Module payloads, further advancing scientific and technological research.

Conclusion
SpaDeX is a significant step for ISRO in mastering docking technology, paving the way for ambitious space missions like interplanetary exploration and the creation of an Indian space station.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TRENDS FOR 2025

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The year 2025 is set to redefine the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Companies are expected to narrow their focus on AI applications that deliver measurable impact, positioning AI as a supportive tool rather than a complete replacement for humans.

Key Trends in AI and Technology

Revised AI Deployment

• Large corporations will limit AI usage to areas with proven results.
• AI is increasingly seen as a “co-pilot” assisting humans rather than replacing them.
• Elevated human input will remain crucial for innovation and problem-solving.

Emergence of AI Agents

• AI agents capable of independent decision-making and task execution will gain traction.
• These agents can manage repetitive tasks, alerting humans only when necessary.
• Banks, hospitals, and enterprises may adopt AI agents for operational efficiency.
• AI agents will go beyond chat-based interactions, functioning autonomously without prompts.

Transformation of Data Analytics

• Traditional dashboards will be replaced by AI-driven tools offering instant data insights.
• Generative AI will handle data visualizations, trends, and predictive analysis.
• Data collection systems will evolve to support complex and detailed analytics queries.

Shifts in Social Media Usage

• Existing platforms face challenges in retaining users due to changing preferences.
• Users are shifting to closed, private groups over public platforms.
• New social media platforms may emerge, but their success is uncertain.

Advances in Computing Power

• Innovations like Google Willow quantum chips and NVIDIA GPUs will boost computational efficiency.
• Enhanced computing capabilities will push AI to explore new reasoning pathways.
• Portable devices with advanced processors will offer professional-grade performance.

AI Integration with Hardware

• Initial AI-enabled devices faced setbacks due to premature technology adoption.
• Upcoming hardware innovations will prioritize solving specific problems over broad utility.
• AI-driven smartphones and laptops may replace traditional operating systems and apps.

Conclusion
The year 2025 will mark a critical evolution in AI and technology, emphasizing refined applications, ethical considerations, and human-AI collaboration for transformative progress.Bottom of Form

RATE CUTS AND ECONOMIC REVIVAL

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Nagesh Kumar, an external member of the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), highlighted the need for a rate cut to stimulate economic growth without exacerbating inflation. He also addressed concerns about inflation, the rupee’s depreciation, and global monetary trends.

Reasons for a Rate Cut

Economic Slowdown:

• Q2FY2025 saw a sharp decline in GDP growth due to weaker manufacturing output, which dropped from 7% to 2.2%.
• Other sectors like agriculture and services showed resilience, with agriculture growing from 2% to 3.5% and services maintaining robust growth at 7%.

Boost to Investments and Demand:

• Lowering the repo rate could reduce the cost of borrowing, reviving private investments and consumer demand.
• A 25-basis-point cut in the repo rate and a 50-basis-point reduction in the CRR were suggested to enhance liquidity and encourage growth.

Manufacturing Sector Recovery:

• Strengthening manufacturing can expand supply capacity and help control inflation in the long term.

Supply-Side Inflation Challenges

Food Inflation as a Key Driver:

• High inflation of 6.2% in recent months was largely driven by seasonal price spikes in vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes (TOP).
• Excluding food, CPI inflation was significantly lower at 3.1% in October 2024.

Limitations of Monetary Policy:

• Interest rate adjustments are ineffective against supply-side disruptions, such as seasonal price changes.
• Food prices are expected to stabilize due to seasonal corrections in vegetable and edible oil costs.

Concerns About Currency Depreciation

• Rupee Depreciation: The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar, but real-term appreciation poses risks to export competitiveness.
• Global Monetary Trends: Most central banks are normalizing monetary policies, and India must balance its policies to avoid adverse impacts on currency value and competitiveness.

What is the Repo Rate?

The repo rate (short for repurchase rate) is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks in exchange for government securities. It is one of the key tools used by the RBI to control inflation and manage economic growth.

Factors Affecting the Repo Rate:

• Inflation: Higher inflation leads to a higher repo rate, and vice versa.
• Economic Growth: The RBI may cut the repo rate during slowdowns to boost growth.
• Monetary Policy: The RBI adjusts the rate to meet its policy goals of stability and growth.
• Global Conditions: International economic trends, especially central bank policies, influence the rate.
• Liquidity and Credit Demand: The demand for money and loans affects the repo rate.
• Government Fiscal Policy: Government borrowing and spending can impact the repo rate.
• Market Expectations: Future economic expectations and inflation forecasts shape the rate.

Conclusion

A balanced approach with targeted rate cuts can revive economic growth while ensuring inflation remains under control, addressing both domestic and global challenges effectively.

ROOPPUR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT INVESTIGATION

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: PIB

An anti-corruption agency in Bangladesh has begun investigating the $12.65 billion Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.

The power plant is being built with assistance from Russia and aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy sector.

About Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant:

Location:

• Situated in Ishwardi, Pabna District, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh.
• It is located about 160 km northwest of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

Significance:

• This is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
• It will supply around 9% of the country’s total electricity needs.

Ownership and Technology:

• Owned by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC).
• Features two VVER-1200 water-cooled reactors designed by the Russian company Rosatom.

Construction Timeline:

• Construction of both reactors began in November 2017.

Capacity and Cost:

• The plant will produce 2400 megawatts of power when operational.
• The project cost is $12.65 billion, funded largely by a Russian loan to be repaid over 20 years.

This project reflects Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify energy sources and achieve energy independence.