Polity 

The Constitution on minority rights - The Hindu

Recognising the importance of minority rights, the UN General Assembly adopted a declaration on the ‘Rights of Persons Belonging to National, or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities’ on December 18, 1992. This date is celebrated as Minority Rights Day all over the world. 

Origin of minority rights

• Austrian Constitutional Law (1867): Recognized the absolute right of ethnic minorities to maintain and develop their nationality and languages.
• Hungary’s Act XLIV (1868): Contained similar provisions.
• Swiss Confederation Constitution (1874): Granted equal rights to the country’s three languages in civil services, legislation, and courts.
• Post-World War I Developments:
  • Five Treaties: Negotiated between the allied and associated powers on the one hand, and Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Greece and Yugoslavia on the other.
  • Other peace treaties: Special provisions for minorities were included in treaties with Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Turkey while Albania, Finland, and Iraq made declarations to protect minorities.
• Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: It gives every individual a right to community - that is the right to enjoy their own culture and to participate in cultural forums, associations etc.

Rationale Behind Minority Rights

• Preservation of Diversity
  • Minority rights aim to preserve the diversity of language, script, and culture under Article 29.
  • Individual rights (e.g., Articles 14-18, 19, and 25) are insufficient for cultural conservation.
• Dignity and Group Identity
  • Ridicule or denial of group value undermines individual dignity.
  • Individual cultural rights are meaningful only

Minority Rights 

• Minority: Constitution mentions "minority" but does not define it. Supreme Court holds that minorities are determined at the state level.
• Constitutional Provisions Related To Minorities
  • Article 29(1): Protects the right of citizens with distinct language, script, or culture to conserve it.
  • Article 30: Grants religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
  • Article 350A: Instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education.
  • Article 350B: Appointment of a special officer for linguistic minorities.
• Institutional Support:
  • National Commission for Minorities 
  • National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions.

 

One Nation, One Election Bills - Indian Express 

The government recently introduced two Bills in Lok Sabha — a Constitution Amendment Bill to sync the terms of Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, and a consequential Bill to amend the relevant Acts for Union Territories and the National Capital Territory of Delhi to enable simultaneous polls there as well.

Key Takeaways from the Bills

• Scope of Simultaneous Polls:
  • Applies only to Parliament and State Assemblies; municipal corporations excluded to avoid the need for state legislature ratification.
• Timeline for Implementation:
  • Changes may be implemented earliest by the 2034 election cycle.
  • Constitution Amendment Bill allows the President to notify the provision after the first sitting of Lok Sabha post-general elections.
  • Earliest appointed date: 2029; next cycle: 2034, assuming 18th and 19th Lok Sabhas complete full terms.
• Mid-Term Election Scenarios:
  • Provisions included for mid-term elections at state or central levels.
• Requires a special majority in Parliament under Article 368:
  • Condition 1: At least half of the total members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must vote in favor.
  • Condition 2: Two-thirds of members present and voting must support the amendment.

Proposed Amendments for Simultaneous Elections

• Articles Amended: Proposes amendments to three articles and insertion of Article 82A (1-6).
• Article 82A: Facilitates simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• Key Provisions of Article 82A: 
  • Timeline for Implementation: President may enforce changes from the first sitting of the Lok Sabha.
  • Terms of State Assemblies: Assemblies elected post-appointed date will end with the Lok Sabha’s term.

Provisions for Government Falling Before Full Term

• Amendments to Article 83
  • Fixed Term: Lok Sabha's term is five years unless dissolved earlier.
  • Unexpired Term: If dissolved early, the next Lok Sabha will serve only the remainder of the original five-year term (e.g., if dissolved after three years, the new Lok Sabha will serve for two years).
• Impact on New Lok Sabha
  • Not a Continuation: The newly elected House will not continue the pending Bills of the dissolved Lok Sabha; such Bills will lapse.
• Amendments to Article 372
  • Expanded Scope: Extends Parliament’s authority to include provisions for conducting "simultaneous elections."
  • Added Clause: The phrase “conduct of simultaneous elections” will be included after "delimitation of constituencies."
• Amendments to Article 172:
  • Fixed Term: State Assemblies have a five-year term unless dissolved earlier.
  • Unexpired Term: If dissolved early, elections will be held for the remainder of the Assembly's original five-year term.

Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• Purpose:
  • Amends three laws governing Union Territories:
  • Government of Union Territories Act, 1963.
  • Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991.
  • Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
• Rationale:
  • Union Territories operate under a distinct constitutional framework, differing from states.

