Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (14-11-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Science and Technology: Defence Space Agency conducts maiden tabletop exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas’ |
| Awards: Photographer from Gaza Strip among winners at top photography award in UAE |
| International Relations: China, Philippines spar over new maritime laws, baseline drawings in South China Sea |
| Economy: India’s tea, sugar exports raise sustainability concerns at home |
| Polity and Governance: After Finance Commission nudge, all states but Arunachal form panels, Gujarat latest |
Defence Space Agency conducts maiden tabletop exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas’
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: ‘Antariksha Abhyas 2024’
Why in News
- The tri-service Defence Space Agency has conducted its maiden tabletop Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas 2024’
Overview
- The Defence Space Agency (DSA) of India recently conducted its maiden tabletop exercise titled ‘Antariksha Abhyas 2024’, aimed at enhancing the readiness and capabilities of the Indian armed forces in space warfare.
- This three-day exercise, held from November 11 to 13, 2024, focused on building India’s strategic advantage in the increasingly competitive and contested arena of space operations.
Objective and Purpose of Antariksha Abhyas 2024
- The main goal of Antariksha Abhyas 2024 was to strengthen India’s strategic preparedness for potential space-based conflicts and challenges.
- By simulating possible scenarios and analyzing emerging technologies, the DSA aimed to improve the interoperability of the Indian Armed Forces and to build cohesive strategies for defending critical space assets. Additionally, the exercise sought to:
- Identify vulnerabilities in space operations, especially in the context of possible denial or disruption of space-based services.
- Advance India’s space doctrine by developing frameworks for collaboration and operational preparedness.
- Enhance coordination between the three branches of the armed forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) in space operations under the Defence Space Agency.
Key Components of the Exercise
The exercise comprised several essential elements that emphasized various aspects of space warfare:
- Emerging Space Technologies: Participants discussed advancements in space technology and their impact on national security. Understanding new technologies allows the Indian military to innovate and adapt to rapid changes in space capabilities.
- Space Situational Awareness (SSA): Given the congested nature of the space environment, SSA is critical for identifying and tracking objects in orbit to avoid collisions and monitor potential threats to India’s space assets.
- India’s Space Programmes: The exercise leveraged India’s established legacy in space exploration and technology, examining how these can support defence objectives and bolster the nation’s readiness for space-based threats.
Strategic Importance of Space for India’s Defence
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan underscored the strategic significance of space for India’s defence and security, stating that space has evolved from a “final frontier” to an indispensable enabler of India’s military power. His remarks highlighted:
- National Defence and Security: Space capabilities are now integral to modern military operations, providing critical services like communication, navigation, and reconnaissance.
- India’s Legacy and Military Capabilities: With a robust history in space exploration, including achievements like the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, India is well-equipped to face current and emerging challenges in space warfare.
Scenario-Based Exercises and Expert Facilitation
Throughout the exercise, participants engaged in scenario-based exercises facilitated by experts from various governmental sectors, including:
- Ministries and Departments of Government: This involvement brought a multi-dimensional perspective, aligning defence space strategies with national policies.
- Scientific Community and Academia: The presence of scientific experts helped elucidate technical challenges and the evolving landscape of space technologies.
- Military Experts: They provided insights into operational aspects, including vulnerabilities and defensive measures that can be adopted in case of hostile activities in space.
- The scenario-based approach allowed participants to explore practical applications of space technologies in simulated conflict situations, promoting understanding and strategic readiness.
Key Outcomes and Achievements
- The exercise produced several significant outcomes, enhancing India’s defence space doctrine:
- Refined Strategies for Operational Preparedness: Through simulated scenarios, the exercise identified gaps in operational readiness and developed strategies to enhance defence capabilities in space.
- Robust Framework for Future Collaboration: Recognizing the need for a united approach in space defence, the exercise established a framework for collaboration between the tri-services, DSA, and other relevant agencies.
- Road Map for Advancing India’s Space Doctrine: The insights gained will inform the future development of India’s space defence doctrine, aligning it with national security objectives and preparing India for complex space-based threats.
Focus on Interoperability and Cohesion
- One of the major objectives of Antariksha Abhyas 2024 was to foster mutual understanding and improve the interoperability of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Through this exercise, the DSA enhanced coordination among the tri-services, which is essential for integrated space operations.
