9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 4th, 2023

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

On urban infrastructure development – Planning for megapolises

Source: The post is based on the article “Planning for megapolises” published in “Business Standard” on 4th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Infrastructure.

News: The article discusses the extensive construction and infrastructure development in Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, which includes new transport links and real estate. However, this rapid growth brings challenges like traffic and pollution.

What is the National Urban Policy Framework?

The National Urban Policy Framework (NUPF) is India’s plan for future city development.
It follows two main ideas. First, it has ten basic principles, called sutras. Second, these principles are used in ten areas of city life and management. Each area is examined for current issues, goals are set, and actions are recommended.

Here are the 10 guiding principles simplified:

  1. Cities are made up of people’s skills and talents.
  2. Cities need their own unique identity.
  3. City plans should change and grow, not be fixed.
  4. Cities should be built to use space well.
  5. There should be public areas for people to meet.
  6. Cities need many types of transport systems.
  7. Cities should not harm the environment.
  8. Cities need to make and manage their own money.
  9. One clear leader should guide a city.
  10. Cities should help the area around them grow too.

How is Mumbai’s infrastructure evolving?

Metro Expansion: New metro lines are being constructed to improve connectivity in the suburbs, which is a significant leap in public transit for the city.

Road Infrastructure: A coastal road project is in progress, expected to manage four times the traffic compared to the current sea link.

Trans-Harbour Link: A 22-kilometer trans-harbour link nearing completion promises to enhance the connection between Mumbai and the mainland, potentially transforming traffic flow and commerce.

New Airport: Construction of a new airport is underway, anticipating the future growth of Mumbai’s population and its increasing air travel demands.

Real Estate Boom: Real estate development is booming, with construction areas expanding, indicating a major urban transformation.

What are the potential challenges posed by infrastructure development in the city?

Traffic Congestion: Despite new transport links, the infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the growing needs. As observed in Delhi and Bengaluru, better roads often lead to more traffic, not less.

Pollution: The construction activities, especially in Mumbai, are contributing to high levels of air pollution. This could worsen as development continues.

Resource Strain: The increase in construction approvals could lead to a surge in population growth. This would put additional pressure on water supply and waste management systems.

Land Scarcity: Although improved connections can mitigate land scarcity by integrating neighboring regions, they can also lead to uncontrolled urban sprawl, as seen with the expansion of Delhi through Gurgaon and Noida.

Socio-economic Challenges: The redevelopment of areas like Dharavi slum leads to displacement and socio-economic issues that need to be carefully managed.

What does the future of megacities look like?

Integrated Expansion: Megacities like Mumbai are expanding their infrastructure with projects like the new airport and the 22-km trans-harbour link that will integrate different city regions and the mainland.

Urban Sprawl: As transport links improve, cities are likely to spread out further, resembling vast urban sprawls.

Planning for Growth: The experiences of Delhi and Mumbai suggest that infrastructure may not fully keep pace with growth. Forward-thinking planning is required to ensure that megacities can handle the expansion without falling into patterns of traffic congestion and resource strain.

Sustainable Development: The future of megacities hinges on sustainable development that balances growth with environmental considerations and resource management to avoid issues like excessive pollution and water scarcity.

Question for practice:

How can the National Urban Policy Framework help mitigate the challenges of rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in Indian megacities?

On Increasing global elderly population – The world is getting older. Can India cope?

Source: This post on the trends of ageing has been created based on the article “The world is getting older. Can India cope?” published in The Indian Express on 4th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Population and associated issues.

News: This article discusses the trends in human population growth, especially ageing, as reported by the UNFPA. It also highlights the challenges associated with a rapid pace of ageing and low fertility levels.

What are the findings of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)?

Findings of the UNFPA include:

1) Shrinking Population in Asia and Europe: By 2100, most of the fastest shrinking populations will be in Asia and Europe.
For instance, China’s population will decline from 1.4 billion to 732 million in 2100.

2) Ageing of Population: Globally, ~14% of the total population comprises those aged 60 years and above in 2022. By 2050, this share is expected to rise to 22%.

3) Early Onset of Low Fertility Rates in developing countries: A significant drop in fertility levels is being seen very early in their development journey.

Global Population Trends. Source: Statista

What is the “greying” phenomenon?

Greying refers to a cumulative result of increasing longevity, declining fertility and the progression of larger groups of population to older ages.

In the 1970s, there were 3 times as many 15 to 24-year-olds then older people. By 2050, these age groups will be equal.

What is the ageing scenario in India?

According to UNFPA’s India Aging Report, 2023:

1) Rapid Ageing of Population: In 2022, the 10.5% of India’s population was aged 60 years and above. By 2050, this share will double to 20.8%.

