GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

By invoking its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court froze illegal bulldozer demolitions across the country until October 1, highlighting reports of “glorification, grandstanding, and even justifications” of the destruction of private homes and properties belonging to undertrials and their families. 

What is Bulldozer Justice?

• "Bulldozer Justice" refers to the practice where government authorities demolish the properties of individuals accused of crimes, such as rioters or protestors, often without a legal trial.
• This involves using heavy machinery like bulldozers to tear down homes or businesses, as a way to punish these individuals swiftly.
• Why it is supported? Supporters of "Bulldozer Justice" see it as a deterrent to discourage unlawful activities. They believe it provides instant justice, in contrast to the lengthy judicial process.

Criticism of Bulldozer Justice

• Bulldozer justice is a practice that is "inconceivable" in a nation governed by the rule of law.
• Bulldozing alleged illegal properties of crime accused without serving notice is a violation of the rule of law.
• Any state action, including demolitions, must be in accordance with the law and not used arbitrarily.
• The guilt of the accused must be proved before a court of law and the punishment should be given by the judiciary and not by executive action.
• It is a gross violation of law, human rights and the principles of natural justice.
• The demolitions often occur without proper legal procedures, violating the fundamental principle of due process.

Impact on Society

• Public Perception: The societal acceptance of "instant justice" reflects a troubling shift in attitudes towards legal processes. The glorification of demolitions as a deterrent undermines the foundational principles of justice and equality before the law.
• Homelessness and Violation of Rights: The destruction results in severe human rights violations, rendering families homeless and destabilizing communities.
• Judicial Responsibility: The reliance on the judiciary to curb executive overreach is a concerning trend in Indian democracy. It raises critical questions about the effectiveness of existing laws and the accountability of government officials.

Recommendations for Future Action

• Implementation of Guidelines: There is an urgent need for the Supreme Court's proposed guidelines to be effectively implemented, ensuring that all demolitions are conducted legally and with due process.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Establishing mechanisms to hold government officials accountable for unlawful demolitions can deter misuse of power and restore faith in governance.
• Public Awareness: Increasing public awareness about legal rights and the importance of due process can help foster a more informed citizenry that challenges unlawful state actions.

India is set to establish a carbon market, which aims to control and reduce emissions. This market will be based on the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), announced in June 2023, and is expected to be operational by 2026.

How it Works?

• Carbon markets, also known as emissions trading mechanisms, are trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought.
• It is a mechanism that internalises the cost of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in goods and services.
• Companies or individuals can use carbon markets to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing carbon credits from entities that remove or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• There are broadly two types of carbon markets:
  • Compliance markets are created as a result of any national, regional and/or international policy or regulatory requirement.
  • Voluntary carbon markets (national and international) refer to the issuance, buying and selling of carbon credits, on a voluntary basis.
• Emission Targets: The carbon market will set emissions targets for companies. Those who exceed their targets (emit less than their allowance) can sell their extra emission cuts to companies that do not meet their targets.
• Compliance Procedure: In August 2024, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), responsible for implementing CCTS, released the scheme’s compliance procedures. However, specific emission targets are still to be announced.

What is the purpose of a Carbon Market in India?

• In the short to medium term, the purpose is to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions per unit of output, while continuing to drive economic expansion (which will result in increased emissions.)
• The goal is to move towards a more efficient use of energy, switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy as power generation increases.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): This scheme is part of India's commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• Net-Zero Target: India has also pledged to become a net-zero emitter by 2070.
• India is the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, contributing 3%to the global greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.

Driving Factors:

• Global Influence: The introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the European Union in 2026, which will impose additional tariffs on imports based on their greenhouse gas emissions, is likely pushing India toward this scheme.
• International Trends: Other developing countries, such as China and Indonesia, are also developing carbon markets, influencing India’s move.

Current State of Carbon Markets in India

• Globally, there are over 28 emissiontrading systems in existence, and plans are in place for more than 21 additional national and sub-national emission trading markets. Meanwhile, India is actively developing a framework for its domestic carbon market.
• India currently operates two market-based emission reduction schemes: the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme and the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) system.
  • PAT scheme targets energy-intensive industries such as aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali, fertiliser, iron and steel, paper and pulp, railways, thermal power and textil Under this scheme, the government sets energy reduction goals, known as specific energy consumption (SEC), for companies in particular sectors. If a company uses less energy per unit of production than the established targets, it can earn certificates (ESCerts) as a reward for saving energy. The earned ESCerts can be traded on Power Exchanges and purchased by other units participating in the PAT scheme to fulfill their compliance needs.
  • REC system operates under the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), which mandates electricity generators to produce a certain percentage of their total power from renewable sources like solar and wind, etc. These certificatescan be traded and are intended to promote the use of renewable energy sources.

