UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2024)
• Cabinet approved to hold Simultaneous Elections
Cabinet approved to hold Simultaneous Elections
• Call for Modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
Call for Modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Battle of Saragarhi
Battle of Saragarhi
• Coelacanths
Coelacanths
• Antitrust investigations
Antitrust investigations
• Mini-moon
Mini-moon
• CO2-to-methanol pilot plant
CO2-to-methanol pilot plant
• Kleptoparasitism
Kleptoparasitism
• Naga king chilli
Naga king chilli
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
Cabinet approved to hold Simultaneous Elections
Syllabus: Polity: Elections
Source: IE
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the move to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies. The proposal, is based on recommendations from the Kovind Committee.
Main points of the simultaneous election proposal:
• Simultaneous Elections: Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local government bodies to hold elections together.
• Two Phases:
• Phase 1: Align Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections. Phase 2: Conduct local body elections within 100 days of the first phase.
• Phase 1: Align Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections.
• Phase 2: Conduct local body elections within 100 days of the first phase.
• Constitutional Amendments:
• Two amendments are required, passed with a special majority in both houses of Parliament. State ratification: At least half of the states must ratify amendments.
• Two amendments are required, passed with a special majority in both houses of Parliament.
• State ratification: At least half of the states must ratify amendments.
• Mid-term Elections: If a state Assembly or Lok Sabha is dissolved early, the new term will last only until the next scheduled simultaneous election.
• Single Electoral Roll: A unified electoral roll for all elections will be created in consultation with State Election Commissions.
• Dissolution of Assemblies: Some state Assemblies will dissolve earlier than their five-year term to align with the simultaneous election schedule.
• Election Commission Role: The ECI can recommend delaying certain state elections but must align them with future simultaneous elections.
What is One Nation One Election (ONOE)?
One Nation One Election is a proposal to synchronize the timing of all elections in India, including those for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and local bodies. The aim is to streamline the electoral process, reduce campaign expenditures, minimize disruptions to governance, and enhance political stability by holding all elections simultaneously at regular intervals, typically once every five years. ONOE was the norm until 1967 but after that cycle was broken. Earlier Law Commission also recommended the idea of ONOE in its report.
Constitutional Articles involved:
Article | Description | Amendment Required
Article 324A | Article 324 of the Constitution vests the Election Commission with the authority to supervise, direct, and control elections for Parliament, state legislatures, the President of India, and the Vice-President of India. The committee has suggested the inclusion of a new Article 324A in the Constitution. | This new article would empower Parliament to make laws to ensure that municipality and panchayat elections are held simultaneously with the General Elections (to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies) without requiring state ratification.
Article 83 and Article 172 | Article 83(2) and Article 172(1) stipulate a five-year term for the Lok Sabha and state legislative Assemblies, respectively, commencing from their first sitting unless dissolved earlier. | The committee recommended an amendment for synchronizing Assembly elections with Lok Sabha polls, suggesting no need for state ratification.
Article 325 | Article 325 prohibits the exclusion of any person from a special electoral roll based on religion, race, caste, or sex. | The committee suggested amendment for a single electoral roll and electoral identity cards, requiring state ratification.
Articles 328 and 327 | Article 328: Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such Legislature. | As per the committee, the Constitution empowers Parliament, not states, to conduct Assembly elections, implying that simultaneous poll amendments do not mandate state ratification.
The committee has suggested the inclusion of a new Article 324A in the Constitution.
Benefits of “one nation, one election”:
Benefits | Description
Reducing Election Expenditure | Conducting all elections simultaneously minimizes expenses on logistics, security, and campaigning.
The Election Commission of India had pegged the expenditure for simultaneous elections at Rs 4,500 crore. In comparison, the 2014 Lok Sabha polls cost Rs 3,870 crore to the exchequer while the 2015 Bihar elections alone cost the government Rs 300 crore.
Better Governance | Simultaneous elections reduce distractions to governance and allow elected governments to focus on developmental and welfare activities.
Voter Convenience | Voters are spared from multiple rounds of voting throughout the year, ensuring better turnout and convenience.
Reduced Security Concerns | Simultaneous elections decrease security concerns by requiring a unified security setup across the country.
Level Playing Field | All parties and candidates have equal opportunities, promoting fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
Reduced Impact on Education | Simultaneous elections lessen the impact on the education sector by minimizing the involvement of teachers in the electoral process.
