12th to 17th February 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis( Weekly Current Affairs)

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1. A role for India in South-South climate cooperation

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context:

• The COP29 conference, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, centered on climate finance and Article 6. 2 of the Paris Agreement, which facilitates carbon credit trading. As a significant emitter, India aims to utilize Article 6. 2 to obtain financial and technological support while aligning its developmental and climate objectives.

 Significance of COP29 and Article 6.2

• COP29 has earned the title of the 'Climate Finance COP' due to its focus on operationalizing key components of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. 
• Article 6 promotes market mechanisms to assist countries in transitioning to carbon-neutral economies, especially those with limited resources. 
• Article 6. 2 specifically allows for Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), which enables the transfer of emissions reductions between countries. 
• This facilitates developing nations in obtaining financial, technological, and capacity-building support from developed countries to fulfill their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

India’s Position on Article 6.2

• As the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India faces challenges in reconciling development goals with climate commitments due to financial limitations. 
• India has pledged to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 but requires significant financial and technical assistance. 
• Prior to COP29, India reiterated its call for developed nations to mobilize a minimum of $1 trillion annually for climate finance.

India’s Domestic Carbon Market and Prior Experience

• India initiated its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in 2023 to incorporate market mechanisms into national policies. Although CCTS is not directly associated with Article 6. 2,  it enhances India's system  for  transparent tracking and verification of carbon credits.
• India has prior experience in carbon markets through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), and Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), which positions it favorably for engaging in ITMO transactions.

India’s Areas of Collaboration under Article 6.2

• India has pinpointed 14 key activities for international collaboration, including Renewable Energy (RE), energy storage, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), green hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuel. 
• These initiatives necessitate advanced expertise and investment, which India seeks through partnerships with nations such as South Korea, the European Union, and Japan. 
• ITMO transactions will enable India to achieve its NDCs, foster green jobs, and alleviate health issues stemming from pollution.

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Opportunities for India

• South-South Cooperation: India can provide climate finance support to developing nations, moving beyond reliance on developed countries.
• Renewable Energy Growth: India's renewable energy sector attracted over $10 billion in foreign direct investment in 2022. ITMO transactions could enhance such investments in other developing countries.
• India-Africa Collaboration: Africa possesses significant renewable energy potential and faces urgent climate challenges. India's proficiency in green technology could benefit African nations.
• Balancing Benefits with Partners: ITMO transactions will be governed by mutual agreements. A framework similar to Japan's Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) may be employed to ensure equitable distribution of carbon credits.

Challenges for India in ITMO Transactions

• Risk of Over-reliance by Developed Nations: Wealthy countries may depend on India's cost-effective emissions reductions instead of taking action to reduce their own carbon output, thereby increasing India's responsibilities.
• Opportunity Costs: Selling ITMOs may restrict India's capacity to utilize them for its own climate objectives.
• Transparency and Governance Issues: Insufficient regulations could lead to inefficiencies and inequitable results. It is essential to ensure equitable benefit-sharing.
• Need for Safeguards: ITMO agreements should incorporate robust protections for transparency and fair advantages, aligning with India's economic and climate objectives.

Conclusion

• Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement offers India significant opportunities to secure climate finance, expand renewable energy, and strengthen South-South cooperation.
• India’s partnerships with developed and developing nations can accelerate green technology deployment and economic sustainability.
• However, India must carefully navigate challenges, ensuring that ITMO transactions do not compromise its own climate goals while maximizing financial and technological benefits.

Practice Question: How does Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement enhance global climate cooperation? Examine its potential benefits and challenges for India. (150 Words /10 marks)

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2. Addressing the growing threat of forest fires

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation

Context

• Recent wildfires in Los Angeles have underscored the urgent need for improved  fire prevention and management strategies.

Rising Concerns Over Forest Fires

• Attention to forest fires typically arises only after significant incidents, despite their growing frequency and devastating effects. 
• These events serve as reminders that no location is immune, highlighting the necessity for long-term solutions.

Forest Fires in India:

• According to the Forest Survey of India, over 36% of India's forest cover is vulnerable to fires. 
• The number of forest fires has surged tenfold in the last two decades, with total forest cover increasing by only 1. 12% (Council on Energy, Environment and Water). 
• States including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka frequently experience these fires.

