- AGRICULTURE
COTTON CULTIVATION TO BE 10-12% LOWER THIS SEASON AS YIELDS FALL
- India’s cotton cultivation has seen a significant decline, with an expected reduction of 10-12% this season compared to the last. Factors Contributing to Decline
- Falling Crop Yields: India’s average yield of 480 kg per hectare is significantly lower than the world average of 800 kg per hectare.
- Pest Infestation: Pink Bollworm: This pest has caused a 35% reduction in crop size in the northern regions (Punjab, Rajasthan, etc.).
- Shift in Crop Preferences: – In Gujarat, the area under cotton cultivation fell by 13-15% as farmers shifted to groundnut and tur dal.
- In Telangana, the area shrank by 7%.
- Irregular Rains: Gujarat’s cotton yields have been adversely affected by irregular rainfall patterns last year.
- Economic Implications – Carry Forward Stock: The carry forward stock for the next season could be nil, indicating a potential shortage.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP): The government has increased the MSP for raw cotton by ₹500 per quintal for the 2024-2025 season. This is likely to raise cotton prices in the next season, starting in October.
- Regional Impact – Northern Region: A significant 35% reduction in crop size due to pink bollworm infestation.
- Telangana: A 7% reduction in the area under cotton cultivation.
- Gujarat: A 13-15% reduction in the area under cotton cultivation due to a shift to other crops and irregular rains.
- Key Data Points – Area Under Cultivation:
- Last Year: 127 lakh hectares
- This Year (Expected): 113 lakh hectares (currently at 108 lakh hectares)
- Yield per Hectare:
- World Average: 800 kg/hectare
- India: 480 kg/hectare
- Farmer Earnings:
- Indian Farmers: ₹90,000 per hectare
- Australian Farmers: ₹5 lakh per hectare
2. POLITY
CONGRESS MOVES PRIVILEGE MOTION AGAINST PRADHAN
- Privilege Motion
- Definition: A privilege motion is a motion raised by a member of parliament or a legislative assembly when they believe that there has been a breach of parliamentary privilege by another member, the Speaker, or even by external entities.
- Types of Privileges: – Individual Privileges: Rights enjoyed by members of Parliament individually, such as freedom of speech in Parliament, exemption from arrest in civil cases, etc.
- Collective Privileges: Rights enjoyed by the House as a whole, such as the right to regulate its own proceedings, the right to hold confidential discussions, etc.
- Implications: If a privilege motion is accepted, it can lead to censure or other penalties against the offending member or entity. It ensures that the dignity and functioning of the Parliament are maintained.
3. POLITY
OPPOSITION PARTIES PREPARE TO MOVE NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION AGAINST V-P
- No-Confidence Motion
- Definition: A no-confidence motion is a formal proposal moved by a member of parliament or a legislative assembly against the sitting government or a specific office-holder (e.g., the Vice-President) to express that the person or the government no longer has the confidence of the majority of the members.
- Constitutional Provision: Article 67(b): This article allows for the removal of the Vice-President of India through a resolution passed by an effective majority in the Rajya Sabha and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha with a simple majority.
- Implications: If a no-confidence motion is passed, the government or the office-holder in question is required to resign. It is a crucial tool in parliamentary democracy that ensures accountability of the executive to the legislature.
4. NATIONAL
NEW BILL TO GIVE STATUTORY POWERS TO RAILWAY BOARD
- Historical Context: – Separation from the Public Works Department:
- The Railways was separated from the Public Works Department in 1905, leading to the creation of the Railway Board, which was governed by the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905.
- Railways Act, 1989: – The contemporary legal framework for the Indian Railways was established under the Railways Act, 1989, which replaced the earlier Indian Railways Act of 1890. However, despite this new legislation, the Railway Board continued to function based on an executive decision, lacking statutory backing. Key Provisions of the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Statutory Powers to Railway Board: The Bill seeks to grant statutory powers to the Railway Board, enhancing its functioning and independence.
- Simplification of Legal Framework: By incorporating the provisions of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989, the Bill aims to simplify the legal framework, reducing the need to refer to two separate laws.
- Enhanced Functioning: The Bill is expected to streamline the decisionmaking process within the Railways, making it more efficient and responsive.
- Implications – Administrative Efficiency: Granting statutory powers to the Railway Board is likely to enhance administrative efficiency, allowing for more autonomous and quicker decision-making.
- Legal Clarity: Simplifying the legal framework by consolidating laws will provide clearer guidelines for the functioning of the Railways, reducing legal ambiguities.
- Operational Independence: The enhanced independence of the Railway Board could lead to more innovative and effective management practices, potentially improving the overall performance of Indian Railways.
5. NATIONAL
NO POPULATION SENSUS IN THE DARK WOTHOUT VITAL DATA
- The Indian decadal Census is a comprehensive exercise that goes beyond merely counting the population.
- It collects a wide range of data on locational, familial, and individual characteristics, which are crucial for understanding the dynamic changes in the population.
- This data is foundational for various large-scale surveys such as the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
- Consequences of the Delay – Reliability of Surveys: The NFHS and PLFS rely on the Census frame, which is now outdated by over a decade. This affects the reliability and representativeness of these surveys.
- Demographic Changes: The last decade has seen significant changes in population composition, education, occupation, employment, health (especially due to COVID-19), and livelihoods. Without updated Census data, understanding these changes is challenging.
- Policy and Planning: Accurate and current data is essential for effective policy-making and development planning. The absence of recent Census data hampers the evaluation of government schemes and programs.
- SDG Indicators: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require a wide range of indicators, many of which depend on accurate population data. The lack of a recent Census compromises the quality of these indicators.
- Political and Social Implications
- Caste Census: There is a growing demand for a caste Census, primarily driven by political motives. While a caste Census could provide insights into social inclusion and deprivation, it is often seen as a tool for establishing differential entitlements.
- Demographic Dividend: India is undergoing a rapid demographic transition, and understanding this is crucial for leveraging the demographic dividend. A delayed Census means missing out on critical data needed for this analysis.
ONE LINER
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