2) Cohort of the aged surpassing the cohort of children: The number of elderly people will be larger than the number of children (those below 15 years) by 2046.

3) The report also points out that this unprecedented rise in the ageing population will have significant implications for health, economy and society in India.

What is the status of India’s Fertility Rates?

According to the National Family Health Survey 2022, except for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (amongst the larger states), fertility rates elsewhere have dropped below the replacement level of 2.1.

In urban India, the fertility rate is at 1.6. This is below replacement level, and combined with increased longevity, will ensure that the elderly constitute a significant segment of our population.

For a detailed breakdown of India’s Fertility Rates, read here.

What are the implications of a rapid ageing of population?

1) Unsustainable economic burden of sustaining the aged: Developed countries with better economies could sustain their elderly people when their populations began to age rapidly. This is not the case with countries like India.

2) Slowing of economic growth: Ageing populations mean fewer workers, fewer taxpayers and hence, a reduction in a country’s ability to generate wealth.
For instance, China is expected to replace USA by 2035 to become the largest GDP. However, the rapid decline in China’s population means that USA will reclaim the top position soon due to its liberal immigration policies.

3) Burden on Healthcare: Rise in the number of aged also means enhanced burdens on healthcare systems.

4) Impact on geopolitical power: Lancet research points out that by the end of this century, the world will be multipolar, with India, Nigeria, China and USA as the dominant powers, due to a larger working age population.

What can countries do to prevent rapid ageing?

1) Policy decisions such as immigration and strong reproductive and sexual rights for women will be key to reversing the ageing trend.

2) Following policy decisions can persuade working women to have more children:

  1. Good healthcare
  2. Work-life balance
  3. Childcare and maternity leave
  4. Educating male partners about sharing burden in household tasks.

Terminology used:

Total Fertility Rate: It refers to the total number of children born or likely to be born to a woman in her lifetime. TFR of about 2.1 is called Replacement-level fertility. TFR less than 2.1 indicates that a generation is not producing enough children to replace itself, eventually leading to an outright reduction in population.

Question for practice:

A rapid pace of ageing poses a wide range of socio-economic and political challenges. What are these challenges? Discuss in the context of India.

GS PAPER - 2

On challenges of Higher Education Institutes – The IITs are overcommitted, in crisis

Source: The post is based on the article “The IITs are overcommitted, in crisis” published in The Hindu on 4th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

News: The article discusses the challenges faced by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), including their expansion in India and abroad, the struggle to maintain high standards, and difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified faculty members.

What is the status of expansion of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)?

Domestic Expansion: The IITs have expanded to 23 institutes, with over 120,000 students currently enrolled, with 25,237 students graduating in the 2022-23 academic year.

Global Expansion: IIT Delhi has plans for a campus in Abu Dhabi, UAE. IIT Madras has inaugurated a branch in Zanzibar, offering programs in Data Science and AI.

What are the challenges faced by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)?

Drop in Quality: Newer IITs struggle to uphold the high standards of the original institutes, with vacant seats indicating potential quality issues.

Faculty Vacancies: The IITs face a significant faculty shortage, with 4,370 out of 10,881 faculty positions vacant as of 2021.

Lack of Competitive Salaries: Low salaries compared to international standards make it difficult to attract and retain top academic talent.

Location of New Institutes: The seven new IITs established after 2015, often located in remote areas, are less appealing to both prospective faculty and students.

Issues of Prestige: There is a concern about a developing hierarchy within the IIT system, where some IITs may be perceived as less prestigious than others.

Overseas Challenges: The expansion to international campuses like in Zanzibar raises questions about the timing and investment priorities amidst domestic challenges.

What should be done?

Focus on Quality at New IITs: Addressing the issue of unfilled seats by enhancing the quality and reputation of the newer IITs to match that of the original institutions.

Rationalize Expansion Plans: Re-evaluating the decision to establish overseas campuses, ensuring that domestic challenges are prioritized and quality is not compromised.

Invest in Resources: Allocating sufficient funds to improve infrastructure and resources, especially in remote IIT locations, to attract both faculty and students.

Standardize Admission Processes: Maintaining consistent and rigorous admission standards across all campuses, including international ones, to preserve the IIT brand of excellence.

Review Faculty Policies: Revising policies that affect faculty recruitment and retention, aiming to fill the high number of vacancies and reduce turnover.

Clarify Overseas Objectives: Clearly defining the goals of international campuses, ensuring they align with the broader objectives of the IIT system and India’s educational ambitions.