Major Causes of Forest Fires Nearly 90% of forest fires in India are caused by human activities, such as:

• Land clearing
• Slash-and-burn agriculture
• Unattended campfires
• Climate change also worsens the problem by increasing temperatures and extending dry seasons, making forests more vulnerable.

Devastating Consequences of Forest Fires

• Environmental Impact:Forest fires decimate trees, wildlife, and biodiversity.  They account for high carbon emissions, with Indian forest fires releasing 69 million tonnes of CO₂ annually (World Resources Institute). Additionally, fires disrupt the water cycle and diminish soil fertility.
• Economic Impact:The loss of timber and other forest products adversely affects forest-dependent communities. Forest degradation, including fires, incurs an annual economic loss of ₹1. 74 lakh crore (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2018).
• Social Impact:Fires drive wildlife into human settlements, heightening human-wildlife conflicts and threatening the livelihoods of local communities reliant on forest resources.

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Existing Policies and Initiatives

• The National Action Plan on Forest Fires and the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPMS) help states manage fires.
• The FFPMS provides financial assistance to states for fire prevention.

Challenges in Forest Fire Management

• Budget Constraints:
• Funding for the FFPMS has fluctuated over the years:
• ₹46.40 crore (2019-20) → ₹28.25 crore (2022-23)
• Projected ₹51 crore for 2023-24 was later reduced to ₹40 crore.
• More consistent financial support is needed for effective fire management.
• Technological Limitations:
• The current Forest Fire Alert System struggles to differentiate between forest fires and other types of fires, delaying responses.
• Advanced predictive models using climatic and geographic data can help identify high-risk areas.
• Drones with thermal imaging can improve monitoring and firefighting efforts.

Strengthening Community Involvement

• Local communities are vital for reporting and managing fires. Mobile applications, toll-free helplines, and SMS alerts could improve early warning systems. 
• In certain states, women's self-help groups collect dry pine needles to mitigate fire risks. 
• Global models such as Nepal’s Community Forest User Groups and Indonesia’s Fire-Free Village Program can assist India in bolstering community-based forest fire management.

The Way Forward

• Forest fires impact the environment, economy, and society, making it essential to address them through multi-sector collaboration.
• Key solutions include:
• Policy support and better budgeting to ensure continuous funding.
• Technology adoption for better prediction, monitoring, and response.
• Training and empowering local communities for real-time fire reporting and management.

Conclusion: A collaborative effort from policymakers, scientists, civil society  organizations, and communities is essential to effectively address the escalating threat of forest fires.

Practice Question: Analyze the rising incidence of forest fires in India, their causes, and their environmental, economic, and social consequences. Recommend  strategies  to strengthen forest fire prevention and management. (250 Words /15 marks)

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3. Nuclear energy – dangerous concessions on liability

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

• The government has announced plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act in the recent Union Budget speech.

Proposed Amendments in Nuclear Laws

• This initiative is anticipated to please the U. S. government, which has long  criticized India’s liability law placing financial responsibility on nuclear manufacturers in the event of an accident. 
• The removal of supplier liability in India raises significant concerns, as it may compromise nuclear safety standards.

Concerns Over Costly U.S. Reactors

• The U.S. government is pushing India to purchase nuclear reactors that are extremely expensive.
• Importing these reactors does not make economic sense due to their high construction and operational costs.

Risk of Nuclear Accidents

• Nuclear power plants present considerable risks, as accidents like the Fukushima disaster in Japan (2011) showcase the potential for catastrophic  outcomes. Such events affect victims, the plant operator, and the reactor supplier. In India, the public sector company NPCIL is expected to manage the nuclear plants.

Comparison with Bhopal Gas Disaster Liability

• The Bhopal gas tragedy (1984) resulted in a Supreme Court decision in 1986  holding hazardous enterprises strictly liable for victim damages.
• However, in 2010, this principle was weakened for nuclear accidents, imposing a liability cap of ₹1,500 crore on operators. 
• This limit is inequitable, as actual damages from a nuclear disaster can be substantially higher. 
• Cleanup costs from the Fukushima disaster are estimated between ₹20 lakh crore and ₹46 lakh crore, vastly exceeding India’s liability cap.