Limitations of “one nation, one election”:
Challenges | Description
Ratification by States | The committee proposal that Ratification by states is not needed for most of the amendments may increase tension between the centre and states and also be struck down by Judicial Review
In Kihoto Hollohan v Zachillhu (1992), the Supreme Court invalidated a law related to lawmaker disqualification because it lacked ratification by the states.
Constitutional Challenges | Implementing “one nation, one election” requires lengthy and complicated constitutional amendments, necessitating consensus among political parties and states.
Anti-federalism | Combining assembly elections with general elections risks submerging regional issues under the national narrative, potentially undermining local representation.
Complexity of Logistics | Managing simultaneous elections entails significant logistical arrangements, including security deployment, electoral roll preparation, and polling booth management.
It would require greater numbers of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines
Dominance by National Parties | Simultaneous elections may favour national parties with more resources, potentially disadvantaging regional parties and diminishing the representation of regional issues.
Impact on Democracy | Conducting simultaneous elections might limit voters’ engagement with all issues, possibly compromising informed decision-making and the overall democratic process.
Voter’s choice and interests | Simultaneous elections may shift voter focus to national issues, potentially favouring larger national parties over regional ones. This could marginalize regional parties and diminish voter interests.
Additionally, separate elections enhance accountability by subjecting politicians to more frequent electoral scrutiny.
International Experience:
• South Africa: National and provincial legislature elections are simultaneous for five years, with municipal elections held two years later.
• Sweden: Elections for the national legislature (Riksdag), provincial legislature/county council (Landsting), and municipal assemblies (Kommunfullmaktige) are held every fourth year on the second Sunday in September.
• Britain: The Fixed-term Parliaments Act, 2011 ensures stability by holding elections on the first Thursday of May every fifth year, starting from May 7, 2015.
Way forward
• Parliamentary standing committee on Law and Justice recommended a two-phase election schedule, according to which elections to some legislative assemblies whose term end within six months to one year before or after the election date could be held during the midterm of Lok Sabha. For the rest of the states, elections could be held along with the general elections to Lok Sabha.
• Cost can be brought under control by ensuring that the legal cap on the expenditure of candidates is followed by all parties.
• Concept of One year, One election will be easier than ONOE, and will have the same benefits.
Conclusion:
While the objectives for simultaneous polls offer considerable opportunities, the challenges involved and practical limitations highlight the need for wider political support and legislative amendments. Going forward toward this goal, elaborate deliberations and a consensus-based mechanism for implementation are essential.
Insta Links:
• Sansad TV: One Nation One Election
Mains Link:
Q.‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Links:
Q1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
• According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
• According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
• The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
• Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only
Answer: D
Call for Modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
Syllabus: International Relations: India’s Neighbourhood
Source: IE
Context: India issued a notice to Pakistan on August 30, 2024, seeking modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), citing “fundamental changes” in circumstances. The notice comes after Pakistan’s continued objections to India’s hydroelectric projects on the Kishanganga and Chenab rivers.
What is the Indus Water Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, mediated by the World Bank. It allocates the waters of the Indus River system between the two countries. Under the treaty:
• Pakistan receives the waters of the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab)
• India receives water from the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej).
Indus Water Treaty
Also, India can use the Western Rivers for limited purposes like hydroelectric power generation, with certain restrictions and a dispute resolution mechanism managed by a Permanent Indus Commission and involving Neutral Experts and a Court of Arbitration if necessary.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism: The treaty provides a structured mechanism for resolving disputes related to water-sharing:
Step 1: The Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) is mandated to meet at least once a year to discuss and resolve issues arising from the implementation of the treaty.
Step 2: If disputes remain unresolved after PIC discussions, a Neutral Expert is appointed to adjudicate on technical matters concerning the interpretation or application of the treaty’s provisions.
Step 3: If disputes persist beyond the Neutral Expert’s determination, the matter can be referred to a Court of Arbitration, consisting of a seven-member arbitral tribunal. This tribunal is tasked with providing a binding decision on the dispute.
Current Issue:
India and Pakistan have disagreements over the design features and operation of certain hydroelectric projects, notably the Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs), which are constructed on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers respectively.
India’s arguments for seeking changes in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) include:
• Pakistan’s Obstruction: Pakistan’s repeated objections to India’s hydroelectric projects, particularly on the Kishanganga and Chenab rivers, have stalled development and created ongoing disputes.
