9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – July 17th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

First, Make All Polygamy Illegal – on Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Source: The post is based on the article “First, Make All Polygamy Illegal” published in Times of India on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 1- Society & GS 2 – mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

News: In this article, author argues that instead of focusing on a full Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, attention should be given to banning polygamy first. They believe dealing with other issues can come after polygamy is made illegal across all communities.

Why Polygamy should be a real target in the UCC debate?

Prevalence in communities: Even though the overall percentage is low, polygamy still exists in various Indian communities. For instance, about 1.9% of Muslims and 1.3% of Hindus practice polygamy.

Legal exceptions: Certain communities, like Scheduled Tribes and Muslims, are allowed to practice polygamy due to exemptions in the law. This discrepancy makes polygamy an important focus in the UCC debate.

Impact on gender justice: Addressing polygamy first can lead to improved gender justice. By banning polygamy, matters of inheritance and women’s rights can be better addressed, as demonstrated by the Hindu Succession Act following the Hindu Marriage Act.

Staged reforms: Tackling polygamy before other UCC issues allows for a systematic and sequential approach to social reform. This strategy proved effective with the Hindu Marriage Act and the Hindu Succession Act.

Minority rights protection: Focusing on banning polygamy prevents its misuse as a shield for other UCC issues. This way, the rights of the affected minorities, albeit small in number, can be better protected.

What are the challenges in implementing a full-fledged UCC?

Potential disruption to traditional practices: Implementing a complete UCC might disturb long-standing cultural practices. Some communities, like certain Scheduled Tribes, follow traditions like matrilineal descent or ultimogeniture, where the youngest sibling inherits property.

Taxation complications: The introduction of a UCC could impact the Hindu Undivided Family as a tax category. This might not be favorable for millions of Hindus who currently enjoy certain tax benefits under this category.

Multiplicity of socio-cultural norms: India is a diverse country with varied socio-cultural norms across communities. Harmonizing these into a UCC is a significant challenge due to resistance to change and the need to respect cultural diversity.

Reluctance in certain communities: There could be resistance from communities that are not ready for certain aspects of the UCC, such as the proposed ban on polygamy. As pointed out, only 1.9% of Muslims and 1.3% of Hindus practice polygamy, but the issue has been contentious in the UCC debate.

Balancing reform and respect for diversity: A full UCC must strike a delicate balance between implementing necessary social reforms and respecting the cultural diversity of India’s numerous communities. This makes the process of establishing a full-fledged UCC quite challenging.

GS PAPER - 2

We can expect more turbulence ahead in Indian diaspora politics

Source: The post is based on the article “We can expect more turbulence ahead in Indian diaspora politics” published in Live mint on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Indian Diaspora

News: This article discusses the increasing complexity of diaspora politics. It suggests that Indian leaders should carefully engage with the diaspora to avoid exacerbating these issues while prioritizing the interests of Indian citizens abroad.

What is the impact of immigrants?

Impact on local societies: Immigrants often maintain deep connections with their home countries’ politics. For example, Indians living in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have engaged in protests related to their homeland’s issues. However, this can lead to tension with local societies. Examples include communal violence in Leicester and inter-group clashes in Australia.

Effects on diaspora communities: These new immigrants may also upset social dynamics within the diaspora. An example is the tension between recent immigrants and older immigrants or second and third-generation members of the diaspora. The older generations worry about social equations with local societies being disturbed.

Political impact: The influence of immigrants can lead to radical political events. For instance, a 19-year-old Indian American attempted to attack the White House, expressing extreme political beliefs. This showcases the possible political risks related to immigrant populations.

Response from host nations: Host nations have started to respond to diaspora issues. For instance, Seattle City Council in the US outlawed caste discrimination after advocacy from diaspora civil society groups. This shows that immigrants can influence policy in their host countries.

What are the challenges created due to immigrants?

Increasing violence and unrest: Recent immigrants, staying engaged with their home countries’ politics, can cause incidents of violence and unrest in their host nations. For example, Pro-Khalistan protests in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia led to vandalism, arson, and rioting.

Inter-group conflicts: Inter-group conflicts between different generations or factions within the diaspora can occur. For instance, Hindu and Sikh communities in Australia got into fights due to political disagreements.

Potential for radicalization: There is a risk of political radicalization among immigrants. This was evident when a 19-year-old Indian American attempted an attack on the White House, showcasing the extreme ideologies he held.

Erosion of local societies: There is a concern that the actions of new immigrants may upset the social balance that older immigrants have established with local societies. This was a concern expressed by community leaders in Australia, Singapore, and the US.

Influence on host nations’ policies: Immigrants can have significant influence on the policies of their host nations. This was seen when Seattle City Council outlawed caste discrimination, responding to the advocacy of diaspora civil society groups, which could potentially cause tension in local societies.

What should be done?