Supplier Responsibility Under the Existing Law

• The 2010 liability legislation permits operators to seek compensation from suppliers if reactor accidents result from defective equipment or inadequate services.
• In contrast, several other countries fully indemnify suppliers, absolving them of any responsibility. Nonetheless, history indicates that design flaws have played a role in every major nuclear accident, including Fukushima (2011) and Three Mile Island (1979).

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Pressure to Remove Supplier Liability

• Foreign nuclear suppliers oppose liability as it could expose them to financial risks in India.
• They fear that future Indian governments might increase the liability cap, leading to higher compensation costs.
• U.S. officials are actively lobbying Indian leaders to amend the law to fully indemnify nuclear suppliers.
• Challenges with U.S. Reactor DesignThe AP1000 nuclear reactor, which the U.S. is offering, has faced major failures in its home country.
• Four such reactors were built in the U.S.:Two projects in South Carolina were abandoned after costs exceeded $9 billion.
• Two reactors in Georgia were completed at an astronomical cost of $36.8 billion, over 250% more than the initial estimate.
• These cost overruns mean that electricity from these reactors would be far more expensive than other energy sources.

Exaggerated Safety Claims

• U. S. companies assert their reactors have a 1 in 50 million years chance of a significant radiation leak. However, if the reactors are genuinely this safe, suppliers should not seek comprehensive indemnification from liability.
• By advocating for indemnity, suppliers recognize the genuine risk of an accident, yet transfer all financial and safety responsibilities to Indian citizens.

Conclusion

• India’s government is failing to protect public safety by considering amendments that favor foreign corporations.
• The pressure from the U.S. shows that economic and political interests are being prioritized over Indian citizens’ safety and financial security. 

Practice Question: Discuss the implications of proposed amendments to India’s nuclear liability laws on nuclear safety and economic viability. How might these changes impact India’s energy security and its relations with global nuclear suppliers? (250 Words /15 marks)

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4. The problematic globalization of medical education

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education

Context

• There is a global shortage of doctors, yet access to medical education remains restricted, leading to increased international mobility of students.
• This raises concerns about quality control and regulatory challenges in foreign medical education.

Global Medical Education Trends

• There is a growing shortage of medical doctors worldwide.
• At the same time, governments and medical professionals often oppose increasing access to medical education.
• This has led to a rise in international mobility of medical students across countries.
• Medical education, once international, is now nationally regulated but is again becoming international due to health demands.

International Medical Students and Quality Concerns

• The exact number of students studying medicine abroad is unknown, but estimates suggest over 200,000.
• Many students are enrolled in medical schools with questionable education quality.
• Before the conflict, one country alone had around 24,000 foreign medical students, mainly from South Asia.

Medical Education Challenges in One Country

• A country in South Asia faces a shortage of doctors, leading to intense competition for medical seats.
• About 2.3 million students take the national medical entrance exam each year, but only one in 22 gets admission.
• Due to high demand, over 20,000 students go abroad to study medicine.
• The main reasons include limited government medical seats and high private tuition fees.
• Countries like Russia, Ukraine (before conflict), Kazakhstan, the Philippines, China, Mauritius, and Nepal are preferred destinations.

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Indian-Controlled Foreign Medical Institutions

• Some medical institutions abroad are controlled by Indian education groups.
• Examples include a medical college in Nepal and a Caribbean medical school operated by an Indian group.
• These institutions cater mainly to Indian students and expand Indian educational influence abroad.

Challenges of Studying Abroad

• Students studying medicine abroad must clear a national licensing exam to practice at home.
• They must also complete a medical internship upon returning.
• Those wishing to practice abroad must meet licensing requirements of other countries.
• The variation in medical education quality worldwide has led to strict regulations by governments.

Recent Policy Developments

• A recent government budget speech highlighted achievements in medical education.
• The government has added 1.1 lakh undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats over the last decade, a 130% increase.
• Plans include adding 10,000 more seats in 2026 and 75,000 seats over five years to meet growing demand.

Medical Education Beyond the Global South

• The trend of students going abroad for medical education is seen worldwide.
• Western countries like France, Germany, and Norway face medical seat shortages, pushing students to study in neighboring nations.
• Many students from the United States study in Hungary, Poland, Ireland, the Caribbean, and the UK.
• Medical universities in central and eastern Europe offer English-medium programs to attract international students.