Question for practice:

Higher Education Institutes in India, such as IITs, need to tackle domestic challenges before focusing on overseas expansion. Elaborate.

On electoral bonds – On electoral bonds, Supreme Court must uphold Right to Information

Source: This post on electoral bonds has been created based on the article “On electoral bonds, Supreme Court must uphold Right to Information” published in The Indian Express on 4th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.  

News: This article discusses the issues with the Electoral Bonds scheme in light of the ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court regarding its validity. It also suggests reforms to tackle the issue of a lack of transparency in political funding.

A detailed article on the Electoral Bonds Scheme can be read here.

Recently, a Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court has taken up petitions challenging the electoral bonds scheme.

The proceedings focused on arguments pertaining to the voters’ right to information and the right to confidentiality of donors.

What is the citizen’s ‘Right to Know’?

The citizens’ right to know was established by the Supreme Court rulings in the People’s Union for Civil Liberties case, 2003 and in the Association for Democratic Reforms case, 2002.

The Court ruled that the right to know about public officials is derived from the right to freedom of expression.

The Court mandated the Election Commission to disclose information related to candidates running for office, to the public.

This information included information on their assets, criminal records, and educational background.

What is the stand of the government on the citizen’s ‘Right to Know’?

The Attorney General has told the Supreme Court, in the written submissions, that the “citizens’ right to know is subject to reasonable restrictions”.

The argument put forward by the Solicitor General is that citizens have no right to know the donors/recipients’ identities.

As per the author, this statement doesn’t suit the world’s largest democracy.

What should be the way forward?

1) Disclosing the identities of donors and recipients.

2) Eliminate private funding and introduce public funding for political parties. It’s a small investment for the preservation of democracy (estimated at around Rs. 10,000 crore every 5 years).

3) Establishing a National Election Fund to which all donors could contribute. The funds could be allocated to parties based on their electoral performance.

Question for practice:

Critically examine the Electoral Bonds scheme. What measures can be taken to ensure greater accountability and transparency in political funding?

GS PAPER - 3

On the issues of government’s fact-checking unit – Retrograde step

Source: The post is based on the article “Retrograde step – A government panel to check facts is liable to be misused against critics” published in The Hindu on 4th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Internal Security – Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security.

News: The article discusses concerns about Tamil Nadu’s government creating a fact-checking group to identify false information about its activities. Critics argue this could threaten free speech and lack independent oversight.

In April 2023, IT Rules 2021 were amended, allowing the central government to establish a Fact-Check Unit (FCU) to identify and remove “fake or false or misleading” content online.

In the wake of the Centre’s decision, Karnataka government and subsequently the Tamil Nadu government decide to constitute their own fact-checking units to tackle misinformation related to state matters.

What is the concern regarding the Fact-Checking Initiative?

Conflict of Interest: It raises concerns about bias since the government might not be neutral.

Potential for Censorship: Critics are worried that this unit could limit freedom of speech by controlling information.

Infringes on Rights: Changes to the IT Rules have been legally challenged for possibly infringing on constitutional rights.
The Bombay High Court has questioned whether such a government-run unit could operate without compromising the constitutional guarantee of free speech.

For more information on concerns surrounding the FCU, read here.

What should be done?

Specify Scope and Powers: The government should detail the scope and powers of their fact-checking unit, as suggested by the Editors Guild of India.

Independent Monitoring: Misinformation and fake news should be managed by independent organizations, not by the government, to avoid conflicts of interest.

Judicial Oversight: A system of judicial oversight should be established to prevent the misuse of the fact-checking powers by the government.

Prior Notice and Appeal: There should be a process that allows for prior notice before labeling information as false, and a right to appeal against such decisions.

Involve Stakeholders: Fact-checking initiatives should be set up with the involvement of journalists and other stakeholders to ensure a more impartial approach.

Question for practice:

‘The menace of fake news has necessitated the formation of fact-checking.’ However, the formation of the government’s fact-checking unit has raised various concerns. What are these concerns? Also suggest reforms to tackle the same.


Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

7 PM Article: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Causes, Concerns and Remedies – Explained, pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

ECI designed in-house software for complete Candidate and election management through ‘ENCORE’

Source: The post is based on the article ECI designed in-house software for complete Candidate and election management through ENCOREpublished in “AIR” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

Election Commission of India has designed in-house software called ENCORE for complete Candidate and election management.

What is ENCORE?

Specifications Details
Launched by Election Commission of India
Full Form Enabling Communications on Real-time Environment(ENCORE)
Purpose To provide a seamless facility for Returning Officers to process candidate nomination, affidavit, Voter turnout, counting, results and data management. 