Avoid conflation: Indian leaders should not conflate Indian origin with loyalty to India or sectarianism. They must respect individual identities of Indian-origin individuals in their adopted countries.

Careful engagement: Leaders engaging with the diaspora should move cautiously to avoid exacerbating community tensions.

Focus on citizens: The Indian government should prioritize the interests of its citizens abroad over any person with Indian heritage.

Awareness of risks: Leaders and civil society groups must stay alert to the potential risks involved with diaspora politics.

An enlarged Nato does not enhance its appeal

Source: The post is based on the article “An enlarged Nato does not enhance its appeal” published in Live mint on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

News: In this article author discusses the geopolitical implications of Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, the tension between NATO and Russia, and the suggested role of India amidst these global political changes.

How will Ukraine’s NATO membership impact other nations?

Effects on Russia: Ukraine’s NATO membership would limit Russia’s power. As Ukraine is Russia’s neighbor, NATO’s presence could be seen as a direct threat by Moscow. This could further strain the already tense relations between Russia and NATO.

Impact on NATO Countries: NATO countries will be obliged to defend Ukraine under the alliance’s mutual defense pact. This might increase tensions as these nations could potentially face a direct confrontation with Russia.

Implications for Finland and Sweden: Finland and Sweden, recently joined NATO due to the Ukrainian conflict. Ukraine’s membership could reinforce their decision, as it would strengthen the NATO’s northern flank against Russia.

Effects on the Baltic states: The Baltic states, already NATO members, would likely feel more secure with Ukraine’s inclusion. This would establish a stronger front against potential Russian aggression.

What are the major concerns related to Ukraine’s NATO membership?

Risk of armed and nuclear conflict: Ukraine’s NATO membership could risk triggering an armed conflict with Russia. Due to NATO’s commitment to defend any member under attack, a dispute involving Ukraine could draw the entire alliance into a major confrontation. Given that Russia is a nuclear power, this situation further raises the stakes by increasing the risk of a nuclear conflict. The potential for such a high-level conflict is a significant concern associated with Ukraine’s possible NATO membership.

Uncertain support for Ukraine: NATO’s refusal to offer a schedule for Ukraine’s membership signals the alliance’s hesitation. This could be due to fear of antagonizing Russia or reluctance to become directly involved in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Impact on Non-NATO Countries: Ukraine’s NATO membership could also affect non-NATO countries like Moldova and Georgia. It could increase their aspirations to join NATO, which could exacerbate tensions with Russia.

What should be done by India in this scenario?

India should maintain its policy of strategic autonomy, making decisions that best serve its own national interests.

It should be cautious about aligning too closely with any major power bloc such as NATO. Despite the possibility of joining a ‘NATO+’, India must remember its longstanding principle of non-alignment. This stance has served India well in the past, allowing it to maintain good relations with different countries.

India should also continue its diplomatic engagements with all parties involved, ensuring that it doesn’t compromise its sovereignty or get drawn into conflicts not of its making.

Express View on UNAIDS report: AIDS and inequality

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on UNAIDS report: AIDS and inequality” published in The Indian Express on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

News: In this article, the author discusses the challenges in eradicating AIDS by 2030.

About current AIDS data

1. HIV affects 70% of people globally, but treatment suppresses the virus in most cases.
2. “Hyper-masculinity” inhibits many men from seeking HIV testing or treatment.
3. Women and children often do not receive optimal HIV treatment, with only 67% and 46% achieving viral suppression, respectively.
4. United Nations Member States committed to implementing a bold agenda to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

What are the major constraints in achieving the target of eliminating AIDS by 2030?

Poverty and marginalization: Poor and marginalized communities often lack access to the necessary healthcare and are subjected to stigma. As a result, HIV patients from these communities continue to suffer and are left behind in the fight against AIDS.

Gender inequality: Gender inequality is another major constraint. Men often avoid getting tested due to societal pressure, also known as “hyper-masculinity”, hindering early diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, women, particularly in low-income regions, do not receive optimal HIV treatment. According to UNAIDS, viral suppression is seen in 76% of male patients but only 67% of female patients.

Insufficient funding: Despite increasing overall health budgets, lower and middle-income countries heavily depend on external funds for AIDS related expenses. These funds are insufficient to effectively combat AIDS, especially in parts of West Asia and Africa.

Lack of prevention programs: There’s a significant gap in HIV prevention programs, especially for children and young women. The viral suppression rate amongst children is just 46%. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 40% of districts with high HIV incidence are covered by dedicated prevention programs.

Drug shortages: Countries like India have witnessed patient protests due to shortages in essential drugs. This indicates the urgent need for improved supply chains and local manufacturing capabilities to ensure the continuous availability of AIDS medication.

What should be done?

