Sept 26th 2024 Current Affairs

Index:

1.Two Years of Cheetah Reintroduction

Current Status and Challenges (After Two Years) Of Cheetah Reintroduction

  • Marginal Success: The project has made some progress, but challenges remain. Out of 24 cheetahs translocated, survival rates are low due to various factors.
    • Translocation Phases:
      • Phase 1: 8 cheetahs (Namibia)
      • Phase 2: 12 cheetahs (South Africa)

 

  • Breeding Success:
    • 17 cubs were born, but only 5 survived.
    • 2 cheetahs, Pawan and Veera, were released into the wild but later faced complications (Pawan died due to infection).
    • Questions remain about the cheetahs’ ability to survive independently in the wild.

 

Recommendations for Improvement

  • Expand Habitat: Integrating other areas like the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape could provide better habitat for cheetahs to roam and thrive.
  • Prey Management: Increase the prey population to match cheetah requirements.
  • Relocation Strategy: Given that many cheetahs are struggling in Kuno, expanding the project into Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other areas with suitable habitats is vital.

 

Road Ahead

  • Phase 2: Another batch of cheetahs is expected to be released after the monsoon, following a 4-5 week quarantine and acclimatization period.
  • New Release Sites: The project may expand to other areas like the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Long-Term Monitoring: Continuous research and monitoring are crucial to determine cheetah adaptability and project success.Additional Insights

 

Key Information

  1. Historical Background of Cheetah in India
  • Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 due to habitat loss, poaching, and prey depletion.
  • Last Wild Cheetah: Reported to have been killed in 1947 in the state of Chhattisgarh.
  • Earlier Reintroduction Attempts: Since the 1970s
  1. Importance of Cheetahs in Ecology
  • Keystone Species: Cheetahs play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling herbivore populations.
  • Umbrella Species: By conserving cheetah habitats, several other species, including herbivores and small carnivores, also benefit from a stable environment.

 

  1. Global Conservation Efforts
  • Cheetah Range: African cheetahs are distributed across various countries in Africa, but populations are in decline due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
  • IUCN Status: Cheetah is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, with some subspecies like the Asiatic cheetah critically endangered.

 

  1. Lessons from International Cheetah Conservation
  • Successful reintroduction programs in countries like Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana offer insights into prey base management, habitat suitability, and conflict mitigation.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Management: India needs to address this issue, particularly in regions with high human density and livestock populations.

2. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord

  1. Background of Assam Accord
  2. What is Clause 6 of the Assam Accord?
  • Objective: To provide constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect the “Assamese people”.

3. Justice Biplab Sarma Committee Recommendations

Constituted

To suggest measures for the implementation of Clause 6.

Report Submitted

February 2020, containing 52 key recommendations for safeguarding the identity of the Assamese people.

Main Recommendations

1.       Defining “Assamese People”: Should include

§  Indigenous Tribals, Indigenous Communities of Assam,

§  All citizens residing in Assam before January 1, 1951.

2.       Constitutional Safeguards: Introduction of amendments to grant more autonomy and legislative authority to the state.

3.       Land Rights: Assamese people should have exclusive rights over land.

4.       Reservation: 100% reservation in jobs, education, and land rights for the Assamese people.

5.       Language: Make Assamese the official state language and ensure its protection.

4. Status of Implementation

 

·         Current State: Only 15 out of 52 recommendations have been implemented, while the remaining 15 are in the hands of the Central Government, which requires constitutional amendments.

  1. Challenges and Criticism
  • Definition of “Assamese People”: Lack of clarity on who qualifies as “Assamese”. The cut-off date for residency in Assam (1951) has been controversial.
  • Constitutional Amendments: Several recommendations require amendments
  • Reservation Issues: Full reservation in jobs and education for Assamese people could lead to legal challenges and opposition from other communities.

 

  1. Autonomy and Cultural Preservation
  • Autonomous Councils: Clause 6 recommendations seek to empower autonomous councils like the Bodoland Territorial Council and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council with more legislative and judicial autonomy.
  • Cultural and Linguistic Identity: Recommendations on promoting Assamese as the official language and ensuring its use in administrative and educational institutions have gained strong support.

 

  1. Significance of Clause 6
  • Importance: Protects the Assamese identity from being diluted by the influx of migrants and ensures economic and cultural dominance.
  • Link to NRC and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): The debate on who qualifies as an “Assamese” is closely related to ongoing controversies around the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the CAA.

 

Historical Context of Assam Movement

  • The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was primarily led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) against illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
  • Six-Year Movement: Protesters demanded the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants and sought safeguards for Assam’s indigenous population.
  • Violence and Agitation: The movement witnessed widespread violence, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, including during the infamous Nellie massacre of 1983.

