GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The upcoming U.N. COP29 climate summit in November is gearing up to address crucial issues regarding global climate finance. With nearly 200 countries in attendance, discussions are underway to establish a new global funding goal to combat climate change.

What is Climate Finance?

• Climate finance refers to financial support provided by wealthier nations to help developing countries invest in projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
• This funding is crucial for developing nations to implement sustainable initiatives and cope with extreme weather events.

The Need for a New Goal:

• The current goal, set in 2009, pledged $100 billion annually from 2020 to 2025 for climate finance.
• However, due to worsening climate change and insufficient clean energy investments in developing nations, estimates for required funds have skyrocketed.
• Reports suggest that $2.4 trillion per year will be needed by 2030 to meet climate goals and protect vulnerable societies.
• Proposed Funding Targets: Ahead of COP29, various proposals have been put forward regarding the new funding goal.
  • The Arab group suggests $1.1 trillion annually, with a significant portion coming directly from developed countries.
  • Similarly, India, African nations, and small island states advocate for over $1 trillion annually, with differing views on funding sources.

Challenges and Debates:

• Obligation for funding: One major debate revolves around which countries should contribute to climate finance. Currently, only a few wealthy nations are obligated to provide funding, leading to calls for an updated list that includes countries like China and high GDP per capita nations. However, this proposal faces resistance, particularly from China.
• Defining Climate Finance: Another challenge lies in defining what constitutes climate finance. While most public funding currently consists of loans, concerns have been raised about the burden of debt on poorer nations. Additionally, debates center around whether commitments to cut fossil fuel subsidies should be reflected in the funding goal.

North India is grappling with its longest heatwave. Despite the severity, heatwaves remain excluded from the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The absence of heatwaves as a recognized disaster under the Act deprives states of accessing disaster response funds for relief efforts and mitigation measures.

What is Disaster Management Act?

• The Disaster Management Act, 2005, was enacted to address catastrophes arising from natural or man-made causes.
• It established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to oversee disaster response at different levels.
• The Act includes provisions for funds such as the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

What are ‘notified disasters’?

• Notified disasters, as per the Act, are catastrophic events beyond the coping capacity of communities, leading to substantial loss of life, property, or damage to the environment.
• These include cold waves, cyclones, earthquakes, floods, and others. States can access funds like the NDRF and SDRF for relief and recovery efforts.
• Heatwaves, although increasingly common due to global warming and urbanization, were not initially considered a disaster when the Act was enacted in 2005. With 23 vulnerable states and growing risks of heat-related illnesses, there's a pressing need to address heatwaves in disaster management.
• Despite demands from state governments, the 15th Finance Commission did not include heatwaves as a notified disaster, citing the existing list covering state needs adequately.
  • However, states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala have designated heatwaves as local disasters, allowing them to access funds for relief efforts.

President Draupadi Murmu administered oaths to the Central Council of Ministers of the new government.

What is the Central Council of Ministers?

• Led by: Prime Minister
• The Central Council of Ministers plays a vital role in government policy-making. In India's Parliamentary system, it serves as the real executive authority.
• Constitutional Mandate: According to Article 74 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India, as the head of the Executive, must act on the aid and advice of the COM.
  • This article establishes the Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at its head to aid and advise the President in exercising their functions.
• Appointment Process: Article 75 outlines the process of appointing ministers. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who then recommends other ministers. The size of the council should not exceed 15% of the Lok Sabha's strength.
• Participation in Proceedings: Article 88 empowers ministers to participate in proceedings of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, as well as any joint session or parliamentary committee they are part of. However, it does not grant them the right to vote.

Who are the Cabinet Ministers?

• Cabinet ministers are the senior-most members of the Central Council of Ministers, second only to the Prime Minister.
• They oversee critical ministries such as Home Affairs, Finance, and Defence, with the authority to organize meetings and make important policy decisions.

Who are the Ministers of State (Independent Charge)?

• Ministers of State (Independent Charge) are junior members of the Central Council of Ministers.
• They administer their respective ministries independently, without oversight from cabinet ministers or other members of the government.

Who are the Ministers of State?

• Ministers of State assist cabinet ministers in their duties.
• They are responsible for specific functions delegated to them by their superiors, typically cabinet ministers.
• Ministries like Home, External Affairs, Health, and Education may have multiple Ministers of State working alongside the cabinet minister.