1. Efforts should focus on addressing poverty and gender inequality to improve access to AIDS healthcare.
2. Men should be encouraged to get HIV testing, and women’s treatment needs to be optimized.
3. Funding for AIDS in lower and middle-income countries needs to be increased. Prevention programs, particularly for children and young women, should be expanded.
4. Finally, governments must address drug shortages, possibly by boosting local production of AIDS medications.

GS PAPER - 3

India’s conglomerates are getting too big for comfort

Source– The post is based on the article “India’s conglomerates are getting too big for comfort” published in “The Hindu” on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

News- The article explains the increasing concentration of wealth in India and increasing closeness between business and state.

What shows the increasing concentration of wealth in India?

The Adani Group continues with its acquisitions even after the Hindenburg report. Financial markets are lending it more money, despite its over-dependent on debt.

Tatas and the Aditya Birla empire are also performing well. The biggest of India’s big businesses seem to be thriving.

But all the businesses in India are not making progress. The performance of a large number of informal enterprises is not good and they have not recovered from COVID-19-inflicted losses.

As per a report by a former Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor, the share of assets in the non-financial sectors owned by the Big-5 business groups has risen from 10% in 1991 to nearly 18% in 2021. While the share of the next five has fallen from 18% to less than 9%.

What are the dangers associated with a rapid rise in industrial concentration?

It uses market power to stifle competition. It leads to profit inflation or profiteering, through the manipulation of costs and prices. The result is extreme asset and income inequality.

Institutions of democracy are influenced by them through means such as the capture of the media. The role of civil society as a countervailing power is reduced in this process.

The ultimate result is corporate influence over political processes and the formulation of policy.

These tendencies are not stalled by competition in the ‘market’ but are a consequence of the functioning of markets.

Asset and income inequality increases, and therefore there is differential power among economic agents, the functioning of the ‘market’ favours the rich.

What are the emerging trends that show the narrowing of political distance between the state and big business?

1. Powerful voices within and outside the state have adopted neoliberalism. This implied adoption of the view that the role of the state is not to regulate private capital, but to facilitate its growth as means to all round economic progress.

Advocates of neoliberalism argue that the competition generated by a liberalised regime will counter concentration. The reverse has happened.

In areas such as telecommunications and civil aviation, there was the initial increase in the number of new players. But a few were finally left, with signs of collusion among them. The consumer will be the loser.

2. There is the propagation of the view that the state must help strengthen domestic big business against giant global competitors. State policy, diplomacy and public resources will be key instruments in this process.

Liberalisation opened Indian markets, induced global competition for Indian businesses. But the state is protecting and promoting sections of big business through large-scale subsidies and transfers.

3. State is not interested in reducing the influence of money in politics. Connections of politics with big business are necessary for resources needed to “manage” elections and win electoral support.

Over time, there has been a change in policy to legitimise corporate donations to political parties, including through the electoral bonds scheme.

Monsoon havoc in India: How floods can be a valuable resource

Source– The post is based on the article “Monsoon havoc in India: How floods can be a valuable resource” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3 – Disaster Management

Relevance: Flood Management

News- The monsoon arrived in Mumbai and New Delhi and heavy rainfall immediately followed, causing flooding in many parts of India.

What are the methods for Better Flood Management?

The focus needs to shift from flood control to flood management as complete flood protection for citizens, properties, and infrastructure is not feasible in India.

Instead of considering flood flows as a nuisance and discharging them into the ocean quickly, conserving a significant portion of floodwater could help reduce damages and mitigate upcoming droughts.

What are the structural and non-structural measures for flood management?

Structural tools include storage reservoirs, embankments, and diversions. These measures help reduce flood hazards.

Storage reservoirs can store water during high-flow periods, moderating the flood peak, and provide water for irrigation, electricity generation, and water supply.

Non-structural methods, such as flood forecasting, warnings, and floodplain zoning, contribute to timely evacuation of people and regulate the use of floodplains.

What are the solutions?

Comprehensive approach for flood Management along with an appropriate mix of grey (man-made), blue (water bodies), and green (natural) infrastructure.

Flood management should adopt a river basin approach while considering the environmental aspects.

Upgrading hydro-infrastructure and implementing a comprehensive flood management program are necessary steps to address increasing climate change and flood variabilities.

Flood moderation, conserving flood water for future use, and adopting a combination of structural and non-structural measures are some steps.

Flood feud

Source– The post is based on the article “Flood feud” published in “The Hindu” on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Disaster Management

Relevance: Flood Management

News- The article emphasis that States must coordinate to evolve a joint strategy to combat floods.

What is the present flood situation across the country?

Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi have reported record rainfall and at least 60 deaths have been confirmed.

However, unusual inundation of Delhi has brought to national focus the disasters.

What are the reasons stated for floods in Delhi?

Delhi’s officials have attributed this to the flooding of the Yamuna in upstream States, particularly at Yamunanagar in Haryana.

