GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context

State of permanent dissonance throughout the world.

Global Geopolitical Unrest

• Continents in Turmoil: Europe, Asia, Africa face ongoing discord, creating a global landscape of tension. North and South America add diverse challenges, fostering multipolar disorder.
• Hamas-Israel Escalation: Recent Hamas attack shifts geopolitics. West Asia tension rises, questioning the two-state solution. Complexity deepens on the unstable global stage.
• Russia-Ukraine Conflict Impact: Prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupts balance, signalling global shifts. Escalation intensifies instability, emphasizing interconnectedness of regional conflicts on the world stage.

Escalating Conflicts: West Asia and Indo-Pacific

• Middle East Uncertainty:Hamas-Israel conflict destabilizes West Asia, risking the two-state solution. Intensified hostilities raise doubts about diplomatic resolutions, heightening global geopolitical uncertainty.
• Military Alliances and Power Dynamics:Indo-Pacific tensions surge as U.S., China compete. Absence of East Asian alliances, intricate major power dynamics pose formidable challenges, suggesting potential broader conflicts with unpredictable outcomes.
• Implications of Geopolitical Challenges: Interplay between regional conflicts and major powers underscores global geopolitics' interconnected nature. Escalating Indo-Pacific tensions and West Asia's uncertainties create a volatile environment, emphasizing the need for nuanced diplomacy.

Technology Risks and Future Threats

• AI and Cyber Threats: Technology presents severe risks. Generative AI can alter nations, cyberattacks surge. Security concerns mount, emphasizing the need for global caution and preparedness amid uncertainties.
• Quantum Computing's Potential: Quantum computing transforms sectors. Its potential poses intrinsic risks. Amid persistent health threats like COVID-19, the 21st century is shaped by multifaceted challenges, requiring global vigilance.
• Global Security Imperatives: In the face of transformative technologies, experts stress cautious approaches. Unpredictable outcomes demand global security readiness. Preparedness for the unforeseen is crucial in navigating the evolving technological landscape.

Context

Functioning and roles of Supreme Court are in light again.

Structural Challenges in the Supreme Court

• Overburdened Judiciary: The Constitution Bench, mandated by Article 145(3), requires a minimum of five judges to address substantial constitutional questions or presidential references under Article 143.
• Historical Proposals for Reform: In 1984, the Tenth Law Commission proposed a division of the Supreme Court into Constitutional and Legal Divisions. The Bihar Legal Support Society case (1986) suggested a National Court of Appeal, emphasizing the need to handle constitutional and public law issues separately.
• Contemporary Debate on Structural Changes: The 229th Law Commission Report (2009) recommended regional benches to ease non-constitutional case backlogs. The current discourse revolves around addressing the overburdened judiciary and ensuring efficient case management.

Evolution of the Supreme Court

• Historical Background: Colonial India had three Supreme Courts in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras. The current Supreme Court, established on January 28, 1950, under Article 124, began with eight judges. Over the years, increasing workload led to a rise in judges, reaching 34 in 2019.
• Overburdened Judiciary Today: With around 810 decisions annually, primarily through Constitution Benches, the Supreme Court faces challenges managing its workload. Only 4 of 1,263 decisions in 2022 were issued by a Constitution Bench, underscoring the need for structural adjustments.
• Way Forward and Possible Reforms: Considering the workload and backlog, splitting the Supreme Court's responsibilities, designating certain benches as regional, could enhance judicial stability.

Addressing Structural Gaps

• Critical Examination of Current Issues: The ongoing case of Vasanth Kumar v. H.C. Bhatia involves a Constitution Bench analyzing structural challenges. Measures are being considered to protect citizens' access to the Supreme Court, highlighting the need for a redefined and efficient judicial system.
• Opportunity for Reform: Under CJI guidance, there's a chance to bridge structural gaps. Designating regional benches and redefining the court's role can enhance efficiency, ensuring the Supreme Court adapts to contemporary demands.

Context

Transportation sector and secondary aerosols have contributed the most to air pollution in Delhi after November 9, almost 30 per cent each.

Persisting Air Pollution Challenges

• Data Trends and Identified Sources: While biomass burning remains a significant contributor, the collaboration between Delhi Pollution Control Committee and IIT Kanpur has narrowed data gaps, revealing consistent air pollution trends. Over the past decade, detailed flow patterns and pollutant behaviours have been identified.
• Inadequate Action despite Available Data: Despite ample data, the response to air pollution in Delhi appears lacking. Efforts to curb vehicular emissions, control industrial discharges, manage construction activities, and address agricultural waste burning have not shown substantial improvement in air quality over the years.
• Lingering Challenges and Seasonal Concerns: Air quality remains a persistent concern throughout the year. Despite recent reductions in biomass burning incidents, the winter months still witness severe haze and smog. The cyclic nature of discussions and limited long-term trends highlight the need for sustained, comprehensive pollution control measures.

Strategies for Effective Mitigation

• Curbing Vehicular Emissions: Promote public transportation, incentivize electric vehicles, enforce emission standards, and implement congestion pricing to discourage private vehicle use in crowded areas.
• Controlling Industrial Emissions: Enforce strict emission standards, promote cleaner production, encourage cleaner fuels, and establish industrial zones away from residential areas.
• Managing Construction and Demolition Activities: Implement dust control measures, cover construction materials, ensure responsible waste disposal, and enforce regulations for timely project completion.

Challenges in Implementation

• Lack of Visible Improvement: Despite attention, air quality in Delhi during winter months shows no noticeable improvement. Ad-hoc measures and short-term solutions have not translated into sustained positive trends.
• Need for Comprehensive and Long-Term Planning: Addressing air pollution requires comprehensive plans for major sources in the short, medium, and long term. Current efforts, if existent, fall short of making a significant impact.
• Continuous Focus and Action Required: Air pollution is a year-round problem. Discussions and actions should extend beyond seasonal concerns, emphasizing the necessity for sustained efforts and a comprehensive pollution control strategy.