9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 3^rd September, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Source: The post issue of long judicial delays in India has been created, based on the article “Express View on judicial delays: Time for reform” published in “Indian Express” on 3rd August 2024 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Polity- Judiciary 

Context: The article discusses the issue of long judicial delays in India, highlighted by President Droupadi Murmu. It emphasizes the need for reforms to address these delays, which strain citizens, by balancing the speed of justice with maintaining its integrity. 

For detailed information on Issues with the justice system in India read this article here 

What Did President Droupadi Murmu Say About Judicial Delays? 

1. President Droupadi Murmu discussed the problem of judicial delays at a National Conference of the District Judiciary. 
2. She called it the “Black Coat Syndrome,” referring to the financial and mental strain that people, especially the poor, face when dealing with prolonged court cases. 
3. She questioned how long a case should take, mentioning examples of cases taking decades.

What are the Reasons for Judicial Delays? 

1. Prolonged Case Durations: Cases can take decades to resolve, like the 32-year delay in the Ajmer POCSO case.
2. Litigation Fatigue: People withdraw cases due to repeated court appearances, as seen in the Delhi High Court case.
3. Overburdened System: According to the National Judicial Data Grid, over five crore cases are pending at different levels of the judicial system. 
4. Shortage of Judges: India has only 15 judges per 10 lakh people, far below the 50 judges per 10 lakh people recommended by the Law Commission in 1987.
5. Lack of Support Staff: Insufficient staff hampers timely court functions.
6. Ineffective Reforms: Measures like e-filing and Lok Adalats have not significantly reduced delays.

What Steps Have Been Taken to Address This Issue? 

1. Addition of Courtrooms: More courtrooms have been added to manage the increasing caseload, but the impact has been minimal.
2. Updated E-filing System: An updated e-filing system has been introduced to streamline case filings, yet delays persist.
3. Pre-litigation Dispute Resolution: Strategies like Lok Adalats have been used to resolve disputes before they reach the courts.

What Should be Done? 

1. A long-term plan is needed to address judicial delays without compromising the integrity of the justice system. 
2. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) outlined a three-stage plan to tackle this issue. 
3. The demand for faster justice has increased, especially after recent cases of violence against women. 
4. However, any reforms must balance the need for speed with ensuring justice is properly served.

Question for practice: 

Discuss the reasons for judicial delays in India and the steps that have been taken to address these issues. 

The upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

Source: The post the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been created, based on the article “Dealings at a China-Africa forum that India must track” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd August 2024 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- international relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests  

Context: The article discusses the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and Africa’s need for better strategic planning and negotiation. It highlights African priorities, including trade, agriculture, and debt issues. It also suggests lessons India can learn from Africa’s approach to China for its own engagement with the continent. 

For detailed information on A new chapter in India-Africa ties read this article here 

What is the Current Context of FOCAC 2024? 

1. The ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is set for September 4-6, 2024, in Beijing.
2. African nations are dealing with high inflation, currency depreciation, and a heavy debt burden.
3. Geopolitical challenges include the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars, and Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Mediterranean.
4. African leaders feel “summit fatigue” after recent Africa+1 summits with Türkiye, Russia, South Korea, and the U.S.
5. Adopting the Banjul format (15 countries plus the African Union Commission) is suggested for better management.
6. The effectiveness of FOCAC depends on Africa’s ability to set the agenda and take ownership of its strategic planning.

What are the Priorities for Africa at FOCAC 2024? 

1. Trade Expansion: Africa aims to increase exports to China. As of July 2024, China-Africa trade reached $167 billion, with African exports at $69 billion. However, most exports are raw materials.
2. Agricultural Development: Africa needs to build a sustainable agriculture sector. China and India can help with crops, fertilizers, and tools suited for African conditions. Processing agricultural products locally is also crucial.
3. Green Energy and Industrialization: Africa seeks to establish refining and processing hubs. Zimbabwe, for example, requires Chinese companies to refine lithium locally. However, electricity shortages and environmental issues are challenges.
4. Debt Management: Addressing debt sustainability is key. China accounts for 12% of Africa’s public and private debt. African countries need transparency and better negotiation strategies.
5. Strategic Engagement: Africa must develop a coherent strategy and harmonize positions before the FOCAC summit to drive the agenda effectively.