The Centre decided to release an additional installment of the tax devolution share of States along with their due share for June 2024. Effectively, Rs 1,39,750 crore is being transferred to States this month.

What is Divisible Pool of Taxes?

• The divisible pool of taxes refers to the portion of tax revenue collected by the Union government that is shared between the Centre and the States.
• It encompasses various taxes such as corporation tax, personal income tax, Central GST, and the Centre's share of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST).
• Notably, cess and surcharge imposed by the Centre are excluded from this pool.

Role of the Finance Commission

• Under Article 280 of the Constitution, the division of the divisible pool of taxes is determined by the Finance Commission, which is constituted every five years.
• Apart from distributing tax revenue, the Finance Commission also recommends grants-in-aid to States.
• Composition of the Finance Commission: The Finance Commission comprises a chairman and four other members appointed by the President. The qualifications for these members are specified in the Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951.

The Indian Army has unveiled "Vidyut Rakshak," a cutting-edge innovation developed by the Army Design Bureau (ADB), aimed at enhancing the monitoring and control of generators. This system signifies the Indian Army's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for operational efficiency.

About Vidyut Rakshak:

• "Vidyut Rakshak" is an Internet of Things-enabled system designed by the ADB to monitor, protect, and control generators within the Indian Army.
• This innovation applies to all existing generators, regardless of their type, make, rating, or age.
• Key Features:
  • Comprehensive Monitoring: Vidyut Rakshak not only monitors generator parameters but also predicts and prevents faults, ensuring seamless operation.
  • Fault Prediction and Prevention: The system anticipates potential faults and takes preventive measures, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
  • Automation: By automating manual operations, Vidyut Rakshak simplifies generator management tasks, thereby saving manpower and improving operational efficiency.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The system features a user-friendly interface, making it easy for army personnel to operate and manage generators effectively.

India's environmental performance has come under scrutiny with its ranking among the lowest in air quality, projected emissions, and biodiversity preservation in the 2024 Environment Performance Index (EPI).

Key Findings:

• The number one country in the index is Estonia, which decreased its greenhouse gas emissions by 59% compared to 1990 levels.
  • The Global West and Eastern Europe emerge as top-performing regions in the EPI, reflecting their strong environmental conservation efforts.
  • Conversely, Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia rank at the bottom among the eight regions assessed, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced sustainability measures in these areas.
• India ranked 176th among 180 countries, above Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar only, in the overall index.
  • However, it remains one of the lowest performers, especially in air quality, emissions, and biodiversity preservation.
• India’s performance lags in several indicators mainly because of its heavy dependence on coal, which contributes to not only greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also high air pollution levels.
• Air quality: In air quality, India ranks 177th, above Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal only
• In projected emissions by 2025, India ranks 172nd.
• Transboundary Pollution in South Asia: South Asia ranks lowest on the EPI, with India identified as the largest emitter of transboundary pollution in the region.
  • The impact of Indian pollution extends to neighboring Bangladesh, affecting the well-being of its residents.
• Climate Change Performance: Despite its overall low ranking, India secures a relatively better position (133) in the climate change category.
• This improvement is attributed to India's investments in renewable energy and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• India will require an additional USD 160 billion per year in climate change mitigation investments to achieve its goals.
  • Categories enhanced India’s performance: solid waste management, forests, and agriculture
  • Categories downgraded India’s performance: air quality, emissions, and biodiversity categories

The Atlantic bluefin tuna, one of the most overfished fish species globally, now faces a new threat: warming seas. Marine heatwaves are causing bluefins to migrate to the north, according to a new study.

About

• Order: Scombriformes
• Family: Scombridae
• It is one of three bluefin tuna species, together with Pacific bluefin and Southern Bluefin.
• Atlantic bluefin tuna are the largest tuna species.
• The Atlantic bluefin tolerates a wide range of temperatures. It lives in subtropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean and Black seas, although sightings in the Black Sea are now rare
• Bluefin Tuna are known to be highly migratory, with individuals making long migrations every year.

The recent European Parliament elections witnessed significant gains for right-wing and far-right parties across key member states, challenging the dominance of centrist and liberal groups. This shift in political landscape has implications for EU policy-making and alliances.

