01 Nov 2023 CNA
Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related POLITY AND GOVERNANCE 1. Staff shortage, financial dependency plague local governance INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. The stance of the Maldives President-elect on India C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials POLITY 1. Ethics, parliamentary conduct and the Indian MP ENVIRONMENT 1. Stocktaking climate finance — a case of circles in red ink F. Prelims Facts 1. India’s ‘Deep Ocean Mission G. Tidbits 1. Rohini Nayyar Prize 2. One nation, one registration platform 3. Akhaura-Agartala rail link H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. Staff shortage, financial dependency plague local governance
Syllabus: Government policies and their implementation at the local level, issues of urban local governance, local fiscal autonomy, and transparency.
Mains: The governance and administrative issues related to local governments and their financial dependency on state governments
Context
The Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023 highlights financial dependency and limited autonomy in Indian city governments, revealing significant challenges in urban governance.
Introduction
- A recent Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023 reveals the dependence of Indian city governments on state governments for financial support.
- The report, published by the Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, underscores the asymmetry of power and limited autonomy experienced by city governments in India.
City Autonomy and Financial Dependency
- The majority of Indian cities heavily rely on their respective state governments for financial support.
- Five states—Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan—require city governments to seek state approval for borrowing money.
- Only Assam empowers its city governments to collect key taxes independently.
Autonomy vs. Governance Size
- The survey categorises cities based on their population size (megacities, large cities, medium cities, small cities).
- Megacities have more control over their finances, but their mayors lack a five-year tenure and direct election.
- Smaller cities have longer mayoral tenures and direct elections but minimal control over finances.
Limited Powers in Staff Appointments
- Mayors and city councils have limited influence over staff appointments and promotions.
- Few states grant city governments the authority to appoint municipal commissioners.
- Senior management teams, deputed by state governments, are beyond the city’s control, hindering accountability.
Transparency and Accountability
- A lack of transparency in publishing civic information accessible to citizens is a notable issue.
- Only 11 out of 35 states/union territories have enacted the Public Disclosure Law, which mandates publishing key civic data.
- Financial transparency remains a concern, as very few cities publish quarterly audited financial statements.
Impact on Unfilled Posts
- High levels of unfilled posts within local governments are exacerbated by limited control over staff appointments.
- 35% of positions in India’s municipal corporations remain vacant, worsening in municipalities and town panchayats.
International Comparison
- A comparison with cities like New York, London, and Johannesburg highlights the unique challenges faced by Indian cities.
- These foreign metropolises have more staff per population, greater financial autonomy, and the ability to impose taxes, approve budgets, invest, and borrow without external approval.
Nut Graf: The ASICS 2023 report reveals that Indian city governments heavily rely on state support, with limited powers in financial matters and staff appointments. Transparency issues and high vacancy rates also affect urban governance.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The stance of the Maldives President-elect on India
Syllabus: India and its neighbourhood – International relations; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
Mains: India- Maldives relations
Context
President-elect Muizzu of the Maldives aims to remove Indian military presence, aligning with the opposition’s ‘India Out’ campaign, while emphasising Chinese assistance.
Introduction
- President-elect Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, who won the September 2023 election, has emphasised his intention to remove Indian troops from the country.
- His stance aligns with the ‘India Out’ campaign by the main opposition bloc, opposing the pro-India foreign policy of the outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Indian Military Presence
- As per the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), 75 Indian military personnel operate Indian-gifted Dornier aircraft and helicopters in the Maldives.
- These assets are used for various functions, including medical evacuation, search and rescue, training, surveillance, and patrol.
Why President-Elect Muizzu Opposes Indian Troops
- The previous administration under President Yameen leaned toward China, straining Maldives-India relations.
- Muizzu, aligned with this political camp, seeks to emphasize the benefits of Chinese assistance while refraining from discussing Maldives’ debt obligations, including to China.
- His frequent pledge to remove Indian military presence appears linked to the international media’s framing of the election as a referendum on India and China, in addition to maintaining consistency with pre-election promises.
Challenges for President-Elect Muizzu
- While President-elect Muizzu intends to remove Indian troops, he faces significant economic challenges. The Maldives is dealing with a substantial debt burden, making cooperation with India and China, major lenders and development partners, crucial for addressing the debt crisis.
India’s Interests
- In recent years, India has become the Maldives’ primary security and economic partner, committing substantial funds for socio-economic development.
- India’s interests in the Maldives are closely linked to its security concerns in the Indian Ocean region, particularly regarding China’s growing presence.