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Nation

Prime Minister inaugurates World Food India 2023

Source: The post is based on the article Prime Minister inaugurates World Food India 2023 published in “PIB” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister has inaugurated the second edition of the ‘World Food India 2023’ in New Delhi.

What is World Food India 2023?

Specification Details
Organized by Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Aim To present India as the ‘food basket of the world’ and commemorate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
Partner country Netherlands
Events focus country Japan

What are the key focus pillars of World Food India 2023?

1. Shree Anna (Millets): Leveraging India’s Super Food for the World: Millets are ancient grains that have been part of India’s rich heritage for millennia.They are super foods that provide high nutrition, gluten-free options, climate resilience, and eco-friendliness.

– The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) with the aim of increasing the production and consumption of millets worldwide.

2. Exponential Food Processing: Positioning India as the Global Hub: India has a vision to become a global hub for food processing and create a competitive advantage for itself in the world food market. Financing Agri Food Value Chains, especially supporting MSMEs, is a key focus area.

3.Strategic Segments: Unlocking Potentials for Growth: India is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of food products.

– India leads the world in the production of milk, bananas, mangoes, papayas, guavas, ginger, okra and buffalo meat. It ranks second in the production of rice, wheat, potatoes, garlic, cashew nuts.

4.Creating an Inclusive and Efficient Ecosystem: Removing barriers and establishing a coordinated framework for inclusive opportunities. In line with this, government has allowed 100% FDI under the automatic route in food processing industries in India

5.Sustainable Development for Prosperity: Embracing sustainable practices, renewable energy and eco-friendly agricultural and food processing methods for a more sustainable future.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy (Food Processing Industry)

Seven years on, India set to open new consulate in Seattle

Source: The post is based on the article Seven years on, India set to open new consulate in Seattle published in “The Hindu” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

India has announced plans to open its sixth consulate in the US in Seattle.

How many consulates are currently there between India and the US?

In the US, India has its Embassy in Washington DC. There are six consulate generals in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York City and San Francisco.

In India, the US has an Embassy in Delhi and four consulates which include Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore.

US is planning to open two new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

What is the significance of these new consulates between India and the US?

The establishment of these new consulates will facilitate greater people-to-people interactions, foster academic collaborations, and promote cultural exchanges between India and the United States. 

What is the difference between Embassy and Consulate?

An embassy and a consulate are both government offices located in foreign countries with different functions. 

Embassy: It is a diplomatic mission that represents the government of one country in another. 

– It is usually located in the capital city of the host country. The ambassador is the head of the embassy and is the primary representative of their government in the host country.

Consulate: It is a smaller office that is typically located in a major city of the host country. 

– Its main purpose is to provide consular services to citizens of the home country who are travelling or living abroad. 

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

New technology for converting CO2 to CO holds potential for carbon capture and energy saving in the steel sector

Source: The post is based on the articleNew technology for converting CO2 to CO holds potential for carbon capture and energy saving in the steel sectorpublished in “PIB” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) at IIT Bombay has developed a carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion technology.

What is the CO2 Conversion Technology developed?

Developed by: National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) at IIT Bombay.

Purpose: It converts carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) under electrocatalytic conditions at ambient temperatures and in the presence of water.

What is the significance of this CO2 Conversion Technology?

Carbon monoxide(CO) is a widely used chemical in the industry especially in the form of syngas. 

In the steel industry, CO is an essential ingredient for converting iron ores to metallic iron in blast furnaces. 

Currently, CO is generated by partial oxidation of coke/coal which leads to a significant production of CO2 as an end product of this process. 

If this emitted CO2 can be captured and converted into CO, it can lead to a circular economy in this process while reducing the carbon footprint and associated costs. 

Currently, the process for CO2 to CO conversion occurs at elevated temperatures (400-750 °C) making it an energy-intensive process.

But this newly developed CO2 conversion process requires only minimal energy as it can proceed under ambient temperatures (25-40 °C) in the presence of water. 

Moreover, the energy required for this electrocatalysis reaction can be harnessed directly from a renewable energy source (in the form of a solar panel or windmill) for a carbon-neutral conversion process.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Mercury Contamination

Source: This post “Mercury Contamination” is based on the article “Tropical birds show signs of mercury contamination, due to artisanal gold mining operations: Study” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

According to a study, tropical birds are being affected by mercury pollution due to expanding artisanal and small-scale gold mining operations in jungle areas.

What is Artisanal Mining?

Artisanal mining refers to small-scale, subsistence-based mining activities typically carried out by individuals or small groups using basic tools and limited machinery. 