- By working in tandem with one another and understanding each branch’s role in space security, India’s armed forces can create a unified front in protecting the nation’s space assets.
Emphasis on Space Safety, Security, and International Space Laws
The exercise also addressed evolving aspects of space security and the importance of complying with international space laws. As space becomes more congested and contested, adhering to established international norms is critical for avoiding conflicts. The discussions focused on:
- Challenges in Space Safety: With an increasing number of space-faring nations and private operators, there are heightened risks of collisions and interference with other countries’ satellites.
- Security of Space Assets: The exercise evaluated potential threats and developed strategies to secure India’s space-based infrastructure, ensuring their availability even in adverse scenarios.
- International Space Laws: Familiarity with international space laws is essential for conducting responsible space operations and safeguarding India’s interests within a legal framework.
Conclusion
- Antariksha Abhyas 2024 successfully achieved its objectives of bolstering India’s strategic preparedness in space warfare, establishing a foundation for future defence space policies, and fostering coordination among the tri-services.
- By focusing on emerging technologies, operational preparedness, and international space norms, the exercise underscored India’s commitment to maintaining and protecting its space-based capabilities, thereby reinforcing its position in the global space security landscape.
- The Defence Space Agency’s efforts reflect India’s proactive approach to integrating space into national security and adapting to the new age of space-enabled defence.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Defence Space Agency’s exercise, ‘Antariksha Abhyas 2024’:
1. The exercise focused on enhancing India’s readiness in space warfare and identified vulnerabilities in space-based services. 2. It included scenario-based exercises with participation from multiple government ministries, scientific experts, and the academic community. 3. One of the key outcomes of the exercise was establishing India’s first international space cooperation agreement for military space operations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct? [2024]
1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. Select the answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Ans: d
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| Answer – 1 – A
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct This was one of the primary objectives of Antariksha Abhyas 2024. The Defence Space Agency designed the exercise to bolster India’s strategic preparedness in space warfare, which included assessing vulnerabilities in space-based operations, especially in scenarios where space services might be disrupted or denied. · Statement 2 is correct: During the exercise, participants engaged in scenario-based exercises, which were facilitated by experts from various government ministries, scientific communities, and academia. This multidisciplinary participation provided insights into current and future challenges in defence space operations, aligning strategies across various domains. · Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the exercise aimed at improving India’s space defence strategies and readiness, there was no mention of any international space cooperation agreement being established. The focus was on building a cohesive framework and refining strategies within India’s domestic framework for space defence, rather than forming international military alliances in space. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Photographer from Gaza Strip among winners at top photography award in UAE
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: Awards
Context: Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA)
Why in News
- The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) 2024 recognized global photographic talents, with Palestinian photographer Fatima Alzahra Shbair winning for her portrayal of Gaza’s devastation
Overview
- The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), one of the world’s most prestigious and financially significant photography competitions, recently awarded prizes for its 2024 edition.
- The UAE-based award, which has a prize pool exceeding $200,000, celebrates outstanding talent in various photography genres and has recognized photographers worldwide for nearly fifteen years.
- This year’s award recipients include photographers from conflict regions, environmental storytellers, and artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting a wide spectrum of global themes and narratives.
Highlighting Conflict and Resilience in Gaza:
- Winner in “Portfolio Storytelling”: Fatima Alzahra Shbair, a Palestinian photographer from Gaza, received first prize in the category of “portfolio storytelling.” Her award-winning portfolio chronicled the destruction, struggles, and human resilience within Gaza during the initial 190 days of conflict. Her photography captures the physical devastation—bombed-out buildings, mass casualties, and food scarcity—and provides a powerful visual narrative of life under siege.
- Personal Connection to the Stories: Shbair grew up in Gaza’s Jabaliya city and was inspired to take up photography by her grandmother. Her deeply personal photographs reflect not only the sufferings of others but also her own losses, including her home, friends, memories, and family members. She shared the tragedy of losing her father, who, due to the limited medical supplies available, passed away while she was photographing injured civilians in Gaza.
