UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 29th October 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

What Challenges does India Face in Fertilizer Imports?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

India is currently grappling with significant challenges in meeting its fertilizer demands due to dependency on imports, especially amidst the ongoing Ukraine and Gaza crises, which could further impact fertilizer availability and prices.

About Fertilizers (Meaning, Utility, Types)

• A fertilizer is a chemical product, either mined or manufactured, that contains one or more essential plant nutrients, available in sufficient amounts for plant growth.
• Fertilizers are crucial for agricultural production, supplying essential nutrients to crops which have seen increasing demand over the years.
• As an agrarian country, India has many small and marginal farmers facing challenges of low productivity and quality.
• Many crops are rain-fed and cultivated on the same land repeatedly, leading to a reduction in soil fertility across various regions.
• This has resulted in a higher usage of nitrogen fertilizers within the country.

Macro & Micro Elements in Fertilizers:

• Macro Nutrients: These include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K), Calcium, Sulfur (S), and Magnesium, which are required in larger quantities.
• Micro Nutrients: Essential in smaller amounts, these include Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper, Boron, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Chloride, among others, necessary for crop growth and development.
• The most common fertilizers are NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium), with Urea being the most widely used fertilizer in India.
• India ranks as the second-largest consumer of fertilizers globally, with an annual consumption exceeding 55 million metric tons.

Current Fertilizer Import Scenario:

• Domestic production of fertilizers in India does not suffice to meet total demand, resulting in significant reliance on imports. According to the 2023 Standing Committee of Parliament report, about 20% of domestic requirements are fulfilled through imports.
• For Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), approximately 50-60% of demand is met through imports.
• Muriate of Potash (MOP) sees 100% of its demand satisfied through imports.
• The report emphasizes the need for self-reliance in fertilizer production to stabilize supply chains.

Production and Consumption Trends:

In the 2021-22 fiscal year, total fertilizer consumption reached 579.67 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), distributed as follows:

• Domestic production for that year stood at 435.95 LMT, resulting in a shortfall of 143.72 LMT. Notably, MOP is entirely imported due to an absence of local production.

Impact of the Ukraine and Gaza Conflicts:

• Experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have warned of potential volatility in fertilizer prices due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This turmoil could:
  • Impact oil prices, which in turn affects the production of petroleum-based fertilizers.
  • Disrupt imports from Russia and West Asia, both of which are critical suppliers for India's fertilizer needs.

Financial Burden of Fertilizer Subsidies:

• The Indian government has allocated substantial funds to ensure fertilizer affordability for farmers. The following are details from the 2023-24 Budget:
  • Total subsidy: ₹1.79 lakh crore
  • Indigenous Urea subsidy: ₹1.04 lakh crore
  • Imported Urea subsidy: ₹31,000 crore
  • Indigenous P&K Fertilizer subsidy: ₹25,500 crore
  • Imported P&K Fertilizer subsidy: ₹18,500 crore
• These subsidies are essential for farmer support but place a significant financial strain on the government.

Strategic Initiatives for Self-Reliance:

• Experts advocate for measures to boost India's production capacity and reduce reliance on imports:
  • New Urea Plants: Since the 2012 investment policy, six new urea plants have been established, adding 76.2 LMT to production capacity. Currently, 36 urea plants are operational, with recent additions including facilities in Ramgundam, Gorakhpur, Sindri, and Barauni.
  • Shift to Sustainable Fertilizers: Focusing on nano urea and natural farming practices could decrease the usage of chemical fertilizers and dependency on imports.
  • Investment in Domestic Production: The Standing Committee suggests creating a conducive environment to attract investments from public, cooperative, and private sectors in fertilizer manufacturing.
• Policy Recommendations and Future Outlook:
• The Standing Committee recommends:
  • Enhancing incentives for domestic fertilizer manufacturing.
  • Promoting organic and sustainable farming practices.
  • Investing in infrastructure to optimize the efficient use of existing fertilizers.
• By expanding production capabilities and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, India could progressively lessen its dependence on imported fertilizers, thereby stabilizing the domestic market and shielding it from global disruptions.