Challenges and Issues:

• Oversupply of Credits: For instance, the EU Emissions Trading System faced issues with credit oversupply, leading to fluctuating prices.
• Carbon Leakage: The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) addresses concerns of companies moving operations to countries with lax regulations.
• Offset Projects: The effectiveness of carbon offset projects (like tree planting) is questioned due to difficulties in measuring their carbon absorption potential.

Recent studies have challenged long-held beliefs about the population dynamics and environmental impact of the early inhabitants of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The findings suggest that the island's population was never as large as previously thought and that the alleged ecological collapse leading to the island's demise may be an oversimplification.

What are Rapa Nui?

• Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island, is a remote volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, famous for its hundreds of large stone statues called Moai.
• It is one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth, located about 1,900 kilometers from the nearest inhabited island and nearly 3,800 kilometers from the Chilean mainland.
• The island was first settled around 1210 AD by ancestors of contemporary Polynesians.

Previous Theory

• The previous theory posited that Rapa Nui's population experienced rapid growth, leading to environmental degradation. It was believed that the inhabitants deforested the island to construct the Moai and to use wood for fuel, leading to a collapse of the ecosystem.
• This theory painted the island as a cautionary tale of "ecocide," where human actions irrevocably destroyed the environment, resulting in the population's decline.

What Has Been Found Now?

Recent research indicates that the population of Rapa Nui may never have exceeded sustainable levels. Instead of a significant population collapse, it appears that early inhabitants maintained a stable population by adapting to the island's challenging conditions. Key findings include:

• Rock Gardens: Early settlers constructed rock gardens to cultivate sweet potatoes, which allowed them to secure a food supply despite the island's limited agricultural potential. This technique involved scattering stones over low-lying areas to create favorable microclimates for crop growth.
• Population Estimates: The area covered by these rock gardens is much smaller than previously assumed—less than 188 hectares, or less than 0.5% of the island. This could only sustain a population of about 2,000, contradicting earlier estimates that suggested larger numbers.
• Diet and Adaptation: Isotope analysis of bones and teeth indicates that early inhabitants derived a significant portion of their diet from the sea (35-45%) and supplemented it with less nutritious plants. This adaptability suggests resilience in managing limited resources.
• Stable Population at European Contact: When Europeans first arrived in 1722, the population of Rapa Nui was around 3,000, aligning with the findings that the island's inhabitants successfully adapted to its environmental constraints.

These discoveries challenge the narrative of a catastrophic collapse, suggesting instead that the islanders demonstrated resilience and ingenuity in the face of ecological limitations.

A rainwater harvesting project in Koduvayur has uncovered numerous megalithic urn burials atop Kundlikkad hill, shedding light on the connections between the Mesolithic and Iron Age periods in Kerala.

Key-highlights

• Such urn burials are rarely found on hilltops and could date back over 2,500 years, though further excavation is needed for precise dating.
  • Urns: These burials typically involve the use of large pottery urns that contain the ashes or remains of the deceased. The urns can vary in size and design, often reflecting the cultural practices of the community.
• Various pottery shards, including black and red ware, were discovered, revealing the craftsmanship of the megalith builders. Chisel marks on rocks indicate that these burial structures were carefully crafted.

There has been no progress towards resolution of two important friction points (Demchok and Depsang) in the past two years.

About Demchok and Depsang

• Depsang Plains
  • The Depsang Plains are located close to the strategically important Daulat Beg Oldie.
  • The crucial Sub-Sector North (SSN) consists of the Depsang plains and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO). Currently, the airfield at DBO is accessible by the 255 km-long Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road.
  • In Depsang Plains, Chinese troops have been blocking Indian Army patrols from going up to the PPs 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 13, beyond the Y junction.
  • Chinese build-up in this area threatens Indian positions at DBO and also brings Chinese troops closer to the DSDBO road.
  • Depsang is also close to the Karakoram pass overlooking the strategic Saltoro ridge and Siachen glacier, the world’s highest battlefield.
  • The Depsang Plains issue began in 2013 when China carried out an 18-km incursion in the area.

• Demchok
  • Demchok is in the southern part of eastern Ladakh,
  • In Demchok, the problem is mainly at the Charding Ninglung Nullah (CNN) junction.

Status of Disengagement

• Since the Corps commander-level talks in 2020, the two sides have so far undertaken disengagement from five friction points, from:
  • Galwan
  • North and South Banks of Pangong Tso
  • Patrolling Point (PP) 17 in the Gogra-Hot Springs
  • PP15
• Other points of concern:
  • Chushul, located on the southern bank of Pangong Tso Lake, has an airstrip and is near Rezang La pass on the LAC.
  • Spanggur Gap along the LAC has roads leading to it from either side. India’s Chushul-Demchok road in the area is a critical communication link.
  • Samar Lungpa
  • Trig Heights
  • Chumar
  • Dumchele
  • Kongka La

The sharp increase in the import of ammonium nitrate (AN) from Russia has raised alarms among domestic fertilizer companies, which are currently investing over Rs 4,000 crore to ramp up their AN production capacity.