- HIPA’s Recognition: The award recognized Shbair’s work for its depth and emotional resonance. HIPA’s declaration commended her storytelling as a testament to the collective resilience and survival of those affected by the conflict in Gaza, capturing both individual and shared suffering.
Recognition of Other Palestinian and Syrian Photographers
- Abdulrahman Zaqout: Another Palestinian photographer from Gaza, Zaqout, won a merit medal for documenting the famine that has struck the region due to the ongoing conflict. His work highlights the severe humanitarian issues in Gaza, with images that communicate the impact of prolonged deprivation on the civilian population.
- Sami Al Olaibi: Al Olaibi, a Syrian-born civil engineer-turned-photographer, received the title of “HIPA Photographer of the Year” for his astrophotography work. His images, showcasing the natural beauty of the West Asian and Gulf regions, offer a perspective that contrasts with the region’s conflict-ridden reputation. Al Olaibi’s work encourages viewers to see the beauty and cosmic wonder present in the Middle East’s landscapes.
Global Environmental Themes: China’s Liping Cao
- Grand Prize: Chinese photographer Liping Cao received HIPA’s Grand Prize for his photograph of towering windmills over a dry riverbed. The image is a symbolic reminder of the urgent need for sustainable development in the face of climate change.
- By juxtaposing the windmills—symbols of renewable energy—against the barren land, Cao’s work underscores the environmental challenges and the necessity of adopting sustainable practices.
Indian Photographers in the Spotlight
- Rahul Vishwanath Sachdev (Pune): Sachdev won the first prize in the general colour category for his vibrant work. The “general colour” category usually celebrates photographers who excel in color composition, lighting, and storytelling through chromatic themes. His win adds to India’s recognition in the international photography community.
- Ateeb Hussain (Kolkata): Hussain received the third prize in the general black and white category, which often highlights powerful stories using contrasting tones. Black and white photography is revered for its timeless quality and ability to capture the essence of moments, and Hussain’s work stood out among many.
- Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod (Sri Lanka): Prasantha Vinod from Sri Lanka was another winner in the general black and white category, showcasing the reach of HIPA’s impact across South Asia.
HIPA’s Broader Impact and Significance
- Global Platform for Storytelling: Established in Dubai, HIPA continues to be the world’s richest photography award, attracting photographers globally and encouraging them to showcase diverse narratives, including themes of resilience, environmental consciousness, and the beauty of the natural world. By honoring photographers from different regions, especially those affected by conflict, HIPA amplifies stories that might otherwise be overlooked.
- Cultural Messaging: HIPA’s decision to award photographers from conflict zones like Gaza sends a significant message of solidarity and awareness to the international community. Through its recognition of stories that depict resilience and suffering, HIPA underscores the role of art in fostering understanding and empathy across borders.
Conclusion
- The HIPA 2024 awards recognized a range of works from artists capturing the harsh realities of conflict, the urgency of environmental issues, and the simple beauty of the natural world.
- Fatima Alzahra Shbair’s portrayal of Gaza’s struggles and resilience stood out among the winners, highlighting the power of photography to tell stories that resonate far beyond borders.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2 Consider the following statements regarding the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) 2024:
1. Fatima Alzahra Shbair, a Palestinian photographer from Gaza, won the first prize in the “portfolio storytelling” category for her work documenting the destruction in Gaza. 2. The Grand Prize of HIPA 2024 was awarded to Liping Cao from China for his photograph of windmills, symbolizing the urgency of sustainable development. 3. Indian photographer Ateeb Hussain won the first prize in the general black and white category for his powerful monochrome images. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2, and 3
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Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once. 3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. Which of the above statements are not correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. (d)
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| Answer 2– A
Explanation – · Fatima Alzahra Shbair: She did indeed win the first prize in the “portfolio storytelling” category for her photographs documenting the destruction and suffering in Gaza, making statement 1 correct. · Liping Cao: He won the Grand Prize for his photograph depicting windmills over a dry riverbed, which symbolized the urgency of sustainable development. Therefore, statement 2 is also correct. · Ateeb Hussain: While Ateeb Hussain did receive an award, he won third prize in the general black and white category, not the first prize. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
China, Philippines spar over new maritime laws, baseline drawings in South China Sea
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: South China Sea Dispute
Why in News
- The Philippines’ Foreign Ministry it summoned China’s ambassador to protest Beijing’s drawing of baselines around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
The Scarborough Shoal Dispute
- The Scarborough Shoal (known in China as Huangyan Island) is a group of small islands and rocks located about 230 kilometers off the Philippines’ main island of Luzon. It has long been a focal point of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
- The Philippines claims the shoal as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while China asserts sovereignty over it, often citing historical claims.
