Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st December 2024) Part - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

One Nation, One Election: The Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024

Why in News?

• Recently, the government has taken steps towards implementing "One Nation, One Election" by introducing two Constitution Amendment Bills: the One Nation One Election – 'The Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024' and the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2024. This initiative aims to synchronize the election schedules of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, a practice that was previously followed from 1951 to 1967.

Key Takeaways

• The Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024 seeks to align the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) will conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all Legislative Assemblies.
• Amendments to Articles 83, 172, and 372 will facilitate the synchronization of elections across different government levels.
• Legal, infrastructural, and administrative challenges must be addressed to implement simultaneous elections effectively.

Additional Details

• Article 82A: This article proposes the timeline for implementing the changes and defines the process for conducting simultaneous elections, allowing the ECI to manage elections across various legislative bodies.
• The bill also outlines that if an assembly is dissolved before its full term, the next elections will only cover the remaining period of the previous assembly's term.
• Challenges: The implementation may face legal scrutiny, require robust electoral infrastructure, and address concerns regarding regional representation and administrative efficiency.

The One Nation, One Election initiative represents a significant shift in India's electoral strategy, aiming to streamline the electoral process while ensuring effective governance. However, the transition will require careful planning and execution to uphold democratic values and ensure all voices are represented.

Reviewing Free Trade Agreements

Why in News?

• Recently, India's External Affairs Minister announced that the government is adopting a cautious approach to free trade agreements (FTAs) to safeguard the interests of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers. This decision comes after assessing the unfavorable outcomes of previous agreements and ensuring that FTAs do not negatively impact these crucial sectors.

Key Takeaways

• India's trade deficit has worsened post-FTAs, with imports outpacing exports significantly.
• The utilization of FTAs in India is alarmingly low compared to developed nations.
• MSMEs and farmers face increased competition and challenges due to FTAs.
• There is a need for better stakeholder consultation in FTA negotiations.

Additional Details

• Worsening Trade Deficits: Between 2017 and 2022, India's exports to FTA partners increased by 31%, while imports rose by 82%, leading to an unsustainable trade deficit.
• Low FTA Utilisation: India's FTA utilization remains around 25%, far below the typical 70-80% seen in developed countries, indicating a failure to leverage bilateral and multilateral agreements effectively.
• Poor Manufacturing Competitiveness: Countries like ASEAN and South Korea have outperformed India in manufacturing sectors due to better innovation and government support.
• Lack of Stakeholder Consultation: FTA negotiations often exclude industry representatives, resulting in agreements that do not fully consider domestic concerns.
• Non-Tariff Barriers: While tariffs have been reduced, non-tariff barriers, such as stringent standards, still limit Indian exporters' access to markets.
• Technical Barriers: Compliance with complex certification requirements under FTAs increases costs for exporters.
• Lack of Awareness: Many exporters are unaware of the benefits available under FTAs, hindering their effective implementation.
• Limited Services Trade: Despite India's competitive advantage in services, growth in this sector has been slower than expected.

How FTAs Can Negatively Impact MSMEs

• Limited Global Reach: Only 16% of Indian SMEs engage in international trade, significantly below the global average.
• Vulnerability to External Shocks: SMEs are susceptible to global disruptions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Technical Barriers: Compliance with international standards poses challenges for MSMEs.
• Limited Networking Opportunities: MSMEs often lack connections with potential international buyers.
• Loss of Domestic Market Share: Cheaper imports may lead to a decline in sales and market share for domestic MSMEs.
• Scaling Challenges: Limited access to capital and skilled labor hinders competitiveness.

How FTAs Can Negatively Impact Farmers

• UPOV 1991 Convention: EU's push for India to join could threaten seed sovereignty for farmers.
• TRIPS-Plus Demands: Expanding IP rights may monopolize agrochemical markets, increasing costs for farmers.
• Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Stringent pesticide limits could jeopardize India's agricultural exports.
• Increased Competition: Imports from countries like Australia may harm smallholder farmers.
• Food Insecurity: Eliminating tariffs on certain imports could adversely affect domestic production goals.

Way Forward

• Investment in Infrastructure: Improving logistics through digital tools can lower costs and enhance efficiency.
• Relaxation of Rules of Origin (ROO): Making ROO requirements more flexible could enhance FTA utilization.
• Emphasis on Services: Designing FTAs that focus on market access for India's strong services sector is essential.
• Re-negotiating Existing FTAs: Revisiting terms of signed FTAs to focus on high-tech and value-added products is critical.
• Boosting R&D: Investing in R&D for export-oriented industries can help create high-value products.
• Integrated Policy Approach: Aligning the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme with FTAs can benefit critical sectors.

In conclusion, while FTAs hold potential for economic growth, careful consideration of their impacts on MSMEs and farmers is essential for ensuring that these agreements contribute positively to India's economy.

PSC Suggests Reforms in MGNREGA Scheme

Why in News?

• Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has identified significant challenges within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The committee has noted that wages have not kept pace with inflation, prompting recommendations for reforms to enhance the scheme's effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• The current wage rates under MGNREGS are insufficient and do not reflect the rising cost of living in rural areas.
• Implementation challenges include delayed wage payments, inadequate workdays, and a lack of effective monitoring systems.
• The PSC has recommended increasing the guaranteed workdays from 100 to 150 days and revising wage rates to align with current inflation.

