One Nation One Election proposal isn’t representative — it’s insincere
Source: Indian Express
Syllabus: GS II POLITY
One Nation, One Election (ONOE): A Critical Analysis
Introduction
“One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) is a transformative electoral reform proposal aimed at synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies across India. While proponents argue it would reduce costs, streamline governance, and minimize electoral fatigue, critics raise concerns about its implications for federalism, democratic diversity, and logistical feasibility. As India contemplates this ambitious reform, it is crucial to analyze its historical roots, constitutional requirements, benefits, challenges, and the way forward.
What Is One Nation, One Election (ONOE)?
Definition: ONOE envisions simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislatures, and local bodies, thereby consolidating electoral cycles to improve efficiency and reduce disruptions.
Historical Context:
- From 1951 to 1967, India held simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- This practice was disrupted by premature dissolutions of assemblies and the Lok Sabha, leading to staggered electoral cycles.
Current Scope:
- ONOE primarily focuses on synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, with municipal and panchayat elections conducted within 100 days of these.
Constitutional Provisions Involved:
- Article 83 & 172: Pertaining to the duration of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, these require amendments to facilitate synchronization.
- Proposed Article 324A: Establishes logistical and operational frameworks for simultaneous elections.
- Article 368: Governs constitutional amendments, including state ratification for changes impacting local governance.
Rationale Behind ONOE
- Cost Reduction: Frequent elections impose significant financial burdens on the exchequer. ONOE aims to streamline expenses on election logistics, security, and personnel deployment.
- Governance Efficiency: Repeated enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) stalls developmental projects and policy decisions. ONOE minimizes these disruptions.
- Resource Optimization: Reduces diversion of security forces and administrative personnel from core responsibilities.
- Preventing Voter Fatigue: Repeated elections often lead to declining voter turnout and disengagement. ONOE seeks to foster greater voter participation.
- Continuity in Development: Synchronization ensures stable governance and minimizes policy paralysis caused by staggered electoral schedules.
Recommendations by the Ramnath Kovind Committee
The committee proposed a detailed roadmap for implementing ONOE:
- Two-Phase Election Framework:
- Phase 1: Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
- Phase 2: Local body elections within 100 days.
- Proposed Article 82A: Specifies terms and mechanisms for synchronizing elections.
- Midterm Polls: Assemblies/Lok Sabha dissolved prematurely would undergo elections aligning with the national cycle.
- Single Electoral Roll: A unified electoral roll for all elections to streamline voter registration and reduce duplication.
- Logistical Preparedness: Advance procurement of EVMs, VVPATs, and recruitment of trained personnel to handle the scale of simultaneous elections.
Challenges of ONOE
- Federalism Concerns:
- Simultaneous elections may centralize decision-making, undermining the autonomy of states.
- Regional issues may receive inadequate attention, shifting focus to national narratives.
- Impact on Regional Parties:
- Smaller parties may struggle to compete with national parties in a synchronized electoral system, potentially weakening political diversity.
- Logistical Complexities:
- Conducting nationwide elections simultaneously requires significant expansion of infrastructure, manpower, and resources.
- Aligning midterm dissolutions with the national cycle poses legal and operational challenges.
- Voter Behavior and Overshadowing of Issues:
- National issues could dominate electoral narratives, sidelining local priorities and concerns, potentially impacting regional development agendas.
The Way Forward
- Legislative Deliberation: A comprehensive discussion in Parliament involving all stakeholders, including regional parties and civil society, is essential.
- Consensus Building: Engaging states and ensuring their participation in the decision-making process is critical to maintaining federal harmony.
- Pilot Projects: Phased implementation in select states or regions can help assess the feasibility and address logistical bottlenecks.
- Resource Investment: Strengthening electoral infrastructure, including procurement of EVMs, VVPATs, and recruitment of personnel, is imperative for successful implementation.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about ONOE’s potential benefits and addressing misconceptions is necessary to garner public support.
Conclusion
While ONOE offers significant advantages in terms of cost efficiency, governance stability, and reduced electoral fatigue, it also raises profound concerns regarding federalism, regional representation, and logistical challenges. Any move towards implementing ONOE must harmonize with India’s democratic ethos, federal principles, and pluralistic identity.
As former Chief Justice Dipak Misra aptly remarked, “Reforms must align with constitutional integrity and public welfare.” Thus, ONOE must be approached with caution, ensuring that it strengthens democracy without compromising the rights and aspirations of diverse stakeholders.
Zero safe zones: No Indian city meets WHO air quality standards, says Lancet study
Source: Indian Express
Syllabus: GS III Environment and Pollution
Air Pollution: WHO Guidelines and India’s Response
Introduction
Air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges globally, particularly in India. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) updated Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) in September 2021 underscore the critical health impacts of air pollution. Despite these guidelines, India’s air quality remains alarmingly poor, with significant implications for public health and sustainable development.