• Failure to Use Dispute Mechanisms Properly: Pakistan’s unilateral request for a Court of Arbitration, bypassing the treaty’s graded dispute resolution mechanism (Neutral Expert), violates the established process.
• Outdated Provisions: The treaty, signed in 1960, does not fully account for current geopolitical, environmental, and technological realities, necessitating updates to reflect modern challenges. India claims that “fundamental and unforeseen” changes in circumstances since the treaty’s signing warrant a reassessment of the pact.
• Contradictory Legal Outcomes: India argues that running both the Neutral Expert and Court of Arbitration processes in parallel could result in contradictory rulings, leading to legal confusion not addressed in the treaty.
• Security Concerns: In light of terrorist attacks, such as the 2016 Uri attack, India has expressed that “blood and water cannot flow together,” raising security concerns about continued compliance with the treaty.
Other Issues faced by the IWT:
• Challenges for setting up new power projects: The continuing dispute creates challenges for the setting up of new power projects
• Limits water usage: The IWT permits Jammu and Kashmir to use the waters of the rivers in a limited manner, thus affecting water availability for agricultural purposes.
• Lack of collaboration and mutual trust between countries
• No regular data sharing as planned in the treaty.
• Limited to a conflict-resolution mechanism instead of strengthening the interaction, trust and cooperation
• Dispute resolution: The most crucial reason to alter the treaty is to clarify Article IX of the treaty’s dispute resolution system. Though India is rightful of using the western rivers for non-consumptive purposes, each time India plans a hydroelectric project, Pakistan challenges it by calling for international arbitration. E.g., the hydroelectric power plants, Kishanganga and Ratle.
• Though India is rightful of using the western rivers for non-consumptive purposes, each time India plans a hydroelectric project, Pakistan challenges it by calling for international arbitration. E.g., the hydroelectric power plants, Kishanganga and Ratle.
• Climate change factor: The treaty did not consider climate change, global warming, environmental impact assessments and such issues.
• Ineffectiveness of the Permanent Indus Commission
• Does not cover groundwater: The Treaty is no longer fit for its purpose as it only covers surface water but not groundwater. Groundwater depletion may increase by up to 75% in 2050, putting further pressure on the upstream portions of the Indus River.
• Groundwater depletion may increase by up to 75% in 2050, putting further pressure on the upstream portions of the Indus River.
Way Forward:
• Negotiation and Dialogue: Use established mechanisms like the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) to address and resolve disputes through direct discussions.
• Technical Solutions: Employ technical experts to resolve disputes over the design, construction, and operation of water infrastructure, as seen in the Baglihar Dam case.
• Mediation: Seek third-party mediation if negotiations fail, with potential assistance from the World Bank or other international organizations.
• Legal Recourse: Utilize the treaty’s arbitration panel for unresolved disputes after failed negotiations or mediation.
• Long-term Solutions: Address larger political issues through sustained dialogue and cooperation for lasting resolution.
Conclusion
As a document, the treaty may have certain weaknesses, but the larger problem is the fraught relationship between India and Pakistan. Experts are calling for the renegotiation of the treaty. There is a need for both countries should revive the treaty in such a way that the resources are equitably shared between both countries.
Mains Link:
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (UPSC 2016)
Prelims Link:
Q1. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (UPSC 2021)
(a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej
Ans: (d)
Q2. Consider the following pairs (UPSC 2019)
| Glacier | River
- 1.| Bandarpunch | Yamuna
- 2.| Bara Shigri | Chenab
- 3.| Milam | Mandakini
- 4.| Siachen | Nubra
- 5.| Zemu | Manas
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 2 and 5 (d) 3 and 5
Ans: (a)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2024 GS Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Battle of Saragarhi
- •Source: IE*
Context: Saragarhi Day, observed on September 12, commemorates the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi, one of the most remarkable last stands in military history.
• Saragarhi was a key communication post between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North-West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan).
About Battle of Saragarhi:
• On this day, 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs regiment, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, defended the fort against over 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribal militants for seven hours.
• The bravery of the soldiers was recognized with posthumous honors, including the Indian Order of Merit, awarded by Queen Victoria.
• In 2017, the Punjab government declared Saragarhi Day a holiday.
• The battle has since been immortalized in various ways, including memorials, a film (Kesari), and remembrance events in both India and Pakistan.