GS3/Environment

2024 Global Nature Conservation Index

Source: The Indian Express

Why in News?

India has been ranked 176 in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024, achieving a score of 45.5 out of 100. This positions it among the five poorest performers globally, alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).

Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:

• High Rate of Land Conversion: Approximately 53% of India's land has been converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural uses, leading to significant deforestation and habitat fragmentation, which critically affects biodiversity.
• Soil Pollution: India's sustainable nitrogen index is recorded at 0.77, indicating severe soil pollution largely due to high pesticide usage, which endangers soil health and agricultural sustainability.
• Minimal Marine Conservation: A mere 0.2% of India's national waterways are designated as protected areas, with no areas within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) being safeguarded, reflecting insufficient efforts in marine biodiversity protection.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: India ranks as the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader in the world, with an estimated annual trade value of £15 billion, posing additional threats to vulnerable wildlife species.

About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):

• Details
  • Developed By: Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
  • Purpose: To evaluate each country's progress in balancing conservation and development through data-driven analysis.
  • Aim: To assist governments, researchers, and organizations in identifying issues and improving conservation policies for long-term biodiversity protection.
  • Launch Date: The index was launched on October 24, 2024.
  • Scope: Ranks 180 countries based on their conservation efforts.
  • Pillars of the Index:
    • Managing Protected Areas
    • Addressing Threats Against Biodiversity
    • Nature and Conservation Governance
    • Future Trends in Natural Resource Management
  • Significance: Provides insights into conservation policies and practices, supporting global efforts to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

Key highlights of the reports:

• Countries like Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and New Zealand have achieved the highest rankings, reflecting their robust conservation practices and governance.
• Nations with advanced climate adaptation policies, such as Sweden and Denmark, are better equipped to mitigate biodiversity risks associated with climate change.
• Despite the establishment of protected areas, 46.9% of terrestrial and 67.5% of marine species are experiencing decline globally.
• High-density countries such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands face significant biodiversity pressures, leading them to adopt urban greening and sustainable practices.

PYQ:

[2018] "Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by:
(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meteorological Organisation

GS2/Governance

Dyslexia

Source: Times of India 

Why in News?

Recently, as part of the nation-wide ‘Act4Dyslexia’ campaign, key monuments in Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North and South Blocks, and India Gate, have been illuminated in red, the colour for Dyslexia Awareness.

About Dyslexia:

• Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulties in reading. This condition stems from challenges in recognizing speech sounds and understanding how these sounds connect to letters and words, a process known as decoding.
• Also referred to as a reading disability, dyslexia results from individual differences in the brain areas responsible for language processing.
• This disorder is not attributed to issues with intelligence, hearing, or vision.
• Dyslexia is frequently misinterpreted as the ‘slow-learner syndrome.’
• The precise cause of dyslexia remains unclear; however, several factors may contribute to its development:
  • Genetics: Dyslexia has a strong genetic component and tends to run in families. For instance, if one parent has dyslexia, their child has a 30% to 50% likelihood of also having it.
  • Brain Development and Function: Studies indicate individuals with dyslexia exhibit structural and functional differences in their brains.
  • Disruptions in Development: Factors such as infections or toxic exposures during pregnancy can interfere with normal fetal brain development, increasing the risk of dyslexia.
• Specific Learning Disabilities, including dyslexia, were formally acknowledged in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, which ensures equal opportunities in education, employment, and other life areas.
• The National Education Policy 2020 reinforces this commitment to inclusive education from foundational to higher education levels, focusing on early identification of dyslexia, enhancing teacher training, and providing necessary support and accommodations to affected students.

GS1/Indian Society

Solar, a game changer in women’s empowerment

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Rooftop solar (RTS) is poised to revolutionize India's energy landscape by offering a sustainable, decentralized, and affordable solution to address escalating electricity demands. This innovation can empower consumers, particularly women and other marginalized groups, fostering greater self-reliance.

How does solar energy contribute to women’s economic empowerment?