3. Simultaneous Elections ("One Nation, One Election")

  1. Background of Simultaneous Elections (ONE)
  • Concept: The idea of holding simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and local government (within 100days) to streamline the electoral process, reduce the frequency of elections, and enhance governance.
  • Historical Context: India’s first general elections in 1952 saw simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This practice continued until 1967, when some state assemblies were dissolved prematurely, leading to staggered elections.
  • Notable Developments:

Arguments in Favor of Simultaneous Elections

Challenges and Criticisms

·         Efficiency: It would reduce the frequent use of government resources, election machinery, and security forces, leading to reduced costs and more effective governance.

o    For example, the 2015 cost of holding separate elections for Lok Sabha and assemblies was pegged at Rs 4,500 crore.

·         Governance Stability: It can reduce the paralysis caused by the frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which delays policy decisions and implementation.

·         Harmonization: Continuous elections disrupt the government’s functioning at both the Centre and the states due to MCC restrictions, halting ongoing projects and welfare schemes.

·         Reduction in Political Instability: The current fragmented electoral approach, with frequent elections, destabilizes governance and encourages populist measures instead of long-term planning.

  • Undermining Federalism: It might reduce the distinctiveness of state elections and undermine the federal structure by overshadowing regional issues.
  • Logistical Challenges: It require significant resources, including updating voter rolls, deploying adequate security, and managing over a billion voters across the country.
  • Constitutional Amendments: It requires substantial amendments to the Constitution, particularly regarding dissolution and functioning of assemblies, extension or reduction of tenures, and scheduling elections.
  • Voter Confusion:Potentially leading to uniform voting patterns that dilute regional issues in favor of national narratives.

 

  1. Legal and Constitutional Implications
  • Article 356 Misuse: The misuse of Article 356 of the Constitution (President’s Rule) to dissolve state assemblies early, as seen during Congress rule, destabilized simultaneous elections.
  • Basic Structure Debate: Critics argue that the One Nation, One Election (ONE) proposal could threaten the “basic structure” of the Constitution by weakening the federal principle, which upholds state autonomy.
    • However, the author suggests that ONE would strengthen democracy by ensuring a level playing field and more responsible governance.
  • Supreme Court’s Position: In earlier judgments, the Supreme Court upheld that “free and fair elections” are fundamental to the basic structure, but it hasn’t ruled on the specifics of simultaneous elections yet.

 

  1. Reports and Recommendations
  • Election Commission of India (1962): Stressed the desirability of simultaneous elections to avoid the duplication of effort.
  • Law Commission (170th Report): Suggested simultaneous elections to both Parliament and State Assemblies to reduce governance disruption and the misuse of President’s Rule (Article 356).

NITI Aayog Report (2017): Also proposed the reintroduction of simultaneous elections, pointing out the economic and administrative benefits.

4. Impact of Chinese Predatory Pricing on India's Clean Energy

  1. Issue Chinese Predatory Pricing: China is undercutting prices in solar energy, affecting India’s domestic clean energy manufacturing.
  • Impact: Domestic manufacturers face competition from low-cost Chinese imports, hampering growth despite the Production Linked Incentive (PLI)
  1. India’s Response
  • PLI Scheme: Rs 24,000 crore to support solar module production. First Solar set up a 3,212 MW plant in Tamil Nadu.
  • Partnerships with the West: India is exploring ties with the US, Germany, and others to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
  • Import Restrictions: Extending the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) to solar cells from April 2026.

 

  1. Challenges
  • Demand-Supply Mismatch: Domestic production cannot meet the growing demand.
  • Technological Gap: Indian firms face challenges in producing high-efficiency solar modules at competitive prices.
  • Chinese Dominance: China’s global market share and state subsidies make it difficult to compete. China controls over 80% of the world’s solar panel manufacturing.

 

  1. Strategic Initiatives
  • US-India Clean Energy Cooperation: Focus on technology transfer, critical minerals, and investments under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
  • Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) PLI Scheme: Incentives for battery manufacturing (50 GWh) to support EVs and energy storage.
  • EV and Storage Systems: Expanding battery manufacturing for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems as part of India’s broader clean energy transition.

India’s National Solar Mission

Launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change in 2010, the National Solar Mission aimed to install 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022. While India has made significant progress, the reliance on Chinese imports for solar equipment has been a major roadblock in achieving self-reliance.

