PM IAS OCT 29 UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

Digitization of Land Records

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Context

  • Rural India is undergoing a significant transformation with the digitization of land records, modernizing the management of land ownership. 

About

  • 95% of land records have been digitized in rural India since 2016, marking a critical advancement towards ensuring secure and accessible land ownership in rural areas.

Need for Digitization of Land Records

  • It has transformed land management by addressing traditional challenges like disputes, fraud, and inefficient manual processes. 
  • Ownership information is easily accessible online, enhancing transparency and reducing illegal encroachments. 
  • It simplifies dispute resolution, easing court burdens, and empowering marginalized communities by improving access to land rights. 
  • Integration with geospatial mapping enhances land management, enabling accurate surveys and planning. 
  • During land acquisitions or disasters, digital records ensure fair and timely compensation

Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)

  • It was previously known as the National Land Record Modernization Programme, and was restructured as a Central Sector Scheme in 2016, with full funding from the union government. 
  • Its main goal is to establish a modern and transparent land records management system by developing an Integrated Land Information Management System.
  • Achievements: 
    • Around 95% of land records have been computerized.
    • Digitization of cadastral maps has reached 68.02% at national level. 
    • 87% of Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) have been integrated with land records. 
  • Key Initiatives under DILRMP
    • Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN): It provides a 14-digit alphanumeric code for each land parcel, based on its geo-coordinates.
    • National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS): It provides a uniform process for document registration across the country, allowing online entry, payments, appointments, and document searches. 
    • e-Court Integration: It aims to provide authentic land information to the judiciary, aiding in faster case resolution and reducing land disputes. 
    • Transliteration of Land Records: To overcome language barriers in accessing land records, the program is transliterating land documents into any of the 22 languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution. 
    • Bhoomi Samman: 168 districts across 16 States have achieved “Platinum Grading” for completing over 99% of the program’s core components, including land record computerization and map digitization.

Conclusion

  • India is witnessing a transformative shift in land governance, focusing on enhancing transparency and accessibility of land information. 
  • This change is especially important for marginalized communities, as it empowers them with secure and accessible proof of ownership—an essential factor for economic growth and stability. 
  • As land records become clearer and more accessible, they pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Census of India to Begin in 2025

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context

  • The government plans to begin the long-delayed Census in 2025, which will be followed by delimitation of Lok Sabha seats.

About

  • The census, typically conducted every ten years to update the National Population Register (NPR), was scheduled for 2021 but had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic. 
  • The delimitation of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is to be carried out on the basis of the first Census after 2026.

Census in India

  • A census is a survey of the population of an area that includes collecting details of a country’s demographics including age, sex and occupation.
  • History: Under W.C. Plowden, the Census Commissioner of India, the first synchronous decennial (every ten years) census was conducted in 1881.
    • Independent India’s first census was held in 1951 and since then it has happened in the first year of every decade.
  • The Constitution mandates that enumeration is carried out but the Census of India Act of 1948 does not specify its timing or periodicity.
  • The population census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Need for the Census

  • Accurate Population Data: A reliable population count is fundamental for planning and managing various national and state projects, from healthcare to infrastructure.
  • Socio-Economic Insights: Census data on literacy, income, occupation, and housing conditions highlights social challenges and allows for targeted interventions.
  • Evaluating Development Progress: Comparing census data over decades helps assess the effectiveness of past policies, guiding future strategies.
  • Environmental Planning: The Census provides insights into human settlements and demographic pressures, supporting environmental sustainability efforts.

Benefits of Census

  • Informed Policy Making: The Census provides detailed socio-economic data, helping the government make informed decisions on issues like education, healthcare, housing, employment, and infrastructure.
  • Resource Allocation: Accurate population data ensures fair distribution of resources across states, especially in sectors like public health, education, and welfare.
  • Electoral Reforms and Delimitation: Census data directly impacts the delimitation of constituencies, ensuring fair representation in Parliament and State Legislatures.

Way Ahead

  • Updated Data for Post-Covid Recovery: Since the last Census was in 2011, population dynamics have shifted, making updated data essential to address changes in economic and social structures.
  • Delimitation Requirements: With the delimitation process slated post-2026, it’s crucial to have accurate, current population data to ensure fair representation based on updated demographics.
What is Delimitation?
– Delimitation refers to the process of fixing the number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies in each State for the Lok Sabha and Legislative assemblies. 
1. It also includes determining the seats to be reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in these houses. 
– Article 82 and 170 of the Indian Constitution provide that the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative assemblies as well as its division into territorial constituencies shall be readjusted after each Census. 
– This process is performed by the ‘Delimitation Commission’ that is set up under an act of Parliament. 
Delimitation in the Past
– The number of seats in the Lok Sabha based on the 1951, 1961 and 1971 Census was fixed at 494, 522 and 543.
– However, it has been frozen as per the 1971 Census in order to encourage population control measures so that States with higher population growth do not end up having higher number of seats. 
– This was done through the 42nd Amendment Act till the year 2000 and was extended by the 84th Amendment Act till 2026. 
– The boundaries of territorial constituencies were readjusted (without changing the number of seats) and seats for SC and ST were determined as per the 2001 Census and will again be carried out after 2026.

Election Expenditure in India

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

Context

  • The total expenditure for U.S. presidential and Congressional electionsin 2024 is estimated at around U.S. $16 billion (equivalent to ₹1,36,000 crores).
    • According to the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), the total expenditure by various political parties for the general election to Lok Sabha this year was around ₹1,00,000 crores.

Election Expenditure Limit in India

  • It is ₹95 lakh per Lok Sabha constituency in larger States and ₹75 lakh in smaller States. 
  • With respect to Legislative Assemblies, they are ₹40 lakh and ₹28 lakh for larger and smaller States respectively. 
  • These limits are set, from time to time, by the Election Commission (EC). 
  • There are no limits on the expenditure of political parties during elections.

Global Standards

  • In the U.S., the financing for elections happens primarily by contributions from individuals, corporations, and political action committees (PAC).
    • There are super PACs on which there are no limits for spending.
  • In the U.K., a political party is allowed to spend £54,010 for each constituency they contest.
    • There are also limits placed on candidates’ spending during the campaign period. 

Concerns with High Electoral Expenditure 

  • Inequality in Representation: Wealthy candidates or parties dominate elections, marginalizing those with fewer resources and leading to a lack of diverse representation.
  • Corruption: It can lead candidates to engage in corrupt practices, such as bribing voters or manipulating election outcomes.
  • Creation of Entry Barrier: Increased expenditure that is met primarily through large donations creates an unholy nexus between the elected representatives and donors who seek favours.
    • This acts as an entry barrier into electoral politics for many well-meaning citizens.

Suggested Reforms

  • The Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) and the Law Commission report (1999) have advocated for State funding of elections.
    • This would mean the government partially bears the election expenditures of candidates nominated by recognised political parties. 
  • Simultaneous elections are suggested for addressing the issue of rising election expenditures.
    • It refers to the idea of holding Lok Sabha and State legislative assembly elections together, with the aim of reducing the frequency of elections and their associated costs.
  • Recommendations as per the EC’s 2016 report on ‘Proposed Electoral Reforms:
    • The law must be amended to explicitly provide that ‘financial assistance’ by a political party to its candidate should also be within the candidate’s prescribed election expenditure limits. 
    • There should be a ceiling on political party expenditures
    • Additional judges may be appointed in High Courts for the speedy disposal of election-related cases, which would act as a deterrent against violating these norms. 

Draft Bill to Amend Arbitration Law and Conciliation Act

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Context

  • In a significant move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of arbitration proceedings in India, the Department of Legal Affairs in the Union Law Ministry has introduced a Draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.

Draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024

  • It proposes several significant amendments to the existing Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. 
  • The primary objective is to boost institutional arbitration, reduce court intervention, and ensure the timely conclusion of arbitration proceedings.
Arbitration
– It is a form of alternative dispute resolution where the parties involved in a dispute agree to submit their conflict to one or more arbitrators. 
– These arbitrators are neutral third parties who review the evidence, hear arguments, and then make a binding decision on the matter.
– The process is less formal than a court trial and is often faster and more flexible. Arbitration is commonly used in commercial disputes and is governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in India.
Conciliation
– It is a voluntary process where a neutral third party, known as the conciliator, helps the disputing parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
– Unlike arbitration, the conciliator does not have the authority to impose a decision. Instead, they facilitate communication and negotiation between the parties to help them resolve their differences. 
– Conciliation is often used in labour disputes and other situations where maintaining a relationship between the parties is important.

Key Highlights of the Draft Bill

  • Emergency Arbitration: One of the most notable provisions in the draft bill is the introduction of emergency arbitration.
    • It allows for the appointment of an emergency arbitrator to grant interim measures before the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. It is expected to provide swift relief in urgent situations, aligning Indian arbitration practices with international standards.
  • Promotion of Institutional Arbitration: The draft bill emphasises the promotion of institutional arbitration over ad-hoc arrangements.
    • By encouraging the use of established arbitration institutions, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of arbitration proceedings.
  • Arbitration Council of India (ACI): The bill proposes empowering the Arbitration Council of India to create model rules of procedure for arbitral proceedings and recognize arbitral institutions.
    • It is intended to standardise practices and improve the overall quality of arbitration in India.
  • Video Conferencing: Recognising the advancements in technology and the need for flexibility, the draft bill includes provisions for conducting arbitration proceedings via video conferencing.
    • It is expected to make arbitration more accessible and reduce logistical challenges.
  • Appellate Arbitral Tribunal: To handle applications against arbitral awards, the bill proposes the establishment of an Appellate Arbitral Tribunal.
    • It aims to streamline the appeals process and reduce the burden on courts.
  • Omission of Conciliation Provisions: The draft bill proposes omitting the conciliation provisions from the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, as these have been incorporated into the Mediation Act, 2023. 
    • Consequently, the amended act will be renamed the Arbitration Act, 1996.
  • Expert Committee Recommendations: The draft bill incorporates recommendations from an expert committee led by former law secretary and former Lok Sabha Secretary General T K Vishwanathan.
    • It emphasised the need for reforms to make arbitration more effective and less reliant on judicial intervention.

Key Issues and Concerns

  • Legal Recognition: Not all jurisdictions recognise the concept of emergency arbitration.
    • Ensuring that the awards or orders issued by emergency arbitrators are enforceable can be a significant hurdle.
  • Institutional Support: Effective emergency arbitration requires robust support from arbitration institutions.
    • It includes having clear rules, a roster of qualified emergency arbitrators, and efficient administrative processes.
  • Time Constraints: Emergency arbitration is designed to provide swift relief, often within days.
    • It can put immense pressure on both the arbitrator and the parties involved to present and consider evidence quickly, which might compromise the thoroughness of the process.
  • Costs: The expedited nature of emergency arbitration can lead to higher costs due to the need for rapid action and potentially more intensive use of resources.
  • Awareness and Acceptance: Parties may be unfamiliar with or sceptical about the emergency arbitration process.
    • Building trust and understanding among users is crucial for its successful implementation.
  • Interim Measures: The effectiveness of emergency arbitration depends on the ability to grant and enforce interim measures.
    • It can be challenging if the measures require actions in multiple jurisdictions or if local courts are not supportive.

Implications for the Arbitration Landscape

  • The proposed amendments are expected to significantly impact the arbitration landscape in India. By introducing emergency arbitration and promoting institutional arbitration, the bill aims to make arbitration a more efficient and reliable method of dispute resolution.
  • By providing a mechanism for urgent interim relief, it aligns Indian arbitration practices with international standards, potentially increasing the confidence of foreign investors and parties in the Indian arbitration system.
  • It could lead to a reduction in the backlog of cases in Indian courts and enhance the overall ease of doing business in the country.

Conclusion

  • The Draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, represents a significant step towards modernising and improving the arbitration framework in India. 
  • By introducing emergency arbitration and promoting institutional arbitration, the government aims to make arbitration a more efficient and reliable method of dispute resolution.
  • By addressing key issues and incorporating international best practices, the government aims to make arbitration a more attractive and efficient dispute resolution mechanism.

UK Phase-Out Coal Power Plant 

Syllabus: GS 3/Environment 

In News 

  • The UK’s last coal-based generation plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, was taken off the grid, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy transition.

 UK Coal Phase-Out: Success  

  • The UK has a long history with coal, with its first coal plant established over 140 years ago. 
  • The share of coal in electricity generation dropped from about 97% in the 1950s to less than 2% recently.
  • Since the 1990s, the UK government has pursued policies to close coal mines for political reasons, aiming to phase out all coal plants by 2024.
  • Market Drivers: The decline in coal generation was facilitated by increasing carbon emission costs and stricter EU regulations.
    • Carbon capture and storage were mandated for new coal plants, making coal less profitable.
  • Alternative Energy: The availability of cheap gas significantly contributed to the shift away from coal. The UK’s electricity generation peaked and has since declined, with overall generation down by 24% from 2000 to 2023.
    • The UK increased electricity imports, meeting 20% of its demand in early 2024, thus reducing reliance on domestic coal.

Situation in India 

  •  India holds the fifth-largest coal reserves globally and is the second-largest coal consumer.
energy growth
  • The country’s rapid economic growth drives high coal consumption.
    • Total coal imports increased by 0.9%, reaching 90.51 million tonnes (MT) compared to 89.68 MT in the previous year.
  • India’s demand for power continues to grow, with coal currently accounting for 70% of its energy output.
    • Coal is essential for producing key materials like steel, cement, fertilizer, and paper.
  •  India’s first coal mine dates back to 1774, and it has a much larger population than the UK.
  • India is the third-largest carbon emitter, but its per capita emissions (2 tonnes) are significantly lower than the global average (4.6 tonnes) and the UK’s (5.5 tonnes).

Challenges 

  • Coal Consumption Trends: India is expected to peak coal production and consumption between 2030-35, contrasting with the UK, which peaked decades earlier.
  • Employment in Coal Sector: India’s coal sector employs a significant number of workers, with potential for growth as coal production continues, while the UK’s coal employment has dramatically decreased.
  • India lacks access to cheap gas and faces challenges in expanding hydro and nuclear energy.
  • India is extending the operation of coal plants beyond typical contracts and is relaxing environmental regulations, contrary to the UK’s approach of tightening norms.
  • India’s track record on pollution control is poor, with less than 5% of identified coal capacity having installed flue-gas desulfurizers.

Lessons for India

  • The UK focused on a holistic transition plan, including retraining programs, community redevelopment, and integrating renewable energy projects to support former coal regions.
  • India can learn from the UK’s experience by establishing clear timelines for coal plant decommissioning, developing regional redevelopment programs, and retraining workers in historically coal-dependent areas.

Conclusion

  • The UK has made significant strides in phasing out coal, but India’s circumstances necessitate continued reliance on coal, posing unique challenges for its energy transition.
    • The UK has made some progress in reducing carbon emissions but remains dependent on gas.
  • Therefore a  transparent and forward-looking approach is essential for India’s energy transition, ensuring it is inclusive and considers the socio-economic realities of coal-dependent communities.

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