9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 4th December, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

India’s Population Growth and Its Wide Impacts

India Population Growth and Its Wide Impacts

Source: The post India’s Population Growth and Its Wide Impacts has been created, based on the article “Why scrutiny of lower fertility rates isn’t the answer to the delimitation crisis” published in “Indian Express” on 4th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-population and associated issues

Context: The article discusses India’s population growth and its political, economic, and social impacts. It highlights the consequences of varying fertility rates among states, suggesting solutions like freezing delimitation, addressing demographic change, promoting economic growth, and focusing on reducing fertility in high TFR states. India Population Growth and Its Wide Impacts.

What is India’s population scenario?

  1. India’s population is expected to peak at 170 crores by 2070 and decline afterward.
  2. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is 2, slightly below the replacement level of 2.1.
  3. About two-thirds of India’s population lives in states with replacement or lower fertility rates.
  4. Five states have a TFR above 2.1, requiring focused intervention.
  5. TFR varies significantly, from 1.5 in some states to 3.0 in others (as per NFHS-5).
  6. Population reduction efforts must focus on empowering women and improving reproductive health services in high-TFR states to ensure balanced growth.

For detailed information on UN Report on India’s Population Growth read this article here

How has delimitation been addressed politically?

  1. Freezing of Delimitation: Delimitation of Parliamentary seats based on population was frozen in 1976 for 25 years and extended again in 2001 for another 25 years.
  2. Rationale for Freeze: This measure prevents penalizing states that successfully reduced fertility rates.
  3. Extension Proposal: Extending the freeze for another 25 years is suggested to maintain fairness.
  4. Alternative Solutions: Proposals like allocating seats based on vote share were discussed but deemed impractical.
  5. States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, with low fertility rates, might lose Parliamentary representation without this freeze.

How does population affect resource distribution?

  1. The Finance Commission allocates resources based on population.
  2. Before its 14th edition (constituted in 2013 for 2015-2020), calculations were based on the 1971 population.
  3. From the 14th Finance Commission onward, calculations shifted to using current population figures (2011 Census data).
  4. To offset disadvantages to states with low fertility rates, a “demographic change” variable was introduced.
  5. In the 15th Finance Commission, population was weighted at 15%, and demographic change at 12.5%.
  6. States with higher populations benefit more, while states reducing fertility rates receive less unless adjustments are made. This approach balances fairness and supports population control efforts.

For detailed information on Challenges of delimitation in India read this article here

Why is increasing fertility in low-TFR states unwise?

  1. Low Fertility Rates Reflect Progress: States with low Total Fertility Rates (TFR), like 1.5 (NFHS-5), have achieved this by understanding the hardships of large families.
  2. India is Overpopulated: The population will peak at 170 crores by 2070, requiring high economic growth for a decent standard of living.
  3. Behavioral Patterns Are Hard to Change: Residents in low-TFR states may resist efforts to increase fertility due to their existing mindset.
  4. Impracticality: Raising TFR where it is already low contradicts the goal of reducing overall population pressure.

What should be done?

  1. Enhancing Women’s Empowerment: Empowered women tend to have fewer children.
  2. Improving Reproductive Health Services: Better services help couples plan smaller families.
  3. A multi-pronged approach, including freezing delimitation, improving health services, empowering women, and supporting lagging states economically, is necessary for harmonious relations and balanced development.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s population dynamics influence political representation, resource allocation, and the need for targeted interventions in high TFR states.

GS PAPER - 2

Trump’s Tariff Policies Reshaping Global Trade Dynamics

Trump's Tariff Policies Reshaping Global Trade Dynamics
Source
: The post Trump’s Tariff Policies Reshaping Global Trade Dynamics has been created, based on the article “Ready, set, tariff: Donald Trump’s bargaining chip and Delhi’s chance to reshape bilateral trade” published in “Indian Express” on 4th December 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 Donald Trump’s tariff-driven policies, focusing on reshaping global trade and finance. It highlights his threats against BRICS, emphasis on leveraging tariffs for foreign policy, and India’s need to adapt its trade strategy with the US. Trump’s Tariff Policies Reshaping Global Trade Dynamics

For detailed information on Trump’s Tariffs and Their Impact on Trade read this article here

What is Trump’s tariff strategy?