Conclusion

• Governments recognize the issue, but solutions are costly and face resistance from medical professionals.
• The growing aging population requires more qualified doctors.
• A large number of students going abroad highlights the demand, but many foreign institutions lack quality control.
• More attention is needed to ensure medical education meets high standards globally. 

Practice Question: Discuss the challenges and implications of Indian students pursuing medical education abroad. Suggest policy measures to enhance domestic medical education capacity and quality. (150 Words /10 marks)

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5. China’s dam project opens the flood gates of concern

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

• China's intention to construct a hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet has heightened India's concerns regarding water security, environmental risks, and the state of bilateral relations. 
• The lack of a formal water-sharing agreement complicates collaborative efforts for managing transboundary rivers.

Introduction

• China plans to build a substantial hydroelectric dam on the lower section of the upper stream of the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet, which is referred to as the Brahmaputra in India. 
• This river is crucial for millions in northeastern India and Bangladesh. The dam is part of China's strategy to transition from coal to renewable energy under its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). 
• While this shift to clean energy is beneficial, the dam raises concerns for India regarding its environmental impact, influence on water flow, and implications for bilateral relations.

Legal Concerns in International Water Law

• The construction of the dam poses legal challenges under international water law. 
• The UN Watercourses Convention (1997) advocates for equitable and reasonable utilization, prevention of significant harm, and cooperation in managing shared water resources; however, neither China nor India is a signatory to this convention. 
• China claims to adhere to its own water management principles as an upper riparian state, yet lower riparian countries, including India, accuse it of leveraging water resources for geopolitical advantage. 
• Given that one-third of India’s river water supply originates in Tibet, it faces substantial vulnerability to Beijing's unilateral decisions. 
• India has expressed concerns regarding Chinese water projects, and prior water-sharing agreements related to the Sutlej and Brahmaputra rivers have expired, though there is optimism that improving relations may facilitate their renewal. 
• The Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) addresses water-related issues between both nations in the absence of a formal agreement.

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Environmental Risks and Seismic Concerns

• The dam's construction occurs in a seismically active area, increasing the risk of catastrophic failure in the event of an earthquake. 
• A significant earthquake in Tibet in January 2025 resulted in over 120 fatalities  and more than 150 injuries, underscoring the vulnerability of the region. 
• Large-scale dam projects disrupt river ecosystems, negatively affect sediment flow, threaten biodiversity, and exacerbate riverbank erosion.  
• The repercussions extend to Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra subsequently  flows into the country post-India.

Bangladesh’s Stance and Regional Implications

• Unlike India, Bangladesh has not raised significant concerns over the project.
• Political shifts, particularly after the fall of the government in August 2024, have altered Dhaka’s foreign policy priorities.
• Bangladesh’s growing relations with China have influenced its stance on the hydroproject.
• Other lower riparian states, including Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan, may also be affected by water-related activities in Tibet.

Challenges in Regional Water Cooperation

• South Asian countries lack a strong regional organization to collectively negotiate transboundary river management.
• Political tensions among India and its neighbors make forming a regional water alliance difficult.
• The water dispute between India and China is influenced by broader political relations between the two countries.

Way Forward

• Recent India-China diplomatic engagements raise hopes for restoring expired water-sharing MoUs.
• Improved trust and information-sharing on transboundary rivers can help address concerns.
• China has assured India that the dam will not impact water flow, but India remains cautious.
• The Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) serves as the best platform for continued discussions on water management. 

Practice Question: Discuss the strategic and environmental concerns for India arising from China’s hydroelectric projects on the Yarlung Zangbo. Suggest measures India can take to safeguard its interests. (250 Words /15 marks)

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6. Is appointing ad-hoc judges a viable means to reduce backlog?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity – Judiciary

Context

• The Supreme Court, on January 30, 2025, allowed High Courts to appoint retired judges on an ad-hoc basis to address the increasing backlog of cases.
• These judges will only hear criminal appeals as part of a bench led by a sitting judge.

Significance of Ad-hoc Judge Appointments

• The Supreme Court had earlier supported ad-hoc judge appointments in a 2021 ruling but their implementation remained limited.
• As of January 25, 2025, High Courts had a backlog of 62 lakh cases, making this step crucial for judicial efficiency.
• The renewed focus on ad-hoc judges raises hopes for long-term reforms to reduce delays in the judicial system.