The Issue at Hand

• The import of ammonium nitrate surged to 2.39 lakh tonnes in the last fiscal year, up from just 91,236 tonnes in FY22. This significant increase has resulted in a decline in domestic capacity utilization, which fell from 91% to 72%.
• A key factor contributing to this issue is the substantial price gap between domestic and imported AN.
• Countries that benefit from low-cost, subsidized natural gas, a critical raw material for AN production, are able to sell their products (dump) at much lower prices.
  • Dumping is the export of a product at a price that is lower in the foreign market than the price charged in the exporter's domestic market.
• Industry stakeholders are calling for urgent measures to curtail imports of ammonium nitrate, aiming to eventually stop them altogether.
• Achieving self-reliance in AN production would not only enhance the sustainability of coal production but also contribute to energy security in the country.

India's Capacity for Ammonium Nitrate Production

• India currently has an installed ammonium nitrate production capacity of 96 lakh tonnes per annum, with an additional 10.19 lakh tonnes per annum capacity under development by major fertilizer companies, including Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, Gujarat National Fertilizer, and National Fertilizer.
• Earlier this year, Coal India entered into a joint venture with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to establish a new AN plant in Odisha, with an investment of Rs 11,782 crore.
  • Once operational, the joint venture is expected to produce 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per day.

Recent research in Bengaluru has brought a new focus to one of the city’s last remaining vast grasslands—the Hesaraghatta grasslands. Scientists have identified a new species of dung beetle, Onitis visthara, adding to the global count of such beetle species and underscoring the ecological importance of these grasslands.

About the New Species

• The newly discovered beetle, Onitis visthara, is part of a small but ecologically significant group of beetles.
• Dung beetles, of family Scarabaeidae, process and decompose cow dung by feeding, breeding, and nesting in it.
• Onitis species are tunnellers; they bury large quantities of cattle dung beneath the dung pat to provide food for their larvae.
• Onitis visthara is named for its relatively broader appearance (visthara is breadth in Kannada).
• The discovery adds to the global tally of Onitis species, bringing the total number to 179.
• In addition to Onitis visthara, two other new species were identified:
  • Onitis kethai (Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, Karnataka)
  • Onitis bhomorensis (Tezpur, Assam)
• Ecological Role of Dung Beetles

• Waste Management: They decompose and bury dung, helping to reduce the volume of waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions. This function is particularly important in India, where livestock waste significantly contributes to climate change.
• Nutrient Cycling: By breaking down dung, beetles enhance soil fertility and nutrient availability.
• Soil Aeration: Their activities improve soil structure and aeration.
• Seed Dispersal and Parasite Control: Beetles also aid in the dispersal of seeds and help control parasites that could otherwise impact livestock health.

The recent legislative move (Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024) comes amidst rising sexual violence in India, with 31,516 rapes reported in 2022. The Bill has been referred to the President, sparking a national debate on capital punishment's effectiveness.

Legislative Developments

• Death Penalty Expansion: The Bill increases the number of offences punishable by death from 12 to 18, reflecting public outrage over sexual violence. Critics argue that harsher penalties do not improve women's safety, as high rates of violence persist.
• Governor's Critique: Despite unanimous passage by the West Bengal Assembly, the Governor has expressed concerns and referred the Bill to the President. This move indicates the need for a balance between legislative action and judicial oversight.
• National Crime Statistics: Data from the National Crime Records Bureau shows that Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh lead in rape cases, emphasizing systemic violence against women. This data reinforces the necessity for targeted legal reforms beyond punitive measures.

Global Perspective and Trends

• Death Penalty in Global Context: Globally, 112 countries have abolished the death penalty, while India remains a retentionist nation. This trend challenges the effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent to crime.
• Implications of Death Row Conditions: Death row prisoners face severe mental and physical health challenges, often stemming from inadequate support. The increasing number of marginalized individuals on death row highlights socio-economic disparities in the justice system.
• Recommendations for Reforms: Victim-centered reforms should include educational initiatives to challenge patriarchal norms. Comprehensive state support for survivors and their families is crucial for fostering resilience and dignity.

Practice Question

Q. “Death sentence does not necessarily act as a deterrent against crimes such as sexual offences”. Comment

India's economic growth is drawing attention as it becomes the world's fastest-growing large economy, with a median age of 28 and 63% of the population in the working age group. However, the labour force participation rate is low at 55.2%, indicating that while growth is not "jobless," significant reforms are necessary to harness the demographic dividend effectively.