 

Economy 

The legal gaps in India’s unregulated AI surveillance - The Hindu 

In 2019, the Indian government made headlines by announcing its intention to create the world’s largest facial recognition system for policing. Over the next five years, this ambition has materialised with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance systems being deployed across railway stations and the Delhi Police preparing to use AI for crime patrols. The latest plans include launching 50 AI-powered satellites, further intensifying India’s surveillance infrastructure.

Lack of Proportional Safeguards

• Privacy and Legal Frameworks:
  • Privacy as a Fundamental Right: Recognised under Article 21 in K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017), extending to "informational privacy".
  • Surveillance Concerns: The rise of "ubiquitous dataveillance" necessitates robust safeguards, which are lacking in India.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023:
  • Framework Objective: Enacted to manage consent and accountability for data privacy.
  • Criticism:
    • Broad Exemptions:
      • Section 7(g): Consent not required for medical data during epidemics.
      • Section 7(i): Government exempt from consent for processing employment-related data, despite being the largest employer.
    • Section 15(c): Mandates individuals not to suppress material information, raising risks of punitive action for minor errors like outdated addresses.
• Implications:
  • AI-Driven Surveillance: Concerns over misuse of personal data due to lack of proportional safeguards.
  • Skewed Balance: Legal framework favours state surveillance over protecting individual rights, heightening privacy concerns.

The Approach in the West

• EU Regulations on AI:
  • Risk-Based Framework: EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act categorises AI activities into:
  • Unacceptable Risk: Prohibited (e.g., real-time biometric identification for law enforcement) unless exceptions apply (e.g., serious crime investigations).
  • Other Risk Levels: High, transparency, and minimal risks.
• Contrast with India:
  • India deploys AI-powered surveillance, including facial recognition and CCTV, without legislative debate or guidelines.
  • No transparency on data collection, processing, storage, or abuse prevention.
• India’s Regulatory Void:
  • Unregulated AI: AI use in India lacks specific legislation.
  • Delayed Promises: Regulation promised under the Digital India Act (2022), but draft legislation is still pending.
  • Risks: Citizens remain vulnerable to privacy violations, discrimination, and data breaches.
• Comparative Progress:
  • Global Standards: Countries like the US and EU have begun legislating AI use in public systems, addressing civil liberty threats.
  • India’s Lag: No legal framework to govern expanding surveillance capabilities.
• Constitutional Concerns in India:
  • Privacy Protections:
    • Article 21 ensures the right to privacy.
    • Puttaswamy judgment mandates intrusions must be lawful, legitimate, and proportionate.
  • Challenges:
    • Existing AI-powered surveillance stretches constitutional safeguards, raising concerns over misuse and overreach.

Addressing the Impact on Civil Liberties

• Need for Regulation:
  • Unchecked AI Use: Issues arise from lack of safeguards, not AI deployment itself.
  • Regulatory Framework: A comprehensive framework is essential to balance governance and civil liberties.
• Key Components of Regulation:
  • Transparent Data Practices:
    • Public disclosure of data collection, purposes, and storage duration.
    • Consent mechanisms with narrow, specific exemptions under judicial oversight.
  • Risk-Based Approach:
    • Adopt models like the EU, categorising AI activities based on risks to citizens’ rights.
  • Privacy Safeguards:
    • Embed privacy measures in AI infrastructure before deployment.
    • Include consent mechanisms, transparency reports, and judicial oversight.
• Challenges in India:
  • AI in Law Enforcement:
    • Potential benefits in governance, but risks to constitutional rights without safeguards.
  • Delays in Regulations:
    • The DPDP Act addresses some concerns, but criticisms persist.
    • Long-awaited DPDP Rules remain unnotified.
• Recommendations:
  • High-Risk Activities:
    • Regulate high-risk AI activities through restrictions on data processing.
    • Ensure transparent audits and oversight in data sharing.
  • Proactive Measures:
    • Implement safeguards to prevent civil liberty violations while advancing public interest.

 

BACKED BY TRUMP, HOW A US BITCOIN STRATEGIC RESERVE MIGHT WORK - Indian Express

Bitcoin hit a record high above $107,000 on Monday after President-elect Donald Trump reiterated plans to create a U.S. bitcoin strategic reserve, stoking the enthusiasm of crypto bulls. 