Challenges in Implementing Ad-hoc Appointments

• The Constitution permits ad-hoc appointments in both the Supreme Court and High Courts, but these require presidential approval.
• The appointment process depends on government cooperation, which can lead to delays.
• Since ad-hoc judges do not handle politically sensitive cases, their appointments may face fewer hurdles.

Issues with the Regular Appointment Process

• The backlog of cases has persisted for decades due to a lack of systematic reforms in the judicial appointment process.
• Many qualified judges have been overlooked for elevation, or their promotions have been delayed.
• The appointment of ad-hoc judges operates separately from the regular process and will not interfere with judicial promotions.
• Delayed justice affects common litigants the most, and judicial delays increase financial strain on the prison system due to overcrowding.

Simplifying the Appointment Process

• The process of appointing ad-hoc judges should be made simpler and faster.
• The Chief Justice of a High Court should directly recommend a candidate to the Supreme Court collegium after securing their consent.
• The collegium can then forward the recommendation to the government.
• The 2021 ruling in the Lok Prahari case set a three-month timeline for completing this process.
• Additional clearances, such as Intelligence Bureau checks, could discourage retired judges from returning to the bench and create unnecessary delays.

Impact on Career Progression of Sitting Judges

• Ad-hoc judges serve for a limited term of two to three years and do not compete with sitting judges for promotion.
• Their appointments do not affect the seniority of High Court judges or promotions within the district judiciary.
• As of February 1, 2025, High Courts had 367 vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 1,122 judges, making ad-hoc appointments essential to addressing judicial shortages.

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Concerns Over Infrastructure and Resources

• High Courts lack basic infrastructure, and appointing ad-hoc judges could increase the strain on resources.
• Judges need stenographers, private secretaries, and court masters to function efficiently.
• The government must allocate additional funds and resources to ensure the success of this initiative.
• Many High Courts have sufficient space that can be repurposed for additional courtrooms.

Difficulties in Attracting Retired Judges

• Retired judges may be reluctant to return due to better financial opportunities in arbitration or independent legal practice.
• Senior lawyers may also hesitate to accept ad-hoc roles, as they are barred from practising in the same High Court after their tenure.
• The Supreme Court is already facing difficulties in filling tribunal vacancies, highlighting the challenge of attracting qualified candidates.

Judicial Independence and Ad-hoc Appointments

• Judicial independence is a matter of personal integrity rather than external factors.
• Ad-hoc judges are expected to maintain fairness, even if they later return to legal practice.
• Since ad-hoc judges have no aspirations for promotion, concerns regarding career incentives do not arise.
• The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure faster disposal of pending cases and improve the efficiency of the judiciary. 

PYQ: Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017)

Practice Question: The Supreme Court has permitted High Courts to appoint retired judges on an ad-hoc basis to address the backlog of criminal appeals. Critically examine the viability of this measure in reducing judicial pendency and its potential impact on judicial independence and infrastructure. (250 Words /15 marks)

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7. Dealing with China’s weaponization of e-supply chains

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

• In mid-January 2024, China restricted travel for its engineers and technicians working in Indian manufacturing facilities.
• Chinese workers already in India were recalled, and exports of specialized manufacturing equipment were halted.

Introduction

• These restrictions have severely impacted production, as China has a monopoly on certain high-tech manufacturing equipment.
• Taiwanese workers have been brought in to fill the gap, but the lack of specialized equipment is a major hurdle.

Geopolitical Competition and China’s Strategy

• China is using economic tools to slow down India’s manufacturing growth.
• By limiting the transfer of technical knowledge from Chinese workers to Indian workers, China aims to maintain its advantage.
• The restrictions on specialized machinery disrupt production, making it harder for India to establish itself as a global manufacturing hub.
• China’s actions ensure that global companies remain dependent on its supply chains.

India’s Role in the China Plus One Strategy

• Global companies are reducing reliance on China by diversifying production to other countries, including India, Vietnam, and Mexico.
• India has been a key destination for this shift, as its manufacturing sector is growing in a way similar to China’s past development.
• China wants to limit India’s rise as a competitor and remind global companies of its own critical role in production.