- The shoal is strategically important because it is rich in marine resources, including fish, and could potentially hold significant underwater oil and gas reserves. It is also located in a vital shipping lane, making it important for international trade.
China’s Baseline Claim
- On November 10, 2024, China defined a baseline for its “territorial waters” around the Scarborough Shoal as part of its broader effort to assert sovereignty in the South China Sea. This baseline defines the extent of Chinese territorial claims over the waters surrounding the shoal, which China refers to as Huangyan Island.
- The baseline is a legal concept in maritime law used to define the starting point for measuring the breadth of territorial waters, EEZs, and continental shelves. By drawing these baselines, China is asserting that it has sovereignty over the waters surrounding the shoal and that any activities within these waters, such as fishing and exploration, are under China’s control.
Philippines’ Response
- The Philippine Foreign Ministry strongly objected to this action, arguing that it infringes upon Philippine sovereignty and violates international law. In particular, the Philippines maintains that the South China Sea is covered by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which sets out legal guidelines for maritime boundaries and rights.
- In response, the Philippines summoned China’s ambassador to formally protest the new baseline claim and reaffirmed that it does not recognize China’s sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal.
- The Philippines views the Chinese baseline as an illegal attempt to assert control over areas that are within its EEZ.
China’s Justification
- China’s ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, responded by stating that the baseline was a “necessary response” to the Philippines’ new maritime law, specifically the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which the Philippines enacted to bolster its territorial claims and maritime rights in the South China Sea.
- According to China, these measures are routine and intended to strengthen maritime management and ensure the protection of China’s territorial sovereignty. However, China also made it clear that it opposes the Philippines’ new laws and warned that it would take necessary actions to protect its claims in the region.
Philippine Maritime Laws
- The Philippines, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signed two key maritime laws last week: the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. These laws aim to define and strengthen the country’s maritime zones and improve its defense and sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.
- The Maritime Zones Act establishes clear boundaries for Philippine waters, including its EEZ, which directly overlaps with areas China claims. The Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act aims to ensure free passage of ships through Philippine waters while reinforcing its sovereignty over the waters and territories in its EEZ.
China’s Response to Philippine Laws
- After the signing of the Philippine maritime laws, China summoned the Philippine ambassador to express strong disapproval, accusing the Philippines of actions that complicate the situation in the South China Sea. China argued that the Philippines’ new laws could exacerbate tensions and called for their immediate cessation to avoid further disputes.
- China’s statement emphasized the need for both nations to avoid unilateral actions that could escalate tensions in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Broader South China Sea Dispute
- The South China Sea is one of the world’s most strategically important and contested bodies of water, with numerous countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, making competing territorial claims. China’s claim to nearly the entire South China Sea is based on the Nine-Dash Line, a historical assertion that overlaps with the EEZs of several Southeast Asian nations.
- The region is crucial for global shipping, with over $3 trillion in goods passing through the waters annually. The competing claims have led to a series of diplomatic, military, and economic tensions between the countries involved.
- In 2016, an international tribunal at The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China’s historical claims to most of the South China Sea. However, China has ignored the ruling and continued its expansionist policies in the region, including building artificial islands and militarizing disputed areas.
Future Implications
- The growing tensions between China and the Philippines signal a continued struggle for control over the South China Sea, with significant implications for regional security and international trade.
- The dispute has drawn in global powers, with the United States, Japan, and other countries calling for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and supporting the Philippines’ rights under international law.
- The escalation in tensions could lead to further diplomatic confrontations, and there are concerns that the situation might become militarized if diplomatic efforts fail.
Philippines’ Response
- In summary, the Philippines and China remain locked in a contentious struggle over the South China Sea, particularly the Scarborough Shoal, which is critical for its maritime claims, fishing rights, and strategic importance.