What is China’s Role in African Debt? 

1. China’s loans to African governments and institutions totaled $170 billion between 2000-2022.
2. Chinese lenders hold 12% of Africa’s public and private debt, making them a significant but not the main creditor.
3. A 2022 AidData study shows half of Chinese loans to sub-Saharan Africa are not disclosed in sovereign debt records, raising concerns about transparency.
4. China is unlikely to forgive large debts but may write off small, interest-free loans.
5. Despite the disputed narrative of “debt trap diplomacy,” some Chinese lending practices require closer scrutiny.

What Lessons Can India Learn from Africa’s Engagement with China? 

1. Continuity in Engagement: India should maintain regular dialogues with Africa, similar to how FOCAC is a recurring event. The last India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) was in 2015, so IAFS-IV should be held soon to maintain momentum.
2. Industrial Support: India can help integrate African economies into global value chains by investing in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Indian companies should focus on farm mechanization, food processing, and cold storage to create jobs and reduce food wastage.
3. Innovative Financing: Africa’s caution about new loans post-COVID-19 underlines the need for innovative financing methods. India could employ mechanisms like public-private partnerships and blended finance to assist African projects without increasing debt burdens.
4. Digital Tools for Connectivity: Using digital technologies like UPI, which have been successful in Mauritius, can enhance financial transactions and connectivity between India and African nations, potentially extending to more countries in Africa.

Question for practice: 

Examine how Africa’s strategic priorities at FOCAC 2024 reflect its current economic and geopolitical challenges. 

GS PAPER - 3

Source: The post State of R&D Spending in India has been created, based on the article “R&D: Why the private sector falls behind” published in “Business Standard” on 3rd August 2024 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Science and Technology 

Context: The article discusses India’s need for more research and development (R&D) spending. It highlights that India’s current R&D spending is low compared to other countries, partly due to limited competition in domestic markets and a lack of incentives for businesses. 

For detailed information on Issues with India’s R&D expenditure read this article here 

What is the Current State of R&D Spending in India? 

1. India spends only 0.65% of its GDP on research and development (R&D), significantly lower than countries like South Korea (4.8%) and China (2.4%).
2. The government contributes over 60% of total R&D expenditure, focusing on defense, space, agriculture, and nuclear research.
3. The private sector’s share in R&D has declined from 45% in 2012-13 to 40% in 2020-21.

What Factors Affect R&D Investment? 

1. Competitive Forces: Countries with higher exposure to global competition tend to invest more in R&D. For example, South Korea and Taiwan have high R&D spending because their firms face intense global competition.
2. Economic Structure: Resource-rich countries like Indonesia and Mexico spend less on R&D (0.28% and 0.3% of GDP, respectively), showing that R&D investment is influenced by the underlying economic structure.
3. Government Incentives: Though India offers R&D tax deductions, the benefits are limited. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) struggle with protecting intellectual property due to court delays.

Why Does India Need More R&D? 

1. India needs to invest more in research and development (R&D) to progress faster and more effectively. 
2. Innovation will play a key role if incomes are to quadruple in the next two to three decades while addressing inclusion and sustainability challenges.

Why Is India’s R&D Spending Low? 

1. A key reason is India’s low per capita income, which generally correlates with lower R&D investment.
2. Limited competition in domestic markets reduces the need for firms to invest in R&D.
3. High profit-earning ratios in India reduce the incentive for businesses to invest in uncertain R&D.
4. Cultural sentiment among Indian businessmen often favors short-term gains over long-term, uncertain R&D investments.
5. Protective market policies, such as high tariffs, lower the competitive pressure on firms, reducing their incentive for R&D.

What Could Drive More R&D in India? 

1. Increase Competitive Forces: More competition in domestic markets can push firms to innovate. High tariffs and non-tariff barriers currently protect firms, reducing their need to invest in R&D.
2. Encourage Global Market Participation: Firms that compete globally are more likely to invest in R&D. For example, South Korea and Taiwan have higher R&D spending due to their global market presence.
3. Reduce Market Protection: Reducing domestic market protection can compel firms to invest in R&D to stay competitive, as seen in other countries with higher R&D spending.