But, there was no desilting of drains ahead of the monsoon in Delhi. There has been an accelerated large-scale concretisation of the city.

Delhi makes a case that huge amounts of silt due to riverbed mining from Haryana block the natural flow of the river.

What is the way forward?

Delhi should no longer consider itself immune from urban flooding given that its population and infrastructural needs are only going to expand.

The Air Pollution joint management strategy evolved by National Capital Territory can act as a model for flood management.

These States must set aside their differences and evolve a joint strategy on countering future floods

Speed and strategy – Indian Railways must get its priorities right

Source: The post is based on the article “Speed and strategy – Indian Railways must get its priorities right” published in Business Standard on 17^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Infrastructure

Relevance: measures needed to improve train services.

News: The recent launch of new Vande Bharat trains has dominated headlines. However, along with these trains, overall services of the railways need improvement.

What are the benefits and concerns associated with Vande Bharat trains?

The Vande Bharat trains have co-benefits – a) stimulating local manufacturing and b) offering an upgraded travel experience. However, two key issues need attention.

Firstly, despite their technological capabilities, the Vande Bharat trains do not represent a significant leap in speed for regular users. Their financial sustainability is also uncertain, particularly considering lower occupancy rates.

Secondly, improving the broader experience across regular trains is of far greater importance than ensuring that there are some aspirational, showpiece express services.

Must Read: Vande Bharat trains: Potential and Challenges – Explained

What measures can be taken to improve overall train services?

Although it is challenging to improve the overall experience due to the scale of the Indian Railways and the number of people it moves, improvement is still possible.

Reform like the one made by the past railway minister; Madhu Dandavate is notable. He introduced “two inches of foam” to second-class berths. Thus, improving conditions for long-distance travellers.

Similar modernized improvements should be identified and implemented. Some of them could be:

First, routes that are prone to overcrowding need to be identified, and the demand for additional general unreserved seats should be met.

Second, investing in capacity should be accompanied by investments in safety and track improvements. For instance, to achieve high-speed train transport, trains like the Vande Bharat need upgraded infrastructure.

Third, routes capable of accommodating speeds of 160 km/h should be prioritized for the introduction of multiple new trains in order to ensure the desired results from the investments.

Why the govt has more cash, less grain to give

Source: The post is based on the article “Why the govt has more cash, less grain to give” published in The Indian Express on 17^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Agriculture – Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security

Relevance: About uncertainties over foodgrains production

News: The article describes the government’s food grain supply three years ago and its current situation.

What was the situation of foodgrains three years ago?

Three years ago, during the pandemic, both the center and the states did not have money to make large-scale cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households.

However, there was plenty of wheat and rice in the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) warehouses. Due to which, there was enough distribution of these foodgrains.

Along with distribution, the three years from 2020-21 also saw all-time-high grain exports from India. Thus, there was surplus grain not only to give out free, but even to export in record quantities.

What is the present situation?

The situation has reversed today. Governments have money, due to the resumption of economic activity, but there has been a shortage of grains.

The newly formed Karnataka government sought additional grains from FCI to fulfill its poll promise of providing 10 kg of free rice per month to all members of below-poverty-line (BPL) households. However, the FCI refused to provide it.

Hence, the government in Karnataka is transferring cash into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Thus, earlier there was grain but no money. Now, there’s not much grain, but governments have money to pay PDS beneficiaries.

Why is the FCI hesitant to provide additional grains?

The total stocks of wheat and rice in the Central pool on July 1, 2023, are at a five-year low. 

While these stocks are currently above the minimum required level, there are concerns regarding the monsoon and its potential impact on this year’s rice crop.

Although the country has experienced normal rainfall during the current monsoon season, major rice-growing areas, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, have faced significantly below-normal rainfall.

Additionally, the presence of El Niño, through the 2023-24 winter, raises concerns about the monsoon’s performance in the rest of the season. This can impact the production of not just the kharif rice, but even the upcoming rabi wheat crop.

Must Read: Protect rural incomes to tackle the current food security threat

What are the concerns present with exports?

Last year, due to a poor crop, the government banned wheat exports in May 2022. This was followed by a prohibition on exports of broken rice and the imposition of a 20% duty on non-parboiled non-basmati rice shipments in September.

However, despite these restrictions, the last two years registered record exports of rice and wheat.

However, with retail cereal inflation at 12.7% in June and monsoon-related production uncertainties, the government is considering additional curbs on rice exports.

What can be the way ahead?

India is the world’s largest rice exporter, with a 40.4% share of the global trade in the cereal. Therefore, given its position, it cannot import rice even for domestic production shortfalls; instead, it can only limit exports.

Moreover, if the FCI does not have surplus grain, it is possible that many states could follow Karnataka. However, from a macroeconomic perspective, opting for cash transfers has an inflationary effect, while distributing free grain is deflationary.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

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