• Income Generation and Financial Independence: Solar technology allows women, especially in rural regions where conventional energy is limited or expensive, to generate income directly. For example, women salt farmers in Gujarat's Little Rann of Kutch transitioned from diesel to solar-powered pumps, resulting in a remarkable 94% increase in their income while also reducing CO₂ emissions.
• Employment Opportunities: The solar photovoltaic (PV) sector employed approximately 4.9 million people in 2022, with women representing about 40% of the workforce. This industry has created significant job opportunities for women.
• Empowerment Programs: Initiatives such as Barefoot College in India and Solar Sister in Africa are dedicated to training women as solar engineers. These programs not only enhance their skills but also improve self-reliance and create job opportunities in remote areas.

What are the broader social implications of women’s involvement in the solar sector?

• Community Well-being and Social Development: The engagement of women in the solar industry fosters local economic development and strengthens community ties.
• Leadership and Decision-Making: Women who lead or engage in renewable energy initiatives often champion inclusive policies and enhance community participation.
• Gender-Sensitive Energy Policies: The increased involvement of women in the energy sector underscores the necessity for energy policies that cater to women's unique needs, thereby improving economic engagement and social inclusion.

What challenges do women face in the renewable energy sector, and how can these be addressed?

• Access to Training and Financing: Many women encounter difficulties in accessing training and financing for solar projects. To overcome this, it is essential to provide affordable and accessible training programs in solar technology, alongside microfinance options specifically designed for women-led initiatives.
• Gender Bias and Occupational Segregation: The renewable energy sector, similar to other fields, is influenced by gender biases that may confine women to lower-tier roles. Promoting women's leadership and equal opportunities through gender-sensitive hiring practices and mentorship can help mitigate this issue.
• Policy and Regulatory Gaps: Energy access policies often lack a gender perspective, limiting their effectiveness and inclusivity. Incorporating gender-focused policies into energy and rural development initiatives can amplify the socio-economic benefits of solar energy for women.

Conclusion:

To maximize the benefits of renewable energy, governments should incorporate gender-sensitive policies within their frameworks. This includes ensuring accessible financing options and training specifically targeted at women. Implementing microfinance schemes and subsidies for women-led solar projects can enhance their participation and impact.

Mains PYQ:

Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose?

GS2/Polity

Centre to begin census from 2025

Source: India Today

Why in news?

The Centre is reportedly preparing to conduct the Census, which was delayed in 2021 due to Covid-19. Although official confirmation is pending, the Census is expected to begin next year. This exercise is crucial as it ties into two major issues: delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies, stalled for five decades, and the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament. India's Census, which has followed a decadal schedule since 1881, missed its 2021 mark for the first time. While the pandemic was largely over by 2022, allowing a Census in 2023 or 2024, the government appears to have postponed it to align with planned constituency reorganisation.

About

• The Population Census provides fundamental statistics regarding human resources, demographics, culture, and the economic structure at local, regional, and national levels.
• The census process began in 1872, starting with non-synchronous counts, and has since evolved into a synchronized operation conducted every ten years, with the first synchronous census occurring under British governance in 1881.
• The responsibility for conducting this decadal census lies with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, part of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Legal/Constitutional basis of Census

• The Population Census is included in the Union List (entry 69) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• The census is conducted in accordance with the Census Act, 1948.

Process of census enumeration

• The Census Operations in India are executed in two phases:
  • Houselisting and Housing Census
  • Population Enumeration
• Population Enumeration occurs approximately six to eight months after the Housing Census, where each individual is counted along with their particulars such as age, marital status, religion, and mother tongue.

Delimitation and Its Suspension

• Delimitation, as mandated by the Constitution, modifies the number of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies based on population, thereby ensuring equal representation.
• This process guarantees a fair division of geographic areas, allowing all political parties or candidates contesting elections to have an equitable number of voters.
• Article 82 and Article 170 of the Constitution empower Parliament to adjust the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies respectively, following each census.
• However, this process has been suspended since 1976 due to political disagreements.
• The 2001 Census was followed by a delimitation exercise in 2002 that only redrew constituency boundaries without altering their numbers.
• Southern states have raised concerns about delimitation, fearing it would diminish their representation despite their efforts in population control.
• According to the 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001), delimitation is postponed until at least 2026, making 2031 the earliest opportunity for it based on the Census.
• Immediate delimitation may not be feasible as the amendment restricts delimitation based on Census data until after the year 2026.
• Thus, even if the Census commences in 2025 and concludes in 2026, immediate delimitation would not be achievable unless the amendment is modified.
• An amendment to this provision may be necessary if delimitation is to occur in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Challenges of Political Consensus and Southern States’ Concerns