High Tariffs on Imports: Trump plans to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese imports and 20% on imports from other countries, aiming to reduce trade deficits and strengthen domestic industries.

Tariffs for Foreign Policy: Trump’s nominee Scott Bessent highlights tariffs as tools to achieve objectives like increasing allies’ defense spending, stopping drug trafficking, and deterring military aggression.

Leveraging US Market Power: The US, being the largest importer, uses its market size to dictate global trade terms.

Actions During First Term: Trump withdrew from the Pacific Free Trade talks, renegotiated NAFTA, and imposed tariffs on China, Canada, and the EU, reshaping global trade relations.

Why does Trump target BRICS nations?

  1. Trump threatened 100% tariffs on imports from BRICS nations if they create an alternative currency to the US dollar.
  2. He wants to defend the dollar’s global reserve currency status.
  3. However, BRICS countries lack unity and financial capability for such a move.
  4. India’s economic ties with the US remain vital, despite echoing BRICS rhetoric on de-dollarisation.

What challenges do US trade partners face?

  1. Pressure on Negotiations: Mexico and Canada faced 25% tariff threats over drug and migrant issues, prompting them to negotiate.
  2. Europe’s Trade Surplus: Trump labeled Europe “more dangerous than China,” pushing it to reduce trade imbalances.
  3. Limited Retaliation: European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde advised against retaliatory tariffs, favoring negotiation.
  4. Uncertainty in Trade Relations: Partners must adapt to Trump’s tariff-led foreign policy goals.

What should India do?

  1. Reassess Trade Policies: India should adapt to Trump’s tariff-driven policies by emphasizing reciprocity and mutual benefit, as highlighted by S. Jaishankar.
  2. Leverage US-China Rivalry: India can strengthen trade ties with the US by using Trump’s focus on China to its advantage.
  3. Focus on Mutual Gains: India should align with Trump’s vision of a “fair-trade block” among allies with shared interests. India has an opportunity to align with this vision while protecting its economic interests.

Question for practice:

Examine how Trump’s tariff-driven policies influence India’s trade strategy and its relationship with the United States.

Pardoning powers of U.S. and Indian presidents

Pardoning powers of U.S. and Indian presidents

Source: The post pardoning powers of U.S. and Indian presidents has been created, based on the article “What are the controversies around pardoning power?” published in “The Hindu” on 4th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

Context: The article explains the pardoning powers of U.S. and Indian presidents, highlighting controversies like Joe Biden’s pardon for his son. It compares systems, discusses misuse concerns, and suggests reforms for fairness and trust in democratic processes. Pardoning powers of U.S. and Indian presidents.

What is the Pardoning Power in the U.S.?

  1. The U.S. President has absolute power to grant pardons for federal criminal offences, except in cases of impeachment.
  2. A pardon can be issued before or after conviction or even before legal proceedings begin.
  3. Historical examples include George Washington pardoning leaders of the Whiskey Rebellion in 1795 and Bill Clinton pardoning his half-brother Roger in 2001.

For detailed information on Pardoning Power in the U.S read this article here

What is the Current Controversy?

  1. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for federal tax and gun offences.
  2. Hunter Biden was convicted of illegally buying and possessing a gun as a drug user and pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
  3. The pardon also covers any federal crimes Hunter may have committed between 2014 and 2024.
  4. Joe Biden had earlier promised not to pardon his son but justified this decision by claiming selective prosecution.
  5. This decision has sparked debates, much like Donald Trump’s 2020 pardon of his son-in-law’s father.

How Does the Pardoning System Work in India?

  1. Articles 72 and 161 of the Constitution empower the President and Governors to grant pardons, commutations, or reprieves.
  2. These powers are exercised based on the advice of the council of ministers.
  3. In India, a pardon removes conviction, punishment, and related disqualifications.
  4. Controversies have arisen due to delays and perceived political motives in mercy petitions.
  5. The Supreme Court in Epuru Sudhakar (2006) ruled that pardons can be judicially reviewed if they are arbitrary, mala fide, or influenced by external factors.

For detailed information on The Supreme Court’s Judgment on Pardoning Powers of the Governor read this article here

What Should be Done?