This form of mining often occurs in rural or remote areas, focusing on extracting minerals or precious metals like gold, diamonds, or gemstones. 

It usually involves manual labor and simple equipment, distinct from large-scale industrial mining operations.

Why is Mercury used in gold mining?

Mercury is commonly used in small-scale gold mining to separate gold from other minerals due to its ability to bind to gold and form amalgam

Due to this, small-scale gold mining releases large amounts of mercury to the environment and is estimated to contribute approximately 37% of mercury emissions on a global scale.

What are the key findings of the study about the impact of mercury pollution on tropical birds?

According to the study:

1. Mercury may be playing a role in the declining biodiversity of tropical birds like kingfishers, wrens, warblers among others.

2. Birds living within 7 km (4 miles) of such gold mining activity were found to have mercury concentrations over four times higher than those living at other sites across the tropics of Central and South America.

Note: Birds are called the “canary in the gold mine” because the condition of birds in an ecosystem serves as an indicator of the health of the environment impacted by gold mining.

What is Mercury?

Specifications Details
What is it Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil
Natural Sources Volcanoes, geothermal springs, geologic deposits and the ocean
Human related sources Coal combustion, waste incineration, industrial uses and mining
Impact on Health (1) Exposure to mercury can cause severe health problems, particularly neurological and developmental issues in fetuses, infants, and children.
(2) Long-term exposure can lead to damage to the brain, nervous system, and kidneys in humans.
Convention Minamata Convention: It obliges government Parties to take a range of actions to address mercury emissions to air and to phase-out certain mercury-containing products.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Govt plans sops for making small modular N-reactors

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt plans sops for making small modular N-reactors ” published in “Livemint” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

The Government of India is planning to offer incentives along the lines of a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing small modular reactors(SMR).

What are Small Modular Reactors(SMR)?

Source: IAEA

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a class of nuclear reactors that are smaller in size compared to traditional, large-scale nuclear power plants. 

They are designed to be more flexible, scalable, and easily deployable in various settings.

Key Characteristics of SMRs:

1. They can be built in a factory.On the other hand, conventional nuclear reactors are built on site.

2. They have a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit—which is about a third of the capacity of a traditional nuclear reactor.

Advantages of SMRs:

1.Easy installation: SMRs are smaller in size. This enables their installation in locations unsuitable for larger nuclear power plants.

2.Reduced cost: Prefabricated units of SMRs can be manufactured and then shipped and installed on site. This makes them more affordable to build than large power reactors, which are often custom designed for a particular location.

3.Reduced Environmental Impact: Nuclear energy produced by SMRs can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, thereby supporting efforts to combat climate change.

4.Rapid Deployment and Accessibility: The smaller and modular design of SMRs allows for quicker deployment and installation. This can benefit remote or underserved regions, and countries without established large-scale nuclear infrastructures.

What are the steps the Government of India is taking to promote Small Modular Reactors(SMR)?

Government is planning to offer incentives along the lines of a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing small modular reactors(SMR).

India is having bilateral talks with France, Russia, South Korea and the US for the required technologies and investments for SMRs.

Note: Currently, India’s installed nuclear power capacity stands at 7.48 GW. It is expected to reach 22.28 GW by 2031.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2023 published in “The Hindu” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

The sixth edition of the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023 report has been released.

What is the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023 report?

Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2023

Released by: Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, a non-profit institution

Aim: To highlight the challenges and constraints faced by the Local Governments in Indian Cities.

Key Highlights from the report:

Specifications Details
Active Master Plan 39% of India’s capital cities lack an active master plan. 
Sectoral Plans Only nine cities have prepared sectoral plans for key aspects such as sanitation, comprehensive mobility, and sustainability.
Urban Legislations Eastern states, comprising Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal have relatively better urban legislations followed by southern states.
Limited control over finances (1) Majority of local governments are financially dependent on their State governments.
(2) Only Assam empowers its city governments to collect all key taxes.
(3) Except five States — Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan — all the others have to get approval from the State before borrowing money.
Power Asymmetry across city categories Mayors in megacities are not directly elected and do not have a five-year tenure, whereas mayors in smaller cities are directly elected but have limited authority over city finances
Limited Authority in Staff appointments Mayors and city councils have limited authority in appointing and promoting staff, including senior management teams, leading to challenges in accountability and efficient administration.
Transparency issues  Only 11 of the 35 States/Union Territories have enacted the Public Disclosure Law that mandates publishing of key civic data
Staff Shortage (1) 35% of posts in India’s municipal corporations are vacant.
(2) The vacancy progressively worsens with 41% posts being vacant among municipalities and 58% being vacant in town panchayats

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Governance

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