Question for practice: 

Examine why India’s current R&D spending is lower compared to countries like South Korea and China. 

Concerns related to the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Source: The post concerns related to the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has been created, based on the article “The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill is knotty” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd August 2024 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Disaster Management 

Context: The article discusses the centralization Concerns related to the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024. It criticizes the restricted definition of “disaster,” excluding heatwaves, and highlights the need for better financial preparedness and cooperative federalism in disaster management. 

For detailed information on Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 read this article here 

What Does the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Propose? 

1. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced on August 1, 2024, in the Lok Sabha.
2. The Bill aims to centralize disaster management further, building on the existing Disaster Management Act, 2005.
3. It gives statutory status to pre-existing bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee and a High-Level Committee.
4. The Bill complicates disaster response chains by adding more centralized layers, which could delay action.
5. It introduces an Urban Disaster Management Authority for state capitals and cities with municipal corporations.
6. However, the Bill lacks provisions for adequate financial support to these new authorities, creating potential issues.
7. The amendment also removes specific purposes for using the National Disaster Response Fund, which could delay funding in severe disasters, as seen in past delays with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

What are the concerns related to the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024? 

Increased Centralization: The Bill further centralizes disaster management by giving statutory status to pre-existing committees like the National Crisis Management Committee, complicating response procedures.Centralized decision-making can delay disaster relief, as seen when Tamil Nadu faced delays in receiving funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). 

Restricted Definition of Disaster: The Bill does not include heatwaves as a recognized disaster, despite India experiencing 536 heatwave days, the highest in 14 years, and 10,635 heat-related deaths from 2013 to 2022. 

Financial Imbalances: The Bill lacks provisions for financial devolution, forcing states to depend on the central government for disaster relief funds, undermining the spirit of cooperative federalism. 

Question for practice: 

Evaluate the impact of the restricted definition of “disaster” in the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, particularly regarding the exclusion of heatwaves. 

Monsoon Affected Agricultural Policies

Source: The post monsoon affected agricultural policies has been created, based on the article “Express View on export ban on food commodities: Monsoon comfort” published in “Indian Express” on 3rd August 2024 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Agriculture-issues of buffer stocks and food security 

Context: The article discusses how India’s good monsoon has led to the government easing restrictions on ethanol production and rice usage. However, it suggests that the government should also lift export bans on rice, sugar, onions, and pulses to avoid surplus problems and support farmers. Monsoon Affected Agricultural Policies

For detailed information on Factors affecting food production and its price outlook read this article here 

How Has the Monsoon Affected Agricultural Policies? 

The monsoon in India has been favorable this year, with rainfall 7.5% above the long-term average. July and August saw surpluses of 9% and 15.3%, respectively. This abundance has allowed the government to reverse certain restrictions that were set to control inflation. 

What Restrictions Have Been Lifted? 

1. Ethanol Production: The government lifted the ban on sugar mills producing ethanol directly from cane juice, syrup, or “B-heavy” molasses on August 29. This ban was imposed in December 2023.
2. Rice Usage: Mills and distilleries are now allowed to use up to 2.3 million tonnes of rice from the Food Corporation of India’s stocks for ethanol production. This was previously restricted since July 2023.
3. The Minister for Consumer Affairs and Food, Pralhad Joshi, mentioned that the government is considering relaxing the ban on white non-basmati rice exports, in place from July 2023.

What Is the Potential Impact of Not Lifting Export Bans? 

1. Surplus Issues: Not lifting export bans could lead to surplus problems, as evidenced by the record 45.5 million tonnes of rice in public warehouses as of August 1, potentially causing market glut and price crashes.
2. Farmers’ Losses: With high levels of production expected due to increased planting and favorable monsoon, farmers might face significant losses due to low market prices if export restrictions are maintained.
3. Economic Inefficiency: Continuation of export bans on commodities like rice, sugar, onions, and pulses contradicts the potential high yields anticipated from October-November, leading to wasted resources and economic inefficiency.

What is the government’s challenge with trade policy? 

1. Bias Towards Consumers: The policy often favors consumer interests, leading to price controls and export bans when supply is low.
2. Cobweb Model: This results in a cyclical problem of low supply with high prices, followed by high supply with low prices.