  1. Critics argue that pardoning powers were created during monarchies and are often misused for political purposes.
  2. In the U.K., the Criminal Cases Review Commission investigates alleged miscarriages of justice, reducing the use of royal pardons.
  3. A transparent system for correcting judicial errors is recommended to maintain trust in democracy.
  4. Pardons should avoid nepotism or arbitrariness to ensure public trust in constitutional offices.

Question for practice:

Examine how the pardoning powers of the U.S. President and the Indian President differ and discuss the controversies surrounding their use.

GS PAPER - 3

Analyzing India’s Economic Slowdown and Policy Responses

Analyzing India's Economic Slowdown and Policy Responses

Source: The post Analyzing India’s Economic Slowdown and Policy Responses has been created, based on the article “Bring on the rate cut” published in “Indian Express” on 4th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-growth, development and employment.

Context: The article discusses India’s economic slowdown and policy responses. It highlights factors like high interest rates, manufacturing slowdown, and the need for better fiscal and monetary coordination. It emphasizes the importance of targeted reforms, especially in agriculture and food supply chains, to sustain growth. Analyzing India’s Economic Slowdown and Policy Responses.

For detailed information on India’s Economic Slowdown and Path to Recovery read Article1, Article2

What caused the economic slowdown in India?

  1. High real policy rates: Persistent real policy rates higher than unity led to a slowdown in durable consumption, especially among first-time salary earners. Manufacturing and construction, which are interest-sensitive sectors, saw the largest growth slowdown. Like, Firms preferred earning treasury income rather than expanding capacity.
  2. Lack of counter-cyclical policies: Domestic policy did not respond adequately to the falling export growth by boosting domestic demand. This imbalance contributed to the economic slowdown.
  3. Simultaneous tightening of policies: Government spending slowed due to the election, while macro-prudential policies tightened in overheated areas. However, monetary policy did not ease to counterbalance these actions.
  4. Consumption patterns: Despite the K-shaped recovery, private consumption grew at 6% this year, up from 4% last year, showing the slowdown was cyclical. Example: Services continued to grow, indicating a recovery in certain sectors.
  5. Inflation and high interest rates: High inflation expectations and tight liquidity also contributed to slow growth.

What role do global factors play in India’s growth?

  1. Global shocks from U.S. policy: The article mentions that U.S. policy under Donald Trump could lead to global shocks, which would require counter-cyclical domestic policies in India.
  2. Impact of global inflation: Global inflation, particularly due to food and fuel prices, affects India’s domestic inflation and economic growth.
  3. Export growth slowdown: India’s export growth has been affected by external factors, further highlighting the impact of global conditions on India’s economy.

What can be done to improve the economy?

  1. Monetary policy adjustments: A policy rate cut is long overdue to boost demand. High real rates need to be reduced. Cutting rates will help reduce liquidity pressure and support growth.
  2. Fiscal reforms in agriculture: Restructure agricultural policies to shift consumer demand to non-grain food items. Like, spending more on vegetables and reducing barriers to private participation in supply chains.
  3. Better coordination of policies: Improve fiscal and monetary coordination to ensure smooth growth. The government should support demand while monetary policy should ease when needed.
  4. Encourage investment and employment: Induce firms to invest and employ more by ensuring steady growth.

Question for practice:

Examine the key factors contributing to India’s economic slowdown and the policy measures needed to address them.

Theatre of Negotiations’ experiment

Theatre of Negotiations

Source: The post Theatre of Negotiations’ experiment has been created, based on the article “Rethinking ‘representation’ for a meaningful COP30” published in “The Hindu” on 4th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3 – Environment

Context: The article discusses the challenges of climate change negotiations at COP29 and suggests a new approach to representation. It proposes giving equal rights to humans and non-humans, like the atmosphere and oceans, in negotiations, aiming for more inclusive and effective climate action. Theatre of Negotiations

Why is COP29 seen as slow progress?

  1. COP29 negotiations in Baku faced criticism for limited progress. Critics argue that the lack of a unified global authority and a universal metric for diverse nation-states’ interests hinder effective climate action.
  2. There is no global authority to act for the planet, making unified action difficult.
  3. Diverse political, economic, and social interests of nations hinder consensus.
  4. Critics argue that ‘business as usual’ is not working.

For detailed information on COP 29 Outcomes read this article here

What is the ‘Theatre of Negotiations’ experiment?

