18 Dec 2023 : Daily Current Affairs
Daily Current Affairs
18-December-2023
1. Global coal demand likely to decline 2.3% by 2026: IEA.
Topic: GS2 – Energy Security – Non-Fossil Fuels Energy. UPSC questions on this topic encourage broader discussions about the advantages of non-fossil fuel energy for sustainability, the specific challenges and opportunities faced by India, and the global implications of transitioning away from fossil fuels. |
Context: |
|
Global Coal Production Record:
- Despite record coal production, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a decline in global demand by 2026.
Renewable Energy Shift:
- Decline attributed to a global shift towards renewable energy sources, with coal losing prominence.
India as a Key Player:
- India identified as the “driving force” for coal demand until 2026, contrasting with declining demand in the European Union and the United States.
2023 Projections:
- Global coal demand expected to rise by 1.4% in 2023, surpassing 8.5 billion tonnes.
- Notable regional variations: 20% drop in the EU and the US, 8% rise in India, and 5% in China.
Factors Influencing Regional Trends:
- India and China’s rising demand attributed to electricity needs and reduced hydroelectric power generation.
Climate Impact on Demand:
- IEA’s expectation of coal demand decline linked to a change in global climate, transitioning from El Nino to La Nina between 2024 and 2026.
- La Nina associated with better rainfall, potentially increasing hydroelectric power output.
Renewable Power Growth:
- Anticipated growth in low-cost solar photovoltaic deployment expected to contribute to increased renewable power generation.
Overall Outlook:
- IEA’s report reflects the complex interplay of energy sources, climate conditions, and regional dynamics shaping the future of coal demand.
International Energy Agency (IEA) |
|
Practice Question: Examine the role of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in addressing global energy challenges. Discuss its mission, key activities, and the significance of international collaboration in shaping sustainable energy policies.. (250 words/15 m) |
2. Kaleshwaram project: Revanth asks officials to submit all details
Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure. |
Context: |
|
Government Intentions:
- Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasizes the government’s commitment to exposing irregularities in the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project.
High-Level Investigation:
- Announces a probe led by a sitting High Court Judge into the sinking of piers at the Medigadda barrage and leakage in the Annaram barrage.
Kaleshwaram Project |
|
3.One person, one vote, one value
Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity |
Context: |
|
Introduction:
- Political equality in liberal democracies encompasses both equal participation opportunities and equitable vote values.
- Delimitation of constituencies plays a pivotal role in ensuring or weakening democracy.
Safeguards in the Constitution:
- Articles 81 and 170 emphasize maintaining the same population ratio for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly constituencies.
- Article 327 grants Parliament the power to legislate on delimitation, and a commission is formed, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to avoid qualitative dilution.
- Articles 330 and 332 ensure SCs and STs’ reserved seats in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
Delimitation History:
- Four delimitation commissions formed in 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002, with each order impacting the number and boundaries of constituencies.
- The 42nd Amendment Act in 1976 froze the 1971 Census population figure for delimitation until after the 2001 Census.
Dilution of Vote Value:
- Population growth variations among states, with some exceeding 125% and others less than 100%, lead to quantitative dilution.
- Qualitative dilution occurs through gerrymandering techniques like cracking, stacking, and packing, affecting minority representation.
- The National Commission and Sachar Committee highlight discrepancies in SC-reserved seats with significant Muslim populations.
Current Challenges and Recommendations:
- Urgency in conducting delimitation to address population-representation ratio deviations.
- Balancing the interests of states with varying population growth to prevent weakening southern states’ parliamentary representation.
- The need for the next Delimitation Commission to tackle both quantitative and qualitative dilution, ensuring adequate minority representation.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, the article underscores the critical role of delimitation in ensuring political equality.
- It stresses the need for a balanced approach in addressing both quantitative and qualitative dilutions for effective minority representation.
4. On selecting Election Commissioners
Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity – Constitutional Bodies. Understanding the intricacies of the EC appointment process and its ramifications equips you to tackle relevant questions in the UPSC exam and showcases your awareness of critical constitutional issues, current affairs, and analytical skills. |
Context: |
|
Background:
- The Rajya Sabha passed The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Office and Terms of Office) Bill, 2023.
- The bill addresses the procedure for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
Constitutional Framework:
- Article 324 of the Constitution outlines the composition of the Election Commission of India (ECI), consisting of the CEC and two ECs.
- The Constitution allows the President to appoint the CEC and ECs, subject to parliamentary law.
Supreme Court Ruling:
- A PIL filed in 2015 prompted the Supreme Court to address the absence of a parliamentary law governing CEC and EC appointments.
- In March 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that a legislative vacuum existed for 73 years and emphasized the need for an independent mechanism in appointments.
- The court referenced recommendations from committees like the Dinesh Goswami Committee and the Law Commission.
Proposed Law:
- The proposed law suggests a committee-based selection process for CEC and EC appointments.
- CEC and ECs are to be chosen from individuals holding a post equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
- A search committee, led by the Minister of Law and Justice, will prepare a panel of five candidates for consideration.
- The President will appoint the CEC and EC based on the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and a nominated Union Cabinet Minister.
Comparison with Global Practices:
- The international practices for selecting electoral body members vary, such as in South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S.
- The proposed bill, while introducing a committee-based approach, is critiqued for leaning toward the incumbent government.
Concerns and Recommendations:
- Critics argue that the proposed law still favors the incumbent government, and the Supreme Court’s recommendations, including the involvement of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), were not fully retained.
- The bill is likely to become law, and recommendations include ensuring unanimous decisions by the selection committee for increased public confidence in the ECI’s functioning.
Conclusion:
- The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Bill, 2023, takes a positive step by introducing a committee-based selection process.
- However, omitting the Chief Justice of India’s involvement raises concerns about the bill’s impact on the Election Commission’s independence.
5. An overview of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act
Topic: GS3 – International Relations – Agreements/laws affecting India’s interest |
Context: |
|
Challenges in Definition:
- Difficulty in accurately defining and categorizing AI applications.
- Evolving nature of AI technologies may lead to uncertainties in regulatory implementation.
Global Competitiveness Concerns:
- Stringent regulations may hinder European businesses’ competitiveness.
- Fear of stifling innovation and driving AI development outside the EU.
- Compliance burden on smaller businesses and start-ups.
Potential Implications:
Global Impact:
- Sets a precedent for AI development globally.
- Influences the trajectory of AI development beyond EU borders.
Ethical Considerations:
- Prioritizes ethical considerations and fundamental rights.
- Contributes to the establishment of global norms for AI development.
Collaboration and Cooperation:
- Encourages collaboration and cooperation between regulatory authorities.
- Fosters a unified approach to AI regulation on an international scale.
Administrative Side:
Enforcement Mechanism:
- Individuals can report instances of non-compliance.
- Market surveillance authorities in EU member states responsible for enforcement.
- Specific limits on fines for SMEs and start-ups.
Fines and Penalties:
- Fines ranging from $8 million to almost $38 million for violations.
- Dependent on the nature of the violation and the company’s size.
- Proportional fines based on global annual turnover.
Conclusion:
- Represents a significant step in regulating AI responsibly.
- Addresses key concerns while posing challenges that require careful consideration.
- The potential to shape international norms makes it a landmark initiative in responsible AI development.
6. Indigenously built Unit-4 at Kakrapar attains criticality.
Topic: GS3 – Science and technology – achievements of Indian S&T. |
Context: |
|
Additional information on the news:
- The fourth unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) in Gujarat achieved controlled fission chain reaction, becoming critical at 1.17 a.m. on Sunday.
- KAPP’s units, with a capacity of 700 MWe each, are the largest indigenous nuclear power reactors built by NPCIL.
- These pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator.
- Unit-3 of KAPP had started generating commercial electricity from August 30.
- The NPCIL operates 23 nuclear electricity reactors with a total capacity of 7,480 MWe and has nine units, including KAPP-4, under construction.
What is criticality of nuclear unit? |
|
7. Assam Rifles plans op changes for deployment on LAC, if required
Topic: GS3 – Border Management This topic is not much relevant in the context of Prelims but more for Mains in the context of border security and security forces. |
Context: |
|
Growing focus on China:
- The latest plans of Assam Rifles signals India’s growing focus towards China and securing the LAC.
- Over the past three years — since India and China got into the ongoing military standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh in 2020 — the defence establishment has taken several measures to increase vigilance and strengthen deployment along the LAC.
- Assam Rifles is usually deployed in counter-insurgency and border-guarding roles. The new move underlines growing focus on China.
- AR’s plan to procure a range of weapons points to preparations for a conventional war-fighting role.
- China has been expanding its influence and presence in neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal, through its Belt and Road Initiative, economic aid, military assistance and diplomatic pressure.
- The proximity of the Northeast with China and its role in India’s Act East Policy makes it strategically significant. It is a gateway for India’s engagement with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Why Assam Rifle:
- Troops of Assam Rifles had participated in the 1962 war and fought the Chinese in Tawang, Subansiri, Siang, Dibang and Lohit of Arunachal Pradesh, close to the LAC, and won multiple gallantry awards.
- During the Galwan valley clashes with Chinese troops in 2020, Assam Rifles troops were sent to support the Army along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Operational change plan:
- These include reorienting two of its four strike corps for the mountains facing China in 2021 and freeing the Army from counter-insurgency roles in the Northeast — barring a mountain brigade based in Assam — to put a greater focus on China. A strike corps is primarily responsible for undertaking offensive cross-border action against the adversary.
- Operational plans of all corps of the Army’s Eastern Command includes Assam Rifles for various offensive and defensive roles and every year soldiers of Assam Rifles practice with the Army in various exercises on different operational scenarios.
- Over the next few months, there are also plans to make the force more technology intensive in keeping with this goal. As part of the process, the Assam Rifles is planning to procure a range of weapons, communication equipment and military vehicles.
- Plan includes equipping its battalions with additional 81 mm mortars, medium grenade launchers, passive night vision goggles and handheld thermal imagers, aside from ammunition.
Conclusion:
Expertise and ground level experience of Assam Rifle regarding North Eastern insurgency and Indo- Myanmar border management will add new dimension to LAC management.
More about Assam Rifle and Border Management |
|
Practice Question: Critically analyse the role of Assam Rifle and security forces in handling recent Manipur Violence. Suggest some points for effective management of insurgency in north eastern states. (250 words/15 m). |
8. How Indian states fare on logistics: What the Centre’s latest survey says
Topic: GS3 – Infrastructure This topic is relevant both in the context of Prelims and Mains in the context of declining logistic cost and aim to achieve developed country status. |
Context: |
|
Significance of Logistics cost:
- At a time when India is increasingly pitching itself as a possible alternative to China, greater competitiveness in logistics could help the country fend off the challenge from competitors such as Vietnam and Indonesia and improve overall manufacturing competence.
- While the Centre has stepped up its spending on infrastructure, deep-seated problems in logistics continue to hurt Indian manufacturing and efforts to boost exports.
How are landlocked states doing?
- Average scores across parameters such as quality of roads, terminal, cost of logistics and availability of skilled workforce have improved in landlocked states as compared to 2019.
- However, official data shows that only five states namely Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana continue to make up for 70 per cent of exports.
- Over the years this has caused a widening gap in income and job generation between the landlocked states and coastal states.
- Results on the quality of roads and terminals, the states like Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarhhave received low perception scores on these counts while user satisfaction in Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab improved.
- Notably, the survey said that Jharkhand saw below-average scores across all indicators, encompassing infrastructure, services, and operating and regulatory categories.
How has the North-East Group performed?
- The North Eastern states that have seen considerable social unrest during the last year contribute barely 2.8 per cent towards India’s GDP and require the maximum logistics-related upliftment.
- The survey said that there has been a marked improvement in all parameters compared to the 2019 survey.