Far-Right Gains in Key Member States:

• France: Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National emerged as the largest party, reflecting a surge in nationalist sentiment.
• Germany: The Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) made historic gains, questioning the legitimacy of the ruling coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Schulz.
• Italy: Prime Minister Georgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy Party solidified its position, alongside far-right successes in Austria, Hungary, and Spain.

Implications for European Parliament Dynamics:

• Shifting Political Blocs: While centre-right parties retained strength, liberal and Green groups faced setbacks, altering the balance of power in the European Parliament.
• Potential Collaborations: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may need to seek support from right-wing blocs for policy initiatives, signaling a departure from the previous "Grand Coalition" dynamics.
• Policy Shifts: There are concerns about a gradual rightward pivot in EU policy, with implications for climate action, immigration, and asylum policies.

Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the implications of the recent gains by right-wing and far-right parties in European Parliament elections for EU policy-making and alliances.

Lok Sabha 2024 has shown underrepresentation of women in India's Parliament despite marginal gains over the years, highlighting the disparity between women voters and women lawmakers. It critiques the limited impact of legislative quotas and explores the broader societal and political factors influencing women's political participation in India.

Challenges of Representation:

• Incremental Gains: Women constitute only 13% of the current Parliament, a modest increase from 4.4% in 1952, reflecting slow progress in women's representation despite significant electoral reforms.
• Political Party Dynamics: Political parties nominate few women candidates, with only 10% of contestants being women in the recent elections, showcasing systemic biases and limited opportunities for women in political candidacy.
• Party-wise Disparities: Variability exists among political parties in nominating women candidates, with the Trinamool Congress leading with 38% women MPs among its winners, underscoring disparities in commitment to gender parity.

Barriers to Women's Participation:

• Cultural and Social Factors: Traditional family structures and societal norms discourage women's active political involvement beyond token representation, limiting their aspirations and opportunities.
• Candidate Profiles: Women MPs often come from privileged backgrounds or are connected to established male politicians, contributing to a perception of tokenism rather than substantive inclusion.
• Impact of Reservations: Despite the 33% reservation law for women in legislative bodies pending implementation, its efficacy remains questionable in fostering genuine political empowerment beyond token gestures.

Way Forward:

• Enhancing Women's Participation: Effective implementation of reservation policies coupled with efforts to encourage grassroots political engagement among women can bridge the representation gap.
• Role of Political Parties: Political parties need to adopt proactive measures to nominate and support women candidates, reflecting broader societal shifts towards gender equality.
• International Comparisons: India lags behind several countries in women's parliamentary representation, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive reforms and inclusive political practices.

Mains Question:

Q. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of legislative quotas in enhancing women's representation in Indian Parliament. What are the systemic challenges and socio-cultural factors hindering the meaningful participation of women in politics? Discuss with reference to recent electoral trends and international benchmarks.

The recent economic turmoil caused an extraordinary decrease in the value of the Indian rupee, raising fears among investors and authorities.

Domestic Factors:

• Inflationary Pressures and Commodity Prices: Rising inflation and commodity prices have eroded the purchasing power of the rupee.
• Fiscal Deficits and Policy Stance: Concerns over fiscal deficits and government policy stance have undermined investor confidence.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruptions in the supply chain have exacerbated economic challenges, impacting the rupee's value.

International Factors:

• Global COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: The resurgence of the pandemic globally led to lockdowns and reduced demand for Indian exports.
• Trade Restrictions: Global trade restrictions affected India's external trade balance and currency reserves.
• Economic Activity and Reserves: Reduced economic activity globally added pressure on the rupee's value and currency reserves.

Response and Urgency for Structural Reforms:

• Reserve Bank of India's Intervention: The RBI intervened to stabilize the currency but faces challenges.
• Persisting Downward Trajectory: Despite efforts, the rupee's downward trajectory continues, highlighting the need for reforms.
• Need for Structural Reforms: Policymakers emphasize the urgency of structural reforms to boost productivity and restore investor confidence.

UPSC Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the domestic and international factors contributing to the recent depreciation of the Indian rupee. What measures should policymakers take to address the structural issues and restore confidence in India's economic prospects?