GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

Canada has accused India of unilaterally revoking the diplomatic immunity of Canadian diplomats in India, asserting a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR).

Allegations and Misunderstandings

• Misinterpretation of Diplomatic Actions: Canada alleges India revoked diplomatic immunity, but India demanded reduction based on parity. No diplomats declared persona non grata.
• Article 9 of VCDR: India holds the right to declare diplomats persona non grata, a prerogative under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention.
• Subjective Determination of Reasonable Mission Size: Article 11(1) of VCDR allows the receiving state (India) to decide what “reasonable and normal” regarding mission size.

International Precedents and Legal Grounds

• UK's Action against Soviet Union: The UK imposed a ceiling on the Soviet Union mission due to inappropriate activities, invoking Article 11 of the VCDR.
• US Limitation on Iranian Diplomats: The US used its authority to limit Iranian diplomats based in Washington.
• Moldova and Estonia’s Similar Actions: Moldova and Estonia asked Russia to downsize its mission based on the principle of parity, citing Article 11 of the VCDR.

Legal Framework and Call for Trust Restoration

• Article 41(1) of VCDR: Canadian diplomats interfering in India’s internal affairs could be a breach of the VCDR.
• Diplomatic Relations Act of 1972: India’s legal framework empowers the government to restrict privileges for non-compliance with VCDR obligations.
• Need for Trust-Building Measures: Trust deficit between India and Canada requires efforts from both sides. Accusations harm relations and require resolution through diplomacy.

Context:

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp yatra is strategically timed in anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May 2024, which raises concerns over the politicization of the bureaucracy and the military in India.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

• Government's Outreach Endeavor: The Centre initiates Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to showcase achievements since 2014.
• Selective Focus on BJP's Tenure: Yatra spotlights accomplishments from the two terms of the present government.
• Pre-election Timing: The event conveniently aligns with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in April-May 2024.

Concerns on Separation of Powers and Partisan Involvement

• Constitutional Framework at Stake: India's governance system envisions a clear division of power between the executive, judiciary, and legislature.
• Bureaucratic and Military Neutrality: Both the bureaucracy and military are expected to remain impartial and insulated from partisan politics.
• Erosion of Bureaucratic Impartiality: Opposition parties criticize the government for politicizing the bureaucracy and the military.

Upholding Institutional Integrity

• Challenges to Credibility: India's extensive electoral process relies on bureaucratic impartiality for credibility.
• Military's Non-Involvement in Domestic Politics: Political neutrality is crucial for the military's credibility and integrity.
• Call for Ethical Governance: Upholding institutional integrity should take precedence over partisan electoral strategies.

Context:

Telangana High Court's verdict relieves the government over power dues to Andhra Pradesh, amid longstanding disputes post-bifurcation since 2014.

The Power dispute:

• High Court's Verdict: Telangana High Court quashes Centre's order, relieving the state of Rs.6, 750 crore power dues to Andhra Pradesh.
• Pending Dispute Resolution: Ongoing dispute over power dues, with Andhra Pradesh seeking Rs.3, 441.78 crore in principal and ?3,315.14 crore in late payment surcharge from Telangana.
• Telangana's Counterclaim: Telangana argues for receivables of Rs.17, 420 crore from Andhra Pradesh power utilities, emphasizing a net due of Rs.12, 532 crore.

Centre's Role and Disputed Claims

• Union Power Minister's Statement: Union Power Minister R.K. Singh asserts Centre's directive for Andhra Pradesh to supply electricity to Telangana post-bifurcation.
• Telangana's Response: Telangana questions Centre's selective intervention emphasizes unresolved issues since bifurcation.
• Power Dispute's Complexity: Both states engage in claims and counterclaims, highlighting discrepancies in power supply and payments.

Pending Bifurcation Issues

• Mediation Prospects: Possibility of the two states opting for mediation to settle power dues, a potential breakthrough in addressing pending bifurcation issues.
• Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act Deadline: Act's 10-year deadline for issue resolution approaches, adding urgency to settling longstanding disputes.
• Need for Comprehensive Settlement: Resolution of power dues could pave the way for addressing other contentious matters arising from the bifurcation.