GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

The upcoming judgment by a seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India in the case of State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh is poised to address a crucial legal question regarding affirmative action and reservations under the Constitution. The issue revolves around whether State governments have the authority to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories in recruitment to public employment, raising concerns about encroachment on Parliament's exclusive domain.

Constitutional Principles and Equality:

• Equality: The core of the dispute revolves around the constitutional commitment to equality enshrined in Articles 14 to 16, which guarantee substantive equality and recognition of historical caste-based discrimination.
• Rectification of historical injustices: The principle of substantive equality requires proactive measures to rectify historical injustices, including reservations for marginalized groups, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in previous cases like State Of Kerala vs N.M. Thomas.
• Conflict: Any prohibition on sub-classification within SCs and STs, purportedly imposed by Article 341, would conflict with the broader constitutional mandate of achieving equality and rectifying historical injustices.

Implications and Legal Analysis:

• Determination: The upcoming Supreme Court judgment will determine whether sub-classifications within SCs and STs are constitutionally permissible, considering their necessity in addressing intra-group variances and ensuring effective affirmative action.
• Legality of the Punjab law's sub-classification hinges on whether it modifies the President's list of SCs, as delineated in Article 341, or merely accounts for inter se backwardness within the existing list.
• Far-reaching implications: The Court's decision will have far-reaching implications for the interpretation of constitutional provisions on reservations and the balance between state autonomy and parliamentary authority in matters of affirmative action.

Context:

The recent inauguration of the new Parliament building and the Ram temple has sparked discussions regarding the intersection of politics and religion in urban development. These events raise questions about the role of elected representatives in both democratic governance and religious affairs, as well as the future trajectory of urbanization in India.

Colonial Legacy and New Paradigms of Urban Development:

• The historical trajectory of urban development in India has been shaped by colonial legacies, with metropolitan cities serving as centers of industrialization and economic activity.
• Modernism: Modern cities have traditionally been characterized by elements of modernism, including innovative design, technological advancements, and cultural vibrancy.
• Emergence of new religious cities signals a paradigm shift in urban development, where religious identity takes precedence over industrialization and modernization.

Investments and Random Modules:

• Post-colonial urbanization in India witnessed the emergence of industrial towns alongside metropolitan centers, yet metros continue to attract the largest share of population and investments. However, recent efforts aim to elevate regional pilgrimage cities like Ayodhya to the status of colonial cities through substantial infrastructure investments.
• While investing in regional cities is commendable for promoting production and tourism, the lack of a coherent national strategy raises concerns about haphazard expenditure.
• The emphasis on monumental projects and religious infrastructure suggests a deliberate attempt to merge religion with politics, signaling a departure from the secular ideals enshrined in India's constitution.

The Role of the State and Social Good:

• Urban development should prioritize social welfare and equitable distribution of resources, investing in modern institutions, education, healthcare, and social infrastructure.
• Addressing this trend requires a shift towards decentralization, democratization, and dynamic coexistence, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. Rather than promoting religious exclusivity, urban planning should strive for inclusivity and social cohesion, fostering a diverse and vibrant urban landscape.
• Priorities: As India grapples with the challenges of rapid urbanization and socio-economic disparities, the role of the state in promoting social welfare and equitable urban development becomes paramount. Policymakers must prioritize investments that benefit all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliations, to build a more inclusive and sustainable urban future.

Context:

India has been actively pursuing trade agreements with various countries and blocs, aiming to boost economic cooperation and trade. Recent agreements include deals with Australia, the UAE, the UK, the EU, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) mark a departure from past trends of abandoned negotiations and signal a renewed focus on openness and trade liberalization.

Ambitious Targets and Economic Potential:

• Inflow of investment: With the newly signed trade agreement with the EFTA states, substantial inflow of investment could potentially generate up to one million direct jobs in the country, providing a significant boost to economic growth and employment opportunities.
• Addressing trade imbalance: The agreement aims to address trade imbalances by reducing tariffs on industrial goods exported to India, including pharmaceutical products, machinery, watches, fertilizers, chemicals, and more.
• Crucial sectors: While the agreement covers a wide range of non-agricultural products, most agricultural items have been excluded. However, the services sector remains a crucial component of the trade agreement, with provisions aimed at stimulating services exports, particularly in areas such as information technology.

Policy Imperatives and Economic Growth:

• Significance: The Indian government's ambitious target of achieving $2 trillion in exports of goods and services by 2030 underscores the importance of policy action and deeper engagement with international partners.
• Policy interventions: As India navigates its development trajectory, it must seize the opportunities presented by trade agreements to spur economic growth and job creation.
• Tangible benefits: At this critical juncture, India must prioritize policy coherence and implementation to ensure that the gains from trade agreements translate into tangible benefits for its economy and people.