Coelacanths
- •Source: TH*
Context: A new, well-preserved coelacanth fossil has prompted a re-evaluation of how Earth’s geology drives evolution.
What are Coelacanths?
They are ancient deep-sea fish, believed to be extinct until rediscovered in 1938. They have been around for over 410 million years and are closely related to tetrapods.
A newly discovered, well-preserved coelacanth fossil has led scientists to re-evaluate evolution, revealing that tectonic plate activity, rather than ocean conditions, played a key role in driving the creation of new species. This challenges previous assumptions about how Earth’s geology influences evolutionary patterns.
This discovery came from a fossil in Australia’s Gogo Formation. The living coelacanth species, although similar to their ancient relatives, show slight changes in DNA and body proportions, challenging the idea that they are “living fossils.”
Antitrust investigations
Source: Economic Times
Context: Indian antitrust investigations have uncovered that Amazon and Flipkart violated competition laws by engaging in practices that unfairly favored certain sellers and harmed competition.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) detailed these findings in two reports, which include:
• Preferred Sellers: Amazon and Flipkart provided preferential treatment to selected sellers. These sellers received significant benefits such as marketing and warehousing services at minimal costs, which created an unfair advantage over other sellers.
• Preferential Listings: The majority of top listings on Amazon and Flipkart were dominated by these preferred sellers, creating barriers for other sellers to compete effectively.
• Exclusive Product Launches: Both companies had exclusive partnerships for launching technology products, such as smartphones. This practice disadvantaged smaller retailers and delayed product availability for traditional stores.
• Deep Discounting: Amazon and Flipkart allowed their affiliated sellers to offer deep discounts, often below cost, to drive out competition.
Mini-moon
- •Source: IE*
Context: Earth will temporarily capture a small asteroid named 2024 PT5, which will stay for two months before moving back into space.
• This phenomenon, known as a “mini-moon,” occurs when asteroids get caught in Earth’s gravity and orbit the planet for a short time.
• Although rare, such occurrences provide scientists with valuable opportunities to study near-Earth objects.
• 2024 PT5, discovered by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), is about 33 feet long and came from the Arjuna asteroid belt.
• However, it may not fully qualify as a mini-moon since it won’t complete a full orbit around Earth but will follow a horseshoe-shaped path.
This event is significant because studying asteroids like 2024 PT5 helps researchers understand the nature of asteroids that pass close to Earth, potentially informing future space exploration and resource extraction efforts.
CO2-to-methanol pilot plant
Source: Business Line
Context: India’s first CO2-to-methanol pilot plant is set to be established in Pune, Maharashtra, as part of a public-private partnership between IIT-Delhi and Thermax Limited.
• It aims to advance carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies, contributing to India’s climate goals and carbon reduction efforts.
• The initiative also ties into broader efforts by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Petroleum to reduce crude oil imports by blending 15% methanol in diesel.
• The plant will serve as a “living lab” for CCU research, fostering innovations in carbon capture techniques and the conversion of CO2 into chemicals.
• The project also aims to assess the feasibility of scaling up these technologies for broader industrial use, particularly in coal-based thermal power sectors, which account for 30% of India’s carbon emissions.
Kleptoparasitism
Source: Phy.org
Context: A recent study by UNSW Sydney highlights the role of food theft, or “kleptoparasitism,” in the spread of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza among seabirds.
• This behavior, practiced by species like frigatebirds and skuas, involves forcing other birds to regurgitate prey, potentially transmitting the virus through saliva-coated food.
• Researchers found that this form of transmission could spread the virus across populations and regions, particularly during long migratory journeys.
• Seabirds are especially vulnerable due to their close contact in breeding colonies.
• Early detection is critical for preventing further spread, especially as the virus has not yet reached Australia.
Naga king chilli
- •Source: DTE*
Context: Seiyhama village in Nagaland celebrated its third annual Naga king chilli festival on showcasing the raja mircha, one of the world’s hottest chillies.
• This festival, which combines agriculture, culture, and community spirit, highlights the significance of the king chilli, known for its extreme heat and cultural value.
• Certified by Guinness World Records and granted a Geographical Indication tag, the king chilli is central to Naga cuisine and cultural practices.
The Naga king chilli, also known as raja mircha, is one of the world’s hottest chillies, notable for its extreme spiciness, which exceeds 1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
It is a key feature of the Naga cuisine and holds significant cultural and economic value in Nagaland, India.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 September 2024
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