Nut Graf: Amid concerns about India’s role in the Maldives, the new president faces challenges, balancing foreign policy and an impending debt crisis.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. Ethics, parliamentary conduct and the Indian MP
Syllabus: GS-2, Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Mains: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Context:
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has initiated proceedings against the All India Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament (MP), Mahua Moitra, to investigate the allegations that she had received money from a businessman for putting questions up in Parliament.
Past Instances of Similar Allegations:
- Taking money for putting up questions in parliament is a breach of privilege and contempt of the house.
- Complaints of this nature are referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigation and the committee will investigate and submit a report about the findings along with the recommendation for action against the MP in question.
- If the allegations are proven the MP in question will be expelled from the House. There have been such instances in the Lok Sabha where MPs were expelled from the House on this ground.
- In 1951 H.G. Mudgal, an MP was found guilty of promoting the interests of a business association in return for financial benefits. A special committee of the House found that his conduct was derogatory to the dignity of the House and inconsistent with the standards that Parliament is entitled to expect of its members.
- In 2005, a sting operation found that 10 Members of the Lok Sabha were accepting money for putting up questions in Parliament and all of them were expelled.
- The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha is a relatively new committee which was set up in 2000, with a mandate to examine every complaint related to the unethical conduct of MPs referred to it and to recommend action. It was also tasked with formulating a code of conduct for MPs.
Undefined Nature of the term ‘Unethical’:
- The term ‘unethical conduct’ is not defined anywhere and is the discretion of the committee to examine a particular act of conduct and decide whether it is unethical or not.
- In the past the committee suspended an MP for 30 sittings of the house when he was found guilty of taking his close female companion along with him on a parliamentary tour, personating her as his wife.
- He was also barred from taking any companion or his spouse on any official tour till the end of the tenure of that Lok Sabha.
- The more serious cases involving serious misconduct are dealt with by either the Committee of Privileges or special committees, and not by the ethics committee.
- In the case of Ms Moitra, the allegation is about illegal gratification which is more associated with the breach of privilege and cannot be dealt with by the ethics committee.
- Since a public servant accepting a bribe is a criminal offence, it is normally investigated by the criminal investigative agencies of the government. The 10 MPs who were expelled from the Lok Sabha are still facing trial under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Nature of Parliamentary Probe:
- A parliamentary probe differs from a Judicial probe. A judicial probe is conducted by judicially trained persons and is based on the statutes and Rules.
- Parliamentary committees consist of Members of Parliament who are not experts. Since Parliament has the power to scrutinise the executive, which is accountable to it, it possesses investigative power also.
- Methods followed by Parliament are different from the judiciary in case of investigation and the parliamentary committee functions under the Rules of the House.
- The usual methods are examination of the written documents placed before the committee by the complainant and the witnesses, oral examination of all the relevant witnesses, deposition of experts, if deemed necessary, sifting of the whole volume of evidence placed before the committee, and arriving at findings on the basis of the evidence.
- Ultimately the committee takes decisions on the basis of common sense and the rules of evidence under the Evidence Act are not applicable to a probe by a parliamentary committee.
- It is the Speaker who decides the question of the relevance of evidence of a person or document.
Article 105:
- Article 105 of the Constitution ensures freedom of speech for MPs inside the House.
- This right must also cover the right to tap any source to put up questions and frame bills or resolutions inside the parliament.
- In light of Article 105, the investigation into the source of information of an MP may not have legal sanction.
Nut Graf: A Parliamentary proceeding against an MP is not similar to a judicial probe as the Evidence Act is not applicable to a probe by a parliamentary committee.
1. Stocktaking climate finance — a case of circles in red ink
Syllabus: GS-3, General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation
Mains: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Context:
In the context of Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report providing the main scientific input to the global stocktake at COP, the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) meeting (November 30–December 12) assumes significance.
Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report:
- The report says that the current temperature increase at 1.1° Celsius is responsible for frequent hazardous weather.
- Climate finance has a crucial role in retaining the trust of developing countries in future climate change negotiations.
- The developed countries and countries that are vulnerable to climate change are expected to demand that developing countries ramp up their mitigation action.
- The developing countries will also point out the failure of developed countries to mobilise $100 billion in climate finance.
- Under the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities principle, developed countries are bound to assist developing countries by providing finance.
Climate Finance:
- Under Article 9 of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, It is mandatory for the developed countries to provide information relating to the financial resources they have provided and, also, the projected levels of public financial resources to be provided to developing country parties in their Biennial Update Reports (BUR).
- At the Copenhagen Change Conference in 2009, the developed countries made the commitment to mobilise $100 billion per year by 2020.
- Under the Paris Agreement, the developed countries are required to collectively mobilise $100 billion through 2025 before a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) ‘from a floor of $100 billion per year is to be set at the end of 2024’.