WHO Air Quality Guidelines (2021)
The WHO AQGs set stringent benchmarks for air quality to minimize health risks. Key highlights:
| Pollutant | Annual Mean Limit | 24-Hour Mean Limit | Additional Notes |
| PM2.5 | 5 µg/m³ | Not specified | Revised from 10 µg/m³ in 2005; linked to severe respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts. |
| PM10 | 15 µg/m³ | 45 µg/m³ | Reduction from earlier standards to address broader particulate matter health risks. |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) | 10 µg/m³ | Not specified | Major contributor to respiratory diseases. |
| Ozone (O₃) | Not specified | 60 µg/m³ (8-hour mean) | Peak season guidelines to mitigate photochemical smog effects. |
| Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) | Not specified | 40 µg/m³ | Focuses on short-term exposure risks. |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | Not specified | 7 µg/m³ | Targets reduction in acute poisoning incidents. |
These guidelines are non-binding, serving as references for nations to formulate policies and mitigate air pollution’s health impacts.
India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Legal Framework:
India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), set under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, are overseen by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Monitored Pollutants:
India monitors 12 key pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, NO₂, O₃, NH₃, CO, lead, arsenic, nickel, benzene, and benzo(a)pyrene.
NAAQS vs. WHO Guidelines:
- NAAQS sets PM2.5 limits at 40 µg/m³ annually, far above the WHO’s recommended 5 µg/m³, highlighting a significant gap.
- While NAAQS serves as a realistic benchmark for India, achieving WHO levels remains a long-term goal.
Key Findings on Air Pollution in India
1. Widespread Pollution:
- No region in India complies with the WHO’s PM2.5 limit of 5 µg/m³.
- 81.9% of India’s population lives in areas exceeding NAAQS limits of 40 µg/m³, underscoring the pervasiveness of pollution.
2. Health Impacts:
- PM2.5 pollution contributes to 1.5 million deaths annually in India, equivalent to nearly 8.5% of total deaths.
- Long-term exposure increases risks of:
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
- Developmental delays and cognitive impairments in children.
- Every 10 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5 increases mortality risk by 8.6%.
3. Regional Variations:
- Least polluted area: Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh (PM2.5 level: 11.2 µg/m³ in 2019).
- Most polluted areas: Ghaziabad and Delhi, with PM2.5 levels exceeding 119 µg/m³ (2016).
4. Potential for Improvement:
- Achieving NAAQS standards could prevent 0.3 million deaths annually, while meeting WHO guidelines would save even more lives.
Challenges in Combating Air Pollution
- Emission Sources:
- Vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants, and crop stubble burning are major contributors.
- Lack of sustainable alternatives for stubble disposal aggravates the problem.
- Policy and Implementation Gaps:
- Insufficient enforcement of NAAQS.
- Limited inter-state coordination in pollution hotspots like the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
- Infrastructure Deficit:
- Inadequate air quality monitoring stations and real-time data.
- Limited technological capacity for clean energy transitions in industries.
- Public Awareness:
- Low awareness among citizens about individual contributions to air pollution and its health impacts.
Way Forward
- Strengthening NAAQS:
- Gradually align NAAQS limits with WHO AQGs.
- Introduce interim targets to make transitions manageable.
- Policy Measures:
- Enhance enforcement of pollution control laws.
- Implement a national clean air mission with region-specific interventions.
- Technological Solutions:
- Promote electric vehicles (EVs) and public transport.
- Develop cost-effective alternatives to stubble burning.
- Public Participation:
- Conduct mass awareness campaigns on the health risks of pollution.
- Encourage citizen participation in initiatives like urban greening and waste management.
- Research and Development:
- Invest in developing affordable pollution control technologies.
- Strengthen international collaborations for knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Conclusion
Air pollution is a public health emergency that requires coordinated efforts across policy, technology, and public engagement. While India’s NAAQS provides a practical framework, aligning with WHO’s stringent AQGs will ensure long-term health benefits and sustainable development. Addressing air pollution is not just an environmental necessity but a moral imperative to secure the health and well-being of future generations.
First ice-free day in the Arctic could come by 2030, says new study: Why does it matter?
Source: Indian Express
Syllabus: GS III Environment and Ecology
Arctic Ice Melting: First Ice-Free Day Expected by 2030
Why in News?
A study published in Nature Communications indicates that the Arctic Ocean may experience its first ice-free day—defined as less than one million square kilometers of sea ice—as early as 2030, or even 2027 under certain conditions. This is driven by human-induced climate change and unprecedented greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Key Findings
- Near-Term Ice-Free Scenario:
- Nine climate simulations predict an ice-free day by September 2027 if conditions such as warm winters and stormy weather coincide.
- This phenomenon may extend for 11–53 days, potentially marking the Arctic’s first ice-free month.
- Inevitable Occurrence:
- Despite uncertainties about timing, the inevitability of an ice-free Arctic is established, barring drastic global emission reductions—a scenario deemed unlikely.
- Once an ice-free day occurs, such events are expected to become more frequent.
- Driving Factors:
- Arctic sea ice extent has been shrinking by 12.6% per decade for the past 40 years, the fastest rate in at least 1,500 years (MIT Climate Portal 2023).
- Record-breaking levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 2023, are primary contributors.
Impact Analysis
- Climate Change Feedback:
- Albedo Effect: The loss of reflective ice leads to increased absorption of solar energy by darker ocean waters, amplifying warming.