Additional Details

Challenges in Implementation:

• Wages Not Aligned with Inflation: Current MGNREGA wage rates do not reflect inflation, which decreases the purchasing power of rural workers.
• Delayed Payment of Wages: Issues with the Aadhaar-based payment system lead to delays, leaving workers unpaid.
• Weak Social Audits: Only a fraction of Gram Panchayats undergo social audits, indicating poor accountability mechanisms.

Recommendations by the PSC:

• Revision of Wage Rates: Suggested linking wages to an appropriate index that reflects current inflation.
• Increase Days of Work: A proposal to increase the number of workdays to 150 to better support rural livelihoods.
• Sufficient Fund Allocation: Emphasis on ensuring adequate financial resources for the effective functioning of MGNREGS.

The recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee are crucial for addressing the pressing challenges of inadequate workdays, wage disparities, and inefficient monitoring systems within MGNREGS. Implementing these reforms is vital for improving rural livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of the scheme in the long run.

Improving Farmers’ Welfare

Why in News?

• Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing tabled its first report on demands for grants (2024-25) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the Lok Sabha. The report recommends several measures aimed at enhancing farmers' welfare.

Key Takeaways

• Legal Guarantee of MSP: A recommendation for a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.
• Paddy Waste Management: Compensation for farmers to manage and dispose of crop residue to prevent stubble burning.
• Enhancing PM-KISAN: Doubling the annual financial assistance under the PM-KISAN scheme from Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000.
• Debt Relief: Introduction of a debt waiver scheme for farmers and farm laborers to alleviate distress.
• Budgetary Allocation: The report notes a decline in the budgetary allocation to agriculture as a percentage of the total central plan.
• Universal Crop Insurance: Mandatory crop insurance proposed for small farmers with up to 2 acres.
• National Commission for Farm Labourers: Establishment of a commission to address the rights and welfare of farm laborers.
• Renaming Department: Proposal to rename the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to include farm laborers.

Additional Details

• Legal Guarantee of MSP: This measure is aimed at ensuring financial stability for farmers, which can help reduce distress and suicides.
• Paddy Waste Management: Providing compensation for managing crop residue can mitigate environmental issues caused by stubble burning.
• Debt Relief: Monitoring loan dependence among rural families is crucial to address rising debts and distress.
• Budgetary Allocation: The report highlights a worrying trend of decreasing budgetary allocations for agriculture, impacting farmer welfare.
• National Commission for Farm Labourers: This commission would focus on establishing minimum living wages and improving the conditions for farm laborers.
• Inclusivity in Welfare: Renaming the department reflects a commitment to the welfare of all agricultural stakeholders, not just landowners.

The PSC's recommendations underscore the urgent need for reforms in the agricultural sector to ensure the welfare of farmers and farm laborers, enhance financial stability, and promote environmental sustainability.

India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024

Why in News?

• Recently, the 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024) was organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This event celebrated India's maritime legacy and its significant contributions to global trade while discussing future innovations.

Key Takeaways

• The theme of the conclave was "Towards Understanding India's Position in Global Maritime History."
• Exhibits showcased India's maritime legacy, highlighting ancient shipbuilding techniques and navigational tools.
• Participation from leading maritime nations such as Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom underscored the global importance of India's maritime heritage.
• A significant focus was placed on the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, which will display India's ancient maritime techniques.

Additional Details

• India’s Maritime History: India's maritime activities date back to the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) around 3300-1300 BCE, with Lothal's dry-dock being the world’s first known dry-dock, indicating advanced nautical knowledge.
• The Vedic Era (1500 - 600 BC) mentions boats and sea voyages, with significant references to maritime activities in texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• During the Nandas and Mauryas (500 – 200 BC), the Magadh kingdom recorded the first naval force, and Emperor Ashoka used maritime routes to spread Buddhism.
• India's maritime trade flourished under the Satavahana Dynasty (200 BC-220 AD) and the Gupta Empire (320-550 AD), marking significant advancements in navigation and trade.

Overall, the India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 highlighted the importance of India's historical maritime contributions and aimed to foster a deeper understanding of its role in global maritime trade, culture, and innovation.

SIPRI Report on Global Arms Producers

Why in News?

• Recently, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its annual report on the world’s 100 largest arms producers, highlighting three Indian firms among the top global arms manufacturers.

Key Takeaways

• Global arms revenues reached USD 632 billion in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase driven by wars, regional tensions, and rearmament.
• Three Indian companies ranked among the top 100 global arms producers: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (Rank 43), Bharat Electronics Limited (Rank 67), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (Rank 94).
• The combined revenues of these Indian companies rose from USD 6.37 billion in 2022 to USD 6.74 billion (Rs 56,769 crore) in 2023.

