. No.	Topic Name	Prelims/Mains
1.	About the Recognition of Political Parties in India	Prelims & Mains
2.	Details of the Climate Change in Antarctica	Prelims & Mains
3.	About the Current Account Deficit	Prelims & Mains
4.	Details of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan	Prelims Specific Topic

 

1 – About the Recognition of Political Parties in India:GS II

Topic à Election related issues

·       Background:

 

·       The Election Commission (EC) has changed the laws so that it will now examine the national and state party status of political parties every three years rather than every five.

 

·       Recognition as a national or state party prevents any other political organisation from using the electoral emblem during elections throughout India.

·       The Commission amended Section 6C of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 to reflect the change. The previous modification took place in 2011.

·       The anti-incumbency effect after each election won’t cause ruling parties to fall out of favour thanks to this adjustment of the rules.

·       But the standards for acceptance as a national and state party will remain the same.

 

·       The power of the EC in the event that a party breaks apart over a disagreement over the electoral symbol:

 

·       According to Section 15 of the 1968 Symbols Order, “when competing sections or organisations of a recognised political party each claim to be that party, the commission after considering all the facts and circumstances of the case concludes that:

 

·       One such rival division or group is well recognised.

·       Such a place or group is not recognised.

·       All of these opposing groups or sectors are obligated to follow the Commission’s ruling.

 

·       This applies to disputes involving recognised national and state parties.

·       The EC normally advises the feuding sides to settle their differences amicably or to file a judicial case for splits in parties that are registered but not recognised.

·       If there is a dispute, the EC urges that the party show its strength by using its elected officials (MPs and MLAs).

·       The party claiming a particular emblem may do so if it can show through its elected representatives that it has a majority.

·       The distribution of symbols has not yet been the subject of a legal case.

·       When the CPI broke up in 1968, a splinter group pleaded with the ECI to recognise them as the CPI (Marxist).

·       The ECI recognised the faction as CPI after concluding that the votes won by the MPs and MLAs backing the breakaway party were valid (M).

·       In 1987, when AIADMK broke apart, the issue was resolved before the EC had to decide which group should retain the insignia.

·       In 1997, the ECI implemented a new regulation that called for the breakaway group to register as a distinct party and granted it the right to claim national or state party status depending on how well it did in state or central elections after registration.

 

·       Registration for political parties:

 

·       Political party registration is governed by Section 29A rules of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

·       A party seeking registration with the Commission under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, must submit an application to the Commission within 30 days of the date of its formation, in accordance with the regulations established by the Election Commission of India in exercising the authority granted by Article 324 of the Commission of India and Section 29A of the Act.

 

·       Those parties which meet the following requirements may be given the status of the “National Political Party:

 

·       It receives at least 6% of the valid votes cast in any four or more states in a general election for the House of the People or the State Legislative Assembly.

·       It also wins four or more members in the House of Representatives from any State or States.

·       11 seats out of the current 543 members, or at least two percent of the seats, are held by it, and these members represent at least three distinct States.

 

·       Those parties which meet the following requirements may be given the status of the “State Political Party:

 

·       With at least 6% of the valid votes cast in the State during a general election, it wins either the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the pertinent State.

·       Additionally, it wins at least two seats in the Legislative Assembly of the pertinent State.

·       Regardless of which is higher, it wins at least three (3) seats in the Assembly or at least three percent (3%) of the total seats in the State’s Legislative Assembly.

 

·       Benefits:

 

·       If a party is recognised as a “National Party,” it has the right to the exclusive allocation of its reserved symbol to the candidates it nominates throughout India. If a party is recognised as a “State Party,” it has the right to the exclusive allocation of its reserved symbol to the candidates it nominates in the State in which it has received this recognition.

·       Recognized “State” and “National” parties are entitled to two free sets of electoral rolls during roll revision and one free electoral roll for each candidate during general elections. They also only need one proposer to file a candidacy.

·       They also have broadcasting and telecasting rights on Doordarshan and Akashvani during general elections.

·       Political parties are allowed to designate “Star Campaigners” in general elections. A recognised National or State party may nominate up to 40 “Star Campaigners,” compared to a registered unrecognised party’s maximum nomination of 20 “Star Campaigners.”

·       Star campaigners are not allowed to have their travel expenses reported in the election expense reports for their party’s candidates.

 

Source à The Indian Express

 

2 – Details of the Climate Change in Antarctica:GS III

Topic à Environmental Conservation related issues

 

·       Introduction:

 

·       Recent temperatures in the Antarctic region broke all previous records for warmth, soaring above 20 degrees Celsius. A temperature of 20.75 degrees Celsius, a record high for the region, was measured on an island off the coast of the continent on February 9. The warmest temperature ever recorded on Antarctica’s main continent, 18.3 degrees Celsius, was registered on February 6 at an Argentine research station in Esperanza, setting the most current temperature record. The previous record temperature for the whole Antarctic region—which includes the continent, islands, and ocean—that is subject to the Antarctic climatic zone was 19.8C in January 1982. The new temperature reading, while not a part of a more extensive study, is adequate to demonstrate how quickly Antarctica is warming, according to scientists.

 

·       Causes of Ice Glacier Melting:

 

·       Burning fossil fuels:

 

·       The combustion of fossil fuels has caused a buildup of greenhouse gases in the environment, which has an impact on the warming trend since they trap heat in the atmosphere. As a result of rising temperatures, more and more glaciers are melting, exposing the land underneath.

 

·       Oil and gas exploration drilling:

 

·       During the process of extracting oil and gas, methane, the primary component of natural gas, is also emitted. The gas is also more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide and speeds up global warming. This is accomplished by more effectively locking in heat. 21% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, which include methane, come from the extraction of oil, gas, and coal from public lands.

·       The amount of methane pollution in and around the regions is considerably increased by avoidable seeping out and inadequate infrastructure in the production of natural gas since they happen so frequently. Oil and gas companies routinely experience natural gas leaks, controlled natural gas discharges, and natural gas burns, all of which result in the deliberate release of methane into the atmosphere.

 

·       Deforestation:

 

·       Trees significantly contribute to the stability of the ecosystem and the global cooling of the planet. Maybe there’s a reason why they’re called the planet’s “natural fans.” As a result, cutting down trees to make place for more human activities is actually harming the delicate balance of the environment.

·       Deforestation has a number of negative effects, including an increase in sea levels. Deforestation also results in fewer trees, which means that less carbon dioxide is absorbed by them and more is released into the atmosphere. As a result, it accelerates global warming and sea level rise.

 

·       Ships that breach through ice:

 

·       During the summer, icebreaking ships make their way north into the Arctic Ocean, breaking through the ice at sea and leaving trails of open waters in their wake. The Arctic sea ice reflects the majority of the heat, keeping the Arctic and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere cool.

·       Open water, however, absorbs more heat since it does not reflect as much sunlight back as ice does. As a result, the water warms up and more ice melts.

 

·       The UNEP’s Emission Gap Report:

 

·       Global greenhouse gas emissions must fall by 7.6% year in order to meet the 1.5°C warming goal outlined in the Paris Agreement.

·       The study predicted that by 2100, global temperatures would have increased by about 3.2 degrees Celsius, causing catastrophic weather like harsher, more deadly heatwaves, more frequent floods, and drought.

·       China, the United States, the European Union, and India were the leading four emitters over the past 10 years, accounting for more than 55% of global emissions, excluding those brought on by changes in land use, such as deforestation.

·       The rankings would change if emissions from land-use change were included, with Brazil likely moving up to become the top emitter.

·       India is the world’s fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs).

·       It is one of a small group of countries that have vowed to fulfil their own climate targets in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

 

·       Solutions:

 

·       The total decarbonization of the energy industry is both possible and crucial.

·       Energy efficiency and renewable energy are key components of the energy transition.

·       Electricity generated from renewable sources has the potential to cut emissions by 12.1 gigatonnes by 2050.

·       The electrification of transportation might result in a 72% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050.

·       Every sector of the economy and every country has unique opportunities to use renewable energy, protect the environment, people’s lives, and way of life, and advance down the road of decarbonization.

 

·       The consequences of glacier melting include:

 

·       The only source of energy generation in many places throughout the world is the continuously flowing water from melting glaciers. If water flow is decreased or interrupted, power generation will end. People will turn to various means of producing energy because the contemporary world cannot function without it, some of which may end up damaging the environment and exacerbating global warming.

·       The impacts on the climate of the entire world are significant. This region produces heat in the summer and absorbs heat in the winter.

·       A wide range of biophysical and socioeconomic repercussions, including as biodiversity loss, rising glacial melting, and less predictable water sources, might have a negative influence on the livelihoods and overall well-being of the HKH.

·       As a result of accelerated snow and glacier melting brought on by global warming, glacial lakes have already begun to form. Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) are becoming increasingly frequent and are causing serious damage to the local infrastructure as well as loss of life.

·       Due to the quicker melting glaciers in HKH, river flows have been steadily rising. On the Tibetan Plateau, river runoff has grown by 5.5 percent.

·       The majority of high altitude lakes have also reported a 0.2 m/year rise in water level in addition to expanding surface areas.

·       The ICIMOD assessment paints a bleak picture for the future of an area that supplies food, electricity, water, and carbon storage to over two billion people and is the source of ten of Asia’s major rivers.

·       Human development, pollution, resource misuse, and climate change all hasten the loss of biodiversity. For example, urbanisation is growing in a number of HKH countries.

·       Due to the growing effects of climate change as well as new infrastructure plans, trade routes, and hydropower dams slated for the sensitive area, the ramifications for biodiversity are anticipated to worsen.

·       This would lead to the extinction of species as well as the loss of essential environmental services like carbon and water storage that the region provides to the rest of Asia.

·       The government has little control over the border regions, many of which are remote and oftentimes rife with enduring wars. The Indo-Burma hotspot comes to mind.

 

Source à The Indian Express

 

3 – About the Current Account Deficit:GS III

Topic à Indian Economy

 

·       The current account keeps track of the country’s entrance and outflow of goods, services, and investments. It is a component of a country’s balance of payments and, like the capital account, shows that country’s international transactions (BOP).

·       The current account is in deficit if the value of goods and services imported exceeds the value of those exported.

·       The current account of a nation records all transactions with other nations, including cash payments like foreign aid and net revenue that includes dividends and interest. It includes the following components:

·       Net returns on international investments and net remittances (long-term payments) sent.

·       An increase in CAD suggests that a country has lost its competitive edge, which may deter investors from making investments there.

·       By raising exports while decreasing imports of luxury items like electronics, gold, and mobile phones, India’s current account deficit may be reduced.

·       The fiscal and current account deficits, collectively referred to as the “budget deficit,” happen when a nation’s expenditures exceed its receipts. A huge fiscal deficit results in a larger CAD and vice versa, which typically reinforces the twin deficits.

 

Source à The Indian Express

 

4 – Details of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan:

Prelims Specific Topic

 

·       Details of the UNMOGIP:

 

·       For about seven decades, Jammu and Kashmir has been a source of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

·       The United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan is monitoring the Line of Control (LOC) and Working Boundary in Jammu and Kashmir (UNMOGIP).

·       It was the first group to establish the unarmed military observers for the United Nations in Pakistan and India (UNMOGIP).

·       They arrived in the mission area in January 1949 to supervise the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and to assist the UNCIP’s Military Adviser.

·       During the first Kashmir war (1947–1948), India contacted the UN Security Council (UNSC) to inform members of the fighting.

·       By Resolution 39 of the UNSC in January 1948, the three-member United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) was established to investigate and mediate the war.

·       The UNCIP was reorganised as the UNMOGIP in April 1948 by Resolution 47.

·       India and Pakistan both embraced the UNMOGIP and pledged to cooperate with it despite their disagreements with Resolution 47’s wording.

·       Since January 1972, India’s military authorities have not objected to limiting the activities of UN observers on the Indian-administrated side of the Line of Control, despite continuing to provide UNMOGIP with the necessary security, transportation, and other facilities.

 

·       Resolution 47 of the UNSC:

 

·       It is attempting to put an end to the Kashmir war.

·       It required Pakistan to expel its invaders so they could battle and halt additional incursions.

·       After law and order had been restored, the newly established UNMOGIP, which now has five members, advised Pakistan and India to hold a referendum.

·       The Jammu and Kashmir Cease Fire Line (CFL), which was overseen by the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), was established in July 1949 as a result of the Karachi Agreement.

·       UNMOGIP is funded from the UN’s general budget.

 

·       Areas of operation of the UNMOGIP:

 

·       In order to monitor the ceasefire, UNMOGIP maintains six field stations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PAK) and four field stations in Indian-administered Kashmir (IAJ) (IAK).

·       There are also two liaison offices, one each in Pakistan and New Delhi, India.

·       From November to April, UNMOGIP’s headquarters are in Islamabad, Pakistan, and from May to October, they are in Srinagar, Indian-Administered Kashmir.

 

·       Reasons why India opposes the UNMOGIP:

 

·       As a result of the Shimla Accord, the Line of Control (LoC) was created in 1971, and India claims UNMOGIP is no longer required or relevant.

·       According to the Shimla Agreement, the cease-fire line would be relocated to the Line of Control, and India and Pakistan have promised to resolve their problems bilaterally and without the assistance of a third party.

·       After India demanded that UNMOGIP cease its operations in Kashmir in 2014, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared in 2017 that UNMOGIP did not have a mandate to monitor the situation there.

·       However, Pakistan has remained receptive to the UNMOGIP mission that is based there.

·       The UN Secretary-General stated that UNMOGIP could only be dissolved by a UN Security Council vote because to the disagreement between India and Pakistan regarding its purpose and mandate in response to India’s objections.

 

·       Way Forward:

 

·       India seeks consistent neighbourly connections with Pakistan in accordance with its “Neighborhood First Policy.” India has insisted time and time again that any disagreements should be resolved amicably, bilaterally, and in a setting free from intimidation and violence. Pakistan bears responsibility for creating such a climate. India has made it clear that it will not give ground on issues of national security and that it will take tough action to counter any attempts to undermine the security and territorial integrity of the nation.

 

Source à The Indian Express