- Extreme Weather Events: A warmer Arctic disrupts atmospheric circulation, triggering erratic weather patterns globally, including heatwaves and storms in mid-latitudes.
- Rising Sea Levels:
- Global sea levels are rising at a rate of 3.6 mm/year—1.5 times faster than in the 1990s.
- Complete melting of the Greenland ice sheet could result in a 6-meter rise, submerging low-lying areas worldwide.
- Ecosystem Disruption:
- Habitat Loss: Polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and other species face existential threats due to shrinking sea ice and melting permafrost.
- Food Chain Disturbances: Marine species are migrating northward, destabilizing ecosystems and traditional fishing practices.
- Human and Infrastructure Challenges:
- Indigenous communities in the Arctic face threats to their livelihoods, as melting permafrost damages infrastructure and alters hunting/fishing grounds.
- Increased accessibility to the Arctic for navigation and resource extraction heightens geopolitical tensions.
Geographic Context: The Arctic Region
- Location: Includes the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, the USA, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. Defined by the Arctic Circle (66°33’N latitude).
- Climate:
- Winters: Extremely cold, with temperatures as low as -68°C inland.
- Summers: Relatively mild at 10°C.
- Six months of polar darkness alternate with six months of constant daylight at the North Pole.
- Ecosystems:
- Vegetation: Sparse vegetation includes lichens, mosses, and grasses.
- Fauna: Hosts polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses, and migratory birds like the snowy owl.
Implications for India
- Global Climate Impacts:
- A melting Arctic accelerates global warming, exacerbating extreme weather events like cyclones, heatwaves, and unseasonal rainfall patterns in India.
- Rising sea levels threaten India’s 7,500 km coastline, endangering coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai.
- Energy Security and Geopolitics:
- Melting ice opens up new trade routes (e.g., the Northern Sea Route) and energy resources, challenging India’s energy security amid Arctic geopolitics.
- Strategic collaboration with Arctic nations is critical for India’s Arctic Policy and energy diversification efforts.
- Biodiversity and Food Security:
- Changes in ocean currents and fish migration patterns impact India’s marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
- Disruption of Arctic ecosystems could further stress global food supply chains.
Way Forward
- International Cooperation:
- Advocate for robust global climate agreements to curb GHG emissions and strengthen mitigation efforts.
- Collaborate with Arctic Council members and other global stakeholders under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- Domestic Actions:
- Strengthen India’s climate adaptation strategies, focusing on coastal zone management and renewable energy transitions.
- Enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable regions through investments in infrastructure and early warning systems.
- Research and Development:
- Increase Arctic-focused research under the Himadri research station initiative.
- Leverage satellite technology for ice monitoring and predictive climate modeling.
This issue highlights the urgency for collective action, given the global ramifications of Arctic ice loss. India, as a vulnerable nation and emerging global power, must play a proactive role in addressing climate challenges.
Endangered state bird spotted in Nameri
Source: Times of India
Syllabus: Environment
White-Winged Wood Duck Conservation: A Significant Milestone
Recent Development
In a significant conservation success, the critically endangered White-Winged Wood Duck (Asarcornis scutulata), known as “Deo Hans” in Assamese, has been sighted in an artificial pond called “Neelmoni Beel” within Assam’s Nameri Tiger Reserve (NTR). This initiative underscores India’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity.
About White-Winged Wood Duck
Taxonomy and Conservation Status
- Scientific Name: Asarcornis scutulata
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
- Global Population: ~800 individuals.
- India, Bangladesh, Myanmar: ~450.
- In India, its presence is limited to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Habitat and Distribution
- Historical Range: Widely distributed across Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
- Current Habitat:
- Prefers dense tropical evergreen forests and inaccessible swampy areas formed by rivers and streams.
- Found in lowland forests near water bodies.
- Geographic Distribution: Concentrated primarily in Assam’s protected areas and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Physical Features and Behavior
- Appearance:
- Black body with a white head speckled with black.
- Distinctive white patches on wings.
- Red or orange eyes.
- Males are larger, heavier, and exhibit glossier plumage.
- Size: Average length ~81 cm.
- Activity Pattern: Crepuscular, most active during dawn and dusk.
- Diet: Largely omnivorous, feeding on a mix of plant material and small aquatic animals.
Cultural Significance
- Known as “Deo Hans” or Spirit Duck due to its ghostly call.
- It holds immense ecological and cultural importance in the region, symbolizing Assam’s biodiversity.
Conservation Concerns
- Population Decline: Habitat loss due to deforestation, wetland drainage, and human encroachments.
- Threats: Hunting, habitat fragmentation, and reduced nesting areas.
- Urgency of Conservation: With fewer than 450 individuals in India, safeguarding this species is critical for maintaining the region’s ecological balance.
Significance of Recent Conservation Efforts
The sighting of the White-Winged Wood Duck in an artificial habitat like Neelmoni Beel highlights the success of conservation measures, including habitat restoration and community participation. Initiatives like this strengthen India’s position as a leader in biodiversity conservation and align with global commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