- The developed countries noted that they were able to mobilise only a total of $79.6 billion at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in 2021.
Required Finance:
- Countries in the Global South require close to $6 trillion until 2030 to fulfil their NDCs.
- According to the third Biennial Update Reports (BUR) of India, financial needs derived from its NDCs for adaptation and mitigation purposes for 2015-30 are $206 billion and $834 billion, respectively.
- Most of the financial needs are required in transitioning towards low-carbon, cleaner energy systems from traditional systems, which will not be funded by any financial mechanisms of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- Further, the ‘3.6 million people in 159 districts in India who are involved in fossil fuel economy through direct or indirect jobs related to the coal mining and power sector also be supported with suitable economic opportunities and livelihoods during the transition.
Burden Sharing Formula:
- There is no agreed formula among developed countries to share the financial burden that they are mandated to provide to developing countries.
- One analysis shows that the USA provided just 5% of its fair share in 2020.
- In the absence of any mandatory formula, it is unclear how the finance will be mobilized for the new collective quantified goal (NCQG).
- Neither the UNFCCC nor the Paris Agreement mention the criterion for mobilisation. Instead, the mobilisation is done with the help of a replenishment process.
- The Global Environment Facility is replenished every four years and is involved in providing grant and concessional loans to developing countries.
- This replenishment model is also followed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) which was set up by developed countries to provide funds to developing countries to switch over to low-emissions and climate-resilient development paths.
- GCF also includes voluntary contributions by nine developing countries
Nut Graf: The developed countries are not showing urgency in climate finance transfer to save the atmosphere which is a common good, in a similar nature when G20 governments responded to the global crisis in 2009-2010 when they mobilised $1.1 trillion to save the global financial system which is also a public good (global financial stability).
F. Prelims Facts
1. India’s ‘Deep Ocean Mission
Syllabus: GS 3- Science and Technology
Prelims: India’s Deep Ocean Mission
Introduction
- The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) stands as a notable endeavour undertaken by the Indian government with the goal of exploring and tapping into the extensive possibilities hidden in the depths of the ocean.
- India aims to reach ocean depths of 6,000 metres using an indigenous submersible with a three-member crew, marking the first such mission for the country.
Key Aspects of DOM
- DOM was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2021, with a budget of approximately ₹4,077 crore over a five-year phased implementation.
- The mission comprises six pillars:
- Development of technologies for deep-sea mining and a manned submersible.
- Ocean climate change advisory services.
- Technological innovations for deep-sea biodiversity exploration and conservation.
- Deep-ocean survey to identify multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides.
- Harnessing energy and freshwater from the ocean.
- Establishing an advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology.
Alignment with National and Global Goals
- The mission aligns with India’s ‘New India 2030’ document, which emphasises the blue economy as a core objective.
- The United Nations declared 2021-2030 as the ‘Decade of Ocean Science,’ emphasising the importance of sustainable ocean resource utilisation.
- DOM is one of nine missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
Progress and Challenges
- The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is developing indigenous technologies for deep-sea exploration and mining.
- The submersible ‘Matsya6000’ will be used to reach the ocean bed at a depth of 6,000 metres.
- The mission aims to explore the potential for polymetallic nodules containing precious minerals such as copper, manganese, nickel, and cobalt.
- Challenges include high pressure, soft and muddy ocean bed, the need for durable equipment, and limited visibility.
Global Position of Matsya6000
- Matsya6000 is India’s flagship deep-ocean human submersible, designed to facilitate ocean bed exploration.
- India is set to join the ranks of countries like the U.S.A., Russia, China, France, and Japan with successful deep-ocean crewed missions.
- Matsya6000 combines features of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous remote vehicles (AUVs) and is designed for deep-sea observation missions.
Unique Features of Matsya6000
- Matsya6000 can accommodate three crew members in a specially designed sphere with a diameter of 2.1 metres, constructed from a durable titanium alloy.
- It features advanced communication systems, navigation, positioning systems, cameras, lights, and underwater thrusters.
- Matsya6000 will operate as a free-floating system with a speed of approximately 5.5 km/hr, ensuring energy efficiency.
- India will become the only country with an entire ecosystem of underwater vehicles, including deep-water ROVs, polar ROVs, AUVs, and more.
G. Tidbits
Introduction
- Deenanath Rajput, a dedicated social worker, was honoured with the Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development in Chhattisgarh.
- Recognized for his exceptional efforts in improving the lives of tribal women, Rajput established a Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) in 2018.
Award Details
- Deenanath Rajput received the award at an event, which featured N.K. Singh, Chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, as the chief guest.