• The suspension of delimitation since 1976 results from political disagreements, particularly with Southern states.
• These states contend that adjusting for current population figures could unfairly decrease their Parliamentary representation, penalizing them for successfully controlling their populations.
• Their endorsement for delimitation may depend on receiving compensatory measures or other assurances.
• Additionally, the 128th Constitutional Amendment, intended to reserve 33% of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies for women, requires a delimitation exercise prior to its implementation, linking delimitation to forthcoming political reforms.

Role of the 16th Finance Commission

• The 16th Finance Commission is set to submit its report next year, which will address the allocation of financial resources between the Centre and the states, potentially influencing state-level discussions concerning delimitation.

The demand

• There is an increasing expectation that the upcoming Census may include caste data, responding to requests from various political parties for a caste census.
• A caste census involves the inclusion of caste-wise population data in the Census exercise.

Background

• Caste was recorded in the British India Censuses from 1881 to 1931.
• However, post-Independence, the 1951 Census did not include caste enumeration, except for SCs and STs, who continue to be counted.
• Caste data were collected during the 2011 census, but the findings were never disclosed.
• In 1961, the Government of India encouraged states to conduct their own surveys for state-specific OBC lists due to the absence of central reservations for OBCs at that time.
• Though the Census is a Union subject, the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 permits states and local bodies to gather necessary data, as exemplified by Karnataka (2015) and Bihar (2023).

GS2/Governance

FCI Grievance Redressal System App

Source: PIB

Why in news?

Recently, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution launched the Mobile Application of FCI Grievance Redressal System (FCI GRS) for Rice Millers in New Delhi.

About FCI Grievance Redressal System App:

• The app aims to assist rice millers in effectively dealing with their grievances related to the FCI (Food Corporation of India) in a transparent and efficient way.
• This initiative is part of the government's efforts to leverage technology for improved governance.
• It seeks to enhance accountability and responsiveness by offering rice millers a platform to file complaints, track their status, and receive responses directly on their mobile devices, all through a fully digitized process.

Key Features of the App:

• User-Friendly Grievance Submission:
  • Rice millers can easily submit their grievances through a simple mobile interface, making communication with the FCI more straightforward.
  • They need to register only once, after which they can submit multiple grievances, each assigned a Unique Grievance ID for tracking.
• Real-Time Tracking:
  • The app provides immediate updates on the status of grievances, keeping millers informed and ensuring a transparent process.
• Automatic Assignment & Fast Resolution:
  • Upon receipt of a grievance, it is automatically assigned to the relevant Nodal Officers for prompt action.
  • The app allows Nodal Officers to either initiate an investigation via a Quick Response Team (QRT) or to collect feedback from the appropriate division.
• Geo-Fencing for Quick Response Teams (QRTs):
  • When a grievance resolution requires a site visit by a QRT, the app utilizes geo-fencing technology to verify the physical presence of team members at the location.

GS1/Geography

Mount Fuji

Source: CNN

Why in News?

Japan's Mount Fuji recently experienced an unprecedented event, remaining devoid of snow for an unusually late date, marking the first time this has occurred since records began 130 years ago.

About Mount Fuji:

• Mount Fuji, also referred to as Fuji-san, is Japan's tallest mountain, reaching a height of 3,776 meters.
• It is located near the Pacific coast within the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area.
• Unlike many other renowned high-altitude mountains, Mount Fuji does not belong to a larger mountain range.
• This mountain is classified as a stratovolcano and has remained dormant since its last eruption in 1707, although geologists still consider it active.
• Mount Fuji features a distinct summit crater and is formed from countless basaltic lava flows, each measuring several meters in thickness.
• The mountain's smooth slopes and broad base contribute to its stunning outline, tapering to a magnificent peak.
• The primary reason behind Mount Fuji's volcanic activity is the Pacific Plate subducting beneath the Philippine Plate.