India’s Efforts to Attract Manufacturing Investments

• The Indian government has actively supported the expansion of major smartphone manufacturers in South India.
• In 2023, advanced smartphone models were assembled in Indian factories.
• In the fiscal year ending March 2024, India assembled smartphones worth $14 billion.
• For the first time, a high-end smartphone model was assembled in India in 2024.
• State governments in South India have prioritized investments in smartphone manufacturing.
• ‘Make in India’ and Government SupportLarge-scale electronics manufacturing is a key part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
• The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been increased to ₹8,885 crore ($1.02 billion) in the Union Budget 2025, from ₹6,125 crore ($0.70 billion) in the previous year.
• The Union Budget 2025 removed import taxes on key mobile components like printed circuit boards, camera modules, connectors, and lithium-ion battery manufacturing machinery.

India-China Relations and Economic Dependency

• India and China agreed on military patrolling rules in October 2024, after four years of tensions in eastern Ladakh.
• Despite diplomatic progress, China’s economic actions show that geopolitical competition will continue.
• India still depends on China for manufacturing components and machinery, influencing negotiations.

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India’s Long-Term Strategy

• In the short term, India should work with global companies to negotiate with China.
• In the long term, India must focus on developing its own supply chains and technical expertise.
• Currently, India mainly does final assembly of smartphones; to become a full-scale manufacturing hub, local industries must grow.
• The National Manufacturing Mission is a step forward but requires strong financial support to build industrial clusters.
• Skill development programs and on-site training should focus on industry-specific specializations.
• Encouraging private investment will help create a strong network of Indian contract manufacturers for both foreign and domestic brands.

PYQ: ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2017)

Practice Question: Discuss the impact of China’s trade restrictions on India’s electronics manufacturing and suggest ways to reduce dependence on China. (250 Words /15 marks)

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8. The panchayati raj movement is in distress

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context

• The Panchayati Raj system, established through the 73rd Amendment (1992), aimed to decentralize governance in rural India.
• However, administrative, financial, and policy shifts have weakened its effectiveness, requiring urgent reforms.

Introduction

• The 73rd Amendment, passed in 1992, established the Panchayati Raj system to bring democracy to the grassroots level.
• It introduced a three-tier system of governance at the village, block, and district levels, with 50% reservation for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.
• Despite initial success, the momentum for decentralization has slowed, and major shifts in society and technology are challenging the relevance of panchayats.

Achievements of the Panchayati Raj System

• Panchayati Raj elections are keenly contested across India.
• Women’s leadership has significantly increased, with nearly 14 lakh elected women representatives.
• State Finance Commissions recommend funds for local governments, enabling the implementation of social sector programs through gram panchayats.

Challenges Affecting the Panchayati Raj System

1. Administrative Decentralization Has Stalled

• State governments need to transfer staff and administrative control to local governments for effective functioning.
• Untied grants that allow local decision-making must increase to enhance autonomy.
• A 2022 report by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj showed that less than 20% of States have fully devolved all 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution.

2. Declining Fiscal Autonomy

• Direct transfers to panchayats increased from ₹1.45 lakh crore (2010-15) to ₹2.36 lakh crore (2021-26).
• However, untied grants fell from 85% to 60%, reducing the autonomy of local governments.
• The central government’s tied grants have increased, giving it more control over panchayat functions.

3. Shift in Welfare Distribution Mechanisms

• Political parties now rely on direct cash transfers instead of local governance structures.
• The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) platform delivers benefits directly, bypassing gram panchayats in beneficiary selection and grievance redressal.
• Example: PM-KISAN scheme, which provides ₹6,000 annually to farmers, does not involve panchayats in fund distribution.

4. Impact of Rapid Urbanization

• In 1990, nearly 75% of India’s population lived in rural areas, but this has now declined to around 60%.
• With growing urbanization, policy focus has shifted towards cities and municipal reforms rather than rural governance.

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Reviving the Panchayati Raj System

1. Strengthening Local Governance

• Panchayats should not be reduced to mere implementation agencies for centrally sponsored schemes.
• 94 crore people still live in villages, and 45% of the population depends on agriculture, making rural governance crucial.

2. Leveraging Technology for Better Engagement

• Advancements in digital technology can increase citizen participation in local planning and accountability.
• A networked Panchayati Raj system can bridge the rural-urban divide by supporting internal migration and migrant families.