- The recent actions taken by both sides — China’s drawing of baselines and the Philippines’ new maritime laws — reflect the ongoing geopolitical competition in the region.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following pairs: Regions — Countries mentioned in news 1. Scarborough Shoal — China 2. Huangyan Island — Philippines 3. Mindanao — Philippines 4. Crimean Peninsula — Ukraine Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
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Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018)
Regions sometimes Country mentioned in news
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only Ans: c |
| Answer 3– D
Explanation – · Scarborough Shoal — China: Incorrect. Scarborough Shoal is claimed by China as part of Huangyan Island, but it is located within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the Philippines also claims sovereignty over it. · Huangyan Island — Philippines: Incorrect. Huangyan Island is the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by both China and the Philippines. · Mindanao — Philippines: Correct. Mindanao is a region in the southern part of the Philippines. · Crimean Peninsula — Ukraine: Correct. The Crimean Peninsula is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, though it was annexed by Russia in 2014, which caused significant geopolitical tensions. However, most of the international community, including the United Nations, still recognizes it as Ukrainian territory. · Therefore, option D is the correct answer. |
India’s tea, sugar exports raise sustainability concerns at home
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Economy
Context: Agricultural Exports and Sustainability in India
Why in News
- India’s agricultural exports have surged significantly, raising concerns over sustainability in production, environmental impact, and labor conditions, particularly in the tea, sugar, and millet industries.
Overview
- India is one of the largest exporters of agricultural products globally.
- The country’s agricultural export value has increased significantly over the past two decades—from $8.7 billion in 2004-2005 to $53.1 billion in 2022-2023.
- While this increase benefits the Indian economy by boosting revenue, foreign exchange, and job creation, the rapid rise in agricultural exports also presents challenges for sustainability in the production, processing, and distribution of commodities.
Sustainability of Agricultural Commodities
Sustainability in agriculture is not only about economic viability but also involves ecological and social aspects. A truly sustainable agricultural commodity system is defined by three pillars:
- Ecological Sustainability: Involves the preservation of the environment, soil health, biodiversity, and the reduction of negative environmental impacts like pesticide use or water wastage.
- Economic Sustainability: Ensures the commodity is profitable for producers, contributes to the economy, and supports livelihoods.
- Social Sustainability: Addresses workers’ rights, labor conditions, community well-being, and the fair distribution of economic benefits.
- Good Governance: Effective policies and regulations are needed to support these sustainability pillars.
The Lifecycle of Agricultural Commodities
Sustainability does not only apply to production but also to the entire lifecycle of a commodity, including:
- Pre-sowing: Seed selection, land preparation, and inputs.
- On-farm production: Farming practices, irrigation, pest control, and labor conditions.
- Post-harvest: Processing, storage, packaging, and distribution.
Tea and sugar, two prominent agricultural commodities in India, serve as good examples of the sustainability challenges across these stages.
Tea Industry: Sustainability Challenges
India is the world’s second-largest producer and fourth-largest exporter of tea. In 2022, India’s tea exports amounted to 188.76 million kg, valued at $641.34 million. However, the tea industry faces several sustainability issues:
- Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Tea plantations are often located near forests, particularly near elephant migratory paths. This leads to frequent human-wildlife interactions, causing damage to both human property and wildlife habitats.
- Chemical Pesticides: A significant proportion of pesticide use in tea plantations is synthetic, which increases chemical residue in the final product. The use of harmful chemicals like DDT and Endosulfan can have long-term health implications for consumers and workers.
- Labor Issues: The majority of tea plantation workers are women, often underpaid and working in hazardous conditions without adequate protective gear. Despite existing regulations like the Plantations Labour Act 1951, the enforcement of safety standards is weak.
Sugar Industry: Sustainability Issues
India is also the world’s second-largest producer of sugar, contributing around 20% of global production. Sugar exports have risen significantly in recent years, but the industry faces serious environmental challenges:
- Water Usage: Sugarcane, which requires large amounts of water, consumes about 60% of India’s irrigation water. This places immense pressure on groundwater resources, particularly in water-scarce regions like Maharashtra and Karnataka, where the area under sugarcane cultivation has increased significantly.