Strategic Reserve

• Definition: A stockpile of critical resources released during crises or supply disruptions.
• Examples:
  • U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve:
    • World’s largest emergency crude oil supply.
    • Created in 1975 post-1973-74 Arab oil embargo.
    • Used during wars or hurricanes affecting oil infrastructure.
  • Canada: Strategic reserve of maple syrup.
  • China: Reserves of metals, grains, and pork products.

US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

• Creation: May involve the U.S. Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund to manage bitcoin reserves.
• Potential Sources:
  • Existing bitcoin seized from criminal activities (~200,000 tokens worth ~$21 billion).
  • Additional bitcoin purchases by the government (unspecified by Trump).
• Funding Options:
  • Issuance of debt for purchases.
  • Selling U.S. gold reserves to fund bitcoin acquisitions.

Benefits of a Bitcoin Reserve

• Global Market Dominance: Enhances U.S. control over the global bitcoin market, countering China's competition.
• Economic Advantages: Potential long-term appreciation of bitcoin could help reduce the U.S. deficit without increasing taxes.
• Strengthening Currency: Supports the U.S. dollar's value, providing economic stability.
• Geopolitical Leverage: A stronger dollar increases U.S. influence over adversaries like China and Russia.

Risks of a Bitcoin Reserve

• Lack of Intrinsic Value: Bitcoin has no inherent use and is not essential to the U.S. economy.
• Volatility: Bitcoin's young age (created in 2008) and unpredictable price movements make long-term value uncertain.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: Crypto wallets are highly susceptible to cyberattacks.
• Market Impact: Government transactions could disproportionately influence bitcoin's market price due to its volatility.

 

The hidden cost of greenwashing the Indian Railways - The Hindu 

According to a recent report published in this daily, RITES Ltd., the consultancy arm of the Indian Railways, has won two contracts for the repurposing of six broad gauge diesel electric locomotives for export to some African railways.

Repurposing Diesel Locomotives: Policy Implications

• Engineering Innovation:
  • Indian Railways is exporting used diesel locomotives by converting them for Cape Gauge (1,067 mm) usage.
  • Conversion involves re-engineering locomotives originally built for broad gauge (1,676 mm), showcasing the expertise of Indian engineers and institutions like RITES Ltd.
• Premature Asset Redundancy:
  • Shift to 100% electrification has rendered diesel locomotives redundant despite many having significant residual service life.
  • As of 2024, 760 diesel locomotives are idling, with over 60% having more than 15 years of operational potential.
  • Premature retirement leads to financial losses and resource wastage.
• Environmental Paradox:
  • Electrification is marketed as a green initiative, but exporting diesel locomotives transfers their environmental impact to other regions.
  • Exported locomotives continue operating abroad, contradicting the sustainability narrative.
• Strategic Value of Diesel Locomotives:
  • Diesel locomotives are self-sufficient and valuable in areas with inconsistent power supply or inadequate infrastructure.
  • They are crucial for operations during natural disasters, power outages, or in remote, non-electrified areas.
  • Overlooking their strategic utility reduces operational flexibility.
• Missed Redeployment Opportunities:
  • Diesel locomotives could be redeployed on low-traffic or regional routes where full-scale electrification is not economically viable.
  • Indian Railways’ blanket electrification approach has sidelined this strategic option.

Government’s Reasons for Rail Electrification: A Critical Analysis

Economic Viability of Electrification

• Reduction in Diesel Imports: Railways account for only ~2% of India’s diesel consumption (2021-22), compared to 28% by trucks and 13.2% by agriculture, making its impact on reducing diesel imports negligible.
• High Costs: Premature electrification entails significant capital investment for electric traction infrastructure and retiring operational diesel locomotives, leading to financial inefficiencies.

Environmental Justification: Questionable Impact

• Shift in Emissions: Electrification reduces diesel emissions locally but shifts pollution to coal-based electricity generation, which accounts for ~50% of India’s energy mix.
• Coal Dependency: Indian Railways heavily depends on coal freight (40% of freight earnings), creating a carbon-intensive cycle where electric locomotives indirectly perpetuate coal use.
• Unrealistic Green Claims: Achieving a "Green Railway" is unlikely until India transitions to a cleaner energy mix with 80% power from non-fossil fuel sources, making current environmental claims superficial.

Risks of Current Electrification Push

• Inefficient Resource Use: Discarding functional diesel locomotives results in significant wastage, with assets equivalent to 16 km in length rendered redundant.
• Taxpayer Burden: Unbalanced modernisation prioritises electrification at a high cost, misusing public funds.
• Economic Undermining: The policy overlooks the Railways’ critical role in supporting India’s economy.