Fuji Five Lakes:

• Located on the northern slopes of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji Goko) include:
  • Lake Yamanaka
  • Lake Kawaguchi
  • Lake Sai
  • Lake Shōji
  • Lake Motosu
• These lakes were formed due to the damming effects of lava flows.

Snow Cover:

• Despite its volcanic nature, Mount Fuji's summit is typically snow-covered for most of the year.

National Park and Heritage Site:

• Mount Fuji is a prominent feature of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
• In 2013, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its cultural and natural significance.

GS2/Governance

9th National Ayurveda Day

Source: Business Standard

Why in News?

On the occasion of the 9th Ayurveda Day, the Prime Minister will inaugurate various healthcare initiatives amounting to Rs 12,850 crore. The central theme for Ayurveda Day 2024 is ‘Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health’.

Origins

• Founded on the principles of the four Vedas (5000–1000 BCE).
• Referenced in ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Fully developed through key texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.

Foundational Texts

• Brhattrayi (Three Major Treatises)
• Caraka Samhita (focuses on internal medicine)
• Susruta Samhita (focuses on surgery)
• Astanga Sangraha
• Astanga Hrdaya (by Vrddha Vagbhata and Vagbhata, 6th-7th century CE)

Historical Institutions

• Takshashila and Nalanda universities were renowned centers that attracted international students.

Global Influence

• Spread through Buddhism, influencing Tibetan and Chinese medicine.
• Concepts adopted by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans through trade.
• In the 8th century CE, Nagarjuna studied the medicinal use of metals.

Integration of Modern Techniques

• The 16th century marked the inclusion of modern diagnostics and treatments for newly identified diseases.

Revival in India (19th-20th Centuries)

• 1827: Introduction of the first Ayurveda course at the Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta.
• 20th Century: Expansion of Ayurveda colleges under regional support.
• 1970s: A significant revival of Ayurveda occurred, including academic research, publications, and global symposiums.

Current Status

• Structured educational pathways including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
• A robust network of practitioners and manufacturers.
• Established infrastructure for community outreach.
• 24 countries legally recognize Ayurveda.
• Collaborative initiatives like:
  • SCO Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine
  • BIMSTEC Taskforce on Traditional Medicine
  • BRICS High-Level Forum on Traditional Medicine
• Ayurveda products are exported to over 100 countries.

WHO Standards and Milestones

• ICD-11 Integration: WHO acknowledged Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani in the ICD-11 Traditional Medicine Module.
• WHO has established global standards for practice and training.
• GTMC, Jamnagar (Gujarat): A center focusing on Ayurveda research, education, and practice.

Philosophical Foundations

• Historical evidence of Ayurveda dates back to the first millennium BCE.
• Knowledge was believed to be transferred from gods to sages, and then to human practitioners.
• Core concepts align with the philosophies of Samkhya, Vaisheshika, and Jainism.
• Focus on maintaining balance and addressing natural urges.

Initiatives and Programs by the Govt.

• National Ayush Mission (2014): Aimed at fostering the growth of Ayush systems (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), enhancing educational institutions and quality of services.
• Ayurveda Research Portal (2021): A digital platform that promotes Ayurveda research by providing access to data, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives.
• Ayush Grid (2020): A digital initiative designed to improve access to Ayush services and information through online platforms, connecting practitioners, patients, and educational institutions.

GS2/Polity

Land Port Authority of India

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister of Home Affairs inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and a Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal, built at a cost of Rs. 487 crore by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI).

About Land Port Authority of India:

• Established under the Land Ports Authority Act, 2010.
• Created for the development and management of facilities facilitating cross-border movement of passengers and goods at designated international border points in India.

Mandate:

• Responsible for the creation, upgrading, maintenance, and management of border infrastructure in India.
• Manages several Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) across India’s borders.

Composition:

• The Chairperson and Members are appointed by the Central Government.

Tenure:

• Both the Chairperson and Members serve a term of five years from the date they assume office or until they reach the age of sixty, whichever comes first.

Functions:

• Tasked with developing, sanitizing, and managing facilities for the cross-border movement of goods and passengers at designated points along India's international borders.