3. Focus on Sustainable Development

• Panchayats can play a major role in water conservation and renewable energy generation at the local level.
• They can reclaim common property resources by combining scientific knowledge, traditional wisdom, and public funding.

4. Disaster Risk Management

• Panchayats can lead community-based disaster preparedness, integrating early warning systems and disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Conclusion

• To revive local governance, a new vision for Panchayati Raj is needed.
• Rural India remains vital to the nation’s development, and strengthening panchayats is essential for inclusive growth. 

PYQ: Assess the importance of the Panchayati system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2018)

Practice Question: Critically examine the challenges faced by the Panchayati Raj system in India. Suggest measures to strengthen local governance and enhance rural development. (250 Words /15 marks)

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9. The silent crisis of rat-hole mining

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS3 – Disaster Management

Context

• On January 6, a mine flooding incident in Umrangso, Assam, trapped nine labourers, resulting in the death of at least four workers.
• Such incidents are common in the northeast region, with at least 30 miners losing their lives in Meghalaya over the past five years.

Recent Mining Tragedy in Assam

• The Guwahati High Court took suo motu cognisance of the tragedy on January 29.
• Weak law enforcement allows illegal mining to persist, with influential individuals operating mines without regulation.
• Reasons for the Continuation of Illegal MiningExpansion Since the 1980s: The demand for coal from West Bengal and Bangladesh led to an increase in coal mining in Assam and Meghalaya.
• Rat-Hole Mining Method:Involves digging narrow tunnels barely large enough for a person to crawl through.
• Two types:Side-cutting: Following coal seams along hill slopes.Box-cutting: Digging pits up to 400 feet deep and extracting coal horizontally.Causes severe safety and environmental hazards.

Labour Exploitation:

• Migrant workers, trapped in cycles of debt, work in hazardous conditions.
• Children are trafficked into these mines due to their small size, making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
• Around 26,000 abandoned mine openings exist, each employing up to 200 workers in shifts, putting thousands at daily risk.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

• National Green Tribunal (NGT) Ban:
• On April 17, 2014, the NGT banned rat-hole mining due to environmental damage and unsafe working conditions.
• The Supreme Court upheld this ban in the 2019 case involving Meghalaya.
• Weak Law Enforcement:
• Many illegal mines operate under the influence of powerful individuals, including bureaucrats and coal mafias.
• Whistleblowers and activists face threats while authorities fail to take strict action.
• Regulatory Loopholes:
• Some states seek exemptions under Schedule 6, Paragraph 12A(b) of the Constitution to regulate coal mining on their own terms.
• Meghalaya attempted to bypass the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) by passing a resolution, but it remains unapproved.
• Under Section 23C of the MMDR Act, states must prevent illegal mining, yet enforcement remains weak.

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Need for Stronger Action

• Failure of Assam and Meghalaya: Despite the NGT ban and Supreme Court directives, illegal mining continues due to weak state enforcement.
• Centre’s Role: If states fail to act, the Union government must intervene, as seen in Karnataka’s Bellary region in 2011, where large-scale illegal mining led to a Supreme Court-imposed ban under Section 30 of the MMDR Act.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to End Illegal Mining

1. Stronger Legal Action:

• Rat-hole mining should be criminalized under the MMDR Act with stricter penalties under Section 21.
• States should incorporate the NGT ban into local regulations under Section 23C of the Act.

1. Alternative Livelihoods:

• Promoting eco-tourism and other sustainable industries can help reduce reliance on illegal mining.

1. Use of Technology:

• Satellite-based monitoring can track mining activities and prevent illegal operations.
• The Mining Surveillance System by the Ministry of Mines can help improve enforcement, as seen in Karnataka.

1. Community Participation:

• Strengthening the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and ensuring local community consent for mining projects can promote inclusivity.

Conclusion

• Judicial interventions alone cannot stop illegal mining unless governments take proactive measures.
• The failure to enforce mining regulations is a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution (Right to Life).
• Without immediate reforms, preventable tragedies will continue to occur, putting thousands of workers at risk. 

Practice Question: Despite the National Green Tribunal’s ban, illegal rat-hole mining continues in Assam and Meghalaya, leading to frequent accidents and environmental degradation. Discuss the reasons behind its persistence and suggest measures for effective enforcement. (250 Words /15 marks)

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