Economic Reforms and Growth

• Need for Ongoing Reforms: To sustain and accelerate growth, India must continue its reform agenda, focusing on improving productivity and efficiency in markets.
• Sectoral Growth Challenges: The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights that technological advancements are changing the capital-to-labour ratio, suggesting an imbalance in capital-led growth versus labor utilization. Economists argue that India should leverage its abundant labor force rather than focusing solely on capital-intensive sectors.
• Impact of Labour Laws: The reluctance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to scale up, alongside large businesses avoiding labour-intensive sectors, stems from compliance burdens of outdated labour laws. The impasse over new labour codes is deterring potential investors and needs resolution, especially in States with established manufacturing ecosystems.

Employment Sectors and Skilling

• Agricultural Workforce Dynamics: With 45% of the workforce in agriculture, contributing only 18% to GDP, there is an urgent need to enhance agricultural productivity and transition workers to other sectors. 19% of the workforce is engaged in fragmented, low-productivity non-agricultural sectors.
• Focus on High-Growth Sectors: Targeting high-growth, labour-intensive sectors such as toys, apparel, tourism, and logistics can address aspirations of the workforce. As skills improve, there is potential for job enhancement and increased wages, helping to uplift the economy.
• Lifelong Skilling Initiatives: Only 4% of the 15-29 age cohort is formally skilled. Effective skilling requires public-private partnerships for curriculum development, recognizing that skill development must be a continuous process to adapt to market needs.

Education, AI, and Future Outlook

• Educational Policy Relevance: The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes foundational and higher-order cognitive skills, but it requires periodic reviews to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. Continuous adaptation of educational frameworks is essential for preparing a skilled workforce.
• AI and Job Market Dynamics: In the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), low-skill, repetitive jobs are at risk, yet human oversight remains vital. India has the second-largest talent pool in AI, but a projected 51% gap between demand and supply needs addressing to capitalize on this opportunity.
• Demographic Dividend Potential: India's young and aspirational population presents a unique challenge that is preferable to an ageing demographic. A holistic approach to skill development and job creation is crucial to harness the demographic dividend and position India as a global economic leader.

Practice Question

Q. “India is in a sweet spot and must employ a holistic approach to create a talent pool so as to harness its demographic dividend for the benefit of the world at large”. Discuss

India's climate action efforts are entering a critical phase as the country sets ambitious targets for 2030. Despite progress in renewable energy, coal dependence remains high, with clean energy constituting only 22% of the electricity mix. Urgent environmental issues such as heat stress, air quality, waste management, and energy efficiency require immediate attention to align with rising energy demands.

Mitigating Pollutants

• Vulnerability to Heat Stress: India faces significant risks from heat stress, potentially encountering heat waves beyond human survivability limits. Mitigating CO2 and short-lived climate pollutants like methane is essential, as these super pollutants have a much greater short-term warming impact.
• Targeted Approaches to Climate Change: Addressing climate challenges through tailored treaties can enhance accountability under the Paris Agreement. Learning from the Montreal Protocol's success with the Kigali Amendment, a focus on reducing methane emissions could prevent nearly 0.3°C of warming by the 2040s.
• Comprehensive Air Quality Management: Improving air quality requires five key actions: collective responsibility, investment in clean air initiatives, sustainable development integration, data-driven interventions, and recognizing air quality's economic benefits. Consistent efforts are necessary to tackle air pollution as a persistent issue.

Importance of Carbon Markets

• Role of Carbon Markets: Carbon markets can incentivize greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions by offering financial rewards for emission cuts. With the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5-2°C, a reduction of at least 43% in global GHG emissions is required, making these markets essential for achieving this target.
• India’s Carbon Market Plans: India aims to launch its 'India Carbon Market' in 2026, potentially establishing the world’s largest emissions trading system by 2030. This could help meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and avoid $35 trillion in climate-related costs over the next 50 years.
• Nuanced Approaches to Emission Metrics: Current carbon trading metrics aggregate all pollutants into CO2 equivalents, which can obscure the distinct impacts of different pollutants. Separating long-lived pollutants from short-lived climate pollutants in carbon markets could yield more effective climate action.

Governance and Political Engagement

• Need for a Nodal Authority: Establishing a constitutional nodal authority for climate action is essential for ensuring coordinated, pre-emptive measures with timelines across government tiers. This would facilitate accountability and effective governance in tackling climate issues.
• Political Will and Public Engagement: The 2024 Lok Sabha elections showed a troubling neglect of climate issues, despite public demand. The absence of a strong political commitment to climate action exacerbates vulnerabilities, particularly for the economically disadvantaged, who prioritize immediate survival.
• Integrating Climate into Political Agendas: For meaningful progress, climate action must become central to political agendas, moving beyond token gestures. Climate-progressive leadership is necessary to foster a sustainable and equitable future for India.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the importance of establishing a robust carbon market in India and evaluate its potential impact on achieving the country’s climate targets and mitigating environmental challenges. What governance structures are essential to support this initiative?