  1. Overview: The ‘Theatre of Negotiations’ was a week-long event held in May 2015 at Sciences Po, Paris, involving 200 students from 143 universities worldwide.
  2. Purpose: It aimed to reimagine traditional COP climate negotiations by granting equal representation to both humans and non-humans, such as the atmosphere and oceans.
  3. Representation: Non-human entities “spoke” through proxies to express their stakes in climate talks. For instance, the “Ocean” imposed conditions on the “United States,” and the “Atmosphere” addressed “China” about emissions.
  4. Inclusive Approach: Delegations included state representatives, scientists, businesses, and civil society, ensuring diverse perspectives.
  5. Outcomes: Participants learned the importance of clear communication, while organisers identified logistical challenges.
  6. Significance: The experiment demonstrated new ways to address climate challenges by rethinking sovereignty and ecosystem interdependence, offering an inclusive model for future negotiations.

How is representation of non-humans evolving globally?

  1. Non-humans, like the atmosphere and oceans, are gaining legal and political agency as “interest bearers.”
  2. Countries like Ecuador and New Zealand grant legal rights to rivers and ecosystems.
  3. India and Pakistan use courts to provide representation for non-humans.
  4. In Canada, institutions recognize the moral standing of non-humans.
  5. This reflects a growing trend to expand governance to include environmental entities, ensuring a more inclusive approach to climate action.

What should COP30 in Belém focus on?

  1. COP30 in the Amazon could represent the “Amazon” itself as an entity.
  2. Transparency and alignment of policies with climate values are essential for success.
  3. Hosting COPs in oil-dependent economies erodes trust and progress.
  4. New negotiation methods and actionable commitments are needed to bridge the gap between ambition and action.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the representation of non-humans in climate negotiations can lead to more inclusive and effective climate action.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Marburg virus disease (MVD)

News: An outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Rwanda has resulted in at least 15 deaths and 66 reported infections.

About Marburg virus disease (MVD)

Marburg virus disease (MVD)
Source-CDC
  • It is a rare, severe viral hemorrhagic fever which affects both people and other primates, like apes and monkeys.
  • It is often referred to as the “bleeding eye virus” and is one of the deadliest pathogens known to infect humans.
  • It belongs to the same filovirus family as the virus that causes Ebola.
  • Rousettus aegyptiacus, a fruit bat of the Pteropodidae family, is considered the natural host of Marburg virus.
  • The World Health Organization has listed MVD as a major public health threat with no sufficient drugs or vaccines available.
  • Causative agentMarburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV) of the species Orthomarburgvirus marburgense.
  • Initial outbreak: The first MVD outbreak was in Marburg, Germany, in 1967. Since then, most outbreaks have occurred in Africa, including recent ones in Tanzania, Ghana, and Rwanda.
  • Transmission– The virus can be transmitted from bats to primates, including humans, and then spread through direct contact with blood or other body fluids from infected individuals.
  • Symptoms: Early symptoms of Marburg disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, a rash with flat and raised bumps (often on the torso), chest pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, symptoms can worsen, leading to liver failure, delirium, shock, bleeding, and organ failure.
  • Fatality-The average MVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks depending on virus strain and case management.
  • Treatment– There is no specific treatment for Marburg hemorrhagic fever. Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival.

Martial Law

News: Recently, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, accusing the opposition of endangering democracy and national stability.

About Martial Law

Martial law
Source- NDTV
  • Martial law is a temporary state of emergency imposed by the government to manage unforeseen threats and crises within the country.
  • During martial law, military authorities assume control of civil administration and are responsible for maintaining law and order. This may involve curfews, restrictions on freedoms, and direct military involvement in public security.

Martial Law in Indian Constitution

  • Article 34 of the Indian Constitution covers martial Law. This Article addresses the restrictions on rights granted by Part III while martial law is in effect in any area.
  • Article 34 states that, despite the previous provisions in this Part, Parliament may, by law, indemnify any person in the service of the Union or a State, or any other individual, for actions taken to maintain or restore order in an area under martial law. Parliament may also validate any sentence, punishment, forfeiture, or other act carried out under martial law in such areas.
  • Article 34 grants Parliament the power to create laws for indemnifying individuals for actions taken during the enforcement of martial law. However, this power is subject to two conditions:
    a. The action must be related to maintaining or restoring order.
    b. Martial law must be in effect in the area where the action took place.