Question for practice: 

Examine how a favorable monsoon season has influenced the Indian government’s agricultural policies and export restrictions. 

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Source- This post on Digital Agriculture Mission has been created based on the article “Cabinet approves the Digital Agriculture Mission today with an outlay of Rs. 2817 Crore, including the central share of Rs. 1940 Crore“ published in “PIB” on 3rd September 2024.

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet Committee recently approved the Digital Agriculture Mission.

About Digital Agriculture Mission

About Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES)

1. The Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) is a nationwide effort to accurately measure crop yields for various crops in India.

2. It is a component of the Digital Agriculture Mission which seeks to establish a strong Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agriculture sector.

3. It aims to make reliable agricultural production estimates, supporting policy formulation and resource allocation.

4. The DGCES will provide accurate yield estimates using scientifically designed crop-cutting experiments.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

Launch of AgriSURE Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal

Source- This post on Launch of AgriSURE Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal has been created based on the article “Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to launch AgriSURE Fund & Krishi Nivesh Portal and confer Greenathon AIF Excellence Awards tomorrow at New Delhi” published in “PIB” on 3rd September 2024.

Why in News?

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development recently launched the AgriSURE Fund and the Krishi Nivesh Portal at PUSA, New Delhi. The launch aims to enhance agricultural investment and infrastructure through the AgriSURE Fund and provide a comprehensive platform for agricultural investments via the Krishi Nivesh Portal.

About AgriSURE Fund

1.The AgriSURE Fund is a new initiative by the Indian government aimed at supporting agricultural start-ups and rural enterprises.

2. Objective- To provide comprehensive support to agripreneurs by establishing a financing ecosystem that offers both equity and debt options, enhancement of the farm produce value chain, creating rural infrastructure, generating employment, and supporting farmers’ producer organizations.

3. Funding Pattern– The initial corpus of ₹750 crore, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, NABARD, and other financial institutions, is managed by NABVENTURES, a wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD.

4. Significance:

i) Using information technology in agriculture will boost labor productivity and increase income and profits for small and marginal farmers, who constitute 85% of the farming population.

ii) As food prices have been a major factor in inflation, boosting agricultural productivity will enhance food availability at affordable prices and ease pressure in macroeconomic management.

About Krishi Nivesh Portal

About Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

Setting up of New Semiconductor Unit under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

Source- This post on Cabinet Approval for New Semiconductor Unit under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has been created based on the article “Cabinet approves one more semiconductor unit under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)“ published in “PIB” on 3rd September 2024.

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a new semiconductor unit by Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd in Sanand, Gujarat. The proposed unit will be set up with an investment of Rs 3,300 crore and will have a production capacity of 60 lakh chips per day.

About setup of a new semiconductor unit

1. The semiconductor plants are located in Sanand, Gujarat (two units by Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd and CG Power), Dholera, Gujarat (one unit by Tata Electronics), and Morigaon, Assam (one unit by Tata Electronics).

2. The new semiconductor unit will have the capacity to produce 60 lakh chips per day.

3. These chips will serve a diverse range of applications, including industrial, automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, and mobile phones.

About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

Schemes under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

1. Scheme for Setting up Semiconductor Fabs in India to attract large investments for semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities.

2. Scheme for Setting up Display Fabs in India to attract large investments for TFT LCD/AMOLED-based display fabrication facilities.

3. Scheme for Setting up Compound Semiconductors, Silicon Photonics, Sensors Fab, and ATMP/OSAT Facilities to encourage the establishment of Compound Semiconductors, Silicon Photonics, Sensors Fab, and ATMP/OSAT facilities.

4. Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme to promote semiconductor design for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, SoCs, Systems & IP Cores.

Read more: Semicon India 2023

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

Key Programmes Approved by the Union Cabinet

Source- This post on Key Programmes Approved by the Union Cabinet has been created based on the article “Cabinet Okays 7 Schemes Worth About ₹ 14,000 Crore For Agriculture Sector” published in “NDTV” on 3rd September 2024.

Why in News?

The Government of India has launched seven major programmes to drive the holistic growth of the agriculture and allied sectors, with a total budget of nearly ₹14,000 crore. The initiatives aim to enhance farmers’ income and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Programmes Approved by the Union Cabinet

UPSC Syllabus: Programme and schemes