Nodal ministry:

• Ministry of Home Affairs.

Key points about Petrapole:

• Petrapole is recognized as the largest land port in South Asia and serves as a crucial gateway for trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh.
• It ranks as the eighth largest international immigration port in India, facilitating the annual movement of over 23.5 lakh passengers between India and Bangladesh.

GS2/Polity

The burgeoning expenditure of elections

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The estimated total expenditure for the upcoming U.S. presidential and Congressional elections in November 2024 is approximately $16 billion (around ₹1,36,000 crores). In contrast, the total expenditure by various political parties for the recent general election to the Lok Sabha in India was about ₹1,00,000 crores, according to the Centre for Media Studies (CMS). This raises various debates surrounding campaign finance (election expenditure) in India.

Background

The issue of election funding was not specifically addressed during the Constituent Assembly debates (1946-1950). The first significant laws governing election funding were the Representation of People Act, 1950, and Representation of People Act, 1951. These laws do not impose limits on expenditure for political party leaders in disseminating messages. Candidates must maintain accounts of their election expenditures, but political parties are not required to maintain such accounts for promoting official programs. However, parties must disclose contributions over ₹20,000 to income tax authorities and cannot accept donations from government companies or foreign sources.

Election and Other Related Laws (Amendment) Act, 2003

• The 2003 Amendment introduced Section 29C, which requires political party treasurers to prepare annual financial reports detailing donations over ₹20,000.
• These reports must be submitted to the Election Commission before submitting audited accounts to the Income Tax authorities.
• Non-compliance leads to disqualification from tax relief under the Income Tax Act.

Companies Act, 1956

• Under Section 293-A of the Companies Act, 1956, corporate contributions to political parties are limited to five percent of the company's average net profits over the last three years.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976

• The FCRA prohibits political organizations from receiving foreign contributions.

Income Tax Act, 1961

• Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, contributions to political parties are deductible from income tax calculations.
• Section 13A mandates that political parties submit annual audited accounts to the Income Tax authorities by a specified date.

Existing limit

• The election expenditure limit for candidates is ₹95 lakh per Lok Sabha constituency in larger states and ₹75 lakh in smaller states.
• For Legislative Assemblies, the limits are ₹40 lakh and ₹28 lakh for larger and smaller states, respectively.
• These limits are set by the Election Commission (EC) and can be revised periodically.
• There are no limits on the expenditure of political parties during elections.

Purpose and Reality of Expenditure Limits

• While limits are intended to minimize the influence of wealth in elections and ensure a level playing field, their effectiveness is often questioned.
• The Representation of the People Act requires candidates to maintain accurate spending records within these limits and submit affidavits post-election.
• However, analysis from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that most candidates report spending far below the limits, raising concerns about transparency.

Political Party Spending — The "Elephant in the Room"

• Currently, there is no cap on political parties’ expenditures during elections, which can indirectly favor wealthy candidates.
• Experts argue that real reform requires transparency in party finances and internal democratization to achieve genuine equality among all candidates.

Possible gap between actual and reported costs

• The official expenditures declared by the BJP and Congress for the 2019 election were ₹1,264 crores and ₹820 crores, respectively.
• However, according to a CMS report, ₹50,000 crores was spent by various parties during the 2019 election.
• The report indicates that 35% of this amount was allocated for campaigns and publicity, while 25% was illegally distributed among voters.

Unholy nexus between the elected representatives and donors

• Elections in democracies around the world have become increasingly expensive.
• This rising expenditure, primarily funded through large donations, fosters an unhealthy relationship between elected representatives and donors who seek favors.
• Such high costs act as a barrier for many well-meaning citizens to enter electoral politics.

Advocacy for State Funding of Elections

• The Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) and the Law Commission report (1999) proposed state funding of elections.
• They recommended that the government partially cover the election expenses of candidates nominated by recognized political parties.
• However, concerns regarding the feasibility and implementation of this measure persist in the current context.