Way Forward

• Phased Electrification: Implement gradual electrification considering regional and operational needs.
• Optimised Asset Management: Efficiently integrate existing diesel locomotives within the system.
• Clean Energy Investments: Focus on cleaner energy sources to make electrification genuinely sustainable.
• Systemic Reforms: Address foundational challenges in energy production, resource use, and operational sustainability for a truly green transition.

 

Environment 

Rare species of bat spotted in Yamuna Biodiversity Park - Indian Express

Wroughton’s free-tailed bat, a highly rare species of molossus bat, has been spotted at the Delhi Development Authority (DDA)’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park, marking a unique sighting.

Wroughton’s free-tailed bat

• About: A rare molossus bat.
• Habitat: Found primarily in the Western Ghats with one known breeding colony; smaller colonies in Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya) and a single record in Cambodia.
• Characteristics:
  • Large size, extended ears beyond the muzzle, bicoloured velvet fur.
  • Typically roosts in caves or dark, damp, slightly warm places in moderate colonies.
• Ecological Importance:
  • Regulates insect populations.
  • Contributes to pollination.
• IUCN Status: Data Deficient 
• Significance for Delhi:
  • Delhi is home to 14 bat species, with four previously considered locally extinct.
  • Restoration efforts have established specialized niches in biodiversity parks.
  • The Aravali Biodiversity Park is now the only known roosting site for Blyth’s horseshoe bat in Delhi.

 

Arctic tundra emitting more carbon than it absorbs, confirms study - Indian Express

Arctic tundra, a frozen treeless biome which has stored carbon for thousands of years, has now become a source of heat-trapping greenhouse gases (GHGs) which are the primary drivers of global warming, according to a new report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA). 

Arctic Tundra and Carbon Storage

• Mechanism of Carbon Storage:
  • Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.
  • Decomposition: Cold climate slows decomposition of organic matter, preventing CO₂ release.
  • Permafrost: Plant and animal remains are trapped in frozen ground for thousands of years, inhibiting carbon release.
• Significance: Arctic soils store over 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon, double the carbon currently in the atmosphere.

Causes of Carbon Emissions

• Rising Temperatures:
  • Arctic warming at four times the global rate.
  • Thawing permafrost activates microbes that break down organic matter, releasing CO₂ and CH₄.
• Increased Wildfires:
  • Frequency and intensity of wildfires have risen.
  • 2024 marked the second-highest wildfire emissions year, accelerating permafrost thaw and adding GHGs.
• Impact: From 2001-2020, the Arctic tundra emitted more carbon than its plants absorbed, likely for the first time in millennia.

Future Prospects for the Arctic Tundra

• Reversal Potential:
  • Carbon Absorption: The Arctic tundra can be made to absorb more carbon by significantly reducing global GHG emissions.
  • Expert Insight: Lower levels of climate change result in reduced emissions from permafrost, emphasizing the need for aggressive emission cuts.
• Challenges Ahead
  • Rising Emissions:
    • Fossil fuel emissions expected to rise slightly in 2024.
    • Total CO₂ emissions projected at 41.6 billion tonnes in 2024, up from 40.6 billion tonnes in 2023.
  • Deforestation Impact: Land-use changes contribute an additional 4.2 billion tonnes of emissions.

 

Defence 

INS Nirdeshak - The Hindu 

The Indian Navy will soon commission its latest survey ship, INS Nirdeshak, designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, help in navigation, and support maritime operations.

INS Nirdeshak

• Second Ship of Project: Part of the Indian Navy’s Survey Vessel (Large) Project.
• Purpose: Hydrographic surveys, navigation assistance, and maritime operations support.
• Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Indigenous Content: Over 80%, promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Legacy

• Reincarnation: Named after the erstwhile INS Nirdeshak, decommissioned in 2014 after 32 years of service.
• Name Meaning: ‘Nirdeshak’ signifies 'Pathfinder', emphasizing its role in sea charting.
• Displacement: 3400–3800 tons.
• Length: 110 meters.
• Speed: Over 18 knots.
• Endurance: Over 25 days at sea.
• Propulsion: Two marine diesel engines with fixed-pitch propellers.
• Construction: Built using Integrated Construction technology, adhering to Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards.

Advanced Equipment:

• Hydrographic and oceanographic survey systems.
• Satellite-based navigation and communication systems.
• Sub-surface sensors for underwater mapping.
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

Strategic Importance: Enhances the Indian Navy's capacity for precise underwater mapping and hydrographic surveys, strengthening maritime operations.