- Environmental Degradation: The expansion of sugarcane cultivation has led to the conversion of natural ecosystems, such as grasslands and savannahs, to farmland. This has resulted in biodiversity loss and increased pressure on water resources.
- Social Issues: The sugar industry also faces labor issues, with workers experiencing poor working conditions, long hours, and increasing risks due to rising temperatures. Many workers are trapped in debt cycles, adding to their stress and vulnerability.
Millets: A Sustainable Alternative
In contrast to tea and sugar, millets offer a more sustainable option for agricultural production. Millets are drought-resistant, require fewer inputs, and are resilient to harsh environmental conditions. They also contribute to soil health and ensure nutritional security. Millets are a promising crop for both domestic consumption and exports.
India’s millet exports grew by 2.5 times from 2020-2021 to 2021-2022, reaching $62.95 million. In 2022-2023, India exported 169,049 metric tonnes of millets, valued at $75.45 million. Millets’ ecological and socio-economic sustainability is evident:
- Ecological Sustainability: Millets require fewer resources (water and inputs) and improve soil health.
- Social Sustainability: Millets contribute to food security and rural livelihoods, especially for small-scale farmers.
- Economic Sustainability: Millets are growing in demand globally, offering significant export potential.
Paradox of Growth and Sustainability
While India’s agricultural sector benefits from both large-scale domestic consumption and increasing exports, the paradox lies in the growing interdependencies in the supply chain, which can compromise sustainability. As export volumes increase, it puts pressure on resources like water, land, and labor. The challenge is ensuring that economic growth from exports does not come at the cost of:
- Ecological sustainability: Overuse of water, pesticide residues, and biodiversity loss.
- Social sustainability: Poor working conditions for laborers, lack of fair wages, and neglect of workers’ rights.
- Economic sustainability: Inequitable distribution of benefits, where farmers and workers do not receive a fair share of the profits.
Conclusion: The Way Forward
To build a sustainable agrarian economy in India, there must be a balance between increasing exports and ensuring the health and safety of both consumers and workers. This includes:
- Implementing sustainable farming practices: Such as reducing chemical pesticide use, improving water management (e.g., drip irrigation), and promoting sustainable crop rotations.
- Strengthening labor laws: Ensuring better working conditions and fair wages for agricultural workers.
- Promoting sustainable commodities: Like millets, which have environmental and social benefits.
- Fostering inclusive policies: That benefit both local communities and the global market.
In conclusion, while India’s agricultural exports are growing rapidly, a more holistic approach to sustainability—spanning ecological, social, and economic aspects—is essential for long-term prosperity.
| CARE MCQ | |
| Q4. Consider the following statements:
1. India’s agricultural export surged to $53.1 billion in 2022-2023, marking a significant increase over the last two decades. 2. Sustainability in agricultural systems depends only on economic factors such as productivity and export growth. 3. The tea industry in India faces challenges such as human-wildlife conflict, excessive pesticide use, and labor rights concerns. 4. Sugarcane cultivation in India consumes about 60% of the country’s total irrigation water, contributing to water resource stress. Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1, 3, and 4 only
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Q. With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements: (2020)
1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nurse, and transplanted in the main field. 2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single budded setts as compared to setts with many buds. 3. If bad weather conditions prevail when sets are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts 4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Ans: (c) |
| Answer 4- A
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct as India’s agricultural export has surged significantly, reaching $53.1 billion in 2022-2023. · Statement 2 is incorrect as sustainability in agricultural systems is not just about economic factors; it also involves ecological and social factors, including policies supporting them. · Statement 3 is correct as the tea industry faces several challenges like human-wildlife conflicts, chemical use, and labor rights issues. · Statement 4 is correct as sugarcane cultivation is highly water-intensive, consuming a substantial portion of India’s irrigation water. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
After Finance Commission nudge, all states but Arunachal form panels, Gujarat latest
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: Finance Commission (FC)
Why in News
- The 15th Finance Commission has mandated that states must establish State Finance Commissions (SFCs) by March 2024 to receive grants, emphasizing the constitutional requirement for local financial governance.
Background and Constitutional Provisions
- The 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution (1992) introduced significant reforms in local governance, specifically with regard to rural local bodies, including Panchayats (village councils). It brought about the constitutional mandate for the formation of State Finance Commissions (SFCs).