Simultaneous Elections as a Solution

• Simultaneous elections are often seen as a potential solution to the rising costs of elections.
• While this approach may help reduce campaign and publicity expenditures, it faces challenges related to federalism and the need for constitutional amendments.
• Moreover, without effective measures to curb illegal cash distribution to voters, simultaneous elections alone may not significantly impact overall election expenditures.

Proposed Electoral Reforms

• The Election Commission's 2016 report on proposed electoral reforms outlines practical steps to create a more equitable environment regarding election expenditures.
• Regulating Financial Assistance: Amend laws to ensure that any financial assistance provided by political parties to their candidates aligns with the candidates' prescribed expenditure limits.
• Ceiling on Party Expenditures: Establish a ceiling on the total expenditures of political parties, set at no more than the expenditure limit for individual candidates multiplied by the number of candidates from that party contesting the election.
• Expediting Legal Processes: Appoint additional judges in High Courts to facilitate the speedy disposal of election-related cases, serving as a deterrent against violations of expenditure norms.
• Need for Bipartisan Support: These reforms require bipartisan political support and prompt implementation to effectively address the challenges associated with election financing in India.

GS2/International Relations

India and Spain slam attacks on UN troops in Lebanon

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

In mid-October, a coalition of 34 nations contributing troops to the UNIFIL mission expressed condemnation for the attacks on peacekeepers and called for respect for UNIFIL's objectives. Although not formally listed, India voiced its full support for the collective statement.

About UNIFIL:

UNIFIL, or the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, is a peacekeeping mission that was initiated in 1978. Its main goals include overseeing the cessation of hostilities, promoting stability within Lebanon, and ensuring security along the Lebanon-Israel Blue Line.

What prompted the condemnation from India and Spain regarding the attacks on UN peacekeepers?

• Repeated Targeting of Peacekeepers: Peacekeepers, including those from India, have suffered direct assaults, such as Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tank fire aimed at UNIFIL positions and intentional disabling of surveillance systems. Spain, along with several other European nations, has labeled these actions as "unjustifiable."
• Violation of International Norms: The attacks on personnel and facilities associated with UN peacekeeping violate the UN mandate and compromise the protection offered to peacekeepers under international humanitarian law. Both India and Spain regard this as a serious infringement of the norms that uphold the integrity of UN missions.
• Response to Escalating Risk to Peacekeepers: Statements from India and Spain have highlighted the necessity of respecting the "inviolability" of UN premises and ensuring the safety of peacekeepers in light of escalating tensions, emphasizing the critical need for their protection and security.

What is the significance of UNIFIL’s role in Lebanon, and how do India and Spain view it?

• Peacekeeping and Stability: UNIFIL plays a vital role in mediating peace and maintaining order along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. Its presence acts as a stabilizing force, crucial for preventing conflict spillovers and fostering regional peace.
• India’s Role as a Major Contributor: With 903 personnel deployed, India significantly contributes to peacekeeping efforts, demonstrating its commitment to UN missions and reinforcing the necessity for global respect toward UN mandates.
• Spain’s Support for UNIFIL’s Mission: Spain, in concert with other European countries, emphasizes the importance of UNIFIL in ensuring regional stability. By condemning the attacks, Spain reasserts its support for UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.

How do these events relate to broader geopolitical tensions in the region?

• Regional Escalations and Proxy Conflicts: The ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly in Lebanon, contribute to larger geopolitical dynamics that include Israeli security concerns, Lebanese stability, and Iran’s influence through Hezbollah.
• Impact on Global Diplomacy: The violence and targeting of UN peacekeepers could strain international diplomatic relations, as nations urge Israel to adhere to global norms and protect peacekeepers. This situation may influence the UN Security Council's responses, highlighting a unified international call against actions that threaten UN missions.
• Pressure on Multinational Cooperation and Regional Security: The incidents illustrate the dangers faced in volatile regions, where multinational peacekeeping initiatives encounter direct threats.

Way forward:

• Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: India should proactively engage with the UN Security Council and regional stakeholders to advocate for stringent measures aimed at ensuring the safety of UN peacekeepers and upholding the integrity of UN mandates in conflict areas.
• Enhance Contingency Protocols for Peacekeepers: India should collaborate with UNIFIL and other troop-contributing nations to bolster on-ground security measures and response protocols.