Additional Details

• Major Global Producers: The report indicates that 41 US companies accounted for USD 317 billion in arms revenues, representing half of global sales. Notably, nine Chinese companies generated USD 103 billion, while two Russian companies saw a revenue increase of 40% to approximately USD 25.5 billion.
• Regional Highlights: Arms revenue growth was observed globally, with significant increases in Russia and the Middle East. Factors contributing to this growth include ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, heightened tensions in East Asia, and expanded global rearmament programs.
• Outlook for 2024: With an optimistic recruitment trend, arms revenues are expected to continue rising in 2024.

The SIPRI report underscores the growing significance of India's defense sector, showcasing its rising position in the global arms market.

Key Items in India's Defence Exports

• BrahMos Missiles: India has delivered the first batch of supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines under a USD 375 million deal.
• Dornier-228 Aircraft: This versatile aircraft is being exported for both defense and civilian applications.
• Subsidiary Aircraft Parts: India supplies parts like fuselage and wings to major defense firms such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
• Software and Electronic Equipment: India exports software and electronic defense equipment to countries like France.
• 155mm Artillery Guns: India has begun exporting advanced artillery systems to countries like Armenia.
• Akash Missile System: The Akash air defense missile system, including its variant Akash-1S, has gained international customers.
• Pinaka: Multi-launch rocket systems have also been exported, with significant buyers.

India's Initiatives to Boost Defence Indigenisation and Exports

• Liberalized FDI Policy: The limit for foreign direct investment in the defense sector was raised to 74% in 2020 through the automatic route.
• Priority for Domestic Procurement: The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020 emphasizes procuring capital items from domestic sources.
• Positive Indigenization Lists: Five lists comprising 5,509 items from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have been created, with import bans following specified timelines.
• iDEX Scheme: The Innovations for Defence Excellence scheme encourages startups and MSMEs in defense innovation.
• Public Procurement Preference: The Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order 2017 supports domestic manufacturers.
• Defence Industrial Corridors: Industrial corridors have been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to promote manufacturing.

In conclusion, India's defense sector is experiencing significant growth, propelled by strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing self-reliance and fostering international partnerships in defense production and exports.

Mains Question:

• Enumerate various government initiatives for promoting indigenous defense production.

Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court of India has raised alarms regarding the escalating issue of drug abuse among the youth, deeming it a generational threat. This concern was highlighted during a ruling that supported the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) investigation into a heroin smuggling case associated with Pakistan. The court stressed the necessity for immediate collective action from families, society, and governmental bodies to combat this urgent issue.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court recognizes drug abuse as a critical issue affecting the youth.
• Collective action from various sectors is essential to address this growing threat.

Additional Details

• Global Scenario: According to the World Drug Report 2024 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), global drug use has reached approximately 292 million, which is a 20% increase over the last decade.
• Drug Preferences: Cannabis is the most commonly used drug, with 228 million users, followed by opioids (60 million) and amphetamines (30 million).
• Emerging Threats: The report identifies netizens, a new class of synthetic opioids, as a major danger, being more potent than fentanyl and contributing to increasing overdose deaths.
• Treatment Gap: Only 1 in 11 individuals with drug use disorders receive treatment, highlighting a significant need for accessible support services.

In India, drug addiction affects approximately 100 million people, according to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab account for the highest number of FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) from 2019 to 2021. Alcohol use is prevalent among 16 crore people, with 5.2% being alcohol dependent.

Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse in India

• Peer Influence: Desire for social acceptance leads to drug experimentation among youth.
• Academic Stress and Mental Health: High academic pressure can lead to anxiety, with some youth using drugs as coping mechanisms.
• Cultural Norms: The normalization of drug use in media influences youth perceptions, making substance abuse seem acceptable.
• Socio-Economic Factors: Poverty and unemployment contribute to substance abuse as a means of escape.
• Family Environment: Dysfunctional family dynamics correlate with higher drug use rates among youth.
• Legal Loopholes: Organized crime exploits weak laws, facilitating drug smuggling, particularly along the India-Pakistan border.
• Easy Availability: The widespread availability of drugs, especially in Punjab, exacerbates the addiction crisis.
• Fear of Strict Laws: Strict regulations discourage families from reporting drug abuse, hindering rehabilitation efforts.

Government Measures to Tackle Drug Abuse in India

• Legislative Measures: The NDPS Act of 1985 regulates drug production and trafficking, while the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 establishes legal frameworks for controlling drug abuse.
• Institutional Measures: The National Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) coordinates drug law enforcement and intelligence efforts.
• Preventive and Rehabilitation Measures: Initiatives like the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) aim to lower drug demand through awareness and rehabilitation services.
• Specific Initiatives: Programs like Project Sunrise address rising HIV rates among injecting drug users, and the Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) tracks drug offenses.

To effectively combat drug abuse, India needs to strengthen and reform existing laws, develop integrated policies addressing root causes, and establish more de-addiction centers. Enhanced education about the risks of substance abuse and international cooperation in combating trafficking are also crucial.

In conclusion, addressing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach that involves stricter regulations, improved coordination among states, and comprehensive policies focused on prevention and rehabilitation to safeguard the health of the youth and society at large.

Question:

• Discuss the issue of drug abuse in India. Suggest some measures to tackle the issue of drug abuse.