Key features of Martial law

  • It only affects Fundamental Rights.
  • It suspends normal government functions and ordinary courts.
  • It is limited to specific areas of the country.
Additional facts

  • The concept of Martial law comes from English common law.
  • Martial Law is not mentioned explicitly in the Indian Constitution.
  • The Supreme Court ruled that the declaration of martial law does not automatically lead to the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
  • Case law:
    In the case of A.D.M Jabalpur v. S. Shukla (1976), the Supreme Court noted that martial law has a limited scope and involves the assumption of control by military authorities. This action falls outside the provisions of Article 359(1) of the Constitution of India.

Difference between Martial law and National Emergency

Martial law National Emergency
Impacts the Fundamental Rights Only Affects fundamental rights, centre-state relations etc.
Government and ordinary law courts are suspended Continues their existence
Imposed to restore law and order War, external aggression or armed rebellion
No specific mention in the indian constitution Detailed provision mentioned in the constitution

Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024

News: The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024. It enables major changes in India’s oil and gas exploration laws.

About Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024

Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill 2024
Source- ET
  • The bill seeks to amend the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act of 1948, with the goal of increasing investment in oil and gas exploration and production.
  • The bill regulates the exploration and extraction of petroleum and natural gas.

Salient features of the bill

Expansion of the definition of mineral oils

  • The amended bill expands the definition of mineral oils to include petroleum, natural gas, naturally occurring hydrocarbons, coal bed methane, and shale gas/oil.
  • However, it clarifies that mineral oils will not include coal, lignite or helium.

Introduction of petroleum lease:

  • The bill also covers mining leases, which include activities such as exploration, prospecting, production, commercialization, and disposal of mineral oils.
  • The new bill will replace mining leases with petroleum leases, covering similar activities. However, mining leases granted under the previous Act will remain valid.

Central government’s authority to make rules

  • It maintains the central government’s authority to regulate leases, conservation, and royalties.
  • Additionally, it introduces provisions for lease mergers, sharing of facilities, environmental protection, and dispute resolution.

Penalties

  • The bill seeks to decriminalize certain provisions of the original 1948 law by introducing penalties. For rule violations, it increases the penalty from the current fine of Rs 1,000 to Rs 25 lakh.
  • For exploration, prospecting, and production without a valid lease, a penalty of Rs 25 lakh will be imposed, with continued violations attracting a daily fine of Rs 10 lakh.

Adjudication of penalties

  • For dispute resolution, the central government will appoint an officer of joint secretary rank or higher to handle penalty adjudications.
  • Appeals against the adjudication officer’s decision can be made to the Appellate Tribunal under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

News: RTI data reveals that PLI schemes have generated 5.84 lakh direct jobs by June 2024, which is about 36% of the 16.2 lakh direct jobs planned for the next five years across 14 sectors. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

About Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

PLI Objectives
Source- Sbisecurities
  • The PLI scheme was launched in March 2020 to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing sector and improve its role in the global supply chain.
  • The scheme initially focused on three industries: mobile and allied component manufacturing, electrical component manufacturing, and medical devices. It was later expanded to cover 14 sectors.
  • In the PLI scheme, Domestic and Foreign companies receive financial rewards for manufacturing in India, based on a percentage of their revenue over up to five years.
  • Targeted sectors: 
PLI scheme targeted sectors
Source- PIB

Incentives under PLI

  • Under the PLI scheme, eligible companies are provided financial incentives based on the increase in sales of products manufactured in India.
  • These incentives motivate companies to invest in improving their manufacturing capabilities, adopting advanced technologies, and expanding production capacities.

PLI compared to traditional subsidies

  • Limited Eligible Sectors: The PLI scheme is designed to attract substantial investments and scale rapidly, maximizing returns in terms of increased production, employment, and exports.
  • Time-bound Investment and Production Commitments: Due to its pre-committed levels of investment and production, it cannot be considered a subsidy scheme.
  • Support for Emerging Technologies: The scheme focuses on supporting technologies that can be commercially scaled, such as advanced chemistry cell batteries and electronic and technology products.

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