5. Employment Gaps and Reforms in India

  1. Employment Growth Trends
  • RBI Data: A 6% rise in job growth for FY24, up from 3.2% in FY23.
  • CMIE Data: Contradicts RBI, reporting an unemployment rate of 9.2% in June 2024, up from 7%.
  • Job Creation Need: India requires about 2 crore jobs annually over the next decade to meet the needs of the labor force.
  1. Challenges in Employment
  • Discrepancy in Data: Varied estimates from different agencies (e.g., RBI vs. CMIE) hinder a clear picture of job growth.
  • Skill Gaps: Two main reasons:
    1. Mismatch in skills: Job seekers are either overqualified or lack the skills required for available positions.
    2. Quality of Education: Educational institutions do not equip students with industry-relevant skills.

 

  1. Impact of Technology on Jobs
  • AI and Automation: These are reducing the demand for low-skilled labor but increasing the need for highly skilled workers.
  • Mechanical Muscles: Jobs requiring physical labor are declining as automation and AI take over.
  • Reskilling Required: The workforce must adapt to technological changes through educational and skilling reforms.

 

  1. Sector-Specific Employment
  • Manufacturing Sector: Insufficient growth in manufacturing hinders job creation. Technology adoption and global competitiveness must improve.
  • New Opportunities: Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electronics sectors show promise for generating jobs through higher technology and export-oriented growth.
  1. Educational and Skilling Reforms
  • Urgent Need for Reforms: Education must align with future job requirements. Focus areas include: 1)Higher Education: Bridging the gap between education and employability.

2)Technical Training: Expansion of courses focused on new-age skills like AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing.

5. Employment Gaps and Reforms in India

  1. Employment Growth Trends
  • RBI Data: A 6% rise in job growth for FY24, up from 3.2% in FY23.
  • CMIE Data: Contradicts RBI, reporting an unemployment rate of 9.2% in June 2024, up from 7%.
  • Job Creation Need: India requires about 2 crore jobs annually over the next decade to meet the needs of the labor force.
  1. Challenges in Employment
  • Discrepancy in Data: Varied estimates from different agencies (e.g., RBI vs. CMIE) hinder a clear picture of job growth.
  • Skill Gaps: Two main reasons:
    1. Mismatch in skills: Job seekers are either overqualified or lack the skills required for available positions.
    2. Quality of Education: Educational institutions do not equip students with industry-relevant skills.

 

  1. Impact of Technology on Jobs
  • AI and Automation: These are reducing the demand for low-skilled labor but increasing the need for highly skilled workers.
  • Mechanical Muscles: Jobs requiring physical labor are declining as automation and AI take over.
  • Reskilling Required: The workforce must adapt to technological changes through educational and skilling reforms.

 

  1. Sector-Specific Employment
  • Manufacturing Sector: Insufficient growth in manufacturing hinders job creation. Technology adoption and global competitiveness must improve.
  • New Opportunities: Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electronics sectors show promise for generating jobs through higher technology and export-oriented growth.
  1. Educational and Skilling Reforms
  • Urgent Need for Reforms: Education must align with future job requirements. Focus areas include: 1)Higher Education: Bridging the gap between education and employability.

2)Technical Training: Expansion of courses focused on new-age skills like AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing.

1. Overall Turnout

 

·         57% voter turnout recorded in the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

·         Jammu Region: High turnout of around 70%, despite terror attacks.

·         Kashmir Region: Low voter turnout compared to Jammu, with Srinagar seeing the lowest turnout.

 

2. Regional Breakdown

 

·         Jammu Districts: Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi districts witnessed high voter participation.

o    Poonch: 73.80% voter turnout.

o    Rajouri and Reasi: Higher turnouts compared to 2021.

·         Kashmir Districts:

o    Srinagar: Lowest turnout among the three districts in the Valley.

o    Budgam and Ganderbal: Significant drop from the 2014 elections.

 

3. Security and Terror Attacks

 

  • Terror Attacks: Voting in Jammu was affected by recent terrorist attacks, such as an ambush in Reasi district targeting pilgrims.
  • Despite the violence, many voters turned out in large numbers, demonstrating resilience, especially in border areas like Kalkaote-Sunderbani.

 

4. Srinagar Observations

 

  • Low Turnout: Voter apathy was reported, with many choosing to stay away due to dissatisfaction with the political system.
  • Diplomats Visit: Delegation from 15 countries visited polling booths in Kashmir to observe the election process.

 

6. Key Takeaways

 

  • Increased Voting in Jammu: Voter enthusiasm in Jammu is notable, despite security concerns.
  • Decline in Kashmir Voting: Significant drop in turnout in Kashmir, signaling political dissatisfaction and a disconnect from the political process.
  • Security Measures: The polling process remained largely peaceful with heavy security deployment.

 

6. The Impact of Global Warming on Weather Forecasting

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