- The prize comprises a cash award of ₹10 lakh, along with a trophy and a citation. This award marks the second edition of the Rohini Nayyar Prize, which was established in honour of the distinguished economist Rohini Nayyar, who sadly passed away in 2021.
Deenanath Rajput’s Accomplishments
- In 2018, at the age of 33, Deenanath Rajput initiated the formation of a Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) in Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
- The FPO began with an initial membership of 337 tribal women from the region.
Impact of the FPO
- The Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) has brought about positive changes in the lives of tribal women in Chhattisgarh.
- It has provided opportunities for economic empowerment and improved livelihoods for the local community.
2. One nation, one registration platform
Introduction
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) is preparing to launch a nationwide platform to streamline the registration of doctors and enhance public access to their information.
- The “one nation, one registration” platform aims to simplify the process for medical practitioners while eliminating duplication and bureaucracy.
Key Features of the NMC’s Initiative
- The NMC is set to launch a trial version of the National Medical Register (NMR) within the coming six months.
- Under this system, doctors will receive a unique identification number.
- Medical practitioners can apply for a licence to practise medicine in any Indian state based on their location.
- The NMC released an official Gazette notification titled “Regulations for the Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licensing to Practice Medicine in 2023,” which detailed this initiative.
Purpose of the National Medical Register (NMR)
- The NMC’s objective is to provide an identification number to undergraduate medical students through the NMR.
- This ID will serve as a single point of reference for tracking qualifications and additional certifications.
- Nearly 14 lakh doctors registered in the system will have their data transferred to the NMR for a comprehensive database.
Quality Assessment of Medical Institutions
- The NMC has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India.
- From the academic session 2024-25, both government and private medical colleges will undergo a rating process based on the quality of education they offer.
Introduction
- In a historic development, Bangladesh and Northeast India are set to re-establish rail connectivity through Tripura, ending a seven-and-a-half-decade gap.
- The Akhaura-Agartala rail link, to be inaugurated virtually by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, marks a significant step in connecting Tripura to Kolkata through Bangladesh.
Significance of the Rail Link
- Currently, trains to Agartala must take a longer route via Guwahati and Jalpaiguri stations. The new link will drastically reduce travel time and distance to reach Tripura, southern Assam, and Mizoram from Kolkata.
- It will facilitate India-Bangladesh trade in agriculture products, tea, sugar, construction materials, iron and steel, consumer items, and enhance people-to-people ties.
- The project was backed by an Indian government grant aid of ₹392.52 crore extended to Bangladesh.
Technical Details
- The Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link spans 12.24 km, including a 6.78 km dual gauge line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura.
- A goods train from Bangladesh conducted a trial run between the two stations ahead of the inauguration.
Historical and Cultural Significance
- Akhaura junction in Bangladesh’s Brahmanbaria district has a rich history of commercial and cultural ties with India’s northeastern region since the colonial era.
- The junction’s initial construction in the late 19th century was driven by the demand from Assam’s tea industry, which sought a connection to the Chittagong port.
- The project to rebuild this connection was revived in 2010 during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to the Lok Sabha ethics committee:
- Any person can file a complaint against a Member of Parliament (MP) through another Lok Sabha MP along with evidence of misconduct & an affidavit stating that the complaint is not false.
- A member can complain against another member with evidence without any need for an accompanying affidavit.
- The speaker of the house can refer any complaint against an MP to the committee.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: C
Explanation: All three statements are correct.
Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to Global Environment Facility (GEF):
- It was established under the Cancun Agreements in 2010.
- It is a UNFCCC-designated funding agency providing grants and concessional loans to developing countries.
- It provides financial assistance to five major international conventions
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The GEF was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established under the Cancún Agreements in 2010.
Q3. The Annual Survey of India’s City Systems (ASICS) 2023 was published by:
- NITI Aayog.
- Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy
- Pratham
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The report, Annual Survey of India’s City Systems (ASICS) 2023, was published by the Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, a nonprofit institution.
Q4. How many of the following countries are members of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)?
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Only two
- Only three
- Only four
- All five
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: The Colombo Security Conclave was established in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping that includes India, Sri Lanka & Maldives. CSC now includes Mauritius as well, in addition to the three members.
Q5. The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project is being developed by:
- Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company
- Nepal India Friendship Power Company
- Sri Lanka – India Friendship Power Company
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member nations
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project is being developed by Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company, a 50:50 joint venture between India’s National Thermal Power Corporation & Bangladesh Power Development Board.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Unless the question of climate financing is resolved, we are staring at a bleak future. Comment. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS- 3: Environment and ecology]
- India’s local governance institutions are plagued by issues of lack of resources, but the situation gets even worse due to disparity. Do you agree? Give appropriate examples to support your claim. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS- 2: Governance]
Read previous CNA articles here.
Comments