- Article 243-I of the Constitution mandates that every state should establish a State Finance Commission at the expiration of every five years. The role of these commissions is to:
- Review the financial position of the Panchayats in the state.
- Make recommendations on how the state government should distribute funds (net proceeds from taxes, duties, tolls, and fees) between the state government and Panchayats.
- Recommend how the financial resources of Panchayats should be managed and utilized.
Delay in Constituting SFCs
- The 15th Finance Commission, which was set up in 2017, took note of the widespread delay in the formation of SFCs in several states. In 2020, the Commission’s report highlighted that many states had failed to constitute their 5th or 6th SFCs in accordance with the constitutional requirement. Some states had not even moved beyond their 2nd or 3rd SFC.
- Constitutional Non-Compliance: The Commission pointed out that many states had failed to establish the necessary financial commissions and did not adhere to the mandatory timeline of five years for the reconstitution of SFCs. This delay in constitution meant that the recommendations of these commissions were not available for use by state governments, and the state finances relating to Panchayats were not being governed by the latest constitutional guidelines.
Implications of Non-Compliance
- Disbursement of Grants: The 15th Finance Commission recommended that no grants be released to states that had not complied with the Constitutional requirement regarding the SFCs after March 2024. This means that states failing to set up their SFCs or act upon their recommendations by that deadline would not receive grants from the Finance Commission for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
- Importance of Timely SFCs: The delay in constituting these commissions and implementing their recommendations undermines the financial independence and management of Panchayats. The SFCs are crucial because they determine the flow of resources and the allocation of funds between the state and local governments, which directly impacts the development and functioning of local governance.
Constitutional Purpose of SFCs
- Strengthening Local Governance: The constitutional intent behind setting up the SFCs is to ensure that the financial relations between the state government and Panchayats are governed by updated, legally sound recommendations. These commissions are expected to assess the resources available to Panchayats and suggest how funds should be allocated to ensure efficient functioning and development at the local level.
- Ensuring Autonomy: By requiring states to constitutionally review and act on the financial health of Panchayats, the goal is to ensure that local governments are not financially dependent on the state for everything and can generate and manage resources more autonomously.
Latest Developments
- As of November 2024, all states, except Arunachal Pradesh, have constituted their State Finance Commissions (SFCs). The latest state to do so was Gujarat, which formed its commission on November 4, 2024.
- The note prepared by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj highlights that the 6th SFCs were due for constitution by 2019-2020 in all states. However, it shows that many states failed to meet this deadline. By 2020, only 15 states had established their 5th or 6th SFC.
Action Plan and Compliance Verification
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been tasked with certifying whether states have complied with the constitutional provisions related to the SFCs before the release of grants for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
- This certification is a crucial step in ensuring that grants are only given to those states that have adhered to the constitutional framework and set up SFCs. States failing to do so would not receive the financial assistance needed for local governance development.
Gujarat’s New SFC
- The formation of the State Finance Commission in Gujarat on November 4, 2024, is a recent development in response to the Finance Commission’s nudge. With this, Gujarat joins other states that have followed the Constitutional directive of setting up SFCs.
Conclusion and Significance
- The action taken by the 15th Finance Commission to withhold grants for non-compliance is significant as it underscores the importance of constitutional adherence and financial autonomy for local governments.
- It is also a step toward ensuring that Panchayats receive their rightful share of resources and are equipped to manage local governance effectively, fostering more equitable and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements with regards to State Finance Commission:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. Only One B. Only Two C. Only three D. All Four |
Q. Consider the following: (2023)
For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance? (a) Only two Ans: (b)
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| Answer 5- C
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: The 15th Finance Commission has mandated that states must establish State Finance Commissions (SFCs) by March 2024 to be eligible for grants. · Statement 2 is correct: The five-year cycle for the formation of SFCs was introduced under the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution (1992), which mandates the constitution of SFCs every five years. · Statement 3 is correct: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is tasked with certifying whether states have complied with the constitutional requirement for establishing SFCs before releasing grants. · Statement 4 is incorrect: As of 2024, more than nine states have constituted their 6th SFCs, making this statement incorrect. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |