13-December-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

URBAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLLS: A MISSING SPOTLIGHT

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Urban Local Governments (ULGs), empowered by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, are critical for urban governance and service delivery. Despite this, their potential remains underutilized, with timely elections gaining renewed attention amid discussions on simultaneous elections (ONOE).

Challenges with ULG Elections

Limited Focus in ONOE Discussions

Major reports and papers, including the 79th Parliamentary Standing Committee report (2015) and NITI Aayog’s 2017 discussion paper, have excluded ULG elections, citing:

• ULGs being State subjects.
• The logistical challenge of coordinating elections for over 4,800 ULGs nationwide.

The High-Level Committee (HLC) on simultaneous elections has recommended aligning ULG polls within 100 days of national and State elections, marking a shift in perspective.

Delayed Elections and Their Impact

Elections are often postponed, sometimes for years, despite the constitutional mandate of holding them every five years.

According to the 2024 CAG report, over 60% of ULGs experienced election delays, leading to:

• Direct governance by State governments, undermining decentralization.
• Reduced accountability and limited public representation.

Delays in Council Formation

• After election results are declared, there are significant delays in operationalizing councils.
• Example: In Karnataka, municipal corporations saw an average delay of 11 months in council formation, leaving elected representatives powerless and cities under State control.

Disempowerment of State Election Commissions (SECs)

• SECs are responsible for conducting ULG elections, but their authority is limited:

• Only 4 out of 15 States assessed by the CAG allow SECs to perform ward delimitation.
• Delays in ward delimitation and reservation processes, often controlled by State governments, lead to postponed elections.

Way Forward

• Strengthen SECs to independently handle ward delimitation and reservation exercises.
• Implement the HLC’s recommendations for synchronizing ULG polls with other elections.
• Ensure timely and regular elections by addressing procedural delays through reforms.
• Promote nationwide consultations and cooperation between Union and State governments to revive local democracy.

Conclusion

Timely and effective elections are crucial for empowering ULGs and achieving decentralized governance. Strengthening electoral processes at the urban level is essential for vibrant and inclusive local democracy.

PRICE WORRIES: INFLATION TRENDS AND MONETARY POLICY CHALLENGES

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

Inflation, a critical economic indicator, significantly impacts consumer spending and policy decisions. Recent trends show a slight decline in consumer price inflation but continued challenges in managing food prices and broader economic pressures.

Decline in Overall Inflation:

Consumer price inflation reduced from 6.2% in October (14-month high) to 5.5% in November.

Key contributors to this decline include:

• Vegetables: Inflation dropped from 42.2% to under 30%.
• Foodgrains: Prices rose at their slowest pace in 28 months.
• Pulses: Inflation eased to just over 5% after sustained double-digit increases.

Persisting Food Price Concerns

Rural consumers faced greater challenges with inflation nearing 6%, exacerbating financial pressures. Food inflation remained high at over 9% for the third consecutive month.

Specific items saw sharp price increases:

• Edible oils: Prices surged by 13.3% (highest in 30 months).
• Coconut oil: Increased by over 42%.
• Vegetables like garlic and potato: Inflation rates were 85.1% and 66.7%, respectively.

Economic Pressures and Policy Implications

• Spillover Effects on Other Sectors: Rising food costs are influencing prices of non-food items.

• Manufacturing and services firms reported heightened cost pressures, leading to the steepest price hikes in 12 years.

Monetary Policy Outlook

• RBI revised its October-December inflation forecast from 4.8% to 5.7%.
• November inflation at 5.4% remains well above the RBI’s target of 4%.
• The central bank expects inflation to reach 4% only by Q2 of 2025-26.

Government Expectations and Growth Concerns

• The government anticipates a potential interest rate cut to support growth.
• However, current data suggests inflation cooling only slightly, with growth showing possible recovery, reducing the urgency for immediate rate cuts.

Way Forward

• Fiscal prudence in the upcoming 2025-26 Budget could strengthen the case for rate cuts.
• Measures to reduce living costs and address inflationary pressures on essentials like food and fuel are critical for economic stability.
• Continued monitoring of inflation trends and policy adjustments will be necessary to balance growth and price stability.

Conclusion

While inflation has moderated slightly, persistent food price challenges and broader economic pressures require cautious monetary and fiscal policies. Ensuring relief for consumers while fostering growth will remain a priority for policymakers.

LOK SABHA PASSES DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aiming to enhance disaster management systems in India. The Bill addresses challenges faced by State governments in implementing the original 2005 Act and seeks to improve coordination among stakeholders.

Key Features of the Bill

• Objective: The Bill aims to strengthen disaster management authorities at national and State levels and ensure better preparedness and response during disasters.
• Clarification and Convergence: It focuses on resolving ambiguities in the 2005 Act and improving collaboration among agencies involved in disaster management.

Government’s Perspective

• Improved System: The Union Minister emphasized that the Bill will enable States to address disasters more effectively and enhance the country’s overall readiness.
• National Impact: The legislation recognizes disasters as national challenges and proposes measures to ensure coordinated responses across regions.

Opposition’s Concerns

• Over-Centralization: Critics argue that the Bill centralizes disaster management and creates excessive bureaucratic structures.
• Terminology Issues: Opposition members highlighted the use of technical jargon and replacement of “compensation” with “relief,” which they believe dilutes the focus on victims.
• Neglect of Climate Change: Some members criticized the absence of provisions addressing climate change, a critical factor in disaster occurrences.

Conclusion

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to streamline disaster management processes and address previous implementation challenges. While it promises better coordination, the concerns raised by the Opposition regarding over-centralization and lack of climate change focus remain critical points of debate.

UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC)

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare without financial hardship. While India has made strides through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, a system focused solely on health insurance fails to address the larger gaps in healthcare infrastructure, governance, and service quality.

Key Principles of UHC

• Human Dignity and Health: UHC is rooted in the principle that all individuals deserve equitable access to healthcare and a life of dignity.
• Political Will and Equality: Achieving UHC requires a political system committed to equality and justice, as health is intrinsically linked to governance and societal values.

Challenges in Achieving UHC

• Low Public Health Spending: India’s public health expenditure is around 1.2%-1.3% of GDP, far below the WHO-recommended 3%. High out-of-pocket expenses, accounting for 45-54% of health spending, burden families despite insurance schemes.
• Inadequate Human Resources: Shortages of trained specialists, especially in Community Health Centres (CHCs), lead to overburdened district hospitals and increased reliance on private care.
• Privatisation and Commercialisation: The rise of corporate hospitals driven by profit motives increases healthcare costs. Foreign investments in private hospitals prioritize returns over affordable care.
• Weak Governance: Leasing district hospitals to private entities reduces access to affordable healthcare for the middle class. Lack of enforcement mechanisms allows profiteering and inadequate service delivery.

Required Policy Interventions

• Increased Investment in Health: Double public health funding to strengthen community-based primary healthcare.
• Strengthening Primary Healthcare: Focus on preventive care to reduce hospitalizations and treatment costs. Employ family doctors and public health specialists to ensure continuity of care.
• Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Tackle the growing burden of NCDs through laws, awareness campaigns, and lifestyle interventions.
• Better Governance of the Private Sector: Enforce regulations to prevent overcharging and unnecessary procedures.
• Universal Access to Health Determinants: Improve access to clean water, nutrition, education, and sanitation to address root causes of poor health.

Conclusion

UHC is achievable only when healthcare systems focus on guaranteed care, not just insurance coverage. The state must take responsibility for governance, build robust healthcare infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to quality services. A shift from a fragmented, profit-driven model to a holistic, patient-centric approach is essential to realizing the vision of UHC.

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE PARIS AGREEMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The Paris Agreement, adopted in December 2015, was a landmark international treaty aimed at combating climate change by limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C.

Key Developments Since Adoption

• Rising Emissions: Global annual emissions have increased from 49 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2015 to 53 billion tonnes in 2024, marking an 8% rise.
• Temperature Increase: Average global temperatures have risen from 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels in 2015 to 1.45°C, nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold.

Challenges to the Paris Agreement

• Lack of Ambition: The Agreement allows countries to set their own “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs), leading to minimal efforts in reducing emissions. Developed nations have been freed from binding emission reduction targets, unlike the Kyoto Protocol.
• Weak Financial Commitments: Developed nations had promised $100 billion annually for climate action by 2020 but failed to meet this target.
• A recent deal in Baku extended the target to $300 billion annually by 2035, which falls short of the trillions needed for effective climate action.
• Erosion of Trust: Small Island nations, heavily impacted by climate change, have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress.
• The United States’ potential exit from the Agreement under a new administration could further weaken global cooperation.

Growing Frustration and Alternative Approaches

• Legal Interventions: Countries like Vanuatu have sought clarity on climate obligations through the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
• Exploring Alternatives: Developing nations are advocating for stronger frameworks beyond the Paris Agreement to address the climate crisis effectively.

PARIS AGREEMENT

Adoption and Objective:

• Adopted in December 2015 during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

Global Participation:

• Signed by 196 countries, making it a nearly universal agreement on climate action.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

• Each country sets its own emission reduction targets based on national circumstances.
• These targets are reviewed and updated every five years to increase ambition.

Financial Commitments:

• Developed countries committed to mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020 to assist developing countries in climate action.
• This amount is intended to increase after 2025.

Legal Framework:

• The Agreement is legally binding but relies on voluntary commitments (NDCs), with no penalties for non-compliance.

Focus Areas:

• Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Adaptation: Enhancing resilience to climate impacts.
• Finance: Supporting climate action in developing nations.

Global Stocktake:

• Every five years, countries assess collective progress towards the Agreement’s goals.
• The first stocktake was conducted in 2023.

Long-term Goal:

• Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions globally by the second half of the 21st century.

Conclusion

While the Paris Agreement represented a significant step in global climate diplomacy, its implementation has been fraught with challenges. Without stronger commitments, adequate financing, and unified global action, achieving its goals seems increasingly unattainable. It is imperative for nations to act decisively to address the growing climate emergency.

SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS: UNION CABINET APPROVES DRAFT BILLS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Union Cabinet approved two draft Bills for simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, involving constitutional and legal amendments. This proposal has sparked debates over its potential impact on democracy and federalism.

Key Details of the Proposed Bills

• Amendment to the Constitution: One Bill seeks to amend the Constitution to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. This amendment will not require ratification by 50% of the States, as per sources.
• Alignment of Union Territories’ Terms: The second Bill proposes amendments to laws governing Union Territories with Legislative Assemblies to align their terms with State Assemblies.
• Exclusion of Local Body Polls: Although the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind recommended synchronising municipal and panchayat elections, the Cabinet chose not to pursue this. Synchronising local body polls would require a new Article 324A and ratification by at least half the States.
• Parliamentary Process: Once introduced, the Bills are expected to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for review.

Opposition and Criticism

• Concerns Over Federalism: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticized the move as impractical, anti-democratic, and a threat to regional voices and federalism. He urged citizens to oppose the proposal to protect India’s democratic structure.
• Allegations of Authoritarianism: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labelled the Bills as an authoritarian attempt to undermine democracy and federalism. She pledged to resist the legislation and emphasized safeguarding India’s democratic values.

Implications and Challenges

• Erosion of Regional Representation: Critics argue that simultaneous elections could weaken regional voices by prioritizing national issues over local concerns.
• Administrative and Governance Disruptions: Aligning terms of Assemblies may disrupt governance and pose logistical challenges in implementation.
• Debate on Federalism: The move raises questions about the balance of power between the Union and States, sparking concerns about centralization.

SPECIAL MAJORITY IN INDIA

In the Indian Constitution, a special majority is required for certain decisions, especially those involving constitutional amendments or important legislative actions. Here are the main types of special majority explained simply:

Special Majority as per Article 368 (Amendment of Constitution)

• Purpose: Used for most constitutional amendments.
• Requirement:
  • Majority of two-thirds of the members present and voting in each House of Parliament.
  • This majority must also constitute more than 50% of the total strength of the House.
• Example: Amendment to add, remove, or change provisions like Fundamental Rights.

Special Majority of 2/3rd of Members Present and Voting

• Purpose: Used for matters like removing the Vice President.
• Requirement:
  • Two-thirds of members present and voting in the respective House.
  • No need to count the total membership of the House.
• Example: Resolution to remove the Vice President under Article 67(b).

Special Majority of Total Membership of the House and 2/3rd Present and Voting

• Purpose: Used for some impeachment motions and key legislative actions.
• Requirement:
  • Majority of the total membership of the House.
  • Also, two-thirds of members present and voting.
• Example:
  • Removal of Judges of Supreme Court/High Court.
  • Impeachment of the President.

Special Majority of Total Membership of the House

• Purpose: Applies to actions like approving President’s Rule in a state after one year.
• Requirement:
  • Absolute majority of the total membership of the House (50% + 1).
• Example: Extension of President’s Rule beyond one year under Article 356.

 

Conclusion

The proposal for simultaneous elections aims to improve efficiency but faces criticism for its potential to impact democratic and federal structures. A balanced approach, considering regional diversity and logistical challenges, is crucial for its successful implementation.

THE RAILWAYS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was recently passed in the Lok Sabha to modernize the legal framework governing Indian Railways. It aims to enhance efficiency, independence, and safety while incorporating key reforms.

Key Provisions:

• Unification of Laws: Combines provisions of the colonial-era Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, with the Railways Act, 1989, for simplification.
• Statutory Backing for the Railway Board: Provides a legal framework for the Railway Board, which has operated without formal statutory authority since inception.
• Government Oversight: Authorizes the Union government to determine the Railway Board’s composition, member qualifications, and terms of service.
• Independent Regulator: Proposes the establishment of a regulator for tariffs, safety, and private sector participation in railways.
• Decentralization and Autonomy: Grants railway zones greater autonomy to improve operational efficiency and streamline decision-making.
• Faster Approvals: Aims to speed up approvals for train services to address regional demands and infrastructure needs.
• Infrastructure Development: Supports superfast train operations and infrastructure projects for modernizing railways.

This amendment is expected to boost the efficiency, safety, and modernization of the Indian Railways system.

YUVA SAHAKAR SCHEME

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Yuva Sahakar Scheme aims to support newly formed cooperative societies with innovative ideas, fostering entrepreneurship among youth. It is implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).

Key Features:

• Objective: Encourages cooperatives with innovative ideas and supports young entrepreneur-led societies operating for at least three months.
• Loan Benefits: Provides long-term loans (up to 5 years) with a 2% interest subvention on applicable term loan rates.
• Subsidy Integration: Loans can be combined with subsidies available under other Government of India schemes.
• Special Incentives: Offers additional benefits for cooperatives in the North-Eastern region, aspirational districts, women, and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe members.
• Dedicated Fund: Linked to a ₹1,000 crore Cooperative Start-up and Innovation Fund approved by NCDC.
• Part of Sahakar 22: Supports the broader mission of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.

The scheme provides youth with resources and incentives to build and grow innovative cooperative enterprises across India.