- On Manipur, the survey said that user satisfaction levels for the state are generally lower than the average of the North-East Group for all indicators across pillars.
- The data indicated relatively high stress in the ‘easy of entry’ category. While Assam performed better than average on most counts, the user performance assessment was also below the average of North-East Group in the case of Meghalaya.
Odisha, West Bengal lag among coastal states:
- Indian coastal states including Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal account for 75 per cent of total exports from the country and have fared well in logistics historically.
- Gujarat accounts for 33 per cent followed by Maharashtra with 16 per cent and Tamil Nadu with 9 per cent share.
- However, the survey showed that Goa, Odisha and West Bengal continue to perform below the average among coastal states.
- In the case of Odisha, the survey said that there has been an improvement in the overall perception of the state’s logistics ecosystem since 2019 but despite this, the indicator averages for this year have remained below the Coastal Group average.
Conclusion:
Need to have logistic performance at par with international competitor so that manufacturing and export led growth will uplift India’s growth.
More about The Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) perception survey |
|
Practice Question: Logistic cost is critical in export led employment generation and growth in Indian economy. Explain. (150 words/10 m). |
9. The agri terms of trade
Topic: GS3 – Indian Agriculture. By referencing the concepts of ToT, input costs, and market mechanisms, you can demonstrate your understanding of the specific issues and broader themes related to difficulties of Indian agriculture. |
Context: |
|
- Terms of Trade (ToT) Improvement:
-
- ToT for Indian agriculture, measuring the movement in farm commodity prices relative to non-farm goods and services, has significantly improved in the last decade and a half.
- Calculated using implicit price deflators, the ToT is influenced by Gross Value Added (GVA) at current and constant prices.
- Historical Trends in ToT:
-
- From 1973-74 to the mid-2000s, the ToT for agriculture was relatively low, reaching 85 levels.
- A substantial recovery occurred from 2009-10 onwards, peaking at 130.2 in 2020-21 and slightly easing to 126.6 in 2022-23.
- Contribution to Agricultural Growth:
-
- Improved ToT is credited with contributing to India’s agricultural growth rate, averaging7% per annum between 2005-06 and 2021-22.
- Factors include the global agri-commodity price boom and policy interventions such as minimum support price (MSP) hikes.
- ToT Calculation Method:
-
- ToT is calculated by dividing the implicit price deflator for agriculture GVA by that for non-agriculture GVA.
- Analysis of Farmers’ ToT:
-
- Farmers’ ToT ratio increased significantly from 2004-05 to 2010-11 but has stagnated at 97-99 levels in recent years.
- Analysis of Agricultural Labourers’ ToT:
-
- Agricultural labourers experienced a more substantial rise in ToT, reaching 134.4 in 2016-17, but declining to 119.5 in 2021-22.
- Political Economy Implications:
-
- Accelerated economic growth created non-agricultural employment opportunities, impacting agricultural labourers positively.
- Real wages for agricultural labourers rose, affecting farmers who faced higher production costs without a proportional increase in produce prices.
- Despite subsidies and MSP procurement, the ToT for farmers stagnated, contributing to socio-economic challenges in agrarian communities.
- Recent Trends and Challenges:
-
- The ToT for both farmers and agricultural labourers has faced stagnation or deterioration in recent years.
- The decline in ToT for agricultural labourers after 2018-19 is reflected in rural wages, indicating challenges in the agricultural sector.
- Conclusion:
-
- The dynamic shift in India’s agricultural Terms of Trade has influenced both farmers and laborers.
- While farmers faced stagnant ratios, laborers experienced a temporary rise, reflecting evolving economic challenges in the agricultural sector.
What is Terms of Trade (ToT) |
Terms of Trade (ToT):
Significance of Terms of Trade (ToT):
|
Practice Question: Critically analyze the recent trends in terms of trade for Indian agriculture, highlighting its implications for both farmers and agricultural labourers. Suggest concrete policy measures to address any persisting challenges. (250 words/15 m). |
10. For new government in Chhattisgarh, recent spate of Maoist attacks poses a challenge
Topic: GS3 – Internal Security – Linkages between development & spread of extremism. UPSC requires holistic understanding of issues related to Left Wing Extremism (LWE), development in tribal areas, and internal security which are connected to this issue in current affairs. You can expect a mains question from this topic about reasons for the rise of naxalism, government policies and way forward. |
Context: |
|
Recent Incidents:
- Since the state Assembly elections last month, Chhattisgarh has witnessed a surge in Naxal violence, resulting in six deaths and several injuries since November 17.
- Notable incidents include the killing of CRPF sub-inspector Sudhakar Reddy and other security personnel in Bastar region.
Uptick in Maoist Violence:
- In contrast to an all-time low in 2022, Maoist violence has increased this year, with 25 security personnel, 31 civilians, and 20 Maoists killed so far.
Political Commitments:
- Union Home Minister expressed the goal of eliminating Naxalism before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Response of New Chief Minister:
- Chhattisgarh’s new Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, pledged a strong stance against Naxalism and expressed condolences after the recent attack, stating that the government would formulate a concrete policy to eliminate Naxalites.
Previous Government’s Strategy:
- The previous Congress government in the state pursued a three-pronged strategy of “vishwas, vikas, aur suraksha” (trust, development, and protection) to address Naxalism, facing criticism for not being assertive enough.
Security Operations and Recruitment Trends:
- The Chhattisgarh Police claim to have made significant inroads into Maoist strongholds, opening over 63 base camps in the last four years, impacting Maoist recruitment.
- Reports suggest fresh Naxal recruitment in specific areas, including the use of drones for training, according to Maharashtra Police sources.
Rise of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. |
Reasons for Rise:
Way Forward:
|
Practice Question: Despite recent successes, Naxal violence persists in parts of Chhattisgarh. Critically analyze the reasons behind this persistence and suggest concrete steps the state government can take to address it effectively. (150 words/10 m) |
For Enquiry
Twelfth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC
Eleventh Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC
Tenth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC
Ninth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC
Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes For UPSC
Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC
Fifth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC
Fourth Schedule of Indian Constitution
Third Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC
Second Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC
Articles Twelfth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC 12th Schedule of Indian Constitution
(Article 243W)
Urban Planning, including town planning.
Regulation…
Articles Eleventh Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC 11th Schedule of Indian Constitution
(Article 243G)
Agriculture, including agricultural extension.
Land…
Articles Tenth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC 10th Schedule of Indian Constitution
Articles 102(2) and 191(2)
Provisions as to disqualification on…
Articles Ninth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC 9th Schedule of Indian Constitution
(Article 31B)
The Bihar Land Reforms Act, 1950 (Bihar Act XXX of…
Articles Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes For UPSC 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution
Articles 344(1) and 351
Languages
1.
Assamese
2.
Bengali
3.
Bodo
4.
Dogri
5.
Gujarati
6.
Hindi
7.
Kannada
8.
Kashmiri
9.
Konkani
10.
Maithili
11.
Malayalam
12.
Manipur
13.
Marathi
14.
Nepali
15.
Odia
16.
Punjabi
17.
Sanskrit
18.
santhali
19.
Sindhi
20.
Tamil
21.
Telugu
22.
Urdu
Commentary…
Articles Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution
Article: Articles 244(2) and 275(1)
Provisions as to the Administration…
Articles Fifth Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC Provisions as to the Administration and Control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes
Article 244(1)
Provisions…
Articles Fourth Schedule of Indian Constitution Fourth Schedule of Indian Constitution
Articles 4(1) and 80(2)
Allocation of seats in the Council of…
Articles Third Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC Third Schedule of Indian Constitution
Articles 75(4), 99, 124(6), 148(2), 164(3), 188 and 219.
Forms…
Articles Second Schedule of Indian Constitution Notes for UPSC Second Schedule of Indian Constitution
Articles 59(3), 65(3), 75(6), 97, 125, 148(3), 158(3), 164 (5),…